NewsNow E-Edition June 19 2025 by newsnow Niagara

BUY CANADIAN

Allegations unfounded, break protocol: Baradziej

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Grimsby council had another dust up - of sorts - on Monday night Coun. Veronica Charrois setting her sights on Coun. Jacob Baradziej with a pointed Notice of Motion. Her NoM, which gained approval to be dealt with at Monday’s

meeting, outlined a lengthy series of absences and late arrivals for Baradziej in recent months.

Aside from the allegations, the NoM did not follow the protocol set in place by this council that mediation be the first point of dispute settlement and that the issue was not directed through the

Town’s integrity commissioner.

Charrois’s NoM asked council to remove Baradziej from several posts and bar him from possible deputy mayor duties as well as demanding a written apology.

Charrois outlined the lengthy series of issues she has chronicled regarding Baradziej including failure

to attend the mandatory, special, in-person council meeting on June 2, repeated absences and lateness over “past several months have raised serious concerns about his commitment to his obligations as an elected official.”

On the special meeting, Baradziej See NoM Page 3

From left, reenactors Capt. Jacquie Durham, Lance Corporal Sophie Durham and Privates Mark Les and Ray Henriksbo fire a volley at Nelles Manor Museum’s Engagement at The Forty hosted on Saturday. For more coverage, please turn to Page 6. Loree - Photo

From Page 1

pointed out the background on why the meeting was needed in the first place and why he was not able to attend.

“The irony of all this is the missed training that you claimed that I missed was due to your failures and not mine. The only reason I missed it was because I was on the train coming home from FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference) which, for some reason, you made up in your own mind that I did not attend.”

On the conference, Baradziej said in an interview that he was offsite for a meeting hosted by management of Niagara Regional Transit but attended other aspects of the conference throughout the weekend.

Charrois insisted that Baradziej’s conduct was detrimental to the Town and “compromised the credibility of the entire council.”

While Baradziej explained in the interview each incident was dealt with properly - with notice to town officials - he refused to get into it Monday.

“I could go on and on addressing every single falsehood that was just stated there, but this is the kind of behaviour that we, as a council, are supposed to eradicate this term,” said Baradziej.

“I honestly can’t believe that we’re actually tabling discussion. I welcome a formal investigation.”

Part of the reason for his indignation was how the NoM got on the floor in the first place.

“I’m concerned about this bypassing the proper channels. I don’t want to politicize discipline which, unfortunately, we’ve done in the past. Council is not a disciplinary tribunal,” said Coun. Nick DiFlavio.

“The IC exists precisely to handle concerns like this. I’m uncomfortable with even hav-

ing this discussion here until we hear from the IC. That’s why we have an IC.”

As well, Mayor Jeff Jordan noted this council altered its procedural bylaw to deal with such complaints due to past infractions by another council member.

Jordan said the NoM was tabled “because council changed its procedural bylaw and allowed mediation to come forward before an IC complaint, I want to maintain confidentiality but....”

Baradziej cut him off.

“Point of order, I was never extended mediation,” said Baradziej.

Jordan picked his words carefully. “I don’t want to break confidentiality, but that was the step with a number of councillors having an issue, so I’ll just leave it at that.”

The motion was defeated 6-2 with only Charrois and Coun. Jennifer Korstanje, who seconded the motion, voting for it.

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GPAG party marks 50th anniversary celebration

Grimsby Public Art Gallery - which turns 50 this year, recognized the occasion with a party May 31.

Part of our programming included the community coming together to paint the iconic Kosso Eloul sculpture, Imsby.

“It recalls the early days when Kosso himself had the community come out to paint the sculpture. We’ll be keeping the sculpture like this for awhile before it gets officially painted gold as part of our golden anniversary,” said GPAG curator Alexandra Hartstone.

The day also included live music by Josh Coulter, lawn games, creative art activities including painting the

original floor tiles of GPAGs old building, free cake pops to celebrate the milestone, and refreshments from Yellow Lab Lemons.

“It was especially nice to have those folks share how happy Kosso would have been to see the community come together this way and paint his sculpture,” said Hartstone.

“Artists” young and not-so-young turned out for GPAG’s 50th anniversary party, some got to paint the Kosso, which adorns the yard.

