> Sun shines on Niagara Sunflower Festival for Ukraine relief /Pg 4
> Winona Peach Festival this weekend Pg 12 > Rare Corvette stolen in Grimsby Pg 21
Grimsby Power reports electric 2023 results
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
When hydro utility can post a solid profit, on-schedule maintenance and reduced outage frequency and duration, that is a very good year.
Such were the results for Grimsby Power Inc. which reported its 2023 results to its shareholder - Grimsby council - at its annual general meeting, the minutes for which came up
at the Aug. 12 town council meeting.
“Overall it was a good year for Niagara Power Inc. (NPI) and Grimsby Power Inc (GPI),” said Chris Atkinson, NPI board chair in an interview.
“We posted a profit of $1,112,042 while obtaining a return on investment of 8.66 per cent. We upgraded the electrical network across the town, replacing over 100 poles that were at the
end of their useful life. We also prepared for new residential, commercial, and industrial development by beginning to bring a new feeder line down from our transformer to town, and performing
preventative maintenance across the municipality.”
One of the main concerns for customers of any energy provider is outages.
On that front, GPI
See GPI, Page 3
Appreciation Day at the Legion
Six-year-old Nova Cottingham, with her sister Peyton, 9, enjoys fresh picked corn on the cob during Appreciation Day at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 612 Beamsville held Saturday to thank Legion members and the community. A pickerel dinner was a highlight of the day’s activities. McDonald - Photo
Mark calendars for WN Fair
Sept. 6-8 at Mud St. fairgrounds
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
When West Niagara Fair takes over its Mud Street grounds Sept. 6-8, all the regular components of a great time and a whole lot of new additions will make this year’s event the best ever, says Zoë Gunn.
“The Chicks, a Dixie Chicks tribute band, will highlight our Saturday night. That will be a great show, said Gunn, West Niagara Agriculture Centre board’s secretary/treasurer.
“Our new midway is returning as well as demolition derbies on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Those are also our most popular features.”
Another annual highlight is the homecraft competition, which covers a wide range of categories from baled hay to pumpkins to Christmas door decorations to best decorated cupcake - and everything in between.
All the details for entry, rules and guidelines for the homecrafts can be found at: westniagarafair.ca
“People can download the whole booklet from the homecraft page and they can call with any questions,” said Gunn.
See WN FAIR, Page 6
GPI
From Page 1 also had a good year.
“We had a drop in the duration and frequency of outages as the duration of each outage dropped from 2.35 hours in 2022 to 1.69 hours in 2023 and the frequency of outages dropped from an average of 1.96 per customer to 1.31,” said Atkinson.
While those results are positive, Atkinson noted when outages do occur, they are impactful.
“I know there have been some larger outages lately in both Grimsby and Lincoln, and they were caused not by our respective networks, but by the Hydro One feeder that we use,” Atkinson pointed out.
“We have collaborated with Hydro One on studying the cause of these and they are doing some testing and improvements to their system to improve.”
On the customer service end of things where outages are concerned, GPI performed well, too.
“Over 85 per cent of phone calls to the utility are answered within the first minute. As well, we report all outages and the expected time to have power restored on X (formerly Twitter) and our website for our customers’ information,” noted Atkinson.
While the municipally owned company turned a $1.1 million profit, running an efficient operation has allowed GPI to maintain cheaper rates than other area utilities.
“We are proud to report that we have one of the lowest monthly charges in the Region, as well as our rates are – on average – lower than the surrounding utilities: 11 per cent lower for residential customers, seven per cent lower for small business clients, and 29 per cent lower for industrial and commercial customers,” said Atkinson.
The rates charged by all energy providers are set annually by the Ontario Energy Board.
“We make no money on the selling of electricity. We do make a profit on the provision of it, the delivery charge, which pays for transforming the electricity and bringing it to everyone’s home and businesses,” said Atkinson.
