NewsNow carriers extraordinaire Teresa and Richard Barich are excited for Christmas but also to get this week’s edition to their neighbours. Teresa and Richard are among about 200 others who have stepped up to keep NewsNow chugging through the Canada Post strike - something we greatly appreciate and we hope you do, too. We asked carriers to submit photos for an in-house contest to show them some Christmas love. See Page 18-19 for more.
BROKERS Torrin Fee / Ralph Musitano / Rocco Mastromattei CLIENT CARE TEAM Maribeth Lipiec / Donna Young / Kim Thompson / Sommer Schottlander
New digs for popular obstetrician, Dr. ChuChu Nwebube
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
After 19 years in Grimsby, Dr. ChuChu Nwebube has grown deep roots in the community - roots he was not willing to cut when he left West Lincoln Memmorial Hospital earlier this year.
“I have left the hospital, but I want to continue to serve my community offering basically the same services I did before, said Dr. Nwebube, who has set up shop just west of WLMH in Orchardview Village Square, 155 Main St. E.
“I don’t have privileges at West Lincoln but I do have privileges at another hospital where I can do surgeries as before – the full complement of services I have always done.”
Dr. Nwebube noted that although he does not have privileges at WLMH his services include all pre-and postnatal care for expecting moms.
“I do full gynecology and I do
natal care, just not deliveries,” said Dr. Nwebube, who added his new office includes a separate procedure room dedicated for colposcopy - a procedure to evaluate pa-
tients with abnormal Pap tests or other conditions which could predispose them to developing cervical cancer.
“Even when I was at the hospi-
tal, I was just renting space there. What I do has not changed. The only thing that has changed is the geographical location of my office.”
Dr. Nwebube does have privileges at Norfolk General, but uprooting there was never a question.
“The fact is, I know this town. When we came in 2005 we were welcomed with open arms. I found it was such a privilege to be able to give back to the community through my serving at the hospital because I realized that West Lincoln Memorial is the heart of the community,” he said.”
“Since I am now unable to do that through the hospital, I don’t see myself doing this anywhere else. It’s a habit now and I want to continue to serve here.”
While his roots are now entrenched in Grimsby, plans are in the works to expand Dr. Nwebube’s services by opening a fertility clinic in St. Catharines in 2025.
Office administrators Lea-Anne Drew and Kim Gravel; Tony Jossee, co-chair of WLMH Save and Rebuild Committee; Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, Dr. Anne and Dr. ChuChu Nwebube with their son Chuma, and Grimsby Mayour Jeff Jordan cutting the ribbon. Loree - Photo
Encampment spotlights local homeless
By Evan Loree NewsNow
A St. Catharines resident has been shining a light on the issue of homelessness in Lincoln.
Irene Romagnoli, a Trinity United Church member spent a week in November collecting signatures and sleeping in a tent outside her church in Beamsville to raise awareness of homelessness.
“I am trying to shine a spotlight on the fact that there is poverty and homelessness in Lincoln,” she said.
“I am not homeless. I did not lose my job, but someone has to represent people who are homeless,” she said.
Romagnoli, 56, designs museum exhibits for the city of St. Catharines and became interested in homelessness after attending a library talk in Vineland.
The nearest emergency housing shelters are in St. Catharines but Romagnoli said there’s “no reason” Lincoln shouldn’t have one.
Town chief admin-
istrator Mike Kirkopolous said the town needs more infrastructure to support an emergency shelter.
Specifically, it needs more low-incomehousing and government funding to make a shelter viable.
Regional housing services director Cameron Banach said funding was a big obstacle to building affordable housing across Niagara.
Banach said the region has been unable to build new units in the last 10 years, which has caused waiting
lists for subsidized units to balloon.
Regional homelessness manager Jeffrey Sinclair said homelessness has risen 15 per cent in Niagara in the past three years.
Higher levels of government need to invest more in community housing to support people at risk of becoming homeless, Romagnoli said.
Kirkopoulos said the province stopped funding some housing programs under the leadership of Mike Harris during the 1990s recession.
Irene Romagnoli spent a week living out of a tent to raise homelessness awareness. Loree - Photo
Warmest Wishes at Christmas Time
All smiles
Highland Packers was a huge supporter of Smithville Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this year, helping generate nearly $8,600 with those funds going to FORT, Foundation of Resources for Teens. On hand for the presentation were: (L to R) FORT executive director Beth Shaw, Highland Ridge/Highland Packers owners Marinus and Janneke de Jonge and Tim Hortons Smithville manager Violet MacDonald. Loree - Photo
Frank A. Calcagni LL.B. frank@calcagnilaw.ca
Emily C. McGivern B.A., J.D. emily@calcagnilaw.ca 24 Ontario St., Grimsby, ON. L3M 3H1 T: 365.309.9997
As we celebrate a season of giving, we want to share our gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us this year, and for your continued support. Thank you! Wills, Power of Attorney & Estates 24
Wills, Powers of Attorney & Estates
"Love working with Zoi and her Team! Zoi is always responsive, professional and has wonderful insight into the
- Taylor S.
