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In response to public concern about a name change for the rebuilt West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, NewsNow has set up a poll on the paper’s website to allow for quick voting input.
“It is not a scientific poll by any means but, rather, just a simple way to take the temperature of the community,” said NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft.
In fact, the polling system does not allow for multiple votes to be weeded out, so results can appear skewed.
“We will let it run for a couple of weeks, then we can go into the system and see how may IP addresses cast mul-
tiple votes. It is the best way to make something like that more accurate,” said Williscraft.
“We will count only one vote per IP address in the end and we will publish the result in mid-March.”
The issue of the proposed name change - coming from a letter sent in April 2023 to WLMH Foundation - by Niagara West’s three mayors and Niagara’s regional chair came to light after a press release was issued Jan. 29.
Since that time, much concern and feedback has been received by each municipality about the proposed West Niagara Memorial Hospital name as well
as the process itself.
In response to the proposal, Hamilton Health Sciences noted public engagement, council consensus and inquiries with equity seeking partners should all be part of the process.
As noted at Lincoln’s Feb. 5 council meeting, none of those items had been conducted at that point.
Initially, only Lincoln’s website was to gather public comment through its Speak Up Lincoln feature, but now both Grimsby’s and West Lincoln’s sites have public comment options now.
The name matter is now to go HHS’s board meeting in May.
The U11 AA West Niagara Flying Aces collected scrap metal as a fundraiser for West Lincoln Community Care last month. The club turned over $900 from their efforts. On hand for the presentation were: Back (L to R) Heather Gilfillan, and Sharlene Volpatti of WLCC. Middle: Landon Bannister, Owen Medwid, Ryan Gerryts, Nixon Rousselle, Lucas Faseruk, Jacob Staples, Stone Parent, Keldon Barry, Hunter Salverda, Jace Zylstra, Jacob Yusufyan.
Front: Joey Scibetta, Brayden Bowers, Chase Karrandjas. Absent: Bas Vanbrederode, Colin Kaus and Colby Poliquin.
I’ve always thought that changing the name of a building or institution was a belated slap in the face to the person after whom the building was named.
For example, the Nora Frances Henderson hospital on Hamilton mountain was named for the member of City Council who believed that the people of that growing community needed a hospital that was accessible all year around.
Winters were more brutal than this one. Miss Henderson was an admired and respected woman politician. While the Juravinskis have been marvellous supporters of that hospital, Miss Henderson did the hard ground work of getting that first hospital built.
I don’t think her name should have been removed from the mountain hospital.
She is not known by the present generation, but that does not diminish her contribution to society.
Council.
Some people have wondered why our county was named for an American president. It wasn’t. It was named for Lincoln County in England, where many of our early settlers originated.
Our town, Grimsby was named because our river and pond reminded our first lieutenant-governor, John Graves Simcoe, of the fishing village he knew in Lincoln.
Our new hospital will be bigger, newer, better than the old one.
But, it will still have the same history, the story of the golf club house on the escarpment, the fire, the frantic fund-raising, and the hospital that rose on Main Street East soon after.
Somewhere in the basement of that hospital - or somewhere else - are the scarred memorial plaques rescued from that fire.
Similarly, the name Lincoln may not mean much to many people in West Niagara.
There is no longer a Lincoln County
I hope they find a prominent spot in the lobby of the new hospital.
I cannot see any good reason for changing the name. May it still be West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
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"I want to thank Zoi and her Team. Zoi made selling our home look effortless, even though we have been living in the U.S. and the house was empty during the entire process. They took good care of our house and our interests like their own. They were honest and sincere. We trusted them and they exceeded what they had promised. My wife and I are grateful to them and glad that we chose to work with them"
- Daniel & Lisa C.The amendments to the existing Zoning By-law provisions and the implementation of a Licensing By-Law propose to regulate and license Short-Term Accommodations (STA) for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of persons residing in residential properties, minimizing potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town. View the project webpage at SpeakUpLincoln.ca for further information in this regard.
The Licensing By-Law proposes to:
• Require all STAs to obtain a license from the Town.
• Implement a standard STA Licensing application process.
• Implement a Demerit Point and Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
• Establish a registry of all STAs within the Town.
