The Voice, April 8 2020

Cancer surgery goes ahead page 2 Former councillor not at all happy page 7 Teddy bears brighten the mood page 13 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto

SELL phone: 905-321-2261 www.pineSOLD.com

DEBBIE PINE SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 NRC Realty, Brokerage

Independently Owned & Operated

debbiepine@royallepage.ca

k

E S T A B L I S H E D

1 9 9 7

k

The Voice

Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110

Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

RE/MAX® Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

www.bilko.ca

bilko@rgcmail.com

Vol.24 No.14

April 8, 2020

Published every Wednesday

The now normal

DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@revelrealty.ca 905.321.6292

Column Six

Rule the school

BY EMILY BOSS

Special to the VOICE

I

Shoppers wait in line over the weekend to enter the Fonthill Food Basics. The LCBO and Sobeys have also introduced new rules.

DON RICKERS

Region, all municipalities declare state of emergency

BY VOICE STAFF In anticipation of a surge of COVID-19 activity in Niagara in the coming weeks, Niagara Region and Niagara’s 12 local area municipalities have jointly declared a State of Emergency.

“Declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides Niagara with all options available to protect the health and safety of Niagara residents,” read a statement released by Niagara Region on Friday, April 3.

The mayors and Regional Chair provided the following joint statement regarding the decision to declare this emergency to help protect the health of Niagara: “The timing of this declaration is imperative as our actions over the next several weeks will determine how well Niagara will fare in the

COVID-19 pandemic. This situation represents a real and pressing risk to the health of our community and we all need to work together to slow the spread of the virus.

“By declaring this emergency together, we are underscoring the See DECLARATION Page 15

THINK FRESH! BIG FIRM EXPERIENCE. SMALL FIRM CARE. Open Monday - Friday 9 - 5pm and Saturdays 9 - 1pm to help you through tax season!

BILL CRYSLER, CPA, CA, Small Business Accounting and Tax Partner 905-892-0100 EXT 202 I 4 -165 HWY 20 W, FONTHILL

Should need us People are planners by nature.

Weyou make timesthe such as these we are available 24/7 big plans, smallEven ones,in and most important plans we reserve ourof loved ones. Want We arefor aware the necessary protocols and guidelines to make it easier for them emotionally and 905-892-5762 financially? - plan toForcall us today. all Cremation / Burial Services

t’s 5:30. My husband’s alarm sounds. Normally I’m annoyed hearing it, but today I’m quietly pleased—I’ve been up since 4:30 with our 7-month-old, and it is a relief to share this suffering. So I wish him an exaggeratedly chipper, “Good morning!” and console myself with the fact that at least I get to stay in bed and nurse while he must get up immediately.

As long as I keep the room dark enough, keep still, and don’t make too much eye contact with the baby, it’s possible he’ll soon fall asleep again for an hour or two more, which means more sleep for me too. I try not to think about it too much, lest I get so excited by the prospect of more that I become too excited to have it. I have, as usual, a full day ahead of me, and I need to be alert.

For the past three years I’ve been teaching at a very exclusive private school. The high teacher-to-student ratios this school loves boasting of means lots of oneon-one time with students.

Normally I love this aspect, but all the extra interaction can be difficult when exhausted. Under more typical circumstances I would be on See COLUMN SIX back page

If you’ve been recently impacted by COVID-19 (laid-off, sick, or having difficulty meeting your financial obligations) please contact our office to discuss how we can help you through this tax filing season.

DROPBOX AVAILABLE DURING BUSINESS HOURS.

Page 2

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Pelham woman gets cancer surgery after all

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

by Dave Burket

In no hurry to cash-in (or out): As I sit at my desk, my eye has fallen to this year’s Costco cash back coupon, on the reverse of which I scribbled a note a few days ago, lacking other paper at the time. It’s for only $15—we’re not big box store fanatics, but the paper towels and tissues are a good deal. Actually, Costco is about the last place we want to be right now, and I realized as I looked at the coupon that it seems almost impossible to imagine going there any time soon. Is this some sort of emotional adaptation, an accommodation to being locked down, for all practical purposes, nearly 24/7?...Gimme Shelter: Speaking of staying in the house, among the many memes going around now is this one, related to the hodge-podge of containment measures (or not) taken by our southern neighbour: Having some states that shelter-in-place while others are free to roam is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool...

Attention anyone who noticed: Last week we ran a story about Pelham’s two Lions’ clubs getting together to provide free delivery of food and medicine to residents unable or advised not to leave home. In our haste to get to press, we grabbed a photo of the Fabulous Fenwick Lions’ fabulous premises from their website to accompany the article.

The problem? It appeared to show a distinct lack of physical distancing, in that the room was packed with folks. Lion Jeff Pickup has asked us to clarify that the photo was three years old, and that the Lions are currently very much keeping their proper distance...Itching to open the pool? Yes, it’s a tad early, but I suspect there will be some early dips being taken this spring. If you’re looking for a water supplier, see this week’s Service Directory, where Last Drop Water makes their advertising premiere. Proprietor Matt DeVries says as an essential business he’s definitely in operation...

Getting the news out: The media have also been deemed essential, and we salute our carriers for continuing to put the Voice in your mailbox or on your doorstep—but absolutely not in your hands! Speaking of which, we have two open carrier routes in Fonthill. See the Classifieds. If ever there was a time to get the kids out of the house...just saying. But by all means, do follow the physical distancing rule of 6 feet/2 meters from others when out and about...

It’s 1970 all over again: If you’re over, say, 50, you might remember more or less the first time you saw colour regularly appearing in newspapers. When I was a kid, the only thing in colour were the weekend cartoon pages. Well, it’s back to the future for the time being as we cut costs a bit by printing fewer colour pages. Every little bit adds up these days...

Get those selfies in! A reminder to send us your “Voice on Staycation” shots...in the den, out in the yard with the Easter Bunny, wherever! In the meantime, stay safe, stay sane, and stay home. See you next week. ♦

Debbie Dillon originally told to wait as pandemic unfolded

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Niagara Health reversed course last week and admitted a Pelham woman to undergo a cancer procedure after initially telling her the COVID-19 pandemic would delay her surgery indefinitely.

Debbie Dillon, 57, got a phone call at 2 PM last Wednesday, just 24 hours after news of her situation hit the streets in last week’s edition of the Voice, and other media, asking whether she could be at the St. Catharines hospital at 6 AM the following day to undergo an originally planned single mastectomy.

Her husband, Jason, told the Voice she was in and out of the hospital in six hours, and is back home in Pelham resting comfortably.

“Probably the best thing, with COVID-19 around, but it sure felt wrong bringing her home so quickly,” Jason said. “Now we wait for pathology results and hope for good news. She is well and I am doing my best to take care of her. I am thrilled that all of the attention that this story got was able to get her the surgery that she needed.”

Dillon told the Voice he reached out to Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff for help in the matter, but that the hospital called before

航 搜索

the politician could act.

“We spoke and he said that he was going to contact the hospital,” Dillon said.

“He didn’t get a chance to do that before they called with a last minute scheduling appointment. Hopefully he can help other women fighting the same fight.”

Dillon had said that canceling his wife and others’ surgeries while classifying them as elective ahead of an anticipated hospital surge due to the coronavirus pandemic was putting their lives in jeopardy. This is Debbie’s second breast cancer diagnosis in five years.

“We had people writing us from all over the province sharing concern, and many told us that they had written to [Niagara Health],” Jason said. “The newspaper stories were also forwarded to those addresses. We tried hard to make them aware that the citizens of Ontario were displeased with their direction.”

Niagara Heath did not respond before press time to a question as to why they changed their mind regarding Dillon’s operation, but they said in a statement on March 29 that all current cancer patients were being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

“We are following guide-

lines provided by Cancer Care Ontario for use during a pandemic,” Niagara Heath executive vice president Derek McNally said.

“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.”

Dillon said he is still unhappy with administrators over the issue, but thanked hospital workers.

“Although I am disappointed with the board members, the nurses and doctors at St. Catharines

OF THE WEEK!

905-892-8690 Find the Voice at these locations:

Sasha

TARASUK 825 Canboro Road, Fenwick

Mon - Fri, 8 AM-6 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM

(905) 892-8724

FRESH OFF THE FARM ALL YEAR ROUND

If your message to Pelham isn’t in our pages,

Then it isn’t being seen.

The Voice

Send us your picture holding the Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers! Email your photo with a brief description to

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO US

The paper that Pelham reads.

Use your downtime to start brainstorming and planning.

We're here when you're ready.

Booking land tours and river cruises, 2020 and 2021.

(905) 892-8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Remember you are TICO protected when booking with us.

www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com 1400 Pelham St., Fonthill Book Local TICO Reg 4559761

Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K

Type your pithy letter to the Voice right

Call Pam Overholt for exceptional travel values

905.892.7900

were amazing as usual,” he said. “They really are incredible, and they are under a lot of stress especially now … we owe them a great debt of gratitude.”

According to reporting by Niagara dailies two weeks ago, hospitals in Niagara are prepared to handle only up to 54 severe cases of COVID-19. Ontario government data released this past Saturday said there were 506 people across the province hospitalized with the illness, although critics have pointed to a discrepancy in numbers between differing sources.

Voice

CARRIER

Back in late February, it was one big family vacation in Kaneana, Hawaii!

Dave, Kim, Ryan, and Rachel Stutz. Paul, Tara, Katrina, Samuel Stutz.

Sandra, Nicholas, Josseph, Alex Loscavo. An Steve, Heidi, Rebecca, Jordan Hatt.

SUPPLIED

The

Congratulations

司 空公

搜索航空公司

Debbie Dillon.

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

DEBBIE PINE

SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

debbiepine@royallepage.ca

Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

DSBN wants portion of Town park

FREE

111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

905-892-9054

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

www.healthycupboard.ca

Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm

New Location Coming Soon!

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

Independently Owned & Operated

Vol.20 No.39

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

FREE

Oops: No fire trucks for you

Column Six

The Comfort Maple myth

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill

Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective

111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

905-892-9054

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

www.healthycupboard.ca

Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

New Location Coming Soon!

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

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

FREE

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.

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

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

The VOICE

Cell 905.933.3049

T

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!

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

www.facebook.com/voiceofpelham

Request made of community still peeved at name change

See DSBN Page 9

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill

Visit Us on Facebook

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

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

“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

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Stop the Spread

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Stay home. Save lives.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 3

Page 4

The Voice, April 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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.

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

As We See It Politeness, deference to expertise, is sorely needed

I

t will be tempting for many residents to dismiss former Pelham Town Councillor Gary Accursi’s critical letter to the current council (page 7) as the pot calling the kettle black. Having been a member of a council notable for its lack of transparency and financial mismanagement, it’s a bit rich for Accursi to imply a lack of transparency and financial mismanagement. But this would miss the larger and more important point.

Through his two terms on council, Accursi demonstrated a keen understanding of how municipal government works—and how it doesn’t work. An informed council is essential to the sensible operation of a municipality.

Accursi is pointing out the obvious. After nearly a year and a half in office, too often some of our councillors are not only ill-informed but arrogantly so. For one, some councillors seem eager to make a name for themselves by asking difficult questions—queries that all too often demonstrate their own lack of knowledge about how the Town operates. Second, some councillors seem to think they were elected to micromanage the workings

of staff on a daily basis.

Under the Municipal Act, councillors are responsible for setting broad policy— telling staff what ought to be done, preferably within the bounds of the law and common sense. It is staff’s responsibility, and duty, to figure out how to do it. Constant political micromanaging only frustrates the Town’s employees, wastes their time and our tax dollars, and leaves everyone ill-tempered. Accursi rightly calls this out.

He’s on shakier ground, however, in his critique of CAO David Cribbs, who has perhaps the least enviable job in Pelham. Yes, Cribbs is a lawyer by training and often speaks like one. Yet such indirect, diplomatic tactics are preferable when confronted with what can be startling ignorance, and downright, sneering rudeness. Few among us would tolerate so much petulant pushing of microphone buttons before dropping some candid commentary on the party.

The Voice reached out to each councillor, requesting their comment about Accursi’s take. To their discredit, five councillors didn’t even acknowledge the request.

Councillor Mike Ciolfi, on

NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre For depression, distress, and crisis.

24 hour help line: 905-688-3711   Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616

Kids Help Phone Service for youth.

416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone. ca Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free)

Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting.

905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

the other hand, who regularly shows up at council meetings well prepared, and whose cordial treatment of staff ought to be a model for certain of his colleagues, did respond, albeit with a brief message saying that he was ill and not up to a substantive reply. As the Voice goes to press, we’ve learned that Ciolfi remains too ill to attend Monday evening’s council meeting even by teleconference.

Let that sink in. The only councillor who had the courtesy to respond was the one who had a legitimate reason not to.

Finally, it’s telling that Mayor Junkin’s reaction to Accursi’s comments is essentially a gracious, “Yeah, that’s about right.” A faction on council has targeted Junkin, seeming to go out of their way to find fault where none exists. Petty grievances threaten to eat up even more oxygen as the term progresses. Accursi is correct, however, in suggesting that the Mayor ought to take firmer control of meetings.

Junkin, thankfully, is no authoritarian. But leadership often requires a firm hand, and we encourage our affable Mayor to tighten his procedural grip just a smidgen more. ♦

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

(905) 892-8690

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

Alarmed by Fonthill retailers' lack of physical distancing Today while shopping for my elderly neighbour, I was alarmed at what I observed at two stores in Fonthill.

(By the way, my neighbour has also utilized the wonderful volunteer group from the Lions Club who shop and deliver grocery items to our seniors in the community.)

I did a little research on my computer of these specific store websites —neither had any option/information re ordering online, nor an option to look up an item and see if it was stocked at that specific store. This would assist us in narrowing our shopping to one store. I did see at the drugstore, what

appeared to be parcels put together at an unused front counter and assumed for delivery.

Can someone find for me on the store website, how to place an order? Not online nor was there any information on how to place a phone order.

Observation # 1: The number of people wearing what I consider medical grade masks. Not the N-95, and I would surely hope not, as there is a dire shortage in our healthcare system at this time.

What I saw were some masks, while not See ALARMED 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

Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.

TOP 5 BOSLEY REALTOR 2018 TOP 5 BOSLEY REALTOR 2018 TOP 5 BOSLEY REALTOR 2018 Stay Safe, Stay at Home

Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475

GARY SNIDER GARYBROKER SNIDER GARYBROKER SNIDER BROKER

Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877

905-988-2205

gsnider@bosleyrealestate.com

Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

Bosley Real Estate Brokerage Ltd Bosley Real Estate Brokerage Ltd Bosley Real Estate Brokerage Ltd

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

REAL ESTATE, PURCHASES, SALES & MORTGAGES, BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS & SALES, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY FONTHILL (Main Office)

10 Highway 20 E., P.O. Box 743, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 T: 905-892-2621 • F: 905-892-1022

janthony@jillanthony.com

JA

NIAGARA FALLS (Satellite Office)

Pio Plaza, 8685 Lundy’s Lane, Unit #2, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H5 T: 289-296-2629 • F: 289-296-0222

www.jillanthony.com

NEW LOCATION

Well don't just sit there. Share it with the Voice! letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca

905-892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Page 5

OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Diana Huson, Regional Councillor

I

was recently asked what resources are available to self-employed individuals at this time who are not eligible for Employment Insurance Benefits (EI).

