NewsNow E-Edition March 23 2023

> Grimsby Kinettes mini-putt: new hosts, same great event /Pg 8 > Stanpac expands with $5 million grant Pg 3 > Support animal rescue, get four-leaf clover Pg 6 > Region adjusts waste fees Pg 13

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Vol. 11

Issue 44

www.wn3.ca

100% Niagara West owned & operated

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Under construction

The three-part Jordan Village Improvement Project has been underway for a couple of weeks. It will include road closures along Main Street from 21st Street to Snure Lane. The first section of construction is the portion fronting Inn On The Twenty. The road, on-street parking and lower west sidewalk will be fenced off and closed. The east sidewalk will remain open. All businesses will remain open during construction. McDonald - Photo

Circ: 29,006

Grimsby/Lincoln building permits expected to rebound

By MikeWilliscraft NewsNow

Building permits in both Grimsby and Lincoln were off budgeted levels in 2022.

Permits were a topic of discussion at both Grimsby and Lincoln town council meetings on Monday night, sharing the similar performance levels.

However, Lincoln was in a $277,000 deficit on revenues of just under $460,000 and costs of just over $736,000.

Grimsby had 2022 rev-

enues of $1.025 million, including $195,000 from a reserve withdrawal while having costs of nearly $742,000 to create a surplus position.

“As revenues cannot be forecasted with certainty, and often vary from year to year, the Building Code Act and the Ontario Build-

See PERMITS, Page 2

PERMITS

From Page 1

-ing Code allow municipalities to establish a reserve fund in which permit fees in excess of operating costs must be held. Those reserve funds may then be used to offset the building department shortfalls in future years when fees collected are not sufficient to fund the cost of doing business,” states a staff report presented to Grimsby council.

“The fund is also used to support the replacement of the building department vehicles and equipment.”

Lincoln building permit results have seen a significant impact from the economic realities of COVID-19, said CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.

• 2016 - 309 permits

• 2017 - 426 permits

• 2018 - 641 permits

• 2019 - 799 permits

• 2020 - 458 permits

• 2021 - 490 permits

• 2022 - 255 permits

In 2022, the value of all construction came in at $77 million, down from the $183 million in 2021.

“This trend shows 2022 is definitely a down year but the reasons as to why that’s the case are obvious. Most of that is due to what’s happening in the market - high mortgage rates for buyers, high lending rates for builders, overall cooling of the market which is in part the intended outcome of these interest rate hikes,” said Kirkopoulos.

“Last year we had a handful of projects get postponed until interest rates return to lower levels since they were in-

creased last year.“

That unpredictability is constant and the reason a reserve to offset impacts is often used.

“With those projects being delayed, we didn’t bring in the funds we normally have. This is why we have a reserve fund so we can draw from that instead of using the tax levy,” said Kirkopoulos.

“What we anticipate is that towards the end of the year, and next year we anticipate it going back up. We have Prudhomme’s residential coming on line, New Horizon, and a number of others, but we are similarly influenced by external factors. Some positive economic news in the U.S. we expect soon in terms of outlook, hopefully it has a cascading effect positively in here in Canada.”

As part of the FedDev Ontario announcement, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, Hamilton Mountain MP Lisa Hepfner, Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas MP Filomena Tassi, MP (who is also responsbile for the Federal Economic Development Agency in Southern Ontario) and St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle were given a tour Stanpac’s facility by vice-president marketing Murray Bain.

Stanpac gets $5 million FedDev boost

A $5 million infusion from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will help Smtihville’s Stanpac Inc. scale up the manufacturing of its new compostable and recyclable packaging and create 30 jobs.

Stanpac, a family-owned company, is the largest manufacturing employer in Smithville, and an industry leader in paperboard and glass packag-

ing for the dairy and beverage industry.

The investment supports the purchase of cutting-edge, advanced manufacturing equipment to expedite Stanpac’s transition to sustainable packaging. The new machinery produces fully recyclable and compostable products, including a new paper-based bulk ice cream container.

“This investment from Fed-

RengenerlLife

NMNSurge

Dev Ontario has a significant impact on how Stanpac will be able to take our sustainable packaging innovations to market, not only here at home but to the more than 30 countries we export to presently. In addition, we will create more employment opportunities which in turn drive our continued sustainable packaging advances,” said Matt Witt, co-president of Stanpac Inc.