NOTICE OF MEETING

Proposed Private Property Tree By-law PUBLIC

The Town of Lincoln is proposing a Private Property Tree By-law as part of our ongoing efforts to grow and maintain a healthy urban tree canopy. The By-law aims to regulate the injury or removal of trees on private property, helping to preserve Lincoln’s urban tree canopy while balancing the needs of property owners.

THE PRIVATE PROPERTY TREE BY-LAW PROPOSES TO:

• Regulate the injury and removal of trees larger than a specified diameter on private property within urban areas

• Establish a permit process for tree removal and replacement

• Identify exemptions for specific tree removals

• Set compensation and replanting requirements for approved removals

• Support long-term tree canopy growth and environmental resilience

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE COMMITTEE OF

THE WHOLE MEETING:

Council Chambers | 6 p.m. Town Hall | 4800 South Service Rd., Beamsville

We encourage all members of the public to attend the meeting to provide valuable feedback. Written submissions can be provided to the Town.

Please email planningpublicmeetings@lincoln.ca or send a letter to the Planning and Development Department by 9 a.m. on the Thursday prior to the meeting.

Visit lincoln.ca/delegations to register as a delegate to speak to Council.

MORE INFORMATION

Samantha Witkowski, Environmental Coordinator E: switkowski@lincoln.ca | P: 905-563-2799 ext. 555

Reenactors bring history to life at Nelles Manor

Above) Sophie Durham, playing a dead soldier here, has been reenacting with her mother Jacquie her whole life.

(Left) Grimsby Museum volunteer Brent Saigen has been collecting antique guns for 40 years. At Nelles Manor on Saturday he brought an 1809 British cavalry pistol with an attached ramrod.

(Below) Penelope Halliday signs up for a tour of Nelles Manor with her family.

Photos By Evan Loree

Serving Niagara for over 30 years!

BEAMSVILLE DENTURE CLINIC

Joseph Formicuccia, D.D. Denturist

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Units are investigating a series of sexual assaults that occurred during Friday evening’s (June 13) portion of Happening in Grimsby.

Uniform officers from 8 District responded to the downtown event following multiple reports of a man ap-

proaching young males in the crowd, asking their age, and then grabbing their genitals.

Currently, two adult male victims have come forward; however, investigators believe there may be additional victims and are seeking the public’s assistance.

As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Hayden Jackson of no fixed address has been charged with the

following offences:

• Two counts of sexual assault

• One count of assault

The accused is described as a white male, 33 years old, approximately 5’10” tall and 190–200 lbs.

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or who may have had contact with the accused to call 905-6884111, option 3, ext. 1009638.

Four strategies for navigating market ups and downs

During times of high inflation and market uncertainty, the right financial advice can help you stay confident with your investment decisions.

Market uncertainty can be alarming but it’s a normal part of any investor’s experience. Here are four tips to keep in mind as you ride the investing roller coaster .

1. Know your risk tolerance

It’s important to balance your desire for returns with your comfort for potential losses. Some questions to help you understand your limits include: What are your short- and long-term financial goals?

Identifying what you’re trying to achieve will help guide your risk tolerance. If you’re saving for retirement, you generally have a longer time horizon than if you’re saving for a down payment on a house. This will allow you to take on more risk – and invest more aggressively – because there’s more time to recover from any potential losses.

How much risk can you handle based on your current financial situation?

Consider factors like the stability of your income, the value of your current assets and any debt that you may hold. If you get a new job or a raise, for instance, you may gain greater capacity for risk. Or vice versa, if your finances are negatively impacted. What is your willingness to take on risk?

High-risk, high-return investments might offer exciting opportunities, but they come with the potential for bigger losses. Low-risk, low-return investments are stable, but don’t allow for as much growth. What’s more

appealing to you?

2. Understand market cycles

Knowing the four stages of a market cycle can help you maintain perspective during times of uncertainty.

• Accumulation: Equity markets have “bottomed out” and prices are undervalued. Investor selling slows down and buying begins to pick up.

• Markup: Equity markets trend upward and investors put money back into markets (there are more buyers than sellers).

