NewsNow E-Edition November 17 2022

Christmas colours

Niagara West residents can give the gift of colour to kick off the Christmas season thanks to the West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. After a lengthy COVID-induced hiatus, the Auxiliary is rebooting its popular poinsettia sale - with support from the team at Linwell Gardens. Residents can pre-order by next Monday, Nov. 21 by calling 905-929-9953 or email: flilley6@gmail.com

Colour choices are red, white and pink with 6-inch pots $10 and 8-inch pots $20, including HST. Poinsettias can be picked up at the WLMH lobby on Wednesday, Nov. 23 & Thursday, Nov. 24. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. As well, the Auxiliary is also gearing up for the return of its Breakfast With Santa at the Peach King Centre on Saturday, Dec. 17. That runs 8 a.m.-12 Noon with tickets $5pp or $20 for a family of up to five. Williscraft - Photo

Fantasy of Trees launches Nov. 25

The launch of Grimsby Rotary’s 23rd annual Fantasy of Trees is set for next Friday, Nov. 25.

The two-week long event official ly opens with an opening ceremony at Noon that day.

It continues until Sunday, Dec. 4 conducting operating hours of Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed on Mondays.

Rotary club member and event lead organizer Jim Noordermeer said a whole host of prizes are up for grabs this year.

“Theme Christmas trees, wreaths and draw prizes are all part of the

mix. As well, people can bid on si lent auction items online or in per son, too,” said Noordermeer.

Check: fantasyoftrees.ca for more information.

As well, Saturday, Nov. 27 will also be the event’s special “Santa Day” with the jolly old elf booking a stop in Grimsby before he heads to the Smithville parade. This component of the event will be located on the Grimsby Museum lawn from 1-3 p.m.

This year’s event is sponsored by Grimsby Hyundai/Performance Collision Grimsby; Sharon Rizzuto and, Dental Care, Dr. Charles Daly and Dr. Cheryl Wattie.

Village of Hope facing record high needs

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

A surge in need for help this Christmas has Village of Hope reaching out to the commu nity to help meet this year’s unprecedented demand.

“We started registering in the middle of October know ing with the costs of every thing going up the need in Lincoln would be higher,” ex ecutive director Cheryl Keddy Scott said Monday.

“The need is unprecedented and it’s not even Decem ber.” For a growing number of families this year is fraught with emotion, depression and anxiety.

“Getting past the last three years our numbers have dou bled, but since October we are seeing an average of five to six new families registering every week.”

And for every family that

registers, “there is some body sitting at their kitchen table thinking how will we get through,” Keddy Scott said, adding, “a lot of people are one car repair from coming to register.”

Rising food and shelter costs are having a dramatic affect on families – in Lincoln it’s es timated that more than 12 per cent, one in eight, are going hungry a part of each month.

“We need the community to come together to help fami lies get through this holiday season.”

“It’s very difficult for fami lies,” Keddy Scott said, add ing, “75 per cent of all registered in 2022 are single moms which is up from about 60 per cent in 2021.”

There is no deadline for reg istering. “If you need help right up to December 24 we’ll be here to Christmas Eve,” Keddy

Scott said. “We’re here to lis ten, to help get you through the season, and to walk along side you.”

Through the Season of Hope hamper program, donors can sponsor a family for $250; a senior for $75; or a child for $50. But Keddy Scott stresses that every toy, every gift card, canned good or donation is welcome.

To donate, please stop by, call, or go online. The food bank /warehouse is located at 2540 South Service Road, Jordan Station and the thrift store at 2831 King St., Jordan.

Or donate online at: villageofhopeniagara.org

You can also call 905-5623113 to make arrangements or mail to: Village of Hope, Box 162, Vineland, Ont., L0R 2C0.

“It takes a village to give the gift of hope,” said Keddy Scott.

Is it time to break up with your bank?

Current mortgage interest rates, compounded by the Federal Government’s mortgage qualifying stress test, have created a surge in business for alternative, non-bank mortgage lenders. Non-bank lenders include credit unions, trust companies, mortgage investment companies, and private lenders.