GRIMSBY LEGION

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

entertAinMent

Friday, March 31 the outlets

Friday, April 14 open Mic night

Kitchen open Thursday and Friday 4-7. Last meat draw is March 25, Sat.3-5 pm. Proceeds go to “Lion’s Foundation Guide Dogs”

Watch Sunday Sports on Big Screen *** Lowest Drink Prices in town *** Grimsby Legion supports YoUr Local community

How to sidestep financial distress with your 2023 mortgage renewal.

Is your mortgage renewing this year, and you worry that you can’t afford the payment?

Tip #1: Rewrite your mortgage for the longest amortization offered. Typically, the maximum is 30 years, but there are some companies that have re-introduced the 40-year amortization. Stretching the amortization - the time it takes to pay off a mortgage in full - reduces your payment. Try not to think of extending the amortization as a setback; When rates eventually drop, you can rewrite the amortization to restore your original repayment timeline.

Tip #2: Consolidate your other debt at time of mortgage renewal. Your new mortgage payment for the consolidated amount could be less than the sum of the individual payments you currently make each month on the non-mortgage debts, such as a car loan, or credit cards.

Tip #3: Don’t assume that you are getting the best advice from your renewal contact person, or your personal banker. Let me provide you with a free mortgage review; You’ve got nothing to lose, and possibly thousands to gain!

I predict this year we will see more financial institutions and mortgage insurance providers using emergency loan-modification options (referred to as loan workouts) to allow certain struggling homeowners in extreme cases to reduce or defer mortgage payment so that default is averted. I’ll do my best to ensure that you are not one of these cases!

(and

Billy Bob Bonspiel curlers raise $2,500 for GBF

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

The 17th annual Billy Bob Bonspiel raised $2,500 (and counting) and 400 lbs of food for the Grimsby Benevolent Fund Saturday at the Grimsby Curling Club.

“When people are struggling they need to know people are supporting them. You bring awareness to the needs and we’re so grateful for this,” said GBF executive director Stacy Elia.

“This is a very important partnership.”

The GBF, within the first two months of 2023 has provided more than $81,000 in direct support to clients which can include housing, utilities, medical and dental, prescriptions and food.

Elia anticipates the GBF will put $2 million back in the community

in 2023. “We can only do it with community support.”

Saturday marked the largest ever Billy Bob bonspiel with 96 curlers attending the event. It also marked the second time the GBF has been chosen to receive the proceeds.

Every year the bonspiel proceeds are donated to a local charity and have included in past years, Rose Cottage, McNally House, Community Life Centre and FORT.

The Billy Bob bonspiel started as a touching tribute to a club member but has grown into years of giving back. The spiel began in 2005 as a way to honour a member who lost his battle to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a motor-neuron disease with no known cure. Since then the event has been held each year, with money going to a different charity.

The 17th annual Billy Bob Bonspiel raised $2,500

counting) and 400 lbs of food for the Grimsby Benevolent Fund on Saturday at the Grimsby Curling Club. Presenting the cheque to GBF Executive Director Stacy Elia are (L-R) committee members Dave Riddell and Shaun Campbell. McDonald -

Niagara Region earns safety grant

​Niagara Region Emergency Management has earned one of four $25,000 ImpactWx Genesis grants, which will help educate children about severe weather preparedness.

“Weather Aware & Prepared” is in partnership with the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society as well as the Niagara Safety Village.

The grant will allow for the development of a severe weather education program for children that will be delivered at the Niagara Safety Village in Welland. Using research and best practices, kids will be empowered to keep themselves and their families safe from severe weather.

Severe weather includes any destructive weather such as tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, heavy snow, and ice storms.

A special branch of Niagara Region Emergency Management’s Community Emergency Response

Team (CERT) will be created and trained to deliver the program, to significantly increase the capacity for severe weather public education in Niagara.

Niagara Region Emergency Management announced last week that they are currently seeking 100 new volunteers to join the CERT. Eligible applicants have until March 24 to apply.

ImpactWX is a Toronto-based social impact fund that supports innovation through strategic partnerships, direct investments, and charitable donations. Their mission is to improve people’s response and safety during severe weather events through scientific understanding and public awareness. The ImpactWX Genesis Grant provides small grants to people and community organizations focused on the development of new ideas related to severe weather response and awareness.

