NewsNow E-Edition April 17 2025 by newsnow Niagara

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Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

NewsNow publisher now a Hall of Famer

By Joanne McDonald

NewsNow

In life, addictions can get the best of people.

On occasion, though, they can work out great for the afflicted person.

“Some people drink, some might smoke, others may gamble. I newspaper,” said NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft after being inducted into the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Hall of Fame last Friday night during a ceremony at the group’s annual conference - this year held in Niagara-on-The-Lake.

This year will mark Mike’s 40th

year in the print media industryafter getting his start at The Globe & Mail in 1985 - and his 30th year in Niagara West as he moved to the area in 1995 to run The Grimsby Independent, West Lincoln Review and The Weekend Focus for Rannie Publications.

It has been a remarkable ride for Mike and, at times, the communities he has served for so many years.

“It has been great to see so many many people I have not seen for as long as 25 years at this conference. No doubt, there is a lot of story telling going on,” Mike said.

“On an industry scale, so many memories travelling across the country during my time on the national and provincial newspaper boards and serving as president of both have flooded back. On a local scale, the people, the events, the ups and downs - it all seems to have gone by in a snap.”

So what did Mike mean when he said, “ I newspaper”?

“The best way I can describe that would be to explain the experience of starting up Grimsby News from my basement in 1997,” said Mike.

“From April 1997 to fall 1999 I took two Sundays off with and

average of 117 hours per week worked. It was all I did. Wake up, work, and go until my sight was blurry. That’s what it took to get that paper up and flying. When the alternative is being utterly bankrupt, people can do great things.”

So with all that work, one might think the reward was commensurate, yes?

“Mmm, no. For the first three years I was only taking $200 per week out of the paper. Staff and expenses get paid first. In one stretch, I had 17 uncashed cheques in my wallet,” Mike recalled.

See HALL OF FAME, Page 6

NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft is presented with an Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) Hall of Fame crystal trophy in recognition of his induction to the HoF during a ceremony held in Niagara-on-The-Lake

last Friday. (L to R) OCNA board member Stewart Grant and president Colleen Green made the presentation Mike, who was joined by his wife Catherine and children Michael and Sarah. McDonald - Photo

GPAG hosts 47th annual Wayzgoose April 26

Forty one exhibitors will make their way to Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) for the 47th annual Wayzgoose on Saturday, April 26.

The annual event is a gathering of private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans celebrating the art of the hand-made book.

“There will be many returning favourites as well as some new faces,” said GPAG curator Alexandra Hartstone.

“Some exhibitors demonstrate their work at their table. There will be someone demonstrating papermaking at

Grimsby Public Art Gallery curator

Alexandra Hartstone displays work by long-time Wayzgoose contributor, printmaker, painter and stained-glass artist, Alan Stein. This limited edition, hand-printed book is called “In Mexico” by Alan Purdy and includes wood engravings. The other works on display will all be included in the upcoming exhibition, opening April 22.

their table, too. There are typically other demos such as table top press and linoblock carving.”

While the event runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., long time attendee Alan Stein will host a printmaking workshop from 10 a.m.-Noon. There will also be a new art art exhibition on display which will feature work from eight Wayzgoose artists. GPAG is located at 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby.

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Beamsville & District Lions

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 19th, 2025

Beamsville Lions Club Park at 5100 Fly Road

Egg Hunt Schedule

Under 4 years • 9:30 am

Age 4-6 years • 10:00 am

Age 7-9 years • 10:30 am

Age 10-12 years • 11:00 am

Come out and enjoy a family Easter day.

Live Entertainment from 9-11 a.m.

“Meet the Easter Bunny”

• Over 15,000 eggs to be hunted!

• Find the SPECIAL EGGS & win incredible prizes!

• Meet the Easter Bunny!

In support of this event, a cash or non-perishable food donation woud be greatly appreciated. Thanks to & Central Fabricating & Christie’s Dairy in Beamsville for their support!

Planning for private tree bylaw begins

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Town of Lincoln is planning a first; a private property tree bylaw.

Starting with an open house next Wednesday, April 23 (and again April 30), the public engagement process of planning a new tree bylaw will begin.

“The Town’s site alteration and removal of trees by-law does include some tree provisions, requiring private property owners and developers to obtain a permit prior to removing three or more trees with a trunk diameter of 20 centimeters or greater, on a property located in

an Urban Area within a 36-month period. A Private Property Tree By-law would extend protection to more trees and situations beyond those covered by the Site Alteration and Removal of Trees By-law.” said Samantha Witkowski, Lincoln’s environmental coordinator.

The intent of the bylaw is to help protect Lincoln’s urban tree canopy while balancing the needs of property owners.

