The Voice, April 1 2020

Council rethinks parking study page 3 Cancer surgery now "elective" page 8 Lions offer food, medicine delivery page 9 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.24 No.13

April 1, 2020

Published every Wednesday

Emergency Control Group activated

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Column Six

Short term memory cats Every day is Groundhog Day

BY JANE BEDARD

Special to the VOICE

A

and 15 deaths in Ontario to date, with 4043 identified as COVID-19 positive test results and 39 deaths nation-wide, statistics that will be ancient history by the time this week’s issue hits the press. Nonetheless, they remain relatively low.

“Compared to the rest of the world

t 6:39 AM my alarm goes off.

There is a black, white, and grey cat, of medium build, with wide green eyes, sitting at attention by the door. How long he’s been there, I can’t say, but he’s there every day at 6:39 AM. I get out of bed and head to the washroom, where there is another cat, white and caramel, of the extra-large variety, with light green eyes somewhat hidden within his fat face. He waits on the bathmat. He hasn’t been sitting there very long. I know this because he was singing a rather sad song about an hour earlier, and about two hours earlier than that.

Something world- hunger-in-general and his hunger in particular.

After I brush my teeth, I head toward the stairs and almost trip over both critters as they scamper to get ahead of me, knowing it’s

See ECG back page

See COLUMN SIX back page

Daily conference keeps senior Pelham staff apprised of COVID-19 developments Fire Chief and Emergency Control Group chair Bob Lymburner leads last Friday's daily meeting by teleconference from his office at Fire Station #1.

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

While many Pelham residents are at home due to business shutdowns related to COVID-19, Fire Chief Bob Lymburner is busier than ever.

He chairs the Emergency Control Group (ECG) in Pelham, comprised primarily of the Town’s senior man-

agers. Monday through Friday at 9 AM sharp, the group brainstorms via conference call and shares pertinent information regarding the virus’s spread, and measures to control it.

Lymburner and Pelham CEO David Cribbs additionally have teleconference calls seven days a week, as they network with a number of Regional emergency response and govern-

ment committees, and Cribbs and Niagara’s 11 other municipal CAOs have a separate, daily conference call.

Last Friday’s meeting focused on myriad issues, including recreational facility closures, migrant workers, employee health, and community response to the pandemic.

Lymburner quoted 858 infections

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Page 2

The Voice, April 1, 2020

Town of Pelham lays o≠ 22 sta≠

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

BY VOICE STAFF

Has it only been a seven days since we talked? Every week now seems like at least a month, maybe a year. We’re all deluged with information, almost all of it virus-related and almost none of it good. Since I started keeping track on March 12, we’ve posted 49 COVID-19-related stories on our website.

Relatively few of these make it into the print edition, because what’s the point. Weekly newspapers were never intended to deliver up-to-the-minute news. So please continue to monitor our website for the latest developments, while in print we will start to shift focus back to our usual mix of stories—without, of course, neglecting important pandemic updates and government messaging. One such message that was announced just a moment ago was the province’s new directive regarding seniors over 70. Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, says, seriously, stay home. “Given the greater risk of severe outcomes to Ontarians who are elderly,” said Williams in a statement, “I am also strongly recommending that individuals over 70 years of age self-isolate. This means only leaving home or seeing other people for essential reasons." The underlining is his...What part of “stay home” isn’t clear? On Friday afternoon I needed to go to the Voice office, in Fonthill.

I was gobsmacked by the amount of traffic on Highway 20.

It looked nearly like any other weekday—a steady stream of mostly passenger cars between Haist all the way down to East Fonthill and beyond. Where were all these people going for “essential reasons”? If this thing continues to balloon, we will have only ourselves to blame. Between Sunday and Monday, Ontario reported 341 new positives, Quebec 590. Two weeks ago, Toronto’s chief medical officer said there was evidence of community transmission—that the virus was passing from person to person locally, not just from travellers returning home—yet our own Regional chief medical officer has consistently downplayed the potential for community transmission in Niagara. The Region’s public messaging on COVID-19 was also missing in action until late last week. In a conference call regarding whether the Region should declare an emergency, 11 mayors collectively decided, in effect, that it was too soon the spook the horses, and, by the way, let’s not hurt our tourism potential this summer. Only Niagara-on-the-Lake’s mayor had the balls to do what needed to be done and declare a state of emergency. Pardon my potty mouth. The Niagara daily papers are reporting that the NHS has a critical COVID-19 care capacity (ICU, ventilators) of just 54 beds. This for a population of 450,000. So let’s not just hope that no more than one tenth of one percent of us need critical care, let’s make sure of it. Stay home...What to do while we’re there: Last See CORNER Page 16

As a result of facilities closures prompted by COVID-19 shutdowns, the Town of Pelham has laid off 22 staff, effective immediately. This represents roughly a quarter of the Town’s combined full- and part-time workforce of 95, a number that fluctuates seasonally.

Those furloughed include ten crossing guards, four rink attendants at the MCC, and eight hospitality staff, also at the community center. All of the affected positions are part-time.

Schools have been closed since the start of March Break, on March 16, and some observers say it is unlikely that they will reopen again until the autumn.

The community centre was shut down on March 16, and the rest of Pelham’s municipal facilities were closed to the public on March 17.

“Today Town administrators had a difficult task to perform,” Mayor Marvin Junkin told the Voice.

“It should be noted that these were lay-off notices, and not termination notices. It is hoped that as soon as this pandemic ends, which it will at some point, each one of these valued employees will be rehired.”

In an email notice to all Town staff, CAO David Cribbs said that as best as

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could be determined, letting so many staff go at once was unprecedented.

“Three weeks ago no one could have imagined this being a possibility,” wrote Cribbs, “let alone becoming a necessity and the situation

The only way through this pandemic is by working together and remembering that the public is relying on us

remains fluid. While I cannot promise that more layoffs will not be necessary, it is correct and truthful to say that no further lay-offs are planned at this time.”

Cribbs said that other adjustments were being made in Town operations, including “expedited” delivery of leased trucks in order to operate in one-p e r s on-p e r-ve h ic le fashion.

“Starting next week Public Works staff will be working in split shifts and their numbers will be partially augmented by staff from [Recreation, Culture,

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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

The

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and Wellness]. This helps ensure that the Town can meet its various service obligations pertaining to water quality and road maintenance, while also maintaining employment.”

“The only way through this pandemic is by working together and remembering that the public is relying on us,” concluded Cribbs.

Meanwhile, the Pelham Public Library has been closed for two weeks. The Library Board had initially announced the system’s two branches would reopen on April 6. This now seems unlikely, given the declaration of emergency made by the province on March 17—to be reviewed on March 31.

Library staff continue to be paid.

Seventeen fulland part-timers are employed by the Library, whose budget is almost entirely funded by the Town.

Contacted by the Voice for comment, Library Board Chair Nicole Nolan responded that “most library staff are busy and able to work from home.”

Nolan said that no decisions have been made about layoffs.

“We anticipate having a closed special Library Board meeting next week, where there will be discussion about staffing.”

In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court.

In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.

The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.

William G. KRUCHKA, 67, Grimsby William ELLISON, 29, Boca Raton FL Christopher D. HAWKINS, 41, Fort Erie Keith B. LEONARD, 39, Niagara Falls Toufic DOUMANI, 67, St. Catharines Ben T. BRUINING, 19, Gilford Paul C. COMPISANO, 41, Fort Erie Justin J. GABOURY, 40, Welland Bradley W. OUWENDYK, 33, St. Catharines Danny M. RIMANDO, 54, Niagara Falls Carla M. ANTOSH, 50, Grimsby Kristopher D. BOLAND, 46, Fort Erie

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Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

DSBN wants portion of Town park

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The Comfort Maple myth

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Column Six

Growing up British

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

W

BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Public meeting tonight on school issues

BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick.

Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation.

DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime.

Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting.

“We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin.

My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries.

Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town.

This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation.

On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque.

“This tree looks dead,” I said to my father.

“It sure is getting there, Julie.”

The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

Vol.20 No.32

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through.

One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through.

“If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said.

While waiting for the contractor to return to fix

the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term.

Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered.

The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event.

Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security.

Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016.

"We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said.

“It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going.

We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box.

Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano.

For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely.

Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint

Wednesday October 12, 2016

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Apple Day comes to Fonthill

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals

ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie.

Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept.

19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school.

Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later.

After delivering to Council a petition containing

Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case.

Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel.

As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

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VOICE Correspondent

and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support.

Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley

BY NATE SMELLE

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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign.

A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

Office 905.892.1702

Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples.

As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations.

The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada.

“The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

this minute!

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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick.

Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues.

Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students.

“The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated.

The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

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“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained.

“I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.”

Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn.

Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly.

The hues of Autumn are outstanding.

A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour.

Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River.

If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills.

If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

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The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 3

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Gypsy moths, parking, more parking on agenda

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Pelham Town council went ahead with its regular meeting and Committee of the Whole gathering March 23, with COVID-19 precautions in place.

The Mayor, three councillors, the Town Clerk, and five staff members attended chambers in person, with three other councillors appearing via video conference.

One of those remote attendees, Ward 3’s Lisa Haun, led off the meeting by making a motion to defer less time-sensitive Town business due the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Only the most urgent items from our agenda should be tackled during this time,” Haun said.

Mayor Marvin Junkin didn’t appear to be on board at first, saying that issues appearing before council are important issues for the people involved.

“The thing that we’re trying to do during this pandemic is conduct business on an ‘as usual’ basis as possible,” he said. “When something comes to council it’s usually because the people who are bringing to council, it’s an important item for them.”

Not so, said Haun, who has worked in the province’s emergency management sector.

“We are in a pandemic, it seems a little trivial to be talking about items that are re-zoning and things like that,” she said. “This is not necessarily business as usual.”

With that, the motion passed, with council agreeing to defer such matters on a case-by-case basis as they come up.

The only major piece of COVID-19-related business to come out of the meeting was council agreeing to waive penalties and interest for non-payment of taxes and water/wastewater payments through April 30. Further assessment based on the state of the pandemic will be made then.

“This is an important step to take to help those affected by this unprecedented pandemic,” said Junkin. “As a community we work together, this is no different. If we can help our community get through these difficult times we will explore ways of doing so.”

Treasurer Teresa Quinlin estimated that the financial impact on the Town to be $27,000 for the one month. However, that is based solely on its average number of delinquent accounts in any normal month.

“Cash flow becomes an issue if this continues for a couple of months,” Quinlin said.

(After last Thursday’s Regional Council meeting, Mayor Junkin, one of Pelham’s two Regional councillors, told the Voice that discussion of potential delays in tax and other payments had taken place, and the matter was under review. The majority of taxes collected by Pelham are in fact collected on behalf of the Region and schools, and must be paid on a timely basis to the Region.)

