NewsNow E-Edition December 8 2022

Santa’s Grimsby visit caps launch of holiday season

Grimsby’s Santa Claus parade rolled through town Saturday night drawing near-record crowds. For more coverage, please turn to Pages 10-11.

McDonald – Photo

Region ups ante with further Greenbelt release suggested

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Grimsby council issued a formal invitation to Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff to attend the next meeting of council to discuss the provincial government’s release of two parcels of Greenbelt land for development.

The move, under Bill 23, has met with significant opposition on many fronts. For council, while planning processes and economic impact of capped development charges are at the front of the line when it comes to concerns, the dark cloud over all of it is uncertainty on key components.

During Grimsby council on Monday night regarding a controversial twist to the issue - a Niagara Region planning report received at re-

gional council last Thursday which recommended removing even more Greenbelt lands - Coun. Delight Davoli said more information is needed on several fronts.

“We need to be on firmer ground,” said Davoli, adding the current climate “has too many variables.”

Council agreed and that was part of the reason Oosterhoff was issued the invite after a motion was passed by council to request his presence.

Premier Doug Ford’s government has approved the release of lands at 321 Hunter Road, a lot on the lake at Hunter and Winston Road owned by New Horizon Development Groupand a second parcel bordered by Oakes Road, Kelson Road, CN rail tracks and existing housing

to the north.

In the planning report, which regional councillors saw for the first time at Thursday’s meeting, approval of the first two parcels removal is included - with an added suggestion, which also brings Town of Lincoln into play.

“Further, staff recommend discussions with the Province regarding two additional sites, lands south of the future Grimsby GO Station and lands within the Prudhommes Secondary Plan (Beacon) to recognize challenges associated with achieving a Transit Oriented Community and existing historical uses,” reads the report.

Regarding the regional council debate, Coun. Veronica Charrois raised concerns regarding Grimsby’s represented position at the meeting.

BILL 23

From Page 1

Noting Grimsby had a special meeting of council to get its position on the record, Charrois noted her surprise at the stance regional planning has taken.

“Now we get blindsided by the Region who basically say, ‘We don’t care. We’re going to do our own thing,” said Charrois, adding, “I was trying to get a sense of where our regional representation was on this matter.”

Reg. Coun. Michelle Seaborn told council six representatives opposed the regional planning report - noting Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln representatives were included in that group.

However, Niagara Region’s clerks office confirmed six did oppose - Coun. Leanna Villella, Coun. Pat Chiocchio, Coun. Jeff Jordan, Coun. Andrea Kaiser, Coun. Brian Heit and Coun. Wayne Redekop.

Seaborn can be viewed in the regional council recording supporting receiving the report.

In an email Tuesday, Seaborn noted, “We received the ‘Proposed changes to the Greenbelt’ report just hours before our first regional meeting...The wording of the motion, after a lengthy discussion did lead my vote to endorse, when receiving the report was my intention. Six turned it down.”

For Jordan, he said

regional council not rejecting the report was an error.

“All the province will see is that regional council did not reject it,” said Jordan, adding receipt of the report at the council table was bad form and “blindsided” council.

Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster noted the report dealt with two specific parcels, not the merits of moving more land out and he did vote in favour of receiving the report.

On Monday, Oosterhoff confirmed a meeting has been set up in his Beamsville office with Grimsby officials to review Bill 23 details. At that point, council had not extended the formal invite to attend council.

Senior Homeowners: Do you find yourself

“House-rich, Cash-poor”?

The very thing that holds so many dear memories can turn into a burden if you don’t plan ahead!

Here are some financing options for senior homeowners:

• Set up a Home Equity Line of Credit; You do not pay any interest on the funds until you actually borrow against the Line of Credit.

• Re-write your existing mortgage for a 30 or 35-year amortization, and go with a 5-year term or longer, so that you are resilient to possible future interest rate hikes.

• Set up a Reverse Mortgage for up to 55% of your home’s appraised value. Absolutely no repayment is required, and you will never be forced to move or sell your home.

• Consider asking an immediate family member to help you qualify - either by acting as a co- signor on your new mortgage or by purchasing your home from you, with the proviso that you can continue to live in the home for a defined period of time, in exchange for the payment of rent, or some other consideration.