Proposed amendments to the current Zoning By-law provisions for STAs include:
• Clarification on the type of structures STAs are permitted to be located in.
• Provide for a maximum number of guest rooms.
• Implement new and amend existing definitions for types of STAs.
A Public meeting was held on October 16, 2023, and the input received has been considered in the final proposal.
For more information, contact: Allison Martin | Planner 905-563-2799 ext. 502 | amartin@lincoln.ca
You are invited to attend the Committee of the Whole Meeting:
Council Chambers
Town Hall
4800 South Service Rd., Beamsville
Beginning at 6 p.m.
If you wish to appear as a delegation for the meeting (in person or electronically), you must submit a delegation request either online at lincoln.ca/delegations, or by contacting the Clerk’s department:
» EMAIL: clerks@lincoln.ca
» PHONE: 905-563-2799 ext. 513
Delegation requests are accepted until 9 a.m. on the Thursday prior to the meeting and may speak for a maximum of five (5) minutes.
Electronic delegations will be done by video conference via the internet or telephone. Confirmation of your delegation and instructions on how to participate electronically will be provided by email or telephone by the Clerk’s department.
You will be able to watch the public meeting at the Committee of the Whole meeting live on the Town of Lincoln’s YouTube channel.
An Aging with Passion and Purpose Conference is set for Grimsby on Friday, March 8.
The event is hosted at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church by the Town of Grimsby with support from OACAO and the Government of Ontario.
The Seniors Information and Active Living Fair will be free and aims to provide valuable resources to encourage healthy aging through art.
Dr. Patricia Hewston and research associate Sophia Matarazzo from the Geras Centre for Aging Research will kick off the event with a keynote address Blue Zone Secrets for a Longer, Healthier Life.
From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., participants will be able to drop in and browse 30+ community not-for-profit and business vendors offering a diverse range of services and products.
The fair will also offer seminars, Therapy Tails, fitness and hearing clinics, as well as complimentary refreshments, an endnote address and door prizes.
Tickets are available to purchase for the
Age-Friendly Conference that will feature three programming sessions to choose from including a drum circle, medication safe ty, fraud prevention, healing aging with art, living with loss, heart healthy eating, tai chi and financial literacy. Ticket admission will also include lunch from 270 Bench Kitchen. Tickets are available for purchase on Event brite. For more email: recreation@grimsby.ca or call 905 945 1288.
(Above) Family Day in West Lincoln started with a pancake breakfast Monday served by West Lincoln firefighters at the West Lincoln Community Centre. Enjoying table side service (L to R) Brad Vanderhout with Madelyn, 1, and Ashley Vanderhout; and firefighter Andrew Bosscher, with Jainee, 3, Landon, 1, and Laura Bosscher.
(Left) Saturn Mendez of Picasso Painted puts the finishing touches on a beautiful stencil for Addison Stieva, 5. McDonald - Photos
Fri.,
Bluey, the inexhaustible blue heeler puppy was a hit with children (L-R) Easton RossSmith, 4, Liv Beaulieu, 5, Avery Beaulieu, 3, and Emersyn RossSmith, 1, Monday during Family Day fun at the Grimsby Peach King Centre.
Please call to place your Classified Ad 289-235-9500
A beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend peacefully, passed away on February 11th at the age of 82 at the Juravinski Hospital. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, he now joins his wife, Dianne McIntyre and his heavenly family. Harvey will be remembered for his immense knowledge and his love for model railways, HAM radio and photography. If you wish, the family is accepting donations for his dependent son, Jamie. Any contributions are greatly appreciated and can be sent to jamiemtrust@gmail.com
Remembering and loving you forever.