Bowled over
Smithville 4H Club showed some interest in lawn bowling and did something about it - namely, a visit to Grimsby Lawn Bowling Club on Aug. 11 to “give bowls a try”. “They came yesterday evening to see what it was all about and did very well. Everyone very much enjoyed it,” said club secretary Trina Inglis. Visitors were ages 10 to 18, accompanied by Andrew Chechalk, 4Hgroup leader, who is also president of the Grimsby Curling Club.
Niagara sunflowers bring relief to Ukraine
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
The third annual Niagara Sunflower Festival for Ukrainian Relief wrapped Sunday after two weekends.
The festival raises money to support humanitarian aid for Ukrainians, both domestic and abroad.
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 2022 and the two states have been locked in conflict ever since.
“A lot of people are just sickened by the state of things in the war in Ukraine and the suffering that we know about over there. It’s pretty distressing,” said festival co-founder Joe Hube.
humanitarian aid last year and he hoped to raise more with this year’s festival.
He said he had visited the country in the 1980s while traveling abroad and remem bers the people fondly for their
Hube said the sunflower fes tival raised about $20,000 for
London Born Winery was hosting the event at their location in Beamsville, with a field of 50,000 sunflowers available
“It’s an Instagram moment,” said festival co-founder Joe Hube, referring to the summery setting.
Festival-goer Sherry Allen and fiance Mark Jones agreed
“It’s just a beautiful spot. Honestly, we’ve never seen anything like this,” Allen said while she and her partner were picking sunflowers.
Fundraising results from this year’s event were not available at press time.
Sherry Allen and fiance Mark Jones pick sunflowers at the annual Sunflower Festival in support of the Ukraine. Loree - Photo
Volunteer at the Val Fleming Butterfly Garden
We sincerely apologize for the incorrect dates mentioned in our recent Community Newsletter. Please see the correct event details below.
Do you want to learn about garden maintenance or designing a butterfly garden from an expert?
This is a unique opportunity to learn from Sean James, a multi-award-winning plant designer, environmentalist, and highly sought-after speaker. Voted one of the “Twenty Canadians Making a Difference” by Gardening Life magazine, Sean will share his expertise in sustainable, native plant gardening.
Bring a trowel, bucket, and kneepad, and drop in for hands-on experience from one of the leaders in the field. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there! Join us on:
WN FAIR
From Page 1
For anyone looking to support the fair, they are also looking for sponsors on several fronts, including:
• Donuts donated for the donut-eating contest;
• Pies donated for the pie-eating contest;
• Gift cards or small prizes donated for the baby contest, and;
• Prizes of any sort donated for the Farmers’ Olympics.
The Farmers’ Olympics promises to be a lot of fun, held at 3 p.m. in the demo derby pit, just before the 4 p.m. Sunday derby.
A total of 12 teams of four will run through an obstacle course competing two teams at a time. The best time overall wins. Some of the elements will in-
clude climbing a round bale, tossing a bale, walking a plank and a three-legged race.
The hours for the fair are Friday, Sept. 6, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.11 p.m., and; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission prices are $10 for adults; $5 for kids 6-12 years of age, no cost for kids under six years of age.
Any questions can be sent to: admin@westniagarafair.ca
Serena Dr., Beamsville
DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT FUND RECIPIENT SPOTLIGHT!
The Town of Lincoln is proud to celebrate the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) as one of three deserving recipients of the Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund (NBDDF). This grant will support their efforts to enrich and expand local tourism, benefiting our community and economy. Together, we’re fostering growth and creating lasting opportunities right here in Lincoln.
The NPCA is thrilled that the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival has received the NBDDF which will enhance the 50th Anniversary celebration of this beloved Niagara tradition - with enriched programming, musical entertainment, and promotion. The festival will feature over 150 craft and artisan vendors, a local farmers’ market, fine foods, craft beverages, and wines, offering a memorable experience for all.
