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NewsNow E-Edition December 24 2020

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> COVID art ‘ROCK’ed local business community /Pg 8-9 > Lincoln budget on target Pg 3 > Shoreline a residents’ right: D’Alessandro Pg 7 > Woodworker, 11, carves entrepreneurial niche Pg 24 Thursday, December 24, 2020 Vol. 9 Issue 36

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COVID: the gift that keeps on giving By Mike Williscraft NewsNow It’s the Christmas gift nobody wanted, but an Ontario-wide lockdown was issued by Premier Doug Ford on Monday. Noting the measure came after exhaustive discussion with medical experts, Ford said the measure was needed now to avoid “catastrophic” outcomes from escalating COVID-19 numbers. Northern Ontario faces a 14-day lockdown, while the southern portion of the province gets 28 days. At a Monday press conference, Ford addressed areas of the province with low COVID numbers, citing experience showing travel from higher infection areas pushed numbers up. This creates the need to protect those areas with the full lockdown, said Ford. In addition to all non-essential services being closed - with allowances for curbside pick-up for restaurants and retailers - schools will also have impacts extended beyond the Christmas break. Elementary schools will restart Jan. 11 for

Kindergarten-Grade 8. High schools will restart remote learning Jan. 11 with in-class learning restarting Jan. 25. “This is an extremely difficult time for many people in our community, and I hope all of us will be kind and look out for each other. No one wanted to implement these decisions, but the surge in cases and hospitalization has necessitated it: the advice of Ontario’s hospitals and medical officers ultimately guides these provincial decisions,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “I understand the fear and frustration there is surrounding all of this, and it is definitely not where any of us wanted to be at this time.” Ford noted that a new grant program is being rolled out for small business with $10,000$20,000 being available for those suffering negative impacts from the lockdown. A major impact will be felt for places of worship over the Christmas cheer holidays with the lock- Kilean Lodge resident Betty Wismer accepted a basket of Christmas cheer - in the form of down setting allowable student-made Christmas cards - courtesy of Central French Immersion students. Grade 6 student capacities at 10 people. Maeve Noble Wohlgemut, made the delivery. For more details, please turn to Page 16.


Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Deck the Hall with the spirit of giving.

Helping bring the holidays to life with our partners at Woolverton Hall 19 Elm/Woolverton House 13 Mountain. Donate today at gbfgrimsby.com/donate-now or call 905-309-5664 ext. 28.


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 3

Lincoln sets 0% capital levy for 2021 budget By Tristan Marks NewsNow The Town of Lincoln has moved forward on its 2021 Capital Budget, setting a zero per cent capital levy increase with a proposed one per cent special infrastructure levy for the next year. Council approved the capital budget in principal at its Dec. 7 meeting. The levy will account for about $3 million of the more than $27 million capital budget. The rest of the budget will be paid through reserve funds, longterm borrowing, development charges and other sources. To help inform budget decisions, Town Staff created a budget engagement survey to collect feedback from Lincoln resi-

dents, which can be found online at Lincoln.ca. Many items in the budget reflect the responses from more than 300 residents. As an example, in response to the question ‘where would you like to see investments made?’, 22 per cent responded with ‘roads’. More than $14 million of the capital budget will be invested in transportation-related projects. Major items in this category include Jordan Village road restoration and Lincoln’s road improvement program. Likewise, the top answer to a question regarding funding for additional infrastructures was ‘Continue the special infrastructure levy’. Initially, staff sug-

gested pausing the special infrastructure levy at its rate from last year, but after some discussion at a Dec. 2 committee of the whole meeting, council decided to increase it at a one per cent rate. Other items listed in the capital budget include park upgrades and maintenance, sewer upsizing projects, watermain replacements and more. Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos said he and staff “felt it was prudent” to make sure the 2021 budget balanced the Town’s infrastructure needs with affordability for Lincoln residents who struggled through the Covid pandemic. “Staff were prudent in what we presented to council, put-

ting forward projects that continue to build on the infrastructure priorities of our community; utilizing a balance of capital levy, our healthy financial reserves and DCs, as well as debenturing where appropriate,”

Kirkopoulos said. “It is important to note that Council and Staff see infrastructure investment as a method of economic recovery, putting people to work in our community is a key element of setting Lin-

coln and the broader region down a path of prosperity.” With the 2021 capital budget approved in principal, council will begin to consider drafts for the 2021 operating budget next month.

Cards from the constables

Officers from the Niagara Regional Police surprised staff and residents at Lincoln Park Retirement Residence with a delivery of Christmas letters from students of a number of local schools. On hand were (L-R) Cst. Nic Hawrylyshyn, Natalie Cowan, Bianca Vasile, Cst. Jay McCarthy and Tammy England. Photo courtesy of Heather Butler.

As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season - perhaps As we all find new ways to celebrate this holiday season, we wish you joy, peace, and hope. Mayor Jeff Jordan and Grimsby Town Council

having to improvise a bit on some traditions, I’d like to express my gratitude to my clients and our community for your support this past year. I am truly thankful to have had the privilege for the past 22 years of helping so many individuals and families with their home-ownership goals, while also striving to improve financial literacy. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, as well as a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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Page 4 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Twenty years of advocacy:

Waterfront trail a right of community, residents By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow Dennis D’Alessandro calls a future three-kilometre waterfront trail one of the seven wonders of Grimsby. It will play a critical role in the economic prosperity of the Town and will provide for the physical and mental well-being of its residents. It is priceless, infinitely valuable shoreline, and, says D’Alessandro, chairperson of the Grimsby Waterfront Trail Committee, it belongs to the community and residents. Standing last week on the windblown waterfront, the spray from the lake washing against the wave of condo development that hugs the shoreline, D’Alessandro and his wife Jenny shared a warning that now may be the last opportunity to preserve the stretch of lakefront between Fifty Point Conservation Area and the Grimsby Water Treatment Plant. “The waterfront trail must be built before a shovel goes in the ground for the Fifth Wheel development.” And he cautions, it must not be built by the developer but rather by a professional trail contractor who has a proven record. He has the specs from those companies, cost estimates and years of fact finding for an allseason two-directional trail – built 20 feet wide, 50-70 feet from the shoreline with a 16-inch base and at least three inches of asphalt on top. And there must be space for the public to park. “Grimsby has the potential to have the finest waterfront trail in all of the Niagara Peninsula. So far, what has been constructed (along former Place Polonaise property) is a disappointment. It can and should be corrected.” D’Alessandro has written a comprehensive document, History of the Grimsby Waterfront Trail 2002-2020, following every step of the advocacy work that for him began in 2002 and expanded with the 2007 formation of the citizens’ group, Friends of the Grimsby Waterfront Trail Committee, that brought together four stalwart stewards including D’Alessandro, his wife Jenny, Carol Mazur and Peter Bennett. The 160-page book serves doubly as an extensive guide and a current reference for planners at all levels of government, and a passionate history of the group’s tenacious work to preserve the waterfront jewel and make it accessible to the public. Copies have been presented to local politicians and citizens who can refer to this document in the Reference Department of the Grimsby Public Library and the Grimsby Historical Archives. The document also takes an extensive look at development and population growth trends across the province, with questions of how much growth is too much and who will protect the remaining bio-diversity. “What remains of our waterfront today is under severe pressure and this will certainly continue into the future.”

Dennis and Jenny D’Alessandro, members of the Friends of the Grimsby Waterfront Trail Committee, say the waterfront belongs to every citizen. “The waterfront trail must be built before a shovel goes in the ground for the Fifth Wheel development.” McDonald - Photo “On April 3, 2018 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) was replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) whose members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Unfortunately, the obvious bias exhibited by the OMB has continued unabated by the LPAT which has the authority to overturn town council decisions concerning development, density, height restrictions, etc. Nothing has really changed and the Tribunal only exists in Ontario. Let the mayors, councillors and citizens decide what is best for them. Presently, local councils are practically impotent in terms of deciding where they want development to occur, the extent of the development and which companies they will hire. Today, cities and towns are at the mercy of the federal and provincial political agendas.” Trouble is the power is not in local hands. “The federal government is leaning on the provincial government which in turn puts pressure on the Region. The Local Tribunal is all powerful and they are sympathetic to developers.” D’Alessandro points to the highrise condo residential development, like a tsunami roaring in from Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington and Stoney Creek. “And now it’s here. Once they’re through with Grimsby, they will be looking carefully at Beamsville.” “I want people to be aware of the changes that have not only recently occurred but the changes on the horizon,” D’Alessandro said. “The big prize for developers will be who will gain control of the vast Rogers property. Perhaps it has already been sold.” D’Alessandro is on record stating that at no time did the committee put forward a motion that the Department of National Defense should vacate the Winona Rifle Range. He has previously submitted a plan by which both the Rifle Range and the trail could be accommodated.

