The Voice of Pelham, January 22, 2014

Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Library board rejects new Maple Acre

BY WAYNE CAMPBELL

for the VOICE Pelham Library Board cannot keep the Maple Acre branch operating on its current budget.

Board chair Maxine Gaylor commenting Sunday on a Friday news release from board said the library cannot afford to upgrade or replace the Maple Acre Branch on its current budget.

“If we could give Fenwick a brand new branch. we’d love to, but, realistically we cannot,” she said.

The library, which is financed by contributions from the province and the town, is facing a squeeze between stagnant funding and raising costs for books, computers, operation and staffing.

Grants for special programs used to help but there is not as many from provincial and federal governments nor are donations as easy to raise, Gaylor said.

The library board will meet with town council this week for the second part of a joint meeting

Maple Acre branch of the Pelham Public Library. between the two bodies to discuss library services and facilities.

The board operates the library but the buildings are owned by the town Last week, the library board reviewed recommendations from a consultant’s report.

“Recommendation 8 stated that a replacement of the current Fenwick branch with another fullservice branch was not viable from a financial or operational value-formoney perspective,” said

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the board in its release.

“Taking into consideration the cost to operate the branch and the low usage statistics from previous years, the lbrary board voted to agree with this recommendation indicating that they would not give their support to replace Maple Acre with a full-service branch.”

The consultant suggested replacing Maple Acre Branch with a satellite location. The satellite location would consist of programming space, in-

Stephen Dyell/Voice Photo ternet stations, a pick-up/ drop-off spot for books, but no book collection.

“Discussion centered around the uncertainty involved in operating this satellite location and how the library could staff this location on an ongoing basis when usage at Maple Acre did not indicate it would be sustainable,” said the board in its release.

The board would not give their support to replacing Maple Acre with a satellite location within

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their current operating budget.

They did however say if the town council does decide to finance such an endeavour, library board members expressed an interest in investigating options for a ”satellite” location at that time.

The satellite was described as a leased location in a commercial area with computers and a book drop-off and pickup location.

Gaylor said library board support would hinge on what sort of staffing and role the library would have.

“Closing a library location is never an easy decision,” said Gaylor said in the release.

“If Maple Acre were to close, the decision whether or not to replace Maple Acre with some form of physical library location in Fenwick would be based on the overall cost of library operations, usage levels and community support.

“The Town of Pelham Public Library Board of Trustees is committed to offering library services

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Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Town salutes crossing guard

Deputy Mayor Gary Accursi, left, and Mayor Dave Augustyn congratulate crossing guard Violet Steingart for a nomination to Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard program. She did not win but the mayor said she has served the town for 15 years at A.K. Wigg Public School on Haist St. and knows all the students. The students and parents are a delight she told council at its regular meeting Monday.

Wayne Campbell Voice Photo

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Winners named for Christmas lights tour

Four winners picked up awards in three categories during the first Communities in Bloom Christmas Light Competition.

Two residents, William Janzen at 14 Millbridge Cres. and Glen Sevenpifer at 688 Canboro Rd., tied in the residential category.

In the commercial category, Friends of Maple Acre Library won for decorating the library branch at 781 Canboro Rd. The best tree price was won by Pelham Community Church at 455 Canboro Rd. The lights competition ran from Dec. 7 to Dec. 25. Pelham residents toured the lights and voted on the displays.

“We had 13 locations for the tour this year,” said co-ordinator Jessica Ruddell. “We did have 17 nominations but we were unable to contact four and get their permission to be on the tour.”

There were 10 residential nominations, two commercial nominations and one tree nomination. There were no nominations for the group/neighbourhood category.

“Thanks to all who participated and showed off their beautiful work. Special thanks to our local business community for donations including the Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., Lazy Loon Restaurant & Ice Cream bar, My Place Bar & Grill, Tim Horton’s Fonthill, and the Urban Restaurant,” said Ruddell.

The Communities in Bloom Committee plans to increase awareness of the competition in 2014 to get some more houses to participate. Categories may also be changed.

Anyone interested in joining the Communities in Bloom Committee or participating with the Christmas Light Competition next year, can contact Ruddell at town hall at jruddell@pelham.ca or calling 905-892-2607 ex 341.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca Maple Acre (cont. from Pg 1) to all Pelham residents whether it be with one location or two locations.

“The Board will keep offering all of its residents the best service, staff, resources and programs possible while using Pelham tax dollars with fiscal responsibility.”

The library board did give its permission for the Friends of Maple Acre Library to place a petition calling for the preservation of Maple Acre Library in the Fonthill and Fenwick branches.

The petition already has more than 1,000 signatures. A copy of the Library Facilities Strategic Review and the Facility Review Report (Stara Report) can both be read on the Pelham Public Library website: www.pelhamlibrary. on.ca/facility_report.

Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Friends of Maple Acre disappointed BY WAYNE CAMPBELL

for the VOICE The Friends of Maple Acre Library are “very disappointed” to hear the Pelham Library Board will not support an upgraded or new Maple Acre branch.

“I think council is hoping the board would come with a recommendation to help support library services,” said Sandee Matthews.

The board did not do it.

The library board did not define what would be needed and what possible levels of service could be offered, she said.

A petition calling for keeping the Maple Acre Branch has more than 1,000 signatures. Copies are now in the two library branches.