Remember, at this stage of your life, the primary goal is improved cash- flow and quality of life. I welcome the opportunity to help you restructure your home equity in such a way that you can afford to stay in your home for many more years!

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Margo Wynhofen, B.A.Econ., Principal Broker

West Lincoln re-institutes youth council

The Township of West Lincoln is reinstating its Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) for the 2022-2026 term for the first time since 2018.

The MYAC’s mandate is to ensure youth are involved in the decisions made within the township which affect them, their families and friends. The committee will inform and involve other youth in the community, provide an authentic

voice for youth in the community, and seek to provide quality programs created by youth for youth. The MYAC will consist of the mayor and a minimum of 12 and maximum of 18 youth (age 12-18).

Prospective members are asked to fill out an application, found on the township’s job opportunity page, and submit it by email to Joanne Scime, director of legislative services/clerk, at:

jscime@westlincoln.ca or by mail to 318 Canborough St., Box 400, Smithville, ON, L0R 2A0. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 16, at 4:30 p.m.

“Engaging the young people of West Lincoln in important decision making and problem solving conversations is a high priority for me – they are quite literally the future of our township,” said Mayor Cheryl Ganann.

Controversial Grimsby CAO is no longer working for the Town of Grimsby as of Monday, Dec. 5.

A release issued last Thursday stated Schlange and the Town “mutually agreed on” the terms of his departure.

Monday night at Grimsby council’s meeting, Mayor Jeff Jordan noted the change.

“Thank you for your time here,” said Jordan.

“Enjoy your time

away from council chambers.”

Clerk Sarah Kim will assume the interim

FRIDAY IS BACK!

Public rallies to oppose Bill 23 Greenbelt release

By Joanne McDonald

For NewsNow

Doug Haymes had never been to a protest rally - until Saturday and the fear of losing more waterfront property and greenspace to development brought him to the front lines of an action against Bill 23, the province’s More Homes Built Faster Act.

“It feels corrupt,” Haymes said. “This won’t provide affordable housing. People are making money off the Greenbelt and we don’t have a say. Doug Ford said he listens to people but he doesn’t.”

Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara (BCAN) was out in full force with the environmental conservation organization 50by30

Niagara and local residents united against Ontario’s new housing plan which will remove sections of protected land from the Greenbelt to build homes.

For Grimsby the fight is on the waterfront and the flashpoint on Greenbelt lands at 502 Winston Road.

“That land is not meant for affordable housing,”

said Mark Freeman, from 50by30Niagara. He wants it retained as greenspace. “We need nature to fight climate change.”

Organizer Liz Benneian, founder of Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara said the Bill’s move to reduce development charges, the fees developers pay to municipalities

to cover key aspects of infrastructure and services, will put a lot of public money into developers’ pockets.

Benneian said Niagara Region could see $122 million in lost revenue, leading to double-digit tax increases.

“Many longstanding naturalists have never been political but they’re out now,” said longtime activist Fiona McMurran.

Benneian told more than 100 people lining Livingston Ave. to not feel disheartened.

“This fight is not over until lands that should be protected, are protected for good,” Benneian said, adding the fight’s not over until there is good planning and affordable housing.

Organizer Liz Benneian addresses Saturday’s big protest crowd. McDonald - Photo

Logging is not something we think much about, here in the southernmost part of Canada. Logging takes place in the north, and is especially an issue in British Columbia. So why should we care?

North America has been blessed with some of the most amazing forests on the planet. Canada does not have the beautiful rare redwoods found farther south in California, but it does have plenty of Canada’s largest tree, the Douglas fir.

The Douglas fir is Canada’s strongest softwood tree, suitable for making window frames, doors and stairs. It is a natural resource that has the full attention of the logging industry. But there is also an

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

aspect of logging that we rarely hear aboutpoaching.

For some families in the Pacific Northwest of the US and British Columbia, logging is a tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

Of late, many jobs have been lost in logging (consider the “softwood wars” between Canada and the US, so important in negotiating NAFTA), so that many communities have become impoverished. Former loggers are sorely tempted to take up poaching, using their logging knowledge.