“Trees offer multiple environmental benefits, including improving air and water quality, carbon sequestration, managing stormwater, reducing

urban temperatures, erosion control, and supporting biodiversity,” said Witkowski.

Participants can preregister by emailing: planningpublicmeetings @lincoln.ca with your name, address, phone number, and preferred event. Pre-registration ensures you receive information about the by-law in advance, though drop-ins are also welcome.

The April 23 session runs 6-8 p.m. at Jordan firehall, 3763 Nineteenth St, Jordan. The April 30 session also runs 6-8 pm., but at the Fleming Centre, 5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Niagara West mayors gain expanded powers

The provincial government has planned expanded strong mayor powers to the heads of council in 169 additional municipalities effective May 1, 2025 claiming the move will help deliver on provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure.

The powers would allow heads of council of single- and lowertier municipalities with councils of six members or more to support shared provincialmunicipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and construct-

ing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including roads and transit.

Strong mayor powers and duties include:

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.

• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments.

• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.

• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to

council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.

• Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority;

• Plus several others.

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Justin Van Hoffen

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Jordan Flowers, Kiera Hoekstra

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Charlie Bos

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Bryan Ludwig

• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Pete Donders

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Colton Poag Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.

Top Standings

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HALL OF FAME

From Page 1

“This go-round with NewsNow has not been that extreme, but very close. Let’s just say it’s a very good thing money never motivated me.”

So what does? With little to no financial gain, why start up a newspaper like Grimsby News at all - when the mortality rate for start-ups is 95 per cent during good times - let alone a second time around with NewsNow?

“I am really not sure other than to say the one lesson I learned from my father proved to be a rudder for me. He always told me, whatever you choose to do, make sure you love it because you’re going to do it for a long time,” Mike said.

And nearly 40 years on, the passion for serving his community is still burning hot.

“There are definitely days I’m tired, but the desire to get up and go to the office is just the same as when I TTC’d it to the Globe or walked to our Grimsby office because roads were closed due to a blizzard. Every day is differentboth in good and bad ways sometimes,” said Mike.

“It also helps that I am stubborn as heck. There have been lots of dark times in my times as a publisher. Printers going bankrupt, a distribution company being sold and becoming obsolete for us and, most recently. good old COVID. In those instances, and small business own-

When

ers face them all the time, you pack it up or you put your head down and give it all you have.”

All I can say is, I’m still here.”

The formula for success both in the early days of Grimsby News and more recently with NewsNow has been pretty simple.

“Don’t say no. Treat people as you want to be treated. Be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. No matter what you work at, if you can execute those three things, you can excel,” he says.

With that, Mike overlooked some key aspects relative to his success which others clearly identify.

“When people want things to happen here, they often turn to Mike for help. He has his finger firmly on the pulse of the community and willingly devotes his time, talents and newspaper coverage to all things local,” said Mary Volk, long-time board of directors mem-

ber with West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Hamilton Health Sciences, in a submission to the Hall of Fame nominating committee.

“Mike played a critical role in ‘rallying the troops’ to a very large protest rally, which was followed in later years by two other strong community stances related to possible changes in healthcare services at the hospital. We are about to open our new WLMH later this year and I know that Mike’s community leadership and continuous coverage of critical healthcare issues helped in finally achieving our hospital redevelopment.”

News coverage, highlighting community events and supporting local charities and service clubs are at the core of Mike’s weekly coverage but no matter the topic, his readers know they can take his words to the bank.

“It seems that our society has lost “trust” and, as result, are skeptical of everything and everyone. More so, it used to be that we engaged traditional news media for our trusted facts. Today, the news media is often referred to as “fake news”. Be it said, trust is the core of my support for Mike. Simply, NewsNow has remained the trusted voice of our community. We also know that it is a difficult role. His passion and commitment to representing the facts has inspired many of his readership. These are reasons why NewsNow has succeeded when most have failed. We trust Mike and, his voice is irreplaceable,” said Grimsby Ford owner, Bob Clark, in his submission.

“What truly sets Mike apart is his

unflinching dedication to providing a space for community dialogue. His work isn’t about sensationalism; it’s about fostering an informed, engaged populace. It’s no wonder that NewsNow has become a staple for those seeking not only to stay informed, but to feel connected to the local story.”

Never one to seek a complement, preferring to be behind the camera instead of in front of it, Mike downplays the accolades.

“Some extremely nice things have been said since all this came up and every one is appreciated, but it is serving the community - trying to make every corner of Niagara West better in even a small way - is what it’s all about,” Mike said.

And to do that, as Mike noted earlier, he does not like to say no. He will always try to help in any way he can.