The board approved its placement last week.

“We are trying to draw signatures across Pelham,” she said.

A copy at Keith’s Restaurant in Fonthill has received many signatures.

“We do hope the support continues.”

The Friends have always supported an expanded library building and service in Fenwick, she said.

“This was the goal since the Fonthill Branch library was built,” she said.

“We all supported the Fonthill build, as well as the books and the equipment required to make it what it is today with our tax dollars. The plan was that Maple Acre Branch would be next for improvement and we have been

helping support this plan for over 20 years.”

She said the library board is saying additional funds from the town are required to support both branches.

“I am not sure why we could not work together to find a solution to meet the needs of the community.”

Along the way the friends have paid for many upgrades to the Maple Acre Library building to keep it functioning , she said.

They include a new circulation desk, shelving, display case with bulletin board, TV and cabinet, lighted awning with signage over the front door, computers, furniture, new carpet in the children’s area, refinished the hardwood in the upper room, and repaired drainage problems at the entry

“and much more,” she said.

“Closing the only publically owned facility in Fenwick is taking away the town’s presence and our access to our library,” said Matthews “We have a walkable community and many people come to the village to bank, pick up mail, shop, dine and use the library,” she said.

“Driving more people to Fonthill for the service will take business away from Fenwick.”

Ward 1 Coun. Richard Rybiak said in an interview after Monday’s town council the Maple Acre library should not be blamed for the library’s fiscal problems.

The representative from Fenwick said it is a valuable assess to western Pelham.

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Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE VOICE

of Pelham

From The Heart of Niagara 209 Highway 20 East at Rice Road (inside Birchley Place) Office: Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm Fonthill, ON, L0S 1E6 phone: 905-892-8690 fax: 905-892-0823 editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca office@thevoiceofpelham.ca www.thevoiceofpelham.ca Tina Chivers, Editor Wayne Campbell, Reporter Warren Mason, Advertising Liz Hayden, Graphics Leslie Chiappetta, Office Manager The Voice is independent, locally owned and operated.

The Voice is a member of:

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Letters to the Editor are welcome provided the submission contains the writer’s full name, signature, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names will not be withheld. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity or legal purposes. All Material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. Advertising: The VOICE of Pelham regrets any errors that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the amount of space which contains the error.

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VIEWpoints

Fenwick residents like the country feel Fenwick residents have mixed emotions about an overhaul of the village’s downtown.

The town plans to spend about $4 million to upgrade sewer and water services, bury hydro lines, replace sections of Canboro Road, Maple Street and Church Street, redesign sidewalks and the intersection of Maple and Canboro Road.

The beautification project was planned for last summer. One delay after another pushed it back to beginning this spring.

The town and its consultants held an open house in December to explain the project and collect reaction.

For some, the upgrade is overdue. They have seen improvements to commercial areas in Ridgeville and Fonthill. They want the beautification to increase the appeal of the village.

Fenwick has drawn new resi-

dents to developments in Cheery Ridge, off Church Street and eventually to East Fenwick between Balfour and Cream streets.

In coming up with their final designs for the downtown, consultants and town councillors will have to weigh the appeal of the current commercial area.

In a letter to town council Monday, Majorie Pouli touched on concerns over a “gentrification.”

“Fenwick is unique. It has its own quaint country/ farm village charm.” It include unusual homes along Canboro Road.

“It has kept a quiet simplicity that will not be there if it looks like every other ‘fixed up’ town.”

If Fenwick is gentrified with new brickwork, Victorian lighting, and tree plantings, “it will no longer be Fenwick.”

In particular, she writes about concern for a reduction in parking.

“Many pedestrians, visitors and shoppers in Fenwick’s centre come by car. With reduced parking there will be fewer shoppers and visitors.”

Signage for off-street parking is required. “Whenever parking has to be ‘looked for’ cars and people drive on.”

Similarly, she urges a solution to get around the Canboro-Maple intersection.

Pouli sees a lesson to be learned from “Fonthill gentrification.”

“There are reasons that Fonthill has problems since its changes: businesses closing, parking difficulty, inaccessible sidewalks etc.”

Fenwick planners haven’t learned from Fonthill’s experience, she writes.

“Change can be good, but sometimes restoration can be even better. I don’t see much of this in the plans.”

MY VOICE

Wayne Campbell Pouli tosses a challenge to designers to keep the best of Fenwick rather than just duplicate Ridgeville and Fonthill.

There is a difference between a small-town feel and a country feel.

You can contact Wayne Campbell at waycampbell@cogeco.ca.

LETTERS to the editor

Food Drive thanks generous residents The 22nd Annual Citizens of Pelham Food Drive was held on Saturday, December 7th. As always, the event was a huge success! We wish to thank the thousands of residents of Pelham who donated food items by leaving them on their doorstep or bringing them to our drop-off points, and the hundreds of volunteers (students, army cadets, families, church groups, schools, service clubs, business groups, etc.) who canvassed the town and picked food up door-to-door and delivered it to Pelham Cares. As is our tradition, we were also able to share food with our neighbours in Welland through donations to Open Arms Mission, Salvation Army and The HOPE Centre.

We wish to acknowledge the support of our local Tim Hortons who came on board this year as our major sponsor. We appreciate that our local owners took the initiative to approach us to determine how a contribution from Tim Hortons could best be used to increase the success of the Pelham Food Drive.