Pelham has a large self-employment base, most of whom work out of the home, who will find this question relevant.

Federally, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months to workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended for businesses owners and individuals who have not paid into EI and are therefore not eligible. Applications will open up on Monday, April 6, however the intake is staggered by

ALARMED

continued from previous page N-95s, were what I would term medical grade.

How did these folks obtain them? Have they not heard, or seen the media plea for donations?

I am a retired nurse and would not be seen in the community wearing those masks that I saw today. That is my personal opinion, of course.

After dropping off the items to my neighbour, I proceeded to my friend's home to drop off masks that I have had in my possession for 17 years. I purchased these online from a healthcare supplier. From this company, I would order uniforms, stethoscopes, bandages, scissors, etc.

At that time, fearing SARS would evolve as COVID-19 has, I placed an order for my immediate and extended families. I would have gladly given those to our health care system if there had been a plea for donations back then and thankfully there was not.

Heeding the current need

birth month in order to handle the volume of applications expected. You can find more information on the Canada Revenue website.

If you have on-going business costs such as rent, utilities, etc., the only option currently available is the Business Credit Availability Program through the BDC. However, it is also recommended that you connect with your landlord to see if what arrangement can be made. Hopefully commercial landlords will be willing to work with their tenants to determine if a payment schedule, reduced rent, or some other arrangement

for donations of medical grade masks, I emailed the foundation office of the hospital where I had worked.

They deemed the masks as “expired.” These five boxes of 20 masks from China had no expiry date anywhere on them, but, as I said, they were from 2003.

When I researched, the literature related to expiry dates for N-95s mostly provided a seven-year limit.

Enter my friend—she works in an operation that provides residential services to young offenders. They do not have any PPE and were happy to receive the masks.

The WHO and the CDC have issued a directive that wearing of masks can be considered some layer of protection. Other infectious disease practitioners are not so sure. It may act as a reminder not to touch other parts of your face, or hair but this is such an automated response entrenched in us that it is difficult to catch ourselves before it happens.

There are other protection options, other than those I consider medical grade. We have all seen the clear face shields worn by the front-

We proudly opened our clinic on February 18th, 2020 to serve Fonthill and the surrounding community. We were welcomed with an overwhelmingly positive start.

For that reason, making the decision to be part of the physical/social distancing solution, we’ve decided to temporarily close our doors, but not our care.

As a thank you for the warm welcome, we’d like to offer our help, free of charge.

If you are in need of a thorough assessment, have a question, concern or just need some advice during this difficult time, it would be our pleasure to assist via telehealth/video call, phone call, e-mail or DM on Instagram.

It is our hope we can alleviate concerns, offer guidance and most importantly negate any potential unnecessary trips to the Doctor’s office or ER. Call: 905-892-3634 Email: Noifonthill@gmail.com or visit:

www.noifonthill.com

Mayor Marvin Junkin

Why I declared a State of Emergency in Pelham

See SUPPORT next page

line staff. Those shields are in short supply too. Get creative, make your own. Lots of ideas on Google. I have ordered masks from an entrepreneur, who is making layered cotton masks with a pocket insert for further filtration material.

Observation #2: There was very little, if any social distancing within the stores.

The drugstore had no limit restricting how many customers may be in the store at one time, nor did the grocery store. The grocery store did have signage on entry door asking for just one person from a family entering at once. Signage only works for those who take the time, and look for cautions/restrictions.

Be aware that during a pandemic there will be signage which should be addressing the two-metre rule. Slow down and read it before entering the building.

I encountered twosomes, and in some instances threesomes in the store.

Which given the narrow

L

ast Friday morning at 11 AM, as head of Pelham Town Council I declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Pelham. I took this action after consulting with Fire Chief Bob Lymburner, CAO David Cribbs, and listening to public health officials, both at the Regional and provincial levels.

The main focus of this action is symbolic. We as a Town, do not get any further financial help from any of the

aisles made it difficult to maintain a two-meter distance.

Perish the thought of enforcing reduced numbers—e.g., no more than 30 customers at a time. Deploy a staff member to account for a one-in-and-one-out protocol. Better yet, hire a security guard to enforce.

Don't want to lose a customer or receive a complaint about keeping the distancing rule? Psshaw.

Limit the entry of customers into your stores!

I will be taking my business elsewhere to where I have been told measures are in place. Perhaps a little further to travel for what is now a once-weekly shopping excursion. These businesses are putting their customers’ safety first and doing their part in reducing the droplet transmission of this devastating virus.

Hoping for change and a levelling in the curve.

A Concerned Resident Fenwick

higher forms of government. It is all about sending a stronger message to the resiabout Marvin Junkin dents self-isolating.

Just as Pelham declared an emergency, so did all remaining municipalities— NOTL declared a week earlier—as did the Regional government. By stating all at once, it was hoped that all

residents of Niagara would hear the health messages that we are so desperately trying to convey.

Although it seems longer, we are just two weeks into these health edicts from the provincial government of self-isolation and physical distancing, to name a few.

It was a concern at all levels of government that with the arrival of spring-like weather and significant religious holSee TOWN next page

We support YOU and the Community. Our office is open to take your calls and emails.

Nicolle A Lalonde Financial Advisor

10 Hwy 20 East Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-9930 nicolle.lalonde@edwardjones.com

www.edwardjones.ca MKT-5894B-C-A1

Economic assistance for the self-employed

TOWN HALL MESSAGE

Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Professional SERVICES Directory Dr. Bohdan Hrynyk Dental Surgeon

Pelham Hills Dentistry

905-892-5002

Family Dentistry NEW PATIENTS WELCOME 1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill

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 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

An Easter message

continued

TOWN

continued from previous page idays that residents’ resolve would begin to falter.

We cannot let this happen!

If one compares Canada’s COVID-19 numbers to other infected countries, our numbers can be said to be quite low. Yes, it is true they will trend higher for two or three more weeks before starting to fall, but it is very obvious that our actions are indeed making a difference.

By staying home, and only venturing into the public domain to purchase essentials, and when in public practicing physical distancing, we as a nation are limiting cases of new infections. This is what it is all about, keeping our new infection numbers low, so that our health systems do not get overwhelmed. As we hear every day via the news, there are only so many beds, and only so many ventilators available to our healthcare workers.

Again, by declaring this emergency together, your government hoped to underscore the critical nature of the situation facing the Region. Now is not the time to get lax in our duties as Canadian citizens. We will only continue to get excellent results if we continue to adhere to our health department directions. To all of you who are following these

rules, thank you and please continue to do so. To those of you who are not following the rules, I implore you to change your ways—you are not invincible, and by continuing to act irresponsibly, you are putting your neighbours, and their family members at great risk.

While all municipalities across Ontario are working hard to educate their citizens, they do have the power to issue fines for non-compliance. Failing to comply with an emergency order carries a fine of $750 per offence, and up to $1000 for obstructing those attempting to carry out their duties while under the act.

If you have observed a citizen or business who is not observing our public health directives, you can call the Municipal Law Enforcement team at 905-892-2607 x201 between 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Messages may be left for municipal bylaw after hours.

In closing PLEASE stay home, wash your hands regularly, keep your hands away from your face. Only go out in public for essentials.

When out in public, practice physical distancing. If you are an elderly resident over 70, please stay in your house at all times, and have neighbours, or family members bring you your groceries.

There is a lot of COVID-19 information on the Town of Pelham’s website. Please check it out! ♦

Paxton Allewell gets into the weeds.

SUPPLIED

Goodness comes home from the big city My son, Paxton Allewell, from Toronto, is staying with me during this virus crisis. I live on Hurricane Road and directly across my street is a pathway which many people take as a shortcut to Highway 20 businesses. Pax has spent three afternoons picking up litter, filling many bags with garbage. The results may not even be noticed, however, his simple actions have blessed my heart. There is goodness happening.

Peggy Allewell Fonthill

SUPPORT

continued from previous page can be arranged.

Business owners can also contact an Economic Development Officer at ERRT@ niagararegion.ca for assistance. The Region has recognized the importance of

Gypsy Moth spray blocks available Spray blocks (including addresses) for the 2020 Gypsy Moth aerial spray program are now available on the Town of Pelham website.

Please check the website to see if your property is included. If it is not, refer to the home control methods on the website for ways homeowners can help mitigate this year’s infestation.

In lieu of public meetings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on gatherings of more than 5 people, the Town will open up a specific email address to develop a resident-driven gypsy moth FAQ. Watch next week’s Voice of Pelham for a four-page gypsy moth information section, including maps, home control methods, and more.

Spray dates: Between May 15 and June 15 (exact dates TBD) To stay up to date with all gypsy moth related information, subscribe to:

www.pelham.ca/gypsy-moth

supporting our local businesses at this time and as a result recently formed a Niagara Economic Rapid Response team to respond to the changing needs of local business and employers. Additional help can be found on the following website https:// niagaracanada.com/services/ business-support/ ♦

J. R. R. Tolkien wrote, “It’s a dangerous business going out your door.” He was speaking to the great dangers of living life. This quote comes from Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring. Tolkien, being a devout Christian, gave his imagination no bounds. His devotion reflects on various lessons we can draw from his work to live out our Christian life meaningfully. C. S. Lewis was a good friend of Tolkien’s. Their fantasy fiction remains as popular as ever partly because the secular fantasy fiction doesn’t understand the way the world really is.

That’s the secret to great fantasy writing — it has to be anchored in reality for it to have an impact. There can be wizards and elves and all sorts of unreal creatures, but at its core a fantasy novel has to say something truly true. So, while Tolkien was far more subtle than Lewis about the inclusion of his Judeo-Christian worldview, it was this worldview that allowed him to see and share truths about the pull of temptation, the strength of humility, and the nature of love. Lewis’s series is intriguing for children, but it is his Christian understanding of man’s failings and God’s grace that give the books enough depth for adults to read again and again. It was these two men’s Christian worldview that elevated their fiction to garner their vast following through a multitude

of books and movies. C. S. Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland on November 29, 1898, and never goes out of style,even though the author's death barely made headlines when he died on the same day as JFK and Aldous Huxley. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born January 3, 1892, in South Africa and died September 2, 1973, in England.

The Spanish Flu, also known as the 1918 flu pandemic, was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic. Lasting from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people—about a quarter of the world's population. The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. Tolkien would have been 26 years old and Lewis 20 at the time! Today, both their writings are more relevant than ever. Tolkien and Lewis both believed the incredible Easter Story. The disciples themselves even questioned their own faith, seeing the crucifixion and death of Jesus even though they spent three years of their life with Jesus and witnessed many miracles performed by Him. The Apostle Peter even denied knowing Jesus. Jesus prophesized, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” In biblical See EASTER Page 14

Enforcement of Mandatory Closures & Restrictions The Government of Ontario has closed non-essential businesses, outdoor recreational facilities, & has prohibited gatherings of more than five people, on order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Fines can be issued for non-compliance. Enforcement of the provincial order is jointly through the Town’s municipal law enforcement & Niagara Regional Police.

As of April 2, 2020: •Non-essential business must close •Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited •Outdoor recreational amenities closed •Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren’t otherwise closed remain open for walk through access, but physical distancing must be maintained Complaints for large gatherings & people using facilities that are closed: Call Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-892-2607 x201 between 7:30 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m. A message can be left for after hour bylaw calls.

Please do not call 9-1-1. After hours, call NRPS non-emergency line at 905-688-4111 Complaints about businesses operating that are non-essential: Call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Page 7

Pelham council rebuked for treatment of Town sta≠ In open letter, former councillor Gary Accursi (politely) holds little back

BY DAVE BURKET

The VOICE

Ex-councillor and 2018 mayoral race runner-up Gary Accursi has bitten his tongue for a year and a half, but he says what he saw transpire during council’s March 2 meeting was the final straw. In a 2400-word letter to council—received as correspondence at this Monday’s council meeting and reproduced below—Accursi takes the body to task on a range of issues, particularly their mistreatment, in his view, of Town staff.

Speaking to the Voice over the weekend, Accursi said that he was initially determined to stay above the fray, to give the new council time to learn the ropes, to understand the process and to appreciate the complexity of municipal leadership and politics.

“It’s not as simple as it looks,” said the 71-year-old, who served two terms representing Ward 2.

Born in Welland, Accursi and his wife, Mall, have lived in Pelham for 47 years. His volunteer experience over the years includes chair of his church board, chair of Big Brothers of Welland County, Member of Pelham Minor Baseball board, coaching positions in hockey and lacrosse, and being one of the founding members of the Pelham Business Association.

“Serving on council is more than one meeting every two weeks. It takes preparation and learning to understand the role of municipal government in relationship to the

Regional, the provincial and the federal governments.”

He added that it takes time to develop an understanding of the issues facing the town, and the role of professional staff.

“It is wonderful to promise the world on the campaign trail, and quite something else to deliver on these uninformed promises.”

Accursi said as time passed since the 2018 election, he became more engaged, not as a former councillor but as a concerned citizen.

“I became increasingly frustrated by what appeared to me to be a lack of understanding of upper-tier legislation, a lack of preparation for meetings—based on questions asked and comments made—and a lack of respect for the advice and recommendations of senior staff.”

Accursi asserted that decisions with respect to planning and development have been particularly glaring.

“How many decisions have blatantly gone against Regional and provincial mandates,” he asked.

Local decisions cannot frustrate or attempt to supersede upper-tier legislation.

Accursi, a minor developer himself, maintains that poor council choices have resulted in unnecessary appeals, which demand that the Town now spend tax money to hire a new law firm and outside planner “to defend an indefensible position.”

Former Pelham Town Councillor Gary Accursi.

“I get it that as a council you want to please your citizens, but sometimes you need to make decisions based on detailed knowledge of the circumstances.”

Accursi said that this knowledge and understanding is often something that the average citizen does not have, which means that some votes will appear to be against what residents want.

In his letter, Accursi also suggests that Mayor Marvin Junkin take a firmer hand running council meetings. Given the number of issues on council’s plate since they took office, meetings have routinely gone over curfew, even as their start times were moved ahead an hour to 5:30.

Particularly in comparison to his predecessor, Junkin generally

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.

For more updates please follow us on Facebook or Instagram and you can always call the farm 905- 892-8724 to place an order.

—Thank you from all of us at DeVries Fruit Farm

sed Clo iday r dF o o G

Fresh off the Farm

Tomatoes , peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, beets, carrots, mushrooms.

We just opened another controlled atmosphere storage this week with lots of crispy apples: Mutsu, Golden and Red Delicious, Ambrosia, Aurora Gold, Ida red, Nicoli, Salish, Empire, Macs, Royal gala, Cortland, Jona gold.