Saving Christmas

Animal rescue ranch site of upcoming comedy series Willi and the 4, 5, 6 Boys

By Joanne McDonald

For NewsNow

First, Dave Nottrodt saved the life of baby Christmas.

Then, he started finding four-leaf clovers - dozens and dozens of them.

Now, Dave is working towards the launch this fall of his YouTube comedy series ‘Willi and the 4, 5, 6 Boys’ and he’s hoping all that green will bring good luck.

Dave and his wife Shelley run an animal rescue operation at their TimberLane Ranch in St. Anns. They’re salt of the earth when you meet them and they work both on and off the farm to keep all the animals in oats and hay.

A year ago December, the sun was just coming up when Dave went out to the barn and found a newly born alpaca frozen to the ground and clinging to life. Warming her up with a hair dryer they called local doctors who didn’t

hold much hope for the newborn’s survival, then took her to the University of Guelph.

“They were willing to take her in and they worked around the clock for five days, kept her alive and sent her home. We bottle fed her for a year.”

“It’s lucky we found her in time. Ten minutes more and she wouldn’t have made it.”

Since then, the little alpaca they named Christmas, a.k.a. ‘Clucky’ doesn’t want anything to do with her cousins in the barn and spends all her time with her human family. She starts clucking as soon as she sees Dave. “She thinks I’m her mother.”

QUANTAM LEAP

Spending time in the fields with Clucky, Dave discovered he had a knack for spotting elusive four-leaf clovers. He’s since found about 100 fourleaf, 20 five-leaf and one six-leaf clover.

And this is where the story takes another interesting turn. “My brain does not stop.”

Dave, with Clucky never far from his side, has built a studio in one of the barns on the property and is now filming episodes of ‘Willi and the 4, 5, 6

Boys’ a comedy about a time traveller that will launch this fall on his Quantum Leap Entertainment YouTube channel.

A universal speak easy in space, the series’ episodes will follow the escapades of Willi AI (artificial intelligence) as he introduces talented people from outer space to the earth-bound stage. “It will be like the show ‘America’s Got Talent’ only in outer space.” And just in case you were wondering, Willi, as an acronym, stands for Worldly Intergalactic Liaison Linear Intelligence.

The laminated fourleaf clovers will be gifted to subscribers of the YouTube channel and the show will generate some funds to help care for the animals.

There is no end to the magic Dave has created in his recording studio. Infinity mirrors make for tentative stepping for visitors fearing they will be plunged into the deep abyss of what is only an illusion. More than 10,000 LED lights play tricks with the space, and light the set that will be home base for Willi’s adventures.

Dave and his Rube Goldberg-like sensibilities (Goldberg the Pulitzer Prize winning

cartoonist, engineer and inventor) are in full play in the studio. Shelley says he can build anything.

The studio is also available to do in house commercial and integrative product placement shoots.

Dave and Shelley started the rescue operation with plans to provide a home for about 20 animals. Twelve years later, they’ve reached 80 and counting with alpacas, llamas and horses.

Tours and events can be booked at TimberLane Ranch, located at 3689 Fifteen Rd., St. Anns.

Some of the animals have become stars in their own right, including alpaca Bambi who is available for weddings and birthday parties and loves the camera.

The fleece, /suri and

huacaya fibre from the alpacas is used to make clothing and accessories which are available at the Alpacalore shop, located at 320 Vansickle Rd., Suite 5, St. Catharines. See photos on Instagram @alpacalorestore

For more information call Dave at 905984-1257; Shelley at 905-984-1254; email: shelley@timberlaneranch.com or visit: timberlaneranch.com

Dave can spot fourleaf clovers from his tractor.

Time traveller Willi (left) with Dave and Shelley Nottrodt and Christmas ‘Clucky’ the alpaca will be sharing adventures that are out of this world in their upcoming YouTube comedy series. McDonald – Photo

Laminated four-leaf clovers will be given to some subscribers of the Quantum Leap Entertainment YouTube comedy series.

Rescued baby alpaca, Christmas.

LOCATIONMAP

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Town of Lincoln passed By-law No. 2023-10 on the 6th of March, 2023 to amend By-law 2022-16, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, to extend the period of time during which Interim Control will be in effect on lands along the King St. Corridor within the Beamsville Urban Area until the completion of a Heritage Conservation District Study.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Town of Lincoln has the authority to extend the period during which the Interim Control By-law is in effect provided that the total period that the By-law is in effect does not exceed two years.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that any individual, corporation or public body may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in respect of the By-law by filing with the Clerk of the Town of Lincoln, not later than 4:30 p.m. on the 22nd of May, 2023, a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal must include the objection to the By-law and the reasons in support of the objection together with the Ontario Land Tribunal fee of $1,100.00. Cheques must be made payable to the Minister of Finance.