We wish to thank the following individuals and businesses for generously providing nourishment for our volunteers: Al Crowe, Blue Star Restaurant, Country Corner Market, Fonthill Sobeys, and Tim Hortons Fonthill.

We wish to acknowledge the support for advertising and promotion from the following groups: Bee Line Signs, Fenwick Firefighters Association, Fenwick Lions Club, Fonthill Lioness Club, Fonthill Lions Club, Fonthill and District Kinsmen, Town of Pelham Recreation, Cul-

ture and Wellness Department, Rotary Club of Fonthill, and the Royal Canadian Legion Fonthill.

Many thanks to the following businesses for being food drop-off points for rural residents: Century 21 Today Realty, Clare’s Cycle & Sports, Meridian Credit Union, North Pelham Avondale and Star Tile Centre.

To our friends in the online and print media, mypelham.com, Niagara This Week, Pelham News, and The Voice, we appreciate your outstanding promotion and coverage.

Thank you to the Fenwick Lions, especially Lion Ken Angle, for leading the Fenwick food collection, and to the Fonthill Lions especially Lions Brian Buchanan and Tina Moessner for taking charge of refreshments for our volunteers and doing the clean-up.. Much appreciation to Glen Robins, Gwenn Alves, Maxine Gaylor, and Lion Doug Gaylor for your ongoing, valuable assistance with organizing the Fonthill food collection.

Community spirit is alive and well in Pelham and we are grateful to be part of such a caring and responsible community that works hard to ensure food security for all of our citizens.

Gerry and Sylvia Berkhout Co-organizers of the Citizens of Pelham Food Drive

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

MUNICIPAL matters

Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Arena and indoor recreational facilities

BY DAVE AUGUSTYN

Mayor of Pelham

Thumbs up? or Thumbs down?

To those boasting about their cross-border shopping Town Workers chasing pot holes. Great Job! The Van load of young hockey players with multiple orders slowing down the drive thru

Fonthill Kinsmen’s Citizen of the Year campaign Those playing politics with our health system To all the staff at the new hospital, I am feeling a lot better now!

As you know, the provision of recreational and cultural services in Pelham has been an issue for decades.

Last year, I wrote about a creative problem solving session in December 2012 where Council identified a way forward: • stay focused on deciding what to do with Town facilities and the Townowned-lands in East Fonthill (32 acres at Regional Road 20 and Rice Road); • define the recreational and cultural services the Town needs now and for the future; • develop the Town-owned-lands in East Fonthill in the best manner and in conjunction with other property-owner groups; As part of achieving this, staff prepared an Executive Summary of all the recreational and cultural reports that various councils received over the years. Staff informed council that, “A review of all previous studies was undertaken which confirmed that no significant or meaningful financial work was completed,[thus] requiring additional financial analysis for both an arena and community centre.”

Pelham’s Municipal Election Coverage October 27, 2014

Email your thumbs up and down to: office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Fenwick of long ago

The days are long past of remarkable businesses in Fenwick such as Ebert’s Garage, Page’s Barbershop, Yager’s Green Lantern.

Where can you go now for an oil change, haircut, and coffee in such a short distance in Fenwick?

You could reminisce with Floyd about horse racing, meet the boys at Yager’s Green Lantern for a soda or talk to Arnold Page about great ball teams in Fenwick and have a haircut and shave.

The old baseball pictures brought back memories at his barbershop.

I realize that progress must occur but the Village of Fenwick has its unique characteristics that should remain as it stands.

I’m sure senior residents feel the same

way I do.

Yes, hydro lines can be buried but don’t change the landscape of the village that has great history and is characteristic to many.

Do you remember that what is now apartments by the Golden Grill was a hotel or inn and the fairgrounds were on Church Street south of the railway line? People could come by trolley train for the festivities and even horse races.

It sat behind the Hagar home on Church St. Progress has to occur but try to leave the Fenwick downtown area as is if possible.

Ron Winnicki Fenwick

The town hired LeisurePlan International last summer to develop a market analysis and business case study. So that they could develop a statistically significant report, LeisurePlan surveyed +1,000 residents about their recreation and culture habits and preferences.

After detailed analysis, LeisurePlan presented the Phase One results to Council on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20.

Arena Facilities: The report suggests that there is not enough demand in the short / medium term for a twin-pad, but suggests “there may be sufficient demand...for a second ice pad in the time period just beyond 2023/24.”

LeisurePlan recommends that the town: • replace the existing single-pad with a new arena facility within the next five years; • design a new twin-pad facility and phase the construction – build one ice pad first (contingent on capital financing) and construct the second pad after 2023/24 (should the sustaining demand develop); Multi-Purpose Recreational Facilities: Upon surveying all user groups and associations (14 in total), all service pro-

viders in Pelham (46 in total), and 1,091 residents, LeisurePlan recommends that the Town: • provide a multi-purpose facility to accommodate demand for participation in fitness activities, walking/running on an indoor track, and gymnasium sports; • provide multi-purpose program space; • not provide an indoor pool facility due to lack of demand and to associated costs; (Please see my online journal at www. pelhammayordave.blogspot.ca for complete copies of the reports and LeisurePlan’s presentation to Council.)