Passed away at his home, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of the late Sharon (2023) for over 56 years. Loved father of Jennifer Mogridge and Amber Lautenbach (Fred). Cherished grandfather of Zackary (Paige), Michael (Tristan) and Matthew (Sophie) and great-grandfather of Tucker. Dear brother of Barbara Campbell (late John) and brother-in-law of Alan Carr (Abena) and John Frame. Uncle of Nicholas Carr and Kristine Nadeau (Jamie) and great-uncle of Courtney and Ryan. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will take place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB
FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2-5 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
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October 19, 1973-February 11, 2023
It is with tears, deep sorrow, love and heartbreak that we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Michael Anthony Raso. Dearly loved son of Luba (John) and the late Domenico. Loving partner and soul mate of Rabecca Compton-Morgan. Dearly beloved brother of David (Julie) and cherished zio of Layla. Forever remembered in love by his many dear aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael graduated from St. Thomas More Secondary School and McMaster University in Hamilton. With the love and support of his mentor, Wally, Michael overcame life’s challenges and built J.S. Contracting Inc. doing what he loved best. Michael loved his family deeply and lived from his heart. His joy, smile, love, kindness, generosity and warmth was freely shared and felt by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. Michael was a remarkable man, often recognized for his charismatic, outrageous and humorous demeanor. He kept a special place in his big heart for his fur baby, Stella, who along with Rabecca, were the loves of his life.
“Strength of Samson, Patience of Job, Wisdom of Solomon”
In the end, it is not the years in Michael’s life that count....it is the life in his years.
On Angels Wings, Bello
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Honsberger Estate, 4060 Jordan Road, Jordan Station, Ontario on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Pathstone Niagara, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara or Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755 www.smithsfh.com
VanBRUG, Jan (John) Jackob
Jan (John) Jacob VanBrug, 66, of Beamsville, Ontario passed away peacefully on February 11 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He will be missed greatly by his kids, siblings, friends and Legion family.
John was born in Hamilton to Gurbe (George) and Jitske (Jean) VanBrug. Attended Southmount Highschool. He had a short time but a great time in Smithville as the owner / baker of Quality Street Bakery and Tearoom and continued on to work for CH Heist (Onyx, Veolia) in Hamilton where he retired after 25 years of hard work.
He is survived by his children Alie Harman (Brent) and George VanBrug. His grandchildren Jacob and Briar. His siblings Cor VanBrug (Lisa), Lucy Heida (Theodore), Phyllis Sutton, Anna Bartlett (Roger) and Elly Davidson (Ron) along with many well loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and older sister Jane Brouwer (Carl).
His fun loving spirit and kindness will be greatly missed and an inspiration to us all. He was always ready with a smile and lived a live and let live life.
A Celebration of Life has been planned for March 2 at 4 pm.
Royal Canadian Legion, 5545 King St, Beamsville
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” –Gandhi
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Monday, February 12, 2024. Beloved wife of Eric Gillespie. Survived by her two loving sons, Greg and Ben. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.
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Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners:
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14. Schilte, Frank “the tank” 1071
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NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006
A couple of “catch up” items before we get to the latest hot buttton issue making the rounds in Niagara West...
Feb. 1 we published the obituary for Dr. Ed Aitken, who died Jan. 18.
To say the man was a local legend would be an understatement. Over the last few weeks I have had a series of calls with Dr. Aitken anecdotes and some letters as well.
Anyone can go in and vote yes or no to “Do you believe the name of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital should be changed?
As we sit today, the totals are 42-21 in favour of a name change.
Now that may surprise some, but hold the phone for a sec.
The stories of Dr. Aitken pretty much living at Peach King Arena were a common thread - along with his devotion to the Peach Kings junior team.
If a ref didn’t show or missed an assignment, on many occasions, Dr. Aitken would already be on hand and jump into action to fill the vacancy.
I never met the man, but clearly his calling of helping others far exceeded just the medical profession. He touched hundreds if not thousands of lives in his community and made the whole place better as a result.
That kind of legacy is all anyone could or should ask for so, thanks for all your efforts, Dr. Aitken. *
A lot of people are talking about the upcoming eclipse on April 8.
Pancake chefs Ken Pettigrew and Fred VanderBeek took care or visitors at Grimsby’s Trinity United Church’s annual pancake dinner. Geof Thompson had the sausage detail. The event went great with about 170 hungry attendees.
While many are talking about the happening itself, I’ve had a lot of people ask why various school boards - including District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic
board - are bailing on the educational opportunity in favour of setting a professional development (PD) day instead.
The cynical me says they are simply concerned about any possible liability if a student opts to ignore all warnings and looks into the eclipse.