Seas ’s Greetings &B t Wish for
a Safe and Happy New Year
As the year comes to a close, the Town of Lincoln Council extends to all of you warm wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
We’re excited to announce the winner of the Children’s Christmas Card competition. The impressive array of entries showcased the creativity and festive spirit of our young Lincoln residents. If you haven’t yet, be sure to explore these wonderful submissions on our Town of Lincoln social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram). A heartfelt thank you to all the talented young artists who spread holiday cheer.
We would also like to thank Lincoln residents for their ongoing contributions and community spirit. As a Council, we remain dedicated to making Lincoln the best place in Niagara to Grow, Prosper, and Belong.
We wish everyone a safe, joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
— Mayor Sandra Easton & Members of Town of Lincoln Council
Reflections of a jazz man
By Evan Loree NewsNow
Just like a guitar string does when plucked, John Neudorf vibrates to the sound of music.
There are a few hints at the man’s musical roots in the ground-level office he keeps at Ferguson Neudorf Glass outside Beamsville.
He keeps a stack of CDs on an aluminum window ledge behind his desk and a pair of black headphones by his computer monitor.
Blown-up photos of his company’s many glass structures adorn his office walls, adding a splash
of colour to the cool neutrals painted on his wall.
Neudorf has been in the glass business for about 33 years, he said, having worked his way up in the company co-founded by his father, Peter Neudorf, and colleague Keith Ferguson in 1986.
The two partners met while bidding against each other for a contract to do the glasswork for the Ottawa National Art Gallery.
“It’s tangible, you see what you do,” John said between excited explanations of each project depicted on his office wall.
He recalls working on the CIBC
building at Commerce Court in Toronto early in his career, when he still worked as a glass glazier.
Today, he works as the company’s vice president alongside his brothers, Bill and Jeff Neudorf who also hold senior positions with the company.
Glass man by day and jazz man by night, Neudorf is also a regular performer in Toronto jazz clubs and Niagara wineries.
Cocktail hour at Redstone Winery or Vineland Estates was one experience.
He and his fellow musicians tend to get lost in “our own little world.”
And he liked that he could provide sound for the background at those events.
Performing for a place like Jazz Bistro down the street from Dundas Station in downtown Toronto, was quite another experience.
Neudorf describes the Jazz Bistro as a cozy, dim-lit space, with a half-circle stage, grand piano, preset drum kit and a perfect sound system.
There’s a second floor contained by a glass railing overlooking the stage.
He recalls people dancing to his music up there one night at a previous performance.
The club is so quiet for performances you can hear a pin drop, to hear Neudorf tell it.
It’s the kind of joint where people come to really listen to the music.
“Everybody is there to hear you sing,” he said.
It’s an intimidating experience though, and even after performing all these years, Neudorf says he still feels tight and nervous all over.
“I feel like a little bit of nervousness is good,” he said.
“I’m a believer of that.”
No performance is perfect and it may not be your “best night” but stepping up to the mic is a “personal win,” he said.
Nerves are just a mental block you need to get past, he said.
Asked about his love for jazz
and the blues, Neudorf’s eyes lit up and he began drumming beats onto his desk, diving into the nitty gritty differences that separate, and the subtle similarities that bridge them.
“I’m getting chills,” he said between rhythmic beats.
His love of music began early, growing up with his seven siblings, four brothers and three sisters, on the edge of St. Catharines.
There was always some “cool music” playing in the background when he was growing up.
Afternoons by the family pool were spent with a soundtrack of Cat Stevens, Jimmy Hendrix and Santana.
Over the course of a nearly two hour interview, he brought up Santana four times, clearly influenced by the Mexican-born musician’s fusion of rock and jazz.
Neudorf also took cues from his brothers, who formed a band as he was growing up.
Even today, the Neudorf family jams together at family reunions, he said.
Neudorf studied jazz at Mohawk College in the 1980s, first as a drummer and then as a vocalist under the tutelage of respected vocal coach Rosemary Burns.
His experience at Mohawk was a rude awakening.
“I was drumming, and I realized, OK, there’s another level. And then there’s another level.”
He estimated he was up in his room beating a drum kit four hours a day and was only just getting through it.
He estimated one drummer in his whole class made a full-time career out of the craft.
“It’s a hard deal,” he said.
Neudorf has no regrets about switching to vocal jazz.
Drummers are always the first to be cut from a stage act, he said.
Drum kits take up a lot of space on a stage and not every venue has the space for them.
“So I started to work on the
John Neudorf on the cover of his Christmas 2024 CD.
From Page 10
vocal thing and it all just started to come together,” he said.
Neudorf is well known for “scatting,” the practice of mixing vocal improv into his lyrics, usually in the form of monosyllabic nonsense. He picked up the style while studying under famed American jazz vocalist Mark Murphy.
Iconic jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong is often credited for bringing the style into the mainstream.
Neudorf shared an apocryophal story of Armstrong fumbling his sheet music mid-performance and so improvised the music with mouth percussion.
True or not, the style endures and continues to inspire musicians like Neudorf almost 100 years after Armstrong made it popular.
Neudorf said he trys to model his voice after a horn. Though he lists many talented vocalists amongst his influences, including Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, he says he listens to more trumpet players.