• Distribution: Equity markets begin to level off and there’s potentially equal buying and selling. Prices are at their peak.

• Downtrend: Also known as the “markdown,” this stage is triggered by widespread selling as investors try to lock in profits and avoid financial losses.

3. Avoid timing the market

Markets go up and down, often quickly, making it difficult to know when to buy and when to sell. In times

of uncertainty, it can be tempting to pull out your investment until things seem more stable. But it’s important to remember that markets tend to bounce back quickly after major events, which means that – just like downturns – market gains can come fast and unexpectedly. Missing even a few of the best days in the market can impact your long-term success.

When investing, it’s helpful to focus on your own long-term goals, your tolerance for risk and your time horizon. If they haven’t changed, you’re likely on the right track.

4. Consider dollar cost averaging

If you’re not comfortable investing in a particularly volatile market, you can take advantage of an investment strategy known as dollar cost averaging. Rather than investing a one-time lump sum in a fund, you divide the sum into smaller amounts and purchase units over a period of time. By making regular contributions, you’re buying fewer units of an investment when values are high and more units when values are low.

A benefit of dollar cost averaging is that it takes the emotion out of investing, making it easier to stay the course on your chosen financial roadmap. All you have to do is contribute regularly. Co-operators is here to help

A Co-operators financial representative can help you identify your unique financial needs and goals and develop a customized plan that works for your timeline, budget and lifestyle. Reach out to John Darch; john_darch@cooperators.ca or call 905-945-5479.

Mutual funds are offered through Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. to Canadian residents except those in Québec and the territories. Segregated funds and annuities are administered by Co-operators Life Insurance Company. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit cooperators.ca/mutualfunddisclosure for details. Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, accuracy and security of the personal information that we collect, use, retain and disclose in the course of conducting our business. Please visit www.cooperators.ca/en /PublicPages/Privacy.aspx for more information. www.cooperators.ca / 1-800-454-8061 Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited. © 2023 Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. © 2023 Co-operators Life Insurance Company.

JOHN DARCH

Cool weather made Happening a hot time

Burgers were munched, ice cream was licked and attendees at Happening in Grimsby had a

Caleb

great time over the three-day festival. The programming kicked off with Grimsby Farmers Market on Thursday, continued with Lunch on the Lawn Friday and powered through an actionpacked schedule of events on Saturday.

Temperatures were cooler than expected but the

sun was out, which helped draw big crowds for much of the day.

Both Friday and Saturday were closed out with live bands performing on the Main Street stage.

Coronation Park, Vendor’s Alley and Main Street was busy with eventgoers throughout the day’s proceedings.

Lemmie Watmough, 2, gets a close look at the Niagara Humane Society’s sixmonth-old kittens Sunny and Omelette.

(Right) One-year-old Charlotte Bucci and mom Jade enjoy Lunch on The Lawn at Coronation Park on Friday - part of Happening in Grimsby - which featured live music and food provided by Aspira Retirement Living.

(Left) Madison Zorad, 12, and three-year-old brother Chase smack light-up buttons like its a game of whack-amole.

Photos By Evan Loree

Musical duo Pete and Anna entertain families at Coronation Park Saturday afternoon for Happening in Grimsby.

One-year-old

Sweiger dances to live music in Coronation Park.

Amelia Masson, 4, finds her footing surfer style after sliding down a blow-up castle.

Samantha Holmes, 9, locks in for rock climbing.

(Above) Eliza Ndrew, 6, grins while smelling a dessert-scented candle along Vendor’s Alley.

(Above Right) Elena Divantonio, 7, and mom Michelle peruse knickknacks and bracelets in Vendor’s Alley at Happening.

(Right) Bob Franks, left, and John Lampman grill ’dogs and burgers for Grimsby Lions Club in Coronatipn Park for Happening in Grimsby.

Aria Consiglio, 4, of Grimsby takes aim at a blow-up target under the watchful eye of grandpa Tony Joosse.

Roby Grabowiecki, , 8, left, and friend Peyton Unsworth enjoy some mint-chocolate chip ice cream.

62 Phantom air cadets celebrate 20 anniversary

A night of good food, good friends and great memories were all part of 62 Phantom Squadron Air Cadets 20th anniversary celebrations May 31.