He recalls 2007 as the “long hot summer.” The newly launched committee went full steam with public meetings. Support grew quickly to include more than 2,000 local signatures and 200 Grimsby businesses. The committee reached out to communities that had already built waterfront trails, consulted with construction companies specializing in trail building and lobbied all levels of government. “At a televised town meeting in February of 2008, our committee was asked by the Mayor to basically allow the town ‘to carry the ball forward.’ Because negotiations with private landowners were at a sensitive stage, we agreed to his request. However, one could argue that based upon the shortcomings which resulted at the former Place Polonaise property and the installation of the trail there, that we were blindsided by the council and town planners. For example, the trail is too close to the shoreline (storms and rising lake waters) and will eventually be threatened, it was not 20-feet wide (there was room), there is no foundation but only two inches of asphalt placed upon bare earth and the bridge at the east end is a safety hazard because it is too narrow.” D’Alessandro said he is optimistic that the present mayor and council will vigorously pursue the waterfront trail on the Fifth Wheel property and the waterfront east of Casablanca Blvd. “One must always keep in mind that a waterfront trail must be viewed as a project which must stand the test of time for future generations. If Cobourg and Goderich can build wonderful waterfronts, then surely the Town of Grimsby can do the same.” D’Alessandro says past councils made mistakes but looks to the present council to get it right. “I do not want the trail to be an afterthought. Build it first,” D’Alessandro said. “We have never given up on this.”


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 5

FORT hunkers down for holiday season Grimsby’s FORT (Foundation of Resources for Teens) will be closed for Christmas, starting Dec. 24 and reopening Jan. 4. Once reopen, the youth organization will run its after school program from 3-5:30 p.m. and its teen program from 5:30-8 p.m. Office hours will run from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Programs finish an hour before office closing to gice FORT staff time to thoroughly clean the building as part of Covid precautions. FORT is also following all strict guidelines to ensure the safety of youth and staff. Currently, up to 15 people may enter the centre at a time, including youth and staff. FORT staff take temperatures, contact information from anyone entering and take great precautions to enforce social distancing. Strict cleaning policies and hand washing are in place. Masks must be worn at all times except when eating. Executive director Beth Shaw said that the FORT’s programming is focussed on helping youth adjust to the difficulties of life during a pandemic. “Recently, the FORT has noticed an upswing in youth mental health needs, and as a result we are responding to these new challenges by

creating programming that addresses isolation, online school assistance, and providing professional mental health counselling to those in crisis,” Shaw said. To address these issues, FORT aims at helping youth to get up and out of their rooms, see friends, get help with homework, and participate in positive programming. Although programming only lasts from 3-8 p.m., Shaw said assistance is available for kids and teens who need it from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The Niagara Distress Centre at 905-563-6674 or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 is available if an emergency arises. The youth centre is also prepared to operate via Zoom to stay connected with its kids since the province moved Niagara into red zone COVID restrictions. This year more than ever, the FORT needs support from the community to continue to reach kids and teens with its programming. “It’s been a very difficult year for the FORT,” said Shaw. “We have lost all ability to fundraise, which has taken a major toll on our operating budget. This year, should you be in a position to donate, please consider a donation to the FORT.”

Merry. Bright.

The scene at the 2019 FORT Christmas party was much different than 2020.

Season’s Greetings Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year from the staff and Council at the Township of West Lincoln.

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Page 6 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Here’s hoping your holiday season is a whole lot of merry and bright! May your Christmas and the New Year deliver an abundance of health, happiness and good fortune to you and the ones you love. As we reflect on all we are grateful for this Christmas season, the support and friendship of customers and neighbors like you come to mind. We greatly appreciate your kindness and your patronage, and we look forward to serving you in 2021. Thank you, and best wishes!

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& A Message of Hope for 2021 On behalf of Town of Lincoln Council, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I’m pleased to share one of the winning pieces of art from the Children’s Christmas Card competition. We received so many lovely entries which we have posted recently on our Town of Lincoln Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Please take a look if you haven’t already done so. Thank you to everyone who participated by sharing your artistic talents and festive cheer. Heartfelt thanks also to everyone who helped make Lincoln’s 50th anniversary so special despite the challenges we’ve faced. Together, we will overcome the pandemic and look forward to a brighter year ahead. Lincoln continues to be a leader in Niagara, thanks in part to our robust and growing economy and our high quality of life. As a Council, we have set an intention for 2021 to make Lincoln the best place in Niagara to grow, prosper and belong. All the very best to each and every one of you for a safe and joyful holiday season. — Mayor Sandra Easton & Members of Town of Lincoln Council @TownofLincolnON


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 7

Redstone Winery wins architecture & design award Beamsville’s Redstone Winery has been recognized for its architectural design. The newly inaugurated Niagara Biennial design award program announced last month that the winery won an award of excellence in the architecture category. Comments from the jury report noted how the winery’s structure, materials and use of space harmonizes with the landscape of the Beamsville Bench. “The design of the winery goes beyond architecture by reaching out and extending into the surrounding landscape. The building, interiors and landscape work as a seamless composition,” the jury report said. The awards were open to owners, developers,

architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, engineers, interior designers, artists and students involved with a specific design project in Niagara. A total of 18 award-winners were selected from 68 strong submissions, and represent the quality and diversity of design of the built environment in Niagara. The eight design categories included: Visionary Design, Urban Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Commemorative Landscapes, Outdoor Art and Student designs. Award winning submissions were chosen by a panel of design professionals. The next installment of the awards will run in 2022.

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Send our thanks and best wishes to all of you! To our dear members, we miss you and can’t wait to have you back!

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Page 8 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

A hero lives here Painted rocks unite community during COVID-19 pandemic

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow The first rocks appeared the day that police and firefighters surrounded West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in a massive show of flashing lights support for the health care workers on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic. It wasn’t long before they were everywhere little asteroids of hope appearing, it seemed, out of nowhere on street corners and sidewalks, lifting community spirits through long months of lockdowns in a world turned upside down. But who, asked many, was this benevolent crusader, Grimsby’s very own Banksy. By day, Kim Sharpe works in a Grimsby dental office. By night, she’s been planting the painted rocks all over town. The idea came from her own need to feel useful when her workplace had to close the doors earlier this year due to Covid protocols.

It started with a ‘nurse rock’ painted for a friend who works at a hospital Covid site. “I just wanted her to know that everyone cares about the frontline workers.” Sharpe worried about her friend’s well-being coming home after a shift and wanted her “to be able to walk by her garden and see the rock and know we all think she is a hero and we appreciate that.” Sharpe has since painted 20 rocks for nurses depicting a silhouette of a nurse with the message “A hero lives here.” Starting with help from her daughters Emily and Ella, the crew of accomplices soon grew to include her friend Joanne Kemp and daughter Karly. They painted by day and delivered the rocks under cover of darkness. The adventure grew to more than 100 rocks with messages of gratitude for the community and to the delight of local shop owners, signature rocks with repli-

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cas of their names and logos, found waiting on their doorsteps. “It broke my heart to see how hard this must be for the businesses in Town to stay afloat.” “We wanted to let the businesses know as a community we were thinking about them, cared about them and wanted them to make it through this.” Some wanted her to come forward to give her a big hug – but the hugs will have to wait. Sandy Jaskula, coowner of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits may have said it best in the YouTube video ‘Grimsby. Small Town. Big Heart’ which documented the delivery of face shields to downtown businesses. “There is someone who is going around and dropping these (rocks) off and the day we saw ours, Teddy, my brother called me. He said there’s a stone out front. I couldn’t get up here fast enough to

see it. It brightens your day to know that people care. Someone out there cares about everybody in Grimsby because they’re going around and putting these rocks out,” Jaskula said. Maintaining their anonymity was part of the excitement for the paint crew but they got more than they bargained for one Saturday night carrying a basket of rocks in the downtown core. It was late, the stores were closed and there wasn’t a soul in sight, that is until a police officer stopped them to ask a few questions. “The girls were freaked right out. They thought they were in so much trouble.” But course the officer was fine and happily surprised with their antics. Since then, Sharpe has painted a rock with the Niagara Regional Police Services logo and it’s on proud display at the station. “We did it for the love of Grimsby. We have such a great town and

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we have such a great community. I wanted to keep us together, to keep us strong and loving and hopeful.” There is an inspired quartet of ‘author’ rocks that was placed surreptitiously at the Grimsby Public Library. Staff expressing their gratitude in a Facebook message said, “A big thank you to the person who left these beautiful painted stones, for your support of the library during the #covid19 closure and for inspiring a love of the classics to passers-by.” “My personal message is stay strong,” says Sharpe. “Covid 19 is going to have affected the mental health of so many people who would never have been been triggered. They can’t handle the isolation. It’s terrifying for everybody.” She wants the community to stay strong. “We’re all here for each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” For Sharpe that strength See ROCK, Page 9