Alicia Powell Manager, Conservation Areas Programs
and Services Learn more at: Lincoln.ca/NBDDF2024
905-945-1234
Sidesplit - Walk-out Potential
Rare 3 level on ground side split with walk out and inlaw potential . Located in a mature neighborhood north Grimsby near the lake,4 public water front parks,marina and the go station. Enjoy the hot summer by the refreshing inground pool with friends and family Ample parking 4 to 6 cars on a dead end street. Home Inspection report available May 2024. All offers need to have a 24 hour irrevocable.
WINDMILL APPLIANCE SERVICE
Grimsby & Surrounding Area
As owner and technician of Windmill Appliance Service, I want to thank Grimsby and the surrounding areas for voting me as their #1 choice for Appliance Repair.
Diamond Winner!
Diamond award winner for 12 years in a row. It’s a pleasure to be of service to you!
BUSINESS BUILT ON SERVICE Call 905-945-9688 or 905-971-4681 (cell) windmillappliance@hotmail.com windmillapplianceservice.ca
NURTURING THE WELL-BEING OF PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE IS THE HIGHEST EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE AND PURPOSE OUR TEAM IS BUILT FOR THIS.
Notice of Ward 3 By-election in the Township of West Lincoln
At the August 12 Council (including all Committees) meeting, Township of West Lincoln Council passed a By-Law to Conduct a Byelection for the Office of one (1) Councillor position in Ward Three (3). The Council vacancy was declared at the June 24 Council meeting in accordance with section 259(c) of the Municipal Act.
Advance Poll #1: In-person voting on October 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at West Lincoln Community Centre, 177 West St., Smithville Advance Poll #2: In-person voting on October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Legion Villa 2, 171 Mill St., Smithville By-election Day: In-person voting on November 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at West Lincoln Community Centre, 177 West St., Smithville
Proxy Voting: If you are eligible to vote in the 2024 Ward Three (3) By-election but are unable to attend a poll, you may appoint another qualified elector as proxy to vote on your behalf. You cannot appoint more than one voting proxy or act as a voting proxy for more than one other person. This restriction does not apply if the proxy and the other person are spouses or siblings of each other, parent and child, or grandparent and grandchild.
Proxy applications may be filed by appointment only, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (holidays excluded). Please call 905957-3346 or email clerks2@westlincoln.ca after September 23 to make an appointment. On advanced voting days, the Township Administrative Office will be open between noon and 5 p.m. for the purpose of considering and certifying proxy applications.
Appointment of Voting Proxy forms are available for pick-up, or you can download the form to print and complete at home, and have your voting proxy bring it to the poll with them. Proxy forms will also be available at the advance polls and at the Township Administrative Office on By-election Day. Please note that Election Officials at the voting station will not accept uncertified, faxed or photocopied proxy certificates.
Full details of West Lincoln’s upcoming Ward Three (3) By-election are posted online at www.westlincoln.ca/by-election. Follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln
Notice of Nomination Period for Ward 3 By-Election
The nomination period is now open for the Ward Three (3) By-election in the Township of West Lincoln. Nominations will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024. Potential candidates must file nomination papers along with the filing fee prior to receiving any campaign contributions and/or expending any funds on their campaign. Nominations must be filed in-person with the Office of the Township Clerk, at 318 Canborough St., Smithville. Please contact the Clerk’s office at 905-957-3346 or clerk2@westlincoln.ca to book an appointment prior to filing nomination.
To qualify as a candidate you must be:
A Canadian citizen;
At least 18 years old;
A resident in the Township of West Lincoln, or;
A non-resident of the Township of West Lincoln and you or your spouse own or rent property in the municipality;
Not legally prohibited from voting; and Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
You are not eligible to run as a candidate if you are:
A judge of any court;
A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations or the Clerk will not certify the nomination; or
A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election.
To file a nomination, you must provide: completed nomination papers; at least 25 declarations of endorsement from eligible voters. We strongly recommend that you collect more than 25 endorsements to ensure you have the required amount after endorsements are verified by the Township Clerk; current, valid identification (must include current address); nomination filing fee ($100 for candidates, paid by cash or debit, or certified cheque). Nomination fees are refunded to candidates once their financial statements are filed, in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act
If an agent is filing a nomination on your behalf, the agent must provide the above documents as well as their own identification. The agent must also provide a letter authorizing them to file a nomination on your behalf with your original signature. Candidate information packages are available at the Clerk's Office at 318 Canborough St., Smithville. These packages include additional forms that need to be filled out at the time of filing the nomination.