A lot of money can be made this way, as

a tree can be valued by experts at as much as $35,000+ when chopped up into chunks which can be sold to artisans to make bowls and other similar items.

In her book Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America’s Woods, Lyndsie Bourgon writes of an 800-year-old, 160-foot high red cedar which had been attacked by poachers and left teetering on a dangerous angle, perhaps because taking it down safely was beyond their skills. Clearly this was a case of vandalism, with no particular purpose. All Canadians need to pay attention to the protection of our old-growth forests, and the softwood issues that come out of British Columbia.

Where Compassion Grows

Supporting people to live well until last breaths is a measure of our humanity and our society. And helping families stay well and cope through bereavement is the mark of a compassionate community. Recognizing that lives are lived from beginning to end, we are called to help people live their last days as best we can. But we can’t do it without you.

148 Central Ave., Grimbsy, ON L3M 4Z3

Charitable Registration Number: 82883 4077 RR0001

History can offend, but important to study

Moonlight fun

Sarah and Barry Smillie of Beamsville were out at Teddy’s Sports Bar in Grimsby - along with daughter Taylor - when roving magician “Scoop McCoy” dropped by their table to wow them with a trick. Scoop toured Main Street as part of the Grimsby DIA’s Moonlight Madness on Friday. The event included Juliet Dunn’s swing tunes, Grimsby Celebration Choir’s carolling and Santa’s elves touring Main Street giving out treats.

WineFest admission free

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Town of Lincoln, in collaboration with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Tourism Partnership of Niagara, are offering FREE admission to two of Lincoln’s most festive winter events – Winter WineFest and the Ball’s Falls Holiday Light Trail. Free gate admission tickets will be required. Go to: eventbrite.ca and click link, “Food & Drink for details.

Looking for a great opportunity to become involved in the Town of Lincoln?

Consider joining one of the Town of Lincoln’s Advisory Boards and Committees! Be the voice that helps to make the Town of Lincoln a place to grow, a place to prosper and a place to belong.

The Town’s Advisory Boards and Committees offer a forum for citizen members, key community stakeholders and youth to communicate their opinions, share their expertise to support its programs and represent interests of the community.

The Town of Lincoln is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as citizen volunteers as outlined below. Membership on these committees are appointed by Council and for a 4-year term. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2022.

Applications and details regarding the Town of Lincoln Boards and Committees is available online at bm-public-lincoln.escribemeetings.com.

For more information, contact the Legislative Services Team at 905-563-8205 or email clerks@lincoln.ca

Help build the Town’s 2023 Budget

As

To learn more and complete the Budget Survey, visit SpeakUpLincoln.ca.

Julie Kirkelos | Town Clerk

SCAN ME

Photos By Joanne McDonald

Huge crowd greets Santa during Grimsby parade

The crowd was bundled up and lined 3-4 deep along Livingston and Main Streets.

Parade-goers help fill the boot carried by Grimsby firefighter Jim Bergshoeff.

The Burlington Teen Tour Band is always a crowd favourite.

The gingerbread man delighted youngsters along the route.

Amber Ellis with her kids Bryan and Tessa.

Raylan MacDonald takes a nap while (L-R) Finley MacDonald, Cooper Garrett, and Jack MacDonald wait for Santa to arrive.

Cairn Christian School was represented by a big group including (L to R) Dad, Mark Cary with Winnie and Aven Cary, and John Christoff.

Grimsby Kinettes celebrated the parade theme with 100 Years of Toys.

Abby and Lila were perched on the Safe Tree Professional Tree Care float.

Barbie (Kinette Breanne Klassen) made an appearance.

Waiting for Santa (L-R) Jodie Stoner, Blake Stoner, and Kailey Sheehan with her children Trenton and Nash in the wagon.

Sisters (L-R) Hannah, 9, Rachel, 7, and Olivia, 5 enjoy the parade with their Dad, Aaron.

The Blessed Trinity Drumline, including (L to R) Alfred Dela Pena, Hari Om Chadha, Isabelle Brown, and Heloise Santibanez-Bowron performed.

Aspire Gymnastics entertained the crowd with flips and hand stands along the parade route.