PLEASE NOTE that only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a By-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.

Public Notice: Notice of Extension of an Interim Control By-law

Purpose and Effect of the By-law

The Interim Control By-law 2022-16 was passed to temporarily pause the receipt of all planning applications for properties along the King St. Corridor within the Beamsville Urban Area, not including any minor renovations to commercial buildings or development concepts already submitted to and discussed with Town staff or applications already submitted prior to the passing of the By-law on the 7th of March, 2022 (including pre-consultation or planning application submissions to the Town), until the completion of a Heritage Conservation District Study.

The purpose of By-law 2023-10 is to extend the period of time during which the Interim Control By-law will be in effect, for a period of six months until September 6, 2023 unless otherwise extended in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O., c.P. 13, as amended. The extension is required as a result of Bill 23’s Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act which caused a shift in the scope of the Heritage Conservation District Study.

This By-law applies to all properties along the King St. Corridor in Beamsville as per the map below. A complete copy is available on the Town’s website at Lincoln.ca. For more information regarding this matter, please contact Monika Cocchiara, Manager of Planning and Development at mcocchiara@lincoln.ca or 905-563-2799 ext. 270.

| Julie Kirkelos, Clerk

Mini-putt’s 26th, Kinettes’ first brings lessons and rewards

The Greater Grimsby Open Mini-Putt may have earned a reputation as a great-time fundraiser, but for this year’s host it was a brand new event. After 25 years, the Grimsby Kinsmen Club handed over the reins and its support to the Kinettes when the men’s club wound down and closed the Grimsby chapter last spring.

“Overall, It was a fantastic day with an amazing turnout. We were fortunate enough to sell out. again, for 2023,” said event cochair Courtney Lee.

“Everyone came out and had a great time

putting in support of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. This year we were able to raise $10,040.”

Not that anyone was concerned with scoring in the event, Sicard RV’s foursome took home top honours for the third year in a row.

Long-time event chair Bruce Bond said the Kinettes did a great job for their first attempt at running the day-long event.

“We did it for 25 years and still learned something new to make it better every year, so they did great job. Yes, they learned some things and that’s

how it goes. The miniputt is in good hands and we know the Kinettes will do the event proud,” said Bond.

As does Bond, Lee knows the event is only as good as participants and sponsors make it.

“We want to give a huge thank you to all of our amazing participants, everyone who donated and all our sponsors who supported the Grimsby Kinettes and the Foundation,” said Lee.

“We also want to thank our wonderful club for all of their hard work, and all of our volunteers who helped. The partici-

pating bars made it happen - Rikochez, The Forty Public House, Judge & Jester, Grimsby Legion and Teddy’s. Without them, this would not have been possible.

We also want to give a special shout out to Simon at Teddy’s for everything he did, including hosting the delicious dinner and awards ceremony.

Most of all, thank you to the Grimsby Kinsmen. We are honoured to carry on this tradition for them,” added event co-chair Breanne Klassen.

Grimsby KinetteMini-Putt co-chairs, Breanne Klassen (centre) and Courtney Lee present Kevin Antonides, chair of West LIncoln Memorial Hospital Foundation, with proceeds from the 26th annual event.

Mini putt participants got into the spirit of the day in many interesting ways.

Sicard RV Straight Shooters defended their mini-putt title. Winning team members were Roger Sicard, Don Buma, Nelson Gaidola and Mark Powell. Kinettes presenting the champions’ trophy were (L to R) Courtney Lee, Kim Mackie, Breanne Klassen.

The day kicked off with registration and breakfast before golfers headed out to work their way through the downtown course.

Miss MacRobbie a key caregiver in WLMH lore

For 27 years, one of the best known Grimsby personalities was Miss Douglas MacRobbie. She came to Grimsby as a newly minted Registered Nurse who was employed by the Hamilton Academy of Medicine in setting up the blood donor service.

She was so impressed by the atmosphere at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, then in the clubhouse on the escarpment, that she applied for the position of supervisor of nursing, and was hired.