Over the next 5-6 weeks, LeisurePlan will complete Phase Two – examine the business case and various options associated with facility construction and operation.

When both phases are complete, council and I look forward to working together with you and your neighbours to review the options and finally move ahead on the future recreational facilities and needs for the town.

You may contact Mayor Dave atmayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.ca.

Council builds strategy Town council and staff in a workshop at Lookout Point Country Club last week reviewed the town’s strategic plan and its next steps.

It presented a progress report at its town council meeting Monday.

This week, groups from council and staff will meet to refine its goals. In a few weeks, council will bring it to the public for reaction.

Mayor Dave Augustyn said the strategic planning session went very well,” largely because we used the creative problem solving process to help facilitate our deliberations.”

He said council reaffirmed a vision and mission statement for the town and suggested improvements to the goals.

“These goals help clarify what we are trying to accomplish and how we can better achieve the vision of becoming the most vibrant, creative, and caring community in Niagara.”

The goals are: to promote fairness and equity; to maintain a small-town feel while the town grows; to provide an environment for economic prosperity; to engage residents in decision-making; and to enhance the quality of life in the town.

Augustyn said council and staff “have achieved many of the milestones of the previous strategic plan.” They include increased customer service, a performance management structure for human resources, town re-branding, a new website, a public service request system, a significantly improved infrastructure, and, a more walkable and cycleable community.

The next steps are to re-align the ongoing priorities into the new goals, he said.

“Then, we will formally approach the public for feedback and suggestions for improvements.”

Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Meals on Wheels: more than just a hot meal

One of the most underappreciated volunteer ventures is seeking help for routes in Welland and Pelham.

Meals on Wheels is in need of individuals with vehicles to help bring lunches to seniors and those with disabilities in the community. The process has a bigger impact on not only the client but also the volunteer.

The program run by Community Support Services of Niagara (CSSN) currently serves over 1,300 clients in Pelham and Welland. Within the Meals on Wheels service, they send out 190 hot meals each week with numerous frozen dinners as well.

Meals are prepared at the Welland Hospital. They monitor food allergies, diabetes and other health concerns clients may have. The meals are then picked up by volunteers who drive their assigned routes to deliver the meals to the clients.

Meals on Wheels coordinator of volunteers Laura Dumas says clients range from all different circumstances.

“Some people – whether they are hospital releases, your spouse has died and you’re cooking for yourself, or just getting older – it can become harder to move around. It also saves people from having tea and toast for three meals a day.”

Dumas has seen the progress and limitations of the program in her time with the CSSN, and understands the need for more than just a meal with these individuals.

“The meal part is important because they need to eat, but it also serves as a security check to make sure they are doing okay.”

She urges her volunteers to be alert for any red flags with an individual and contact back if any problems arise. For many of the programs clients, it is the one person

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they may see on a consistent basis.

(Many) of people who get meals, the volunteer may be the only person they see all day,” Dumas said. “And many of them it is also the highlight of their day.”

She explains how once family’s lived in a community, the economy has forced many to head where the work is. Ever present with low employment rates in Niagara, seniors are left alone from their family causing more than just an empty stomach.

Loneliness is a breeding ground for mental illness. Depression with the lack of social interaction is what many seniors face living on their own. The program not only offers one less meal to cook, it offers a social aspect to their daily lives.

Dumas says it’s important to stay and chat because it not only makes their day, but it often can turn yours around.

Pelham resident Sharon Davis got into the program three years ago and had the same praise.

“We live in a society where everyone is running around. Nobody has time for anybody and yet these people have all the time in the world,” Davis said. “They actually listen and care about what you have to say when they may have more problems of their own to worry about.”

She says the clients are friendly, happy and still have lots to offer society.

“They have a wealth of experience and have lots to offer once you sit down and talk with them.”

With limited amount of volunteers however, routes may be cut, forcing those who’d like to stay at home into retirement homes and villages. Independent living is the last control many seniors have and it is often taken away due to the lack of help received in a community.

With numbers of clients always fluctuating, the need for volunteers is present. An aging population and better health care options also means more people are entering that stage in their life.

This is why the program is so important to a city or town. Meals on Wheels helps ease the daily struggle with a simple meal and conversation.

For those interested in helping out with the CSSN, they can fill out application form which includes a personal interview, reference and police check/drivers abstract. Once completed, volunteers will be put through an orientation and begin working with the organization.

Those interested in becoming clients can contact the office of CSSN at 905-7883181 ext. 25. Meal deliveries run from Monday to Friday and each meal costs $5.65.

Special diets are available by request and the set menu rotates every 20 days.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The staff at Ironwood Wealth Management Group Ltd. raised $500 for Pelham Cares. From left to right: Blair Cudmore, Carl, McKnight, Jane Gilmour, Tom Morrison and Michael McKnight.

Stephen Dyell/Voice Photo

Teacher Patricia Thmpson with her child Dean at the Niagara Catholic Baby Celebration. Their staff celebrated 85 births in 2013.

Stephen Dyell/Voice Photo

Pelham Historical Society OPEN MEETING Saturday January 25, 2.30 pm. at Lookout Ridge Retirement Home 1505 Lookout Street, Fonthill “The King who Saved the Crown” A video about the life of George VI ALL WELCOME

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Future voter, Pelham’s Rielle Cook, ponders his options with Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne at Commisso’s in Niagara Falls.