Full details of West Lincoln’s upcoming Ward Three (3) By-election are posted online at www.westlincoln.ca/by-election. Follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln.
Peach Festival runs this weekend
Winona Peach Festival kicks off this Friday with Pearl Jam tribute band, Leash, closing out the night’s main stage show.
Saturday’s closer will be CCR tribute band, Mystic Highway.
The festival admission is donation only. Hours run Friday, 5-11
p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.11 p.m., and; Sunday, 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
As always, the event is run at Winona Park, 1328 Barton St.
Shuttles will run from Eastgate Square Mall each day. Paid parking is available at many locations, including Winona Community Cen-
tre , 255 Winona Rd. All proceeds for the $15 parking go back to the festival.
Parking at Puddicombe Farms will have proceeds going to a local non-profit group. Pre-event tickets for the popular midwaya 25 per cent savings, can be purchased at Winona Gardens - corner of Fifty Road and Hwy. 8. Pre-event sales end Thursday, Aug. 22. For information on midway ticket sales, call 905-643-2161.
Katie Koebel, Audiologist & Senior Manager, Audiology
6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
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Dear Reader,
Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here.
Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!
Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!
Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.
If yes, we have refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer
Pay System
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!
Subscriptions:
One Year - $50 suggested
We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!! Thanks very much for your time and we wish good health to you all!
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Mike Williscraft Publisher
MY SERVICES:
"Feeling overjoyed that you have chosen me as your go to personal trainer and fitness studio. Thank you so much for your continued support and trusting me to be your go to fitness. I appreciate you.” Feel Your Best... Look Your Best... Be Your Best!
• ONE-ON-ONE COACHING • SMALL GROUP TRAINING
“I strive to create radical accountability for my clients and massive action towards the fit and healthy person YOU want to be. Through my challenging small group training sessions and one-on-coaching, I am here to help you feel, look and be your best-while through every session making you more addicted to how you feel afterwards.” 299 LAKE ST., GRIMSBY - 905-730-2013
Email: justyna@justynakaleta.com • Website: www.justynakaleta.com IG justyna.kaleta.fit FB @justyna’s fitness
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PreBallet/Jazz 4-7 yrs Acro
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Adult Dance & Fitness
Community Living Program
Notice of Public Information Centre #2
Bal Harbour Sewage Pumping Station
Electrical
Upgrade: Final
Niagara Region is currently finalizing a detailed design for the Bal Harbour Pumping Station Electrical Upgrades in the Town of Grimsby, located at 29B Cheval Dr.
This project includes the installation of electrical cabinets and a small, quiet, contained generator that services the station above the existing pumping station chamber for easier access and for the health and safety of operations and maintenance staff. These minor upgrades are needed to improve the reliability of the pumping station equipment in the case of a utility power failure and a wet weather flooding event.
The project is classified as a Schedule A+ project under the Municipal Class EA process (Oct. 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). Schedule A+ projects are pre‑approved, but notification is required for potentially affected parties prior to implementation.
Public Information Centre No. 2 is being held to present the project and answer questions or comments.
Design - Town of Grimsby
Pre-recorded Public Information Centre
Information regarding the Bal Harbour Pumping Station
Electrical Upgrades will be made available on the project webpage, niagararegion.ca/projects/bal-harbour/ default.aspx, beginning Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. This will be followed by a two week period from Aug. 19 to Sept. 3, 2024, to submit Public Information Centre related comments to the project team.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
John Lee, P.Eng, PMP© Project Manager
Water & Wastewater Services Niagara Region 3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 905 980 6000 ext. 3136 Toll free: 1 800 263 7215 john.lee@niagararegion.ca
Brad Wilson, P.Eng. Consultant Project Manager
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
300 Hagey Blvd., Waterloo, ON N2L 0A4 519 590 5816 brad.wilson2@stantec.com
Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used, and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905 980 6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.