“There were some amazing submissions to the committee and one paragraph that sticks with me was something you wrote, (Joanne), ‘There isn’t a day when there isn’t a politician, business owner, lobbyist, or just a sweet senior with a bee in their bonnet, perched on the rickety chair pulled alongside Mike’s desk. They want his counsel and insight and action and ink. Sometimes they just want to shoot the breeze. The door is open and it’s not a stretch to say that Mike’s opinions hold significant sway on many decisions that affect the community. He writes without ego or arrogance. He cares deeply about the wellbeing of people and has an irrepressible curiosity that translates to consistently good story telling.”

It all sounds great to Mike, but he said none of it would be possible without outstanding support.”

“None of what we do here would be possible without great employees and endless support of Catherine, my wife, who is there for me every day. Her patience and understanding are second to none,” Mike said.

“My kids, Sarah and Michael, and Catherine’s daughter, Angie, are always encouraging, too and that allows me to do what I doserve my community.”

this shot was taken during a break at an OCNA board meeting there were two Hall of Fame members in it - hockey legends Tony and Phil Esposito. Now, Dave Armstrong - who was inducted posthumously Fridaywith Mike Williscraft and Rick Shaver are all newspaper Hall of Famers, too.

Mike Williscraft pictured in 2008 when he was awarded OCNA’s most prestigious honour - the Mary Knowles Award for Community Service.

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CIRCLE

EGG HUNT EGG HUNT

Proposed Private Property Tree By-law NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES (PICs)

PRIVATE PROPERTY TREE BY-LAW OVERVIEW

The Town of Lincoln is proposing a Private Property Tree By-law to support a healthy urban tree canopy. This By-law will regulate the injury or removal of trees on private property, balancing tree preservation with property owners’ needs.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

To inform and involve the community, the Town is hosting two Public Information Centres (PICs). Town staff will share details about the By-law, address questions, and gather feedback.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

You can pre-register by emailing planningpublicmeetings@lincoln.ca with your name, address, phone number, and preferred event. Pre-registration ensures you receive information about the By-law in advance, though drop-ins are also welcome.

The information materials for the PICs will be available on the project webpage, and any questions about them can be submitted online.

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Employment Help hosts job fair

The Employment Help Centre in West Niagara is hosting the largest Job & Career Expo in the area next week at West Niagara Secondary School.

The event will run from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.

Job Seekers do not need to register and it’s free to attend. Attendees will be able to

meet employers faceto-face from a wide array of companies.

“For businesses, it’s a chance to connect with motivated candidates right from your community,” said Paul Robertson executive director of Employment Help Centre.

WNSS is located at 5699 King St., just west of Durham Road.

Advance polls open Friday

Advance polls for the April 28 federal election open in Niagara West on Friday, April 18.

Polls will be open April 18-21, from 9 a.m.9 p.m. each day.

Grimsby: Casablanca Hotel, former Central Public School on Livingston. Beamsville: Beamsville Legion, former Beamsville Secondary School. Vineland/ Jordan: Heritage Village Clubhouse. West Lincoln: WL Community Centre. Caistor Centre: Caistor Community Centre.

GRIMSBY LEGION

233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421

Facebook: Grimsby Legion

JIMMY MOORE

MEMORIAL EUCHRE TOURNAMENT

GRIMSBY LEGION BRANCH 127

SUNDAY

APRIL 27

START TIME: 12:00 PM Sharp

$20.00 Entry Fee Lightlunchincluded

The number of Games played will be determined by the number of participants

Grimsby Legion Supports YOUR Local Community

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on May 7, 2025, at the Grimsby Town Hall, Municipal Office, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby Ontario.

Description of Land:

Roll No. 26 15 020 023 15200 0000; HYSERT RD, GRIMSBY; PIN 46044-0058 (LT); File No. 23-100; Minimum tender amount: $ 8,933.44

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www.grimsby.ca or you may contact:

Tony Del Monaco, CPA, CMA, Director of Finance / Treasurer, The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby ON L3M 0J5, Phone: (905) 945-9634 Ext. 2024, Email: tdelmonaco@grimsby.ca

Garage sale fundraiser April 26 for baby Matteo

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Sweet baby Matteo Mancuso, with his tousled head of gorgeous black hair, his radiant smile and a personality that lights up the room, has not had one easy hour in his 11 months of life.

Born with congenital hyperinsulinism, Matteo has already faced challenges more difficult than most will ever know. He spent the first six months of his life at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and has been in and out of the hospital since.

Further health setbacks have incurred major medical expenses not covered by insurance or OHIP for Matteo’s parents Melissa Pirri and Carmine Mancuso.

But they’re not alone.

