E-Edition January 26 2023

> Lincoln earns two Niagara Region Biennial Design awards /Pg

4 > Beamsville-based choir seeks members Pg 6 > Lucien Rene: bottle drives support community Page 8 > Village Inn sparked heritage interest Pg 9

Thursday, January, 26, 2023

Vol. 11

Issue 36

www.wn3.ca

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

100% Niagara West owned & operated Circ: 29,006

Family ties

The West Lincoln Arena and Community Centre’s state-of-theart ice surface drew a crowd for an afternoon of public skating Sunday in Smithville. Lacing up for some exercise and fun are Daniel and Stephanie Gagné with their children Elise, 6, and Samuel, 4. McDonald – Photo

Lincoln gets favourable responses at ROMA

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

When municipalities get face time with key government ministers, officials know they need to come in hot and be able to back up their asks with data and reason.

After a meeting with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark on Monday at the 2023 ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) Conference, Lincoln officials believe they have made a case on key

fronts - one being a possible release from the Greenbelt of two properties.

“On the matter of the Greenbelt and the specific properties we discussed; the minister indicated that he expects a

submission from the Town and follow up request regarding the two properties mentioned, ie Jordan Public School and the Beacon (Harbourside Resort. He indicated it makes sense they be removed,” said

Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.

Although there was no “ask”, Clark confirmed the government’s plan to reimburse any municipality negatively impacted by the waiving of develop-

ment charges for affordable housing units built on lands released from Greenbelt restrictions.

“Minister Clark reiterated on Bill 23 that municipalities will be made whole,” said

See MEETING, Page 3

Form 6

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

Municipal Act, 2001

Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the lands described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on March 1, 2023, at the Grimsby Town Hall, Municipal Office, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby Ontario.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Grimsby Town Hall, Municipal Office, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby.

Description of Lands:

1. Roll No. 26 15 020 023 34402 0000; PIN PART OF PIN 46044-0044 (LT); PT LT 21 CON 5 NORTH GRIMSBY PT 17 30R768; GRIMSBY; File No. 20-10

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $$20,000

Minimum tender amount: $9,360.52

2. Roll No. 26 15 020 023 34403 0000; PIN PART OF PIN 46044-0044 (LT); PT LT 21 CON 5 NORTH GRIMSBY PT 16 30R768; GRIMSBY; File No. 20-14

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $20,000

Minimum tender amount: $$9,326.22

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, availability of road access, or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c.10, s. 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property.

The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act, and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Transfers of properties that contain at least one and not more than six single family residences and are transferred to non-residents of Canada or foreign entities, are subject to the Province’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST.

The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit:

www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact:

Faye West, CPA CGA Manager of Revenue and Collections

The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby

160 Livingston Avenue

Grimsby ON L3M 0J5

(905) 309-2062

fwest@grimsby.ca

www.grimsby.ca

MEETING

From Page 1 Kirkopoulos.

“Admittedly, no details yet but a reiteration that is the government’s intent.”

Also on the table for Lincoln was a $500,000 ask for support to modernize the municipality’s services and tools for efficiency and for $350,000 to support lost revenue growth due to COVID.

“We asked about funding and further modernization dollars. some of which is intended to help with documentation and records management and our capital budget,” said Kirkopoulos.

The $500,000 is

comprised of:

• A vehicle fleet management system - $70,000;

• Electronic document and records management system - $150,000, and;

• Permitting modernization$324,000.

In addition to that session, Lincoln officials also met with Minister of Labour and Immigration Monte McNaughton and others.

“We met with Minister McNaughton on funding for the youth skills studio/civic connect. It’s a multiyear ask this time. It’s the third intake. We are seeking $9 million over three years,” noted Kirkopoulos.

“We also met with

representatives from infrastructure and tourism, sport and culture. With infra-

structure, we spoke about a $6 million request for Rittenhouse Library.”

GRIMSBY LEGION

Alley winner

The Town of Lincoln and its partner, the Downtown Bench Business Improvement Area, earned a Niagara Region Biennial Design Outdoor Art Category Award last week for their Beamsville alleyway collaboration. Receiving the award were BIA president Clayton Gillie and BIA executive director Stephanie Hicks.