Miss MacRobbie,

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

as she was always called in Grimsby, left school at 15 and held several jobs of responsibility before being able to follow her true calling, nursing.

To Miss MacRobbie, this was an important issue, for when she was nine years old, her father who was a respected Hamilton physician was murdered.

The case was never solved. Miss MacRobbie chose to use her father’s first name in his

honour.

When the first WLMH burned, Miss MacRobbie was the last person to leave before the roof fell in.

She was carrying out the hospital’s supply of narcotics.

She was in charge of arranging temporary housing for her patients, then longer term temporary accommodation at Nixon Hall, 262 Main Street West.

Fundraising began anew, with new enthusiasm and purpose.

Only 14 months later, the new WLMH was opened

on Main Street East, and patients were moved to the new building.

During this interim period, more than 1000 patients had been cared for at Nixon Hall, and 288 babies were born there.

The new hospital had 34 beds and 15 nurses.

The dedication of nurses like Douglas MacRobbie has always been a treasured part of our healthcare system.

In 2023, we appreciate our medical professionals more than ever.

Thanks to all of you.

Vehicles are among the most costly expenses individuals have.

According to data from Kelley Blue Book, the average price paid for a new vehicle in September 2022 was $48,094 U.S.

Canadian car buyers face an equally expensive reality with an average MSRP for a new car is more than

$45,000.

Vehicle owner’s manuals typically recommend maintenance intervals and should be drivers’ first resource for information regarding how to take care of their cars and trucks.

3,000 miles

The 3,000-mile marker used to be the benchmark for changing oil, but modern

vehicles can now go longer between oil changes.

However, it’s still a good idea to check other fluid levels every 3,000 miles. Windshield washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid should all be checked every 3,000 miles and topped off if levels are

low.

It’s wise for drivers to perform some additional maintenance checkups every 3,000 miles. Check tire pressure, inspect hoses (which should not be leaking or bulging) and clean the interior of the vehicle every 3,000 miles.

5,000 miles

Many vehicle manu-

TIRES AT COST

facturers now recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles. Tire rotations also can be part of service visits at this interval, and drivers can ask their mechanic to check their fuel filters and batteries every 5,000 miles as well. Many may already do this as part of their comprehensive maintenance packages, but it’s still good to confirm if they do and request they do so if it’s not part of the plan.

Drivers also can request that cabin air filters are inspected at this point, though they can generally last a year before they need to be replaced.

Around the 5,000mile mark, wiper blades also may begin to show signs of wear and tear, including streaking on the windshield or scratching noises when in use. Each of those signs indicates the wipers need to be replaced.

10,000 miles

Some vehicles may only require oil changes every 10,000 miles. That’s not uncommon in vehicles that use synthetic oil, though drivers are urged to consult their owner’s manuals.

Brake pads also may need to be replaced around this time. One telltale sign of that is a squeaking noise when brakes are applied.

Drivers can ask their mechanics to check the alignment of their vehicles around this interval as well. Though many vehicles won’t develop alignment issues, it’s best to check for such issues every 10,000 miles or whenever a vehicle feels as though it’s pulling in one specific direction.

Maintenance intervals are created to serve as a guideline for drivers. Any issues that arise should still be brought to the attention of a mechanic.

Proper maintenance key to car’s long life

New cars have been costly for quite some time, but those costs have spiked considerably since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That unprecedented rise has led many motorists to wonder how they can get more mileage out of their existing vehicles. Here are some basic tips to stretch your vehicle’s life expectancy:

• Take care of the timing belt. Engines may get all the glory, but they cannot run smoothly without a fully functional timing belt. Engines need various components to do their job, and those components must do so at the right time for the engine to run smoothly. Fully functional

timing belts help to synchronize movements, but belts must be replaced every so often. Owner’s manuals may note when to replace the timing belt, but they generally must be replaced every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. That’s infrequent, but drivers can ask their mechanics to keep an eye on their timing belts. One issue many drivers encountered in the early months of the pandemic when people were driving less frequently was timing belts that were failing long before they reached the projected mile markers. That’s because infrequent driving can hasten the demise of the timing belt. This is something for aging

drivers who no longer drive a lot to keep in mind.

• Take care of the brakes and associated components. The experts at Popular Mechanics urge drivers of older vehicles to replace their brake fluid every two years. Popular Mechanics also advises drivers whose cars are more than seven years old to replace the rubber brake lines when major brake work is required.