“It was truly wonderful to see so many former staff, volunteers, cadets, and families reconnecting — sharing memories and stories, and catching

us up on where life has taken them,” said Jen MacDonnell, Chair - 62 Grimsby Phantom Squadron Sponsoring Committee.

We’re excited to share that a committee has been formed to keep this alumni spirit alive. By September 2025, we should see the launch of the 62 Grims-

by Phantom Squadron Alumni Organization.”

A highlight of the night was Major (ret.) David Leonard being presented with a plaque to mark the dedication of the main room (the cadet parade square) at the group’s base, the Mountain Ridge Community Centre as Leonard Square.

Jennifer MacDonnell, Sponsoring Committee Chair (centre), presented Major (ret.) David Leonard with the Leonard Square plaque with Dave’s wife, Wanda, also part of the presentation.

(Left) Alumni on hand for the anniversary dinner were: Back (L to R) Alex Joyner, Zachary Nickerson, John Koumarelas, Glenn Butler, Julianne Fry, Lia Champ and Courtney Aucoin-Holubowsky. Middle: Arden Hamilton, Kendra Gardner, mascot Air Bear, Andrew Stewart and Christian Leonard. Front: Kristiaan Hansen.

Team effort

Lincoln’s Earth Day clean up was a recordsetting affair with students collecting more than 415 lbs. in just one hour. West Niagara Secondary School and Jacob Beam Public School, along with support from Rotary Club of Lincoln and Downtown Bench Beamsville (DBB) did the heavy lifting. Among the crew were students Carson Chrystian, left, and Josh Gauslin. Their effort blew past 2024’s 227 lbs. and made a visible impact on the downtown core. “The event was a great example of local collaboration, environmental action, and civic pride,” said Stephanie Hicks, DBB’s executive director.

We’re Ready!

Thanks to a great response over the last few weeks, NewsNow is ready to deliver for our community.

We are now having our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.

There are still a handful of routes not filled, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in an outlying rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.

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Off to camp

1st Beamville Scouts are gearing up for a summer trip to camp. The group has been raising funds for the venture and still has plans in the works for another event. Among those going (L to R) Henry Knapper, Isabella Ranucci, Pauly Pilato, Austin Robinson , Eli Hugill , isaac Ferreira, Grayson MacAulay-Bignell, Oliver hall, Eric Wiersma, Rosie Hugill , Scouter Roy, Tobin Prestney, Adrianna Ranucci, Scouter Joe, Aleksi

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

An alert motorist spotted a wobbling tire on a dump truck in West Lincoln setting off a police investigation and a series of charges resulting.

On Friday, June 13, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Niagara Regional Police Service officers from 8 District (Grimsby/ Lincoln/West Lincoln) responded to the driving complaint in the area of Caistor Centre Road and Reg. Rd. 20 in West Lincoln.

A commercial dump truck had been observed by a citizen with a wobbling tire, and a traffic stop was initiated.

A uniform member of the NRPS who is certified as a commercial vehicle inspector conducted a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

The inspection found that one brake was inoperative, there was an air leak in the compression system and only three of ten wheel fasteners (nuts and studs) were securing the set of dual rear tires, creating an alarming safety concern.

An officer with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) attended to complete a “Wheel Separation Report” which documented the company for future violations.

The driver of the vehicle, a 32-yearold male resident of Brampton, and the company were charged with the following offences:

• Allowing Push Rod Stroke Exceed Manufacturer’s Maximum

• Driving with a Push Rod Stroke Exceed Prescribed Limit

• Driving Commercial Motor Vehicle with Major Defect

• Operator, Failing to Ensure Performance Standards Met

• Failing to Ensure Daily Inspection Report Complete

• Driver, Failing to Complete Daily Vehicle Inspection Report Accurately

• Driving with an Insecure Load (2 counts)

• Driving in a Care less Manner

• Having Obstruct ed/Dirty License Plates

As a result, the li cense plate was re moved from the dump truck and placed into an “un fit” status. The dump truck was then towed.

Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009992.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime

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End run around proper process

It is pretty rare for a municipal council to draw laughs and guffaws, but it does happen.