From left, Councillors Bob Hildebrandt, John Wink, and Lisa Haun participated in last week's Pelham Town Council meeting via Skype.

YOUTUBE

“The spraying must go on”

Council voted to approve the 2020 gypsy moth spray program.

Director of Public Works Jason Marr confirmed that 120 hectares of both public and private land in Pelham will be aerially sprayed in May and/or June. That’s about double the area sprayed last year.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a monkeywrench into plans to hold two public information sessions about the strategy.

Marr instead proposed that those meetings be substituted with online information sessions, with print advertising and paper hand-

outs for those without access to a computer.

“The spraying must go on,” Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi said.

Odorous industries nuisance bylaw passes

Cannabis Control Committee (CCC) chair Tim Nohara appeared in chambers to advocate that his committee’s work be ratified by council.

Ciolfi used the presentation to move that the Odorous Industries Nuisance Bylaw be passed—which it was, unanimously.

“It’s very important we pass this,” said Ciolfi, adding that he’d

received cannabis odor complaints from residents the previous weekend. “It’s not something that can wait two, three, four months.”

CAO David Cribbs explained that passage of the bylaw also implied something of a “grace period” before enforceable regulations begin, ideally upon expiry of the Interim Control Bylaw in July.

The Town has $13,000 budgeted for enforcement of the odor bylaw, likely involving the purchase of a contraption called the “Nasal Ranger” which uses the science of See COUNCIL Page 12

www.youtube.com/townofpelham/live

Town of Pelham offers relief for tax and water/wastewater payments The Town is waiving penalty and interest charged on April 1 ,2020, for tax and water/wastewater balances outstanding on March 31, 2020, at which time further assessment will be reviewed.

The pre-authorized payment program will continue for tax and water billings.

Pre-authorized payment plans are encouraged to help spread tax payments over 10 or 12 months. Non sufficient funds charges will be waived for April.

Alternative options for payment of taxes and fees include payment through a financial institution, pre-authorized payment and cheque payment. A drop box outside of Town Hall is also available to deposit cheques and documents.

In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to the public and Town Staff, the Town has closed all of its facilities, including Council Chambers to the walk-in public until further notice.

To learn more about online billing and preauthorized payments visit:

All Pelham Town Council and Committee Meetingscan be livestreamed on the Town’s YouTube channel.

Subscribe Today.

www.pelham.ca/utility-billing

or call 905-892-2607 and ask for the tax or water clerk.

Page 4

The Voice, April 1, 2020

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

DSBN REPORT

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

Nancy Beamer, Trustee

School may be out, but students excelled

W

ell, the news has not been very encouraging lately. With the teachers’ strikes and now the doom and gloom of this coronavirus, and having the kids home for a prolonged isolated time, and a “shortage” of toilet paper, it is difficult to remember a time when things were normal. Because of this I want to bring to your attention some things our DSBN students had been accomplishing before this happened.

Recently the CBC ran a Canada-wide contest looking to find original singer/ songwriters. After searching through thousands of entries, the field was narrowed down to the top ten contestants. Included in the top ten from across Canada was Maci Wood, the youngest contestant, a Grade 10 student from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School. With the help of a wonderful teacher, Rich Roach, Maci has been perfecting her singing talent since Grade 4.

Mr. Roach taught at Stevensville Elementary school.

Being a musician himself, when he heard Maci sing, he knew he was hearing something special. With encouragement from her parents and her teacher, Maci has

continued to develop her singing talents. Although she did not come in first, it was a wonderful achievement to reach the top ten from across Canada at such a young age.

The winner of the contest

It was a wonderful achievement to reach the top ten from across Canada at such a young age

was Shawnee, a 26-yearold who was a graduate of Welland Centennial Secondary school. Imagine, two in the top ten in Canada from our Niagara region!

Staying with the arts, last fall, the DSBN ran an Equity and Diversity Flag Contest, Students were challenged to come up with a flag design that would demonstrate the inclusion of all the diverse sectors and values of our school system and encourage an end to bullying. Hundreds

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of incredible designs were submitted.

Designed by Grade 10 student Maddy Boychuk, the Well-Being Flag is a symbol of student voice, leadership, inclusivity, kindness, acceptance, diversity, bias-free environments, respect, and positive engagement.

Maddy, a Grade 10 student at Grimsby Secondary, will now be able to see her creation flying above all DSBN schools.

Moving to the field of science and technology, on Wednesday, February 19, a new event aimed at inspiring girls to pursue careers in science and technology was hosted at Brock University. In collaboration with Young Enterprising Women (YEW), “An Evening with STEM-preneurs” featured women in STEM careers sharing their expertise. The evening connected Niagara girls ages 14 to 18 and their parents with a range of women in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and math).

The Niagara event unveiled an exciting essay scholarship contest for female students to share their STEM stories. Two high school girls were selected to attend the See DSBN Page 6

1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Jenica Hrysko, Maeve Keating, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Stuck at sea? Look in the mirror Regarding “Stuck on a cruise ship” [Letters, March 25, p. 5]—enough already! More Canadians taking the “easier to beg forgiveness later than ask permission now” attitude, except it’s actually more like “easier to ignore reality now, and beg for help later.”

How long have we been aware of the dangers of travelling during these times? It reminds me of the Canadians begging for the Canadian government to help them after being stranded in the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and in the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma in 2017, despite warnings not to travel to these places at that

time.

A brief and incomplete look at the Coronavirus timeline: Jan 30: the W.H.O. declares a global emergency. Global, folks!

Feb 5: the cruise ship Diamond Princess went under quarantine.

Feb 21: the virus appears in Iran Feb 23: Italy goes under lockdown Feb 28: the number of infections in Europe spikes Feb 29: the U.S. announces travel restrictions.

See MIRROR next page

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

Letters

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Today's forgotten business stopped advertising yesterday

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805 Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

Have an Opinion?

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. 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 or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at 905-892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

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The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 5

OPINION Plea for help from Niagara Health System worker I am writing this letter not only as a lifelong resident of Pelham, but also as a healthcare professional as a plea to our little community to step up for healthcare providers. As most of you will have seen, we are in desperate need of PPE. PPE is Personal Protective Equipment. It protects us, the caregivers, from developing COVID-19.

Right now, we are having to ration our PPE per shift. Where normally we would be changing masks between patients, we are having to wear the same mask for the whole day. This isn't a Niagara problem, not an Ontario or even Canada problem. It's a worldwide problem. There has been so much kindness and generosity towards all of us.

The flowers, the food, the applause, but if you REALLY want to help, go get that box of masks you are keeping for yourself and donate it to a long-term care home, Shaver, Niagara EMS, Niagara Health. Any facility

TOWN HALL MESSAGE

that is providing care to you or someone you know. Please help us keep you safe. Finally, Pelham is home to some very intelligent, well-connected individuals. If you know of, own, or are connected to a business who is not running at full capacity and has a supply of PPE, please let them know they too can help. Large donations of PPE is what will help us the most.

Thank you for coming through Pelham! I know you will. You always do...

Name withheld Editor's note: Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin made a request of cannabis producer CannTrust over the weekend to provide what PPE it could to the Niagara Health System. Workers at CannTrust's Fenwick facility are required to don surgical PPE inside the facility. At press time, CannTrust had not yet responded to Junkin.

Walk on, Pelham!

As someone who walks in my neighbourhood most days, I am encountering (at a safe distance!) more families, more unfamiliar faces and more pedestrian activity than ever before. Everyone says "Hi," and the spring weather has definitely boosted spirits. It seems that more residents of Pelham are using this extraordinary time of social distancing to experience the many physical and mental benefits of walking. I say "Walk on, Pelham!"

Bea Clark Fonthill

take it home to dispose of it in your garbage can? You are disrespecting our community by using our public spaces as your trash can!

Be a responsible dog owner and pick up like the majority of dog owners do and dispose of it in your garbage can.

Rick Tarajos Fonthill

The cruise which the letter-writers took began on March 7. What were they thinking? Now 400 Canadians on board this ship are appealing to the Canadian government for help. Let’s just hope that they are all responsible enough to put themselves under the 14-day quarantine when they do get home. I’ve been told that not all returning from away are doing so.

It’s hard to have empathy for people who put themselves (and ultimately others) in harm’s way, because they “deserve” a vacation. Watching the spring break kids on the beaches, or the “Floridiots” or “Covidiots,” as they are being called, is bad enough. Where is common sense these days?

Margaret Norminton Fonthill

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It’s disheartening to see so many local businesses, public spaces and private gatherings closed.

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lost nearly 11,000 people, Spain over 6800, the U.S. 2500 and counting. Canada has 64 deaths. While this is still too high, it shows that everyday Canadians like you and I can make a difference. I urge you to continuing following instructions by public health authorities to stay at home whenever possible, to practice social distancing when outside, and wash your hands thoroughly several times a day.

By meeting this challenge head on, we’ll beat this thing and come out the other side stronger than ever. ♦

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t’s Sunday night, and like everyone else I feel like I’m stuck in a bad dream. Past experience tells me this can’t be happening, but the 10 o’clock news confirms it is.

In hindsight, we should’ve watched China’s unusually strong reaction to this virus and taken our own action immediately.

However, the past is behind us, and right now we need to be moving forward.

As a Canadian, I’m proud of how we’ve allowed our scientists and doctors take the lead on this issue, unlike our counterpart to the south. The Town’s Emer-

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Stay strong, stay informed, stay home

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...but take your dog poop with you!

Walking around our community is a pleasure for those of us trying to get some fresh air and exercise during this pandemic. What is disturbing is having to see inconsiderate dog owners picking up after their pet and leaving their dog poop bags literally on the sidewalk or beside mailboxes. Really? You can't

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 2000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Page 6

Letters

The Voice, April 1, 2020

continued

DSBN

continued from Page 4 Enterprising Women Gala and Conference in Clearwater Florida at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, where they were to join other students from across North America to be mentored and inspired by women in STEM careers.

The selection committee reviewed many essays, from girls who want to see STEM in their future. Jayden Pelletier, a Grade 11 student at E. L. Crossley, was selected as one of the 2020 essay winners and was to represent Canada at the conference.

Unfortunately, the virus situation caused the cancellation of this event. Hopefully, it will be rescheduled at a later date. Jayden stood out for her professional application, and creative use of social media to share her STEM stories. Research has shown that girls in Grades 9 and 10 are the most likely to fall out of the STEM pipeline, so this contest was created to add some positive influence to encourage them that “STEM is in their future.”