Lots of preserves. Eggs. Apple cider. Frozen fruit.

And much more.

Store hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM -6 PM, Sat 8 AM -5 PM Che󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹󰇹

825 Canboro Road, Fenwick • 905.892.8724

VOICE FILE

runs the agenda with a light hand, permitting extended runs of questioning that occasionally go in circles when councillors appear not to understand—or accept—staff answers.

The Voice requested reaction to Accursi’s letter from each councillor and from the Mayor. Five councillors did not acknowledge the request. Mayor Junkin replied, as did Councillor Mike Ciolfi.

In Ciolfi’s case, however, it was to apologize for being unable to answer due to illness.

“I have been very sick since last Friday,” Ciolfi wrote in an email.

“If I continue to feel like this I will not be able to participate in Monday’s meeting. Hopefully other members of council will be able to provide a response.”

Mayor Junkin recalled his time working with Accursi on council and sees little to disagree with in his letter.

“During my time as Town Councillor, from 2014 through most of 2017, I had the pleasure of sitting beside Gary. Over those three years, I came to realize that Gary was the consummate councillor.

He came prepared for every meeting, asked meaningful questions of staff, and did so respectfully.”

Junkin said that Accursi understood “the true role of council and his duties as an elected official.”

“Having read Mr. Accursi’s letter to council, which he was fully entitled to write, my high regard for him remains fully intact.”

Accursi also takes Town CAO David Cribbs to task for not, in his view, better defending the work of his staff. Cribbs has largely sought to act as a neutral intermediary, deflecting what are arguably some councillors’ unreasonable demands and expectations—often expressed in tones bordering on the contemptuous.

Since Accursi said his letter was triggered by the March 2 council meeting, the Voice asked whether his viewing of subsequent meetings had changed his mind about Cribbs, who has evidenced increasingly visible signs of frustration with some council decisions.

“I do not know the CAO and have never met him,” Accursi said. “I am sure he is very knowledgeable in things municipal. He seems to be engaged in meetings. The only comment I can make, based on watching a few meetings, is that his answers to questions tend to be delivered in lawyer-speak, and See ACCURSI Page 10

We wish everyone a safe Easter during these challenging times OPEN GOOD FRIDAY 12-8 PM | $10 Fish Fry

CURBSIDE PICK UP $10 Take Out Menu Available Homemade Burger & Fries Fish & Chips | Large Caesar 10 Wings

Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sat, 4 to 7 PM

Good Friday 12-8 PM

Payment by credit card | Curbside pick up

Call to order 905-892-0782

Page 8

The Voice, April 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

STAY HOME NIAGARA

state of emergency Declared Nonessential businesses must close

KEEP AT LEAST 6 FEET APART FROM OTHERS

Gatherings of more than five people prohibited

Outdoor Parks and Trails are closed

FOR MORE INFO GO TO NIAGARAREGION.CA/COVID19

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Page 9

CannTrust granted creditor protection As stock delisted on Toronto, New York exchanges, Fenwick site still operating

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

On Saturday, Doug Anderson rings up a sale as Lloyd Beamer looks on. Effective Monday, customers were no longer permitted to enter most retail operations.

DON RICKERS

New retail restrictions in force Call in your orders for curbside pick up

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Lloyd Beamer has always prided himself on his store’s hands-on service. He and his staff know hardware, and they are always happy to assist customers in finding solutions to their special projects.

That all changed on Monday.

In accordance with the latest round of COVID-19 workplace closures and restrictions announced by the Ontario government, stores that sell hardware products are now required to provide curbside pickups and delivery, barring exceptional circumstances.

Speaking to the Voice last Saturday, Beamer said, “I have no idea how it’s going to work. We’re going to try and do the best we can. But it’s not our style, that’s for sure.”

Beamer recently spent $3000 on fertilizer and grass seed, as he has done in past years. It is stacked by the door, waiting to be sold.

“It’s a busy time of year

for us, as people are getting their gardens and lawns prepped for the spring,” said Beamer. “On Monday, we're going to be meeting people at the door. What if somebody wants a pair of garden gloves? We’ve got a variety of those products in stock.

We’re going to try and help people out, but it’s going to be a different experience.”

None of the Beamer’s staff are currently wearing face masks, and with no customers entering the store as of Monday, that is unlikely to change. A limited supply of dust masks and respirators are still available on the shelves, along with clear protective eyewear. N-95 respirators were not available, however (which filter 95% of airborne particles, and are the standard for use in healthcare).

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the US recently recommended the wearing of face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are

difficult to maintain. Expectedly, homemade mask designs are now all the rage online. Beamer mentioned that some people have suggested using a coffee filter inside a cotton handkerchief.

Others have advocated cutting up a furnace filter and using the material within a fabric liner. (Anyone planning to go this route is advised to use extreme caution, as some furnace filters contain Fiberglas.)

The World Health Organization insists that homemade masks must be fitted properly to be effective, and that tightly woven cotton masks should be washed regularly.

The potential downside of mask wearing is that some people may gain a false sense of security, and become lax about critical measures such as handwashing and physical distancing.

Everyone is in agreement, though, that masks or not, we need to stop touching our faces.

CannTrust was granted creditor protection under the federal government’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act last week, and more severe blows to the beleaguered cannabis producer may be coming.

The Ontario government dropped the cannabis industry from its list of essential services to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic on April 3, and while little revenue has been coming into CannTrust anyway since their Health Canada operating licence was suspended last year, it’s not known how the move will impact what’s left of the company.

“Facilities will continue to operate in a ‘business as usual’ mode as it goes through this process,” CannTrust spokesperson Jane Shapiro told the Voice Friday, before the province’s essential-services list was revised.

As a result of filing for creditor protection, trading of CannTrust stock was also suspended last week on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The NYSE had extended the company a continued listing notice in December, warning them that their share price needed to rise above $1 US in order to continue trading on the exchange. When CannTrust trading was suspended last Tuesday, the price was at 64 cents.

Still, Shapiro attempted to put a positive spin on the company, which has been in a tailspin ever since a former employee blew the whistle on illegally grown cannabis at the Fenwick facility last summer.

“CannTrust determined that a court-supervised reorganization process is the best path forward as the company works towards completing its remediation plan and

Ex-employee turned whistleblower Nick Lalonde, whose revelations last summer started the dominoes falling.

VOICE resolving any remaining compliance issues, in collaboration with Health Canada, with a view toward reinstating its licenses,” Shapiro said.

However, in media release two days earlier, CannTrust said the coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly delay Health Canada’s ability to reinstate the company’s growing licence.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated what were already difficult circumstances, introducing potential delays in Health Canada’s ability to review the company’s applications for reinstatement of its Niagara and Vaughan licenses and making it even more challenging for CannTrust to attract new financing or a strategic partner,” the statement read.

Despite the company essentially being hollowed out, BNN Bloomberg reported last week that CannTrust had a cash balance of about $145 million.

Accepting New Patients We strive to make you feel comfortable, relaxed in a welcoming environment.

Location is 130 Hwy 20E, Unit A6, inside with ample free parking.

Call us today for your next appointment 905-892-0476

FREE

Delivery of all items

Stop the Spread: Call Ahead for delivery or curbside pick-up.

In Fonthill Marketplace next to Food Basics • Easy prescription transfer • Locally owned and operated • Free prescription delivery • Fast, friendly, courteous service • Free on-site compliance packaging • Seniors save every day

Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Fri, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM / Sat, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM pharmachoice.com

(905) 892-1888

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/pch663/

Services include: General, Family, and Children’s Dentistry Wisdom Teeth Removal Dental Implants Root Canal Therapy Crown & Bridge Invisalign Oral Hygiene Services Now Offering: Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas) Follow us

Dr. Thomas McMurran, DDS.

Instagram.com/fonthilldentist Facebook.com/fonthilldentist

www.fonthilldentist.com

Page 10

The Voice, April 8, 2020

ACCURSI

continued from Page 7 at times tend to be rather circuitous.”

Accursi said that this seemed to result in confusion among councillors.

“I don’t know this to be fact, and is only based on my assessment of the situation. It may be completely off base and unfair to him and council. I welcome him to the community and wish him well.”

Junkin defended Cribbs, calling it one of his few disagreements with Accursi’s assessment.

“I have been working closely with Mr. Cribbs, and feel that he has done a capable job of navigating opposing views on potential fixes to the cannabis issue,” said Junkin. “There has not been a lack of leadership by the CAO on this or other files. That assessment aside, Gary’s advice and words of wisdom should serve as food for thought to both myself and all of council.”

The following is Accursi's letter to council, with minor edits for clarity, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling to match Voice journalistic style.

Dear Mayor Junkin and Council, It is with reluctance that I write this letter, as I am sure I will be accused of merely throwing mud, and of practicing sour grapes given my former position on council and my defeat in the last election but I decided to write anyway because I felt that as a private citizen and taxpayer I have every right to comment on issues impacting this town, its reputation and my tax dollars. So here it goes!

I watched the meeting of March 2, 2020 as several items on the agenda were of

interest to me, namely the issues surrounding the cannabis matter and the issues surrounding the continued spending of unbudgeted funds.

At the outset, I would like to say how much I appreciate the hard work which the Cannabis Committee has put forward on behalf of

This obvious discord provides fuel to the cannabis industry producers if they choose to appeal

the Town and my remarks are not in any way intended to be critical of them. This town functions as well as it does because of the great work that our many community volunteers do.

My comments are directed at what I see as an unbelievable divide between this committee and the senior planning staff. Council seems unsure of which group to support. Till the meeting of March 2, this divide was for the most part behind the scenes, although somewhat apparent if one thoroughly read the various reports and watched the various presentations.

This obvious discord provides fuel to the cannabis industry producers if they choose to appeal any changes made to the various bylaws and Official Plan. It may also provide key witnesses for them from our own Town staff.

What took place on March

2, was, in my opinion, unseemly and unprofessional.

To have the type of open discord and disagreement between the Town's professional staff and a volunteer committee was unbelievable to me.

These types of discussions should have taken place at a meeting convened by the CAO and the Mayor and a resolution arrived at and presented in a unified manner to the public and the opponents of the contemplated legislative amendments and bylaws. To have had the types of discussions seen only adds fuel to the fire of the complainants.

As I continued to view the meeting, I was amazed at the report from the CAO concerning the public meeting issue and the discussion surrounding it. This report further pointed out the disagreement between the parties.

It took no sides, when again in my opinion the CAO should have supported his staff. This support should have come about by way of a thorough and complete discussion with staff around their position on the matter. Any massaging of their position should have been done at the staff level and any disagreement sorted out there.

Although the CAO could argue that he was relying on the opinion of outside counsel, I question whether that opinion argued in any way against another public meeting. It merely pointed out that council has the right to forgo this step if it is of the opinion that the changes proposed are not substantial. It further goes on to support, however, a public open house, which I would argue would still require that proper notice be given to the public.

Apparently at this open house, the Town would undertake to receive public input. Kind of sucking and blowing at the same time if you ask me. Our CAO is a lawyer and I am certain he could provide sound prac-

tical advice to this council that goes beyond mouthing the words of the Act. Could he not interpret these words in a real world and factual situation? To argue over semantics at this point in the process seems counterproductive to me. We know that the industry is going to challenge the Town regardless of the changes made.

They have made this clear.

Why not reduce their arguments.

This council and Mayor ran on openness and transparency but here we have an issue were staff is recommending a statutory public meeting and for whatever reason this council (on the wishes of the committee) are pushing back.

If one looks at all the arguments for and against, I believe a public meeting serves several purposes.

Firstly it removes the argument that the cannabis growers did not have a fair and equitable opportunity to review the proposed changes, to evaluate the impacts on their businesses and to provide input in a formal way.

Secondly, by providing this opportunity, the Town and staff will be made aware of the planning, business and legal challenges which the industry might mount on appeal, and would have an opportunity to respond to those challenges either by way of prepared arguments or by way of amendments to the changes accomplished through negotiation.

This opportunity could head-off the appeal to the changes which could prove to be long and costly for both parties. I point out that the industry has far more funding than the Town.

Lastly it would provide an opportunity for others in the public, growers of other crops and citizens alike, an opportunity to hear all the arguments for and against the changes and to provide their input.

To council, I say practice what you so loudly preached—openness and

EASTER

continued from Page 6

studio@nersesphoto.com Call or email only!

days, roosters were common within the towns and cities. The first crowing often occurred around midnight and then again in the morning. Jesus’ prediction meant that Peter would have opportunities all night long to repeat the validating claim he made when he told Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

However, despite three opportunities, the overconfident Peter denied His Lord every time. When daylight came, Jesus’ mock trial was over, and Peter lost his opportunities to defend Jesus as he had claimed he would do (Mark 14:29). It is all part of an incredible Easter story that inspired great writ-

LAMPMAN FUNERAL HOME

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca transparency should be your course of action and a formal public meeting will satisfy this regardless of the degree of changes proposed.

I realize that there will be those that read the above, who will say that I am merely an apologist for senior staff. Trust me that is not the case and never has

I tried to do these things without being insulting and derogatory

been.

Look at my record. There was no one who was harder on staff and demanded more from them than I. I was never afraid to ask tough questions but I tried to do these things without being insulting and derogatory.

After reading staff reports, ask your questions of staff in the days leading up to the meeting. Give them a heads-up that questions are coming at council. It's a long four years when you are in an adversarial environment and it will limit what you will be able to accomplish.

I would like to make one further comment on the cannabis matter. I am shocked that this council is having the Cannabis Control Committee respond to the letters put forward by legal teams for the various growers of cannabis. These matters represent serious legal challenges to the Town and the response should only come from the Mayor and council after a thorough vetting from legal. To direct a volunteer committee to deal with these matters is beyond the pale.

I wonder who holds le-

ers like Tolkin and Lewis and built a foundation for their faith. Eleven of the 12 apostles were martyred for their faith. The Apostle John survived. This coming weekend we celebrate Easter with all its incredible events. Easter celebrates the rising of Christ from the grave three days after his crucifixion.

For well over 1500 years, Christians have used this period of roughly seven weeks to prepare their souls for Easter Day. Easter is the holiday that celebrates and commemorates the central event of the Christian faith, being the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death. Jesus is the Son of God and heroically gave His life to die for our sins. The third day after He died we celebrate as Easter Sunday. That day His friends went to His grave, found the large stone block-

gal liability with respect to their response. Are the committee members insured against such matters?

The minute there is a legal challenge or a hint of one, the matter should rest with Mayor and council, senior staff and the Town’s legal advisors, not with a volunteer committee.

Now on to the spending of unbudgeted funds. This council has constantly cried poor and stated that there is no money for anything.

They developed a budget which showed a substantial tax increase to all citizens and yet every time one turns around, they are passing motions to spend more money. Money not budgeted for and therefore not provided for.

At the meeting which I am commenting on, council spent money off budget when it approved another $30,000 for outside legal advice for the Cannabis Committee. It was only two weeks previous that $50,000 was approved. I think the council has now spent or authorized in excess of $100,000 on this matter, much of which was unbudgeted. This represents another approximate 1% on the levy to the taxpayer.