If you require any accommodations in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905‑980 6000, ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.
Notice first issued on Aug. 15, 2024.
OBITUARIES
FORSYTH, Robert W.L.
Passed away at McNally House Hospice, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the age of 91. Bob is predeceased by his parents Robert Hamilton Forsyth and Georgina Anne (nee Belcher), sisters Ethelyn Passmore and Heather Dew and by his brother Keith Forsyth. Also predeceased in 2002 by his first wife Rosalee (nee Tiveron) and is survived by his second wife and best friend Irene (Kurpe). He is survived also by his son Lawrence (Nancy), daughter Kimberly Crooks (Glenn), his beloved grandchildren Sarah, Ryan (Sarah) and Kevin and great-grandchildren Ella and Leah. He is also survived by sister Amy Stevens, sister-in-law Sylvia Fullerton (John) and brothers-in-law Gary and Carl. Bob was a long-time Bell Canada employee, changing careers mid-stride becoming very well known as water meter reader for the Town of Grimsby. Special thanks to all of the staff and volunteers at McNally House for all of your wonderful care and compassion. Cremation has taken place with interment at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.
www.smithsfh.com
CELEBRATION
OBITUARIES
HANNAH, Charles Donald “Don” 1931 - 2024
Passed away at United Mennonite Home, on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in his 93rd year. Beloved husband and partner to Rose for 60 years. Father to Randy Hannah (Danica) and Donna Wagner (Steve). Step-dad to Debbie Forbes. Brother-in-law to Nick Svazich and Pauline Brogno (Mike). Step-Papa to Randi Lyn, Brad, Roger and Alex and Great-Papa to three boys and two girls. Predeceased by his parents Russell and Maude, brother Bobby, step-son Kevin Hannah and grandson Michael Wagner. Don was a volunteer with the WLMH Auxiliary, selling tickets in the hallway and delivering mail, GBF, Grimsby Peach Kings and was the Grimsby Citizen of the Year in 2013. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering will take place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to GBF Community Services or Hamilton/Burlington SPCA would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
BOOKKEEPING
i ntegerbook S . bookkeePing services available for small to medium size businesses. Specialized in Service industry and property management. Please Contact Shushma. Email: integerbooks4@ gmail.com phone number 647-221-5569
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Struggling with hurtS, hAng-uPS or hAbitS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-9459529
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
SPeCiAlized in CArPentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power washing. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289439-1485
hoMe iMProVeMentS
• Roofing • Siding
• Eavestrough
• Gutter Guard
• Soffit • Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
MASter MASon: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905-921-5226
ANNIVERSARY
Charlie & Sandi Smith
Charlie and Sandi will be celebrating their anniversary with an Open House on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. at Smithville Legion
Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary!
Lynette & Howard House August 23, 2024
Friends, please mark your calendars to join our family in celebrating this milestone on the afternoon of Sunday, October 6, 2024 in Jordan at Staff Estate Winery.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
T&G LandsCapinG Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. Frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com
HVaC Licensed Gas Technician • Installation, Service Maintenance • Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. Call Blake 365-889-7838
RUBBisH & JUnK REMOVaL. Call Ken 905-973-3235
Rare Corvette stolen in Grimsby
In the early morning hours of Aug. 15, a rare Corvette ZR1 was stolen in Grimsby.
Niagara Regional Police were called to a rural property near Elm Tree Road and Mountain Road that evening. Investigation showed the car had been stolen between 2-2:30 a.m. The vehicle is believed to be one of three of that model in Canada. There are no suspects.
Aug. 6, NRP were called to a
info@livingstonanimalhospital.com
home near Stadelbauer Drive and Highland Park Drive in Beamsville to find a suspect had entered a home and demanded keys for a 2022 grey BMW SUV.