Historically, the percentage of women with careers in STEM fields is significantly lower than that of men.

Meanwhile, A. N. Myer's robotics team, consisting of Aiden Lapointe, Ryan Bush, Austin Papetti, Sasha VanDyk, Rowan McDowell and Emily Parry, participated in the VEX Ontario Provincial

Robotics Championships.

At the end of the grueling 12- hour day of competition the team was awarded the THINK award which goes to the team with impressive and effective autonomous programming.

This is a major award at the competition, and as a result, the team would have been returning to their 2nd consecutive VEX World Championships in April.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the robotics program at Myer. Once again, due to the present situation, this will probably be rescheduled.

Lastly, The Loran Scholars Foundation selected 36 exceptional young Canadians from a pool of 5194 applicants, based on evidence of character, commitment to community service, and leadership. The prestigious Loran Award is Canada's largest four-year undergraduate award. Congratulations to current Stamford Collegiate student Kylee Smith for becoming a Loran Scholar.

I could go on and on, as “success from students keeps on coming,” and there are so many other areas where DSBN students have shown their strengths and skills. During this unusual crisis, it is nice to look back at more normal times and realize that we will eventually get back to normal. Until then, stay safe. ♦

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Price gouging requires attention

COVID-19 response crucial

Two consumer gouging issues require immediate government attention. The first one concerns pharmacy/prescription refill fees. As most people are now aware, you can only get a one-month refill instead of the usual three to ensure there is an adequate supply of medication for all. I was shocked to discover today that you will be charged the full fee each month now.

When I asked about this I was advised that it was government mandated!

The second issue relates to bank transaction fees. A majority of businesses and their employers are now requesting that we pay with debit or credit cards instead of cash for safety reasons during this pandemic. The federal government should immediately mandate that the banks, with their billion-dollar profits, cease charging these bank transaction fees until things get back to the “new” normal.

Consumers are doing their part and are willing to accommodate both changes but they should not have to suffer additional financial hardship as things will be bad enough.

It’s time for the corporations to step up to the plate and do their part by giving back to the community for a change.

I have raised these issues with our local MP and MPP and I would strongly encourage you to do the same.

Doug MacFarlane Fonthill

Where to begin?

We need to set aside our differences right now. In North America if you are liberal or conservative we need to have a common goal. That goal is to eradicate the COVID-19 virus.

First, I would like to applaud New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for his response to the coronavirus crisis. Cuomo has to put up with President Donald Trump and his leadership on the pandemic. The President thinks it’s a good idea to reopen the Canada-United States border around the Easter holiday weekend. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with all the premiers, aren’t happy with Donald Trump’s hasty thinking.

Trudeau issued a warning to citizens and residents of Canada to stay home or else there will be fines or jail time for going to public places like the beaches in Vancouver. The Prime Minister won’t allow other travellers into Canada until further notice. I support reopening the border when there are no new cases reported for a minimum of two weeks in both countries.

Next, there is another governor who is facing tough times these days.

Gavin Newsom of California has issued a stay-at-home command.

Andrew Cuomo and Gavin Newsom are members of the Democratic Party. They feel that their residents aren’t being fairly treated by Washington in

It's time for corporations to step up to the plate and do their part

Editor’s note: When asked to comment, a local pharmacist explained that while drug supplies remain adequate, the Ontario government moved on March 20 to ensure they remain that way by imposing a 30-day maximum dispensing policy for patients covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit, namely youth and seniors.

Low income seniors typically do not pay co-pays, as most pharmacies waive them. Other seniors generally pay a $4.11 co-pay per refill. Since refills are now limited to a 30-day supply rather than the previously permitted 90-day supply, what was formerly a $4.11 co-pay effectively becomes a $12.33 co-pay for the same threemonth period. What’s changed is not the co-pay dollar amount, but the frequency that it is charged. The pharmacist suggested that most pharmacies will work with patients taking multiple drugs to make sure that they remain affordable. The pharmacist also noted that the Wynne government passed legislation that abolished senior co-pays entirely before the 2018 provincial election, legislation that the Ford government has never enacted.

these horrible times. Donald Trump needs to treat all of his people equally. This means providing assistance to both Republican and

This means coming together on this issue with nonpartisan support Democratic states.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is another Donald Trump critic. DeWine is a Republican, and he has ordered similar measures like those seen in California and New York State. Ohio will forbid large gatherings of 100 people to lower the chances of other people getting infected. Children aren’t allowed to go to school for the time being as well.

In conclusion, we need to set aside our differences at this point in time. This means coming together on this issue with nonpartisan support to eliminate the coronavirus. How many of you agree that the Prime Minister, President, premiers, and governors need to work together to find a common solution to this crisis?

Brendan Young Fonthill

LIFE IN

PELHAM A Community Guide

We’re excited to share the 2020 spring/summer Life in Pelham Guide with you, found in the April 2, 2020, edition of Niagara This Week.

The best way to stay informed about changes to programming or events is through the Town’s website: www.pelham.ca.

Once again, the guide is filled with information and stories from and by the community. It’s one of the things we love most about this guide: a community voice. Unfortunately, this spring/summer, however, Pelham is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

When programs come back online, we’ll make sure to spread the word digitally and in print so that we reach as broad an audience as possible.

The pandemic has caused the cancellation and closure of programs and facilities for the foreseeable future. When the guide was completed and printed, we had not yet reached the state of closure and isolation the community is in now.

Some of the information in the guide is no longer accurate. Dates, events, and programs may have been changed or cancelled.

Registration may be delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

However, there is also information in the guide that is still very much relevant, regardless of closures or changes: gypsy moth home control methods, tick prevention, important contacts, where to get Town news, and more.

In the meantime, enjoy the guide when it arrives. We hope this guide gives you something to read while you’re at home, as well as an opportunity to review the many local businesses who have advertised in the guide; some of which are still operating.

Hard copies will be available in Town facilities when they reopen to the public.

If you have any questions, please contact: Marc MacDonald Communications and Public Relations Specialist mmacdonald@pelham.ca

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 7

STAY HOME NIAGARA A joint message from Niagara’s Mayors and Regional Chair Dear Niagara Residents, As we all know, COVID-19 is here in our community. As a response, we have one simple message: STAY HOME. By staying home, you will help keep everyone safe. By limiting how much we leave our homes we are helping to protect our loved ones, vulnerable neighbours and the health care workers who are working around the clock to keep us all safe.

We also need to listen to our public health experts: • Wash your hands frequently and disinfect hightrafficked surfaces and areas

• Isolate yourself for 14 days if you are returning home from being anywhere outside Canada (this includes the United States). This is mandatory under the federal Quarantine Act.

• Practice physical distancing: keep 6-feet apart from others and do not gather in groups

• And please, stay home unless you are an essential service

• Physical distancing does not mean social isolation: check on your loved ones with a phone call or email

We know that many of you have already been following this advice and we thank you. If you have not been, it is not too late to do the right thing to protect our community from COVID-19. None of us are invincible. Now is the time to do your part: this is not a time to go to parks, take your kids to playdates or host parties.

We know these are challenging times for all of us. If you are feeling stressed, anxious or confused, reach out to Niagara Region Public Health for accurate information. Mental health supports are also available for children, youth and adults across the region by phone and online.

We have been hearing amazing stories of how many of you are supporting one another. It is during some of the most challenging times that Niagara proves it is one of the best places to live, work, raise a family and do business.

As your Mayors and Regional Chair, we want to assure you that when we emerge on the other side of this crisis we will be a stronger, and more resilient Niagara.

We are all in this together, and we will get through this together.

Sincerely, JIM BRADLEY Niagara Regional Chair

DAVE BYLSMA Mayor, West Lincoln

FRANK CAMPION Mayor, Welland

JIM DIODATI Mayor, Niagara Falls

BETTY DISERO Lord Mayor, Niagara-On-The Lake

SANDRA EASTON Mayor, Lincoln

KEVIN GIBSON Mayor, Wainfleet

JEFF JORDAN Mayor, Grimsby

MARVIN JUNKIN Mayor, Pelham

WAYNE REDEKOP Mayor, Fort Erie

WALTER SENDZIK Mayor, St. Catharines

BILL STEELE Mayor, Port Colborne

TERRY UGULINI Mayor, Thorold

FOR MORE INFO GO TO NIAGARAREGION.CA/COVID19

Page 8

The Voice, April 1, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Pelham woman told cancer surgery must wait Procedure defined as "elective" during COVID-19 pandemic

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

A Pelham couple is experiencing added anguish amid the COVID-19 pandemic after they were told the woman’s breast cancer surgery would be postponed indefinitely in anticipation of a coronavirus crush on local hospitals.

Debbie Dillon was diagnosed with breast cancer in January for the second time in five years. According to her husband, Jason, she was scheduled for a single mastectomy this Monday, until Niagara Health indefinitely cancelled procedures they have defined as “elective” at their St. Catharines site.

“This is unacceptable, you are playing God with my wife’s life,” Jason Dillon told Niagara Health Executive Vice President Derek McNally in an email he provided to the Voice.

McNally replied to him that surgeries have been postponed across the province as the pandemic unfolds, but that procedures are being considered on a case-by-case basis.

“We have an interdisciplinary team of staff and physicians currently looking at all of our cancer cases including Debbie’s,” McNally wrote in the email response

provided to the Voice by Dillon.

“Our chief of Medical Oncology, Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, along with each surgeon is reviewing all cases and determining their priority and treatment options. At that time, patients will be contacted by their surgeon and advised.”

Reached over the weekend, Niagara Health’s Communications Director Caroline Bourque-Wiley provided a statement from McNally which echoed that.

“Making the decision to postpone a cancer surgery is not made lightly,” the statement read. “We understand how difficult this can be for patients and families, and we are deeply sorry for the concern we have caused this patient and family. We are in regular contact with the family and will do what we can to address their concerns.”

However, Dillon said Sunday that he had not heard from anyone at Niagara Health in three days.

“He basically sent me the same letter that you received but only a condensed version,” Jason said.

“The letter is a PR scheme to calm people down over the fact that breast cancer surgery has been classified by the Ontario government and hospital boards as ‘elec-

tive’ during this COVID-19 time.

That is why we are angry. Cancer is cancer, and breast cancer kills thousands of women a day around the world. My wife and others will be out on the back burner as ‘elective.’”

McNally said in his statement that guidelines are still being followed.

“In the case of cancer surgeries, we are following guidelines provided by Cancer Care Ontario for use during a pandemic. Each patient’s case is assessed by a medical team at Niagara Health, including members of the oncology team and the patient’s surgeon, to determine their priority and treatment options. In addition, all cancer surgeries at Niagara Health are being reviewed on a regular basis by members of our oncology team and our surgeons. Any urgent patient cases will be re-prioritized, and new care plans will be developed. Patients’ surgeons will reach out directly to their patients if there are changes to their treatment plan.”