Photo special to The Voice

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Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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Top chefs team up for Food and Wine Institute’s Chef Signature Series Five different teams of chefs, five unique culinary events - that’s what’s on the menu for Niagara College’s Chef Signature Series.

This year, NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute is serving up its second-ever Chef Signature Series with a new twist. Each event will feature the culinary talents of an entire team of prominent chefs working together with the college’s culinary students to prepare an elegant four-course meal for guests. The 2014 Chef Signature Series follows the success of last year’s sold-out series, where each event put one of the CFWI’s own chef professors in the spotlight.

The series will kick off on Jan. 18 with 10 chef professors from Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute including Michael Olson, Tony de Luca, Olaf Mertens, Phillippe Corbiere, Peter Storm, Alan Kerr, Jim McLean and more.

The second event on Feb. 8 will feature chefs from some of the Niagara region’s leading establishments including the Fallsview Casino Resort, Vintage Hotels, Willow Cakes and Pastries, and Inniskillin/Jackson Triggs.

On March 8, the series continues with some of Toronto’s most exciting, up-and-coming chefs - including Carl Heinrich, winner of Top Chef Canada.

An event on March 29 will feature the flavours of the Ottawa Valley, with four chefs named among the Top 10 chefs from the nation’s capital, including celebrity chef Michael Blackie.

The final event of the series on April 12 will be a BBQ and Craft Beer Festival, bringing five of the best barbecue personalities in North America to the CFWI, including ‘Dr. BBQ’ Ray Lampe, executive chef at NYC’s Southern Hospitality BBQ and winner of more than 300 barbecue competitions worldwide.

The Chef Signature Series not only allows guests to experience the multiple cooking styles of several top chefs in a single dining event, it’s also a learning opportunity for the College’s culinary students.

“The Chef Signature Series is bringing the industry to the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. Our culinary students will have the extraordinary opportunity of learning from more than 20 top chefs over the span of the series,” said Craig Youdale, acting dean of the CFWI. “Our students will not only be exposed to the different styles and personalities to of some of the most prominent chefs in Niagara, Toronto, Ottawa and North America; they will have a chance to work with them and get a real taste for the industry.”

Each event will be held at Benchmark Restaurant, at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. They begin at 6 p.m. with reception upon arrival, featuring Niagara College beer and wine. A four-course meal will be accompanied by pairings of Ontario VQA wines or Ontario craft brews.

As they dine, guests can tune into the action in the kitchen via a live video feed, filmed by the College’s Broadcasting students, on display in the dining room.

Tickets to the events are selling fast but are still available at $79 each of $359 for all five events. For reservations call 905-641-2252 ext. 4619 or email benchmark@ niagaracollege.ca.

The Canadian Food and Wine Institute, located on Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, is the College’s centre for food wine and beer education.

The CFWI delivers culinary, wine and beer programs that are unique in Canada, including Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management, Wine Technology, Wine Business Management and Culinary Innovation and Food Technology. It is home to Benchmark, the College’s teaching restaurant, as well as the Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery. It is also home to Junior Culinary Team Canada, to represent our nation at the 2016 World Culinary Olympics.

As the calendar pages peel away, 2014 will feel like a crescendo of celebrations that gains momentum and spreads the spirit.

Then it splashes into September - the actual anniversary of Brock’s inaugural classes - and erupts into a month-long party for the ages.

All ages, old and young. As the golden anniversary unfolds, it is expected that thousands of past, present and future members of the Brock community will be in the thick of the party.

The first part of the year will be characterized by “anniversary editions” of popular fixtures, including the Terry O’Malley Lecture in March and the President’s

Golf Tournament in May. There will also be special anniversary outreach visits by the President to Brock alumni groups across Canada. And, come May, some 8,000 delegates are expected from across the country as Brock hosts Canada’s largest annual academic gathering, the 2014 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

However, the climax arrives at summer’s end when a string of major high-participation events in September and October will fuel anniversary fever on campus and throughout Niagara.

Details of anniversary events will continue to be confirmed in the coming weeks and months. Anyone wanting to suggest events to be included in the 50th anniversary roundup can do so at brocku50.ca.

The anniversary show-stopper will be the unveiling of a bronze sculpture of Maj-Gen Sir Isaac Brock, a beautiful piece of public art destined to become the University’s visual centerpiece and an iconic area landmark. Made possible by a $1-million gift from former Brock board chair David S. Howes, the sculpture will be a source of pride and identity for people across the

entire Niagara community.

And it’s all happening because, on a September morning 50 years ago, 127 students walked into history when they filed into a cramped church basement - which thus became the first campus of Niagara’s very own university - under the gaze of its president, the Rhodes Scholar and Oxford graduate James Gibson.

That was 1964. Today, Brock’s campus includes modern research labs and study halls, is home to worldclass faculty members and bustles to the pulse of nearly 19,000 students. In the decades since those first freshmen signed up, the University has sent nearly 80,000 alumni on to successful careers all around the world.

“For a university, 50 years old is still young enough to have the energy and flexibility of youth,” said President Jack Lightstone, “and to show the accomplishments and trajectory of maturity as a unique individual within the family of universities in Canada and internationally.

“We are accomplishing important and exciting things in teaching, research and service to the development of the communities around us and beyond.”