When will this end—or is there an open account here.

Would it not have been prudent to have obtained a fixed contract price to complete the work necessary to bring forward the changes necessary?

Further, would it not have been prudent to have had staff involved in the discussions? How much staff time has been spent, and therefore money, on developing reports that appear for the most part to be ignored?

If the Town is going to rely on the outside experts then why has staff spent their time on reports?

There is plenty for them to do without writing reports which basically go ignored.

Lastly, was the procurement policy of the Town See ACCURSI next page

ing the tomb rolled away. Jesus’ body was not inside, just His grave clothes.

They then saw an angel outside the tomb who told them, "Don't be afraid!

I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as He said it would happen.”

Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year. All the Christian movable feasts and the entire liturgical year of worship are arranged around Easter.

In three short days, the disciples and family of Christ went from hopelessness to hopeful— from devastation to celebration, from defeat to victory!

Because of the cross and the tomb, you have a hope in Christ!

Paul Bryant Fenwick

CREMATION AND BURIAL Services

Our family serving your family since 1911

724 CANBORO ROAD, FENWICK

www.lampmanfuneralhome.com

call: 905-892-4701

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

ACCURSI

continued from previous page followed with respect to the hiring of the planners and legal firm?

The gypsy moth issue is another example where council considered going off budget. The budget set aside $150,000 to address the problem this year, and yet a substantial amount of time was spent debating increasing the taxation on the public by another half percent, a move that would increase the area sprayed but would not cover all the areas needed.

A great deal of time was spent arguing with staff on how this should be done, despite staff advising on numerous occasions that it could not be done the way council envisioned. Kind of "getting' in the weeds" don't you think?

Eventually, rational thought won out and a motion to proceed as budgeted moved forward, however with a proviso that the issue could be revisited.

The Town should look after the Town lands (as was planned when the budget was struck) and provide information to the public on how they can take care of their own properties. This is the only fair and equitable way to proceed other than spraying the entire Town (at a cost of more than $1 million dollars). The lessons learned last year with respect to spraying private property and then trying to collect the amount fronted by the Town should be a lesson well- learned.

Creating the position of in-house counsel is another example of offthe-books spending. While I like the idea of shared services and I can see a business case which could be made to bring some matters in house, I would think that the legal issues which cost the most money will still need to seek outside expertise. The responsibility of taking on a new employee is significant. It is all too easy to hire and not so easy to remove an employee. Have the issues which could realistically be handled in house been identified and quantified in terms of hours and then

The Voice, April 8, 2020 dollars. I question whether the Town can hire an experienced municipal lawyer or, for that matter, even an experienced generalist, for $75-$90 dollars. In fact, if you do hire at $90/ hour, this amounts to substantially more when you add the costs of all benefits and liabilities.

Would the legal liabilities of the Town increase by doing our own work in house as opposed to relying on outside counsel to whom the Town could claim against if an issue went off the rails? Is there a contract with the current outside firm? Has any thought been given to looking at hiring a paralegal to handle the simple and mundane matters? I would argue that this would be a great deal more cost effective.

Certainly with the expertise of the CAO overseeing such matters, this might be a viable alternative. This direction represents more unbudgeted money to be spent. Will the taxes be further increased? If not, what services might be cut to offset the expenditures?

I would also like to comment on the hiring of a policy planner. I realize that the hire has already been done and I wish the new planner well, and I am sure she will work hard for the Town, but I do worry about these types of long-term commitments. I certainly understand that the zoning bylaw is very outdated (the past council was virtually at the point of having public input into the new bylaw) and that the Official Plan needs review but again I wonder about the wisdom of taking on another full-time employee. Will this position become redundant once these issues are resolved and the period of rapid growth and development passes?

Contracting may have proved cheaper and more efficient with less long term liability to the Town. Was this option even evaluated? What were the results?

My last observation of concern, which I would like to draw to the attention of the Mayor and council, is a breach in the Code of Ethics and Confidentiality which occurred during

the meeting and went completely unrecognized and unchallenged by the chair. Legal advice given in camera is to be kept confidential, as its revelation may in fact hurt the legal position of the Town at some point. I will not name the councillor involved but I believe if the video of the meeting is reviewed it will become abundantly apparent when the breach occurred. The chair should have stopped the speaker in his tracks, spoken to him regarding the breach and not allowed him to proceed with his quoting of the advice.

Councillors have been removed from meetings for less.

It begs the question, if this can occur in an open meeting of council without recognition, what information gets revealed over a coffee or in a social setting or to the press without actually realizing that a breach has occurred.

Perhaps a review of these issues should occur.

I realize council has many challenges in front of them but I also realize the importance of having a committed staff which knows it is appreciated for its expertise. I think your actions need to reinforce this.

Being supportive of staff does not preclude a hearty discussion and question-and-answer period, but at the end of the day there needs to be a realization that they are the professionals who carry out the policy direction of council.

It is not up to council to run the day to day operations of the Town.

Councillor Kore said in the meeting that he felt he got elected to make the tough decisions. Sometimes the toughest decisions are to support staff and to say no to the public, even if they are hard-working volunteers or taxpayers in your ward.

You, as council, are to be the ones informed on the issues at hand and need to act as such. Make the hard decisions for the entire town!

Thank you for your time and your service to the community.

Yours truly, G. E. Accursi, DDS, MSc.

Page 11

Sobeys enhances safety measures

Sobeys Fonthill checkout on Saturday.

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Michael Medine, Sobeys president and CEO, announced last weekend an enhancement to customer health and safety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Effective immediately, one-way aisles will be in place,” wrote Medine in an email to customers.

“Staff will remind customers to practice physical distancing, encourage families to designate one family member to shop for their family, will continue to disinfect shopping carts and hand baskets before giving them to customers, and ask customers who bring reusable bags to pack their own groceries.”

Sobeys Fonthill franchi-

DON RICKERS

see Ron Kore told the Voice that he, “follows the corporate guidelines given to me.”

A staff member is conspicuous in the Highway 20 store entrance, wiping cart handles with disinfectant, and offering a greeting.

Similarly, Mike Zolli, South Pelham Sobeys franchisee, has acknowledged that he abides by head office decisions. Zolli has a security guard in front of his store, counting customers. He said that the recent counts have not exceeded 50, but that the precise cutoff depends on a matrix of variables, including the number of checkouts that are in service, and the square footage of the grocery store.

Limits are also in place at Food Basics and the LCBO store in Fonthill.

Page 12

The Voice, April 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Business SPOTLIGHT

Working where you live makes perfect sense Hours on QEW replaced by three-minute commute

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

After years of commuting to the Hamilton/Toronto area to work in the financial industry, mortgage broker Miles Kulik decided to bid the highway farewell, and open an office in the same small town where he resides. The smile on his face confirms Fonthill was the right decision.

A resident of Pelham for ten years, Kulik loves the lifestyle in Niagara. That view is shared by his wife, Jeannette, who has roots in Welland, and is a dental faculty member in the School of Applied Health Sciences at Niagara College. Daughter Emma completes the family picture.

Kulik’s new office—TMG, The Mortgage Group—is located next to Pelham Printing Promotions, and across the street from Desjardins Insurance, on Hwy 20 West.

It’s a compact space, but it’s all that Kulik requires. Previously he shared office space around the corner on Pelham Street.

With 20 years in the business, he has written some 2000 residential and commercial mortgages. The average mortgage was $80,000

OBITUARY

Len Stolk, left, with fellow Wellspring riders.

Mortgage broker and close commuter Miles Kulik. when he started his career, he said with a laugh.

Growing up in the Windsor area, Kulik earned an undergrad degree at Western, followed by a mortgage broker diploma program at Seneca College. An MBA from Queen’s tops off his educational qualifications.

Community service has always been important to Kulik. He has commenced a three-year term on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity, and was a girls basketball coach for six years with the Niagara Basketball Academy and Welland War-

riors. He is eager to roll up his sleeves with local, Pelham-based charitable efforts like Summerfest.

Discussing the current global pandemic, Kulik said, “How does the business world react going forward? We know the next few months, at minimum, we’ll be dealing with some difficult situations. But six months from now, what will businesses contemplate? The recovery phase may very well prove to be more painful than the initial shock phase.”

Kulik noted that statistically the real estate industry

DON RICKERS

in Canada was the biggest part of our GDP for last number of years.

“I see here an opportunity to help people here who have been previously getting mortgage expertise from further afield,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time building a client base, establishing relationships.”

Having travelled extensively across the country, Kulik is not shy about proclaiming that, to his mind, Niagara is the best place to live in Canada. “I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.

SUPPLIED

Local surgeon can't mask his gratitude Contractor's donation helps protect medical workers

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

About a week ago, Welland-based surgeon Dr. Peter Willard had a particularly bad day.

“I had a number of patients slated for cancer surgeries, which had been previously postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I came in to the hospital on the rescheduled day to perform the operations, only to find that my patients’ cancer surgeries had been cancelled yet again, because the hospital had run out of surgical masks for all but critical procedures. So I got pretty upset about that.”

Most hospitals have stopped all elective surgery, according to Willard, but most people don't fully appreciate what that means.

“If you've got a cancer, that's considered elective. If you have a hernia that’s causing you a lot of grief, that's elective. If you’ve got a broken bone, well, that's an emergency, so that get’s done. But it’s all been very dramatic.”

In desperation, Willard called Len Stolk, whom he had met at a Wellspring Niagara fundraiser—a bike ride —last year. Both are avid cyclists, and both live in Fenwick.

Stolk is president of a family-run construction business in Port Colborne, and Willard thought he might be able to source a supply of N95 masks. An N95 is a respiratory proSee MASKS next page

Passed away peacefully at Northland Point Nursing Home on Tuesday, April 1, 2020 in her 76th year.

Beloved wife of 51 years to John. Loving mother of Michael, Sean (Cathy), Jeff (Sarah) and Chris (Kelly).

Cherished grandmother of Malcolm, Kage, Hailey, Emerson, Katarina and Felicia. Predeceased by her brother Anthony. Betty was a registered nurse who worked most of her career at the Welland Hospital until her time of retirement in 2004. She was a long time member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fonthill and we be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Northland Point, especially the staff at Port Place. In keeping with Betty’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Building Capital Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.pedlarfuneralhome.ca

We offer year round services from grass cutting to snow removal.

Locally owned and operated since 2005.

Flexible payment plans or equal billing options.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Get all the discounts you deserve I’m here to confirm you’re saving all you can on your insurance.

Stop in, call or click to contact me today.

Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill ON L0S 1E0 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk@desjardins.com www.bobkilyk.com

Ph: 905-892-8608 Email: fairhavengardens@hotmail.com

1201040CN.1

SAYLOR, Mary “Betty” Elizabeth (nee Madsen)

Call Fairhaven Gardens to book your 2020 services.

Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply.

Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products. Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

AT THE LIBRARY

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Page 13

Amy Guilmette, Acting CEO

Branches are closed but library staff still providing to community

I

n this time of historic isolation, the Pelham Public Library would like to do our part to help Pelham residents keep busy and engaged at home.

We miss saying hello and welcoming you into our library. We miss the stories you share about yourselves, your children, your grandchildren, and your pets. We miss your feedback on the books you’ve read and the movies you’ve seen. We would love to hear how you are doing and encourage you to send us a message. A list of staff email addresses can be found on our website. If you do not have access to email, please feel free to call the library at 905-892-6443, and leave us a message. A library staff member will call you back — even if it’s just to say “hello.” To each and every one of you, we are thinking of you. We hope you are keeping well and we look forward to seeing you again.

The Library has numerous services and programs online for you to use to read/listen/watch: Hoopla, Overdrive, RB Digital, and more. Check out our programming on Facebook and You-

Tube. Our book club has moved online using e-book and audiobook titles available through Hoopla. No library card? Email admin@pelhamlibrary.on. ca and we will be happy to sign you up.

Our children’s staff have reached out to local educators. They can provide online resource assistance to students, parents, and teachers as they shift to online learning. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Bennett if you need help with resources to support your child with online school assignments or would like suggestions for e-books to keep them reading.

This week, look for eggs on your neighbours’ windows. We are starting a neighbourhood window walk on Monday and this week’s theme is eggs. This is a chance to get crafty with your kids to create some window art for others to enjoy while they are out for a walk and maintaining social distancing.

One final request. We have started an archive project to record our community’s experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to reflect our community response during this unprecedented time and how we managed

together. It may help us highlight areas of strength and the challenges faced by the community. We are preserving a piece of history and the personal side will reveal much more than any graph or survey.

To do this, we need journal entries, stories, pictures, and artwork from all ages representing all of Pelham that create a snapshot of our lives during this time. We want to capture the event and your experiences in the moment to reflect the feelings, acts, and lives of our community. Please submit your entries to nward@pelhamlibrary.on.ca or hold on to them to submit in person when we reopen. We hope many will respond and give us as much information as possible to pass on to future generations.

In the coming weeks we will be adding many new ways to interact with your library. We will share this information through our website as well as our social media accounts.

As the heart of the community, the Pelham Public Library would like to do our part, so please let us know what we can do for you!

COVID-19 WILL BE AROUND FOR AWHILE Shortly after the conclusion of last Friday's Emergency Control Group meeting at Fire Station No. 1, Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner illustrated for Mayor Marvin Junkin the predicted course of the pandemic. From the initial peak of infections that the world is seeing now, continued cycles of infection will occur, with gradually diminishing peaks, over the next 12 to 18 months, by which time either a vaccine, an effective treatment, or both will ideally be available.

VOICE

MASKS

continued from previous page tective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and 95% filtration of airborne particles.

Not only did Stolk email some 200 business contacts in an effort to help out, he went through his own company’s supply and found 150 masks, which he gave to Willard for use by Niagara Health.

This act of benevolence should come as no real surprise, given Stolk Construction’s record of giving back to the local community. The

United Way of South Pelham, Port Cares, Pelham Pirates, Canal Days, and Port Colborne’s annual New Year Kidz Carnival have all benefitted from the company’s involvement in the past.

The N95 mask is considered the necessary standard for medical use and highrisk environments, but Willard noted that, “ifyou’re walking to the shopping mall during the pandemic and have safety concerns, I think a simple dusk mask is probably quite reasonable.”

He noted that in countries like Japan, it is culturally acceptable to wear masks in

public if there is an outbreak of upper-respiratory infections, and hence the masks are readily available.

Although the medical standard for surgical masks is that they should be used for only one procedure, the reality now is that medical staff are reusing them, said Willard.

“They gave me my mask on Friday, and told me to take it home, and bring it back for use the next week.

The shortage is that acute.”

Stories in the news suggest that Canada will be receiving a supply of six million masks from China

soon, in part a reciprocation for the medical supplies Canada sent to China when the pandemic first broke.

“How they get distributed becomes a bit of an issue,” said Willard. “But the bottom line is we haven't seen them yet.”