Dillon told the Voice that his wife’s statistical odds of survival are lower since this is her second

Debbie Dillon.

bout of the illness. He did not say what stage level of cancer it is.

As of Sunday at noon, there had been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Niagara, but it was unclear how many of those in-

cluded current hospitalizations.

According to reporting by the Niagara dailies, Niagara Health is able to accommodate only up to 54 severe cases of the coronavirus at once in its hospitals.

WE ARE OPEN! IN FENWICK, AND ONLINE We remain open at the farm Monday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM, Saturday 8 AM-5 PM. Closed Sundays

NEW: Order online with touchless pickup! https://shopdevriesfruitfarm.ca/

We continue to thank you for your response and are humbled by the number of people coming to shop at the farm. We feel blessed to be able to continue to serve you in this way.

We also recognize the need to be safe during this time, as we want to limit as much contact with people as possible.

We ask that only one person per vehicle comes into purchase. Please do not bring your kids into the store. There is nothing for them to see at this time.

Yes, it is a great experience to come to the farm, but we ask at this time that you have patience and wait for a better opportunity once this virus has passed. If you must bring kids and don’t feel you can leave them unattended in the vehicle, please call us or pull up close to the entrance and we can bring whatever you are looking for out to you.

For more updates please follow us on Facebook or Instagram and you can always call the farm 905892-8724. We have plenty of apples, preserves, and seasonal vegetables( potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beets and mushrooms) all sourced locally.

—Thank you from all of us at DeVries Fruit Farm

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 1, 2020

Autism month

Lions latest to step up in time of need

BY MEGAN METLER

Special to the VOICE

Tomorrow, April 2, is the 13th annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

WAAD was first held in 2008 when the United Nations, the previous year, decided to set aside a day to support some 70 million people with autism worldwide.

According to the UN website, this day was created in order to help children with autism to transition to adulthood, promote decision-making, education, employment and independent living.

This day and during the month of April, which is World Autism Month, a spotlight will be put on the struggles that people on the spectrum face, share current research, and increase understanding and acceptance. The main goal is to create a kinder and more inclusive world, say organizers.

“People vary and there is no average person,” said Dr. Isabel Smith, Dalhousie University Autism Research Center in Nova Scotia, speaking by telephone with the Voice. “Finding opportunities for people with autism, just like anybody else, to have a meaningful, productive, vocation and recreational opportunities and to just be part of the community is very significant.”

In support of this day, people around the world are encouraged to wear blue shirts for the Light it Up In Blue campaign, which is sponsored by Autism Speaks.

Many global landmarks, homes and businesses will switch their white light bulbs for blue ones on this day and throughout the month.

Over the past few years, the Empire State Building (New York), Niagara Falls (Canada), the Great Pyramids (Egypt) and many other landmarks have shone brightly for this cause.

All month long there will be various autism-friendly events and activities around the globe.

Autism Speaks hopes to bring people together and to make 2020 a year of kindness. Additionally, they have set up a #kindnessChallenge.

“It’s a good reminder that kindness goes a long way for everybody and that it’s inclusive. So I think that’s an important message to get across,” said Smith.

From its start in 2017, Autism Speaks has been working on its Three-Year Strategic Plan for Science. Their main goals are: seeking the causes and types of autism, lowering the average age of diagno-

Page 9

New Pelham Support Network organizing food, medicine deliveries

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Dr. Isabel Smith.

SUPPLIED

sis to under two years old, expanding services, and enhancing medical treatment for health conditions associated with autism.

One of the key parts of this plan is early diagnosis. This is important because doctors and families can start focusing on maximizing learning, communicating and social abilities, as well as reducing the medical concerns that come with autism.

Currently, the average age of diagnosis is between two and four. Researchers hope to change that to under two years to be able to help make life-altering developments.

There are many research studies going on in Canada that focus on discovering new ways to improve the lives of those on the spectrum.

Smith explained that one of her main studies at the Autism Research Centre focuses on how health care systems respond to the needs of children with autism and their families.

She shared a story of one of her graduate students, who developed an intervention called “Balance” that teaches healthcare providers how to improve family-centred care for those children. This technique is used in health care facilities in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada.

Smith adds that this was a very positive and beneficial experience for her.

“Realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is a matter of justice as well as an investment in our common future," UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on the UN website, “it is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and leaving no one behind."

The Autism Speaks Organization encourages everyone, this World Autism Awareness Day and always, to choose a kinder and more inclusive world.

The Fenwick Lions Club, in conjunction with the Town of Pelham and local businesses, has created what it is calling the Pelham Support Network as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Residents who are unable or unwilling to go out shopping can place orders with nine local businesses and services in the morning. Service club volunteers will then deliver those items to people’s doors that afternoon.

“The person ordering the stuff needs to call the store, order it, and pay for it, and we’ll go pick it up,” Fenwick Lions member Ryan Van Lochem told the Voice.

Van Lochem said the plan came together over the past two weeks as the global pandemic evolved.

“On [March 11], we basically brought it up at our meeting that we had to do something,” he said.

The Fenwick Lions then reached out to the Town, the Fonthill Lions and the Kinsmen. Very quickly, enough volunteers were enlisted.

“We had 15 volunteers reg-

Fenwick Lions hall.

istered, we’ve actually pulled [the application form] off for now, I don’t want to get too many,” Van Lochem said.

All volunteers making deliveries have been told to take precautions, including using gloves or hand sanitizer, and to practice physical distancing at all times.

Van Lochem said the support network will go on as long as needed.

“After [last Friday’s Ontario emergency alert], I’m sure in the coming weeks it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” he said.

He added that the service isn’t necessarily just for Pelham’s high seniors’ popula-

SUPPLIED

tion.

“It could be a single mom even, stuck at home with her kids,” he said.

Participating businesses include PharmaChoice Fonthill, Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Fonthill and on South Pelham Road, DeVries Fruit Farm, the Fenwick Pie Company, Pelham Cares, plus Fonthill Sobeys, which will take orders only on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 to 11 AM. For a full list of participating businesss, visit fabulousfenwicklions.org, or call Brittany Maclean at the Town at 905-892-2607, extension 372.

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Page 10

The Voice, April 1, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COVID-19 update

BY VOICE STAFF

March 23

•Niag a ra-on-t he-L a ke mayor Betty Disero declares state of emergency.

•Provincial government releases list of businesses deemed “essential.”

Wide-ranging list includes food retailers, banks, gas stations and LCBOs.

March 24

•Niagara records first death attributed to COVID-19, an 84-year-old resident of St. Catharines.

•Fonthill Meridian branch announces it will close, effective March 25. This includes access to safety deposit boxes.

March 25

•Town of Pelham and local service clubs led by the Fenwick Lions, announce the launch of the Pelham Support Network. Volunteers will pick up and deliver groceries and medicine for residents in need.

•Region announces messaging campaign called “Crush the Curve.” The initiative urges people to heed self-isolation and physical distancing warnings.

•Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority announces that all parks and property will be closed to the public effective March 26.

March 27

•Niagara Region Public Heath and Emergency Services declares an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Seasons Retirement Community in Welland, with two cases confirmed.

•Town of Pelham furloughs 22 part-time staffers, affecting jobs such as crossing guards and community centre attendants.

•A week after Welland did the same, Pelham closes all playgrounds to the public.

•Niagara Health announces new guidelines limiting what items can be dropped off for patients at the region’s hospitals. Food will not be accepted.

March 28

•Ontario government prohibits events and gatherings of more than five people under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. •Provincial government announces new penalties for companies that engage in price gouging. Customers are urged to report such activity by calling 1-800-8899768.

March 29

•Fonthill Food Basics store limits customers to no more than 70 at a time.

Support your local service clubs

DO ANDROID PHONES DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? On a Friday not that long ago (November, actually), 22 teams of future innovators from elementary schools across Niagara gathered at St. Ann School in Fenwick for its annual VEX Robotic Tournament. Teams brought innovative robots they designed and built themselves to compete in the engineering challenge.

While gaining engineering skills, VEX students also learn life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, collaboration, and critical thinking.

ALYSON DIDONATO

Niagara Region Transit is now available in Pelham Route 70A/75A picks up residents at the Meridian Community Centre and connects them to Welland and St. Catharines

Plan your trip by downloading the Transit App from the app store or by visiting niagararegion.ca/transit

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 11

In Falls, the thundering sound of silence

It was an eerie scene that greeted the lone pedestrian out and about in Niagara Falls last week as tourists sensibly stayed away by droves. Voice contributor Ric Gretsinger says that a few T:5" “I counted four local men coming to take pix, shake their heads and leave. Basically a Twilight Zone.” minutes after he took the photos near the water,

RIC GRETSINGER

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy.

• Only visit an assessment centre if you have been referred by a health care professional.

Families and caregivers come play and learn at our new EarlyON centre in Pelham.

• Avoid non-essential travel.

• Monitor for symptoms after travel.

• Be prepared, but avoid panic stocking.

T:7"

• Avoid large gatherings.

We provide free, high-quality drop-in programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet new people and get advice from early childhood professionals.

• Caring for those who are ill? Take precautions.

• Clean high-touch surfaces regularly.

• Order your prescription medication.

• Practice cough and sneeze etiquette in transit.

If you have symptoms, take the self-assessment at ontario.ca/coronavirus. Or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or your public health unit.

Open 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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Page 12

The Voice, April 1, 2020

BURKE

continued from page 13 with a laugh. “I step outside on the deck to get a little bit of fresh air but that is all I can do.”

She is not used to being confined inside.

“It is kind of crazy because my sport is literally four and a half hours outside every day,” Burke said. “To be stuck inside is quite an adjustment, but I have my family and we talk all the time.”

She also spends a lot of time on FaceTime with her friends and relatives.

This past season, the two-time Champion of Champions winner played in all five of her team’s tournaments and had excellent showings in three of them. Her top two performances were a tie for 23rd at the Payne Stewart Memorial, and a tie for 21st at the Lady Red Wolves Classic. She finished the year with a stroke average of 77.27.

COUNCIL

continued from Page 3 olfactometry to measure the strength of smells.

(Ontario’s cannabis sector — including both growers and retailers — was deemed “essential” in the province’s first shutdown order of non-essential businesses last week.)

Parking vote chaos

Meeting later as Committee of the Whole, council accidentally voted to defeat a motion that would consider preparing a municipal

“Everything meshed well in those couple of tournaments. It really comes down to the short game for me and I have been struggling with my long game lately,” she said.