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ST. HELEN’S CHURCH

4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON

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Thursday, January 26th - 11 am in the Church Great Hall

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Jackpot $2,900 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm

Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week

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HAT TRICK HOCKEY

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Fred Price

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist, Gary Bachorski

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Uby Paul

• Large,

Receiving Niagara Region’s Biennial Design Award in the Landscape Design category were (L to R): Madison Dalley, landscape architect, Town of Lincoln; Robert Nadalin, electrical Engineer with MJS Consultants; Sarah Ana, Lincoln’s associate director, recreation and culture; Mayor Sandra Easton; Greg Baskin of Landscape Planning; Rich Barry, project superintendent, of Stevensville Lawn Service, and; Sue Foster, Lincoln Rotary.

Rotary Park earns award

Top

1. Grant, Donald ......... 962

2. Heywood, Kevin...... 960

3. Allison, Mike 951

4. Emerson, Kodeeyah 945

5. Smithson, Paul 945

6. Minor, Dale 944

7. Della Valle, Basil 943

8. RawKnee .................. 941

9. Heinen, Stella ........... 939

10. Van Roon, Jim ........ 937

11. Minor, Craig ........... 937

12. Olejarz, Theresa.... 937

13. Tommy 935

14. Havens, Robert 935

15. Van Hartingsveldt, Brad932

16. Vanderstoep, Andre 932

17. Torkelson, Andy 930

18. Waltham, Clark ..... 930

19. Stuive, Alex ............ 929

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The Town of Lincoln and partner Downtown Bench Beamsville Business Improvement Area (BIA) earned two Niagara Region 2022 Biennial Design Awards Jan. 17.

The awards recognize exceptional urban design projects across Niagara.

The awards were:

• Outstanding Achievement Award for Rotary Park, in the Landscape Architecture category.

• Award of Excellence for the Downtown Bench Beams-

ville Alleyway Project (Downtown Bench Business Improvement Area), in the Outdoor Art category.

“This is such an exciting moment for Lincoln! We are very honoured to be recognized for these transformative projects for the Lincoln community,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.

“The success of this program shines a light on the work being done to create beautiful and public spaces across Niagara.”

3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Gord Powell

$15 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, Gus Kooenneef Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.

The sidewalk through Coronation Park in Grimsby is closed while major renovations along the Forty Creek are completed.

Williscraft - Photo

Coronation Park reno underway

Coronation Park in downtown Grimsby is getting a winter facelift.

The sidewalk is closed off to allow workers to complete a Forty Creek renovation of cleaning up the banks and replacing armourstone.

“We tried to keep the removals as limited as we could but all of the materials close to creek had to be removed,” said director of community services Sarah Sweeney.

“Once done, we will look at replanting and working with NPCA for some restoration, being thoughtful to long term park benefit.”

Beamsville-based choir rebounds from COVID

COVID has affected many organizations and groups - The Adante Celtic Choir among them. The group disbanded last year with reduced membership from COVID’s long-term impacts and the retirement of the group’s music director.

Now, a core group singers is seeking to create a new group, Voices of Niagara Choir, says member Kathy Taylor.

“Once things opened up again, we started a new community choir and named it Voices of Niagara. Practices started in September 2022,” said Taylor.

“We are a small group that would love to grow and we hope to attract new members who love to sing. We welcome all ages. We don’t hold auditions. Reading music helps but isn’t a requirement. We are selecting music that we love and think will have wide general appeal.”

The group conducts weekly practices in Beamsville.

“We meet at First Baptist Church on Mountain Street in Beamsville on Sunday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. Again, all are welcome to come out and give us a try,” said Taylor.

For more information or inquiries, email: voicesofniagarachoir@gmail.com

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New Lincoln Lions Club working through planning process

A new Lions Club, the Lincoln Lions is taking shape.

The new club has been created with a steering committee and is a branch club of the Grimsby & District Lions Club.

When setting the goals and aspirations for the new club, the committee focused on having an inclusive, community-oriented group of willing individuals, said club president Gord Gerrie.

“As such, the Lincoln

Lions have explored several different fundraising activities and service projects that do not parallel that in which other clubs in the area are currently involved,” said Gerrie.

As well, organizations to be supported will be different from what the other clubs are supporting.

Gerrie said he is very confident that they will have at least 15 members by the end of June 2023.

“Our secretary is

Holly Cavanagh who has been a Lion for about 20 years and comes from a family of many Lions Club members. Chris Bailey is our treasurer and is new to Lionism,” said Gerrie. Lions Clubs International requires new clubs have at least 20 members before a charter can be granted. Gerrie said they plan to have their Club Charter by January 2024. The group’s first Information Evening was held last night, Jan. 25, at

the Lincoln Lions Club meeting hall located at 4996 Beam St. in Beamsville.