One distinct advantage that these alternative non-bank lenders have over the big banks is their ability to incorporate some modicum of common-sense into their decision to lend, whereas most banks do not practice any type of common-sense, nor “big picture” underwriting.

Another advantage that these alternative mortgage lenders have over the big banks is their ability to adapt quickly, and to revise policy quickly. This fluidity ultimately benefits borrowers. One such example: the recent reintroduction of the 40-year amortization by two alternative non-bank lenders. Another example is the option for a borrower to qualify at the contract mortgage rate (no stress test rate used).

A mortgage broker like myself offers borrowers a choice of big-bank mortgages, credit union mortgages, and mortgage solutions from numerous alternative non-bank lenders. Since 1998, I have assisted thousands of homeowners with bank mortgages and alternative-lender mortgages. I promise you expert advice and a solution that you can afford.

Recent interest rate increases require unique mortgage solutions; Solutions that your bank cannot offer you.

Talk to us. You’ll be impressed!

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

Grimsby

respects

(Above) Grimsby Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 Remembrance Day ceremony emcee Vince Bulman, right, outlines the day’s events.

(Left) Grimsby Reg. Coun. Wayne Fertich lays a wreath on behalf of Niagara Region.

(Above) Clifford Pope holds the hand of his veteran father, Aaron at the Grimsby Remembrance Day ceremony. Mom Heather and baby Betty were also in attendance.

(Left) Despite steady rain, a good size crowd filled the lawn of Grimsby Museum and circled the cenotaph for the ceremony. After the program, the Legion hosted a reception at its hall.

Williscraft - Photo

West Lincoln lights community Christmas tree Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

West Lincoln Shines is set to go next Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The event is team effort from Kiwanis Club of West Lin coln, which partners with the Township of West Lincoln, the Knights of Columbus, Food land, Smithville Christian High School and Rebecca Mullin of Desjardin Insurance.

This community tree lighting

event takes place at West Lin coln Community Centre from 6-7 p.m.

All are welcome for this free community event which in cludes carol singing, free hot dogs and hot chocolate, a gift card draw and good old-fash ioned community holiday fun as the community Christmas tree is lit.

Beamsville Remembrance ceremony draws young, old alike despite rain

Marching in of the Colour Party Friday at the Beamsville cenotaph during Remembrance Day services led by the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch 612. McDonald - Photos

Cmde. Toni Burch lowers the flag Friday at the Beamsville Legion’s Remembrance Day service.

Niagara Regional Métis Council president Derrick Pont takes a wreath from Cadet Carolina Melo at Friday’s service. In the foreground is MCpl. Paulo Melo also of 1626 West Niagara Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.

Two-year-old Trent McChesney watches as wreaths are laid Friday.

Citizen Appointments to Town of Lincoln Boards and Committees

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

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

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

The Town of Lincoln is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as citizen volunteers as outlined below.

Membership on these committees are appointed by Council and for a 4-year term. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2022.

Advisory Board and Committee

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee

• Age Friendly Advisory Committee

• Committee of Adjustment

• Heritage Advisory Committee

• Housing, Homelessness, and Community Partnership Advisory Committee

• Lincoln Pelham Public Library Board

Applications and details regarding the Town of Lincoln Boards and Committees is available online at lincoln.ca

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

Fleming Centre Outdoors 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Serena Dr., Beamsville

Help us ring in the holidays at our annual tree lighting event! Bring the whole family for some holiday fun:

with the Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln Fire Rescue and Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre

is requiredVisit lincoln.ca)

Help others in our community this holiday season. Lincoln Fire Rescue will be collecting non-perishable food items & toys.

For more information, visit lincoln.ca

Julie Kirkelos | Town Clerk

Veterans

remembered at Jordan service

Laying a wreath in honour of the Moyer family (L-R) Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch 612 Cmde. Bill Wood, with Bruce Pond, Jacob Moyer, 12, and Joan Pond Thorp.