• Pay attention to oil levels. The older engines get, the more oil they’re going to burn. So drivers of older vehicles should check their oil levels more often than they would if their vehicles were brand new. This also is a great way to discover leaks

before they lead to potentially significant issues.

• Don’t skip maintenance appointments. Even if you’re still driving less due to the pandemic, it’s best not to skip recommended maintenance intervals. That’s true for drivers of all cars, but especially those whose vehicles are aging. Routine tune-ups and oil changes, which may need to become more frequent the older the vehicle gets, can keep cars running smoothly and protect the engine over the long haul.

INSURED MOTORISTS RIGHTS IN ONTARIO

1. Do I Have the Right to Select the Shop That Will Repair My Vehicle?

Yes. By law, as the owner of the vehicle damaged in an accident, you have the right to choose the shop to repair your vehicle.

2. Do I Need More Than One Estimate?

No. Select your repair facility that you feel comfortable with, and then notify your agent or insurance company to make arrangements to inspect the damage.

3. Is the Work Guaranteed?

Most collision and repair shops

guarantee their collision repairs. Come in and ask us about ours.

4. Qualified Collision and Refinish Centres.

Look for signs that indicate repair technician training and certification. Membership in professional trade and Better Business Bureau indicate that the shop is keeping up with the latest repair procedures.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company.

Before authorizing any repairs notify your insurance company or agent, and inform them where your vehicle has been inspected.

Please call to place your Classified Ad 289-235-9500

OBITUARIES

TAYLOR, Kathy (nee Grant) 1950-2023

Peacefully, at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 72. Beloved wife of the late David Taylor (1999). Loving mother of Megan Haan (Mike) and Mark Taylor (Sandra). Cherished grandma of Alison, Ava and Luke. Much loved sister of Gail Wilson and Sue Archibald (Gary), sisterin-law of Valerie Hamilton (Dave) and Janice Verardo (Dino) and aunt to many nephews/nieces. Predeceased by her mother, Doris Grant. Kathy worked for many years at John Deere in Grimsby where she made many lasting friends. Her wit, intelligence and generous spirit made her beloved by her many friends. Her laugh was a joy to hear and she was always the first to give a compliment. Her love of music, beautiful singing voice and uncanny ability to harmonize with anyone was a joyous part of her life until the end. Kathy loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, eating, drinking, laughing, talking and having fun. She felt fortunate that her children lived near her and that she was able to spend lots of time with them and her grandchildren. She was a dedicated walker and loved to take her dog on her 5km walks in all seasons.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to dear family friends, Lee Mayhew and Mandy Amos, for their unwavering love and support. Special thanks to all doctors, nurses and staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, especially, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Scott and nurse Marianne for their exceptional care and compassion.

As per Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her Life will be held at the Casablanca Hotel, 4 Windward Dr, Grimsby, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. If desired, donations made in her memory to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

BONES, Bruce William James

Bruce Bones of Grimsby/Crystal Beach, Ontario passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the age of 74. He laughed and loved with his wife, Dayle, of 41 years and their two amazing sons Mark Bones (Courtney) and Daniel Bones (Savannah). Bruce will also be missed by his daughters Kerry Bones (Paul) and Kristen Bones (Matt) and awesome grandchildren Lola, Callum, Casey, Kade and Ava. Brother of Rev. Susan Tate (Barry) and the late Brian Bones (Lynn). Bruce grew up in Scarborough with his Mom and Dad, Betty and Bill Bones and his siblings. He had fond memories of summers cottaging at Wonaka Wenning and great memories youth counseling in his teen years. Bruce loved the countless hours with family and being a stay at home Dad for 15+ years in Grimsby. Happy memories included family vacations to Mexico, coaching soccer in Grimsby, detailing his many vehicles and numerous walks with Bubba Bones. His humour, including many bad Dad jokes, will continue to be appreciated by family and friends. In late 2021, Bruce and Dayle moved to Crystal Beach to look forward to retirement, to enjoy their new friends and neighbours and became members of The Bay Beach Club. Unfortunately, that dream was cut way too short, as Bruce was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Cremation has taken place. The family would warmly welcome one and all to a drop in Memorial Gathering between 1-5 p.m. at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Saturday March 25, 2023. Memorial contributions to Niagara Health Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

GAS GUY

Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Handyman Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced. Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

HANDYMAN SERVICES

SPeCiAlized in CARPentRy - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485

RuBBiSH & Junk ReMOVAl. Call Ken 905-973-3235

McKENNA, Jacqueline “Jackie”

Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 84.