The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

For further information, call Gerrie at 905650-1420 or by email at: lincolnlions@cogeco.ca

Lucien Rene

Helping a little at a time

What started out as a one-time thing to help out a group in need has become a year-round activity for Smithville’s Lucien Rene.

Rene, 78, has a “route” of 20-25 homeowners who give bottles and cans monthly with the results being converted to cash donations to local groups. So far, about 25 different groups have received donations.

“This fall, a hockey team from town is going to Europe for a tournament. I spoke with a board member and we’ll try to help them with some money,” said Rene.

“I do collections every month. This month we did great. It should be close to $200. I gather $500-$600 and then I start to give it out.”

Rene said he recognizes that others

- like the West Lincoln Kiwanis Clubalso do bottle drives, so he respects their work and keeps to his “route”.

“I just cover my friends. It’s just word of mouth. Whatever I gather, I gather,” said Rene.

“It keeps me busy and in shape, It’s fun and it keeps cans and bottles out of the dumps.”

He even keeps track of donations throughout the year and when they accumulate to over $25, he “tries to be fair” and gives contributors a tax receipt if the funds raised went to an organization such as West Lincoln Community Care, which can generate those receipts.

If you would like be on Rene’s route, email him at: delftblue@outlook.com

Lucien Rene of Smithville is in constant motion with bottle/can drives yearround with, so far, about 25 different groups and organizations benefitting from proceeds. Walker - Photo

We were touched by your response and generosity during our annual giving campaign. Your support ensures that members of our community will spend their last days surrounded by compassion, comfort, and peace.

If you did not have an opportunity to support our campaign, McNally House would be grateful for your donation at any time. Wishing you all the best in 2023!

Village Inn demolition sparked considerable debate

During a large part of the 20th century, Grimsby had a famous dine-anddance hotel, in the heart of the village. It was the Village Inn opened in 1907 by John Hewitt, a Grimsby boy who sought his fortune in Chicago and found it.

When he came back to Grimsby for his retirement, he invested in many worthwhile projects, including the Village Inn.

After his death in 1919, the hotel was purchased by Napoleon Servais who had experience in operating small hotels in Haileybury and Timmins.

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

The Village Inn became famous after World War II when Peggy O’Neil was hired as managing director and hostess.

Peggy brought the place alive with many special events, and the fact that she was always ready to sing for guests.

Peggy did a singing commercial for local radio stations. Those who remember that ad will remember Peggy O’Neil’s voice singing “That’s Peggy O’Neil.”

As a talented singer with her own radio program, Peggy was

able to bring many of her musical friends to perform at the Oak Room, and diners and dancers came to hear them.

The stone building that became the Village Inn was originally a home/ business premises for Robert Dolmage and his family.

When John Hewitt took it over, he added a large addition of matching local limestone to accommodate new facilities.

The Village Inn continued on until 1973 when it was demolished to make parking for the new Steinberg’s Plaza. Grimsby’s heritage

lovers protested, but it was no use. The historic building was gone.

This awoke in Grimsby and the Grimsby Historical Society the determination to preserve as much as possible of the town’s heritage.

We’re still trying.

Inside the Smithville Community Centre Arena

177 West St.

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6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humour, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!

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Dear Reader,

Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here. Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!

Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!

Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.

If yes, we have refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer Pay System

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions: One Year - $50 suggested

We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!!

Thanks very much for your time and we wish good health to you all!

Mike Williscraft Publisher

1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500

OBITUARIES

DUNSIRE, George Wilson

May 30, 1940-January 17, 2023

The man, the myth, the legend. George died peacefully and in the company of loved ones in the afternoon of January 17. If asked, he would have said “I’ve had a good life, I’ve left no stone unturned”. George brought his young wife and three daughters from Scotland in 1966. He promised “just a couple of years Annette!’, and with that, 57 years later, he and his family made a beautiful life. Leaving behind to miss his antics, his wife of 62 years, Annette. Also the three daughters from the motherland, L1, Diane Balcain (Mike), L2, Shona Dunsire (Michael Lawrence), L3 Georgia Loos (Brian) and the Canadian edition L4, Deborah Dunsire (Karin). George will also be missed beyond words and tears by his grandchildren. They were his everlasting light, he was their G Dad; Scott, Devon (Joey), Sara (Vince), Craig (Camila) and Heather (Vic). Recently, our dad was blessed with the first great-granddaughter, Fiona Diane. She had already stolen his heart and she is already the bairn. At home in Scotland Wilson will be sadly missed by his only sibling Charles. Chick’s girls Sandra (Andy) and Karen (Grant) and their families will also miss visits over here and over there with Uncle Wilson. George enjoyed his fishing, golfing, many traveling adventures and years of Robbie Burns dinners. Dad liked nothing more than gathering his clan around the table. Cremation has taken place. A final private family farewell will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Good Shepherd would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

Here’s tae us, Wha’s like us?

