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The Voice, August 26, 2020
WARD 1 BY-ELECTION TRACKING POLL
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
by Dave Burket
40%
Clarifications at the top: In our story last week about Pelham Cares’ new raffle fundraiser, in which lucky winners will receive gift cards from local shops and restaurants, we didn't mention that Pelham Cares is buying those cards—paying it forward, in effect—and not receiving them as donations from the businesses involved. This makes it all the more important to ensure that the raffle is a success—get your tickets (one for $10, three for $25) via e-mail (info@pelhamcares.org), or by phone (905-892-5300)!...Interesting reading: Hat tip to reader Bob Laing for bringing in a Niagara dailies clipping, from 1996, profiling the founding president of the Pelham Historical Society, Catherine Rice, then 84. The piece mentions that the 1997 edition of their historical calendar, previously issued each year, would be the last of the 20 she edited, and wrote together with Mary Lamb, who is still active with the group. The pandemic has put a temporary stop to the society’s monthly presentations. With higher limits now on the number of people who may gather inside, maybe we’ll see their resumption before the snow starts to fall...Too early to dry off: On page 6 you’ll find a message from the Town, bringing us the good news that the Pelham pool will remain open a little longer this year, until Monday, Sept. 7. Even this date struck me as a bit early—after all, there’s still plenty of summer heat left to come. Obviously I haven’t been paying attention, though, since Town Communications and Public Relations Specialist Marc MacDonald assures us that in prior years the pool has closed before Labour Day. The reason? Pool staff—customarily university students—are hard to come by at the end of summer, given that they are typically headed back to school. This year, however, with delayed or no university returns, enough staff are still on board to permit an extra few days of diving, so enjoy it while you can...What’s That Siren, you ask? Note the new feature, top right corner of this page. We’ve been working on getting this going for only about four years! One thing or another delayed it, but with luck we’re good to go, and we thank the Chief and staff for getting the info together. (It looks like it was a busy time in Fenwick last week)...Photos from the campaign trail: Once again this week some late ads left us a little tight for space and we had to bump the candidate-contributed campaign trail photos, shifting them to our website, where you will find them in a relatively short slide show. Neither Maria Brigantino nor Colleen Kenyon sent shots in, and in all honesty it’s shaping up to be an all-male contest in Ward 1, though never say never until all the votes are counted. The first early voting opportunity comes next Thursday, as noted in the Town’s message on page 7 (even house numbers preferred, please!)...Larry the Lenser: Finally, special thanks to Larry Coté for bringing us this week's delightful front page photo. We're doubling your pay, Larry, retroactive to January! ◆
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ith three weeks to go before Election Day, and just one week before early voting starts (see the Town's election notice, p. 7), the race seems to be solidifying into a three-way contest among James Federico, Wayne Olson, and perennial candidate Steven Soos. Soos has again gained some ground, though not at the same momentum as earlier, rising to 26%. Federico and Olson are essentially flat at roughly a third of the vote each, tied at 31%. The other perennial candidate in the race, Wally Braun, remains in single digits, at 4%, as does Maria Brigantino, at 7%. In a first in Voice polling history, a candidate has received no votes, with Colleen Kenyon moving from 3% to 0%.
20% 10% Aug 5
Aug 12
112 VOTES
Aug 19
108 VOTES
99 VOTES
Percentages rounded to the nearest whole number
■ BRAUN ■ BRIGANTINO ■ FEDERICO ■ KENYON ■ OLSON ■ SOOS
Wally BRAUN
Maria JAMES BRIGANTINO FEDERICO
Wayne OLSON
Colleen KENYON
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Steven SOOS
Take these poll results (and any online poll results) with a heaping serving of salt. There is no substitute for voting on Election Day!
Although safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling firm.
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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
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Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
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-
BY VOICE STAFF There was one new COVID-19 case reported by the Region on Monday, Aug. 24, and it was in Pelham. Overall the Region saw 14 new cases last week, bringing the total of currently active cases to 28. Lincoln has the most at 7 cases. Five municipalities report no active cases. Pelham’s Monday case is currently the only one active in town.
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
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
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See COLUMN SIX Page 14
BY VOICE STAFF
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
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and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
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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-
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille 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
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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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There were four calls between Friday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Aug 21. All four calls were responded to by Fire Station #2. Saturday, Aug. 15 Motor vehicle collision, Hwy 20 West, Fenwick. Saturday, Aug, 15 Grass fire, Centre St., Fenwick. Monday, Aug. 17 Grass fire, Centre St., Fenwick. Monday, Aug. 17 Medical assist, Fenwick.