The suspect’s description: male, 5’10-6’1 feet tall, skinny/thin, 20-30 years old, spoke English, wore dark clothing and a dark balaclava over his face with exposed eye holes. Anyone with information can call 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1008916.
www.livingstonanimalhospital.com Thank you Grimsby for voting us your favourite Veterinarian & Veterinary Hospital
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
GaRdEn CLEanUps * Weeding * Pruning * Tree Trimming * Shrub Removal * Edging * Mulching * Free Quotes * Insured * Patio Stone * Weed removal and makeover. Call Chris 289.407.2325
Based in Grimsby
VEHICLES WANTED
We buy Cars
Regular Concrete Color Concrete Stamped Concrete Exposed Aggregate Driveways, Porches, Patios, Stairs, sidewalks, Garage Floors, Leaky basements. Repairs as well. Serving Niagara Area for over 30 years. LPJ ConCrete ContraCtor Call 905-651-9462
Any year make or model Fair and Honest Top prices paid Call ray 905-321-9121 WWW.WBUR.CA
CaRs, TRUCKs, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
YARD SALE
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HUGE YaRd saLE: saturday, aug. 24 & sunday, aug 25, 8 am to 4 pm. 5282 spring Creek Road, smithville On Furniture, tools, books. Too many items to list.
Saturday, Aug 24th 4586 Martha Lane, Beamsville 8 am till 1 pm Hunting and fishing item, brand new items with tags , small appliances, tools. Something for evceryone
WANTED need CasH $$$ I pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Fall clean now. Any questions Call Tim 905-510-3658 - Beamsville.
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Summer entrepreneurs
Talula and Jameson Adams set up shop on the front lawn of their Woolverton Road home Aug. 17. The duo was selling fresh made lemonade and cookies. The children had not decided on which local charity would benefit from a donation of some of the proceeds. Williscraft - Photo
Grimsby Power a boon for the Town
The jury is in on Niagara Power/Grimsby Power’s 2023 results, as you will see from the Page 1 story, and it was a very good year for the municipally owned utility.
When it generates a million dollars-plus, part of which goes back into the Town to save tax dollars, and it can be run in such a responsive and efficient manner, it bodes well for the long-term ownership of the energy provider.
In recent years, some have suggested selling the utility. That simply makes no sense in either the short-or long-term M.W.
Fair can be treasure trove of memories
Hard to believe, but the fall fair season, essentially, kicks off this week with the Winona Peach Festival.
When I arrived in town, it used to be Grimsby’s Festival at The Forty, launched on the third Thursday in August, that did the honours.
With that event folding its tent years ago - and merging into Town of Grimsby’s Happening in The Park to become Happening in Grimsby - the first-up honour falls to the Peach Festival.
The Lincoln County and Smithville Fairs were ultimately combined into the West Niagara Fair after the 2012 amalgamation of the two fair boards.
Then those two were followed by the Binbrook fair in mid-September etc etc.
Kids could get their fill of ice cream and midway rides every weekend within a 30-minutes drive over that two-month period.
My hometown fair back in Clinton was always my favourite - although I will say, if you are ever in Manotick (just south of Ottawa) for Dickinson Days, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s hard to compete with a fair you can walk over to as a kid, find your buddies and have a ton of fun.
It was in Clinton the first time I experienced my favourite fair treat - Manny’s Belgian Waffles. Manny was a legend at the small town fairs. We also looked for him at Western Fair in London when we went there. That was also a once-a-year
treat.
The other thing I loved about the fair was the money I made.
Now, you may not think this when you see me today, but I was a pretty fair flower arranger back in the day.
My mom was always big on making me do things outside my comfort zone.
As a youth, I was your prototypical jock kid. Played every sport available to me and when I wasn’t playing I was watching sports or reading the London Free Press sports page.
My mom, an avid gardener, made me join junior gardeners. I never told her I actually liked it.
As part of that, we planted potatoes, tomatoes, zinnias and other items - all with an eye to the fall fair homecraft competitions.