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News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 9

ROCKS

From Page 8 came from finding a way to support others. “Painting these rocks gave me purpose. I would finish a rock and feel happy.” “Sometimes just looking down at the ground and seeing something colourful Lifting community spirits during COVID, the rock paintputs a smile on ing crew (L-R) Ella Sharpe, Karly Kemp, Joanne Kemp your face.” and Kim ‘Banksy’ Sharpe. McDonald - Photo

OPEN CALL ! Register Now: gpag@grimsby.ca 905-945-3246

Start to create your 8”x 8” square panel

Submission Deadline: Jan. 30, 2021

Share Your Vision of HOPE Find Details: www.grimsby.ca/Art-Gallery

Wishing Everyone A Safe, Healthy & Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Jeff Jordan Mayor Town of Grimsby

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Page 10 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Trees of HEALTHY WISHES

Thank you for supporting the

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

The following donations were received as of December 18, 2020 Don & Val Adkinson Keep safe from Covid 19! Arlene & Ian Allington Wishing our family and friends a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Healthy 2021 John Amama In memory of Henny Amama Kevin & Karen Antonides May everyone keep their faith and kindness this Christmas. Wishing everyone good health and much happiness throughout the holiday, season and the new year! Kevin Antonides As chair of the WLMH Foundation Governing Board, I wish our communities peace, joy and prosperity throughout the coming year. During this season, we take time to reflect on the good things we have like our partnership with you.

Dan & Valerie Baarda Wishing all our family and friends a very Blessed Christmas Coreen Baas, Greg, Josie & Sammy Dobie BOYZ (the) Stay safe, we are all in in this together! Helen & Deryk Good Health to all. The Rooker and Tilden grandchildren. The Tilden & Zucarenia great grandchildren Myrla Balint In loving memory of my husband Samuel Balint The Barich Family Warm memories of Joe & Harold who loved their families and community D & S Batenburg Best wishes to all! Richard & Linda Batenburg

Sponsors In support of

Kevin & Karen Antonides Cla-Val Canada Erie Mutual Fire Insurance Company Joan Etherington Futuristic & Custom Machining Karen & Jon Ginsburg Robert & Audrey Globe

Tony & Ruthann Joosse Gary Sexton - Financial Focus Gynette & Andrew Smith and Family Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited Ron Tallman Winona Concrete & Pipe Products Limited

WINONA CONCRETE AND PIPE PRODUCTS LIMITED As proud supporters of our local hospital, we are pleased to join our community in brightening the future of health care at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, by participating in the Trees of Healthy Wishes Campaign. We wish our friends, family and community a happy and healthy holiday season.


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 11

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation Greetings

L. Beesley Good Health to all Brian & Penny Benoit In loving memory of Dan Parent Gary and Sue Benson Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2021

The Governing Board and staff at WLMH Foundation would like to pause at this Holiday Season to say ‘Thank You’ to our donors, volunteers and supporters for the goodwill and dedication shown to our Hospital. Despite the many unusual challenges presented this year, our community continues to show acts of kindness and generosity to WLMH; we are so appreciative to be a part of a giving and caring community. Through the commitment of our donors patient care continues to be enhanced at WLMH. Some of the recent purchases range from a baby scaIe for our emergency department to laparoscopic instruments for our operating room. Current fundraising priorities will further support the diagnostic and community surgery programs. This coming year is one to be excited about – a new and much larger WLMH is within the foreseeable future! The Foundation has been working hard with the three local municipalities of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln along with the Region of Niagara, for their commitment to the local share needed for this new WLMH. A campaign committee of community members has been formed, and will be introduced very soon, to help us reach our total commitment for the local share. Facing challenges with strength, determination and passion is what matters and we have all done this together. The success that will be celebrated when the doors to the new hospital open, will be the result of our community continuing to come together in order to: “Take it to the Finish….Building a Healthy Community”. May all that is beautiful, meaningful and joyful be yours this Holiday Season. With Gratitude, Kevin Antonides Chair, WLMH Foundation Pamela Ellens Executive Director, WLMH Foundation

William Colyn In memory of my wife Margaret Colyn Giuseppe & Lina Compagnone In memory of Alfredo Compagnone Mrs. R.M. Coombs

Ann Betzner In loving memory of Leon Betzner, David Betzner and Allen Gastle

B & K Cooper

Larry & Juanita Blain

Rob & Barb Cosby Merry Christmas to Everyone

Ab & Diane B. Season’s Greeting Richard & Sally Blomberg Joan Bradley Bart & Esther Brooks In loving memory of Ron and Carol Brooks Peter Buch Is for all the doctors and nurses, technicians and cleaning services have a healthy Merry Christmas and we will hopefully see everyone on the other side of 2020 Larry & Charlotte Bucknall Merry Christmas to the hard-working health care workers at this particular time Doug & Karen Burke In loving memory of our son, Michael Paul Burke S. Cesco In loving memory of my parents Roger and Jean Massi Ciarmoli Family A Safe and Healthy New Year for 2021 Ches & Diane In memory of our Grandson Kyle Boychuk

Janet Cope Blessings and Peace to all

The Coulter Family In loving memory of our parents and grandparents Wib (1988) and Gloria (2000). We’ll never stop missing you. Norma Cox Love & Peace to my Family and Friends Bob & Joan Cranfield In loving memory of 2 little angels, our great grandaughters, Riley & Avery Miller Mr. Sydney S. Crump For this hospital to be built! Kevin & Doreen Culp Bev Davies In memory of David - and an end to covid soon Mike & Marlene DeBoersap Christmas Blessings to all. Peter and Anne DeBruyne We wish you God’s Blessing as you continue to care for all the patients in your facility Judy Dell and Family In honour of all essential workers throughout our community


Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Angela & Dave To all our family and friends Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy 2021 Jennie Dinga In memory of Paul Dinga. Loving wife Jennie Vic & Holly Dirksen A Healthy Christmas to all Michael & Jean Doherty In celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary Bob & Sandy Donaldson A covid free 2021 Jim & Carol Drummond In loving memory of our parents Dr. and Mrs. Owen L. Croft and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Drummond Elaine, Blair, Warren & Amelia Duffy In loving memory of Michael Duffy Susan & Colin Duncan In Loving Memory of our Parents, my Brother and Sister-in-Law Marjorie Dyball Good Health in 2021 Ebe Dyck In memory of Carla. Thanks to the staff of WLMH Sebastian, Stacy, Nadia & Bianca Elia In loving memory of our Dad & Brother Gordon & Pamela Ellens Christmas is a season of enjoying the simple things that make life beautiful. May you have great memories that will touch your heart along with joy and health during this season and throughout the year. Martha Ellens Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to family and friends.

Oma & Opa Ellens Welcome grandbabies: Ronan Arthur Donaghy Hilson (1.25.20) Forrest Gregory Lepine (12.01.20)

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Greetings

Erie Mutual Fire Insurance Company Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year to all from the board, employees and our members of the Erie Mutual Fire Insurance Co. (1871) Stay healthy! Stay safe! Stay hopeful! Ms. Joan Etherington In loving memory of my parents Beth and Melford Etherington & my sister and brother-in-law Jean & Walter Goddard Ron & Caroline Eyk Praying for health for everyone Wil & Myra That covid will be gone sooner rather than later, lots of thanks to front line workers, and staff of WLMH and A Merry Christmas to the Evans Family Maureen Farrington and Family In loving memory of Thomas Farrington The Lynn Fee Team & Family Prayers for positive outcomes in 2021! Keep our Front Line workers safe & healthy too! Elizabeth Fielding Good health for all Cathy & Craig Freifeld A tribute to our health workers Bernie & Gail Fritshaw In memory of our Loved Angels Peter Fortune In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Fortune

What a remarkable year 2020 has been. As a global pandemic took hold in the community, our team at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) has shown incredible resilience and dedication to keep the hospital open and our patients safe. Inside the hospital, we’ve invested heavily to upgrade the aging mechanical systems to make the building safer, until we can open the new one. The most significant safety upgrade at the site occurred in the operating rooms and endoscopy reprocessing area. Our site team and the contractor worked tirelessly during the surgical shutdown that occurred in response to the pandemic in order to renovate and reopen the operating rooms on time. We’re also further down the path than ever before to rebuild WLMH. This year started with the government approving a detailed service plan for the new hospital, which meant we could start designing how those service will function in a brand new building. At the end of October, that plan was sent to the Ministry of Health for review. We’re now looking for an architecture team to design and build the future hospital. This project is moving at unprecedented speed. Our goal is to keep it going. Through it all, our community, neighbours, families, patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, partners and donors have stood beside us. We thank you for your unwavering support and generosity this and every year. Because of you, WLMH’s future has never been brighter. On behalf of Hamilton Health Sciences, we would like to wish you a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. Rob MacIsaac President and CEO Hamilton Health Sciences Leslie Gillies VP, Community Medicine & Population Health, & Exec Site Lead, WLMH Hamilton Health Sciences


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 13 Keith & Iris Gibson We wish everyone a blessed & joyous Christmas and hope for better days ahead Linda Marie Gibson In memory of my wondeful husband Douglas Arthur Gibson who passed away shortly after Christmas two years ago

Boelo & Janet Holtkamp Don’t give up! Love, hope and strength are stronger than any Pandemic. With Angels by your side you will never be alone Sylvia House My wish is for the pandemic to be over so everyone can get back to doing all the things they enjoy!