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“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
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Alleged illegal Pelham pot operation charged Leviathan Cannabis Group operating “large scale” growop on Foss Road; Town Hall not amused BY DAVE BURKET
The VOICE
The Town of Pelham has issued a “Part III charge” under the Provincial Offences Act to Woodstock Biomed Inc. (Leviathan Cannabis Group Inc.), at 770 Foss Road in Fenwick, for allegedly violating the Town’s Cannabis Interim Control Bylaw (ICB). The charge is the result of what is alleged to be a large scale cannabis growing operation at that address, first identified by area residents, who took their concerns to the Town several weeks ago. A source tells the Voice that residents supplied Town Hall with images of “thousands” of cannabis plants that were clearly visible from various vantage points, including from along railroad tracks that border the rural property to the east. Under the ICB, the use of any land, building or structure for any agricultural, commercial or industrial cannabis purpose whatsoever, except for a use that lawfully existed on the date of the passage of the bylaw, is prohibited. Initial investigation by Pelham bylaw officers was stymied when company staff on site refused them entry. A follow-up visit that went unopposed by the company, with officers wearing body cameras, resulted in the discovery of the alleged illegal crop. “The charge falls in line with the standards and expectations of the Town and the community, which were made clear in the Cannabis Interim Control Bylaw,” said Fire Chief and Director of Bylaw Services Bob Lymburner, in a Town statement issued Wednesday, August 19. “The ICB contained a simple prohibition and the Town is fulfilling its responsibility to residents by enforcing the bylaw.” During the investigation, lawyers for Leviathan threatened Town staff with trespassing charges, in what was a “presumed attempt to avoid prosecution,” according to the Town statement. "Their legal counsel made inquiry as to the identity of Town staff who came to inspect,” Pelham CAO David Cribbs told the Voice, “so as to charge them with trespass. The Town did not provide the information.” Serving notice of the charges against Leviathan turned out to be its own mini drama. Provincial law permits notice to be served in person by an authorized agent, or by Canada Post. Since Leviathan’s headquarters were in Toronto, the Town opted to save staff resources by using Canada Post. However, Canada Post returned the notice marked as non-deliverable due to an "invalid address." The Town then sent a bylaw officer to Toronto to serve notice personally at Leviathan’s corporate office in The Esplanade, a high-end stretch of mixed-use commercial spaces. Yet upon arrival, the officer discovered the building—shared by other firms— to be under renovation, with no sign of Leviathan staff present.
Above, an image taken by an area resident of what are said to be young cannabis plants growing outdoors at Leviathan's Fenwick facilities. Neighbours assert that once mature enough, the plants were moved indoors, then ultimately to another destination north of Toronto. Left, all that's visible from Foss Road is a long gravel driveway. SUPPLIED/VOICE
The third try was the charm. The law permits service on a corporation’s directors, which the Town did by serving a Leviathan director at his home address in Toronto. Leviathan would have a tough time claiming that it was unaware of Pelham’s prohibition on new cannabis operations being established while the ICB was in effect. The company has launched two separate legal challenges against the Town—one in the Superior Court of Justice, to have the firm’s operations exempt from the ICB; the second before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) to challenge recent Pelham Zoning Bylaw and Official Plan amendments. There are currently no set dates for those proceedings, but the Town’s charges against the company will initially be heard on November 27, 2020, 9 AM, at the Welland Provincial Courthouse. Penalties for Planning Act violations are financial, with no predetermined amounts. “The penalty could be a dollar, or it could be $100,000” said a Town source speaking not for attribution, who added that postponements due to COVID-19 are likely to see the legal process delayed by as long as 24 months. Strategically speaking, Leviathan’s legal challenge against Pelham’s ICB may have the presumably unintended consequence of making it even tougher for the company to establish a legal grow operation in the municipality. While the ICB expired in mid-July, when the Town passed a comprehensive new set of regu-
lations to address cannabis operations in the municipality, Leviathan remains bound by the ICB’s restrictions. According to CAO David Cribbs, speaking with the Voice earlier this year, any “attack on the work product that produced the ICB” automatically extends the ICB for the complainant—in this case Leviathan—until the case is heard and a decision rendered. In other words, even if Leviathan wanted to bring forward a development proposal that conformed with the Town’s new cannabis-related bylaws, the company must still adhere to the previous interim bylaw, which prohibited the establishment of any new cannabis grow operations in Pelham. Leviathan Chief Communications Officer Jayne Beckwith told the Voice that the company was still located on The Esplanade in Toronto, but did not respond when asked whether Leviathan had any comment on the substance of the charges being brought against them—including whether the company acknowledged that it was growing cannabis in contravention of Pelham’s bylaw.