Friends and colleagues at Melissa’s workplace CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) are planning a community fundraiser garage sale, Saturday, April 26 to help offset some of the costs, including a $10,000 oxygen machine. Matteo’s condition requires constant monitoring of insulin levels, special feeding and oxygen devices and supplies.

“They’re trying to find the light in a very dark place,” said Tami Langelaan, who together with Heidi Bannister is co-organizing the fundraiser.

“Right now, there’s not a lot of sleep for the family with alarms constantly going off,” said Bannister. “But I have to say they are so resilient and strong and they’re doing amazing.”

Matteo is starting to say his first words and his big brother, seven-year-old Mason can surely take some credit for that.

“He’s just the most lovable and cutest little guy. He is so happy

all the time,” said Melissa.

“He has gone through so much and he is just happy and playful and always has a smile on his face.”

Hyperinsulinism is a con genital disorder where the cells in the pan creas that make in sulin can’t turn off causing dangerously low blood sugar lev els and other serious complications.

Melissa and Carmine lost their baby girl Mackenzie at birth, March 10, 2016, to the same disorder.

The pain of that memory is inconceivable. Langelaan and Bannister said Melissa is the strongest woman they know.

“Melissa and Carmine are private

and so reaching out for help is not something they do,” said Bannister. “They are the kind of people who pay it forward, and every year on Mackenzie’s

birthday, in her memory, they celebrate by doing something for someone in the community.”

“They’re very strong. They’ve gone through a lot but they have the biggest hearts. It was hard for them to accept they need help,” said Langelaan.

“Tami and Heidi are like sisters to me, they have done so much. They are amazing,” said Melissa.

The garage sale is Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.-Noon at the CLAC office, 89 South Service Rd., Grimsby.

All donated items are welcome and can be dropped off Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. until April 23. There will be a cash donation station, as well as snacks and drinks for sale.

For more information please contact Tami Langelaan at tlangelaan@clac.ca or cell 905-818-0812 or Heidi Bannister hbannister@clac.ca or cell; 905-741-6295. To e-transfer: fight4matteo@outlook.com

Matteo Mancuso sitting with his dad Carmine, mom Melissa and brother, Mason, 7.

Matteo at three months.

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Grimsby Fire hosts boot drive

Grimsby Firefighters

Association will host its annual Boot Drive this Saturday at multiple locations around town.

Starting at 8 a.m., firefighters will be deployed to Canadian Tire, Sobeys, Real Ca-

split between the Cooper Robertson Foundation and West Niagara YWCA “Coldest Night of the Year Campaign”, said association president Christian Giovannini.

Volunteers will appreciatively accept cash donations, but will also have “tap donation” ca-

Spinning support

Grimsby firefighters Dave Dick, Ryan Mater, Ken Bell, Christian Giovannini and Ally Hendriks backed up the firefighters association’s $500 pledge to the YMCA’s Move For Kids program by working out in a 45-minute spin class. Funds raised help kids attend swimming lessons, summer camps, community youth programs and more.

R.C.L. Branch 612 5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612

MEAT DRAW

April 19, 26

May 3, 10

3:00 - 6:00 pm Licence #M872121

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Every Saturday

2:00 - 5:00 pm

CRIBBAGE

BEAMSVILLE LEGION

Every Friday 1:00 - 4:00 pm

History, Earth Day part of Lincoln Museum weekend fun

Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre will host a series of activities over Easter weekend starting Friday April 18.

“Explore the exhibits, tour the historic buildings, and get creative with an Earth Day inspired craft,” said Olivia Rozema, senior curator, museum operations and events.

:The 1859 Schoolhouse

and 1815 Fry Family House are only open for tours during these open house weekends and the summer.”

Tours and craft activities are by donation.

The tours are available Friday, April 18, Saturday April 19, and Sunday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

EARTH DAY

An open house is also planned to allow for exploration of the exhibits, tour the historic buildings and get creative with an Earth Day craft - Saturday April 19, to Sunday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre website: lincolnmuseum.ca

NOTICE TO CLIENTS OF ARTHUR D. FLEMING BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

ARTHUR (A.D.) FLEMING WILL BE RETIRING FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW ON JUNE 30, 2025.

MR. FLEMING’S PRACTICE IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO MR. ERIC TEICHGRAF. MR. TEICHGRAF WILL BE MAINTAINING MR. FLEMING’S EXISTING OFFICE AND PHONE NUMBER WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUITE 201, 4413 ONTARIO STREET, BEAMSVILLE, AND 905-563-7000, RESPECTIVELY. MR. TEICHGRAF’S OFFICE WILL RETAIN POSSESSION OF ALL WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND CORPORATE MINUTE BOOKS.