Predeceased by her loving husband Lawson “Ding” McKenna.

Cherished mother to Patricia (Doug), and Timothy. Dear grandmother of Samantha (Sebastian), Elizabeth, Ryan, and Nicole. Predeceased by her loving friend Ron Price. She was a special GG to Laura (Luke), McKenna, and Finley. Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to The Lincoln County Humane Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

www.smithsfh.com

APT. FOR RENT

SuitABle FOR One, Quiet MAtuRe Adult Private Entrance to inside full stair to basement suite. 1000 sq ft, 1 BD, full bath, insuite laundry, full Kit with Fridge, stove, dishwasher. Heated Travertine stone tile floor, & hdwd with F/P. Built beyond code. All inclusive $1,650/mo, no pets, no smoking, landlord upstairs, East Grimsby. Diane, (905) 339-7078

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

StRuggling WitH HuRtS, HAng-uPS OR HABitS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)”

12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-945-9529

VEHICLES WANTED

CARS, tRuCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059

Region adjusts waste disposal fees

Niagara Region will be adjusting waste disposal fees for several materials effective April 1.

The new fees reflect the true cost of managing these materials, say regional

officials.

Changes to fee rates:

• Garbage, construction and demolition material 50 kg and above changes from $120/ tonne to $122.50/

tonne;

• Shingles - residential and commercial changes from $75/ tonne to $80/tonne

• Clean soil - commercial changes from $30/load to $39/load

• Contaminated soil - commercial changes from $35/ tonne to $39/tonne

Fort Erie - Bridge Street Waste and Recycling Drop-Off

6th Annual Volunteer Pay

Subscription Drive

Depot does not accept clean or contaminated soil.

Residents are encouraged to separate all recyclable material to reduce waste going to landfill. Separating out recyclables can also save residents on disposal fees. Learn more about waste management services in Niagara.

“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!!!!

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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!!

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Contest winner jars memory

I’ve been writing a weekly column, for long stretches two or more per week, since the mid-80s, so well over 35 yearseasily over 2,000 columns.

By far, the biggest response I’ve received from anything offered in this space was from a piece in the late 90s when I wrote about my grandmother’s Westinghouse stove.

There was a tremor of trauma when she finally gave in and decided to replace it - because it started giving off shocks with some regularity.

Otherwise, the postWWII workhouse worked like a charm. Some may recall the model - it had that little plate warming compartment adjacent to one of the two stoves built in.

Happy winner

The Zych children - Nixon, 5, Lexi, 9, and Natalia, 7, were very excited to drop by NewsNow’s office to pick up Lexi’s winnings for submitting her thoughts in the newspaper’s Why I Love My Community contest last month. Lexi chose her favourite pizza place, Domino’s, for her $50 gift certificate. Williscraft - Photo

Building permits tell part of story

Many despise some of the “progress” we see around us in the form of commercial and residential development. It is not so much that there is progress, change and development as much as the style and format of what rolls out.

But, what all need to remember is the development we see is what pays the freight for parks, road, programs and services we see in our communities every day.

One would be hard-pressed to not enjoy a benefit of something that was paid for - fully or partially - by development projects. It is a necessary “evil”.

The Province just needs to allow municipalities to manage it better. M.W.

A highlight of going to grandma’s - aside from the wonders of the basement - was getting Bob’s Fish & Chips (on Hamilton Road) and grandma would have plates warmed to keep the food hot upon return.

I mention this because Why I Love My Community contest winner Jim Love from Smithville said he only submitted anything to a newspaper once before in his life - and that was when I wrote that column about the stove.

It was pretty crazy he mentioned that several decades later, but it still was parked in his memory.

I used to write about my grandmother regularly

back in the day. No doubt, she was my barometer and a steadying influence, not just for me, but our entire family.

She lived in her Redan Street home in London from the day she was born there until her death at 104 in 2012.

I still think about her advice provided to me over the years.

I am not really one to swear much.

That goes back to my grandma explaining to me other word options which could be used when one is upset or angry - this, of course, while stuffing a bar of Ivory soap in my mouth when I was about 8 because I said “darn”.