L. Gillie Merry Christmas and a Healthy 2021!

Humphries Family Wishing all a healthy 2021!

Karen & Jon Ginsburg Wishing all the staff at W.L.M.H. a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Stay safe

Paul & Patricia Hutchinson Thank you to all of our essential workers

Luba Glachan In memory of John Glachan. Who passed away October 26, 2018 Robert & Audrey Globe Stephen Taylor & Arlene Grierson Here’s to the new hospital! Christine & John Gudas-Murphy For parents George, Donna, Jim and Sue in memory Joanne & David Hall and Family Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021 to all! Jay & Stefanie Hamilton Don & Rose In memory of Randy Fobes 1959 - 2020 and Michael Wagner 2000 2020 Rex & Joyce Harrison Merry Christmas to our Neighbours and Friends Robert Harrison In memory of wife Joan and daughter Joanne Mackie - Always in our thoughts Doug Hepburn Happy Birthday! Love Ya Kim, Cody & Chloe Arthur, Aimee, Seamus, Ciaran & Ronan Hilson May the magic and sparkle of this holiday season fill your heart with joy and peace. Merry Christmas!

Tony Joosse #OneTeamOneDream Tony & Ruthann Joosse Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Safe, Holiday Season, For ALL who work so hard each and everyday to make WLMH the best community hospital. THANK YOU!

Gabe Kocsis and Family For Elizabeth Adrian & Kathy Koornneef Peter Koornneef Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Peter & Kathy Kralt In memory of our father William (Bill) Buys, July 3, 1933 - October 10, 2020 - forever with the Lord Lori Laird In memory of my dad, Bill van Asperen. I miss and love you. Always. Frances Lane In memory of Lorraine and best wishes to all Ginette Laverdiere Good health and freedom to hug one another in the New Year

Heather & Doug Junke In memory of Loved Ones

Michele & Greg During these trying times stay positive and test negative!

David and Gayle Kemp Merry Christmas & Happy, Healthy New Year to our family and friends

Mr. Peter Leyser I wish everybody stays healthy in these difficult times!

Brenda Kennedy Thank you to all the support staff and medical people

Michael and Martha Loncarich

Robert & Audrey Kerr To one and all, wishing you peace, love and friendship. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Joseph Kielb Alice Klamer Best wishes for the holiday season! May you be blessed with health and joy as you experience the wonder of Christmas and a beginning of a New Year Richard & Susan Klodnicki Merry Christmas from Sophie, Chloe and Hailey Gabe Kocsis and Family For Max LP

Jim & Pam Love Peace and Hope Garry & Dorothy Lumley John & Jo Lumley Thank you to the dedicated doctors, nurses & staff Todd MacKellar Thank you for your service to our community Rob & Dara Macleod and Family Faith makes everything possible. Hope makes things work and love makes things beautiful. We hope you have all three. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. B. James Mahy In honour of my late wife & son Jean Mahy and Cameron Mahy


Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 Bill & Thalia Makris May the Spirit of Christmas be with you always! B & T Mrs. M. Mallows In loving memory of Colin Mallows. Your wings were ready my heart was not. Miss you so much Annie Manta To keep staying healthy cancer survivor Dennis & Bernadette Martin In memory of Stanley and Frances Mosakoski and Estelle Martin Hope Martin Best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas to all patients & staff at W.L.M.H. Margaret Maynard A New Hospital soon for our families Carol Mazur In loving memory of Karol and Rose Mazur John McDougall In memory of Marg

Oliveira Family In loving memory of Maria Manuela Gomes Vieira, July 23, 1930 - November 3, 2020 Ryan & George Orr God Speed Colin & Terri Love & Light Rosemary & Jack Paines Joan Panes In memory of my husband, Jim Panes and a safe Christmas for everyone Mr. & Mrs. P. Paradis Christmas Blessings Anne Parent Merry Christmas to my wonderful sons and daughters-in-law. I want to thank you for all the love, special times and happiness you have all given me. Special thought at this time to our wonderful husband, father, and grandpa, we miss you and you are forever in our hearts. Merry Christmas and lots of love to my grandkids, Finn, Stone and Zane.

Ross & Babara Pyett In loving memory of family members and many dear friends Sharon & Dirk Rathe In loving remembrance of Mary Lou and Richard Sandmaier (1934 - 2008) Sharon & Dirk Rathe In loving remembrance of Harry Rathe (1928 - 2011) Harold Reichheld Stay Safe! Beat COVID-19 Hildegard Rempel Loving memory of Vic. Wishing Family and Friends a Blessed Christmas Ruth & Jim Ridgley Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited Happy Holidays to all Staff and Families. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Jean Robertson In loving memory of George & Judy Ann and dear brother Ross Konkle

Marjorie & Art Parker Merry and Healthy Christmas

Mel & Joy Robertson For continued good health & happiness for our 4 generation Family and Friends

Helen Parker Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all

P. Romaniuk Friends & Family a safe Merry Christmas Wayne Russell In memory of Mom, Dad and June

Brenda Miculan In loving memory of our parents

Blanche Peaire In loving memory of Blanche, April 7, 2015. Our dear wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother

Bruce & Mitchel In loving memory of Judi Stewart

Svend & Margaret Pedersen Best wishes for Christmas

Lydia & Ross Morritt Lets make this World a Healthy and Happy Place

Peter & Barbara Phelps

Peter Meadows Ceris Melbourne In loving memory of Syd Melbourne, Bob Marshal, Tom Farryington Earle & Margaret Metcalfe In loving memory of our son, Bruce

O’Keefe, Darren, Sherry, Ken & Matthew In memory of our Mom and Grandma, Barb O’Keefe. Thank you staff of WLMH for your compassionate care

Frank & Gemma Poole Best wishes to our family and friends Stan & Linda Popp “In memory of Loved Ones” Caterina Presti John & Celia Pulfrey

Rudy Schindel In memory of my wife, Jean who was a former nurse at West Lincoln Hospital. Vicki Schindel In tribute to the Leslie Siblings, Vera, Jean, Earl and Elsie. A generation to be remembered. Grip Fast! Keith & Mary Seabrook Jane’s WB In memory of Barbara Laughland. Keep right on swimming!


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 15

Gary Sexton - Financial Focus May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year

Ron Tallman In memory of Linda

Doug Welch In memory of Merl & Ruth Welch

Nancy Taylor In loving memory of Ron Hewitt

D. & B. Shoesmith In loving memory of our Parents

The Taylor Family In loving memory of Marie and Frank Taylor and Paul Taylor

Kurt, Jeanine, Kayla & Lucas Whitnell A very warm holiday wish to our great community, its families and loved ones.

Janet & Lynn Missing you always Irene and Carol

Carl & Ruth Teakle

G & E Slingerland Wishing you the LORD’S blessing in the New Year. Thank you for always being there when needed!

Beryle Tickle In loving memory of a dear husband & father John Tickle

Douglas & Marilyn Smith In loving memory of our daughter and parents

Clara Terryberry In loving memory of Earl Terryberry and Harry and Evelyn Young

Gynette & Andrew Smith and Family May the holiday season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Dave & Jean Smith

Trojner Family Sharon Trojner In loving memory of my family - Don, Lois, John, and Lynn Revell. Remembering and loving you always

Estelle & Ed Sobkowich Health and Peace to Family and Friends

Elfriede Trumper In memory, Karl Trumper

Mary Soltes With Gratitude to All

Nikola & Mara Turajlic Best wishes to all our friends & family. Here’s to a Happy & Healthy 2021

The Spence Family In loving memory of Mary and Jim Spence, Lillie Spence, Monique Allain-Spence and Lilian Hadsley Diane Stampfler In loving memory of my parents

Fred & Dianne Usher Happy New Year filled with good health, peace, and joy! Stan & Patricia Vandermolen Merry Christmas to all

Beverley Ann Stewart In loving memory of my parents, Luella and Pentland Book

Monty & Danny Vandeyar Best wishes to all

Doreen Stokes

John & Liz Van Ryn

Henk Stuive In memory of dad and mom - miss you!