Saturday, April 26th

9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

SHOULD YOU WISH TO PICK UP YOUR ORIGINAL WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND CORPORATE MINUTE BOOKS, PLEASE CONTACT MR. FLEMING OR HIS LEGAL ASSISTANT, KIM, BY PHONE AT 905-563-7000 BEFORE APRIL 30, 2025, TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

LEGION

THURSDAYS, 50/50 DRAW - 2 pm to 8 pm License #785065 LI Ve eNteRtaINMeNt thursday, 5 pm to 7:30 pm JoSh couLteR AREA 9 - April 25, 7 to 11 pm SPaReD No eXPeNSe Friday, May 2 - 9 pm to 12 pm SatuRDayS

Glenn’sServicesPainting

Licensed Mason on Staff

• W.E.T.T. Inspections

• Sales, Installation & Service of Wood Stoves, Inserts & Liners

• Stainless Steel Chimneys

• Chimney Fire Service

• Diagnostics & Video Scanning

• Masonry Restoration

• Masonry Repairs

• Custom Fireplaces

• Chimney Rebuilding

• Natural Stone

• Cultured Stone

• Retaining Walls

• Parging

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Dynamic lineup for April 26 Celtic Evening

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Take note – musical note that is - the pipes are calling you to a ‘Celtic Evening’ with the legendary Grimsby Pipe Band and a spectacular evening of music, dance and entertainment, Saturday, April 26, at the Mountain Ridge Community Centre in Grimsby.

Tickets are going ‘prestissimo’ for the popular annual event and it’s going to be a night to remember.

The dynamic lineup of entertainment will feature the pipes and drums, the Scheihallion Highland Dancers, the Mighty Ship ‘Rick Morgan’, DJ Kelly Life of the Party, and town crier ‘David Vallick’ in

the Celtic Evening, Saturday, April 26.

full crier costume.

“We’re planning for a fun filled evening, with dancers, a light dinner, different acts and a great time,” said Gordon J. Scott, Pipe Major of the Grimsby

Pipe Band. “The Scheihallion Highland Dancers are under the direction of world champion highland dancer Sandra Bald Jones,” Scott said.

There’s a ‘sensa-

tional’ raffle with thousands of dollars in prizes to be won, a 50/50, and silent auction.

Silent auction items include a baby doll bedroom set handcrafted by woodworker Dan Terry. “There’s nothing like it. It’s an original,” Scott said.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and a light roast beef luncheon will be served at 8 p.m. Mountain Ridge is located at 105 Mountain, Rd. Grimsby (corner of Mountain and Ridge Rd.) For details visit the group’s website: grimsbypipeband.com or call Gordon Scott, cell, 905-520-7981. For tickets are $35. E-transfer: gjscott78@gmail.com

This baby doll bedroom - handcrafted by woodworker Dan Terry - will be a show stopper silent auction item at

Scouts serve supper

The 1st Beamsville Scouts held their 2nd Annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser serving over 200 people on Saturday evening at the Lincoln Centre - with Mayor Sandra Easton and Coun. Lynn Timmers dropping by. A small army of Scout youth, volunteer Scouters and parents worked hard to prepare an

amazing pasta dinner and fun dining experience, complete with uniformed youth servers and a fun “camp” display. The event proceeds are helping to send 40 youth ages 12-18 to the Haliburton Scout Reserve camp for a week this July.

Mike,

on

your induction into the

Ontario Community Newspaper Association Hall of Fame

I first met Mike in 2016 when his office was still on Main Street.

One could find him almost every morning at a rear table in The Grimsby Diner (Mama’s) where he held many of his breakfast meetings.

At the time, the two biggest issues around town were the new condo towers and the biodigestor, both of which were covered forensically by Mike. That was almost 10 years ago.

Through those years he fought like a Viking to bring the most relevant and current news to every household - the good, bad and ugly - in Grimsby and all of Niagara West in print form.

It is always local news that is well researched and not the kind which we read on social media today.

One thing that every household could rely on was NewsNow arriving at their door every week.

If it wasn’t for Mike’s commitment and sacrifices of running a smalltown newspaper the community

would be ignorant to the real local news. Thanks, Mike, for your undying dedication to your craft and our community.

Please don’t stop.

On behalf of my family, friends and colleagues I would like to relay my sincere congratulations to Mike for his outstanding achievement as an inductee of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association Hall of Fame.

The OCNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities, and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow. Reg Freake

Grimsb Associ

Grimsby Firefighters Association Annual

Starting

Locations

Deserving honourees

King Charles III Coronation Medals were presented by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff to seven outstanding Niagara West individuals last Thursday, April 10 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 393 in Smithville. The award recognizes significant local contributions and exceptional achievements. Recipients and some of the attendees at the ceremony were: (L to R) Tony Joosse, recipient;

Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin; Pelham Coun. Wayne Olson; Rev. Terry Bone, recipient; Tony McKelvie, recipient; MPP Sam Oosterhoff; Capt. Arnold Wadsworth, recipient; Teresa Sarkesian, recipient; Joanne Battersby, recipient; West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann; West Lincoln Coun. Joann Chechalk; Kyrsten Reynolds, Chief Warrant Officer, 1626 West Niagara Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps.