Reader not ready to move on from fed actions

Dear Editor, I cannot just “move on” when our own Canadian government has targeted and vilified a segment of its own citizens as dangerous misogynists and racists because they are deemed to be holding “unacceptable views” contrary to govern-

House of Hair Design

Welcome Julian

Letters

ment mandates.

Spoken by the leader of our Canadian government in public interviews and speeches: “There are also people who are fiercely against vaccination who don’t believe in science.

They are often misogynists, also of-

ten racists.” and also shouted the taunt in a public speech, “And you know what?

If you don’t want to get vaccinated that’s your choice but don’t think you can get on a plane or a train beside vaccinated people and put them at risk!!

The inference here being that these people are a danger to society.

Although I am a senior and will probably not live to see it, my hope is that some day, as it is with the memory of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, we will look back on this with shame and regret.

I cannot look the other way and just hope it doesn’t happen again.

Barbara Kozarichuk, West Lincoln

joy

Polar bear dip set for New

Year’s

Bal Harbour Beach in Grimsby will be the scene of the annual Polar Bear Dip on Jan. 1. Participants can register starting at 1:30 p.m. with the “dip” at 2 p.m.

A minimum of a $25 donation to McNally House is asked. Participants will get a T-shirt. Note, there will only be one dip time. Call 905945-7676 for details.

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CARS, tRUCKS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289686-5059.

SHERMAN, Ruth Ellen (nee Podgora)

Passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Friday, December 2, 2022 in her 92nd year. Ruth was married to the love of her life Richard for more than 60 years. She will be forever missed by her children Ute, Michael (Sandi), and Douglas. Ruth will be remembered by her grandchild Kevin, great grandchildren Kyler and Ashlyn, and great great granddaughter Lilly. She was predeceased by her brother Harold and granddaughter Sabrina. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville. Donations to the Salvation Army or Red Cross would be appreciated and if desired can be made through the funeral home. merritt-fh.com (905)957-7031

TREE SERVICE

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LABRIE Trudy (Truss)

October 9, 1927- November 28, 2022

It is with heavy hearts and beautiful memories that we announce the passing of our mother, oma, great oma and sister who was in her 96th year and went to be with her Lord on November 28, 2022. She will forever be remembered as a kind and loving woman by her family and friends. She leaves behind her children Agnes, Grace (Art), and Jim (Beth), her grandchildren Trevor, Brad (Megan), Julia (Alex), Tasha, Josh, and her great grandson Jacob who were truly her pride and joy.

She will also be deeply missed by her beloved sisters and brothers-in-law Kryna and Pete VanGeest, Claudia and Graham Poirier, and her many nieces and nephews.

We love you Mom, Oma, Truus, and we know you’re saying, “I love you much more.”

Trudy was born October 9, 1927 in Boskoop, Netherlands. She immigrated to Canada in 1950 with her parents, brother and two younger sisters.

Trudy met and married the love of her life Jacob in April 1952. They were married for 68 years before Jacob passed in 2020.

Trudy worked for a short period before and after her marriage at the Beamsville Basket Factory before changing careers to become a mother and homemaker. She focused on caring for her family and making her home a loving and welcoming place for all those who stopped by for a visit. You could always count on good conversation and a fresh pot of coffee every afternoon (served with a plate of homemade lemon cookies or black forest cake) – and on Sundays, a hot bowl of soup.

She and Jacob lived their entire married life in Vineland where they raised their family and watched their grandchildren grow up. She was the matriarch of her family and found her greatest joy in gathering all her family and loved ones together.

Trudy was a talented seamstress, and many can attest to the skill of her cross stitching, knitting, and crocheting; these beloved treasures fill the homes of her friends and family today. In her years living at the Orchardview Apartments she was always happily knitting and crocheting for residents of the Mennonite Home, and for their fundraising events, putting love and care into each stitch.

She also loved her volunteer work at the “Wednesday Soup Day Lunches” and would always be able to tell you how many bowls of soup they sold that day!

Trudy spent her final two and a half years as a resident of the Mennonite Home and although her mind and memory were affected by dementia, she continued to be known as a kind, sweet woman who despite everything was always smiling (and making us laugh with her witty sense of humour). She will be missed by many.