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An’ they’re a’deid

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BEN & VIVIAN TONER

Benjamin Hugh Toner –August 3, 1934 – October 18, 2020

Vivian Joan Toner (nee Kemp) May 17, 1934 – January 14, 2023

After each battling lengthy illnesses Ben and Vivian are once again with each other!

Ben is predeceased by Parents Vera and Charles Toner and sister Lillian (Gordon) Jackson. Vivian is predeceased by Parents Margaret and John Kemp, brother Billy, and sisters Selma and Jean.

Ben and Vivian are survived by their children: Linda-Lee (Peter) Bowen, Brian and Kevin Toner and Rosalie (Tony) Bernardo. They also have five grandchildren Aaron, Ashley (Jake), Frankie (Alejandra), Justin and Katelyn. They were also a loving Aunt and Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Ben and Vivian’s cherished pets, Damarchk and ChaCha, have also crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Ben and Vivian were both born and raised in Hamilton and moved to Grimsby in 1964. While living in Hamilton Vivian worked at Rapid Blue Print and Ben worked at Westinghouse and then Stelco, Hilton Works, for 38 years until his retirement.

After moving to Grimsby Ben and Vivian continued their Church life as members of St. John’s Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed being involved with their Church Community. Vivian worked at Kilean Lodge and the Red Cross. Throughout their lives they were both involved with various charities; Scouting with Children with disabilities, the Niagara Region and the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP). Ben and Vivian gave back to their community in many ways, Ben served as Chair and President of various Boards and Vivian served on many Committees. Many organizations have benefited from their commitment, passion and wisdom.

Vivian and Ben had a great affection for family and children. They were always forthcoming in helping those less fortunate or in need. Ben had a special love for Christmas time and often played Santa to many Christmas celebrations with several organizations. They were both very generous with their time, kindness, and support.

They are dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Visitation will take place at St. John’s Presbyterian Church (10 Mountain Street, Grimsby) on Friday, January 27th from 6-8:30 pm. A Celebration of their Lives will be held Saturday, January 28th at St. John’s; with visitation starting at noon and Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Presbyterian Church, the OFCP, or the Niagara Alzheimer’s Society.

OBITUARIES BUBOVICH, Paul

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Alex Bubovich. Aug. 21, 1960 - Jan. 17, 2023. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Katherine Bubovich. Father of Ashley (Jake) Anderson, and Austin (Kennedy) Bubovich and grandfather to Luka Anderson. Brother of Val (Bert) Tolhoek, Lucy (deceased) Hallford, Ellen (Peter) Lucyk, and Anna (Serge) Golin.

Paul spent many years working in construction, and spent the last few years working at Stanpac in Smithville. Paul was an avid sports fan and had a great love for the Lord. He will be missed. A private family service will be held a later date. Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.

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Voices of Niagara

We are a small group that would love to grow and we hope to attract new members who love to sing. We welcome all ages. We don’t hold auditions. Reading music helps but isn’t a requirement. We are selecting music that we love and think will have wide general appeal. We meet at First Baptist Church on Mountain Street in Beamsville on Sunday afternoons from 2pm-4pm. Again, all are welcome to come out and give us a try. Contact info

Kathy Taylor voicesofniagarachoir@gmail.com

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Greenbelt review process needs guidelines

it’s been a couple of weeks, so let’s circle back to the dreaded Greenbelt land release issue and Bill 23.

No doubt, sectors of the public continue to be royally cheesed off that any of the Greenbelt lands were released in the first place. That won’t change. Yes, the Tories will tell you the Libs made many changes to Greenbelt boundaries in the past. True, but hardly the point. The decision to release thousands of acres was bungled in many ways, even if you buy the reasoning behind its motivation - namely to create affordable housing.

Helpful donation

A couple of fundraising events - including a “Guest Bartender” Night - at Grimsby’s Judge & Jester Pub netted $12,000 for McNally House Hospice. On hand for the presentation were: Amanda Black, McNally community engagement manager; Judge and Jester owner Don Paddock, McNally executive director Pamela Blackwood, and “guest bartender” Blair Gillis. Williscraft - Photo

Time to head back to the office?