We’re Getting Ready ...Again!

@theGPAG

18 Carnegie Lane

www.grimsby.ca/Art-Gallery

Drop-in printmaking 10am - 12pm

Artist talk with Alan Stein @ 1pm

First, thanks again to the nearly 200 helpers who delivered NewsNow for us during the November/December Canada Post strike.

In May, just two months away, there is a likelihood of another work stoppage as negotiations have gone nowhere. So, to all those who helped before, we will be reaching out to confirm if you will be interested in helping out again.

As well, we are looking to fill out all our carrier routes with an eye to setting up a permanent delivery system. This does not mean anyone who helps out in May needs to be permanent themselves. No doubt we will need dozen of carriers to help in the short-term while we seek permanent ones. Simply, papers will get delivered to your home every Wednesday morning for delivery by Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Carriers may also receive our ClubWest Magazine or other special publications - for which they will be paid extra. Flyers could also be part of the mix, but first things first.

We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.

Please email catherine@wn3.ca to get on the list or if you have any more questions.

OBITUARIES

Van Gelder, Cornelia Wilhelmina alida

OBITUARIES

wiSMER, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Muir)

PACKHAM, Hollie Louise (Lewis)

Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Hollie, daughter of William & Beverly Lewis (preeceased), sister to Linda Millen, Diane Packham, Suzanne Stuart, brother Jeff Lewis & sister-in-law Coralin.

Hollie will be sadly missed by husband Leonard, sons Scott (Christine), Chris (Jodi), & Todd (Paola), Grandchildren Lynsey (Devin), Great Grandson Dresden, Grandson Tyler (Lauren), Granddaughter Carly, & her furry friends Fluffy & Spotty, who Gram adored. While Mom insisted on a private battle (everyone who knows Mom, also knew she would do it “Her Way” regardless! – she had a little stubborn streak) as she never wanted anyone to worry about her.

Mom’s wishes are to be cremated & again true to her character, didn’t want any service or attention placed on her. To Mom’s friends whom she cherished, & was always excited for every get together, shopping trip, cruise, lunches, dinners, & birthday celebrations were something Mom always looked so forward to these get-togethers.

Special thanks to the amazing ladies at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Maternity Ward. Your care, compassion & attention to Mom’s needs were incredible keeping her comfortable.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

It is with a broken heart that I am Cornelia Wilhelmina Alida Van Gelder (née Willard), of Beamsville, Ontario, sadly passed away on April 7, 2025, gracefully and peacefully, at the age of 91. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Marinus A. Van Gelder Jr. Nellie was a dedicated employee at General Motors in St. Catharines.

Predeceased by her parents, Jacob Jacobsz Willard and Catherine Wilhelmina Brandt, Nellie was also preceded in death by her siblings: Sjaak, Hank, Wim, Toos, Stef, Griet, Jan, and Franz. Her sole surviving sibling, Joep, resides in Australia.

Nellie leaves behind her cherished family: Jimmy, Tommy (Denise), Ingrid, and Lee (Bobbie). She was a proud grandmother to Matthew (Jamie), Geordan (Anjelina), Reyse (Phuong), Brandt, and Michael (Aimee), as well as a beloved great-grandmother to Robyn, Cruz, Presley, Paetyn, and Kane. Their vibrant spirits brought endless happiness to her life.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tallman Funeral Homes, Vineland.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Betty (Elizabeth) Wismer (nee Muir) peacefully on April 8th, 2025 at Kilean Lodge at the age of 87.

Loving Mother of Brad (Rose), Brian (Blanche) and Karyn. Cherished Nanny of Rob, Jessica, Rebecca, Vincent and Victor, as well as 5 great-grand children. Sister to Jean & Ralph. Predeceased by her beloved mother Clara, sister Helen and brother John.

Betty adored her family and nothing could bring her more joy than visiting with family & friends. She was known for her kind, loving and caring personality, paired with a quick-witted sense of humor. She took pride in being the President of the Social Committee at Kilean Lodge and shared her good spirit with the other Residents, Staff and Visitors. Betty was a social butterfly who accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms and a huge smile. She was a source of unending love and generosity and was, in return, loved by anyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Her passing leaves an unfillable void in our lives but we will find comfort knowing her spirit lives on in the memories we shared.