Ward 1 by-election candidates react
The Voice requested comment from each of the candidates running to fill the open Pelham Town Council seat in Ward 1, where Leviathan’s Foss Road operation is located, as well as Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart. Wally Braun Splendid! I am very happy to see our Town starting to push
back against corporations with a proven record of contempt for our community. Given the deep pockets of these corporations, we should expect ongoing push-back. We need to make common cause with other municipalities similarly affected through the agency of the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) to share legal costs. Our longer-term objective should include fully investigating the possibility of gaining jurisdiction from senior levels of government over the granting of grow-op permits. With such regulatory teeth we would not only be in a position to take away grow-op permits from offending corporations and offer them to our much more compliant local farmers, but would then be in a position to reap a share of the multi-billion dollar cash flows currently leaving our municipality. James Federico I am confident that the Town has leveled the charges correctly in accordance with the Interim Control Bylaw. I am disappointed that charges were necessary at all. I hope that both sides can find a way to move away from an adversarial relationship and toward a collaborative one. Colleen Kenyon There is significant economic benefit to having large scale cannabis growing operations located in Pelham; however, we must weigh this benefit against quality of life considerations for citizens residing near the facilities. When deciding how strictly to enforce the ICB with charges or fines, the question to ask is, does the infusion of money into our municipality count for more or less than the infusion of odour and light? This is not a rhetorical question. The conclusion that we come to in answer to this question, based on evidence and consultation with residents, should guide the Town Council and the Cannabis Control Committee in the action they take against Leviathan.
Wayne Olson The ICB is founded on a strong legal position and the reasonable sentiments of our residents. It is inevitable that the ICB would be challenged by Leviathan. It is disturbing that our employees would be threatened in this way. This behaviour on the part of Leviathan is not behaviour of a responsible company and neighbour. I support enforcement of the ICB to fullest extent. Steven Soos I fully support the Town issuing Part III charges onto Leviathan Cannabis Group Inc under the Provincial Offences Act. I would like to give my thanks to Fire Chief and Director of Bylaw services Bob Lymburner for taking the residents’ concerns seriously. It is important that the Town stand its ground in this matter, and not allow a "free for all" when it comes to cannabis operations. It is unbelievable that this company's lawyers are threatening Town staff with trespassing charges. In Ontario, municipalities may pass bylaws that permit their officers to enter onto private property without notice and without warrant at all “reasonable times.” They can do this in order to pursue an investigation stemming from a complaint, or an inspection following an order by the city, the Town of Pelham has this power given to us through section 436 of the Municipal Act, 2001, and outlined in the Pelham's Odorous industries by-law. I can personally attest to how overwhelming the odour is on Foss Road after driving through the area a couple days ago. Residents are tired of having their lives uprooted by the public nuisances caused by disorderly cannabis operations who believe that they are above the bylaws governing cannabis in the Town of Pelham. Neither candidate Maria Brigantino nor Ward 1’s only currently sitting councillor, Marianne Stewart, responded to a request for comment.
Page 4
The Voice, August 26, 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
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Fantastic sightings within sight
T
here are many, some might say too many, things in life that we swaggering souls take for granted. Often, we mortals believe we have been gifted to the world and the many wonders that surround us are beneath our stature. There are so many things that we take for granted that it is difficult to choose illustrations to make the point. That is precisely the reason for highlighting here a couple of genuinely simple examples from the milieu of abundant taken-forgranteds in our lives. The first example can be experienced by every resident of this fair town. Just take a moment from your busy lives to take in the beauty of the trees that add so much to the landscape we share with them in this community. When was it, if ever, that you stopped to gaze at one of these magnificent organisms that clean our air, provide protection from the damages of too much exposure to the sun and, not to mention, play host to the many songbirds who fill the air and our hearts with such lovely sounds. Many of the trees in older sections of the communi-
ty have aged gracefully and plentifully for hundreds of years. The nearby 500- yearold Comfort Maple is said to be the oldest maple tree in Canada. These magnificent specimens are so very
Sadly, many of the newer housing developments have been clear cut
stately in stature and, as the familiar expression reiterates, have stood the test of time. The southwestern city of London, Ontario, has laid claim to the title as the Forest City of Canada. The forest cover that exists in our community could easily give London a good run to claim that motto. So do yourself the favour, and take a youngster along with you, and savour the beauty of the bounty of
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magnificent trees in Fonthill. Sadly, many of the newer housing developments have been clear cut and don’t offer such wondrous sights. The children who live in these deforested areas should learn to appreciate the beauty of one of nature’s most splendid gifts. The second example from our taken-for-granted lives is to take note of the large number of citizens who present their fellow residents with such beautiful gardens. Many of these garden plots are truly the works of artisans, and when in full bloom are really works of art. Year after year, these ardent growers present those who pass by with an eyeful of beauty comparable to a visit to the landscapes portrayed in an art museum. Of course these people enjoy the fruits of their labour but readily share that joyful beauty with others and make each day brighter with these horticultural masterpieces. So, before you allow one more day of taking so many things for granted find the time to enjoy some of the simpler things in life. Go out to admire a tree and a flower garden. You will be happier for it and it just could become a healthy habit. ◆