Jim & Mary Volk With thanks to everyone who makes WLMH so special

Linda & Neil Sutherland In loving memory of all our family members that are no longer with us. Merry Christmas to family and friends! Swanson Family George & Jan Takach In loving memory of our son Geoffrey and all relatives and friends who have passed

Village Interiors Best wishes for a safe & healthy 2021. Merry Christmas Grimsby Carole & Jim Vosburgh James & Beth Wagner Sending “Good Vibes” to the hospital staff, during “The Covidness of Life”. Thanks for being there and working hard for us all!

Peter & Joan Wiebe A happy and healthy 2021 Winona Concrete and Pipe Products Limited As proud supporters of our local hospital, we are pleased to join our comunity in brightening the future of health care at West Lincoln Hospital by participating in the Trees of Healthy Wishes campaign. We wish our friends, family and community a happy and healthy holiday season Bram & Coby Wiersma Best wishes for a lovely Christmas, remembering Jesus is the reason for the season Pete & Sandie Wilhelm In loving memory of family members gone before us. XOXO Aldert Wortel In memory of my wife Grada Wortel Gene & Pat Wyrcimaga Merry Christmas to our Family and Friends Lynne & Robert Yates Joan York Merry Christmas to my children, Lisa, Tricia & Todd all born at WLMH Emma Young Sandra and Wayne Zumstein Remembering our parents Nora and Carson Zumstein Peter & Anna Zwart To one and all our best wishes for Christmas and 2021 Louis Edward Zych In Loving Memory of Louis Edward Zych


Page 16 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

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Central French Immersion Public School students did their share to spread Christmas cheer last week. Grade 3 and Grade 8 students joined together with the Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) to create zentangle Christmas tree cards for residents at Kilean Lodge and Maplecrest Village in Grimsby. This project, “Caring Community Cards” was inspired by a local business called ‘b creative within’ and GPAG which wanted to think of creative ways the community could reach out to isolated seniors. They contacted Central to see if they would be interested in a little art making project to bring a smile to some of the community seniors. Without hesitation, staff jumped on board

blessed 2021!

and had the students complete the cards and write a little personal note inside each. “In a year where building connections has been such a challenge, it is heartwarming to see our students at Central taking the time to create a little holiday joy for some of our senior residents at Kilean Lodge and Maplecrest through the Caring Community Cards project,” said Central Public teacher Lee Martin. For any interested community members, GPAG provided a guided tutorial on youtube for making zen-tangle Christmas tree cards at home. Search for ‘Caring Community Cards: Zentangle Style Christmas Trees’ on youtube.com. Stop by the gallery shop to pick up a blank card and envelope.

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News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 17

Celebration of Lights brightens up Grimsby Although nominations and judging for Grimsby’s 2020 Celebration of Lights have concluded, residents can still see the Christmas light displays for themselves. The Town of Grimsby’s Celebration of Lights is an annual event that recognizes Grimsby residents for the hard work and holiday spirit put into their lights display at

Wishing you peace, harmony and joy at this magical time of year.

their home or business. The Town has posted an interactive map on its website which notes the locations of every display entered into the contest. This can be accessed by visiting grimsby.ca/ lights contest. Judging took place from Dec. 15-17. The top three entrants will each win a $100 giftcard.

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Page 18 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

MPP Oosterhoff announces more financial relief for Niagara Region

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Last week, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff announced that the Regional Municipality of Niagara, along with twelve lower-tier municipalities, will receive an additional $17,437,000.00 in Safe Restart Agreement funding. The discretionary funding will be used to offset operating costs for critical services and help ensure that all 13 municipal governments in Niagara do not carry an operating deficit into 2021. The Region will receive more than $9,000,000. Additionally, West Niagara’s lower-tier municipalities will receive the following amounts: • $137,000 for the Town of Grimsby;

and help ensure they do not carry operating deficits into 2021.This investment builds upon the first phase of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement announced this summer. “This joint funding will help Ontario’s municipalities recover from the impacts of COVID-19 faster, by helping them to enter into 2021 without operating deficits from this year,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By ensuring our municipal partners are in a sound financial position to begin the new year, they can better focus on keeping their capital projects on track while continuing to provide the critical services their residents rely on.”

• $1,084,000 for the Town of Lincoln, and; • $66,000 for the Township of West Lincoln. “This funding will provide our community with the support it needs to continue delivering critical services that we all rely on every day,” said MPP Oosterhoff. “Today’s announcement will help all 13 local governments in Niagara develop 2021 budgets that reflect the realities of COVID-19 and give them the confidence they need to proceed with capital projects that will drive economic growth. ” The Ontario government is allocating an additional $695 million across the province to provide financial relief for municipalities

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News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 19

Grimsby historian launches latest book

By Tristan Marks NewsNow Grimsby’s intrepid historian Dorothy Turcotte has launched her latest book, More Gleanings from Grimsby. This work is the venerable author’s 14th book and a follow-up to 2007’s Gleanings from Grimsby. Like its predecessor, More Gleanings compiles short stories, accounts and other tidbits submitted by community members to the Grimsby Historical Society (GHS) into a collection of little-known history. Turcotte said this volume was a long time coming. “This book actually started 10 years ago,” Turcotte said. “As we got more and more and more info coming into the archives I began to put it into book form and it grew from there.” Among the book’s chapters is the story of how three prominent Grimsbonians invested in a gold mine up in Rat Portage (modern day Kenora, Ont.) back in 1897. James Livingston, John Kerman and T.J. Noble bought into the operation expecting to make a fortune. Livingston, who owned The Grimsby Independent newspaper even displayed a nugget of gold from the site at his news office. “They didn’t seem to make anything of it,” Turcotte said.

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DOROTHY TURCOTTE “We don’t have any records of what happened to the mine afterwards.” The book also includes everything from local ghost stories to the stories behind Grimsby street names to the history of the Grimsby Gas Company. Many stories are also accompanied by historical photos right from the GHS Archives. As with the previous volume, More Gleanings from Grimsby is published by the GHS, and can purchased on their website, grimsbyhistoricalsociety.com. The book is also currently available at Cocoon and Objects of Desire, two local Grimsby retailers. With this manuscript published, Turcotte said she and the GHS plan to have more to come. “This is not the end. There’s still a lot more stories out there,” Turcotte said. “It’s really important that we continue to do this. Without the Archives, all this history would be lost.”

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Page 20 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

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WLM Auxiliary member shares 1958 hospital bill By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow With decades of experience filing medical records at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, it’s no surprise Grimsby resident Irene Tarling would have a paper trail of her own memorable events. But it was a surprise during a recent purge to organize memory boxes for her family, when a financial statement for the birth of her first child turned up a grand total of $166.93 for the labour, delivery and nine-day stay at the Saskatoon City Hospital. It was 1958. Tommy Douglas, then Premier of Saskatchewan had just opened the door to the country’s first singlepayer, universal health care plan - the first program in North America to offer taxpayer-funded hospital care to all citizens. For the Tarlings, Irene and Walter, it meant the costs - excluding extras such as ‘baby’s beads’ at $1, special medicines at 44 cents and an additional $2 per day for a semi-private room were covered by insurance that day. A bill for $166 may be somewhat relevant to the time considering wages and average family incomes in 1958. But regardless says Irene, it should give pause, especially during

Irene and Walter moved this year’s COVID panto Ontario and every demic to be extremely month she sent off $25 grateful for Canada’s dollars towards the outpublicly funded health standing bill. She recalls care system and the the doctor returned the burden that is shared last $25 installment, together. with appreciation for her “If it wasn’t for our timely payment of the health care system $100 invoice. where would we all be Kenneth Tarling was with this COVID?” born May 16, 1958. While the hospital bill He was to be the first was paid through the of three, health care including program, his sisters, there were Susan and a number Katherine, of specialist both born appointin Scarborments to folough. low in caring Walter for her newIRENE TARLING worked for born son.