“It was nice to hit it in the fairway and give myself some opportunities for birdies.”

Her strong fall performance was in stark contrast to the summer of 2019.

“It was eye-opening because I had a bit of a rough summer last year but I was able to get out of my shell and start scoring again,” she said. “I don’t know if it was the adrenaline and my teammates helping me out with positivity but it just flowed and helped me get to where I needed to be.”

Burke had plenty of highlights.

“It was meeting awesome teammates and being able to represent Arkansas State. I really enjoyed being out there and playing college golf,” she said. “That was always my dream and I personally didn’t think it was going to happen. To

parking study and strategy to be included in the 2021 budget. The staff report came about over concerns of the proposed redevelopment of Fenwick’s old Royal Bank branch into a hotel — and its anticipated parking needs—as well as overall parking concerns in town.

“You just voted to instruct us to do nothing and reject every single part of that report,” Cribbs told council, visibly dumbfounded.

Ciolfi appeared to be tripped up by an element in the text, noting that a study

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It's kind of crazy because my sport is literally four and a half hours outside every day.

To be stuck inside is quite an adjustment. even be playing is awesome. It’s really the experience, especially being so young.”

There were also a few low points.

“If I wasn’t playing well, I thought I was letting the team down but my team was awesome and they always brought me up.”

Burke is majoring in sports management with a minor in marketing. She has made a smooth ad-

for such a parking plan could cost up to $60,000.

“We’re specifically not asking you for money right now,” Cribbs explained.

“We’re telling you how much it’s going to cost to come up with a parking strategy, we’re asking you to refer it to a future budget.”

Given that council appeared to not understand what they were voting on, Cribbs and Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato said the group could vote again.

“We get a mulligan if there’s a complete mistake of fact,” Cribbs said. “We were unclear how we wrote the report … it wasn’t clear what you were voting on.”

Upon the mulligan vote, the motion passed.

The parking issues didn’t end there. Council voted to refer back to staff a final site plan approval for the residential development known as Summerside Mews— which would see the land immediately west and south of the community centre’s parking lot developed into townhouses. The reason? A

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca justment to being a student/athlete because she has been in that mode for years.

“I have always been aware of when I needed to get my schoolwork done and when I had time to work on my golf game as well,” she said. “I balance it well and it’s not a new thing because golf has been a part of my life my entire life. I’ve also gotten older and it’s easier to handle things and organize it.”

Her typical day at Arkansas involves going to class in the morning, followed by practice in the afternoon, starting around 1:30 PM, which lasts three to four hours.

The Lookout Point member is looking forward to her sophomore season at Arkansas.

“I want to keep up my grades.

I am a good student but I want to excel even more,” she said. “Golfwise, I want to have fun and obviously play in as many tournaments as I can. I made more than I thought I would this year and I would like to make even more if I can.”

perceived lack of parking.

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore initially moved to defer the matter outright, which Councillor John Wink gently but firmly pushed back on.

“By delaying this or deferring it further, who knows when [the sale] going to close,” Wink said. Kore’s motion was defeated.

The central issue, however, was that despite staff’s assertion the proposed 41 housing units would be served enough by the developer’s plan of 61 parking spaces, several councillors were concerned about spillover into the already high-demand community centre parking lot.

“If we can just have some communications with the developer so he can see our concerns about parking,” Ciolfi asked.

Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens said that the developer’s plans are already above and beyond the bylaw for required parking in the East Fonthill development.

The bylaw requires 1.25

spaces per residential unit, while the developer is offering about 1.4 per unit.

According to both Wiens and Cribbs, the developer has already sold out the townhouses—which include some units defined as affordable housing.

“You should not be held hostage to other visions,” said Cribbs. “May I suggest to council… I appreciate it’s imperfect, but may I submit to you that in this case, the developer has sold 100 percent [of units],” Cribbs said.

Junkin asked Wiens if the developer’s existing plans were well designed.

“It’s not only my idea that it’s a well thought-out plan,” Wiens replied, “Our planning staff has looked, our fire services staff have reviewed it, the Regional transportation people have also reviewed it.”

In the end, council directed staff to reach out to the developer to further discuss parking issues, though it was unclear whether this would happen before council’s next meeting, on April 6.

OBITUARY

CLARE, Rita “Boop” Evelyn (nee Coons) Passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Hospice Niagara on Sunday, March 22, 2020 in her 79th year. Beloved wife of 57 years to Robert.

Loving mother of Darren (Adrienne) and Rick (Kelly).

Cherished grandmother of Josh, Ashley, Andrew (Braedi), Alyssa and great grandmother of Kiera.

Dear sister of Allan Coons (Fran) and Pat Gasiorek (Ed) and sister-in-law Bev Coons. Predeceased by her brother Roy Coons.

Rita worked as a crossing guard for over 30 years at Lloyd Rice School in Welland. She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Anglican Chuch in Fonthill and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff a Hospice Niagara for care and compassion.

The memorial service to honour the life of Rita will be announced on a later date. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Hospice Niagara, 2-403 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, ON L2N1L5, 905-9848766. Online condolences may be shared at www. pedlarfuneralhome.ca

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“Golf, like measles, should be caught young.”

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Sporting Green The Niagara

The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 13

Swart says that even trapped at home, we need to stay in shape 18

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | April 1, 2020

Kayla Burke's NCAA golf season derailed Lookout player still enjoys first year of university

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

Kayla Burke loved her first season of NCAA Division 1 scholarship golf.

“It was awesome and it was definitely a great experience,” the Centennial alumnus said. “I played well for the fall season and I struggled a bit for the spring season. I was hoping to get the chance to qualify for the last couple of tournaments but they were cut short.”

In the middle of March, her University of Arkansas State season was ended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burke and the rest of her teammates were called to a coach’s house and given the news in person.

“It was little bit emotional because there was no closure,” she said. “We weren’t one of the last schools but it was kind of

last minute when we were told that [schooling] was all going online.”

It was the last time Burke met with her teammates before heading home to Port Colborne.

“We got to say goodbye to our two seniors, Grayson Gladden and Monica Lieving,” she said. “It was rough but there were happy tears that we did so well and that we were on a roll.”

Prior to the cancellation of the season, the Lady Wolves, who play in the Sun Belt Conference, had won back-to-back tournaments.

“There was a chance we could have gone three-forthree so that made it a little difficult, but our coaches handled it well,” she said.

“They let us know going home was obviously the safest and best decision for

Kayla Burke second from left. all of us.”

On the day of the cancellation, Burke was playing a practice round with her teammates in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

“My dad kept sending me links and things just kept blowing up and going

STAY HOME NIAGARA .

viral,” Burke said. “It was crazy because that day on Jonesboro, it was super, super windy and we were under a tornado watch. It was like the world was ending.”

The 18-year-old is now into Day 8 of her 14-day quarantine at home.

“I never thought I would have to stay in my house for 14 days so that has been an adjustment,” she said.

“I have been doing a lot of homework. It’s nice to have this time, but at the same time, it’s almost too much time.”

SUPPLIED

She has also been hitting balls into a net in the garage of her parents’ home.

“I go in there every day and just go through the motions so I don’t forget that I still play golf,” she said, See BURKE Page 12

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Page 14

The Voice, April 1, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

A pre-marriage checklist Have the necessary conversation before the big day, says local man

BY SAMUEL PICCOLO

Special to the VOICE

As wedding season approaches, Larry Fisher, who is 70, and has been with his wife for nearly five decades, thinks that couples on the brink of betrothal ought to take very seriously pre-marriage discussions.

For years, Fisher has compiled a list of things that people should know before they get married, a collection cobbled together from personal experience and input from others. The result is a document containing 80 points, which Fisher calls, “Some things I would want my daughters or grandchildren to know before getting married.”

“It would be my hope that everyone can find a partner and have happiness and be fulfilled in a marriage,” said Fisher. “I also understand that we live in a throwaway world, and some do not really think about those cherished words they say at their wedding ceremony, like ‘For better or worse’ and ‘For richer or poorer’ and ‘Till death do us part.’ I have to admit that I have been blessed to be in my 49th year of marriage and have a wonderful wife. Not only can she

SUBMISSION

continued from Page 17 The movie at an end, she switched off the TV and went into the kitchen to clear up. Then she took out her foam blocks and sliced them to fit inside the driftwood base. Leaving them in the laundry tub to soak overnight, she fed Alfie and went to bed.

E

arly next morning, after coffee and toast, she set to work.

She drilled seven holes into the driftwood at different angles to accommodate her knurled white sticks, so Tom Thomson’s birches would not grow uniformly straight. With the sticks in place, she threaded a slender black twig between them—his fallen sapling, its diagonal path defining her

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cook and sew, she can fix almost anything around the house, she is my best friend, and she does not mind me going golfing.”

Fisher said that he has seen the oft-quoted statistic that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce.

“When you go to the altar, you don’t think that it’s going to be you, because you’re in love with this person. But it’s still 50 percent.”

Fisher attributes much of this 50 percent to things that people fail to discuss leading up to their wedding.

“My niece found out later that her husband had sizable debts, and that put a real strain on their marriage. These things should be found out before,” he said.

Many of Fisher’s recommendations involve transparency on financial issues, since money is well known to be a primary cause of failed partnerships. They range from broader matters, like whether someone is a saver or a spender, and to more specific ones.

Point 33 suggests that people become aware of their partner’s current credit card debt, while Point

centre exactly where it intersected the line of birches.

In and around the trees she laid out her orange-encrusted rock in bright begonia, gerbera daisy, marigold and ranunculus. Three pheasant quills embedded in the flora provided a hint of tree shadow and fault lines in the granite.

She composed her lake from a medley of delphiniums, sea holly and cymbidium orchids, the blues quite mesmerizing in their richness and depth.

Beyond the lake she teased out her distant woods in a loose spray of orange coral bell and coleus, then wove in accents of crushed Chinese lantern.

A textured backdrop of forget-me-nots, imperial blue plumbago and lobelia blooms became her sky.

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40 suggests reviewing expenses, net income, assets and liabilities, and previous tax returns.

Fisher’s checklist also urges couples to think deeply about communication before marrying.

“Two people who cannot be emotionally open with each other can never have true intimacy and love,” reads Point 72.

“We tend to be afraid to share what we feel because expressing it makes us vulnerable; it’s dangerous. With the person you’re considering marrying you must be sure you feel safe. How do you know if the two of you are emo-

Pruning and clipping, twisting and weaving the plants into place she lost track of time. It was nearly four when she looked at the clock. She stepped back from the table and studied her display, moving from side to side to view it from every angle.