Willard noted that his routine has been “completely obliterated” with the arrival of the coronavirus.

As a surgeon, he normally spends half his time in the operating room, and the other half seeing 75 to 100 patients a week in his office. These days, he consults online or by telephone, and

Bear(s) with us Glynn A. Green students use Teddy bears to connect

BY HELEN TRAN Take a stroll down a neighborhood street in Fonthill these days, and you will no doubt see the results of physical distancing — empty streets, silent avenues and closed doors. When encountered, other walkers might cross to the opposite end of the street as a safety measure. However, a glimpse into the window of a nearby house might reveal the friendly face of a teddy bear. In another window, another teddy bear looks out onto the street.

Then another.

The Grade 6 class at Glynn A. Green Public School has taken on a project dubbed, “The Teddy Bear Walk.” It is a game currently being played all over the world to give children (and adults) something fun to do during a time of isolation and distancing.

Under the guidance of their teacher, Michelle Furtney, all 26 students have placed a bear in the window of their home, or their parents’ business in town. The students have contacted five different people asking them to put a bear in their window, with the hope that these five people will then each contact another five people.

The idea was to give families and anyone walking by something positive to notice and talk about, and to distract from the stressors of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The teddy bear, a universal symbol of comfort and care, would hopefully inspire a sense of connection amongst neighbors. It would also be a useful educational tool—parents could discuss the teddy bears with their children, and kids could use

the teddy bears as a mapping exercise, or simply as a positive visual.

The movement grew quickly. Soon after it began, one parent contacted Furtney and said that someone had already placed a teddy bear in their window even before being contacted to join, because they had seen one during a walk and wished to do the same. Furtney has also noticed that people walking by will smile when they see the teddy bear in the window.

A teacher for some 15 years, Furtney asked each student to write a letter explaining why they would put a bear in their window, and how it made them feel when they saw another bear during a walk with their family. The responses included, “to show connection to our neighbourhood, friends, and family,” “to give younger children something happy to look forward to each day,” and “to show we care.” Other responses said that when a child saw another bear, “I will think that person is smiling at me,” or “it’s like giving someone a hug.”

According to Furtney, the project has brought joy to her students, who “like the ownership of having an initiative.” She hopes that other families will be inspired to put teddy bears in their windows, and that the movement will spread through all of Pelham.

In certain windows, there might be a rainbow alongside the teddy bear. This was a previous project Furtney had done with her students.

All who place a teddy bear in their window can also place a rainbow, to show that despite the uncertainty of the current times, that “brighter days are coming.”

meets with only 10 to 15 patients a week in person. He wears personal protective gear in his office.

The doctor’s best defense against the virus?

“Wash your hands. Often.

Soap and water, for 20 seconds.”

Asked about his view on the current state of the pandemic, Willard is not very optimistic.

“I don’t think we’re anywhere near flattening the curve yet. At this point, we're definitely in the ascending part of the curve.

This is going to take a lot longer than most people

think….a year to 18 months is not unrealistic for full containment.”

Relapses are inevitable as time passes, said Willard.

“People kind of relax and try to get back to normal again. We're not going to achieve the herd immunity we’d have if we took no precautions and just let the virus run rampant. But the result of that would be a couple million deaths. I think most of us would rather not swamp the ICUs and have our loved ones dying. So it’s the right approach that Canada is taking.”

Special to the VOICE

Page 14

STAGECRAFT

continued from Page 17 so I can look at the ring up close.

Then she wraps her arms around my neck, so now I’m overpowered by her Champs-Élysées Par Nuit, or whatever it is she wears. Philip comes over too and I give him a hug.

“Thank you, Mrs. Mosley. Phil and I are so happy. My jaw dropped when he proposed. I had no idea.”

She looks at Philip like she could devour him along with his tumbler of whisky, but she’s not a drinker—or so she’d like me to believe.

He looks at her as if I’m not in the room. I could disappear right where I’m sitting and they wouldn’t notice.

I swallow my gin and think I must do something about the awkward silence. I’m uncomfortable now and in my own house. It’s different when you deliberately plant a silence to unsettle someone else.

That’s aplomb. This is just rude.

“So tell me, when is the big day?

I must prepare my lists.”

Now they look at each other like there’s a bad smell in the room.

Then they walk back to the sofa and sit. She steals a glance at him and ever so slightly shrugs her shoulders like whatever’s going on has nothing to do with her.

“August, Mother, but it will be a private ceremony. Just ourselves, two witnesses and the minister.

Not even Angela’s family. So no need for you to make lists.”

He glances at her and she nods.

She’s still nodding, like one of those plastic bobble-head things, when she turns to me and bares her teeth again, but says nothing.

“I see. Philip, darling, could I have another gin and lime please?”

He takes my glass and goes into the kitchen.

If it was up to him I know he’d have a proper wedding, but she wants it on the quiet. Not that she could parade down a church aisle in a white gown, not at her age and not with, shall I say, her experience.

“My dear girl you must be so excited.”

“I am excited, Mrs. Mosley. I can’t tell you how happy we are.”

“Please my dear, call me Imogen. We are to be family after all.”

“Thank you. Imogen. That’s grand.”

“Nonsense, darling. If I’d known you were this far—oh dear, there I go again—I would have told you to call me Imogen ages ago.”

That’s it, I’m done. It’s her turn.

I refuse to do all the work.

She stands up and angles her thumb towards the hallway like she’s hitchhiking. “Excuse me, Imogen, I’m just going to powder my nose.”

I nod and watch her leave the room. There’s no sign of a bump.

Anyway she’s all of forty, I believe.

Still, not too old to be “in the club,” as we used to say, but children would not be a good idea at her age. So much can go wrong. And Philip is fifty-five—not a good age to be a father for the first time. I mean, think of it, when the child’s ten he’ll be sixty-five. I’ll be ninety if I’m here at all. And she’ll be whatever she is. He’d be up against it with a child, what with writing his books and keeping her ladyship happy and making sure I’m all right. I don’t make demands now but who knows what I’ll be like when I’m ninety?

He returns with my drink. I’ll have to sip this one. I wouldn’t want them to think I enjoy it more than I should, though I could drain the bloody bottle right now. I hold on until she returns and then I raise my glass.

“Cheers again, my darlings.

Here’s to your hearts’ desire.” And she can take that to mean whatever she likes.

We raise our glasses and I take a

The Voice, April 8, 2020 good swill.

“Your father proposed to me in London, you know. At The Ivy. Did I ever tell you, Philip? Oh. I did? Anyway my dear Angela, it was the final night of Arsenic and Old Lace, and the Royal Court had just signed James on for the next season. He ordered champagne, naturally. When it came he popped the cork and went down on his knee to pop the question. Everyone turned to watch. Peggy Ashcroft and a rather young Helen Mirren were at the next table. I tried to speak but I was laughing so hard I couldn’t, and so with tears in my eyes from laughing I just nodded my head. Everyone cheered and clapped and ordered more champagne. We stayed on until well after midnight, and the cabs were lined up at the door. It was a glorious night.”

I really wonder about that girl.

She just smiles and stares at her feet. At least Philip, who’s already heard the story, has the grace to laugh and raise his glass again, covering nicely for her lack of savoir-faire. So, bravo, Philip, I say. But now I can see he wants to speak.

“Another announcement, Mother. Tomorrow we’re taking you to Arms and the Man. Angela bought tickets for the matinée. We’ll come back here afterwards and have that lovely dinner you’ve planned. What do you say?”

“Marvelous, Darling.

Thank you so much. Angela—you’re sure you don’t mind my coming along?

I’m quite happy to pay my way you know.”

“Absolutely not, Imogen. I want to do this. You’ve been so kind to me. And we’ve got front row.”

He must have told her about my hearing impairment. What am I saying? I’m near enough deaf. Call a spade a spade. People are afraid to speak the truth these days. You can’t say crippled or blind or stupid or deaf any more. Though if you’re old you’re still fair game it seems.

“Thank you Angela.”

I don’t trust her at all. She’s currying favour now, that’s obvious.

Still, Arms and the Man does take me back.

“James played Bluntschli at The Haymarket. Alec Guinness was Major Petkoff and, can you believe it, a very young Judi Dench was Raina. It won an Evening Standard award and dear James was forever after my Chocolate Cream Soldier.”

I

have to say our Chocolate Cream Soldier at the Shaw was damned awful. More like the Steadfast Tin version—rigid doesn’t begin to describe him. He walked the stage like he was squeezing a pomegranate between his buttocks. Naturally I didn’t share this with Philip and the grand duchess. I just said it was a marvelous show, which it was, except for his royal stiffness.

Things become unpleasant after we get home, as I feared they might. We’ve just finished our lamb on the patio and Philip’s discussing a film option on his book when Angela says right out of the blue, “Hon, are you going to tell Imogen about our plans or would you rather I did?”

Incredible! Poor Philip’s knocked right off his plate, and he stares at her for a moment.

“Well?” she says, smiling at him like butter wouldn’t melt. At least she doesn’t say Hun again. Hun was a Vandal and his name was Attila, not Phil.

He shifts in his chair and looks at me. I raise an eyebrow and hold it just so as I wait for him to speak.

He clears his throat. “Angela and I plan to live in her condo when we’re married. We talked about it last night and I wanted to tell you.”

I smile and look at her. Her face

is quite set but she doesn’t look up because she’s laying down her knife and fork—four o’clock on the plate, not six, dear girl.

“We hope you understand, Mother. Naturally I’ll be moving my things out when the time comes. And then you’ll have the house to yourself again.”

What can I say? Of course this is her doing. With her parents long dead and her children grown up three’s a crowd. Scheming cow.

She’s been around the block a few times, you can see. And Philip is so naïve. She’s wound him ‘round her little finger along with that bloody ring, all the while pretending to be so simpering and—what—vestal, I suppose. Well, that’s long gone girl, and you do have grown-up children, remember?

“Mother?”

“Oh goodness me. I’m sorry. I went blank. What’s there to un-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca and for the show this afternoon.

I’m off to bed and will leave you two lovebirds alone at last. I have to be up early and water my annuals before the sun gets too hot.

After breakfast we can do a walk around the garden. Everything’s so fresh then, and you’ll see how busy I’ve been with my secateurs. Snip snip. Anyway, I’ll say goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Imogen. Thank you for a lovely day.”

“Goodnight, Mother.”

“Goodnight, Son. Goodnight, my dear.” After hugs all round I leave them standing together in the kitchen and think again that my poor boy has no idea what he’s got himself into. Even when she bade me goodnight she was looking at him like she couldn’t wait to maul him to death.

How will he fit in when they are married? Her children already bounce back and forth between her and their father and now they’ll have to make room for a stepfather they hardly know. I’m thinking of Christmas and birthdays and vacations. Who gets to decide what? She does, of course. It’s not Philip’s thing. He isn’t used to complications—he writes mysteries.

I

derstand? You must do as you wish, Son. This has nothing to do with me or what I understand or don’t understand. It’s your life.” God, I nearly said funeral. Caught myself in time. I must watch what I drink.

“Thank you, Mother. We don’t want to upset you. I know it’ll be a big change. But we’ll visit often.

And you must come up and stay with us. Angela’s condo is quite large. Right, darling?”

She smiles again. Just a simper this time, and not the whole ivory brigade. I’ll bet she’s a different kettle of fish when she’s dropped her knickers and got her legs up in the air.

“Of course this will take some getting used to, Son. Naturally I thought Angela might want to get out of the city and move down here though I know she likes the view from on high. But the house is more than big enough and of course I’d be quite happy with the granny flat. It’s as much as I need.

But no, you two must be together wherever you think best.”

“Thank you, Imogen. You’re very understanding. I intend to keep my job and I’d hate to be far from Emily and Ethan. So it makes sense on all counts, really.”

I look away before she can smile again. “Indeed it does my dear, but please don’t give it another thought.”

We have dessert and coffee. She declines my offer of brandy—a digestif, my dear?—and offers to clear up in the kitchen while Philip and I retire to the lounge. I want to talk to him about what I’m absolutely certain is her plan. She’s a big-city girl who needs the bright lights and refuses to work down here even with a brand new hospital in the area. You’d think she’d want to work in what they call a state-of-the-art facility rather than that decrepit Victorian mausoleum.

But the brandy has made me sleepy and I know Philip wants time with her. I collect my book from the mantelpiece and he accompanies me to the kitchen so I can say goodnight.

“My dear Angela, this has been such an exciting evening and thank you so much for clearing up. Oh,

’m awake by seven. The house is quiet. Not surprising after the night they had. Regrettably, I left my window open for the breeze.

She’s a shouter that one.

I come downstairs and go into his study. I pull out the chair and switch on his computer.

An hour later I have all I need. It’ll take me a while to get the right medications but I have the time. And I have my source. Mr. Carey does owe me a favour—in over his head he was, before my— intervention. It wasn’t difficult to persuade dear old Eugenia Morris that he was really an excellent pharmacist who just happened to make an honest mistake with her prescription. Her medications are never straightforward, I reminded her, and she takes so many.

They’ll be away for a few weeks, then I’ll host a little reception when they return. Lots of lovely chilled sparkling water for Angela.

I must manage this carefully and not overlook anything. I hope he’s not allowed himself to get too attached to her. He’s made commitments before and he always managed to find a way out. Well, he won’t have to this time.

He’ll be fine on his own. A movie contract now. He’s such a clever writer. What an imagination. And thank you, who’s his mother? The apple and the tree and all that. And it was James who gave him his way with words.

Philip wrote his father’s eulogy, though he didn’t deliver it himself.

He asked Trevor Peacock, who had acted with James in The Homecoming. I didn’t much like the play because of the language. Pinter’s not my cup of tea. James knew Harold of course. Years before in London he was in The Caretaker with that lovely man Lee Lawson who married Twiggy. Anyway, Harold was quite ill himself in London when James passed away but he sent a lovely tribute that someone else read at the memorial.

Glenda Jackson and Judi Dench sent condolences, as did Maggie of course—Maggie adored James’s work. Patrick Stewart and Michael Gambon each sent a very funny anecdote about James. Michael said something quite cheeky about James’s Bottom.

When he comes downstairs I’ll mention my predicament. It can’t wait any longer.

F

inally I hear him go into the study. He always checks his messages first thing. But when he comes out again he seems

agitated. He’s looking at me rather strangely and I can see he wants to say something, but I make him sit down and be quiet while I pour his coffee. She’s still upstairs in bed, no doubt still worn out from all that activity. I wish he had gagged her. But he seems sprightly enough this morning, at fifty-five no less. He’s not his father’s son for nothing.

“I have more money than I need, my darling boy,” I begin, “and I have my health. But all this is a bit of a blow and I need time to absorb it.” He shakes his head and starts to speak.

“Please don’t interrupt me, because I must say my piece. You and your Angela will have a wonderful life together, at least I hope so. But she already has a family, so you’ll always be the outsider and you have no idea how that will complicate things for you. She’s an attractive girl, in a spare sort of way of course, and I know you’re infatuated. But there’s something else.”

I wave his hand away.