Nortel, a job that took the family to live in a number of Canadian communities - installing central offices and building telephone networks across the country. Irene would often find work as a file clerk with “Ma Bell.” Moving to Grimsby in 1969, Irene recalls the family’s first drive into town. “The welcome to Grimsby sign read ‘Population 4,995’. There were five of us and the kids added it up and said ‘we’re going to make it 5,000’.” WLM AUXILIARY It wouldn’t be too long before Irene brought her community spirit to the West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Now a volunteer for the past 40 years in medical records, it’s fair to say that every patient, or at least their file, has passed through her hands. “The nurses think she came with the furniture,” jokes John Sedgwick. Thoroughly checking information and filing patient records – accuracy and confidentiality her top priorities – Irene loves her corner of the hospital. Her friends say that’s just how she likes it – away from the limelight. “Irene is a hard worker, gets the job done,” says Auxiliary member Maria Sedgwick.

News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 21

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my clients, friends and family a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming year.

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage JUDY SWEETING Sales Representative

905-945-0660 • 905-563-8527

judysweeting@live.com • www.sweetmove.ca

It’s been an exciting year at the Niagara Region representing the people of West Lincoln and West Niagara. We have worked hard to restore transparency, honesty and integrity to the leadership in Niagara. I would like to wish everyone another year of Health & Happiness.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours this Holiday Season, Twp. of West Lincoln Regional Councillor Albert Witteveen

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Wishing you much peace and joy during this blessed season. Alan, Michelle,Gerald & Jon

50 MAIN STREET WEST, GRIMSBY CALL US AT 905-309-0037 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK @thebrickshackgrimsby


Page 22 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Efforts of biodigester clean up crew appreciated Dear Editor, I had to write to share our feelings of immense gratitude and pride for the incredible hard work, selflessness and commitment by Delight Davoli working on behalf of every one of us in Grimsby. She, and her amazing group of volunteers spent over two years trying to sort out what was done by the previous Board of Governors at the Bio-Digester Management team. They were able to

LETTERS recover huge amounts of monies squandered by that Board. While running into road block after road block, missing or nonexistent records and worse, the team’s efforts have saved the citizens of Grimsby countless thousands of dollars while resolving mystery after mystery about what happened to some $19 mil-

lion of our money misspent and wasted on the Bio-ben project, with $9 million in actual loss. She, and the Volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring it all to a satisfactory end are Real Heroes and deserve a big, postCOVID hug. We want to be first! We think a special mention is due to Coun. Dave Kadwell who, as the sole dissenting member of the previous Town Council, was a continuous thorn in the side of the previous mayor and his cabal

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas from the members of the Christian heritage party of canada.

who drove us into the pit of financial jeopardy. Coun. Kadwell can be that voice again as the G5 and the CAO continue to work against our interests as citizens. Thank you, Delight. Thank you to the volunteers (whom we wish we could name) and to all who persevered on behalf of our town in this matter. We are in your debt, quite literally. Bud Hightower and Eva Rungi, Ward 3

Rejoice! 2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord

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News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 23

Kindness never a waste

Wishing all of our Customers, Cmployees & Friends the very Best of the Season!

Dear Editor, Pulling into my carport last week I remembered that I forgot to put out the garbage – just as the truck drove by. I thought, optimistically, maybe that wasn’t my garbage truck. So I carried the blue and grey boxes out to the road and stood there, one in

LETTER each hand, watching the back of the truck continuing way down the road. The gentleman collecting happened to look back and see me. He waved and I heard him whistle to the driver (like St. Nick calling to his reindeer) to ‘put it in re-

verse and back up’. The truck lumbered backwards down the stretch and the man, in great spirits, dumped both boxes into the compacter and wished me a Merry Christmas. Thanks for the positive, kind energy, sir, and Merry Christmas to you. Joanne McDonald Beamsville

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Thank you for the trust you have put in my team and I during this incredibly difficult year. Our Christmas wish is for a brighter & more optimistic 2021 for all!

BEAMSVILLE

Wishes Merry & Bright As we deck the halls with all the trimmings and traditions of Christmas, we hope the joys of the season bring a smile to your face and contentment to your heart! Thanks for brightening our year with your support and friendship. It means the world to us!

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Financial Advisor

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2020

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IN THE

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MEMBER – CANADIAN INVESTOR PROTECTION FUND


Page 24 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Wood-turning prodigy carves out his own business By Tristan Marks NewsNow Although just 11 years old, Brodie Watson is quickly becoming a master of his craft. Just two years ago, the Grimsby resident took up wood-turning as a hobby and- with help from his family- has already turned it into his own cottage industry. These days, Brodie makes handcrafted wood bowls, acrylic wine stoppers and even pens using his trusty lathe and wood gouges. He said it all started when he was nine years old, visiting a craft show at the Wood Shed supply store in Smithville. “There was a lady there woodturning and making tops, and I thought it looked cool,” Brodie said. Starting off with a 2 ft. lathe given to him by his father, Brodie began learning and practicing the craft as much as he could. “The hardest part was learning how to use the lathe and making sure chips don’t fly off,” Brodie said. “I only had one bowl fly off on me. It didn’t hit anything though.” Brodie’s family was quick to take note of his enthusiasm.

Although just 11 years old, Grimsby’s Brodie Watson has turned his wood turning hobby into a cottage industry, making trinkets and bowls out of exotic wood and colourful acrylic. Marks - Photo “His uncle suggested Brodie atbook. Requests poured in from her tend a woodturning seminar at Lee friends asking if Brodie could make Valley,” said Brodie’s mom, Jennifer. things for them. Not only did Brodie hone his skill “It just kind of exploded from with this seminar, it also helped there,” Jennifer said. “Especially launch his business. this year. I guess people are tryJennifer posted pictures of the ing to support local business with wine stoppers and other pieces he Covid these days.” made during the event on FaceBrodie has since branded his

business as BW Acrylic & Wood Designs, and puts much of his profits into upgrading his work shop. Brodie has bought much of his tools and supplies himself. This includes Brodie’s current 6 ft. lathe that he saved $1000 for through sales. After two years, the young woodworker has grown a penchant for exotic woods. His favourite piece is a bowl he carved out of plum wood. Unusual woods of every colour, such as wenge, redheart and applewood sit in Brodie’s workshop, waiting to be transformed into vibrant bowls. For all his skill, Brodie still keeps a humble view of his work. The wood-worker said he’s waiting for “when [he’s] ready] to work on a lot of the exotic woods in his collection. “I want to make sure I build my skills more. A lot of these bowl blanks are expensive,” Brodie explained. This Christmas season, Brodie has already made 1000 wooden wine toppers. To order from him or to see photos and videos of his process, visit facebook.com/bwacrylic.


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 25

Kindness changes the whole world About forty years ago, a farmer right here in the Niagara peninsula tried an unscientific test. He broadcast classical music over one of his fields, and hard rock over another. The field that had enjoyed the classical music produced a lush, healthy crop. The other field did not do so well. The farmer had proved his point. Nature really does react to humans. Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto did many experiments, but the medium he used was distilled water. In his lab, he took bottles of water and taped pieces of paper around them. On the paper were typed words – words of love, kindness, gratitude and reassurance. On some of the bottles, the words were those hate and abuse,

A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte the equivalent of yelling at the water. Emoto froze the bottled water, then studied the ice crystals formed. The crystals from the water that had been loved were almost invariably beautiful and symmetrical. Some were amazingly intricate in their design, a way of saying “thanks”. Those from water that had been insulted were deformed. In later experiments, Emoto “showed” different types of television programs to the bottled water. The ice crystals responded in the same way – with beauty for the positive programs, with defor-

mity from the violent ones. Lately we’ve often been reminded that we are one; one with other people around the world, even one with Nature. Experiments by the Niagara farmer and the Japanese scientist do indeed seem to prove that. If wheat and water can be affected by human behaviour, think of what it can do to other humans! So keep talking to your plants. Tell them how beautiful they are, and how much you appreciate them. They will reward you with even more beauty. If a kinder, softer society emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be a good thing for all of us, for Wethe-People and for the whole planet.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday! Holiday Office Hours Monday, December 21 - Open Tuesday, December 22 - Open Wednesday, December 23 - Open Thursday, December 24 - Closed Friday, December 25 - Closed Monday, December 28 - Closed Tuesday, December 29 - Open Wednesday, December 30 - Open Thursday, December 31 - Closed Friday, January 1 - Closed niagara peninsula energy i n c .

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2020 is almost over, but COVID-19 is still here, and we need to work together to stop the spread this holiday season. Limit close contact to your household

Stay home and get tested if you’re feeling unwell

Wear a mask

Wash your hands

Practice physical distancing

Only go out for essential trips

Doing just one of these things isn’t enough – we need to practice them all. So bundle up Niagara, and let’s get through this together.

FOR MORE INFO GO TO NIAGARAREGION.CA/COVID19


Page 26 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Niagara Region approves operating budget for 2021

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Wishing Our Neighbors

All the Joys of the Season

Hope it’s merry, bright and just right!

Thanks for making 2020 a wonderful year for us. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to seeing you again soon.