Funeral Service will be held at Smithville United Church on Saturday April 19 with visitation at 10am and a Service at 11am.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to your local animal shelter would be greatly appreciated and can be made through the funeral home.

OBITUARIES

clayson, lois (née Groff)

Lois Clayson (nee Groff) passed into the arms of her Saviour on April 9th, 2025. She will be missed by her children Ruth (Paul) Boadway and John (Heather) Clayson. Lois was Grandmother to Andrea (Jonathan) and Maria; GreatGrandmother to Ephraim, Eden and, Lily. Special Gramma to Sonya, Brittany, Dakota and Jessica (Zach), Kassie, and Hunter. Lois is survived by sisters Dorothy Davis & Shirley Hartwick, sisters in law Joyce Groff and Mary Clayson and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband George (2000); brothers Bill & Gordon (wives Mildred & Goldie); in-laws Earl Davis, Marvin Hartwick, Eric Clayson, Stanley (Anne) Clayson, and Harrold (Mona) Clayson.

Lois lived all of her life in the Beamsville/Grimsby area. When she was about 10 years old she and her siblings started attending Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville and for many years she was an active member serving as a Sunday School teacher, helping in the library, and serving in other ways. It was at Calvary Gospel Church that she met George Clayson and they were married February 18, 1956. She moved from being a town girl to a country girl and she embraced the fruit farm and loved to be outside working and often walking around the farm and along the Bruce Trail which ran through the Thirty Road farm property. Lois & George moved to town in March 2000 and a month later George passed away. Once again Lois embraced her new lifestyle living in town. She had always been independent and that independence stayed with her to the end of her life. Lois often played games (Scrabble being her favourite), enjoyed jigsaw puzzling, reading, crocheting, and knitting.

In June 2022 she moved to Shalom Gardens, but found it challenging adapting to her new life and her continued health challenges. We want to express our appreciation to the staff at Shalom Gardens for the wonderful facility and care that was provided for Mom. A big thank you to Dr. Depetrillo for his care and understanding during the past few years and thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for the end of life care that was given.

The family received friends at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland on Tuesday, April 15. Interment was at Mount Osborne Cemetery in Beamsville on Wednesday, April 16, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the Vineland United Mennonite Church, 3327 Menno Street, Vineland (due to Calvary Gospel Church being under construction). Refreshments followed.

The family would appreciate memorial donations to Shalom Manor or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

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OFFERING HELP

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IN MEMORIUM

Deborah Ann Hill

April 20, 2010 15 Years Ago Today

When we Lost you

How we wish we could see you one more time, come walking through the door with your infectious smile. But we know that this is impossible. We will hear your voice no more. We know you can feel our tears and you don’t want us to cry. Yet, our hearts are broken because we can’t understand why someone so precious had to die. We pray that God will give us strength And somehow get us through

As we struggle with the heartache that came when we lost you.

Your loving family

PERSONALS

holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever, and in spite of all material illusion, I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer three consecutive days. After three days the favour requested will be granted, even if it may be difficult. This prayer must be published after your favour is granted, without mentioning the favour. A special thanks to St. Rita, St. Jude, Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints. Especially to Saint Rita of Cascia. Only your initials shall appear at the bottom.

C.e

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Beamsville/Grimsby Easter egg hunts set

Beamsville Lions Club Park and Grimsby’s rose garden in Centennial Park will play host to major Easter egg hunts this weekend.

Beamsville Lions will host their annual Saturday, April 19 at Lions Park -

5100 Fly Road.

The event includes four different age categories for egg hunters, with the Under 4 group kicking things off at 9:30 a.m.

There will be live entertainment from 9-11 a.m., the Easter

Bunny will make an appearance, and nonperishable food donations will be accepted for Community Care of West Niagara.

On Good Friday, April 18, the rose garden at Centennial Park will be the scene of the Community Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Lynn Fee Team. This event will start at Noon, with the Under 4 egg hunt going at 1 p.m. There will be BBQ, door prizes and 20,000 eggs up for grabs.

Admission is a cash donation with proceeds to Village of Hope.

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mike@wn3.ca

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General Manager - Catherine Williscraft

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1 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848

NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006

There was a lot of love this week - thanks!

Well, this is a day I never thought would come.

Not because I aspired to it and didn’t think it would be achieved, but because newspaper Hall of Fame recognition is beyond my comprehension.

Pasta purveyors

Scouter Amanda Pilot along with Venturers Cameron Carey, Alexis Readman, Rowan Pecile and Charley Swart were serving up a pasta supper to attendees at Saturday night’s 1st Beamsville Scouts fundraiser at the Lincon Centre. Proceeds are helping to send 40 youth ages 12-18 to the Haliburton Scout Reserve camp for a week this July.