Students won’t care. I am sure they will take the day off and run.
Niagara, it seems, is supposed to be one of the best locations in North America to see the eclipse. So, it would figure, with Beamers Point being the highest point in Niagara that location will draw quite the crowd.
Niagara Falls is forecasting about one million visitors on that date - combining Canada and U.S. sides of the border.
I sure hope it is not a cloudy day.
* * * * * * *
On the West Lincoln Memorial new name proposal, there is a poll set up on our website: newsnowniagara.com
We don’t have a fancy website that can bar someone from voting more than once. Some people with little demand on their time could, indeed, sit there for an hour and vote over and over for either side of the equation. The total you see after you vote will not be accurate on the face of it.
However, on the back end of the system, we can see which IP addresses have cast multiple votes. In a couple of weeks I will go into the system and account for those voters assigning one single vote per IP address.
Now, that will still not be exact as someone with a laptop and cell phone could vote with each device, but it will be a little closer than having someone vote 30 times.
An oddity from the last week, people have come in to let their views be known. Their comments have been virtually identical, glad hospital is rebult as that is most important, current name appreciated, but then they split into: A) So no need to change or
B) So why not change it.
(Editor’s Note: The following pays respects to long-time physician Dr. Harold Aitken, who died Jan. 18, 2024.)
Dear Editor,
When we left Ottawa for Grimsby in October 1963, I was pregnant and concerned about finding a new doctor.
A friend who had nursed at WLMH told
me to call Dr. Aitken’s office as she was very impressed with his work and “bedside manner”.
Soon after settling in, I called Dr. Aitken’s office. His nurse said he was very busy but I persevered. I am so glad I did. Over the years, he looked after us so well!
He delivered our two sons (tigers) and cared for us all.
A great example of his care;
Grant and our two sons were invited to play pick-up hockey at 7 a.m. on Sundays with some of the local doctors and their sons.
One morning in the dressing room, Dr. Aitken asked Scott what had caused the blue
mark over a bone in his hand. Scott explained that it was from a cleat on a shoe as he was stepped on during a football tackle.
Dr. Aitken told him to stop by the office on his way home from school the next day. Scott did and Dr. Aitken said he would put a cast on the hand -football was over, so no problem.
Scott said he had
one more playoff game. So, Dr. Aitken made a cast that could be removed and Scott was assured that he could catch and carry the ball.
He never reinjured his hand, as one might think. Obviously, Dr. Aitken was caring for the ‘whole’ person and deserved our unending gratitude.
Apparently, he often had patients just
drop in. This caused a lot of problems for his nurses.
We visited him in the summer of 2022 at his home in Goderich and received a royal welcome.
Sadly, we did not go in 2023 and were looking forward to hugs this summer.
There is a lesson there.
Charlene & Grant Berhardt, Grimsby
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your due diligence on our behalf.
Independent thinking seems to be thin on the ground, so we appreciate frank discussions on local events very much.
Concerning your editorial in the Jan. 31 paper regarding the name change at WLMH, we seem to be in an era of name
understandable, three different schools, you couldn’t use just one of them I suppose.
Someone would not have been pleased.
Personally, I’m not convinced that mega schools are good for the kids.
good experience.
One more is still in Grade 10, likes sports and is a good student, so we have our fingers crossed there.
Dear Editor,
Have you and your readers lost your balance?
In light of all of the enormously pressing problems that are facing our world and society, I don’t know whether to be amused or appalled by this silly tempest in a teapot.
Perhaps it is someone’s hope of new beginnings. The school name was somewhat
It seems to me that the ones who need help are destined to be not noticed and lose out.
I have two family members who are just out of the secondary school system and both were glad to leave, not a
Surely the changes to the hospital name should be a community decision, not just three mayors and regional chair.
Has there been any public discussion on that front?
I’m calling my councillor in Lincoln tomorrow,
Barb RobinsDespite having been a resident in this area since ’62, having myself been a patient at WLMH on one occasion, and having had relatives and friends there over the decades, I can say I have exactly zero interest in its name.
And now there’s going to be more money and bureaucratic time and consultation spent on the issue? Wake me up when the argument’s over.
Harry Kort, LincolnPRODUCE:
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