50 years on, Brock gets set for a golden celebration

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Region issues extreme cold alert

Page THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Region of Niagara has issued an extreme cold alert warning residents about the effects of exposure to severe cold.

It comes into effect when temperatures fall below -15 C. It is also called when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure to the outdoors (blizzard, wind chill warning) Niagara residents are reminded to protect their health in the following ways.

• Stay in heated buildings as much as

possible • Dress appropriately and cover exposed skin by wearin gloves, mittens and a scarf to protect the chin, lips, and cheek.

Exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds • Wear a Hat - Up to 40 per cent of body heat loss can occur through the head • The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends keeping children indoors if the temperature falls below -25 C, or if the wind chill is -28 C or greater • Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated

or alcoholised beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.

• Wear clothes in layers: inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer • Keep moving. Limit time sitting - stand up and move around • Take shelter from the wind - this can reduce wind chill exposure • Use caution when shovelling snow, especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.

• Check on neighbours

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The region outlines health risks of extreme cold in its warning.

There are symptoms from cold to watch for and get help.

Hypothermia signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

Frostbite signs include white or grayish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy or numbness The region advises you to consult a health care provider if you experience any of the symptoms.

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Community Events ONGOING • Singing Valentines.

Treat your Valentine to a box of candy, a rose and a love-song or two, delivered on your behalf by an “A Cappella Niagara” Barbershop Quartet. For details-Jym—289-407-1949.

• Mondays at 7 p.m. Sing Niagara Women’s A Cappella Chorus at Paroisse Immaculee Conception Church, 99 Garner St, St. Catharines. Call 905-8921640 or visit www.singniagara.com.

• Mondays 7:15 p.m. Peninsula Orchestra invites players to join them every Monday at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. No audition. For info. please contact Bev @ 892-0583.

• Tuesdays • 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Town of Pelham Walking Club. Meet at the Pelham Arena, 1120 Haist Street.

To join the walking club please contact: jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905-8922607 ext. 329 • 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Zumba for Kids, 4-7 years of age. Pelham Arena Hall. $4.50 per class drop in.

• 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Zumba for Kids,8 years of age and up. Pelham Arena Hall. $4.50 per class drop in.

• 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

SPAN (Single Professional Association of Niagara) is a social club for mature singles who meet Iggy’s Pub 115 Hway 20 E Fonthill.

Offers members a monthly calendar of social activities.

Further information, call Lynie @905-788-0359 • 7:30 p.m. “A Cappella Niagara” Men’s Chorus invites singers for fun, fellowship, and fabulous 4-part harmony at the Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln St. in Welland. For info call Kerry—289-820- 6584. Come and sing with us—you’ll be glad you did!

• Wednesdays. For those who have played Bridge before. Please arrange for a partner. Wed. Monthly schedule at front desk. Refreshments. $1.00 per session. Pelham Public Library.

• Thursdays • 9:00 a.m. to 10:300 a.m.

Town of Pelham Walking Club. Meet at the Peace Park Bandshell, 20 Pelham Town Square. To join the walking club please contact: jcook@pelham.ca or call 905-892-2607 ext. 329 • 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Zumba for Kids, 4-7 years of age. Pelham Arena Hall. $4.50 per class drop in.

• 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Zumba for Kids,8 years of age and up. Pelham Arena Hall. $4.50 per class drop in.

• (first Thursday of every month) 1:30 p.m. to p.m.

SOS (Survivors of Stroke) Everyone is welcome. Info call Ann 905-892-1621 • Fridays 1:00-3:00 p.m.. Knit Wits - Knitting Club. Work on your present project while spending time with other knitters. All levels are welcome. Crocheters welcome. Knitting tips will be shared at each session. $2.00 includes refreshments. Drop in at the Fonthill Library.

• 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Legion Dinner • Saturdays Art Camp - calling all kids ages 4-12.

In the Orchard Programming for the Arts is proud to bring you Sat. Art Camps at the Pelham Arena from 9am-12. Registration now available for the new year.

Spaces still available. An extended thank you to the The Town of Pelham. Walk in registration available or call 905-892-1709. $30 per class. Visit www.intheorchard.org for more details.

• Saturdays Computer Tutor & Gadget Clinic.

“One-to-One Help” with a volunteer tech tutor. Get help with web browsing, webmail account set-up,

e-books, social media, editing and sharing your photos and more. 12:30 – 3:30.

Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 hour.

Pelham Public Library.

• Alternate Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Computer & Gadget Drop-in: For beginners to advanced learners. Learn new tips and tricks and share ideas and skills with others in an informal setting. Some laptops will be available or BYOG (bring your own gadget). $2.00.

Drop in. Pelham Public Library.

• Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) for fellowship, friendly competition and a more active lifestyle. Info www.ontarioseniorgames.ca • Newcomers Club of St. Catharines & District welcomes women new to the region to participate in a variety of activities. Call Maureen 905-397-7593 or Gwen 905-641-9816 for details.

•Volunteers Needed in Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville for the Meals on Wheels program. Friendly Visiting program and also requires volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments.

Offer flexible hours and mileage reimbursement.

Call Laura Dumas at 905-

Aggressive

ADVERTISING Impressive RESULTS! Warren Mason Advertising Coordinator

Phone 905.892.8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Page 10 THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS

788-3181 ext. 27 or email ldumas@csn.on.ca.