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Growth, okay, but don't cut corners on design, space How sad it is to see what is happening to our town. I know, my son constantly tells me, “It’s progress.” Does progress have to be ugly, and cramped? Who would want to live within three feet of Port Robinson Road & Rice Road? Who would want to live in an ugly condo on Highway 20? (Just my opinion.) Our town “fathers” seem to be entertaining the building of granny suites at Pancake and Haist. Entertaining the larger lots to be split? Alan Crescent. Hopefully these will not be a consideration. We have a lovely feel-good community becoming a disaster, a typical builder’s ugly, cramped space. The town is growing, but let’s keep it a place to be happy in. Joan Eby Fonthill
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1
Electoral District: Niagara West
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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
Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805
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Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647
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The Voice, August 26, 2020
Page 5
OPINION Entire new cultural approach needed for elders I read Larry Cote’s perspective on the pandemic and seniors [“Pandemic takeaways,” OpEd, August 5, p. 4] and from my perspective, being a senior, I think the most important takeaway society can learn from this pandemic is that we need a change in societal culture regarding seniors. Let me give you a comparative to explain this comment. We knew very early on that this pandemic was particularly devastating to seniors or “the elderly” as we are referred to by younger generations. Initially, did anyone focus on the elderly knowing this population was so susceptible? The answer is no, and I am of the opinion it is because of our existing culture. Early on when it was obvious this pandemic was targeting seniors, I had a conversation with a friend in Aklavik, NWT where I lived for three years (my parents for 15 years, long ago). She said she and others were busy securing the elders, making sure they were protected from COVID-19. It struck me that here in Ontario (and across most of Canada), there was no special action being taken to protect the elderly we knew were collected in nursing homes. Although most seniors had aging-related problems physically and/ or mentally, they weren’t all bed ridden or mentally incapacitated. There were a lot of varied reasons why seniors were in nursing homes. Did the government create a frontline healthcare program targeting senior homes to protect them? No—in fact these seniors were ignored for the most part, even as the death toll mounted and it became painfully clear seniors was the leading population dying. Did we move in to help? No— in fact we went the other way initially, and steered clear of nursing homes. Even workers at nursing homes appeared to be excused if they no longer wanted to show up for work, leaving seniors to fend for themselves. Why did society take such a callous view? That is the existing culture. If we did care, there were initiatives that could have been undertaken with some of the millions (billions?) of dollars the government was willing to spend fighting the virus and protecting Canadians. Right at the beginning, when it was known the disease was killing seniors, why not assign front-line healthcare workers to nursing homes who could police those individuals who wanted to enter these residences, in an attempt to keep COVID-19 out?
It would have stopped the residency workers who were moving between nursing homes, likely spreading the virus from nursing home to nursing home. Why not pay additional staff or volunteers to do a serious cleaning of these residences and maintain regular cleaning, ensure hand washing, provide masks, put colored tape on the floor to show traffic patterns to mobile seniors and basically protect seniors? No government initiative here, it didn’t happen. Why? The comments I heard from people and read on the internet will likely not surprise you. “This is a blessing for many families; they lived a good life; it will save on insurance and pension payouts; they were going to die soon anyway; sarcastically—nature’s way of culling the herd; and the classic “they are old.” That is the existing culture of how the elderly are treated in Canada (and many other countries). If the pandemic had targeted daycare centres you could expect a completely different response. That is the existing culture. If we learned anything, we should learn from the culture of our Indigenous communities how seniors are treated with respect and dignity and in times of calamity get prioritized protection. That is the existing culture. In the Indigenous communities it is a priority to “protect our Elders.” What a difference in cultures! The difference is reflected in the very definitions given to seniors. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "to be elderly” is defined as “rather old.” If you Google “Indigenous Elder” the definition is, “they are deeply committed to share their knowledge, provide guidance, teach others to respect the natural world.” I’d suggest we should adopt the Indigenous culture regarding seniors and replace the term “the elderly” with “elders,” and with education of the younger generations reverse the existing culture of ignoring and/ or caring less of seniors. Seniors are the experienced and deserving pioneers that come before each successive generation. We will all end up as seniors. Knowing how we will be treated and referred to by subsequent generations, we may want to begin this education sooner than later. Pat Reid Fonthill
Pelham should introduce vote by mail To vote, or not to vote, that is the question that has occupied my thoughts over the past weeks. In case you wonder, being an immigrant to Canada, I have always proudly voted in every election since I took the oath of citizenship. I am Canadian by choice, so voting is no small matter to me. It is rather an acknowledgement of the privilege Canada has extended to me by her choice of granting Canadian citizenship to me. So now, here I am, for the first time in 32 years of being a Canadian, asking myself if I should go out to vote—is it safe? Will everyone respect the rules? Like the rest of Ward 1 residents, I have received the paperwork in the mail, including the detailed instructions. I am encouraged to vote on September 3 because I live on the even- numbered side of the street. As someone with a scientific education, I kind of see the reasoning behind this, but does it make sense out in Ward 1? We’re not exactly high density here. Would it not have made more sense to send us all a mail-in ballot, since you mailed the voter information to us anyway? I mean, really, just because we voted in person in 2018, things have changed—our municipal processes need to change too and adjust to reality. Think about it please! I will still go out to vote, but I do believe we need to assess the way we conduct our local elections and change the way we operate in Pelham. We should be the future, not the past. Barbara Stramm, B.Sc. Ridgeville