The one category I most vividly recall is that of the “wayside flower arrangement”.
For those not in the know, wayside flowers are, essentially, weeds.
We used to walk the side
roads looking for things like
Queen Anne’s Lace, purple thistles, bulrushes, chicory, daisies... all manner of colourful plants. We may have mixed in some pine branches, cones, ferns, who knows.
Once we obtained our wide array of accessories, it was spread out all over the kitchen table and counter space as we set about arranging.
Each year, I would make about $20-$25 dollars in prize money all told and in the mid- to late-70s that was a ton of dough for a little kid.
In this week’s story, there is a little info about the West Niagara Fair’s homecraft categories.
If you have the time and/ or inclination you can have a lot of fun with your kidsor kids, get your parents or grandparents to do one or two things with you. Come on now, who couldn’t decorate a cupcake, for Pete’s sake?
But have a look through at: westniagarafair.ca/site/ homecraft-prize-book It is a great way to make the fair more than just rides and ice cream.
Years, many years, down the road it will mean some treasured memories. Kids may not think it at the time, but that is part of what growing up is about and it makes a huge difference if you are lucky enough to have parents who make you think, spend time making sure you round out your interests and invest their time in you.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
Geese part of water contamination issue: reader
Dear Editor, Greetings and Congrats on your paper.
Re Article on Busy Beaches:
We live on Morrison Cres and the best kept secret is the micro beach between us and the lake.
In my opinion, this is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the region.
Each spring my neighbour and I have done a beach clean up for the past 20 years and the town often has as much as 3-6 truckloads of trees, and refuse that have come ashore during the winter.
Grimsby is fortunate to have one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the region. It is in the little parkette off Morrison Cres.
The “Busy Beaches” article outlines the hazards of geese droppings and how they contribute to E
Letter
coli contamination. Each adult goose has up to 2lbs of droppings per day and is the main source of E Coli contamination where geese are allowed to stay.
The E Coli is in addition to the physical damage to property and destruction of grass as well as the unsightly view of goose droppings that preclude the safe enjoyment of the park.
Research states the best solution, which is harmless to the geese is to harass them, so they leave the park area. Hamilton pays up to $70,000 per year to a contractor to roam the waterfront parks with horns, blank shot gun shells and pyrotechnics to keep the geese away from public parks.
Other municipali-
ties hire a company that uses border collies to chase the geese away, some use passive flashing strobe lights.
Why does our little park have a rich full lawn and droppings free beach? This is largely due to the efforts of a senior citizen gentleman who lives in the area. His daily routine for the past 10 years, is to get up at 5:00 am and walk the beach carrying a reflective disk. He does this several times a day and he is often seen with over a hundred geese who have arrived and are swimming off shore waiting to come ashore. After awhile, they all fly away to more accessible beaches and parks. Our beach remains clean and has never been posted as being unsafe to swim in. Our park often has children and others enjoying it without the
nuisance of hundreds of geese and their aggressive behavior and droppings.
However, since spring his year, the Town has sent down the by-law officer, the game warden and Niagara Humane Society Officer several times a week throughout the summer to harass this gentleman and threaten to fine him for “disturbing the geese”.
Visitors to the park admire his efforts to keep the park a safe and pleasant place to swim, sunbathe or picnic without fear of likely getting an E Coli infection.
Simply compare the park next to the pump house, which is less than 500 metres away. This is a disgraceful place to visit and has the high-risk potential of E Coli because of the out of control geese.
Bob O’Connor
4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON
We are excited to share that starting September 1st Rev. Stephen Vail will be leading St. Andrew’s in our our ministry of compassion, caring and unconditional love.
You are invited, Sundays at 8am or 10am, to join us in worship and in welcoming him and his family to Grimsby.
You are invited, Sundays at 8am or 10am, to join us in worship and in welcoming him and his family to Grimsby.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
7 St Andrews Ave, Grimsby
Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot
Aug. 22 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall Jackpot $1,200 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon
Aug. 23 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall
ST. HELEN CHURCH
Church