In 2001, Neudorf released his debut album I Remember, but would not release a follow-up until 2024, a full 23 years later.
In that time, Neudorf raised two daughters, Savannah and Mikhaila, with his wife Kirsten while rising up through the company ranks.
“You have to add in three years or whatever, for COVID, too, right,” he said.
Lockdowns and social distancing mandates introduced to combat COVID 19 left musicians like Neudorf with few places to perform.
“I learned how to play the electric bass,” he laughed.
It was a good outlet at the time. Throughout the years he never stopped writing and performing, always dedicating a little time each day to his craft. Today, he feels he has a little more flexibility and time to dedicate to his music.
Neudorf gets regular paid gigs,
features at local music festivals and is gaining some traction on the airwaves with his 2024 album, Here’s to Life.
He’s also recorded some holiday music for the Christmas season which can be found on Spotify.
Most of the tracks on the album are covers collaboratively rewritten with his fellow musicians.
Here’s to Life was recorded at Revolution Studios in Toronto, with Joel Haynes on drums, Neil Swainson on bass guitar, Tom Szcesniak on accordian, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet and Nancy Walker on piano.
The tango Argentina is one of the originals on the album and was inspired by a trip Neudorf took to the country with his family. That tune has 8,800 listens on Spotify.
Recalling the trip to Argentina, he describes the percussive energy of local dancers, the taste of food cooked over wood fires and the architecture of Buenos Aires. Every time he sings that song, it’s like he’s back among the vineyards of Argentina, Neudorf said.
That’s the power of music.
Much of Neudorf’s music, like Argentina takes him to positive places. But when he brought up Pawn Broker, the seventh track on Here’s to Life, he briefly expressed some sadness for the song’s orignal producer, Quincy Jones, who died November 2024.
Jones isn’t the only giant in the music industry Neudorf was sad to say goodbye to. World
renowned drummer Jimmy Cobb died May 2020 and was instrumental to Neudorf’s love of drums, even before he went to Mohawk.
Cobb played with Miles Davis for the recording of Kind of Blue, often cited as the jazz legend’s greatest work.
“As a drummer, I was a huge Jimmy Cobb fan,” Neudorf said.
“I studied every Jimmy Cobb album right to the T.”
Not everybody gets to meet a childhood hero, but Neudorf got to meet his a few times.
Neudorf described him as “the nicest guy” and “such a beautiful person.”
The last chance he had to meet Cobb was in a club on a business trip to New York. He described the 96-year-old drummer hitting the rim of his snare drum with his stick a little too frequently.
Neudorf noticed he was sitting a little too low on his seat
and didn’t have the strength in his wrist to turn the stick enough to hit the drum’s centre, so he helped by raising Cobb’s seat so he could hit the drum more accurately.
And though Cobb did not remember Neudorf from their meeting in Ottawa, he thanked the younger jazz vocalist for his help.
Neudorf smiled at the memory.
“About four months after that, I think he passed.”
And though he’s assured that jazz is alive and well, the list of dead greats grows and Neudorf says it’s like watching the end of an era.
For all his success and experience in the music industry, Neudorf doesn’t see himself giving up the glass business, not even in the best of circumstances.
“Let’s just say it blew up and and I had a bunch of gigs lined up from here through North America, maybe into Europe.”
Such a tour would run for a couple months and then he’d return to his home in Beamsville to rest and recuperate.
“I don’t think it would be, ‘I’m not in the glass business anymore,’” he said.
The glass business, he said, is “solid,” steady, and it comes with a whole different set of friends and colleagues.
“To give it up, that’s a big step.”
He likes the balance struck between the two.
John Neudorf performs with bassist Neil Swainson.
John reviews a rendering of CIBC at Commerce Square in Toronto. Loree - Photo
Carriers to continue through Jan. 2 edition
NewsNow will continue to have its carrier force deliver the community newspaper through and including the Jan. 2 edition.
Although Canada Post employees were ordered back to work Monday after the union and management both met with the Canada Industrial Relations Board to determine if a negotiated agreement was possible, there is still a lot to be figured out.
“There are no inductions for 48 hours and all inventory already in the system is prioritized - as it should be - until cleared. I am told that could take a week to 10 days,” said NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft.
“Because of that, our carriers will continue to deliver. They have been doing a great job and we will be reviewing plans going forward. We really appreciate all their efforts.”
Public Works Department 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
Winter Maintenance of Municipal Roadways
Parking and Snow Removal
Commencing Monday, April 1st, part of our annual water main maintenance
The following areas will have water
Residents are reminded that Section 170 (12) of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits the parking or standing of vehicles on any roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the clearing of snow from the roadway.
April 1st – April 12th North of QEW
–
Any vehicle parked or standing in such a manner as to interfere with municipal snow clearing operations may be ticketed or towed away.
Vehicles towed may be moved or taken, and placed or stored in a suitable place, and all costs and charges for removing, care and storage thereof, if any, are a lien upon the vehicle.
Depositing of Snow on Roadway
Grimsby/Stoney
June 3rd – July 5th
Residents are also reminded that Section 181 of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits any person from depositing snow or ice on a roadway.