She saw that it was good, and now had taken on a life of its own— the burnished rock and slanting birches, the lake and distant forest, all rooted in the life-sustaining driftwood base. Algonquin breathed before her, its tight assemblage of wood and stone and water infused with the spirit of Tom Thomson himself, immortal artificer of the Canadian north.

It was time to celebrate.

She poured a glass of wine and sat out on the back deck, keeping an eye on Alfie, with two yellow finches at

tionally open and honest? The next time you have a conversation with your partner, ask him or her, ‘What do you feel about me right now?’ or, ‘How does what I just said make you feel?’ If you can communicate like this with each other consistently, you have the potential for building an intimate relationship.”

Fisher is a devout Christian, and, though not a Catholic, he praised the Catholic practice of extensive counseling of a couple prior to their making their vows. He said also that he believes that religious faith gives greater gravity to marriage— that it is something sacrosanct and

her feeder. A gentle breeze stirred as the sun moved behind the tall cedar hedge in her neighbour’s garden.

She sipped her wine, thinking she would photograph her creation at its prime and send off the images before dinner.

But when she came inside again and got out her camera she felt that something had changed. A sadness seemed to have settled on her work— the lobelia now not so blue, the coral bell crumpling slightly, like its autumn had already begun.

For all its perfect beauty only an hour ago, she sensed in her work intimations of its mortality. She put away her camera.

What had made her do it?

A need to impress upon an indifferent world, and the self-absorbed ladies of the Niagara Garden Club, that

a

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not to be done lightly.

“If you’re into the Bible, it says that a woman must submit to her husband, but it also says that a man is supposed to be willing to die for his wife,” said Fisher.

He said that he has had many differences of opinion with his wife over their half century as partners, but that they have always been able to resolve these disputes.

“You mature together over time,” he said. “Some things that used to bother her about me aren’t See LIST next page

Celia Renfrew still mattered? To persuade herself that she did?

It seemed now utterly, embarrassingly meaningless.

fter a restless night, she rang Jacinta. “I’m so sorry, Jas, but I can’t do lunch today. I’m going to be out of town for a while.”

“Oh Celia, is everything all right? What’s going on?”

“I’m seeing someone. I’m sorry I haven’t told you until now.”

“You’ve met someone? For real?”

“Maybe for real. I won’t know till I get there. But would you look in on Alfie for a few days?”

“Of course. You never need to ask.”

“He loves it when you take care of him.” She laughed.

“He refuses to purr for an entire day when I come home again. And of course you must let him out the back. He won’t run off when he knows you’re around.”

“I’m so excited for you, love. You must tell me everything when you get back.”

“Thanks so much, Jas. You have my key. Oh, and happy Canada Day when it comes.”

A

O

n entering the house that evening her friend

was immediately struck by the display on the dining table. The flowers and greenery so intricately woven. Clearly it was meant to signify something.

When she saw the framed colour print mounted on an easel behind the door, she understood. But why had Celia not spoken of it?

Alfie moved in and around her ankles, rubbing against them and purring, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the display. It would have to be watered, and fed, to keep it alive and fresh. She would call Celia for instructions.

But when she entered the kitchen and saw the cellphone on the counter she frowned. So now she had no way to contact her friend. Perplexed, she fed Alfie and refreshed his water dish. Then she returned to the dining room to study the display more closely.

How real, how inconceivably real it was. Moving closer, she imagined it almost breathing. It occurred to her now that if she looked long enough, closely enough, she might again see what a moment ago had distracted her. A shadow, was it?

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PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from 9-12 in the morning.

PELHAM MUDFEST Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

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avoid problems before they happen,” writes Fisher, who also recommends that couples continued page Thefrom Big previous Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. think about their position on marriage coun7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in seling.

Niagara and support the Walker Fama big deal any more.”

“Marriage does not start at the wedding ily Cancer Centre.

Despite his hope that marriage leads to a and goes on forever all by itself,” he said. “It mutual maturation, Fisher’s checklist cauneeds to be worked on day by day. And it will tions against an expectation of change. Point be only as good as the investment you make WALKING CLUB 47: “What irritates you about your guy now in it.” will really play on you after you’re married.

If Interested in walking in Pelham? Join In them Tuesdays at marriage the Pelham Arena addition to formal counseling, he is a total slob and a night owl when you’re he says that it’s important for people to know frombird, 9-10 amkid and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There an early don’t yourself into thinkwho has influence over their partner. ing he’ll change you’re hitched. Assume is no fee once for this program.

For more “Your information, please contact jcook@ mom? Your best friend?

Your sister? that any negative qualities you’re seeing will Who has the ability to change your mind? pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329. remain negative, and be realistic about what Who influences the way you think?” he says. you’re willing to live with. So decide what’s “It’s important to know who your partner a deal-breaker and what’s not before your listens to and respects; it's especially imHAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES boyfriend becomes your husband.” portant to know what kind of advice your Point 47 hints at a need flexibility, and at the Market or bring a non-perishable Purchase fresh fruitforand vegetables partner will be receiving from those people, Fisher otherwise emphasizes that individas one day he or sheMarket may be going to them food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers on Sept.

4. for uals must think deeply about what they are advice about your marriage.” willing to adjust to, and what they are not.

Fisher’s entire document may be down“What are your ‘non-negotiables’ in marloaded from the Voice website, at: thevoiriage? What is unacceptable, no matter what? ceofpelham.ca/marriage_list What do you see as an ‘unforgivable’ offence?

Fisher advises that anyone with suggesWhat would be your response to it? It's crutions for additions contact him at larryfishcial to know what things your partner will er17@gmail.com not tolerate in a relationship so that you can Event Submissions Standards

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The Voice, April 1, 2020

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tunity to spend more time with kids and family. There continued from Page 19 are others wandering as if The Voice of Pelham ad size Advertiser lost.

Temporary removal E OF PELHAM Walsh supports the conion, which the Romans had Service Directory ad Fonthill Rlectric Ltd from their work or career clusions of Stibich, offering perfected. Roman soldiers ctor w:2.5” x h: 1.75” Contact Name and meaningful activities, the much-cited example made sure all their vicor simply losing control ofInfo Color Taryn Wilton of endorphin release called tims were dead (or othertheir routines, may be black mak-only “runner’s high” as one of wise they would be). When Contact Phone ing them question their purvoiceofpelham.ca the feel-good brain chemithe soldier’s spear pierced Date 905.401.5748 pose in life, impactingDue their Jesus’ side and heart, it rector cals stimulated by exercise.

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This separahevoiceofpelham.ca many of us are renewing our June 1, 15 tion and 29. mine, norepinephrine, and of the blood is medical interest in some sort of outserotonin, play an import-Date: proof of death. Further: door physical activity, Cost if for ant role in regulating mood. more, plus the HST. “swooning” Jeper insertion no other reason than $42 to fill They can also help improve sus would have had to roll the day. Perhaps now’s the Due on publication Terms: your appetite and sleep cyaway a heavy boulder from time to commit to maintaincles, which are often neghis tomb, scare the soldiers ing these activities as part of atively affected by anxiety away, and appear “alive our daily schedules in the and depression. and victorious” to his disfuture. The positive menDuring these days of reciples. This theory takes a tal outlook and increased duced social contact, we still lot of faith! physical stamina will be insee many people relishing Finally, Option 5 : Jesus valuable in coping with the their physicality by walking, rose from the dead just as unique trials and situations cycling or running with purall four Gospels tell us. His the remainder of 2020 will pose, perhaps even enjoying appearances to his disno doubt provide. ♦ a COVID-19-caused opporciples transformed them continued from Page 18

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"So hold on. Fifty years ago, during the great pandemic of 2020, to save the world all that people had to do was stay at home and sit on the couch... and they

couldn't even do that?"

Yes, books are still a thing in 2070

from confused cowards to fearless evangelists. In a short time, the Christian movement exploded from a small nucleus in Jerusalem to growing numbers throughout the Roman Empire. And the core of the Gospel preaching was that Jesus had died on the cross for the sins of mankind and that he was again alive, having risen from the dead.

There you have it. Five options. What is your response to the Easter Challenge? ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who wishes everyone a very meaningful Easter season (even if it is via TV or online).

qr

CORNER

continued from Page 2 week we introduced our new Quarantainment feature, with a short story. We have another story this week, this time by our favourite contributing novelist and Column Six regular Colin Brezicki—whose novels are just a click away on Amazon, by the way. In fact, do you have a story sitting in a drawer? Dust it off and send it in. No f-bombs or gratuitous sex. Otherwise, anything goes...Also, walking: “Who are all these new people on the sidewalk” is what all the other people are saying now. It’s true. We’ve seen more strangers out for walks in the last ten days than in the last ten years.

In fact, we really need some sort of automated anti-collision system to maintain physical separation when

crossing paths—call it TCAS for pedestrians (that’s for you Hokey, and Pierre, and Leon).

My wife went to walk the dog on Saturday and came home describing a standoff at a T-intersection as five people or pairs of walkers attempted to guess which way the rest were going so as to avoid coming closer than six feet...

Also, Netflix: Seen "Tiger King" yet? It's widely being called the most popular series in the US at the moment.

It's a bizarre, ugly, darkly comic look at a uniquely American subculture of big cat collectors—riveting like a car crash... Also, Voice on Staycation! Send us photos of the kids and family holding the Voice while self-isolating—or walking the dog!...

Also, big thanks: John Chick, Don Rickers, the rest of our gang. You're doing a hell of a job. Thank you. ♦

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Quarantainment Pandemic Diversions for the Homebound The Voice, April 1, 2020

Page 17

FICTION Submission

By Colin Brezicki

I

T WAS ANOTHER WORLD, a landscape more real than anything she’d seen. A place where you could vanish altogether, if you ever found a way in.

Such a dense compaction of forest, lake and granite that offered no rest for the eye and no space for even a deer or black bear.

The painting intrigued her. Like its creator’s mysterious death.

What if Tom Thomson had died of stroke, or an aneurism, and never knew what hit him? How else to account for a fit and experienced woodsman upending his canoe on a still lake and drowning just like that? After finding the empty boat a week later, locals hauled out the waterlogged corpse of the celebrated artist, dead at forty-two.

Eyes fixed on the painting she imagined his spirit gliding through the latticed birches and across the lake to reside in the distant wood. These same flaming colours had first drawn her to his work, and now she had the materials to re-create them.

In the Northland would serve her project nicely, but she must first find its centre. Somewhere in that impenetrable setting of in-yourface birches, amber rock, and cerulean blue lake she must find a point of departure for her floral assimilation. She liked it that the McMichael contest specified how entries should interpret, not merely replicate, a Group of Seven painting, using only organic materials. The first prize of a thousand dollars—a grand prize indeed—was beyond her reach she supposed, but six finalists were to have their floral creations displayed at the Gallery on Canada Day weekend. She might have an outside chance, for she was always one who imagined beyond what she saw.