The funeral service and celebration of her life was held at Tallman Funeral Home in Vineland on Monday December 5th at 2:00 pm. Following the service there was a luncheon in the Fireside Room to share memories and meet with the family. A private family interment at the Vineland Cemetery took place prior to the service.

We are so grateful to the United Mennonite Home staff and Dr. Woodland for the wonderful care you provided for mom during her time there and she will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers please feel free to send your memorial donations to the United Mennonite Home in Vineland. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

CULP, Donald Howard 1927 – 2022

Don passed away peacefully at the age of 95 with his family by his side. Loving husband of June for 65 years.

Cherished father of Kevin and his wife Doreen. Proud Grandfather of Lindsay, Leslie (Brodie) and Jessica. Great Grandfather to Carson and Lincoln.

The family will receive friends to celebrate Don’s life on Saturday December 10th from 2-4pm at the Fireside Room at Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St. Vineland). Cremation has taken place. Private family interment to take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to WLMH would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

WILSON, Lois

Lois passed away peacefully, on November 29 2022, in her 93rd year. Lois was married to the love of her life, Don Wilson, and forever missed her son, Alan Robert Wilson, both predeceased. Loving sister to Jack Watson, Ron Watson, and Joan Musson (predeceased), and her brother, Warren Watson. Lois will be remembered for her contagious laugh, sense of humor and spirit for life, by her grandchildren Andrea Botkin (Mike, Kylie and Ethan), Brandi Niedling (Abigale), Shannon MacAulay (Tobin, Willa), and Kirstin MacAulay (Jaiya, Grayson). Lois will be remembered fondly by her nieces and nephews and daughter-in-law, Bobby Wilson. Lois’s family would like to thank the staff at Albright Manor, for the compassionate care they gave. She will be forever missed by her best friend, Joyce Toth. Lois is also survived by former daughter-in-law Suzanne Boyce. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

OBITUARIES

MARTIN

Ronald William

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the age of 81. Ron is predeceased by his wife Dorothy (2004) and his parents Bill (2000) and Lillian (2000). Survived by his son Doug (Marey), and his daughter Kim (late Ken). Special Grandfather of Jacob Martin. Ron is also survived by his sister Gail (Ralph) Grebe and sister-in-law Joeann Unrau. Predeceased by brother-in-law Peter (late Bonnie) Unrau and brother-in-law Willy (late Sandy) Unrau. Ron is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Jeff Grebe, Kevin (Liz) Grebe, Nikki Unrau, Kristy (Eric) Andersen, Leigh-Anne (Paul) Mitrovich and their families.

Ron followed in his fathers footsteps with a life long career at International Harvester (Case IH) in Hamilton, Ontario where he worked as an Engineer for over 40 years. In his retirement Ron was a dedicated volunteer in the community earning several awards for his service. He was a long serving member of the Beamsville Lions Club and enjoyed every opportunity to give back to the community and those in need.

Cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be held at the Vineland Chapel - Tallman Funeral Home, 3277 King Street in Vineland on Saturday, December 17th 12-2pm followed by a private family interment at the Vineland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide program or Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada..

Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

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THOMPSON, James Benner

June 27, 1923 – December 1, 2022

It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear Jim passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2022, at the West Lincoln Hospital in Grimsby, seven months shy of his 100th birthday. He was surrounded by his close family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Edra (2017).

Jim was born in Winnipeg to parents James Richard Thompson and Margaret Cross (Benner) both having passed in 1967. Jim grew up in Winnipeg, Medicine Hat, Kenora, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and St. Catharine’s. He spent many summers on his grandfather’s farm on Beechwood Road in Niagara Falls and at a ranch in Montana.

After completion of High School at St. Catharine’s Collegiate (April 1943) he joined the RCAF in Pilot Training. When the Pilot course terminated, he re-mustered as an Air Gunner graduating in 1944. After discharge from the RCAF, Jim attended Victoria College at The University of Toronto where he met his wife Edra Elizabeth Wooley. They married on February 9, 1951.