(Above) Leading the Colour Party, Cmde. Roy Mackey marches off the colours at the Jordan Cenotaph during Remembrance Day services led by the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch 612.

(Left) Honouring the service and sacrifice of WWI veterans, Cmde. Jake Stolz lays a wreath.

Photos By Joanne McDonald

17th Annual

Elcho Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 19th from 9 am to 1 pm. Bake Sale, Penny Sale & Tea Room. Visit elchounitedchurch.com/2022-christmas-bazaar or email elchochurch@gmail.com for more information. Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to West Lincoln Community Care. Elcho United Church is located at 6432 Elcho Road in Wellandport (near the intersection of Elcho and Port Davidson Roads).

West Lincoln remembers

Master Corporal Kevin Wadden - in the blue NATO beret - was part of the Colour Party at Smithville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 393 Legion. Photo - Brenda Walker

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ADOPT PROPOSED 2023 USER FEES AND CHARGES

This is to advise that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of West Lincoln proposes to enact a by-law to adopt the 2023 User Fees and Charges at the All Committee/Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2022 at 6:30 PM. This by-law will establish the user fees and charges for all user-pay services within the Township, including building services.

This meeting will satisfy the public meeting requirements as per the Ontario Building Code Act S.O. 1992, c. 23, as amended, with respect to the building user fees and charges. A draft of the proposed 2023 building user fees and charges will be available upon request, as of Monday, November 21, 2022.

A draft of the proposed 2023 User Fees and Charges will be made available Friday, December 9, 2022 after 4:00 PM on the Township’s website.

Interested persons wishing to make submissions to Council regarding the proposed 2023 User Fees and Charges are invited to submit written comments to Joanne Scime, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, at jscime@westlincoln.ca no later than 12:00 PM on Friday, December 9, 2022.

The public may participate in the Zoom meeting as attendees by contacting Joanne Scime, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk, at jscime@westlincoln.ca by 4:30 PM on December 12, 2022. Written requests to speak at the public meeting must include the person’s name, address, telephone number, and a brief statement outlining their position on the proposed user fees and charges.

Members of the public who wish to observe the meeting can join the Town ship’s livestream channel, available through the Township website.

For further information, please contact: Donna DeFilippis, Treasurer/Director of Finance

Cpl. Felicia Smit of the 1626 West Niagara Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps., right, was one of many who took part in Friday’s Remembrance Day service at Smithville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 393 Legion. Photo - Brenda Walker

Top businesses in West Lincoln were recognized Nov. 3 by the West Lincoln Chamber of Com merce at its 2022 Business Awards.

“We had a good crowd and it all went great,” said Chamber executive director Denise Potter.

The event was held at Smithville Chris tian High School with Sylvana Oliver taking on the emcee task. The event commit tee was comprised of Oliver, Janelle Van Halst, Cheryl Ganann and Potter.

The winners in each of the five cat egories were rec ognized with each winner receiving a

customized winner’s plaque from the chamber, a one-year free membership, and a certificate of congratulations.

Winners were: SMALL BUSINESS Smithville Dance Studio

MEDIUM BUSINESS Merritt Eye Care

LARGE BUSINESS Smithville Christian High School

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Wesley Schilstra, Re/Max Escarpment

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

The FORT

“These events are not easy to pull off. They take a lot of co ordination and major support from dedi cated sponsors and

On hand for the awards presentations were (L to R) Front Row: Samantha Burgoyne-Watson, Smithville Dance Academy, winner Small Business; Marlene Bergsma, Smithville Christian High School, winner Large Business; presenter Janelle Van Halst, West Lincoln Chamber president, award; Beth Shaw, The FORT, winner Not-For-Profit and; presenter Cheryl Ganann, councillor and Mayor-Elect, Township of West Lincoln. Back: presenter Dave Vandenberg, Smithville RV; Sam Oosterhoff MPP Niagara West; Denise Potter, executive director West Lincoln Chamber, and; Scott Antonides, Smithville Christian High School, winner Large Business. Photo courtesy of Robin Murray.

we are very lucky to have that kind of support in our com

munity,” said Potter.

“We’re sincerely appreciative of all

our business awards sponsors for their generosity and sup

port to make this awards program happen.”

Jordan Village to shine brightly

Jordan Village will get into the holiday seson with its annual Christmas In The Village tree lighting event this Friday, Nov. 18.

Inn On The Twenty, located in the Jordan Village, plays host for the event which will get started at 6 p.m. There is no cost for the outdoor event.

Spectators can watch as the holiday season comes to life during the lighting of the Jordan Christmas Village.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site to mark the beginning of the Holiday season and to meet with families from 5:30-6 p.m. before they head back to the North Pole to continue their preparations

Families can snap a photo in the Christmas Selfie Garden, enjoy boutique shopping in the Jordan Village shops and visit the Starlight Market at the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre from 3-8 p.m.

Thurs.,

Thurs.,

Sat.,

Thurs.,

1626 Army Cadets taking new members year round

After a long COVID hiatus, 1626 Army Cadets Corps hosted its first open house at its new digs at 4823 Mountain St. in Beamsville last month.

Capt. Matthew Tremblay said the event was planned for International Ca det Week.

Tremblay said while the cadet corps main tains its core benefits

of self-discipline, fit ness, positive hab its and giving back to the community, he noted cadets can also earn up to four credits for their high school coop.

Cadets experi ence hiking, canoe ing, mountain bik ing and orienteering, while meeting weekly on Wednesday eve nings.

Busy schedules have been taken into account to allow for sign-up at any point

Sani Kovacevic and his son, Andrej, attended 1626 Army Cadets Corps’ recent open house to get more information on the organization. For more information, email 1626cco@gmail.com or call, 289-438-4114.

2022

West Lincoln Cham ber of Commerce has launched its annual Toonie Toy Drive which will now run through to Dec. 9.

Participating local businesses will have etched donation bot tles displayed at their locations.

Upon the campaign’s completion all will be collected. As well, do nations will be collect ed along the Smithville Santa Claus Parade route on Saturday, Nov. 26.

Last year more than $5,400 was raised for West Lincoln Commu nity Care.

“We encourage ev eryone to drop in a Toonie or other de nominations to help support this important

cause,” said Sharlene Volpatti, WLCC’s man ager, client services & food bank.

“We’re experiencing high numbers and it’s

the busiest it’s been since inception in 1984. October 2022 visits are up 33 per cent over last year.”

“Proceeds from the

Toonie Toy Drive will ensure every child re ceives a toy and any additional funds will support food purchas ing.”

West Lincoln Chamber executive director Denise Potter, right, with Sharlene Volpatti, manager - client services & food bank, West Lincoln Community Care.

Touch of a hand can go a long way: reader

Dear Editor, My son is a Lieutenant stationed in Victoria.

He was on an away mission in Afghani stan for nine months a few years ago. So we know what it is like to have someone who could possibly be in harm’s way.

I received this text

grimsby

Letters

from him on Remem brance Day. “I drove up to Brentwood for Remembrance Day today. As I was stand ing waiting for the ceremony to begin,

a woman about 65 walked over and started a conversa tion.

Her name was Heather and I re minded her of her son, who is in Kuwait with the CAF mission there.

We chatted for a bit and then the ceremo

ny started.

She stood there beside me quietly for most of the time, but sometime during the wreath laying, she reached out and took my hand in a tight grip.

When the ceremony was over she let go of my hand, turned to me and said, “Thank you for being a friend today I need one”, and then she walked away.

Don’t forget the families who stay behind and are scared or lonely. Their sac rifice in many ways is harder than the ones made by the people in uniform.”

you, Bob Bujas

Thank

Dave Jarvis, Broker of Record • Mareea Steedman, Broker • *Sales Representatives

A surprisingLy EntErprising LittLE

5th 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!

Joseph Pulitzer

Dear Reader,

Well, here we are again – another new frontier - circulation via Canada Post. About two months are in the books and processes are still being ironed out but, all in all, it was a strong start and we appreciate the efforts of everyone at each postal outlet in Niagara West!

So far, response from readers and advertisers has been excellent. Quality and consistency are key and that is our main goal. The more support we get, the more content we can publish. If you can support us, and choose to do so, we greatly appreciate it!

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.

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 –28,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!

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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 wishes of good health to you all!

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Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 5!

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

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Two weeks ago

Did renowned small home designer come to Grimsby A Small Drop of Ink

I mentioned the house at 43 Main Street East as an ex ample of what can happen to a heri tage home when there are no offi cial watchers of our past.

The other ex ample I referred to is the house at 125 Main Street East. Not the house that is here now, but the one that was demol ished to allow the present house to be built. Although there were rumours of the little home’s heritage history, no research was done, and no effort made

By Dorothy Turcotte

to save the house before it was re placed.

The original house at 125 Main Street East is said to have been designed and built by Paul Revere Williams, who won the 1923 Santa Bar bara Small Home Competition.

It is hard to imagine that an out standing American architect like Wil liams actually came to Grimsby to su pervise the building of a small home for a client, but perhaps

Special Christmas tours set for Nelles Manor

Treat yourself to an enchanting evening Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. during a Can delight Christmas at the historic Nelles Manor Museum in Grimsby.

The cost is $40 per person for an eve ning of food, drinks and music. A special series of Christmas tours

at the Manor is also planned on Nov. 26, 27 and Dec. 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost is $10 for adults and children (3-13) are $5. All tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Nelles Manor is located at 126 Main Street West. Visit nellesmanor.ca

he did, or at least provided the plans for the Grimsby house.

Paul Revere Wil liams designed homes for many of Hollywood’s elite –Lon Chaney, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Frank Sinatra, Bar bara Stanwyck, Ty rone Power, Danny Thomas and dozens of other notables. He also designed many public build ings, and homes for lesser beings.

The Small House Movement began

in 1923 when the American Institute of Architects (AIA) opened a depart ment for the design of small houses.

It is good to know that the movement is continuing. In Au gust 2022, Santa Barbara opened a tiny homes vil lage on a previous parking lot. Thirtyfour street people are now comfortably living in their own private spaces. A good example for other crowded communities.

BIRTHDAY

HANDYMAN SERVICES

OBITUARY

Lovegrove, Jeffrey Raymond

Passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the age of 37. Loved son of the late Sherry and Raymond. Brother of Dave and Sam (Kara) Lovegrove. Uncle of Kya and Myles. Jeff will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the Lincoln County Humane Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com

APT. FOR RENT

VEHICLES WANTED

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

RUBBISH & JUNK REMOVAL. Call Ken 905973-3235

LAWN ROLLING & AERATION

fRONt & BACKyARd Call Ken 905957-5731.

‘SUItABLE fOR SINGLE MAtURE AdULt. 1,000 sq ft, 1 BD basement suite. Private entrance, F/P, in-suite laundry, heat ed travertine stone tile floor & hardwood. Lots of closet space, Landlord upstairs. $1,650/mth ALL IN CLUSIVE. No Pets. Grimsby, built be yond code. Call Diane Bryer (905 339-7078’

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

Robert White

November 21st, 2008

IN MEMORIUM TREE

ROOFING

ROOfING Over 25 years of experi ence. Shingles and Flat Roof warranty. Call Ken 905-9733235.

SUPPORT GROUP

Struggling with life? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” a 12 step Christian recovery program for any Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups. Wednesdays at 7 pm at Forestview Com munity Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby, On. All are welcome! Please call for info. or help - 905-945-9529

HELP WANTED

318 Canborough St. P.O. Box 400 Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

T: 905-957-3346 F: 905-957-3219 www.westlincoln.ca

SEASONAL WINTER MAINTENANCE TRUCK DRIVER

This is a temporary seasonal position from approximately early December 2022 to late March 2023 during which time you are expected to work overtime when required, as well as shift work including evenings and weekends. Minimum qualifications include completion of Grade 12, 2 to 3 years’ experience operating a truck in a construction, road maintenance or similar environment. Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted DZ (at minimum) driver’s license. Municipal road maintenance including ploughing snow and sanding along roads, sidewalks and parking lots will be considered an asset. Candidates chosen for an interview will be required to provide a driver’s abstract at the time of the interview. The successful candidate must provide a basic police clearance certificate as well their own CSA approved footwear and appropriate work clothing.

This is a casual and seasonal position with an hourly rate of $27.85 per hour. For additional information see the position description at http://www.westlincoln. ca. All new hires must sign a declaration and provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (minimum 2 doses).

Interested applicants are invited to submit by email or regular mail (no in person submissions) a letter of application outlining their qualifications and experience, as well as a detailed resume, by no later than Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. to the attention of:

Joanne Scime, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Township of West Lincoln

318 Canborough Street, P.O. Box 400, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

Fax (905) 957-3219 or by email jscime@westlincoln.ca

(subject line: Winter Truck Driver)

NOTE: Email submissions are to be sent in either Microsoft Office or PDF Format

We thank all those applicants who apply and advise that acknowledgement will only be forwarded to those applicants who are invited for an interview. Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, if you require this document or any additional documents in an alternative format, please contact our office at 905-957-3346. Please know that should you require any special accommodations in order to apply for a position or interview for a position with the Township of West Lincoln, we will endeavor to make such ac commodations.

Colourful support

Members of the 2nd Grimsby Girl Guides did their part to salute war veterans by decorating sidewalks near the cenotaph the night before Nov. 11 ceremonies. The artists were: (L to R) Kayla Healey, Zophia Brunelle, Nata lie Zelisko and Olivia DeGroat at the back.

Unique gifts Nov. 26 at St. Helen Christmas bazaar

A huge selection of unique gift ideas, plants, bak ing and Santa Claus himself will be in town for the St. Helen Church Christmas Craft Show and Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It’s the church’s first bazaar back after COVID. Plans for the day also include a plant sale and homemade baking. Many of the same vendors are returning and there will be newcomers with unique handmade crafts and gifts. Snacks and refreshments will be on hand. Santa will be there for photos with the kids. The church is located at 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville.

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Doug Welch

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

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Loser Joe

• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Kelly Prentice

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, Dennis Jubenville

Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.

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nual photo now.

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Normally, as a core edi torial side guy, I should be having a heart attack about that. These days, it feels great! Spectacular even.

Volunteer honoured

Grimsby Celebration Choir honoured longtime member Charlene Bernhardt for her outstanding 20 years of service as our choir librarian. Charlene is a valued alto in the choir and will continue to sing with the group. On hand for the recognition were (L to R) Barbara Clausen, Charlene and Lu Lenz, who presented a commemorative award to Charlene.

Thanks to our veterans

Just a quick note here to note the touching anecdote provided by reader Bob Bujas - vis his son - post Remem brance Day (see Page 16).

Now that it is in the past, few will think of those who made incredible sacrifices in the past and continue to do so every day through their military service. North America has been lucky to be insulated from much of war’s realities. Unless you have a friend or family member in the armed services, it is hard to comprehend what that means day-today. That story of a mother just wanting to feel closer to her own son by holding the hand of another vet...how can you not feel that? Thanks to all our veterans! M.W.

Yes, it would have been easy to tee up a hard news piece on the proposed realignment of federal Riding bound aries (yes, I did a story when it was initially an nounced, but it is time for a follow-up). I could have also done another piece on the proposed unearthing of Greenbelt lands for developers to have their way withthanks to Premier Ford. Nope, we’ve had enough so this week is wall-to-wall, bumperto-bumper photos from community events, features on upcoming events from across Niag ara West and opinion. All these things have been stuffed in the back seat for a long time, years it feels like, so appropriate and required space could be given to major and ongoing news stories.

Now part of the rea son for that direction on coverage was COVID im pacts eliminated virtually all community events for two full years. With this latest fall cycle, all but those which were perma nently cancelled will have

now bounced back and run at least one time. It feels good, doesn’t it?

Last week shooting the annual cover photo for the West Lincoln Me morial Auxiliary folks at Linwell Gardens was a breath of fresh spring air. The poinsettia sale had been cancelled the last couple of years. Nice to have it back...and those colours...Love it!

That photo marked a changing of the guard there, too. For as long as I can remember Sob kowich Greenhouses was always the supplier there, but with COVID they changed their pro gramming and are not growing poinsettias any longer. First, thanks to the Sobkowich Family for being a dedicated and long-term sponsor of that promotion to help the Auxiliary.

Second, thanks to the Alkema Family for step ping up and helping out. I look forward to stop ping in there for the an

Another little item I need to add in is a plug for my unabashed favou rite little church - Elcho Road United out at 6432 Elcho Road near Wellandport. This Satur day, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. is their Christmas Bazaar. I greatly admire the heart these folks put into keeping their congregation alive. Like so many, they are more than worthy of support, so drop by if you have time. They have a penny sale and tea room on the go and their bake sale items are always top drawer!

I definitely advise to arrive sooner than later to have the best selection on the baked goods as they fly out the door.

* * * * * *

Once quick comment to wrap Remembrance Day...speaking for all who attended the Grimsby ceremony, it was stel lar to hear/see that a new sound system was brought in for this year’s service. The last sev eral years, despite sound checks immediately prior, it croaked out at the worst possible times, repeatedly, much to the chagrin of participants and attendees.

This year...pristine. And it was appreciated by all, so thanks to the Grimsby Legion for getting that done!

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Unions should not be able to hold public hostage

Dear Editor,

Put students first. How easy do critics of the provincial not withstanding clause forget.

After the disastrous school lock downs during the COVID epidemic causing serious harm to stu dents, academically and mentally, the Ford government was elected with a majori ty to put students first and keep them in the classroom.

Again, unions show their rights come first.

Other people’s rights can be trampled on. In this case, the rights of over two mil lion students against those of 55,000 union members.

Ontario’s taxpayers are paying too much taxes for a bloated education system that is delivering mediocre study results and does not put students first.

Like teaching stu dents the critical skills for math; that’s doing

very poorly in Ontario.

Parents expect school boards to fo cus on academics, in stead they released a new ‘woke’ direc tive for teachers and students with radi cal transformation of which I have a copy.

This is not what par ents want and want to pay for. Public sec tor unions are a very large liability for On tario taxpayers.

They are never hap py with the generous salaries and benefits they receive, especial

ly in comparing with their counterparts in the private sector, who are getting 15-20 per cent less for the same job.

Taxpayers need to speak out for chang es in the law to stop public union abuse under the excuse of the right of “free bargaining”, which is nothing more than holding other people hostage if they don’t get it their way.

Rob Janssen Lincoln

Affordable housing? Look south

Dear Editor, There are several take aways from the Ford government’s move to suggest opening up Greenbelt land to de velopment but coping with a need for afford able housing is clearly not one of them.

You were bang on last week, sir, in not ing lakefront values would not be consid ered widely affordable in anyone’s definition of “affordable”.

If they really wanted to make such a move, appropriate assess ments could have been done.

You can’t tell me, for example, significant parcels of land above the escarpment would not have been more appropriate.

Yes, I know there are no services there, but if such a drastic move as opening Greenbelt is in play, why wouldn’t expanding services up

Mountain Street be in play as well?

Anyone who drives up there knows there is a lot of land that is rock, clay for floodedie poor farmland.

If that area was to come into play, though, Grimsby would have to be much better at fol lowing planning principles and not create a third town centre to further divide the com munity.

Aside from parking,

a major error made in Grimsby on The Lake was duplicating a Main Street style to create two commercial cen tres in a small town. Any planner will tell you that is just wrong.

But back to Green belt, I too, would like to know what land was erroneously included in the original Greenbelt plan. I agree that should have been a prime con sideration first.

Stephen Owen, Grimsby

bilko@rgcmail.com www.bilko.ca

Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

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