Friday, January 24 • 3:15 - 4:30 pm Crocheting for Knitters This course is for knitters who would like to learn enough crochet to create edging or add crocheted flowers and other embellishments to a knitted item.

Please register ahead.

Pelham Public Library • 4:00 - 7:00 pm Fonthill Lions Pasta Dinner. Fonthill Lions Hall, Hwy 20. $10 adults, $6 children under 12. Take out available, cash bar.

Monday, January 27 • 10:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Hearing Clinic. Connect Hearing will be at the Fonthill Branch, Pelham Library giving free hearing screenings and answering any questions. Free but please schedule your appointment ahead: 905892-6068. Pelham Public Library Saturday, January 25 • 7:00 pm Fonthill Lions Progressive Euchre Tournament. Fonthill Lions Hall, Hwy 20. $5, Light lunch, prizes, cash bar.

Monday, February 3 • 6:00 -8:00 p.m. Introduction to Windows 8.1.

Marc Mailhot, our Gadget Guy, will present information on WIN8.1 and will be available while you practice your newly-acquired skills.

You must bring your own laptop or device with a WIN8.1 operating system. $10.00 payable at time of registration. Pelham Public Library

Send your community calendar listings to: editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Help Wanted Child care program staff positions available: Email: chris.mcintosh@ acw.on.ca Fax: 905-735-1147 Mail: A Child’s World 344 Avon Street, Welland L3B 6E5

Services

For Sale

Housekeeping Available Serving Fonthill for 15 years. Openings available.

905-892-4906

Wheat straw for sale. Small bales. Call 905-788-2956 or 905-892-1303

THODE Housekeeping Services. Team of hardworking, organized, dependable & energetic ladies will take care of your housecleaning needs. Give us a call. Elizabeth 905386-0082 after 5 pm.

“For all your flooring needs”

Portable sawmill service.

I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948, riverwood@primus.ca

Robert’s Painting I only paint & I do it well.

Interior & exterior, 25 years experience, neat, reliable.

732-2352 Catherine’s Foot Care Registered Practical Nurse, Licenced in foot care, 18 yrs experience.

Will come to your home.

Reasonable Rates 905-892-8176

Josh DeHaan Flooring We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood

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Call us to see the products that are available & visit our showroom.

Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811 No Sunday Calls, Please

Tax Services

Janet’s Tax Service 30 years experience 1200 Balfour St. Fenwick 905-892-4654

Help Wanted OPPORTUNITY Lookout Ridge Retirement Community Maintenance Manager We are currently looking for a maintenance manager.

The successful applicant must have: proven experience in building maintenance and repair experience with plumbing, boilers, electrical and hvac systems - Experience in coordinating preventative maintenance - A “G” license - Computerized maintenance tracking experience - Ability to work well independently and also with others - Excellent customer service skills Send resume and cover letter to: Att’n: Human Resources 1505 Lookout Street Fonthill, ON L0S 1E5 fax: 908-892-9488 OR by e-mail: jobslr@lookoutridge.ca Only those selected for an interview will be notified.

Paper Routes Available Pancake, Pickwick 97 papers

Contact the Voice of Pelham at 905-892-8690 or office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Page 11 THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Breaking away from the ordinary classroom BY STEPHEN DYELL

for the VOICE An organic and original performance called ‘The Wishing Well’ was put on by the students of E.L. Crossley last week, but this was no high school musical.

There were no try-outs, sign-up sheets or competitions for the lead role.

This performance was a unique look into a double credit course offered by the school to teach the students much more than just memorizing lines.

After a three-year absence due to low enrollment, the class led by Head of Dramatic Arts, Jennifer Benson received the minimum 20 students required to run in September and students couldn’t have been happier.

“At the beginning of the year, we started with absolutely nothing,” Grade 12 student Mark Maecker said of creating the play. “We

all wrote down what we’d like to do and combined them to make this play. It was great to build all the little things like jokes and characters from scratch. It was a completely different experience.”

Maecker helped create the music for the play and also held numerous roles.

He explained how everyone in the class added their own talents to the production. Whether it was jokes or dialogues, the fingerprints of each student in the class was smeared across the performance.

“It’s neat because the entire school is talking about it. While nobody cares how I did on my English exam, this has blown up bigger than I expected and found out I really enjoy doing this.”

Rosie Proctor, who helped design costumes, enjoyed the twist on attending a class that offers more than just homework and textbooks.

“It was different than normal work. There was an audience viewing our work so you want to make it the best it possibly could be.”

Benson said the melting pot of ideas led to an amazing performance that was seen by elementary classes, parents and eventually fellow peers.

While she produced the script, the students led the way with ideas, jokes and songs.

“It is scary for them to jump into the unknown without a structure. That’s generally how they are taught with a textbook, readings and of course thinking,” Benson said.

“Here we started with nothing. They researched and brought something here everyday.”

The idea for the play was based on the dangers of undervaluing the importance of water.

Elly Newell and James Ferguson play Jack and Jill, who set off on an

adventure to turn back on the water and save Fonthill. Along the way, they encounter numerous characters who help teach them the dangers of pollution and the damage is does to the ecosystem in a humorous, yet education take on an issue affecting the world today.