Please co-operate with the Town’s Public Works Department by keeping your vehicle off the street when it appears that snow clearing will be done, and by refraining from depositing snow and ice on the roadway.
This work will last for approximately water conditions. Please be assured affected, although it may be necessary short period of time and possibly IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT
COLOURED ARTICLES ON THE
Your co-operation in helping the Public Works Department keep our maintenance operations efficient and our roadways safe this winter is greatly appreciated.
Should you have any questions, (905)
Christmas caricature
Beamsville 4Paws Rescue hosted a Christmas Bazaar at Beamsville’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 612 with locally crafted wares and baked goods. Included among the vendors was caricaturist Taylor Poole who drew volunteer Nina Nixon surrounded by cats. Loree - Photo
Christmas Church Services
Smithville Presbyterian Church
Everyone is welcome to attend Christmas Eve service at 7:00 pm. The service will be led by Rev. L Paul Shobridge
143 St Catharines Street, Smithville
Celebrate the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God-With-Us
Join St. John’s Presbyterian Church and Grimsby Trinity United Church for our joint Christmas Eve Services
Interactive Family Friendly Service - 5 pm
Communion Candlelight Service - 8 pm
100 Main St W, Grimsby ON. L3M 1R7
St. Andrew’S AnglicAn church
Christmas Eve Services
December 24
4 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm
Family Service is at 4 pm
Christmas Day Service
December 25 10 am
7 St. Andrews Ave., Grimsby 905-945-8894 info@standrewsgrimsby.com www.standrewsgrimsby.com
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
George Street, Beamsville
Invites you to Worship with Them
Sunday Services at 11 am
December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
you’re invited to a
Tuesday, December 24 10am or 7pm nursery care provided
Forestview Community Church 132 Lake Street, Grimsby, 905-945-9529 www.forestviewcommunitychurch.ca
We Could Not Do It Without You!!
The NewsNow carriers you see here are a fraction of the very hard workers in our Carrier Force; caring residents who certainly came through for us, but also our community!
In recognition of their efforts and as a small Thank You, we entered all who submitted a photo into a draw for a $25 Canadian Tire gift certificate. Winners are listed below. As well, our entire Carrier Force received a Tim Horton’s gift certificate with this week’s deliveries. We hope they enjoy a treat as much as we have enjoyed working with them! They will continue to deliver your NewsNow through Jan. 2’s edition. Then we will reassess.
Grimsby:
Our youngest carrier, threemonth-old Lily with mom, Caroline Szolga
Allan Smith
Declan Boudreau
Benny, Lyla and Micah Bylsma
Cathy and Neil Law
Claire and Kate Pietroiusti
Abigail Burton
Andrew, Tyler and Brayden Heinen
Austin DeBoer
Emerson Manuel
Emma and Finnegan Hargot
Washington
Georgia, Hailey and Hannah Voorberg Greg and Debbie Parker Griffin Watt and Nolan McIntosh Josie and Jr Carpio
Max Nobles
Maxx Gee
Natalie Berg
Matthew Proulx
Owen Fitzpatrick Natalie Mattina Richard Vandezande
Rose Charlton
The Lyons: mom Sherry with Veronica, Addie, Clayton and Nicholas
Stone and Kali Melendez-Nachtigall
Olivia and Damien Dell
Araiya and Jovan Gidda
Willie Herale
Carla Carlson Mackenzie Burton
Brent, Bernie and Tracy from Anchor Home
Eliza, Alisha and Mya Bos
Lynn Flannery
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative
Office: 905-945.1234
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
Merry Christmas
Turkeys rolling at Beamsville Legion
(Left) Connie Fisher and Jayne McGill toast the Christmas season at the Beamsville Legion’s annual turkey roll last Friday.
(Bottom Right) Sandy Burrows won herself a Christmas ham.
(Bottom Left) Volunteer Tom Honsberger trades turkey tickets for cash.
Loree - Photos
Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Holiday Office Hours
Friday, December 20 - Open
Monday, December 23 - Open
Tuesday, December 24 - Closed
Wednesday, December 25 - Closed
Thursday, December 26 - Closed
Friday, December 27 - Open
Monday, December 30 - Open
Tuesday, December 31 - Closed
Wednesday, January 1 - Closed
Thursday, January 2 - Open
Friday, January 3 - Open
If you are experiencing a hydro outage or emergency, please call 1-877-270-3938 to report it. Repair crews are available to respond at all hours.
Phone | 1-877-270-3938
Email | info@npei.ca Website | www.npei.ca
Facebook | NPEIHydro X | NPEIHydro
Back to school for pharmacist, 60
By Evan Loree NewsNow
For this Smithville pharmacy owner, it’s never too late to try something new.
West LIncoln residents know Bruce McAlpine as the owner of Pharmasave on St. Catharines Street.
However, the man is doffing his white lab coat and donning his student backpack for the next 4-6 years.
McAlpine enrolled as a psychology student at Brock University after selling his pharmacy to new owners in October.
McAlpine has owned the local drug dispensary since 2012 and has spent the last 37 years working as a pharmacist.