It is hard to comprehend the level of entitlement some people have who are now simply refusing to go TO their jobs as they did pre-COVID.

If your employer wants you back at the office or place of business, you should be back in that location or you are giving up your job with your absenteeism. It’s that simple.

It is surely understood what a massive benefit it could be to work from home - and it does depend on the circumstances in which you were hired - but whoever signs the cheques calls the shots. That is what happens when you work for someone. Not palatable? That’s how you become an entrepreneur. M.W.

Set aside intents and posturing for a minute and look at the concept of what should be considered. It makes sense to review small, land-locked parcels in the Greenbelt which would never be able to serve the designed intentions of the legislation.

Some could be legit, some not so much.

The two parcels in Grimsby are stellar examples.

The lakeshore property would have been a perfect accessory to complement Grimsby’s boardwalk layout. Yes, that land on Hunter Road would have been better served as parkland, greenspace and desperately needed parking for the Grimsby on The Lake community, but that will not happen now.

If Greenbelt land is to be used, ever, special consideration should be given at every turn. Sweeping edicts covering all affected lands prove to be ineffective and, in fact, damaging.

What the community will end up with there is another in a long line of over-developed, underserviced with parking condo structure. Yippee!

The other parcel, bordered by the rail track, Oakes Road to the east, Kelson Road to the west and Main Street West homes will now be developed by Homes By DeSantis. Gabe DeSantis told me last week he has now acquired the three lots which comprise that space.

That site is a prime example of an area which is not in the proximity of any other viable farmland, is of questionable soil quality and could be a poster “child” for valid reconsideration.

Of course adding on more acreage to the

Greenbelt is of some value, but limited in that maintaining the protected lands in an area where there is major development pressure is what makes the legislation important.

No pain, no gain, sorta thing.

Now, there are similar size parcels which have great sail and would be tragic to see them end up developed. They may even have been left barren for years to add to the owners’ contention their land should come out and be built up. This is where the additional consideration and review should be done if any consideration of further land releases are considered.

This is what I mean when I say each suggested parcel should be reviewed on its own merits and the bar should be set very high as to what gets approved and what is rejected.

Like it or not, the Greenbelt is important. It needs to be there and it needs to have a strong and prioritized hold. If nothing else ever gets released, it would not bother me a bit.

If it does, whichever political party is in power needs to have a consistent and fair-minded approach to reviewing possibilities.

* * * * * *

Had many calls about last week’s Grimsby DIA AGM and the election of a new board of directors. Simply, not worth the ink. Moving on.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Seniors’ driving exam needs update: reader Letters

Dear Editor, I am completing 80 years on this earth on Valentine’s Day and I am not excited about it, but it is time to speak up.

Recently, I attended an Ontario government so-called testing appointment to determine whether I am a candidate to renew my driver’s licence.

This appointment took one hour and 10 minutes and was the most degrading ex-

perience that I have ever submitted to.

Twenty-two seniors were herded into the Lincoln Senior Center on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. and were dealt with as a group.

All were given a vision test, shown a seven-minute video and then were given a five-minute test whereby they were requested to draw a picture of a clock

McNally decision “knee jerk”

Dear Editor, Our new council’s decision to defer funding McNally House leads me to believe that despite technical and scientific progress over the years, there is something wrong with our education systems. Are we not teaching the understanding of logical thinking, situation evaluation and assessment, problem and risk analysis or leader values to our young adults?

Decision making is a constant in our lives, but if the fundamentals

of sound decision making are not part of general education from the onset then knee jerk responses to situations such as this one made by Council can create more problems than they solve.

How about developing leadership/ survival courses for children aged 10-16? I’m not advocating wilderness survival but a curriculum of situational problem solving, leadership skills and logical analysis leading to decision making.

Brian Merritt, Grimsby

showing 10 minutes after 11. Wow! Could a kid living in the digital world do this clock?

My driving record, my insurance company and my doctor should help to determine whether I should be driving at 80 years or more, not the Ontario govenment, which, like the federal government, seems to know what

is good for me.

It is time for seniors to speak up and request that they be treated with respect and dignity because they have earned it.

I have always voted Conservative but it is getting harder to do.

Thanks for voicing my aging opinion and, keeping my oars wet, I remain, John (Jack) C.

Lovett Q.C. Beamsville