Pandemic stress easing, thanks in part to sensible approach
W
e have all come to recognize the main signs of C-19— temperature, cough, fatigue. Experts are also telling us that there are numerous other side-effects caused by the pandemic, not caused by C-19, but by the isolation that the population was asked to voluntarily submit to, especially during April and May. Good friends of mine own a sizable orchard just outside of town limits, and one of their many crops is sweet cherries. This crop is harvested mostly by pick- your- own enthusiasts from Toronto. These people usually come to this farm in buses. But because of the pandemic, this year they drove to Pelham in their own cars. When I was discussing this year’s harvest with the field manager, she made the comment that the pickers seemed to not
want to follow the rules of the orchard and, in fact, were what she called “a more ornery bunch.” The Marvin Junkin manager hypothesized that perhaps after being isolated in their apartments or houses due to government directives, that now that they were finally allowed some of their personal freedoms back, they were in no mood to follow yet more rules. The overall number of pickers this year actually increased over last year, which the farm owners were very appreciative of, but the stress level of handling the more aggressive nature of the customers was also a lot higher. This conversation got me to thinking of how our bylaw officers handled the situation here in Town. Not
one ticket has been handed out to anyone found “breaking” pandemic rules over the last several months, relying instead on educating the offending citizens as to proper procedure. When I hear of other jurisdictions that have ticketed their residents much more aggressively, I can’t help but wonder if they weren’t doing more harm than good by not cutting the offenders some slack. Adding to somebody’s stress level by quickly handing out a ticket, without first exploring the communication route, seems mean-spirited to me. Now that we are in Stage 3 and jobs are starting to return, I think that everyone’s stress level is slowly coming back to normal. Grab a friend and go for a walk…and if it ends at a patio where cold beer is on tap, so much the better. ◆
All-way stop on Nursery a great idea Where to start? The Town of Pelham placed a traffic counter outside my house on the Nursery Lane part of my property. This counter is now gone as the Town just wanted to study how much traffic is going off of Deerpark Crescent and Nursery Lane. I think the Town put this traffic counter on Nursery because they want to see if an all-way stop is needed at the current stop sign at Deerpark and Nursery. The current intersection requires you to yield the right of way to traffic driving past the intersection. First, I would like to say an all-way stop has its advantages. This three-way stop
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will prevent potential accidents. I say this because you can’t see the right side of the intersection well when you stop at the stop sign coming off of Deerpark Crescent. This can be dangerous at times and to add further frustration there are cars parked on both sides of Nursery Lane. The part of the street that I’m referring to is the hill that comes off of Spruceside Crescent. I find it very difficult to drive through because there could be oncoming traffic coming from the opposite direction. They don’t always think to go very slowly, and as I drive up or down See ALL-WAY next page
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The Voice, August 26, 2020
Letters
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continued
Open letter to the Niagara District School Board Black Lives Matter and our Indigenous people are protesting and demonstrating in the streets. They have brought to the forefront the injustices that they have had and still endure. It seems as if this is the only way to be heard. Not only do we, as adults, see this, but so do our children. There is systemic racism everywhere in the world. When students from Wellington Heights School, Fenwick, research the history of the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, for whom the school was named, they will see that he was a racist. History shows he was “pro-slavery” and deemed it to be necessary in the islands. During the War of 181214, he sent his best soldiers
to defend Bytown (Ottawa) and had the Rideau Canal built to protect the town from the Americans. He basically said that Niagara was a lost cause and couldn’t be bothered getting involved. The British in Niagara asked for help from First Nations, and they were a key part of the defensive network of British North America. John Norton, Teyoninhokarwen, Six Nations War Chief (1765-1831), recruited Six Nations and Delaware warriors to assist Major General Sir Isaac Brock. Along with Six Nations War Chief, John Brant, Ahyonwaeghs, Norton commanded warriors at the Battles of Fort George, Stoney Creek, and Beaverdams. The battle at Beaverdams was the most
ALL-WAY
continued from previous page the hill I have had to almost drive into someone’s driveway to avoid an accident. A three-way stop wouldn’t solve this other issue of parking on the hill of Nursery Lane. There is enough room to park on one side of Nursery Lane and for traffic to drive up or down the hill safely. In conclusion, the traffic counter was a good idea. I feel that a three-way stop is needed at Deerpark Crescent and Nursery Lane. This all-way stop will ease my anxiety of turning off of Deerpark Crescent onto Nursery Lane. How many of you think that an all way stop is needed at this intersection? Brendan Young Fonthill
notable of Aboriginal victories. The cost was 20 warriors killed, 600 American soldiers killed. The Americans were turned back. If it were not for the bravery of these warriors we would be American. After the war, Six Nations received no credit from Wellington and the British Government, and they would never again play a prominent role in the defence of Upper Canada. Instead, their treaties were not honoured, their land was taken away, they were put on reserves, and their children sent to residential schools to “kill the Indian in the child.”