Mayors get the hammer

So, Premier Doug Ford has followed through on his promise to hand out special powers to mayors - now for more than 200 municipalities in Ontario.

My first thought: where was that last term?

Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan sure could have used a hammer to deal with that cast of characters, but that was purely due to extreme dysfunction circumstances. Generally, you have to wonder why?

It could be great if you have well-reasoned mayors - Niagara West is lucky - because there are some duds out there. This process is not selective, you’re in or you’re out so there is no bar to clear to qualify. It is hoped it achieves the goal of getting more housing built, but it seems an unlikely result. M.W.

It never occurred to me as a possibility, even after I heard from my good friend and former provincial and national newspaper mate, Rick Shaver, that I would be inducted into the Ontario Community Newspaper Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Niagara-on-The-Lake on Friday night.

Before I go one letter further - none of this “best for last” stuff here - I need to thank my wife Catherine, kids (Sarah, Michael and Angie) and my awesome staff.

My current staff - Donna Wisnoski, who has worked with me since January 1998, Erica Huisman, who started with me in fall 1998, and Joanne McDonald, who I’ve worked with since 2004amaze me every week.

Some names from the past: Maria Clute, Lorri Willis, Scott Rosts...forget about it. Those guys were awesome, really good at what they do and the old Grimsby Lincoln News would have been nothing without them; and there were lots more .

I don’t mean to slight anyone by not naming them but the list of great coworkers I’ve had over the years would be extremely long.

The whole conference, really - was pretty cool.

There were people I had

not seen in 25 years at the event. The stories were flying all night. Much of the conversation was about topics that were buried under more current memories. There was a lot of dusting off of some classics.

A good example is the story behind the photo on Page 6 with Rick, the late Dave Armstrong (who was a heck of a man and preceded me as OCNA president) and the Esposito brothers. We were in an board meeting in Toronto and about to break when a phone call comes from my brother-in-law at the time who said, “you’ve got to get over here,” - meaning to the bar he managed downtown.

We did. And after a solid hour of talking hockey, that was the result.

That kind of occurrence is what I tried to explain in the news story about that night and my first 40 years in the the newspaper game. You don’t know what any single day will bring - great successes, tragic loss, setbacks, milestones, community feedback (good and bad)just about anything you can

imagine, we’ve had happen. Power going out on production day and having to run up to Kemp Road to get a generator at Earl’s Machine to power our computers, printer and waxerback in the cut/paste days; that was a stressful day.

Printers closing shop and having as little as three days to find a new one, get a time slot that works and plan shipping. That has happened twice.

Having a sales rep with no immediate family pass away - only to find out after he’d been cremated he had a wife and family in Michigan AND a wife and son in England. That is one heck of a soap opera and should be a book one day, but just another day in the life for this guy.

The stories over the year? Ohhhhh, the stories. Again, topics books should be written about. The new high school and Grimsby’s biodigester are at the top of that list, but peculiar ones like Flyville (if you know, you know) were also pretty “fun” to cover - although the issue was serious.

But it’s the people, our dedicated readers, who are the glue. If we aren’t publishing a good, local newspaper, you’re not reading then we’re all just wasting our time.

If you’re reading, our loyal advertisers are getting bang for their buck and we get to keep going.

So, that’s the plan. We will keep doing what we’re doing and you keep reading. Deal?

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Rethink mayoral powers

(Editor’s note: it was noted to the writer that Doug Ford spoke more of expanded powers after his initial announcement for 47 mayors in November 2022.)

Dear Editor, It should come as no surprise that Doug Ford has given an additional 169 mayors strong mayor powers only a couple of months after being re-elected.

I don’t recall any mention of this in his election campaign; only how tough he was going to be towards Trump. Councils are now irrelevant to the process by having only three of nine needed to pass an application as in the case of Lincoln. So much for “Democracy”!

The real issue is not getting projects approved; it is getting them built! There is supposed to be a two-year limit after approval to start construction or lose the approval. But, as we found out at Lincoln’s Committee of the Whole meeting last week, that two-year time limit only starts after the site plan has been approved. Lincoln has approved

numerous projects over the past three years but only one project has shovels in the ground. The rest are still at thesSite plan stage so the time limit still hasn’t started on them. Several of the approved projects have been up for sale and the rest are just sitting there.

If the premier is serious about getting homes actually built he needs to get tough with the developers to get shovels in the ground for approved projects and change the time limit to start when the project is approved by council not waiting for the site plan which can drag on forever. That is preferable to having more mayors having more power to approve more projects that won’t be built until developers feel market conditions are just right.

Making the time requirement of two years to start construction from date of approval by council or they lose their project approvals may get homes built and not just approved.

David Jacobs, Beamsville