Grandma preferred the “dash” and I only ever heard her say that twice.

Once as a youngster when my grandfather’s hunting dogs ripped up her flower beds in their immaculate backyard. The second time when I got canned by Metroland - which preceded the

birth of this publication in 2012. I didn’t tell her when it went down in late January, waiting until we saw her in person for a 104th birthday dinner.

That in itself was remarkable. She packed away a salad, fish and chips and a piece of cake - and she was tiny. At any rate, when I told her I’d been turfed from the paper I created, she said, “Don’t let those dash suckers get you down. Do another one and take them out.” She was irate. Well, nearly 11 years later, we’re still here, and that is a miracle unto itself.

From my earliest recollections to her very last few minutes on the planet - regaling as many family members as the hospital would allow when she had a stroke and when she was returned to her home for her final hours.

I’ve had many requests for more grandma stories - there are a thousand columns worth right there - and I will try to work some in. Honestly, the news front has been so hot for so many years, it is nice to have a moment to cool the jets and expand on some other enduring themes. I hope that continues.

So, thanks for jarring my memory Jim. Maybe next week I’ll cover some ground on my second most commented on column - a Grimsby made topic.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Love-ly prize winners

It was fitting Jim Love, left, of Smithville was one of the random winners of Newsnow’s Why I Love My Community contest. As a winner, Jim chose a $50 gift certificate at Lang On The Water in Grimsby. As well, Linda Emslie of Beamsville chose to get a $50 Beacon Harbourside gift certificate for her prize. Thanks to all those who submitted their comments.

Convoy attendees miscast occupiers: reader Letters

Dear Editor, Re. March 2nd letter from Claude Marcotte: I was dismayed by the writer’s description of the Feb. 2022 Ottawa protesters as an “…out of control mob of permanently disgruntled Confederate flag carrying War Memorial desecrating occupiers hell bent on chaos.”

I watched the TV reports and read the online articles by CHCH news, CHML news and CITY news and, I have to say, if those were my only sources of information then I,

too, would have been brainwashed into this opinion.

However, doing some searching on YouTube yielded a number of videos taken by individuals who actually walked through the crowds and I saw a whole lot of ordinary Canadians not being out of control or hell bent on chaos. By far, most proudly carried Canadian flags.

Since Justice Paul

Rouleau’s report was quoted in the letter, I will give you another one.

All of Section 25.2 of the Emergency Commission Report is noteworthy, which includes the following, “… in my view more of an effort by government leaders at all levels during the protests to acknowledge that the majority of protesters were exercising their fundamental democratic rights.

The Freedom Convoy garnered support from many frustrated

Canadians who simply wished to protest what they perceived as government overreach.

Messaging by politicians, public officials and, to some extent, the media should have been more balanced, and drawn a clearer distinction between those who were protesting peacefully and those who were not.” (emphasis added)

So let’s stop hating on the Ottawa protesters.

Barbara Kozarichuk, West Lincoln

Transit model overlooked municipal makeup: writer

Dear Editor,

You’re right, regional transit is like walking a tightrope. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but one wrong step and the whole thing could go sideways.

You were also correct that most people have no idea about how much it will cost them in the end. I think the issue is the powers that be used one system for the whole region, failing to recognize the size and

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

Week Nineteen

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:

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Mikey M.

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist, Ozzy Norris

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Jack Green

• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Judy-Anne Sleep

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, Murray Bonshor Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings

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Top Standings

1. Heywood, Kevin.... 1447

2. Heinen, Stella 1443

3. Torkelson, Andy 1431

4. Allison, Mike 1431

5. Stuive, Alex 1426

unique makeup of each municipality.

Something should have been drafted on Innisfil’s subsidized Uber model, more efficient.

Stephen Owen, Grimsby

6. Mous, Brent 1418

7. Grant, Donald ....... 1418

8. Schilte, Julie ............ 1414

9. Van Roon, Jim ......... 1412

10. Della Valle, Basil 1406

11. Loser Joe .............. 1401

12. Morrison, Michael 1398

13. Kusy, Laura 1398

14. Fuller, Rory 1397

15. O’Toole, Bernie 1397

16. RawKnee 1396

17. Minor, Craig ......... 1395

18. Olejarz, Theresa.. 1394

19. Noise, Virgil ......... 1392

20. Tommy 1391

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