Jim worked at Canadian Comstock Co. on the electrical frequency exchange from 25 to 60 cycle. He then moved to Thompson Products where he oversaw USAF machinery brought in for jet engine blade production. He also held positions of Manager of Plant & Property, Accounting, Credit Manager and Manager of Benefit Administration. He resigned in 1973 to pursue a career in Real Estate Sales working for Guaranty Trust, Davco Realty and Brock Real Estate as a Broker until 1992.

Jim and Edra were devoted members of Queen St. Baptist Church and lived in St. Catharine’s until 1964 when they bought 17 acres on the top of the Niagara Escarpment west of Vineland, Ontario. Jim was an Amateur Radio Operator with the call sign VE3BCA (since 1947) and loved their home “Ben Rockwood” given its high spot for his antennas. As a young man Jim was in bed for 12 months due to illness – this bed rest founded his great love for amateur radio.

He was a founding member of the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio club in 1948 and compiled the club history from 1948 to 2008.

Jim was a Grand Lodge Officer with St. George Masonic Lodge #15 – having been a member for over 60 years, serving as a Master in 1964/5. Jim was a life member of the American Radio Relay League, Radio Amateurs of Canada, a past President (1957) of the Niagara Peninsula Radio Club (NPARC), and the Quarter Century Wireless Association. The NPARC created an award in Jim’s name.

Jim was a bowtie wearing, pipe smoking legend in our family for many reasons. His fully stacked pocket protector said more about his love of statistics and his need to always be prepared than anything else. His keen interest and skill in engineering and re-engineering from his workshop amazed us all. Jim was a superior natural athlete and an avid tennis player, playing into his late 80’s. His quick wit, humour, charm, and knack for storytelling always made us laugh right until the very end. His love of both family and dogs was quiet but deep. He sought to remain independent until his last few weeks with us.

Nature and sanctuary were Jim and Edra’s dream; evident as they devoted their entire life to designing, building, and living within Ben Rockwood, on the Niagara escarpment. A gentleman always, we will sorely miss his sparkle and quiet ways.

Jim is survived by sister, Ruth Jeanne Slemon-Froud of Oshawa and brother, Dr. John Robert (Jack) Thompson of Shanty Bay, as well as many loving relatives and friends. We extend a special thanks to friends Darlene Horsley, Richard Hurst and John Howard who have been so helpful and caring over the years. In addition, we are very grateful for the kindness shown by Dr. DePetrillo and the staff at the West Lincoln Hospital.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends at Ben Rockwood, 3970 Tintern Road on December 29th at 11am. Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.

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I am sure several hundred, if not more, will be waiting in anticipation to see what is in this space re the departure of Grimsby CAO Harry Schlange.

Short answer: not much.

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

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I just don’t have it in me.

Now that the G5 have been eradicated and the administrative leader of the unholy alliance is now gone as of Monday, every person in Grimsby needs to look ahead and set about righting the ship.

A new CAO, a new director of planning, getting back to the subcommittee format will set the table. From there, it will take a decade for the rebuilt team to gain the knowledge and understanding required for the community they serve.

* * * * * * *

Happy winner

Chris Shaw is this week’s winner of the Grimsby DIA’s shop local campaign $500 shopping spree. Chris wsa doing some shopping at her favourite downtwon shop, Cocoon, to get a winning entry. She has opted to divide her prize among Cocoon, Home Sweet Home and Teddy’s Sports Bar. There are still three weeks left for you to win a $500 shopping spree. Just email your receipt for $25 or more of shopping in downtown Grimsby to: shoplocal@wn3.ca The cut-off each week is Friday noon, draws are on Saturdays.

Of course flu counts are up

Nobody should be surprised when they hear the number of flu cases are up over normal levels and the strains are more impactful.

That is an obvious and predictable reaction to people being stuck indoors, minimal social activity for nearly three years, and escalated COVID safety requirements. This does not mean some of the safety measures were not needed at the time, but limited or eliminating exposure to even the common cold has a boomerang effect and society is in the middle. Our natural immunity has depleted. M.W.

On a Christmassy note, on Page 14 you will see a house ad for a nifty little reader promo we’re doing.

All you need to do is send in a quick little write up, 100-125 words topsrecollecting a special gift which meant a lot to you.