He got into the pharmaceutical business following a friend’s suggestion but never lost his interest in psychology.
“I’ve always liked psychology,” he said.
And McAlpine thinks he can do a lot of good for people in the world of therapy.
“Anyone with a pair of eyes that’s just
paying attention can see that there’s a definite need for help for people,” he said.
McAlpine said mood stabilizers and antidepressants, which are used by people who need help managing their mental health, are a “big portion” of the pharmaceutical business.
But drugs alone just aren’t enough for people, he said.
“I don’t think there’s enough out there, and I thought, I think I’d like to help in that aspect,” he said.
“Social support is
key for all of this. If you have it, your outcomes tend to be better and, if you don’t have it, the outcomes are worse.”
But, why now?
Well, the pharmacist learned from a friend he was able to waive his tuition fees after turning 60, and having done so in June, “the timing was perfect.”
“The idea stuck with me,” he said.
McAlpine said if he wants to work as a psychotherapist he’ll need a Master’s Degree but will not have
to go as far as a doctorate.
By then he’ll be about 65 years old.
“I’m perfectly aware of the fact that I’m not going to have a long run at this, but that doesn’t bother me,” he said
“I’m not concerned about that. I just want to have a good run at it.”
McAlpine said he thinks he can work for at least 12 years doing something new and be of great service to a lot of people along the way.
“God knows how many people you can help in a 10- to 12-year period,” he said McAlpine continues to work part-time every other weekend in his old pharmacy while pursuing his studies full time at Brock.
He said it’s his coworkers that he’ll miss most from his time in the pharmaceutical industry.
He said his 12 years owning and running the Pharmasave in Smithville have been the best of his career.
Former pharmacy owner Bruce McAlpine ready to take on Brock University. Loree - Photo
West Lincoln to host holiday babysitting/safety courses
Babysitting and Home Alone Safety courses available over Christmas break.
The Twp. of West Lincoln is offering courses over the Christmas break that are designed to empower West Lincoln’s young people with new skills and confidence to care for infants, children and themselves.
Courses are held at the West Lincoln Community Centre and are provided by SOS 4 Kids.
Babysitting Training is planned for Saturday, Dec. 28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Does your teen or tween want to care for younger children? Do they want to earn some extra money?
Participants will learn how to run a small business and how to supervise younger siblings or other children in a safe and responsible manner. Aspiring
babysitters also learn basic first aid skills. The Babysitting Course is designed for youth aged 11-15.
Course Content:
• How to find clients and make money babysitting
• Caring for children of all ages
• Creating safe environments and preventing accidents
• Fire safety and prevention
• What to do in an emergency
•Good decision-making and leadership skills
• Basic First Aid skills
Home Alone Safety is planned for Saturday, Jan. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Is your child ready to stay home alone?
The Home Alone Safety for Kids programs helps children and their families get ready for their child’s first steps towards independence and being without adult supervision for short periods of time.
This safety program is ideally suited for children between nine and 12 years old. Safety and accident prevention are the common themes throughout the program. The information is relevant and current to today’s young learners.
Course Content:
• Street smarts and bike safety
• People safety (“Tricky People” and Safe strangers)
• Online and internet safety
• Snacking and kitchen safety
• Home fire safety
• sibling rivalry
•Preventing accidents
•How to handle emergencies and other situations
• Basic first aid skills
Registration opened yesterday, Dec. 18, and will be available online through Activenet and in person at the West Lincoln Community Centre during regular business hours. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.
• Turkey basted with butter & my garden herbs on top. Turkey is filled with my homemade stuffing. Gravy.
• Spiral hickory smoked ham
• Hash brown casserole & mashed potatoes
•Cauliflower with melted grated cheddar & corn
• Dessert: Santa the jolly old man himself enjoys my trifle. It’s
layered with cake soaked in triple sec, homemade blackberry jam, blackberries from my garden, custard, whipped cream with triple sec added & topped with grated milk chocolate.
• Drunken Rudolph hot chocolate was a welcome addition last Christmas.
NOT ON THE MENU:
• Mushrooms, Eggnog Twelve at the Christmas table this year will enjoy the holiday meal I have prepared for them!
Triple sec, with some trifle mixed in :)
You
Turkey topped with fresh garden herbs
McNally House - Encompassing Compassion
By Melissa Marchewka McNally House Hospice
recognizes that their care extends beyond the person at the end of their life, encompassing their loved ones as well.
In the summer of 2024, Darlene Girardo was admitted into McNally House. Darlene and her sister, Karo-Lee Pilato, shared a close bond growing up and this connection remained strong through the end of Darlene’s life. Karo-Lee and her husband Gene, and their four children spent a lot time at McNally House with Darlene where they got to experience the kindness and attentive care of the staff firsthand.
Karo-Lee and her daughter Christina recall the day that Darlene was admitted to McNally
House. McNally House felt like a home, and Darlene received personalized care, even choosing her meals. These small
touches meant the world to her.
“It wasn’t just about her. It was also about us. So if any of us got a
little emotional there was always somebody there,” Karo-Lee said, “The support was just phenomenal.”
Karo-Lee and her daughter Christina are deeply grateful for McNally House because it allowed them to be fully present for Darlene, without worrying about her care.
“The day she passed, the staff did a procession that was so touching. People who work downstairs, that I hadn’t even seen before, followed us and Darlene outside,” Karo-Lee said.
For this procession, Karo-Lee was asked to choose a song to represent her sister, I Love Lucy was chosen because they were huge fans. Through community,
compassion and tradition, McNally House creates beautiful moments even during difficult times. McNally House provided the expert care Darlene needed, while her family could focus entirely on being there for her during this challenging journey, navigating their own grief with peace of mind.
Provincial funding, supports only a portion of our nursing costs. More than $1.6M is needed annually to ensure the hospice residence, and, all other programs remain available.
In this season of giving, we invite you to support McNally House Hospice by visiting: mcnallyhousehospice.com stopping by or calling 905-309-4013.
Karo-Lee Pilato and Darlene Girardo.
We got some tasty sounding envourite Christmas meal” contest, but none better than
Shelley Bourdeau’s photo-support offering.
mas season. Shelley wins a $75 gift certificate for Casa Toscana.
We will be printing some this week and some nextthrough the Christ-
Zachary Armstrong, 9, wins a $75 gift certificate
GRIMSBY LEGION
233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421 Facebook: Grimsby Legion
for 40 Public House for his offering. Winner of a $75 gift certificate to their choice of August Restaurant, Smoke & Moon-
shine or You Had Me At Pizza is Dolores Bonafiglia. Thanks to all for entering. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It’s been an exciting year at the Niagara Region representing the people of West Lincoln and West Niagara.
THURSDAY, DEcEmbER 19
Lianne Vardy Town of Grimsby Councillor, Ward 2 Lianne Town of Grimsby
Josh coulter is playing - 5 - 7:30 pm
FRIDAY, DEcEmbER 20 Revolver & Friends - 7 - 11
I would like to wish everyone another year of Health & Happiness.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours this Holiday Season,
Ward 2
SATURDAY - LAST mEAT DRAw till the New Year
holiday hours: Dec 24 - Close at 5 pm • Dec 25 - Closed • Dec 26 - Open at 2 pm • Join us for Catch the Ace • Dec 31- Closed at 6 pm, reopen at 8 PM for ticketed New Year’s Eve party. Jan 1 - Closed • Jan 2 - Open at 2 pm
Twp. of West Lincoln Regional Councillor Albert Witteveen
Grimsby Legion Supports YOUR Local Community catch the ace thursdays, tickets sold 2 pm - 8:15 pm License #RAF1420676
Casa Toscana puts the ‘Q’ in quality
By Mike Williscraft NewNow
From its origins as a small retail shop on Main Street Grimsby to one of the best Italian restaurants in Canada, Casa Toscana is turning heads not only here, but in the “old country”.
Last month, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario announced the Grimsby eatery had received the prestigious Marchio Ospitalità Italiana recognition, acknowledging their commitment to authentic Italian culinary traditions.
The Marchio Ospitalità Italiana recognition is more than a mark of authenticity. It represents a restaurant’s commitment to preserving Italy’s rich culinary heritage - and not easy to obtain.
“It’s called The Golden Q – as in Q for quality and only 65 restaurants have it in Canada,” said Casa Toscana owner, Luca Vitali.
“There is an eight page assessment done by judges who come over from Italy. They contacted me in the beginning of July to let me know I was selected for review.”
The review is rigorous.
“Each area of the restaurant gets analyzed, including the grammar in the menu. The greeting in the menu gives you points. How many people in the restaurant speak Italian gives you points. How many years your chef has with Italian cuisine gives you points,” noted Vitali.
“The decor; the music; ingredients, how many come from Italy; the wine list, how many Italian wines you have. Every facet you can think of is judged. They came on Aug, 2 and stayed eight hours. Then they said they’d let me know.”
Well, now he knows and he is pretty happy about it.
“I am very proud of it. I was not thinking about it at all. I am also proud because they told me Casa Toscana had the highest score. They don’t tell you what the score is, just that I was the highest. It was almost perfect. They said what helps, because it is part of the assessment, is having a store as part
of it where you can buy the items that you are actually using to cook, so that helped,” said Vitali.
“Many of the restaurants on the list don’t have the store. Some of them do, there are two Michelin star restaurants in Toronto that don’t have stores with them.”
From top to bottom, Casa Toscana is a team effort, said Vitali, and that team is responsible for the restaurant earning this honour.
“The team, now, is fantastic. Justin (Hill) is an incredible chef and incredible leader. The staff know how much I care for them and I dedicate this award not only to (life partner and business manager) Roseanna La Porta and Justin but the entire staff of Casa Toscana. They all have been part of it and helped get us to the point where we are,” said Vitali. With its recent success and stel-
lar reputation, the restaurant is now a desired destination for staff, but it was not always that way.
COVID-19 was a huge hit for restaurants in many ways - staffing among them. All restaurants had a hard time finding staff.
“Now people offer to come work for us. We don’t need to chase people to work here. Roseanna has made an incredible system, everyone is equal here. We are proud of all the things we are doing.”
While the business has ascended to its pre-COVID numbers, the fact is odd circumstance allowed it to get started at all.
“The original retail store was open in October 2009, one year after I came to Canada. When I was going to the store, I would look at this building every time because I parked my car right in the back and I loved this place. I always said, ‘My God, this place would be perfect for a restaurant’, but it was Royal LePage at that time,” recalled Vitali.
“Then there was a series of circumstances that makes you think this was fate. I saw the property changed hands and the real estate people moved out. There was a “for lease” sign and I applied but the person managing it told me they didn’t want any restaurants here.”
He was told a restaurant was not in the cards for that location.
Down the road, he was surprised when he dropped in after seeing some work going on and told a wine bar was going in. He called the property owner and asked what changed. The owner, who had hired a site manager to lease the place was equally surprised to hear his restaurant offer was rejected.
“When the two people walked away, I got a call from the owner, who said, ‘okay, that didn’t go well. Do you want to still do it?” I said, of course,” Vitali said.
And the rest, is history, or, ongoing history.
One aspect of that ongoing part is the Bottega shop, which opened mid- COVID.
That space needed a lot of work and it was COVID. We got it in 2021 and the Bottega opened a yearand-a-half after. It was difficult to get people to work. The trades guys were impossible. Roseanna’s father was in here doing drywall. We were doing the paint. We did the flooring. We did most of it by ourselves. For anything like the structural engineers, we waited,” said Vitali.
“Customers would come in to buy things from the retail side in the same room as people having lunch, so the Bottega was born as a buffer. It is also a place to meet people like back in Italy. You go at the bar in the morning and you have a croissant or an espresso or a cappuccino. You don’t need to sit down, but you can if you like,” he said.
“Because it is all connected, people can come from the Bottega to the restaurant and people from the restaurant, when they are finished their meal, can go through the Bottega and buy some of the things they just experienced.”
Casa Toscana owner Luca Vitali with his new Golden Q Award.
Lincoln Rotary supports WNSS theatre to the tune of $100K
Lincoln Rotary was feeling the love of theatre last month when service club members turned out to make a $100,000 donation to West Niagara Secondary School’s theatre.
On Nov. 26, the club - in partnership with WNSS, hosted “For The Love of Theatre at the new mega-high school with Shaw Festival artistic director Tim Carroll invited as
the keynote speaker.
Carroll’s presentation centred around the state of theatre in Niagara and updates on Shaw Festival news.
Undoubtedly, the huge donation was the star of the night.
“The focus of our club is primarily youth and community orientated and we felt, with this donation to WNSS theatre, we will be fulfilling that
focus by helping to provide funding to keep the arts alive in our school and community,” said Rotary president Joanne Serkeyn.
Serkeyn also thanked those who spearheaded the fundraising campaign, club members as a whole, volunteers and participants in many community events who made thei donation possible.
Lincoln Rotary president Joanne Serkeyn - supported by a host of club members - presented West Niagara Secondary School principal (and fellow Rotarian) Mat Miller with a cheque for $100,000 to go towards WNSS’s theare fundraising program at a special event last month.
Comfort & Peace
BEAMSVILLE DENTURE CLINIC
prevost, olga
Passed away at Niagara Long Term Care Residence, Niagara-on-theLake, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in her 96th year. Beloved wife of Bernard (Bernie) for over 67 years. Loved mother of Kathy Dick (Michael). Cindy Termorshuizen (Rob), Patti Cymbalisty (Ray), Karen Taylor (Peter) and David Prevost (Mel). Cherished grandmother of Anne Pedersen (Scott), Jackie Termorshuizen (Chris), Kristen Termorshuizen (Mark), Brandon Cymbalisty, Melanie Cymbalisty, Andrew Taylor (Danielle) and Zachary Taylor and great-grandmother of Spencer, Sullivan, Emersyn, Avery and Weston. Dear sister of the late Walter, John and Nestor Romaniuk. Visitation was held at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with Prayer Vigil at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to GBF Community Services would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
Thank you to all those friends, family and neighbors who so generously sent food, flowers and donation in memory of our loved one, Herman, husband, dad and grandpa. We are thankful for your thoughts and prayers, which are helping us through the difficult days ahead. We would also like to say thank you to the palliative care team who were so kind and caring and who went above and beyond their care for us. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital for your help and compassion. The Seabrook an Hauser families
clark, Howard Elgin
February 19, 1940December 13, 2024
In his 84th year, after a lengthy illness, Howard Clark passed away at Albright Manor in Beamsville on December 13th, 2024. Howard will be deeply missed by his wife Irene of 61 years, his son Larry and daughter Terry (Sean) Orsborn and two grandchildren, Lauren and Liam.
Born in Toronto, Howard spent his early youth in Brampton before moving with his Mom (Barbara) and Dad (Elgin) to run their dairy farm. Later, he met his wife, Irene, after responding to a notice she placed in the Free Press Weekly Farm Journal looking for a pen pal. Howard put many many miles on his much-loved Oldsmobile, driving between Ontario and Irene’s hometown of Clandeboye, Manitoba while they were dating. Irene was impressed that he was tall and handsome. The two were married soon after.
Throughout his life, Howard had a diverse array of careers. He started by running a dairy farm in Shelburne, Ontario then worked at Agriculture Canada in Hamilton where he teamed with a group of veterinarians to help control brucellosis. Howard was on the front line of the disease control and responsible for collecting and testing cattle blood samples. Later he led the Agriculture Canada Dog Detector program at Toronto Pearson airport, where he worked with his highly trained beagle, named Digger, to detect undeclared plant or animal products that may pose a threat to Canada’s livestock and crop industries.
He was never happier than when he was fishing on Lake Nipissing in Callander Bay, an area he visited several times a year for more than 50 years. Howard was very handy and enjoyed working on various household projects that ranged from plumbing, to roofing, to woodworking and painting to car maintenance and repair. He was also an avid baseball fan and cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays and on occasion the New York Yankees. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies and regaling them with his stories and jokes.
A private family service will take place according to his wishes on Friday, December 20th. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
Corona Wilcox
1900 - 1974
Great-Grandmother
Fifty years have passed Since Grandma went away. God is taking care of Grandma ‘Til l see her again someday. He knows she’s very special I’ve told Him from time to time. I know every Grandma is special But this one, you see, is mine. I’ll think of her with smiles And yes, I’ll shed more tears. Until l see my Grandma again
years.
Wilcox, Corona
In loving memory of a special Grandmother who passed away December 19, 1974
GFGFGF
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart for as long as I have your memory you will live in my heart.
Love and miss you Grandma Granddaughter Kay GFGFGF
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With apologies to Clement C. Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all down the street,
Not a vehicle was moving and Santa felt beat;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, But with Ontario Street construction, Santa might not get there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
Not knowing the uncertainty for the man in red; Momma in her kerchief, and I in a onesy,
stare could have killed;
While he noted Trump voters were all getting coal, Some in Canada were about to hit a rocky shoal;
HHS’s handling of Dr. ChuChu did not sit well, Aside from getting coal, HHS could go straight to .. Cheboygan.
We hoped for a solution that would be on the money;
When in the parking lot there arose such a crash, I sprang from my bed, to window I dashed;
The moon on the breast of the construction site, Told me this Christmas would put up a fight;
When what to my wondering eyes did I see,
Historic holiday event
Nelles Manor played host to special Christmas tours and, last Saturday, a special Christmas By Candlelight event. Taking part in a tour were (L to R) Edward Nemmett, reenactor Mark Les, Diane Jongerden and Maggie Nemett.
Decisions ahead
Some big decisions will arise right off the bat in 2024. The Canada Post strike has ended, but the chaos is only suspended. The union had some legitimate issues but used them to mask other “asks” which would have only set up the corporation to fail - hence, no deal. Now they are back, but we are not. Due to an intake freeze and Canada Post’s need to clear backlog, we will continue to use our valued carrier team for this issue as well as Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. In the New Year, when the dust settles, we may go back, but we may not. Readers in Grimsby, in particular, are very happy with getting their paper on time and consistently. That is a key consideration. No matter which way it goes, we cannot thank our team of kids and adults enough who have kept us running. M.W.
But a red Toromont CAT pulled by reindeers three;
The little old driver was lively and quick,
Donning a red hard hat, he was going to land like a brick;
More rapid than eagles his coursers did come, Now he whistled and told them this construction was dumb;
The mess! The noise! The hubbub and dust!
He didn’t know what to do but might sue ‘cause of damage and rust;
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
He headed for the arena, Town Hall he will call;
As leaves that before the
wild hurricane fly.
He knew he could park there, no need for a fly-by; With a sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas, too,
He headed for Grimsby, with more work to do;
On this night he doubled, both gifts and some mail,
He dropped his return letters because Canada Post’s was a has fail;
When he got to my house, which he’d luckily found,
Tumbling down the chimney he came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, but went straight to his work,
But he mumbled of tariffs, capped by, “what a jerk!”
I asked who he spoke of in terms of his diss,
He said that clown Trump, who is sending the U.S into the abyss;
The bundle of toys, he held up to show me.
The costs will skyrocket, consumers will flee; His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how chill!
But make no mistake, his
He had a broad face and a little round belly, That bounced as he hustled, I asked if he had a sec for a quick selfie; With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head, We got a quick photo and he was was ready to tread;
He went back to his work, saying nary a word, Stockings full, gifts laid out, he was ready for his herd;
Laying a finger aside of his nose,,
He gave a nod, and up chimney he rose;
He fired up the CAT, to his team gave a shout, And away they all flew, as Santa headed for a stout;
But I heard him exclaim as he drove from the roof
Sosa’s not worth it, sign Vladdy you silly Blue Jay goofs!
* * * * * * *
And with that, we prepare to wrap up 2024 next week. From our entire team, Merry Christmas and thank you for an endless stream of unconditional support. We really try hard, every week, but we would not be here without our great advertising support and dedicated, loyal readers.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
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Bonafiglia Christmas table
HAT TRICK HOCKEY
Week 7 (As of Dec. 15, 2024)
Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners:
• $15 Gift Card
Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Ron Zdriluk Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.
