Thinking of Buying? Thinking of Selling? Call Me Today!
Call Me Today! 905.733.8996 www.pennylanesold.com pennylane@royallepage.ca Office 905.892.0222
Vol.15 No.35
Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara
The
VOICE
How Sweet It Is! Page 6
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ice Dogs Return Page 9
Spooktacular Page 7
Fred Disher recognized for contributions to Pelham BY SARAH MURRELL VOICE Staff When Fred Disher first moved to Fonthill 18 years ago he didn’t know anyone in the community. When he saw an ad in the paper looking for volunteers for the Pelham Community Policing Committee, he responded, believing it would be a good way to get to know his new community. That small act of answering a call for volunteers led Disher to become one of this community’s busiest volunteers and to earn accolades from his peers. Disher received the Mary Anne Christoff Community Service Award at the Welland Pelham Chamber of Commerce Ruby Awards on Friday, Sept. 21. The award recognizes those who have contributed in an outstanding way to the social fabric of our community. The following Monday, Disher was honoured at the Pelham Cares Volunteer Recognition Evening with a Helping Hands Award for his many years of service to Pelham Cares as the treasurer. In making the presentation from Pelham Cares Jane Gilmour said Disher “exemplifies the term volunteerism” and called him someone she
has been blessed to work with. “My first impression of Fred was how very kind he was. That has never changed.,” said Gilmour. “Fred is a very pleasant, humble individual whose attitude is both caring and focused.” In addition, to serving on the Board of Pelham Cares Disher serves on the Pelham Community Policing Committee, Canada Day Committee, Bandshell Committee, Santa Clause Parade Committee, is a member of the Project Pelham Cares Committee and has recently become the Vice-President of the Fenwick Lions. Disher explains his involvement in so many community committees, organizations and events all stem from answering that newspaper ad 18 years ago. As a member of the policing committee he became involved with Canada Day celebrations and the parade, because of the police involvement in the parade. He then got a call from Al Beamer asking for help with the Santa Claus parade, which of course led to becoming a member of the Fenwick Lions. His involvement in Fonthill’s 150th anniversary celebration came through community policing, which led to his membership on the Bandshell committee. “It’s evolved,” he says of his commitment to Pelham, noting now that he has retired he has the time to dedicate to
volunteering. Disher’s first career was as an educator, principal and superintendent with the Haldimand County Board of Education for 35 years. After his retirment from education in 1996 he began a financial career with Sun Life, which he has since retired from. “I find it rewarding,” he says. “I enjoy getting to know the community. I’ve met and worked with so many people, I almost feel like an oldtimer.” Along with his volunteer efforts, Disher and his wife Bernice have raised their nine children, seven of them adopted, and opened their homes and hearts to more than 30 foster children. When speaking of his kids, Disher is obviously proud, sharing their accomplishments with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face. “It keeps you young,” he says. “They are all wonderful kids, I’m very proud of them.” Ironically, one of Disher’s children, Kevin, a Niagara College Policing Foundation student, couldn’t attend the Ruby Awards because he had made other commitments - volunteering. Disher’s son James came from New Jersey to attend the ceremony, and asked if Disher had a speech prepared. Disher said he thought it would be presumptious, and didn’t prepare anything. “Completely floored” when his name was
u s a t th e See RIALTO $1099
FRED Disher received a Ruby Award from the Chamber of Commerce and a Helping Hands award from Pelham Cares recently for his volunteer efforts in the Town of Pelham. Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo announced, Disher said he’s not sure what he said, but everyone has told him he did fine. “It’s such an honour I hardly know what to say,” is what Disher did say, thanking his family for their support. “Volunteering is a wonderful thing,” he said, adding he has met many wonderful people thorugh his volunteer efforts. “Thank you. I’m honoured,” he told the
crowd. Just as shocked at the Pelham Cares event, Disher struggled to find words. “All I can think of is, thank you,” he said. “I’m honoured to be involved, to be recognized is wonderful.” Disher accepted the Helping Hands award from his peers at Pelham Cares on behalf of all volunteers, explaining later to The Voice that he has seen so many
volunteers put in so many hours that to rationalize his recognition, he wanted to recognize all volunteers. “These are people I highly respect,” said Disher of the Pelham Cares board. “To get recognition from them is quite something.” “It’s surprising, humbling really,” said Disher of his recent recognition.
See related page 2
story
Niagara’s Only
t h i s we e k
RILEY $1299
www.lampmanfurniture.com