COVID relief programs aren't free Wellington was part of this and we should not be recognizing and celebrating him in any way. When those students realize what kind of a man he was, they will be ashamed, not proud. E. W. Farr was principal at the school on Baxter Lane from 1904-1938. When the new school was built in 1950, it was given his name to honour, celebrate and memorialize an excellent educator. Was the removal of his name meant to cast aspersions on his character? I, along with many others, could never understand a reason to change the name of the school, as it was not a new build with only additional classrooms constructed. I hope you can see your way clear to revisit this renaming. We would like our voices to be heard and acknowledged. I await your response. And anyone wishing to learn more about E. W. Farr may do so by searching on the Pelham Historical Society’s website for their 1989 calendar, shown above. Vilma Moretti Fonthill
So Mr. Trudeau has thrown Mr. Morneau under the bus even though he is telling Canadians that Mr. Morneau had just realized that he had done enough and it was time to pass the job on to someone new. Morneau had been at Trudeau’s side since he was elected in 2015 and it seems strange that he would jump the train in the middle of the coronavirus crisis. The truth is more like Trudeau did not want him censured in another conflict of interest scandal that would make him fire him. If he were to fire Morneau then it would only be proper to resign himself. Along with Morneau’s dismissal/resignation, Trudeau has prorogued parliament. He states this is of no consequence as the Commons was not to sit until late September anyway. This may be true but his decision has shut down all the conflict of interest proceedings that he has been accused of. Trudeau states that a vote of confidence will be required after the throne speech on how he plans on restarting Canada. If he does not get support then his government will fall and a general election will be called. He is daring the opposition to do this and should this happen it will not be Trudeau’s fault but the fault of the opposition. Should an election be called the Conservatives will have their new and green leader and may pick up a few seats, the Bloc will probably stay virtually the same, and the NDP will offer their own giveaway program, so who knows what the result will be. Yes, the opposition finally had enough of his arrogance and is calling him on it. There is no doubt that when this virus struck the government had to act quickly and they did. Some plans had merit but some were askew and some were downright bad. It seemed like Ellen DeGeneres and the Twelve Days of Christmas when every day he sauntered out and announced another giveaway. Yesterday Ms. Chrystia Freeland announced a whole new round of giveaways with the small catch that the Liberals must get a vote of confidence before the plans can be implemented. Sounds a lot like electioneering to me. A lot of Canadians do not seem to realize that these giveaway programs are all on borrowed money. It is like giving the federal government your Visa card to buy you and your neighbours what they think you want and then expect you to pay the bill when it comes in. Trudeau’s scraggy beard, though, is looking better! Bill McLeod Welland
Pelham pool extends closing date The closing of the Pelham pool is extended until Monday, September 7, this year. The weekend proceeds with the normal pool schedule and Monday (Sept. 7) will be a family swim. To register for the family swim please phone the Pelham Pool at (905)-892-9696. Family swim rate is $13.50 for 1/4 of the pool for 45 minutes (1-10 people)
National Lifeguard Re-Certification Class August 29 - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Pelham Pool - $56 fee
The National Lifeguard re-certification class is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and re-certify your award for an additional two years. Candidates should bring a whistle, barrier device (gloves and pocket mask), guard tube, and proof of prerequisite (previous National Lifeguard). To register please visit www.pelham.ca/register and search ‘NL recert’.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, August 26, 2020
Page 7
NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ACT, 1996 (S.40) Municipal By-Election Day:
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
pelham.ca/by-election-2020
IMPORTANT BY-ELECTION VOTING DATES Advance Polls September 3, 2020
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Advance vote poll #1: Preferred even house #s Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3
September 12, 2020
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Advance vote poll #2: Preferred Odd House #s Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3
ELECTION DAY Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Final voting opportunities will be held between 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Ward One voting locations include Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick) and Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham) and will be set out in voter notification packages.
OPEN TO WARD ONE ELECTORS ONLY
ARE YOU ON THE VOTER’S LIST? Unsure if you’re on the voter’s list for this fall’s by-election?
NOTICE is hereby given to the Ward One Electors of the Town of Pelham, Regional Municipality of Niagara, that a by-election shall be held to elect the following office: Councillor, Ward One.