“Although I’m in no way dependent on you, we have lived under this same roof for ten years since your father died and I’m not getting any younger.”

I can see he doesn’t like what I’m telling him but it’s high time he heard me out. I can be firm when I have to be.

“So what arrangements will you make for me when I’m on my own and unable to look after myself? Angela has responsibilities to her son and daughter and you have yours to me, though I would never say that in so many words.

What happens when that day comes Philip? The day I can’t get out of bed or the day I do get out of bed and break a hip? My mind is sound enough but I can do nothing about my body getting older.

I still have some friends here, I know. They’re not all dead yet but they’ll peg out soon enough. Eugenia’s slowly going gaga among her azaleas and Sally’s become a recluse since she took to drink.

Mabel’s in a home—I see her twice a week. Not a pleasant experience though it’s a nice enough place. It costs her family an arm and leg to keep her there but they can afford it. Did I tell you? Someone tipped them off about Nortel and they sold before it went belly up. I have my volunteering, too.

But now they’re saying people my age should have to retake the driving test. Well, that would do it for me. With public transport what it is out here in the country, or rather with what it isn’t, I’ll be in a spot. The same spot day and night. This very spot. A cavernous house with me knocking about in it while you’re a hundred miles away and fifty stories up in a condo with your new wife, though you never had an old wife, except now you do, old and new at the same time if you see what I mean.

Why are you getting up? I’m not finished.”

He stares at me—for the longest time. I’m about to tell him he’s being rude, but then he speaks.

“Is it Angela or me that you have it in for?”

“What on earth are you talking about? Have it in for? What do you mean, Philip?”

“I was on my computer just now and had to go to my browser history. You don’t know much about these things, Mother, but unless you clear the history it shows where you’ve been. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“No. I mean, yes. I don’t know.”

“Is it Angela or me?”

I let my face go limp. I know Philip, he caves so easily. My secret is always to underplay a reaction. I lower my face into my hands and do the stirrednot-shaken routine. I’ve done it See STAGECRAFT next page

Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30. Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 hour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN

Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have

accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.

PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! aremore provided. timeyour of local registration, please enquire about tools ed.org needed.

For informationAt contact community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamBUSINESS OPPS. MORTGAGES library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m.

PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT DECLINED SALE BY YOUR BANK? ATTN: ONTARIO INVENTORS!!

WE CAN HELP! Buy, sell or Inventing trade used Arena.

Aimed to provide Need Help?equipment at the Pelham cheaper options for players in this upcoming1 season.

Runs Sept. 6 from Call Davison!! , 2 , 3 MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Ideas Wanted!

9-12 in the morning.

Renovations, Tax Arrears CALL DAVISON TODAY:

rd

Mortgage Arrears, Debt problems

1-800-256-0429

CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!!

PELHAM MUDFEST OR VISIT US AT: CUT MONTHLY PAYMENTS Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is UP TO 75% Inventing.Davison.com/Ontario held atFREE Bissil’s Hideaway.

No Income, Bad Credit Inventor’s Guide!!

Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”

We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood

flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2 • laminate flooring from $.89/ft2 • carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2 • fibre flooring from $1/ft2 • ceramic tile from $.89/ft2 ...and other specials!

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

Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811

No Sunday Calls, Please TF

Bankruptcy, Proposal Power of Sale Stopped!!!

NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION FREE APPRAISALS ADVERTISING Rodeo, games and live entertainment headlineCALL thisUS years exciting event. It FIRST FOR A FREE CONSULTATION runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.

1-800-282-1169

BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE www.mortgageontario.com The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive(Licence ride taking place on Sept. #10969) 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Family Cancer Centre.

REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL!

BUSINESSES. Page 15

Yard & Shed MOVING Burke’s Masonry SALE, Large collection FONTHILL PLACE AD BY EMAIL OR PHONE E.YOUR L. Crossley Keith’s Restau Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christmas and holiday office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Churchill Natural Meats Target Store decorations and householdHours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690 step repair, granite Shoppers Drug Mart Pennzoil Quic coatings, brick slices items, SAT. AUG. 30, 8AM- Fonthill Library Lazy Loon 1PM 625 METLER RD, P18-28 905-682-7061.

Town of Pelham Pharmasave FLOORING CUSTOM MILL NORTH PELHAM P18-23 Cafe on Main Avondale Stor

CLASSIFIEDS

• Birth announcements • 50th and greater wedding anniversaries • 90,ing 95, 100-plus birthday announcements grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle,

nd

LOOK FOR EXTRA COPIE AT THESE FINE AREA

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Place these ads for 30 words + photo been exploring andfree! performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp-

st

proofing, drainage systems, clothes and more, very reaquarry stone supply, place- sonable, SATURDAY AUG. P18-27 ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23 30, 8AM-3PM

WANTED

FIREARMS WANTED FOR APRIL 18th, Your Classified AdCLUB or Display Ad would appear WALKING 2020 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, in weekly newspapers each week across Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria.

Auction orArena PurOntario in urban, areas. Join Interested insuburban walkingand in rural Pelham? them Tuesdays at the Pelham chase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items.

For more information Call Today from 9-10647-350-2558. am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am.

There Contact Paul, Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ or www.switzersauction.com.

pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

Community Events Listings Putting on an event?

Tell the town!

Community Event Classified ads are available in blocks of 30 words for $10 incl. HST. Thanks for supporting your Voice!

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

905-892-8690

Portable Beamer’s sawmill service.

Pro Hardware I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs.

Sobey’s Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patterson, FENWICK McDonald’s 905-401-4948, Avondale Stor riverwood@primus.ca Fonthill Legion

O

START T

” REPAIR “TU R NMASONRY

Tim Hortons Semenuk’s Pic’s ALLTYPE MASONRY Brick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs.

Klagers

Fenwick Sub S Golden Grill Devries Fruit F Ridderikhoff M

R YOUWet and damaged basement repairs.

Phone Tom Deamude at 289-241-4767.

PAPER ROUTES AVAILAB years of construction experience.

VINYL 35INTO

CASH!GOLF LESSONS

PANCAKE,PICKWICK • 97 PAPE

BERKWOOD, BEECHNUT, KATHY, DEVERARDO (SOUTH)• Golf lessons for all ability levels with CGTF/USGTF Master96 PAPE

PLACE YOUR Professional. Indoors or outdoors. Packages of multiple

GARAGE

DONAHUGH,SHALDAN lessons available. Please callBROCK, Doug at 905-327-1492 for PETRONELLA • 109 PAPERS pricing and appointment.

SALE

CONTACT THE VOICE AT CHILD CARE

905.892.8690

Hillis Child Care Before and after school program located in Fenwick Hot breakfast and snacks, homework help. email: On bus route for Public, Christian andoffice@thevoiceofpelham.

Catholic schools.

289-455-1785, michellhnhillis@gmail.com Competitive rates.

AD WITH US!

why not

CALL...

2 Paper Routes

NEW ADVERTISING OPPORTU

Available in Fonthill

Route 45-Part of Hurri905.892.8690 cane Road (15 Homes) Routed 30-Peachtree, Hillcrest, Pinecrest, Spencer, part of Haist (82 Homes)

to reach your market coming soon Watch for early previews of our

Attention!

NEW, EXCITING WEBSITE Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook.

Great for students, children, adults, seniors, and everyone who likes Call (905) 892-8690 fresh air and exercise.

PAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE!

HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES

but this is a whole differ- DECLARATION STAGECRAFT Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable continued from previous page

ent ballgame. I think I must

continued from Page 1

have you Classifi eds food itemOCNA to fill Network the hampers at committed.” the Ads Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

(AD Lyceum, CENTRAL) He’s upset but he’ll come critical nature of the situation with many times. The round. He’s my Philip. Oh everyone in the region. We know most Old Vic, Haymarket, Drudear, but he’s still not fin- of you are following the guidance of ry Lane. I oweWeek it all to Anof ished. our public health experts, and we offer thony Quayle, best director April 6 “Angela and I are leaving our sincere thanks. We recognize how ever. He once said to me, this morning. We can’t stay hard this time is for everyone, and the “Imogen, darling, if you Postedto feel here now. If you’re ever in sacrifices you are making to practice want your audience Event Submissions Standards 2 hold a terrible way you must call physical distancing, and even complete pity, then youApril must me. You cell.

Otheryour organization is hosting an have eventmythat would be ofisolation interestintosome the community, cases. back.If Look like you’re rewise, you’ll understand why “We events are here today, as atounited Nisisting giving in.” youand maynot submit an events profile by sending your community information Central we can’t come back here.” agara, to ask everyone who is currentI waseditor@thevoiceofpelham.ca understudy for Hero Somehow restrictions apply. submissions that meet Region Ads included That’s we finish.

I Event ly following these directives to keep it in Much Ado at the time. don’t know what he tells AntheFelicity acceptability of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted until the datedifference up. You are making a real Sadly, Kendalstandards nevWhen time comes Ontario This The ad isCommunity to begela. printed bythe all participating papers by slowing the spread of the virus and of your event.

Events Calendar is updated weekly.

Please provide er missed a performance so she says an awkward good- you are helping to protect the health of I only got to rehearse asever much notice and information asslides possible date, time and description bye and intoincluding the car the your friends, families and neighbours. the part. Anthony called me without looking at me. of your event.

The Voice of Pelham reserves the But right to edit forresponsible space.

“Your behaviour is also his beautifully understated she never had the graces. helping to protect our vital healthcare understudy. Such a sweet He’ll come back if I call, workers, hospital staff and first reman. but I won’t call. I won’t give sponders. These are the people who are But I sense the stirredhim the satisfaction. May- working around the clock to keep us all not-shaken routine isn’t be that’s been his game all safe and we all need to step up and do working. Philip is being a along, to make me depen- our part to help keep them healthy. stone. It’s not like him. Bedent. Well, it won’t happen.

“But through this declaration we also ing with her has hardened I do wish I’d known about want to address those in our communihim. I could burst into real that whole history thing on ties who think these rules and regulatears at the thought. When the computer. A forgivable tions do not apply to them. Ignoring the I raise my head, he’s still oversight really, and he’s order to stay home and practice physistaring at me. quite right, I don’t know cal distancing is not negotiable. We are “Don’t play the victim, much about technology. at a tipping point in this pandemic, and Mother. Not now. Every site But my time wasn’t wast- everyone needs to get on board – we are you went to this morning ed. The medications will all in this together and we need everygives details about poisons still work for me, even bet- one to do their part. that can’t be detected in ter with gin and lime and “We know that with the arrival of an autopsy—those are the not sparkling water. warmer weather, and the upcoming words you Googled. So who He’ll get the house and religious holidays, there will be some were you planning to do in? what money I have. And across Niagara who may not follow Or was it both of us togethmaybe a storyline for his the public health directions as closeer?” next project. ly as they should. But these next few I don’t like him talking to Imogen Mosley plays tragic weeks could be the most important for me this way—I’m his mothleading role in a new drama by our community if we want to slow the er. But I say nothing. son Philip. spread of the virus and protect as many “Did you plan to do it this How I do wish he wrote people as possible. weekend? Or when we got for the theatre. James would “On behalf of the people of Niagaback? I feel sorry for you, have been so proud. He would ra, we would like to offer our heartfelt Mother. Living out your thehave thought it grand. ♦ thanks and gratitude to the healthatre fantasies is one thing

COMMUNITY Events

Customers wait to enter the Fonthill LCBO on Saturday. care workers, hospital staff and first responders in our community. You are doing incredible work and putting your health on the line to keep us all safe. We will forever be in your debt.

“We want to acknowledge and thank the residents, non-profit groups and service clubs helping those in need during these difficult times. We recognize these efforts and encourage those who are helping their neighbours in self-isolation due to age, health or being at a higher risk to keep it up.

“We also want to call the people of Niagara to action. There are countless examples of our residents and businesses rising to the occasion over the past 50 years, and this will be no different. We ask you to check in on each

DON RICKERS

other with a phone call, email or video chat. Offer to help friends, family and loved ones with groceries if you have to make the trip. If you have family members or neighbours over the age of 70 do what you can to make sure they don’t have to leave the house. And finally, if you have the means, consider making financial donations to your local food banks.

“It is during these 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 arrive on the other side of this emergency we will be a stronger, and more resilient Niagara.

Remember, stay home and stay safe.”

Page 16

The Voice, April 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

SERVICE DIRECTORY Electrical Electrical

ACB

Heating & & Cooling Cooling Heating

Renovations

Electrical

Plumbing

DE VRIES R E N O VAT I O N S

Fenwick Alex Bover-Master Electrician

-ECRA #7003130 Service Upgrades • Energy Efficiency Upgrades Troubleshooting • New Wiring & Re-Wiring Commercial • Industrial • Residential

&

We Make House Calls!

THE PUMP DOCTOR

ADDITIONS Family built since 1955

FENWICK 905-892-2391

905.892.2655

PORT COLBORNE 905-835-2391

devriesrenoltd@gmail.com

1.800.676.4029

CUSTOM HOMES • ADDITIONS • KITCHENS BATHROOMS • WINDOWS & DOORS • SIDING • DECKS • TRIMWORK BARNS & GARAGES • RESTORATION

ROBERT WILLIAMS PLUMBING & HEATING LIMITED

LICENSED & INSURED

tel: 905-892-4988 Email:abover@cogeco.ca cell: 905-714-2145 for urgent calls

We Service All Makes And Models

Landscaping Landscaping

Power Equipment

Plumbing Plumbing

Flooring

LANDSCAPES Inspired By Your LIFESTYLE

CERAMIC TILE • LUXURY VINYL PLANKS • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD PORCELAIN TILE • BACKSPLASHES • COUNTERTOPS Motorcycles, ATVs, Power Equipment, Snowblowers, Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM ● www.clarescycle.com

799 Hwy 20, Fenwick, ON

905.892.6908 www.dekorteslandscaping.com 799 Balfour St, Fenwick

905-892-2664

residential • commercial • farm 155 HIGHWAY 20 E. • FONTHILL, ON 905-892-5756 • STARTILECENTRE.COM

www.joesplumbingniagara.ca

Carpentry

Water Haulage

Landscaping

Concrete Supplies Concrete Supplies

Licenced plumber & gas fitter with 25 years experience

905-386-6483 • 905-651-8558

Last Drop Water Haulage 905-380-9994 PO Box 47 Wainfleet, ON L0S 1V0

Niagara’s Complete Concrete Contractor (905) 262-2000

or Toll free

Matt DeVries

1-800-881-1628

cottoninc.ca

lastdropwaterinc@gmail.com

Landscaping

Pumps and Water Treatment

874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 l Landscape Design l Landscape Construction l Driveways, Patio & Walkways Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects Natural Stone Retaining Walls Outdoor Wood Projects l Water Features l Outdoor Lighting Water Features Outdoor Lighting l

l

l

l

Steven& & Ryan Ryan Van Lochem Steven Van Lochem Owners/Operators

Owners/Operators Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com

Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com

Landscape Contractors

FINISHING TOUCHES Property Maintenance Lawn Cutting, Gardening, Yard Clean-ups, Landscaping, Trimming-only Service

w w w.yo u n g s w a t e r. c a

THERIAULT FORMING CONSTRUCTION

FREE Estimates! Call the Expert.