May your heart be filled with Laughter, Your soul with Joy and your home with Love this Christmas Season.

107 Griffin St. N., Smithville • 905-957-5000 www.brenda.walker.ca

brenda walker

36 Main St. West, Grimsby

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Wishing everyone a Safe, Happy & Healthy Christmas Season and New Year!

Operating budget increases for water and wastewater services, as well as waste management were approved by Niagara regional council at its Dec. 17 meeting. Rate budget increases adopted for 2021 of 2 per cent for water and wastewater services combined and 4.5 per cent for waste management allows the Region to balance financial challenges brought from the COVID pandemic with continuing necessary investments in critical infrastructure. The approved water and wastewater budgets are

effective Jan. 1, 2021 and billed to the local area municipalities based on water and wastewater usage in accordance with the Council approved methodology. Local municipalities will in-turn incorporate the new rates into resident water bills. In 2021, the Region will take important steps toward the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in south Niagara Falls. This investment, the largest in the Region’s history, will accommodate residential and employment growth planned for the area.

Season’s Greetings Season Greetings

community hospice

Here’s hoping your Christmas is trimmed with beauty, friendship, goodwill and all the joy this special season brings. Merry Christmas From the Irish Family to yours!

ORIGINAL GREENSCAPES Design & Build Landscape Contractors Since 1977 Serving the Niagara region for over 30 years. 40 Hunter Road Grimsby PHONE: (905) 945-5351 originalgreenscapes.com

Thank You to All of Our Volunteers, Clients and Community Partners for your support! Your annual contributions have made it possible for our organization to provide community services for over 35 years!

Help us help others- Volunteer or donate today! info.rcvv@gmail.com • 289-566-9588

Cheryl Ganann - Councillor - Ward 3 - Twp. of West Lincoln

M a y n a r d ’s

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Season’s Greetings FROM ALL OF US AT ACTION PRINT & COMMERCIAL DIGITAL PRINT

ACTION PRINT A DIVISION OF COMMERCIAL DIGITAL PRINT


News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 27

Region forms committee

ome be a Part of

ChristmasEve

to recruit new CAO and finally, making a recommendation on a preferred candidate to Regional Council. The updated CAO hiring process incorporates numerous recommendations made by the Provincial Ombudsman that were designed to strengthen the integrity of the process. To this end, committee members, as well as all Regional staff taking part in the process, are required to sign a formal confidentiality acknowledgement, and hold in strict confidence all matters discussed by the committee. The first meeting of the committee is expected to take place in January, 2021. As part of the recruitment process, the committee will be providing regular updates to council and the public. The hiring process is anticipated to take between four and six months to complete.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

“O Holy Night” - violin/piano “Angels We Have Heard on High” “Gesu Bambino” - flute/piano “What Child Is This” - 2 pianos “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” inspired by Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze “All Through the Silent Night”

- Trinity Ringers Sung carols - “O Come All Ye Faithful”

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” “Silent Night”

Service will be streamed Thursday December 24 - 7:00pm

Lianne Vardy

Find us on

Town of Grimsby Councillor, Ward 2

Trinity United Church

100 Main Street West, Grimsby information 905-945-2249 www.trinityunitedgrimsby.ca

May the spirit of the season fill your heart and your home, and may you and your family enjoy the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas. We appreciate your support.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2020

BEST WEST

IN THE

As part of the approved process to hire a permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), at its Dec. 17 meeting, Regional Council voted to appoint four members, who will join the Regional Chair on the CAO recruitment committee: • Reg. Coun. Rob Foster, Town of Lincoln • Reg. Coun. Diana Huson, Town of Pelham • Mayor Wayne Redekop, Town of Fort Erie • Reg. Coun. Albert Witteveen, Twp. of West Lincoln Members of the committee hold extensive responsibilities, including the selection and engagement of an external executive search firm to assist with the hiring process, engaging in the development of selection criteria, stakeholder engagement, approval of testing and evaluation criteria, conducting interviews,

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Email: admin@stjohnsgrimsby.com • Website: www.stjohnsgrimsby.com You might be asking, “Where is Christmas?” Join us online on December

24 at 7:00 P.M. to hear some good news about how Christmas can be found in Grimsby.

Google “St. John’s Grimsby: Where is Christmas?” for the YouTube link to our Christmas Eve celebration.

Thanks to all who added decorations

to the Grimsby Prayer Tree of Hope. You can see this inspiring community project outside our church’s front entrance. Merry Christmas. You are loved.

Law Office

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Tel: 905-945-2300 Fax: 905-945-8529 krusell@sympatico.ca

Wishing you all a safe & Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021!


Page 28 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

Please call to place your Classified Ad

289-235-9500 obituarY

CLEWER, Ross Graham Michael

Passed away peacefully at Niagara Health Systems - Welland Site, on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the age of 71. Predeceased by his parents Les and Ellen Clewer. Beloved husband of 50 years of Karen Clewer (nee Metcalfe). Ross will be dearly missed by his sisters-in law Gwen Medcalf and Gail Buxton and her husband Dan. He will be fondly remembered for his love of family and friends, his dog Suzy Q, motorcycles and music. As per Ross’ wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations in his memory to Diabetes Canada would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

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Grimsby council hears bio summation Thank you and apprecation are not words often found in a sentence with biodigester, but there was lots of that Dec. 14 at Grimsby’s Committee of The Whole meeting. Delight Davoli, chair of Niagara Power Incorporated’s transition committee, gave a summarizing report to council, which included finalized financial details and a final payment - nearly $69,000 - to the town to complete the sale of its Sobie Road biodigester. Immense praise was heaped on the team of Davoli herself, Jim Howden, Jim Bowman, Coun. Lianne Vardy and Coun. Reg Freake who all took on various tasks to get the facility sold to help recoup some of the $18 million in debt and operating loss which had been accumulated. “We also ended up with a great new corporate citizen,” said Freake, of purchaser White Owl. “There is also litigation still out there,” added Freake, noting some of the additional $9 million in losses could still be offset for the Town, noting he would like to see an update on that file.

News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 29

Niagara Power Incorporated Transition Committee Report to Council Dec. 14, 2020 The sale of Grimsby Energy Incorporated (GEI) and the related companies closed on Oct. 7, 2019 but there were a number of conditions and matters that were the responsibility of the vendor to carry out. Council appointed us to the board of Niagara Power Incorporated (NPI) to complete the terms and conditions. This is our concluding report to Council as all of the outstanding matters contained in the purchase/sale agreement with White Owl Limited (Miller Group) the NPI transition committee believes have now been successfully dealt with. • In summary, what were we able to accomplish for the Town? • The Town of Grimsby’s guarantee of Grimsby Energy Incorporated’s (GEI) bank loan has been released and the Town did not have to honour and therefore pay any part of the $4.8 million bank loan or of the $300,000 overdraft. • The $400,000 loaned by the Town to GEI during the sale process was completely repaid with interest of $5,000. • Overdue property taxes owed of $106,000 were paid to the Town. • From Oct. 7, 2019 the property reverted back to being a taxable municipal property and the Town will again be collecting property taxes on this. • A dividend of $218,000 was paid to the Town by 1938427 Ontario Incorporated (193/Holdco2) at closing. • The Town received $400,000 for the sale of its shares in 1938427 • Grimsby Power Incorporated (GPI) was able to collect $100,000 owed by GEI • Niagara Power Incorporated (NPI)

was able to collect $1,714,022 of its $2,389,789 receivable from the old GEI. NPI unfortunately still took a loss of $675,767. • NPI had also guaranteed a number of leases by GEI which were assumed by the purchaser. • What is left? • In the agreement there are certain fundamental representations. Those would include things like the representation that the shares in Holdco 2 were owned by the Town which was the vendor. While the period for making claims for breach of the non-fundamental representations, e.g., that there were no known undisclosed employee or environmental liabilities, expires on April 7, 2021. There is a cap on the amount of exposure for the Town for breach of the non-fundamental representations, namely $2,000,000. • The statutory period for the provincial audit of all corporate tax returns does not expire for 3-4 years from the dates on the notices of assessment or reassessment. • What is the estimated loss to the Town? •Grimsby Hydro Incorporated (GHI) received $9.0 million for its 25% shareholdings in the Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN) and then advanced GEI $7.0 million (net of the corporate taxes of approx. $2.0 million) to fund GEI’s construction costs. We were able to recover corporate income taxes of $228,000, a small amount of the $2.0 million paid by that company. This still left the Town with an approximate net loss of $8,700,000. The Town will not be able to recover anything else. • NPI will not be able to recover the remaining $675,767 of its loan to GEI. • The ultimate loss to the Town of