Visit www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020 and click on the ‘voter’s list’ tab, fill in your information, and confirm your eligibility.
COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES, WARD ONE
BRAUN, Wally BRIGANTINO, Maria FEDERICO, James KENYON, Colleen OLSON, Wayne PUPO, Cari SOOS, Steven For more information on the by-election, please contact Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato at 905-892-2607 x315 or njbozzato@pelham.ca
Additions to the voter’s list may also be made by appointment with the Clerk, or at the voting locations. CAN’T VOTE ON ELECTION DAY? If you’re unable to attend a voting place on election day due to a COVID-19 related issue, you can request an on-demand special ballot kit or vote by proxy. On Demand Special Ballot Kits will be issued to eligible electors who cannot physically attend a voting station due to COVID-19 or other extenuating circumstances. You must pre-register to receive the kit. YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT Pelham staff are taking every precaution to ensure a safe voting experience. Advance polls are available September 3 and 12, and it is suggested that those with even number home addresses vote on September 3 and those with odd number addresses vote September 12. There will also be an number of new election staff working the polls, including a physical distancing officer to help guide and remind voters of spatial requirements, a poll station cleaner to ensure readily available and consistent cleaning of high tough points and ballot casting areas, and a health assessment officer who will screen electors as they enter the polling station.
Page 8
The Voice, August 26, 2020
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT S
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Freylik Academy (905) 736-9663 | FREYLIKGC@GMAIL.COM
D
New Micro-School in Fonthill Offers an Alternative to The Traditional Classroom The idea to open Freylik Academy came when founder Gillian Clavier was volunteering at a small charter school with 45 students. The care and one-on-one attention that each student received in this learning environment stuck with her. She became certain that this small school strategy, combined with project-based learning, was the key to student success. Growing up, Gillian could never decide whether she would go into teaching or theatre. While completing her two undergraduate degrees at the University of Windsor, she discovered a program that combined the two beautifully: Drama in Education. The program aimed to take learning out of the textbook, and to contextualise it by incorporating drama through inquiry and integrated projects. She graduated from this program with honours in 2004 at the same time completing a complementary honours degree in psychology. Gillian integrates the philosophies she learned during her undergraduate experience into her teaching. She completed her graduate diploma in education in 2005; and since then, has taught grades kindergarten to eleven in the private system, in charter schools, and in two public
school boards: District School Board of Niagara and the Toronto District School Board. Gillian has been an on-set tutor, and an extra-curricular coach. In 2015 she was nominated for the “Toronto Star Teacher Honour Roll.” The combined past positive experiences with smaller class sizes and the unique circumstances of COVID-19 have inspired Gillian to open Freylik Academy, a new private Micro-School. To find out more, seet Gillian’s credentials on the Ontario College of Teachers website. “I believe that every child should enjoy learning,” Gillian says when asked about her personal educational philosophy. “I believe that an individualised, project-based approach to education instills in my students an excitement for learning that benefits them now and into the future. I teach in a way that excites me too, because when a teacher is passionate about their lessons, students know it and become passionate themselves. Learning should be fun and high achievement something that is available to all students, regardless of learning style.” Freylik Academy is a privately run Ontario Curriculum-based micro-school that specializes in indi-
vidualised instruction for grades one to six. The Academy offers full-time in-class instruction, distance learning support, and one-on-one digital supplemental tutoring.
SCHEDULE Located in a one-room school house at the Fonthill Lions Club, classes will run Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm.
As a micro-learning environment, Freylik Academy is designed to meet fully the educational needs of each of our pupils. The commitment at the Academy to small class sizes at a maximum of 10 students to one teacher provides each student with access to one-on-one attention from an educator who can adapt the curriculum to meet that student’s learning needs.
Classes will be held in one class room area with access to a the Gordon Klager Park, with its private enclosed field for recesses and outdoor activities with access to a covered pavilion for outdoor classes weather permitting.
COVID-19 As we continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19, Freylik Academy’s small class sizes and the required as well as additional safety measures put in place by Sick Kids Hospital, means we will be better able to keep your kids safe! Our COVID-19 safety measures include: • All students are required to wear masks/face shields • Physical distancing • Onsite temperature reading twice daily • Daily COVID-19 symptom checker • Frequent hand washing • Small class size to a maximum of 10 students
Four days per week, school will be held at the Fonthill Lions Club and one day (Wednesday) each week will be held at the Fonthill Legion Hall for activities that require more space, including gym facilities and stage use. Standard Ontario set PA days will apply and the school year will run in similarity with regular local School Boards. SCHOOL FEES Families wishing to learn about school fees are asked to contact Freylik Academy founder and teacher Gillian Clavier (below). The Academy is happy to work with families to develop payment plans that fit into your family budget, and to apply a 10% discount for multiple children from the same family in attendance.