905-218-3662 ♦ Fenwick

Call a Voice Service Directory professional to get the job done right the first time.

Basement Repairs

Fully Insured Professional Service

traffic cones, flattened plastic snow fence, and ominous warning signs. Go after a heavy rain, and if your timing is good, another section of road might crumble before your eyes. A few metres past the washout is a dismal, burned-out RV trailer, left in place for you to imagine why.

Was it burned by a local bylaw vigilante, simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Did it succumb to a drug-fueled party gone wild, or did the cold-blooded ghost of Effingham strike on a frigid winter night?

Enter from Roland Road, and Sulphur Spring becomes a serene, tree-lined country stroll, bordering escarpment scree which will soon be overwhelmed with blossoming trilliums. Descend the

fingers

2541 Hwy 20, Fonthill, ON 905-892-5701 1-800-263-1013

(you cut your grass, we do the rest),

Mulch Application, Interlock

continued from Page 18

YOUR

Servicing Ontario for 70 years in Water Filtration Systems and Pumps

Wet Basement Repairs / Foundation Underpinning Excavating, Concrete Floors, Patios, Curbs, Sidewalks ...and more!

HANDLEBARS

KEEP

Sales•Installation•Repairs

l

l

l

Phone Ben for an estimate: 905-931-2826 Email: vintcustomcarpentry@hotmail.com

ALL

BOB THERIAULT

tight, twisty road above the old Sun Valley Gardens nudist camp, and you’re rewarded with a peaceful meander along Effingham Creek. Distant echoes of frolicking ‘50s campers a bonus.

There are more, dear Trapped in Fenwick. Moore Drive is tucked into the Fonthill Kame-Delta base, snuggled out of wind and sun on a hot or blustery day. Near the southwest end watch for a decades-old pebble foundation amongst the wildflowers, then make a loop by walking left on Tice Road and descending Saylor’s Hill.

The views are spectacular.

Hansler Road is a slice of Vermont mixed-farming, with great views to the northeast if you make it before the leaves emerge. It’s not exactly the Pyrenees, but you won’t have to go through border security then self-quarantine once home.

905-957-4406

If Lily and George are okay with horses, the working stables of Oille Street are interesting.

They’re a bit dishevelled, not the pretentious thoroughbred farms of Kentucky, but if you’re lucky you might be walking when their horses are jumping in the roadside ring.

Begin Roland Road near Centre St at 4B Ranch’s historic limestone shed and walk east toward Effingham.

This road is flat and sunsoaked its whole length. The frogs in the small stream and ponds will deafen you with their lusty croaking, wonderful if George happens to be droning on about TSN’s endless Grey Cup replays.

Close your eyes for a few steps, breathe deeply, Ms. Trapped in Fenwick, and look anew at Pelham’s secret roads. You and George and Lily will make it through this together. ♦

The Donner Party

The Voice Comic

l

Automotive

Shops & Garages Additions, Custom Homes www.vintscustomcarpentry.ca

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19 the angel’s final push, the stone rolled away and light flooded out. Moments later, Jesus appeared from the tomb alive. The light was back and glowing more brightly than ever. And this time it would never be put out again.

For 40 days, Jesus again walked with His disciples before His light was taken back to His glorious home in heaven. Ten days later, however, as the disciples waited in an upper room, small flames described as “tongues of fire” (see Acts 2:3) began to descend upon them. They were all filled with the Spirit of Jesus and began to glow with His light. And the world has never been the same.

If you are a modern-day disciple of Jesus, you have that same light glowing within you. Jesus says to you and me today, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Shine brightly, my friend. Shine brightly! ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who tries his best to stay shiny.

"Darling, that reminds me. When the food runs out, what about the smiths, at number 42? He's awfully well marbled and she looks positively scrumptious!"

Gypsy moths by mail

BY VOICE STAFF The Town of Pelham is asking residents to submit questions via email or Canada post regarding this year’s aerial spray program for gypsy moths.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closures of Town facilities, emailing questions to gypsymoth@pelham. ca is the most direct way for residents to ask their questions. Residents not utilizing email can mail their questions to 20 Pelham Town Square, PO Box 400, Fonthill, ON, attention Jason Marr.

The spray blocks for this year’s program are posted to the Town’s website at www. pelham.ca/gypsy-moth and residents can view the maps and list of addresses to see if they are included.

In the absence of public meetings, the Town will place a special section in next week's edition of the Voice, including the spray block maps, frequently asked questions, home control methods and other information regarding this year’s program.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Quarantainment Pandemic Diversions for the Homebound The Voice, April 8, 2020

Page 17

FICTION Stagecraft

By Colin Brezicki

S

o he’s gone to collect her after all. How convenient for her. It’s a long drive for Philip—Phil, she calls him—there and back on a hot day, but I doubt she thinks of that. I told him she should come by bus and he could pick her up at the station, but he just smiled, the way he does when he thinks I’ve said something outrageous.

I do hope the weekend will be pleasant. She can send me up the wall without even trying. Sometimes I think she does try. But I won’t be baited. I shall be the pattern of all patience. King Lear. Not someone she’s heard of, I’m sure.

I’ll spend time in the garden and let them have the place to themselves. I must deadhead the roses anyway, and the shrubs need pruning. She offered to help last time but she’s not a gardener.

What can you expect from someone who lives in a high rise? A garden’s a window box for her. I’d go bloody bonkers in a place like that, however grand the lake view; but condo life suits her down to the ground she says, having no clue how stupid that sounds when she lives fifty stories above it.

“Oh but it’s all so convenient, Mrs. Mosley. You just step into the elevator and bingo, you’re at the gym, the stores, restaurants, hairdresser, without ever going outside. Just think of that.” What I think is that her elevator stops well short of the top floor and the doors don’t always open. It’s not her mind that’s enthralled Philip.

She’s comely enough for her age, I’ll give her that. Graying around the edges, mind. I could give her some clues about tinting but she’ll have to ask me first. You can see she was attractive once and she still has those come hither eyes.

Almond-ish. Medusa eyes to turn a man to stone. And she has the hair—all wild and corkscrewed— though with her it’s more burst mattress than live snakes. But the eyes still have it when everything else goes south as my father always said.

I’ve gone a little south over the years but people still notice my eyes. Philip said so last time they were here. He’s so aware. Takes after his father. James never missed a trick, and such a wonderful actor.

Philip looks so like him, more than ever now he’s—how shall I put it— seasoned.

She didn’t comment when Philip mentioned my eyes. I imagine she was a little put out that he would compliment someone else. You can tell she’s obsessed with her appearance. Getting a little desperate now I should think. It’s not just the crow’s feet. She’s got duck’s feet as well. More than a hint of a waddle in that step. She runs to keep herself young looking—so does everyone now—but I can’t think how she runs on those feet. She wears orthotics for her shin splints she says. It’s all a bit technical for me, but if she’s not careful she’ll be getting artificial knees or even a new hip before she’s fifty.

Still, she has to make it to fifty and I’m not putting money on that.

She has her issues, as they say. I thought she was thin when Philip introduced us, but really she’s bordering on an eating disorder.

The divorce didn’t help, I suppose, though apparently she took her ex to the cleaners, which explains her condo on the lakefront.

You don’t make that kind of money as a minor administrator in the health services. All right, he had an affair, Philip says. But I say if a man chooses to have his dinner out when there’s dinner at home then maybe he has his reasons—maybe dinner at home is overcooked, or it’s TV dinner or takeaway, or pizza delivered to the side door.

She found his emails. What business did she have poking among his emails in the first place? I wonder if that ever occurred to Philip.

I hear the car, so I must make myself presentable. I’ll delay my entrance until they’re in the lounge.

Trevor Nunn—I’m sure it was Trevor—said my entrances were a delight. But because I played only small parts for him, my delightful entrances were soon followed by— how did he put it—much-anticipated exits. So very droll, Trevor, and a wonderful director.

I enter the lounge and right away I see she’s wearing those jeans again. She could sit on a nickel wearing those and tell you if it was heads or tails.

“Mrs. Mosley, it’s so nice to see you again. Thank you for having me to stay.”

“Hello Angela, how are you, darling? Lovely to have you here again so soon. How was the drive?”

“Oh, slow, you know, traffic on a holiday weekend. But Phil got us here safe and sound. Didn’t you, Hon?” “You must be exhausted, Son. Can I make you both some tea?”

“Actually Mother, thank you, but we’re going into the town. I’ll take Angela’s case upstairs and then we’ll be off. It’s such a beautiful afternoon.”

“But you’ve only just arrived.

Surely some tea on the patio before you go.” I thought they’d at least have tea and a visit, especially after the traffic and the heat. But of course I must give them what Philip calls their space—not a word he used until he took up with her.

“Angela wants to wander around the shops and then she’s taking

me to dinner. We’ll have a stroll by the water afterwards. Can we bring you anything?”

“No, that’s fine, Son. You just go and enjoy yourselves.” What did he have in mind for me? Another knick-knack for the granny flat she’ll have him stick me into when they’ve taken over the house proper? A doggy bag from the Charles Inn? We were all to have dinner here, I thought, but of course she’s talked him out of it.

“We’ll be back in time for some evening together, Mrs. Mosley.

Perhaps a digestif?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about me, my dear. I have Poirot this evening, and we have the whole weekend for visiting.” A digestif? I could use one right now.

But I make tea when they’ve gone and take it out to the patio. The garden is so beautiful at this time of year, the hydrangeas jouncing in the breeze like pompoms, and the cardinals at the feeder. They can be so intimidating. The hydrangeas I mean. They’re so self-assured and they demand to be looked at. I’ve always loved hydrangeas. Cardinals I find surprisingly timid.

Philip did look tired. Tomorrow would have been a better day for them to go into the town. Angela should be more considerate. I know she’s smitten, by the way she clings to him, but she could show some restraint for his sake. And mine. Hello. I’m here too and it’s still my house.

I’ll deadhead after my tea and then I’ll have earned my gin and lime. Tonight I’ll make a simple salad to go with yesterday’s leftover ham.

Donald Sinden—it was at the Savoy, I believe—asked the maître d’ if they served a ham salad.

“Indeed we do, sir. We serve our salads to anyone.”

Apparently Sinden laughed. Such class. I saw his Lear many years ago at The Aldwych.

Philip will do the lamb on the barbecue tomorrow. I wonder where they’ll dine tonight? We often go to the Oban. I so love the Oban. It’s not the Savoy, but still.

James and I dined at the Oban when we played the Shaw together.

His Inspector was his last role.

When I say that to visitors they look vacant. Priestley, I tell them.

An Inspector Calls. Honestly, some people.

Before Philip was born I played minor roles in my husband’s productions. I met James at the London Academy and I knew even then he would be a star. In the early days he played Bottom at the Old Vic and he was a very good Philip in Relatively Speaking, with, would you believe, Celia Johnson and Michael Hordern. James loved the role. It’s why we named our son Philip.

He never made the National though. A shame that, but they had so many rising stars then: McKellen, Stewart, Jacobi, Irons, Pryce, Gambon—my goodness, the list goes on. So we did West End before Robin Phillips invited James to come out here and do Stratford. Maggie Smith was already playing at the Festival. After two years Paxton enticed us to come to the Shaw. Our little Philip came along soon after we moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake and that was curtains for my career. But I was happy to disappear into the wings and let James have the spotlight.

Our little Philip was often confused because he didn’t know which father would appear at breakfast the morning after a show. Higgins? Undershaft? Shotover? James could never leave it in the green room. The best of the best just can’t, you see. So little Philip had to eat breakfast with whomever his father had played the night before. I’m surprised he wasn’t inspired to go on the stage himself. But he chose writing.

T

hey’re back and they seem excited. A quick look at her left hand and I can see why, though I’ll pretend not to notice.

“Mother, we have something to tell you.”

Dear Philip. He’s still a child in some ways. “Let’s all sit down and then you can tell me. Who would like a drink?”

“Why don’t we tell you first and then we can make it a toast?”

“If it’s all the same with everyone I’d like a drink now. Philip would you do the honours?”

“If you insist. What would you

like, darling?”

“My usual, Philip.”

“Oh—oh, yes, Mother. Of course.

And you, Angela?”

“Just sparkling water for me please, Phil.”

“Right. Sparkling for you, my darling, and another gin and lime for Mother.”

He goes out to pour the drinks and I glance again at her finger. At least it’s discreet. But that’s Philip. Large diamonds are so common and not really us.

“Now Angela, how was your afternoon in the town? Did you find anything interesting in the shops?”

“Oh my god, so many things, Mrs. Mosley. But today we just looked. Then we dined at the Oban. Phil had reserved a table by the window with a lovely view of the lake. After, we strolled on the promenade. Such a lovely breeze off the water this evening. And the tree lanterns make everything look so grand.”

She does have very large teeth, and I wish she wouldn’t call him Phil. Diminutives are so vulgar.

And there she goes again with grand. Really, does she think she’s the Duchess of Kent or something?

But I carry on.

“James and I adored the Oban.

We would take our supper in the pub section. That’s where the actors gathered after a show—you know, the room with the so outré tartan wallpaper and that lovely portrait of Shaw in the middle of all the actors’ photos. Did Philip show you his father hanging in the picture gallery?”

“I saw it the last time.”

“Yes, of course. I forgot you’d eaten there before. And what did you have this time?”

“We shared the steamed mussels for our starter. Then I had a lovely rainbow trout and Phil had lamb.”

“Oh dear. I hope he knows we’re having lamb tomorrow.”

“He didn’t say. He was in such a happy mood and I said he should have what ever he wanted. So he chose the lamb.”

“That’s so nice, dear.”

I’ve run out of things to ask her now and she seems unwilling or unable to return the ball.

The young no longer value the social graces, I know, but at her age she should be more adept. I won’t mention the ring.

Right on cue, thank god, Philip arrives with the drinks. When we’re all ready he lifts his glass.

“I wish to make a toast, Mother.

To your—how else can I say it—to your future daughter-in-law!”

He looks at Angela and grins from ear to bloody ear thinking he’s surprised me.

“My darlings, how absolutely wonderful! I wasn’t aware you were this far along. Oh dear, that didn’t come out right. I’m so sorry. Only I keep thinking you’ve just met.”

I raise my drink and smile at Angela.

“I’m so happy for you both.”

Then I wave my hand for her to come over and show me the ring.

She pirouettes across the room like she was in some silly romantic comedy and presents her hand, her fingers fluttering until I grab them See STAGECRAFT Page 14

Page 18

The Voice, April 8, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

Dear John—Sage relationship advice and walking routes Dear John, I love my husband, George, and my wonderful, treasured little Yorkipoo, Lily, whose devoted eyes and ready smile great me each morning. Sweet as they are, there are only so many times I can walk them around the same three-block route. Plus, I know without fail that we’ll meet Bill and Madge, plodding counter-clockwise on Hickory Nut Crescent with Remington, their Cocker Spaniel rescue from a hunt camp in Wainfleet. They’re wonderful too, but considering we hadn’t met them before coronavirus, we’re running out of conversation. I know we need our exercise and natural Vitamin D, so what can I do?