Grimsby alone is between $9 and 10 million. • A number of large creditors agreed to settle their accounts with GEI for less than their bills. This helped increase the recovery of monies in GEI by a material amount and took considerable time to negotiate by our team. Which leads to my very last reason for being with you tonight. I am here tonight to pass on to you the last of the proceeds to the Town. A cheque from the purchaser for $68,848; this is part of the $228,000 in GHI’s taxes that I referred to earlier. As we are meeting remotely, I will deliver the cheque to Town hall tomorrow morning. • I’d like to express my thanks again to a great group of individuals that contributed to our success; namely Jim Bowman, Rob Hattin, Jim Howden and Councillor Lianne Vardy; that not only were Board Directors but took on management roles, truly “boots on the ground”. It was a privilege to work with you and will always be my best memory of this biodigester project. As well I’d like to recognize the efforts of the Town Treasurer, Steven Gruninger, past public works director Bob LeRoux, and other town staff, legal counsel Gary Graham, our M&A project manager from Deloitte’s, Ovais Ghafur, our tax advisor John Grummett from Taylor Leibow, Erion Insurance and Sophia Haining as well as other local advisors. Lastly our thanks to all of you on Council that supported us. This concludes the work of NPI’s Transition Committee and the former GEI Board and management. Respectfully submitted, Delight Davoli Niagara Power Incorporated Chair, Transition Committee

Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year to all!! Wayne Fertich Town of Grimsby Regional Councillor


Page 30 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft Email: mike@wn3.ca Cell: 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Reporter - Tristan Marks Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Rose Bayer Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

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Peachy donation

Continuing their annual tradition of supporting local community organizations, the Winona Men’s Club (WMC) presented GBF with a cheque for $2,000 last week. On hand for the presentation were (L-R) WMC president Mark Wasilewski, GBF executive director Stacy Elia, WMC vice-president John VanDuzer, WMC secretary Glenn Smith. Submitted photo.

Not down with lockdown There is no good coming from this COVID debacle, but crushing small businesses universally is not the way to go. It is understood there is additional relief available, great, thanks, but small retailers, service providers and restaurants were never the catalyst of growing COVID numbers, not in Niagara anyways. Travel from high-infection zones to low-infection zones is what pushed Hamilton and Niagara over the top. Small businesses have been THE most responsible because they have the most to lose. Premier Ford has done a great job, generally, but this lockdown gets a hard pass. M.W.

Apologies to Clement C. Moore ‘Twas the night before lockdown, when all through town hall, Not a “5” member was silent, they continued to bawl. Their mics were all muted in a quick blur, Due to super annoying shouts of ‘point of order’. Their IC complaints were all hung at the door, It can be said of Grimsby council, it’s not a bore. Council were nestled all snug in their chairs, They campaigned on truth but are putting on airs. The taxpayers were home all watching live stream, While visions of recalls made their smile beam. I, on my couch, with Zero nearby, Expecting to see common sense be defied. When out on the lawn there arose a big hubbub, Quickly their heads snapped to see what’s the rub. The moon on the breast of the rain-damped ground, Raised a few eyebrows at what they soon found. When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, But miniature sleigh and five emboldened reindeer. The little old driver was lively but wheezed, He was not happy, definitely displeased. More rapid than eagles the five they did fly, Integrity and honour all gone bye, bye. “Now, Ritchie! Now, Kadwell! Now, Dunstall and Vaine! On Sharpe, come you guys, don’t be such pains! To the top of Peach King and around the Co-Gen, The team was unstable, definitely in need of zen. As the dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, With incessant whining their driver’s mind they did fry. So into council chambers St. Nick came with a bound,

MIKE WILLISCRAFT He had a bone to pick and the source he had found. Though not on the agenda, to the mic he did sprint, The mystery was over, with nary a hint. He was dressed all in fur, but was soaked to the core, As he spoke a puddle formed on the carpeted floor. “What is with parking in this charming little hovel? “I’m unsure about next year, on that I will mull”. A bundle of toys he had back in the sleigh, But it was coal for Grimsby 5. Toys? No way! For they were on the “Naughty List” for conduct unbecoming, The report from the Ombudsman, it’s coming. “Bullying and whining is no way to behave!” “Point of order! Point of order!” calls came with a finger wave. “Mr. Mayor this chump should be tossed from the chamber.” The mayor saying, “I’ll allow it” definitely caused a stir. Santa teed off on a host of complaints, Not the least of which dealt with heritage committee restraints. “Do you want Main East to be Winston Road 2?” “Well get your act together. You know what to do.” The stump of his pipe he

still held tight in his teeth, He shook his head repeatedly, what will you bequeath?” “I’m far behind schedule, can’t find anywhere to park.” Have you visited anyone at Grimsby on the Lake, it’s a lark.” “You five want to build like the previous crew.” I can tell you, a similar fate certainly awaits you!” “To get on the ‘Nice List’ check your egos at the door.” Remember your purpose, and what your here for.” He was chubby and plump a right jolly old elf, Though royally cheesed, he gave a good accounting of himself. For me it was comical, if not truly sad. Santa had nailed it, even going light just a tad. He could have lit into them going well into the night, But his method was honest, not there to fight. St. Nick made his point they need to do better, In 2021 they can improve, there’s time to recover. For the year after that an election rolls around, big fun, And being on Santa’s Naughty List just won’t get it done! With a mic drop and quick turn he went straight for his sleigh, He had one thing left to shout as he went on his way, “Merry Christmas to all, 2020 sucked huge! Show kindness and warmth and you won’t be a Scrooge.” ******* Wrapping up what has been a completely brutal year in oh so many ways, my true wish for all is a blessed 2021. Be safe and healthy. Step back and appreciate what you do have, because it can always be worse. Have a very Merry Christmas.


Restaurants’ pain inequitable: Writer Dear Editor, As I reflect on 2020, I hope for this year to pass quietly and for better things to come in the New Year. It is difficult for me to hear, “During Covid we are all in the same boat.” I’m self-employed and in the restaurant industry. I think a more accurate expression would be, “We are all in the same storm, and in different boats.” Some businesses have prospered during Covid. Some have not. The restaurant industry is definitely in the “have not” category. Toughest year of my three decade career. Worse than both recessions I’ve survived. My business has consistently lost money for the last eight months, I’ve laid off far too many good people, I have been forced to borrow money to keep the business afloat. I suppose a person might think that if the open sign is on, that restaurants make money. Definitely not the case. No restaurant in Ontario has been able to run at full licensed capacity since March of 2020. Any currently in Red Zone (Niagara) are allowed to serve ten people. Grey Zone - zero patrons - takeout only. Sure, we make a gross profit on the goods we sell, but the net profit,

LETTER after expenses, at diminished capacity, doesn’t come anywhere close to break even. I call this death (as the result of government restrictions) by a thousand cuts! Hundreds, if not thousands of restaurants in Niagara region, are going to shrivel and die on the vine, if our government doesn’t lift restrictions soon. Restaurants right now are fighting a financial war of attrition ... and we are losing! I have spoken to Town staff, our Mayor and the MPP. All of them have been incredibly helpful and sympathetic, but seemingly powerless to help. It appears that Doug Ford and Dr. Hirji have all the decision making power when it comes to lock-downs in Niagara. The one thing that I regularly ask for and never receive is transparent data that directly links the restaurant industry to Covid-19 infection. This information has never been forthcoming, despite regular requests. My own research indicates that only 5% of cases could be linked back to restaurants in Niagara. I personally still find this percentage dubious since big box re-

tailers don’t keep source tracing information, like restaurants have to. Regardless, that indicates that 95% of cases came from somewhere else. It seems to me that shutting down restaurants is “good optics” for Doug Ford. It gives the appearance that he’s doing something, when in fact, it would appear that he’s ignoring the other 95% of the problem. The restaurant community really needs the public’s help right now. If you believe that restaurants are an important part of our social fabric and support the emotional well being of the general public, please make your voice heard. I believe most restaurant operators are good people abiding by the law. They are following protocols. I invite you to go to: restaurantscanada.org to see survey results there, which indicate Canadians believe restauranteurs are doing a good job. I would ask that you take the time and try to share this message. We desperately need to get this same message to Doug Ford and Dr. Hirji. Regards, Scott Brownlee Sassafras Coastal Kitchen & Bar Beamsville

News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020 • Page 31

Thank you to all of our customers and friends for your support over this past year. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy Christmas & New Year! 30 MAIN STREET WEST • 905-945-5013 GRIMSBY • www.teddysgrimsby.ca

Grimsby Downtown Improvement Area

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, January 27, 2021

8:00 am The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom A link will be post on friendlybynature.com and Facebook at least week prior to the event


9 lb

Page 32 • News Now • Thursday, December 24, 2020

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