It’s not about big. It’s not about flashy. It’s about what meant a lot to you.

Guaranteed, you will know right away which gift is the top of your list. It will be top of mind at this point in the Christmas season.

Three popular restaurants have sponsored $50 gift certificates for

those drawn from all submissions. I will print a selection of some of those submitted over the holiday season, too. So you could end up with a full tummy and famous - just for taking a few minutes to send in your story.

Email your submission to me at: mike@wn3.ca Please include your name and phone number with your submission. There is no age limitmost meaningful gift is certainly relevant to all age levels.

Entries can also be dropped off directly at our office at 1 Mountain Street in Grimsby, right across from Village Inn Plaza. We have a mailslot in the door, so drop by any time to submit. Good luck to all!

* * * * * * *

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard downright guffaws emanating from Grimsby Town Hall, but mirth was in the air Monday night.

Yes, it’s true. The end of the Harry Schlange chapter has closed with the CAO’s “retirement” Monday night. No doubt that brought a lot of smiles and warmed hearts for council and staff and, no, I am not going to go on about it. The whole situation with management and the G5 is now done and gone.

Town Hall and the community need to move on, get quality new people in open, key positions and let the healing continue. I have stated it will take a solid 10 years to get fully back up to speed and I stand by that. The only way to speed that process and the brain drain we’ve seen is if council is able, during the hiring process, to bring in any new staff who already have an intense knowledge of the community. Let’s see what happens.

Now Monday, Mayor Jeff Jordan added to the merriment, quite unintentionally, when he waxed poetic about council riding through Saturday’s Santa Claus Parade on the Town’s antique fire truck.

His comment - even better if you imagine the mayor doing his best Rodney Dangerfield impression (which he did not do), “It was really nice to be up on top of Old Betsy...wait...that doesn’t sound right...”

I leave you with that :)

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Santa will continue his Christmas season tour with a stop at Grimsby’s Peach King Centre on Dec. 17 for West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary’s Breakfast With Santa. Always one of the most popular events

Breakfast With Santa

on the social calendar, the event features a full breakfast, complete with a visit from the big man, plus an added feature dubbed Santa’s Clauset. This feature is to allow youngster’s to “shop” and

wrap a gift for someone special.

The event runs from 8 a.m.-Noon.

The cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family of up to five. There is a small fee for the Kid’s Clauset

hat trick

2 x 76 new

Dec. 17

feature.

Tickets for the event - which will be run in the upstairs auditorium at PKC - are available in the Auxiliary’s office at the front door of WLMH and at the door.

Garden

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

Noise, Virgil 539

RawKnee 537

O’Toole, Bernie .... 536

SHOP LOCAL SINCE 1989

SHOP LOCAL SINCE 1989

SHOP LOCAL SINCE 1989

Home Office

Home Office

Home Office

905-562-3000

905-562-3000

3915 21st Street, Jordan Bus. 905-563-3330 bilko@rgcmail.com www.bilko.ca

3915 21st Street, Jordan Bus. 905-563-3330 bilko@rgcmail.com www.bilko.ca

905-562-3000 3915 21st Street, Jordan Bus. 905-563-3330 bilko@rgcmail.com www.bilko.ca

GRIMSBY LEGION

233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421 Facebook: Grimsby Legion

Fri., Dec. 9: Karaoke 7:30-11 pm. All Welcome. No Cover. Sat., Dec. 10: Meat Draw 3 p.m. Dance Party 9 pm

off the record & friends

Fri., Dec. 16: off the record & friends 6-11 pm. All Welcome. No Cover.

Sat., Dec. 17: Meat Draw 3 p.m. Dance Party 9 pm

Fri., Dec. 23: Karaoke 7:30-11 pm. All Welcome. No Cover. Sat., Dec. 24: Meat Draw 3 p.m. Dance Party 9 pm Fri., Dec. 30: Karaoke 7:30-11 pm. All Welcome. No Cover. Sat.., Dec. 31: NEW YEAR’S GALA Advanced Ticket sales only.

NEW YEAR’S GALA

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Sales Representative

City Realty Inc., Brokerage

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Sales Representative

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Sales Representative

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage