Neighbourhood GRIMSBY Issue 06 2021

ISSUE 06 • 2021

G R I M S B Y

'Giving Back from Behind the Lens' Photo by Nicole Lem

Quality Window Fashions at an Affordable Price Ask us how we can Safely Serve YOU!

ALTA WINDOW FASHIONS

dual shades

905-945-8008 11 LIVINGSTON AVENUE G R I M S B Y ,

Article and Photography by Peeter Poldre

he abundant springtime dandelion is an important source of pollen and nectar.

Up close imagery reveals intricate bilobed stigma that sit atop styles and anthers.

Plentiful pollen can also be seen.

Nikon D850 camera with f2.8 105mm macro lens.

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O N

UNITED

IN KINDNESS AND DIVERSITY

Protecting the Environment is one of Lions Global Causes

HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT STARTS AT HOME Plant a Native Tree or two.

Plant native plants in your gardens that are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Install a Rain Garden or a Rain Barrel and Natural Garden Features.

Replace your gas powered lawnmowers with an Electric Mower.

Mulch your Grass. Let the nutrients return to the soil.

Reduce Use of Fertilizers.

Carefully pack your blue and gray boxes to Reduce Wind Blown Litter.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :

e: mail@grimsbylions.org • grimsbylions.org

Support Our Community NEIGHBOURHOODMAGA ZINE .CA

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PRESIDENT JAMES BAKER

G R I M S B Y

james@thnmedia.com

ADVERTISING SALES DAVID JOUBARNE

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david@thnmedia.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

In our last installment of 'Hawk Watch', we feature the Osprey.

JASON STACEY

jason@thnmedia.com

CREATIVE PRODUCTION DERECK ADDIE

dereck@thnmedia.com

TIM FRANKIW

tim@thnmedia.com

WEB DESIGN VAUGHN JOSEPH vaughn@thnmedia.com

ADMINISTRATION DIANA LYNAS

diana@thnmedia.com

COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR SUSAN GIBBINS susan@thnmedia.com

CONTRIBUT0RS PEETER POLDRE LESLIE STYLES

PRINTING DOLLCO

6 Niagara Region R E G I ONAL

partners with Land Care Niagara to Plant 7,400 Trees

7 Watermelon Refresher 8 The Osprey 10 Hearts & Flowers 12 Giving Back from R E CI PE

2187 Dunwin Drive Mississauga, ON L5L 1X2 905 278 1111 • thnmedia.com

WI LD LI F E

COM M U N I T Y

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Behind the Lens

15 Casablanca COM M U N I T Y

Waterfront Project

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Neighbourhood Grimsby Magazine is published and delivered monthly to selected Homes in Grimsby by Canada Post, agreement #41362062.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur.

THN Media, their employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising, which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made. In such cases, THN Media shall have limited liability only to the charge for such advertising or editorials.

Meet SIR

PICKLES

LOOKING FOR MY FUREVER HOME PICKLES IS NON-STOP ACTION! He has quite the sniffer and can sniff out tasty treats from a mile away. Once he gets to know you he is all tail wags and kisses.

This guy LOVES toys. He seems to have no off switch and could play forever! He will need very active owners who have the time and energy to tire him out. Pickles needs to work on his manners. Professional training is a must! He has no leash manners and can be quite rude at times (he doesn’t realize it). He can occasionally be protective of his space, for this reason, he needs a home without children.

Once he learns what is expected of him he will make a wonderful companion.

Pickle's perfect home has a fully fenced yard, No small animals or cats, and no kids. He needs very active owners who are very committed to putting the time and training into him that he needs. With some structure, this boy is going to be a riot to have around! He is always making us laugh.

INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION OR MEETING SIR PICKLES? Please call the shelter at 905 682 0767. To meet any of the other adoptable pets, please visit our website - lchs.com

SEX: MALE BREED: BEAGLE MIX AGE: 3 YEARS OLD ID#: A47555781

COVID Adoption Process: The above steps must be followed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

• COPY/PASTE the link - www.docdro.id/VuLSc0X • DOWNLOAD the form to your computer/ tablet • OPEN forms and fill in ALL FIELDS • SAVE the completed form to your computer/ tablet • EMAIL the completed form to adoptions@lchs.ca • Please put the pet’s name in the SUBJECT LINE

If you’re having trouble with the above link, an application can be emailed to you for you to print, fill out and scan back. Please email frontdesk@lchs.ca to receive an emailed copy.

160 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines ■ L2S 0B6

905 682 0767 ■ LCHS.CA

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Niagara Region partners with Land Care Niagara

TO PLANT 7,400 TREES Article by Town of Grimsby

Niagara Region is pleased to partner with Land Care Niagara to plant approximately 7,400 native tree seedlings on the grounds of Niagara Region's Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant in Thorold.

The project will help inform the development of Niagara Region's Greening Initiative. The Greening Initiative will aim to increase vegetative cover across the region in support of ecosystem health, and is part of the new Niagara Official Plan's Climate Change work program.

THE SEEDLINGS ARE A MIX OF DECIDUOUS AND CONIFEROUS TREES PROMOTING VEGETATIVE DIVERSITY AND ARE STRATEGICALLY PLANTED USING LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY PRINCIPLES.

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The planting site was strategically identified through analysis work undertaken by Land Care Niagara, funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The analysis identified the Decew Falls site as a highly suitable area to increase forest canopy in the 12 Mile Creek watershed.

The planting site is also located beside the Bruce Trail and Laura Secord Legacy Trail, and will enhance forest cover along the Niagara Escarpment. Other Regionally owned sites are also being evaluated for additional tree planting opportunities in future years, and as funding becomes available.

Watermelon

REFRESHER

FOR A 'SPIKED' RECIPE add an ounce of gin, vodka or St. Germaine elderflower liqueur (my favourite).

DIRECTIONS STEP 1: Cut the watermelon in half, and then take one piece and cut it in half again.

Prep Time: 10 minutes ı Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS 1 small seedless watermelon (pixie is a good variety for this) 7 cups of water 2 tbsp honey (optional) 1 lime Mint sprigs for ganish

STEP 2: With the quarter pieces, cut away the rind and put the flesh into a blender with the water and add the honey (if using). Blend until liquid is opaque and no chunks remain.

STEP 3: Strain into a pitcher, add ice, a few slices of lime and some mint, and serve.

NOTE: If you don’t drink it all at once, remove the lime after a few hours, or the bitterness of the rind will seep into your juice.

JANETTE MITCHELL After years of owning and operating a decorating and home staging business, Janette pivoted her career and sights on becoming a food stylist. She enrolled in culinary school and began assisting some of the best food stylists in Toronto.

Janette now prepares food for print, packaging, editorials, social media and motion. @janettecooks janettecooks.com NEIGHBOURHOODMAGA ZINE .CA

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OUR LAST INSTALLMENT OF OUR EXPLORATION INTO THE MANY SPECIES OF HAWKS THAT MIGRATE TO SOUTHERN ONTARIO IS THE OSPREY (PANDION HALIAETUS), A LARGE, POWERFUL RAPTOR, OR BIRD OF PREY. Adult birds have a dark brown back and white forehead, cheeks, neck, breast, and belly. A dark stripe extends from the base of the beak and across the eye to the back. The head and upper part of the breast are streaked brown, as is the underside of the wings and tail. In North America, the breast stripes are heavier on the female than on the male. The juveniles and adults look much alike; however, on the juveniles the brown feathers on the upper parts are tipped with white and the breast and head are more heavily striped. Ospreys acquire their adult plumage at about 18 months.

As is the case with most raptors, the female is larger than the male. She weighs on average 1.6 kg, compared with 1.4 kg for the male, and has an average wingspan of 163 cm, compared with 159 cm for the male.

The adult Osprey measures anywhere from 53 to 65 cm long.

Anatomically, the Osprey resembles the eagle, but its narrow wings, when outspread, are markedly angled, and the structure of its feet and claws is so peculiar that it has been placed in a separate subfamily, the Pandioninae, of which it is the sole representative.

Unlike other raptors, the Osprey has four equal toes. The outer one is reversible, enabling the bird to seize its prey with two toes pointing forwards and two pointing backwards. A long, sharp, curved claw on each toe, and short, rigid spikes, known as spicules, on the sole of each foot, give the bird a firm grip on its slippery prey, which nearly always consists of fish that the bird catches alive, hence its nickname of fishing eagle or fish hawk.

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The

OSPREY Signs and Sounds For its size, the Osprey has a small voice, but if it is displaying or is feeling threatened, its cry will carry a fair distance. Usually, it gives out a whistling chook, chook, chook sound. The cry of the male, when frightened near the nest, is a shrill and frantic cheric, cheric, whereas the females give out a rapid pew, pew, pew sound.

Unique Features When an Osprey spots a fish from the air, it hovers at a height of 10 to 30 m until the fish is in a suitable position.

Then, in a dramatic performance, the bird, huge yet wonderfully light, dives from the sky with its wings half closed and claws stretched forward, and disappears under the surface in a great spray of water, usually reappearing a few seconds later with a fish firmly clutched in its claws. Fortunately, the Osprey’s plumage is fine and dense, particularly on its feet, so that the bird does not get very wet. The Osprey carries its catch headfirst in flight, using both feet to hold all but the smallest fishes.

THE OSPREY WAS FEATURED ON THE CANADIAN $10 BILL FOR MANY YEARS.

Range

Breeding

Most Ospreys that nest in Canada migrate in spring from wintering sites in Latin America and the northern part of South America. However, migratory behaviour depends on age. The one-year-olds remain on the wintering grounds all summer. Of the two-year-old birds, 30 to 50 percent return in spring to the area where they were hatched, although they do not nest. Ospreys three years and older, which have reached sexual maturity, return to their hatching sites every spring to breed.

In Canada, the Osprey most often nests in sturdy spruce or pine trees whose tops have broken off under the weight of snow or ice, providing a natural platform for the nest. In areas where large trees are lacking, perhaps as the result of a forest fire, the bird will sometimes nest on the ground, chiefly on large boulders in streams, atop rocks not accessible to land predators, and sometimes even on artificial structures such as power pylons, factory chimneys, hunters’ blinds, or the bare frames of abandoned wigwams. It uses artificial nesting platforms (erected with the encouragement of wildlife managers) in areas where natural nesting sites are lacking.

Feeding The Osprey searches especially for slow-swimming fish near the surface. In Canada, its favourite freshwater species are sucker, pike, and pickerel of moderate size. Occasionally, it catches fish weighing as much as 2 kg from aquaculture, or fish farm, ponds, to the consternation of the operators of the ponds and sometimes at the risk of its own life. In saltwater environments, it feeds mostly on plaice and tomcod, but also takes pollock, shad, and smelts.

Conservation Like many other birds of prey that are high on the food chain, Ospreys throughout the world had breeding problems during the 1950s and 1960s. These problems arose mainly from the then widespread use of organochlorine pesticides, especially DDT. DDE, a substance produced when DDT decomposes, caused thinning of the shells of the eggs, which consequently tended to break under the weight of the female. Since the use of these products has been limited nearly everywhere, populations in areas where there is still suitable nesting habitat for the species have begun to recover.

Besides being a magnificent representative of North American wildlife, the Osprey acts as a biological indicator of environmental problems. And as long as people continue to act on the signals that this and other indicator species are sending out about the condition of the environment, populations of Ospreys and many other species will remain.

Source: Hinterland Who's Who: hww.ca NEIGHBOURHOODMAGA ZINE .CA

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"WHERE THERE IS NEED, THERE IS A LION."

HEARTS& FLOWERS Article by Bruce Mackenzie ■ Photography by Louise Agnew

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During this long period of social isolation due to Covid 19, Louise Agnew, the President of the Grimsby and District Lions Club searched for creative ways of utilizing the energies of the Club members. Midway through winter she came across the historic but sometimes forgotten practice of May Day Baskets. May Day Baskets have a long history. Going back to even 1871 in the Gazette, of Sterling, Illinois there is a report of baskets filled with flowers being hung on door handles after dark by suitors to show their romantic interest in their favourite lady. The baskets could contain real flowers or paper flowers.

Some of the more crafty members of the Club jumped at the chance of creating these baskets but who should the recipients be?

At the beginning of the pandemic a number of members sewed face masks for donation and for sale to the public. This time, the recipients of our member’s handiwork would be the 65 residents of the Lincoln Park Senior Home in Grimsby.

Our baskets were created from paper and filled with combinations of custom cut paper flowers, artificial flowers, fresh flowers and all were accompanied by a crocheted heart. All were made with love.

When all of the work was done, the May Day Baskets were delivered to Lincoln Park and the baskets were hung on the doors on the night of April 30th to be discovered the next morning, May 1st - May Day. The residences were thrilled. The smiles say it all.

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Giving Back

FROM BEHIND THE LENS Article by Jason Stacey ■ Photography by Nicole Lem, Lemography

THE FRONT STEPS PROJECT (#thefrontstepsproject) was born in March 2020 when friends Kristen Collins and Cara Soulia kicked off a local fundraiser to unite their neighbours through images of life in quarantine. Along with other local photographers, they took a few hours each day to go to neighbourhoods in Needham, Massachusetts and photograph residents in front of their homes in exchange for donations to their local food pantry. It was a way to give back to their community during these uncertain times and it’s by that spirit so many photographers around the world, including Canadian Nicole Lem of Lemography, decided to carry the torch in their own communities.

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AT FIRST, Nicole was apprehensive about approaching strangers to participate so she did some test runs with family and friends. Careful to stay at a distance, the photoshoots went safely and better than expected and gave her the confidence to move forward.

According to Nicole, the feedback from her subjects was incredibly positive. The families in her photos seemed to crave a bit of normalcy while living through the pandemic.

"People would get so excited when I would text I have arrived outside” remarked Nicole. “After being told of the importance of staying home, the photoshoots gave these families a reason to shower, get changed out of their pajamas and get outside (if only to their front steps of course) It was nice to give them something to look forward to."

Nicole has always had an affinity for photography. Growing up, both of her parents were camera enthusiasts and through their passion, she found a passion of her own. Her love for photography combined with her adoration for travel has allowed her to be well rounded in order to preserve beautiful memories for herself and others. Her passion not only took her behind the lens, but on the other side of it as well as she began modelling at the age of 12.

"Modelling has taught me that photography is about patience," says Nicole. "People think that taking a photo is just a point and click, but there is a lot more to it.

It’s an extension of what you see and how you perceive it, an art form that embodies your style.

It’s a connection with your subject.

Modelling taught me posing, to be creative and to go with the flow.

Some of the best photographs are the in-between moments."

The Front Steps Project wasn’t just beneficial to the families Nicole shot, it was also an uplifting experience for her and her own mental health.

"Keep in mind, when I started on this endeavour, we had been in the pandemic for nearly three weeks," exclaimed Nicole.

"Taking part in this project allowed me to safely chronicle the experiences and emotions that people were going through, during this unordinary time. Being able to capture real smiles on people’s faces was an uplifting experience for everyone."

In exchange for the professional images, the families were asked to donate to a local charity. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada was her charity of choice, as they provided her and her brother great support during their time of need, at a very young age. To this day, Nicole and her brother Paul keep in contact with her brother’s “Big Brother”, Bob Beauchemin and by supporting this great cause, it has become a way to honour their relationship. TO DATE, NICOLE HAS RAISED OVER $2,000.

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To commemorate The Front Steps Project, a photo book was created to shine a light on the breadth of how far one idea can go. It demonstrates a massive effort of good will through inspiring photographs and poignant stories of both heartache and triumph. With so many beautiful and emotional stories from across the globe, Nicole was ecstatic to hear that some of her photos made it into the keepsake.

"Connecting with the community and giving back while supporting a charitable organization that has meant so much to me, has been gratifying. It has helped to bring a little bit of joy into people’s lives.

I’m excited to have been part of something so momentous."

About Nicole Lem Born in Brampton and now living in Mississauga, Nicole Lem’s career in photography began about 8 years ago with the desire to pursue her passion by going back to school for Digital Photography.

In times of crisis, everyone looks for a beacon of hope. While photographs may not be the vaccine for COVID-19, The Front Steps Project brought light to so many communities. It brought a sense of making an impact and it gave everyone something to look forward to.

"I’m happy that I decided to participate in this project and see it unfold in its entirety." It really does show that even in the most challenging of circumstances, incredible kindness, love, courage, and hope exist to build, bind and connect communities around the globe.

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The Front Steps Project has come to a successful conclusion and the book, 'The Front Steps Project: How Communities Found Connection During the COVID-19 Crisis' is available in independent local bookstores, bookshop.org and Amazon.

Proceeds from book sales will be donated to charitable organizations fighting the global effects of COVID-19.

As a flourishing side business, LEMOGRAPHY is getting quite the extensive portfolio. She received her Certificate for Digital Photography in 2012 from Sheridan College.

Capturing events is one type of photography that Nicole enjoys.

From scenic landscapes worldwide to memorable wedding photos, to fun family portraits, Nicole has photographed it all. You may have even seen some of her art from her ‘Hello From’ Collection, in one of your neighbour’s homes. LEMOGRAPHY’s diverse portfolio is influenced by her vast travel experiences and her love for adventure. Her strong connection with her clients, and her passion in capturing the moment is what has contributed to her thriving business.

With always room to grow she enjoys the challenges photography presents with every new shoot.

Nicole has an excellent eye and appreciation for this art and with her broad range of education as well as an abundance of experience, she will be the perfect fit for your photography needs.

Contact Lemography lemography@nicolelem.com nicolelem.com

Casablanca

Article and Photography by Town of Grimsby

WATERFRONT PROJECT

The Town of Grimsby is excited to proceed with the Casablanca Waterfront park development.

Since the beginning of development, there has been significant interest in this area, emphasizing the connectivity and accessibility along the waterfront is a top priority for the Casablanca neighbourhood.

Developing this area to allow for better movement and higher community involvement would subsequently benefit local residents. The Casablanca Waterfront Project is a project that all Grimsby residents can enjoy; the vision is to develop the community park and promote the area as a destination park.

The Casablanca Waterfront Project spans the waterfront area from Hunter Road to the Water Treatment plant (with the easterly Losani development area to be developed later). The park project will be completed in several phases to maintain community access to the waterfront pathway as much as possible throughout the process. See Phases image for details. Some of the project’s work will be completed concurrently, and some will be carried out in consecutive phases.

The initial ideas towards this park are being informed by the Westend Waterfront Plan and also the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

This project will have various phases of engagement and updates - so please check the website often! letstalkgrimsby.ca/casablanca-waterfront-project NEIGHBOURHOODMAGA ZINE .CA

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