Northland spoke to her, while other Group paintings failed to inspire, reminding her rather of frozen desserts—iridescent mounds of sorbet and sherbet or baked Alaska. Tom Thomson transported her back to childhood days in Algonquin, the rustic family cottage by the lake, her diving rock, the simple canoe tethered at the wooden pier. She spent those idyllic summers roaming the forest trails alone and reinventing herself as famous Canadian women from history lessons. Little Celia Renfrew reincarnated as Nellie McClung, Kateri Tekakwitha and Emily Carr, loudly declaiming their passion to the rocks and trees.

It was strange to hear young people now talk about a cyber world, and acquiring a second life inside a simulated universe. She had spent her entire childhood disappearing into other worlds, entirely imagined of course, but remembered now as more real than virtual.

She recalled her sadness each year when September flecked the woodlands with its crimsons and ambers, signaling the family’s return to the city. Then her distress when her parents announced they were selling the cottage—too involved with work now, they said, to be away for six weeks in the

"In the Northland," 1915, Tom Thomson. summer.

Too involved as well to know their daughter, they were shocked years later when she applied to theatre school. “Really, Celia? Dear girl, how will you ever manage on a stage?” It wasn’t only the job uncertainty that concerned them, she knew, but her shyness as well, itself another kind of insecurity.

Yet she lost all reserve whenever she imagined becoming someone else. And she made a decent career of doing just that until, at fifty-three, a stroke of her own brought it to an early close.

With her parents recently deceased, she sold the Toronto home, purchased a small bungalow in Niagara-on-the-Lake and withdrew with her cat.

Algonquin seemed far away now, and a long time ago.

If she should reach the final, she would have to keep her exotic blooms fresh right through to the Canada Day weekend. They had already survived the afternoon’s sweltering drive home from the exotic floral centre in Oakville.

She’d grown anxious when an accident backed up traffic on the Skyway for nearly an hour. Her precious flowers breathed the exhausts of a thousand idling vehicles while she stared out at the smokestacks spewing their toxins over Hamilton Bay. Across Lake Ontario she could see the watery dissolve of Toronto’s skyline, shimmering in a haze. Literally, a breath-taking aquarelle, a transparent watercolour of pollutants.

But she had made it home with her blooms intact, even the cymbidium orchids, and quickly removed them to the conservatory. The sun had dipped below the treetops by then, tempering the

fierce heat. Derek had delivered the base for her project while she was away, a perfect piece of driftwood she found washed up on the shore. He had carefully hollowed it out and sanded it, having no idea what she wanted it for.

After calling to thank him and arrange for his payment, she panicked for a moment, thinking she had mixed up her days and invited Jacinta to lunch tomorrow. She needed Tuesday to complete her project so she could upload and submit her photos by the midnight deadline. She checked her calendar—lunch with Jacinta was on Wednesday.

She would surprise her friend with the finished collage. Jas would be the first to see it. No one at the Garden Club knew that she was entering the competition.

They hardly knew her. She spoke little at club meetings, intimidated somewhat by the aloof savoirfaire of the leading ladies.

Etta Pomfret, whose name made Celia think of high tea, sat on the Conservation Authority board and was married to the Rotary president. Penelope Swinburne was treasurer of the family foundation that sponsored the town’s annual bid for Prettiest Community in Ontario. Ingrid Ottoman was Garden Club Chair—an amusing hookup of name and position that no one else appeared to notice.

All three ladies had won regional awards for their floral art, the distinctions duly recorded on a polished brass plaque in the clubhouse lobby. They would likely be vying for gold in the McMichael competition.

If her Northland made it to the final, and she was invited to attend the gala, she would ask Jacinda to

stop by and feed Alfie.

After covering the dining table she laid out her foam blocks, cutters and the driftwood base ready for morning. Then she poured a glass of wine and sat on the sofa with Alfie. Dinner, when it happened, would be a small cheese platter with salad; she never had much appetite in summer anyway.

Tonight she needed a distraction—Ladies in Lavender with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. She adored both actors and had once fantasized about performing with them. Maybe a Rattigan or an Ayckbourn play. But that was before her stroke, right in the middle of what turned out to be positively her last appearance—Arms and the Man, with the Caravan Playhouse in Toronto.

Catherine Petkoff was about to ask the Serbian officer to depart— You must leave the house at once— when she felt her right arm tingle and her face go numb. Then she blacked out, and the Serbian officer had to improvise a quick end to the scene. Following the impromptu curtain, it was Mrs. Petkoff who had to leave the "house" at once, rushed by ambulance to the neurology clinic at Sunnybrook Health Centre.

Following several days of blood work, scans and an MRI, Dr. Shukla told her she had suffered a transient ischaemic attack that, remarkably, left no permanent damage. “You might have been paralyzed on your right side, Ms. Renfrew, and rendered incapable of speech.”

“A stroke of luck then,” she said, smiling.

“That is a way of putting it,” he replied with a nod. “You must have a month of physio and then we can

discuss your return to the stage.”

But the attack had affected her memory, and she could no longer trust herself with a script.

Her newly refurbished bungalow provided a comfortable retreat and, from her bedroom window, a view of the Niagara gorge through a corridor of aspens.

But after a year of tending her garden, reading her novels, watching films, and cycling the lanes in fine weather, she grew distracted. “Bored out of our tree, aren’t we, Alfie?” she said to him one evening.

She volunteered to usher at the Shaw Festival, something that would enable her to interact with people without being noticed. Jacinta Putnam, a kind and personable Trinidadian, interviewed her, and raised a brow when Celia told her she had acted professionally.

Would Celia consider being a voice coach with the company? “Tell me where would you rather be, Ms. Renfrew, front of house or backstage?”

But she was content to greet audiences at the door, hand out programs and watch the plays. Seeing the actors perform didn’t bother her. They were all so accomplished, the productions flawless, and she felt no urge to return to the stage.

After they became friends, Jacinta encouraged her to get out more and meet people. “You’re an attractive woman, my dear— intelligent, funny, and always yourself. We must find you a decent man.” Her dark eyes twinkled with mischief.

“I’ve never been a mixer, Jas, and I’m too set in my ways now to be looking for a partner.” She laughed. “Anyway, you forget I have Alfie—he’s decent enough.

He’s low-maintenance and housetrained, and he adores me.”

“He’s a cat.”

“Exactly. What more do I need? I don’t even have to walk him.”

But her friend was insistent.

What about Pilates?

“I cycle in summer, and do my yoga at home in winter.”

Lawn bowling?

“Jacinta, really.”

The walkers?

“You mean the talkers? No thanks.”

Bridge club?

“I’m going it alone—no clubs.

That’s final.”

But it wasn’t final. On an impulse that surprised herself, she signed up for a floristry course, then became the Niagara Garden Club’s least visible member.

Two things happened that Victoria Day weekend to give her pause. Observing the elegant couples in period dress stroll through the town against a diorama of pampered lawns, elaborate gardens and symmetrical vineyards, she asked herself, how had she allowed this to happen. How had she, the wild and solitary child of those distant Algonquin summers, come to live in a place of such suffocating decorum?

Later that weekend, she read about the floral competition in the local paper.

See SUBMISSION Page 14

Page 18

The Voice, April 1, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

Maintaining physicality can help

H

ow the dynamic on Pelham’s roads and trails has changed in the last two weeks! COVID-19-related school and business closings, working from home, and lack of entertainment opportunities appears to be causing us to walk, run and cycle more. I’ve never seen so many families walking together along our country roads or the Berkhout and Bauer Trails. Men and women running and cycling individually are everywhere.

For each smiling face I see actively soaking up spring warmth and sunshine, there’s also someone outside frowning as if they would be much more comfortable indoors, reading a book or scrolling Facebook for coronavirus jokes. Seeing this second group outdoors is exciting. The pan-

demic may inadvertently open a silver-lined door to them, offering an opportunity to re-discover the benefits beyond physical health that activity brings.

When chatting over coffee or beer with friends, retirement is a regular topic, and everyone has their personal recipe for the most important ingredients to getting this period in life right.

Stay in touch with friends, take a university course to keep your mind sharp, learn a new skill, travel to better understand the world.

You’ve heard them all, and most pertain to mental fitness.

I would add: don’t lose your physicality, or get it back if you have lost it.

There’s so much more to strenuous physical activity than physiological benefits alone. It’s the mental alacrity, the upbeat mood,

the desire to meet the next challenge, and the confidence to know you’ll succeed—these are the real benefits of physicality.

Brisk walking, running and cycling qualify.

Mark Stibich, Chief Scientific Officer for Xenex Healthcare Services, and a behavior change expert, writes, “Exercise can be a great way to lift your mood and improve your emotions.

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. In addition, after exercising you may feel a sense of accomplishment and easing of tension and strain.”

He continues by asserting that when you’re running, cycling or even walking briskly, “your mind must make hundreds of decisions based on balance, perception and memory. These

Three generations and Saidie the dog walking and cycling in Fonthill. Cynthia Roberts, centre, with her daughter Christina Hildebrandt and her grandkids Hailey and Zachery Whiteley.

JOHN SWART decisions help keep your brain functioning well.”

These changes in your brain biochemistry can also impact propensities toward depression, or persistent feelings of apathy and sadness, as well, a topic that is

increasingly pertinent for many as self-isolation continues.

William Walsh, PhD, and president of Walsh Research Institute, a mental health non-profit, states, “Simply put, most people who are

depressed have something wrong with their brain chemistry. Life experiences can make things worse, but usually the dominant problem is chemistry."