Monday night’s Grimsby council was one such instance - albeit 100 per cent unintentional, which made it all that more funny.

Sister lunch

Sylvia Parsons of Grimsby, right, hosted her sister, Christa Seul of Stoney Creek, for Lunch on The Lawn as part of Friday’s Happening in Grimsby programming. Loree - Photo

Thanks to alert motorist

It sure would be nice to know who the motorist was who noticed the dump truck up in Caistor which has a wheel that was about to break off.

From the police description, it sounds like that thing could have broken off and caused a serious accident at just about any second.

Luckily, a motorist spotted it, called it in and the truck was taken off the road and the driver and company charged.

An anonymous tip o’ the cap, to you, sir, or lady. M.W.

Coun. Veronica Charrois had her fellow council member Jacob Baradziej on a tee and was ready to knock him out of the park - with support from Coun. Jennifer Korstanje.

The allegations surrounded Baradziej missing several meetings and being late for others.

Having spoken with Baradziej outside of Monday’s meeting, it seemed as though he had all his ducks in a row in terms of reasons and notice being provided to Town officials.

The major issue with this topic being on Monday’s agenda with a Notice of Motion was Charrois did not have a conversation or review the issue directly with Baradziej beforehand.

Of the allegations, citing missing the special meeting council required due to conduct issues of Charrois’ doing was particularly rich.

“His conduct undermined the professionalism expected of council members” was a beauty comment I am sure she relished writing into her comments.

As well, Baradziej “compromised the credibility of the entire council,” was downright rich.

I mean, seriously, pot...

kettle...in terms of making council look bad.

Again, having spoken with Baradziej, it certainly seemed he had done his due diligence in terms of letting the powers that be know he was in a special circumstance due to stepping in at work to help a fellow who had a serious fall and is out of commission.

He said he was going to take a leave of absence for the immediate future but this matter was timed with Korstanje having taken a leave of absence to run for the federal Liberal Party, so he opted to give notice that he would only be able to attend meetings via video.

So, if Charrois wanted to know they “why” of any conduct she had concerns with, her own past conduct pushed this council to put a process in place to allow for that.

it was noted during the meeting by Mayor Jeff Jordan that mediation was supposed to be the first stop on the bus.

The bus didn’t stop.

He noted mediation was never offered to him.

So that was a miss.

Second, such matters would typically run through the integrity commissioner. Yes, this is a costly process, but that is how such conduct complaints are supposed to run. The mediation was added to help provide an interim step which could allow for resolution without the Town taking on more cost, but neither was done.

Now, when this was submitted for the Monday agenda, it should have - and likely would havebeen rejected with a directive to see mediation first instead of wasting council’s time.

However, again, Charrois’ past conduct quite likely necessitated Jordan being far more accommodating than he should have in allowing the NoM to get on the agenda after conferring with the clerk.

He quite likely wanted to avoid another silly IC complaint due to him rejecting it, so it appeared as though he allowed it just to remove that arrow from Charrois’ quiver.

That all said, if there were issues with attendance and lateness she was right to call them out, but it seems that is no place close to reality. A simple conversation could have cleared the matter up. The feigned attempt to do right was just a waste of time.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Smithville rallies for para-athlete

By Evan Loree For NewsNow

Beamsville resident and para-sport athlete

Stephen La Salle endured two years of agonizing pain before the doctors took his leg.

It started in spring 2018 with a simple ankle sprain he sustained while leading cadets through a routine training exercise in his former role with the Canadian Armed Forces.

But the injury led to a rare nerve disorder known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, which subjected La Salle to unbearable pain in his left leg.

“They say it’s the most amount of pain a human can experience on the McGill Pain Scale,” he said.

It wasn’t until fall 2021 that his doctors agreed to amputate the affected limb.

La Salle does not use a prosthetic because the pressure it places on the nerve endings in his stump may cause his symptoms to return, he explained.

Things are generally better since the surgery, though, he said. Since moving to

Beamsville in 2020, he’s served St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Smithville as a deacon and works within the community to raise awareness of mental health issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is another issue that hits close to home.

La Salle said he developed PTSD while working closely with similarly traumatized youth.

“There’s definitely dark days, and there still is, but I think the