While in the process of educating, the students also learned a valuable lesson, Benson says.

“They are beginning to understand the development of a team is extremely crucial. It is a part of the learning in this class that no person is an island and that everyone relies on everyone else.”

Benson is hopeful to enroll the minimum number of students to restart next September. Her former students don’t believe that will be a problem, as they learned, laughed and had an overall great time earning credits in one of educations most unique forms.

munities.

“The more funds generated through the campaign, the more funds we are able to re-invest in the community’s programs and services,” says executive director, Tamara Coleman-Lawrie. “So far, we are in line with our previous years campaign targets, however we have a $35,000 shortfall we know we will be experiencing, so our uphill challenge isn’t over yet. We need the support of the community to help us to help others. We are urging those able to make a donation who haven’t yet, to please step forward… now is your chance to help us ensure we have enough funds to impact our community.”

United Way South Niag-

ara, like many people and organizations, has had to deal with the economic challenges due to job losses, business closures and increasing costs. The organization works diligently to maintain low expenses so that more dollars will flow through to the many local programs and services that rely on United Way for funding.

Mark Carl, executive director of The Hope Centre, claims United Way funding is crucial to operating their nonprofit. “Without United Way funding, we would not be able to operate at the level we currently do and we would not be able to help as many people as we are able to.”

United Way has been a saving grace for many

agencies in South Niagara. Many people who work for non-profit agencies have come to rely on funding to deliver programs and services.

Quite simply, it’s just too expensive for agencies to hire a fundraiser to raise the kind of money United Way South Niagara provides them with.

“You don’t have to have a lot of money to contribute to our annual campaign.

Any gift to United Way is a commitment to invest in the betterment of our community by helping those most in need,” said Coleman-Lawrie.

For more information, or to give to United Way please visit www.unitedwaysouthniagara.ca.

United Way reaches 74 per cent of goal For 50 years, United Way South Niagara has played a major role in the development of our communities by pooling resources necessary to impact positive change. The organization has faced major drawbacks in previous years, but is confident that with community support, they will reach, and potentially exceed this year’s fundraising goal of $600,000.

United Way is, at the most basic level, a fundraising agency that raises funds and invests them back into the community through three community identified priority areas: 1) moving people from poverty to possibility; 2) helping kids and families be all they can be; 3) supporting healthy people, which builds strong com-

E.L. Crossley students perform The Wishing Well.

Photo Special to the Voice

follow us on Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara

The

VOICE www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Extra copies of The Voice of Pelham available at these fine area businesses:

FONTHILL: E. L. Crossley Churchill Natural Meats M&M Meats Shoppers Drug Mart Fonthill Library Town of Pelham Cafe on Main Beamer’s Pro Hardware Sobey’s McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Tim Hortons Semenuk’s

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Page 12 THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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THREE different styles of

Dreaming big with a computer

BY STEPHEN DYELL

for the VOICE Marc Mailhot is not your average 17-year-old.

The Notre Dame student has made a name for himself as one of Canada’s leading web developers.

Self-taught at an early age, he enjoys the growing world that is technology.

“I started tinkering around with computers.

I read up on some books and it just grew from that,” Mailhot said. “When I was younger, I got into programming. From there, I got into the graphic and web design.” It was his web design that put him in the spotlight.

After competing in regional and provincial competitions last year, Mailhot headed to Vancouver in June for the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC). An event where over 500 young Canadians get together and compete in their chosen fields. At the highest level for high school students, he captured gold in web development.

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Notre Dame student Marc Mailhot is hoping to get into the prestigious MIT this year for Computer Science.

Stephen Dyell/Voice Photo He credits his teacher pare him for SAT tests, Dame. for helping him get to where Mailhot is aiming Mailhot does not let it go Vancouver. “Some of the high in continuing his to his head. Staying local, programming is outdated education. he began volunteering at but generally it is really His first choice is taking the Pelham Public Library good. I had a great teach- Computer Science the after spotting an ad several er for Computer Science highly regarded Massa- years ago. The library was who let me work ahead chusetts Institute of Tech- searching for someone to and do an online course nology (MIT), but knows help with the numerous offered by a university in it will be an uphill battle. questions and devices the States.”

The school accepts only brought in. Mailhot’s love They also helped pre- a limited number of in- for technology is the same ternational students and reason he finds people applicants must have near coming to him for help at perfect SAT scores. Inter- the library. While confusviews, essays and more in- ing to many, he thrives on terviews are what he must new challenges. go through to get into “(Technology) is conone of America’s highest stantly changing. Every regarded schools in the year, there is something field of technology. different to learn,” MailHe has also applied at the hot said. “It really is a University of Toronto and satisfying program to do. the University of Waterloo You get a lot of very nice but may get the chance to people showing up with see his dream school of a wide variety of tech MIT turn into reality with problems. It’s nice to use a loaded resume. my skill-set to help them Nationally acclaimed in out.” his field, he may look for On Feb. 3 he will present a repeat when the SCNC information and hands-on returns to Toronto in help for those having trouMarch. He also will be tak- ble adjusting to Windows ing part in the Canadian 8.1 at the Pelham Public Computing Competition Library from 6-8 p.m. The in Waterloo. All while cost of the seminar is $10 maintaining high marks and you must bring your in all his courses at Notre own laptop or device.