See HANDLEBARS Page 16

Voice

HOROSCOPE

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MARCH 29 Elle Macpherson, Model (56) MARCH 30 Celine Dion, Singer (52) MARCH 31 Christopher Walken, Actor (77) APRIL 1 Mackenzie Davis, Actress (33) APRIL 2 Clark Gregg, Actor (58) APRIL 3 Paris Jackson, Model (22) APRIL 4 Robert Downey, Jr., Actor (55)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Roiled 2. Corkers 3. MBD 4. Porc 5. Ento 6. Limp 7. Boohoos 8. Andean 9. Bait 10. Oohs 11. Outcries 12. Serf 14. Proa 15. Osiers 18. Inca 20. Nausea 24. Blah 26. Testes 28. Averages 30. Seal 32. Elopes 34. Bipolar 35. Dent 37. Edifice 38. Capita 40. Seis 42. Atones 43. Cads 45. Aces 47. Eggs 49. Lase 50. Otis 51. Snap 55. Sue

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

does not mean you should abandon it entirely. It just means you will have to take a brief hiatus and restart.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, people naturally want to be around you, but sometimes you need to take a step back and focus on yourself. Clear your schedule for some personal time this week.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Spring is a time of new beginnings, Capricorn. You may be presented with several new opportunities. Travel, a new job or even expanding your family may be in the cards.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, even if you do not have all the answers, you can take steps that address many of the changes that have occurred in your life lately.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Channel your creativity into projects that let you express yourself, Pisces. Artwork, writing and crafting are a few examples.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. RCMP 5. Elba 9. Booboo 11. Onions 13. Airdrop 15. Outmode 16. Ilk 17. Christopher 19. Teen 21. Sonic 22. Oaf 23. Drab 25. Acer 26. Ton 27. Sula 29. Arises 31. Save 33. Sees 34. Beheld 36. State 38. CIA 39. Roes 41. Leda 43. Cap 44. Apnea 46. Site 48. Apologetics 52. Fog 53. Dilates 54. Sensing 56. Stasis 57. Sauces 58. Ares 59. Pees

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Things are not always what they seem, Aries. Keep this in mind when dealing or working with people you have never met. It may take some time to figure things out.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, asking a bunch of questions may not unveil the answers you were hoping for. You may not be asking the right questions. Keep forging ahead.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 The ability to listen is an important skill, Gemini. This ability is especially valuable when others come to you for advice. Listen intently and do your best to help.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, even if things do not entirely make sense this week, you can glean certain bits of information here and there that can help you to paint the bigger picture.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Keep a keen eye on someone you admire at work, and then try to mirror this person in your actions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, certain responsibilities may seem like a drain on your time. But right now you are not seeing how even small tasks can add up to big results in the end. Remain patient.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, certain battles cannot be won no matter how hard you try. Do not focus unnecessary energy on things that cannot be scaled. Direct your focus to more inportant projects.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 A project you started may come to a screeching halt, Scorpio. This

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The Voice, April 1, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

The Easter Challenge

A

re you ready for a good challenge?

As we approach the Easter season, how would you answer this question: “What happened to Jesus’ body?”

Over the years, various skeptics have tried to disprove Christianity by debunking the resurrection.

This key doctrine is the cornerstone of Christian theology. The apostle Paul was inspired to write, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (See 1 Corinthians 15:14)

Three skeptics

One skeptic was Frank Morison. However, after examining all the evidence he ended up writing the book, “Who Moved the Stone?” (1930). Another was Josh McDowell. He tried to disprove Christianity and the resurrection and ended up writing the book, “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” (1972).

And more recently was Lee Strobel. Trained as a lawyer and journalist, he tried to dissuade his wife from faith by asking various Christian leaders hard questions. You guessed it.

He too became a believer and wrote the book, “The Case for Christ” (1998), and, “The Case for the Resurrection” (2004), among many others.

ther betrayed, denied or fled their master when most needed. Not exactly commando material! Besides, if they had stolen the body, would they have then been willing to die for a lie?

All of them (except John) died a martyr’s death for their faith.

Option 2 is that the Jewish leaders stole the body.

This would also account for an empty tomb. This theory, however, is illogical. It was the Jewish leaders who had requested the guard in the first place. And if they had stolen Jesus’ body, why did they not produce it when the disciples started

Page 19

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preaching their resurrection heresy?

Option 3 is that the Romans stole the body. They were in control at the time and could have easily accomplished it. However, this one is also illogical.

They had no motive to do so and they too could have easily produced the body to squelch the apostles’ claims.

Option 4 is that Jesus had only swooned and escaped from the tomb himself.

This explanation contradicts everything we know about 1st century crucifixSee FAITH LIFT Page 16

Five options

So what are the possible answers to this challenge?

Option 1 is that the disciples stole Jesus’ body. This would explain why the body was gone. The problems with this answer are: there were trained soldiers guarding the tomb; the disciples were disheartened, confused and fearful after Jesus’ gruesome crucifixion (were they next?); and most of them had ei-

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Weekly Word Search

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards.

AGENT ATTENTION BUSINESS CONSISTENCY CUSTOMER ESCALATION

ETIQUETTE EXPERIENCE FOLLOW-UP IMPACT IMPROVE LOYALTY

MANAGEMENT METRICS PERCEPTION PERFORMANCE PRIORITY QUALITY

REPEAT RESOLUTION SATISFACTION SERVICE SHOPPING SUPPORT

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

The Voice, April 1, 2020

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 breakfast time. I can hear them excitedly talking to one another about their favourite meal of the day: “Can you believe it?” one of them is saying. “We get soft food! I love soft food sooo much!”

“I know, right?” says the other. “It’s just the best!”

A few months ago, someone told me that it’s better for a cat’s digestion if they have both soft and hard food. For the first eight years of their lives, they only had hard food, but when I introduced the soft stuff, well, life was never the same. It was an immediate addiction and entitlement.

In the kitchen I grasp the tab and pull back the alu-

minum lid of the food tin.

They can barely contain themselves.

“Did you hear that? She opened it! I just can’t believe it! It’s really happening! Any minute now we’ll be licking that succulent chicken-flavored gravy from our bowls!” says the smaller one.

“Oh my God, I know! It’s just too much! I can’t take it anymore. I think I’m going

sufficient disinfectant supplies are on hand for the foreseeable future.

CAO Cribbs issued an edict to ECG members: “If any of you feel you have sick employees, send them home. It's not open to debate. Employees have to be clear of any symptoms, even if it is just the common cold, for 48 hours before they come back to work.”

Meanwhile, business is still being conducted at Town Hall, although most of the interaction has involved visitors being met at the door, and not actually entering the building.

Cribbs appreciated that some residents are desperate for interaction with others.

“Some people are going stir-crazy, stuck indoors. They see a [Pelham] truck on their street, and they'll go out and chat the guys up.” Again, social distancing was stressed.

Town Communications and Public Relations Specialist Marc MacDonald has updating the Town’s

to explode!” Which is quite possible, since this is the oversize one speaking.

I take my time, torturing them a little. I listen to them gab on, and take a few water shots at them with my spray bottle if they get too loud and disturb the rest of the house.

I have to bring their bowls up on the countertop to fill because they are already losing their minds in antic-

Happy Easter !

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grant workers. Every year, up to 3,000 workers from Central America, Mexico, and various Caribbean nations spend months working in Niagara’s orchards and vineyards, providing a key labour force for the agriculture industry in this area. The exact number of migrant workers who arrive in Pelham each spring is not clear.

“Niagara Public Health is taking the lead on this,” said Lymburner.

“They're reaching out to farmers, insisting that all migrant workers be isolated for 14 days upon arrival in the country.”

Charitable and volunteer groups in the region, many church-based, provide migrant workers with meals, clothes, health support, bicycles and transportation, and even English lessons and spiritual support. But the coronavirus is limiting services that can be provided.

Town staff absenteeism is not an issue at present. Municipal workers operating vehicles individually to increase social distancing, and

Richard Brown SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Direct: 905-651-5143

webpage with COVID-19 information, and has included an advisory regarding the release of the annual Pelham Community Guide on April 2. While at the time the brochure was designed, municipal programs were still operating. They have since been cancellations and closures are in place.

“We appreciate your understanding that the spring/summer guide may no longer be as up-todate as originally planned,” wrote MacDonald, adding that the Town’s website will have the most timely and accurate information.

The ECG noted that the Pelham community was pulling together, and identified the Fonthill Legion as an example. Toni McKelvie, President of the Fonthill Legion, told the Voice that volunteers are delivering 600 dinner meals per week to local seniors, free of charge. To be added to the list, seniors should call the Legion at 905-892-6293 and leave a voice message with their name and address.

ipation as they hover over their bowls so that I can’t get near them.

I get a little angry with them for being so dramatic about breakfast because they still have lots of hard food leftover. “What?” I ask. “You’re too good for this stuff now?”

They give me look that says, Well, duh, you’re the one who introduced us to five star dining. How can we possibly be expected to go back to Cheez Whiz now that we’ve tasted caviar? Now can we cut the chitchat and get on with it?

Tripping over them again, I manage to put their bowls on the floor, careful not to linger with my hands in case they mistake my fingers for Tuna Fiesta.

They eat. Rudely. Snorting and gasping for air in between bites.

Even though their mouths are full, they sputter, “This could be even better than the last meal! Do you think this one’s better? This is absolutely my favorite.”

“No doubt,” the other

replies, food spilling from his mouth and barely hitting the bowl before it’s hoovered back into his jaws.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!”

I can’t even be in the same room while they gluttonously inhale the mush. It’s just offensive the way they carry on, like Attila the Hun tearing into a leg of mutton. Zero class, boys.

After a hot shower to cleanse away the memory of what I just witnessed, I step out of the steam and wrap a towel around me.

Waiting at the door is the obese, maple cat. A few feet beyond him lurks the tabby. I get dressed and head toward the stairs, almost tripping over them as they try to get in front of me.

I hear one of them say, “Can you believe it? We get soft food! I love soft food sooo much!” ♦

F

and its large urban centres,” said Lymburner, “I think the province has done a good job to try to get ahead of this. Our numbers aren't ramping up. But I think the next little while is going to be critical to containment.”

As of Friday, 149 of 444 Ontario municipalities had declared a state of emergency, said Lymburner. (Niagara Region has not, and among the municipalities only Niagara-on-the-Lake has done so.)

Recreational facilities, including playgrounds, are all locked down in Pelham, with signage indicating the risk. Walking trails are still open, with people encouraged to keep six feet of separation.

An email sent to Pelham by Niagara Regional Police Chief Bryan MacCulloch, pertaining to the recently imposed Ontario Orders in Council related to COVID-19, and

the federal government’s enactment of the Quarantine Act, was discussed by the ECG. Essentially, the Police Chief wants to align practices with the municipalities and address issues of citizen non-compliance collaboratively.

“The NRP are being swamped with a lot of calls… ‘I saw some kids playing soccer in the park,’ that sort of thing,” said Lymburner. “What they're asking us to do as municipalities is have our bylaw officers educate people about the importance of distancing. Our officers are going to be doing extra rounds through town, and whenever they see a congregation of kids, they’ll remind them that it is critical to keep a safe six-foot distance ….just reinforcing what the parents have already told them.”

On Saturday, the province issued an updated order on public gatherings, limiting them to no more than five individuals in a given location, with exceptions for families.

Concerns were raised about mi-

O

continued from Page 1

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ECG

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In the mean time stay safe and healthy!

– Tracy Strycker

Everyone has a story to tell.

Share yours with Column Six. editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Page 20

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