Trapped in Fenwick.

Dear Trapped in Fenwick, I so get it! Even though our cat Monkey refuses walk with us, I’m so sick of talking about the pandemic to

strangers two metres away, particularly the ones who self-isolate by leaving their hearing aids at home then randomly smile or laugh at the wrong times while chatting.

I sense there’s an unspoken dilemma in your question too. I worry as you describe your husband and then Lily. Don’t feel pressured to make that choice just yet, and remember, Lily can’t take out the garbage.

Don’t despair, there are alternatives, fresh places to walk, where physical distancing is easy, and you’re unlikely to meet Bill and Madge. Not hikes or anything too mucky and strenuous for George—Short Hills and St John’s are closed anyhow.

It might be time to search out the less-travelled Pelham roads that lead to nowhere.

Orchard Hill Road is one of

my favourites . You’ll sense your tension ebb with each step along this quiet road, as birds chirp and squirrels scurry through the fallen leaves. Lily will love it, sections are closed to vehicles but not walkers. If you and Lily have had enough of George on any specific day, have him drop you off where Orchard Hill and Sulphur Springs meet. You can walk west to east by yourself while he drops the car at historic St John’s school house, then walks east to west toward you. Take the keys from him when you meet halfway.

Once you and Lily have arrived at the school house, you can use the car to pick him up at the other end, or not.

Luffman Drive entices with curves, twists and turns, and ups and downs. There’s a surprise around every corner. Begin your walk from the hamlet of Effingham,

Rail fence along Luffman Drive. cross above a fast-flowing stream as the road squeezes through hardwood forest to a pond, then barn. Round the corner at the barn, and you’re surrounded by wide-open fields with a split-rail fence to guide you. Turning right

at the end will take you to Hollow Road, a left to Sulphur Springs Road will allow you to complete a loop. This walk is why people fall in love with Pelham.

Sulphur Spring Drive is a diverse walk. Start at the

JOHN SWART

south end near Effingham, and you’ll pass the infamous road washout, barricaded with haphazard concrete blocks, knocked-over orange and black Halloween See HANDLEBARS Page 16

Voice

HOROSCOPE

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS APRIL 5 Pharrell Williams, Singer (47) APRIL 6 Candace Bure, Actress (44) APRIL 7 Russell Crowe, Actor (56) APRIL 8 Matthew Healy, Singer (31) APRIL 9 Kristen Stewart, Actress (30) APRIL 10 Sofia Carson, Actress (27)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Tera 2. Ylem 3. Rise 4. Ataxic 5. Titanic 6. Moil 7. MPH 8. OED 9. RN 10. Aten 11. Not 12. Races 13. Esprit 14. Near 17. DDS 22. Adobe 23. Seeps 24. Bab 25. Baal 26. Chain 28. Grasp 29. Aorta 32. Sera 36. Dab 38. Borneo 40. Memento 43. Baden 44. Pan 45. Riot 46. Tarsal 51. Repp 54. WRM 55. Haed 56. Fry 57. Otsu 58. Rain 59. Etch 60. Sis 62. Oh

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Do not have a moment’s hesitation when taking on a project or spearheading plans this week, Scorpio. Your organizational skills are right for the job.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, this week should go well for you. Expect to feel a renewed energy and harbor a more positive outlook. Use this to your advantage in your career.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Ambition is creeping up on you and it cannot be ignored, Capricorn.

You have the time now to devote to any plan of action, so don’t be afraid to go all-in.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, do not be surprised if you wake up feeling super this week.

Chances are this renewed strength and energy has something to do with better lifestyle habits.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, the cosmos puts an end to any lethargy you have been feeling.

Use this opportunity to be active and pursue new goals.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Tyr 4. ATM 7. Melioration 12. Representaion 15. Ashamed 16. Exalted 18. CP 19. NIN 20. Ad 21. ERAs 24. BBC 27. Cigars 30. Side 31. Aahs 33. Cro 34. Toe 35. Baaed 37. Arb 39. BPM 41. Lira 42. Stob 44. Preset 47. Nab 48. Para 49. AI 50. Mar 52. ND 53. Nowhere 56. Foresee 61. Transportation 63. Metaphysics 64. Dol 65. UNH

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 This is the week to take charge of your overall health, Aries. If you haven’t been feeling so well, now is the time to visit a doctor and get back on track.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you have your heart set on an art project but can’t find the time, figure out a way to make it happen. If you commit to finding the time, your efforts will pay off.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, now is the perfect time to get up and get outside. Fresh air, sunshine and physical activity are long overdue, and they can infuse you with positive energy.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, do not get frustrated with a close friend if he or she seems less ambitious than you.

Everyone works at his or her own pace and may not have the same focus as you. Be patient.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Use good relationships with loved ones and friends to organize group activities. Such outings will strengthen your already strong bonds with the people you love most, Leo. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you have not been exercising regularly of late, now is the ideal time to get back in the action.

Embrace the physical and mental benefits of being active.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Let your ambition guide you this week, Libra. Spend the week mapping out strategiess. Once you have a plan on paper, you can work towards executing it to perfection.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, April 8, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD

J

The glory

The Bible says clearly that Jesus’ existence didn’t begin in a manger in Bethlehem or even nine months earlier in Mary’s womb in Nazareth. He existed in the eternal past with the Father and the Spirit in heaven. And there He shared the incredible glory of the Godhead which includes “unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16).

The apostle John got a glimpse of that glory when Jesus was transfigured before his very eyes (see Matthew 17). He would later write of Jesus — “We have seen His glory” (John 1:14).

Jesus gave up that glory when He left heaven to become a man on earth.

Canborough Fonthill Fulton Niagara-on-the-lake Stevensville Wainfleet Waterford

9 Mill Ave, Dunnville ON 2705 Highway 20 E, Thorold ON 2911 S. Grimsby Rd 18, Smithville, ON 96 Niagara Stone Rd, NOTL, ON 2736 Stevensville Rd, Stevensville ON 31904 Park St, Wainfleet, ON 804 Old Hwy 24, Waterford, ON

905-774-5498 905-892-0322 905-643-3754 905-685-7353 905-382-7878 905-899-3431 519-443-7770

We've got what you need right here, at home!

SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

The Light of Easter

esus once said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Coming from anyone else, that would be a pretty bold, arrogant statement. But coming from Jesus is different. This got me thinking about Jesus in terms of light and this is what I discovered.

Page 19

physically, the light was growing stronger as well.

And then at age 30, Jesus embarked on three years of public ministry. His light glowed brightly casting wisdom, healing and eternal hope on all who met Him. But it didn’t last.

The gloom

The scales suddenly turned. Jesus was betrayed, arrested, condemned, brutalized and crucified. On the cross as His life- blood was being poured out, the light began to grow dim. Finally, Jesus gasped His last breath and for the first time…the light went out.

His lifeless corpse was

taken down from the cross and lovingly placed in a cold, dark tomb. As the sun slowly set and a huge stone was rolled in place on that terrible Friday, the tomb became a place of gloom… inside and out. It seemed that the darkness had won.

The light had been extinguished.

The glow

However, early Sunday morning as the first rays of sunshine began to appear on the horizon, an angel began pushing the stone away and a glimmer of light appeared from inside. With See FAITH LIFT Page 16

The glimmer

At Jesus’ birth a star shown from the heavens to point the wise men to Bethlehem and the “Godchild.” The Bethlehem star is an amazing symbol. At its source in the heavenlies, the star was full of glorious light. But by the time its rays reached a rugged stable in a small Judean town, they were only a faint glimmer.

Baby Jesus was a picture of fragility and vulnerability. One sword thrust from Herod’s henchmen would have extinguished that glimmer of light. But His life was spared and as the years progressed the baby Jesus became the boy Jesus and finally the man Jesus.

As Jesus grew stronger

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.

ALTERNATOR ANTIFREEZE BRAKING CLUTCH DIESEL DRIVETRAIN

EMISSIONS ENGINE EXHAUST FAN FILTER FUEL

GASKET GAUGE HOSES IGNITION INTAKE MAINTENANCE

RADIATOR STEERING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT TIRES TRANSMISSION

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

The Voice, April 8, 2020

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 maternity leave, but I’m allowed to have my baby with me while teaching, so I limited my break this time around to just two weeks.

After an enviously short commute, I have arrived in my classroom. There’s the standard alphabet on the wall and number chart, but they look more “Pinterest” than “elementary school classroom.” Instead of desks, the students are encouraged to sit together on couches, to foster the “family” dynamic this place is always promoting. It’s pretty homey, all things considered. The piano in the corner, which I first worried might be underused, has proven quite popular, and everyone makes time throughout the day for practice.

This whole setup is starting to sound very posh, so now might be a good time to balance the scales a bit and let you know that the monetary compensation sucks.

There’s not an endless supply of cash available here, so a lot of focus is put on the intangible— the relationships being fostered, character-development, you get the idea. It’s like when a religious organization needs to hire someone new, but they don’t have a lot of money so they start touting “eternal rewards” as one of the benefits they offer.

Sometimes I feel like I’m paid in smiles and tea refills.

Since teaching can be a bit of a slog sometimes, it’s important to find ways to keep spirits high. Lately, while the world has been in self-isolation, I’ve been amusing myself by seeing how long I can keep news of the nationwide school closures from reaching my students. My Grade 2 class still has no idea that most other seven year olds in the country are on extended holiday, and so we are happily continuing on with our regularly scheduled lessons.

What a great benefit of all contact with friends being cancelled! With any luck, I can keep up the façade of

Your LOCAL Mortgage Office is here to help during this difficult time. I am sure a lot of you are facing many mortgage related questions. I am here to help. Even if we have never met, reach out to me and ask the questions you need answered.

We are all in this together, Care LOCAL

22 HWY 20 W., FONTHILL

MILES KULIK M B ortgage

business-as-usual until this term comes to its scheduled end in June.

I guess keeping this school open regardless of what’s going on in the world is one of the privileges I have being mom to my students. It’s got to be right up there with “running a highly exclusive private school from my living room.”

Eight years ago I scoffed at the suggestion of homeschooling. I am, after all, a proud former student of E. W. Farr and Pelham Centre. The arrival of my first child, and a move to a new school district caused me to, for the first time, actually consider the decision of what schooling would look like for our family, and that somehow got us to where we are today. A good decision I think—each of my children is at the top of their class.

This year the bulk of my time is spent with my oldest daughter in Grade 2, but every now and again I venture into junior kindergarten territory to ease my second-born into the game. Whereas at public schools practicality dictates keeping different ages separate wherever possible, here I get to enjoy seeing my kids in their different stages, all interacting as they learn together. We try to start each day with activities the three and five-year-old can partic-

Students Felicity, Charlotte, and Jack. ipate in, usually some combination of poetry, folk song, Bible, and art study. When it won’t distract from lessons, music from the current term’s composer provides us with background music.

When I was in Grade 2, I was a “pleasure to have in class” (Miss D’Amico will back me up on that). My daughter is also wonderful to teach, but I’d be lying if I said the mom-child teaching dynamic is the same as the teacher-student teaching

SPECIALIZING IN SELLING YOUR HOME!!!

RURAL, AGRICULTURAL OR RESIDENTIAL—OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE (IT MATTERS)

roker

Cell/Text 905-570-2983

EMAIL: rbrown@royallepage.ca OFFICE: 905-734-4545 or 905-892-0222

Richard Brown SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Direct: 905-651-5143

www.right2own.com

1000’s of clients served.

Let my experience help you.

TMG - The Mortgage Group #10315

Dunnville

Veterinary Clinic Same-day appointments

- Same-day test results, most while you wait - Large, well-established practice

ASK ABOUT OUR

WELLNESS PACKAGE

1017 Broad St. E., Dunnville, ON N1A 1K8 Phone: (905) 774-7642 1-800-263-6496 vets@dunnvillevetclinic.com

Mon - Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM • Closed Sunday

www.dunnvillevetclinic.com

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

EMILY BOSS

dynamic. She is much more willing to push my buttons.

If you’re a parent of schoolaged children, then you are currently finding yourself conscripted as a teacher of sorts for your very own highly exclusive Isolation Academy, and you may have an occasional button-pusher of your own. Thankfully, as parents, we are allowed a lot of creative leeway when it comes to our kids.

Earlier this school year, after a day of having my buttons excessively mashed, I, as teacher, wrote a letter about my daughter’s behaviour that day and instructed her to give it to…me, as mother, when she “got home.” I then had her “leave school” by exiting the front door. After standing on the front porch for 10 seconds, she came back in through the same front door, where I immediately welcomed her home with my best “how was your day at school?” She had to read me the letter from the teacher, and after a bit of discussion we came up with a new rule: While she’s at “home,” she can complain about school-related things. But

when she’s at “school” she must treat her teacher as she would any other adult giving their time for her benefit.

I was pretty confident the whole thing worked when the next morning, without saying a word, she left the house, stood on the front porch for ten seconds, then came back in with a cheery “Hi, Teacher!” I was even surprised with a thoughtful apology letter she had written the evening before for “Dear Teacher.”

It seems even the annoying days can bring (non-monetary) rewards of their own. Now, if one of us starts to notice the learning dynamic is becoming a bit too informal, one of us will suggest she “go home for a snack” or some other errand that takes her “out of school” for a few minutes, basically for no other reason than for both of us to intentionally go back “in school” a few minutes later.

Are there any families out there who AREN”T having to make adjustments right now?

It can be difficult enough figuring out how to unexpectedly work from home, not being able to work at all, or just really missing being able to connect with people faceto-face. Having to navigate those changes with the additional duty of facilitating your child’s learning in the weeks to come can be downright daunting.

As someone with a few years of voluntary service under her belt, I assure you it’s possible. For most of you, this setup is only temporary.

You know your kids. Focus on the skills they need help with, give them (and yourself) permission to go easy in other areas. And don’t underestimate the educational value of just sitting down with your kids and enjoying a good book together. While the rewards for your efforts may not be eternal (and certainly not monetary), you may be pleasantly surprised with just how far into the future they reach. ♦

RENOVATE YOUR HOME Spring is almost here...

It’s time to upgrade your home.

Whether it’s new windows and doors or siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough; it’s a great time to buy. North Star energy-efficient windows are built in Canada and will save you money year round.

North Star windows help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home!

FINANCING AVALABLE (OAC)

WITH LOUWES

Hot New Units—Call for a FREE ESTIMATE Warm up your home with a new, high energy efficient heating unit WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS

t Ask abou le b a il Ava REBATES

BOB REID Heating & Air Conditioning RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL

905-892-7787

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

905.562.5831

3435 King Street Vineland WINDOWS & SIDING SINce 1966 • WWW.lOuWeS.ca