ER T S I REG W NO Freylik Academy Private micro school
Grades 1-6
WE SPECIALIZE IN: small class size (10:1) project-based inquiry learning covid-19 safety protocol
Freylik Academy
103 Hurricane Rd, Fonthill ON, freylikgc@gmail.com 905-736-9663, www.freylikacademy.ca
IN-SCHOOL LEARNING Freylik Academy offers full-time in-class instruction for grades one through six. Our 1:10 teacher to student ratio means that students will receive the individualised learning they need in a social but safe environment. DISTANCE LEARNING Freylik Academy offers part-time distance learning support tutoring with a focus on project-completion, time management, and self direction skill development for students in grades one through six. SUPPLEMENTAL ONLINE TUTORING Freylik Academy offers supplemental online tutoring and student support designed to meet the individual needs of your child. For more information on the Freylik Academy, fees, scheduling, classes or our teacher Gillian, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the provided contact information. Gillian Clavier Founder and Teacher (905) 736-9663 freylikgc@gmail.com www.freylikacademy.ca
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, August 26, 2020
Page 9
WARD 1 CANDIDATE OP-ED Steven Soos Young blood and experienced veterans the ideal mix The Voice has extended an invitation to each candidate running in the Ward 1 by-election to submit a commentary on their views of topics relevant to Ward 1 residents. This week we hear from Steve Soos.
I
want to begin by thanking my opponents for entering their names on the ballot to represent Pelham’s Ward 1. As someone who has been involved in politics for the last seven years in Niagara Region, I know firsthand the sacrifices we are all making in service to our community. No matter who you are going to vote for on Election Day, all of these candidates deserve our thanks for putting themselves out there and presenting their vision in hopes of moving Pelham and Ward 1 forward. I hear the word experience a lot on the campaign trail and in the press; everyone’s perception of experience is different. My particular experience in municipal politics includes proposing a partnership with the Niagara Region and local-area school boards and post-secondary institutions to deliver preventative education to our young people on the dangers of opioids, calling on Niagara Regional Council to declare a state of emergency on mental health, homelessness, and addiction, and organizing and hosting Niagara south’s first-ever Town Hall on mental health, homelessness and addictions during the last federal election. I have spent the last five years as a Support Worker helping individuals with intellectual and devel-
opmental disabilities and as a Child and Youth Worker supporting children/youth who are Crown wards or are on a protection Steven Soos. order. I am the DON RICKERS host of True Politics, a Niagara-based web show (available on Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, Twitter) which seeks to inform the residents on local, provincial, national, and international political topics. The goal is to highlight Niagara’s social and political issues in a unique and positive light. Finally, I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Development Studies from Trent University with courses in farming, urbanization, the world food system, and the global political economy. I am also a proud Indigenous person. I look at being a councillor as being an advocate. Recently, I made the pledge that if elected, I would donate 100% of this term’s salary back to the community through local not-for-profit organizations and service clubs. It goes back to what my great-grandfather, who was an elected official in the former Township of Crowland, said, “Service is always about them, it is never about you.” Since announcing my candidacy, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people in Fenwick, North Pelham, and Ridgeville. I can remember a time that if you were a young person running for a political position,
there was no chance it was going to happen. However, the landscape has changed. We don’t have to look any further than Sam Oosterhoff (Niagara West MPP), Clare Cameron (Deputy Lord Mayor Niagara on the Lake), Ian Bingham (former Liberal Candidate Niagara West), Dave Sharpe (Grimsby councillor), or Adam Moote (Welland councillor)—all politicians in their 20s or 30s who are working tirelessly to bring positive changes, fresh voices, and new ideas to the communities they serve. This is the very reason I made the decision to enter the Pelham Ward 1 race. Many residents that I have spoken with would like to see a healthy mix of “young blood” and “experienced veterans” working together in the council chambers. Back to my great-grandfather’s wise words about service, I would like to touch on some of the concerns brought forward to me by Ward 1 residents while on the campaign trail.
Cannabis
Cannabis is one of the biggest issues in Ward 1. Residents consistently tell me how overwhelming odour and light pollution are interfering with enjoyment of the property that they pay for with their hard-earned money. I often compare cannabis to the wind turbines forced onto the municipalities from the upper-tier government without a plan. I want to state that I fully support the work of the Cannabis Control Committee and their terms of reference. It is essential that we reduce adverse land impact from cannabis
production, implement light mitigation plans, ensure mechanisms are in place to control the odour, and protect agricultural lands. When it comes to the cannabis issue, zoning must always respect people first and allegedly unlawful cannabis growers like the Leviathan Cannabis Group need to be held accountable. A “free for all” when it comes to cannabis operations is the last thing that we want in Ward 1 and in the Town in Pelham. Simply put, residents are tired of having their lives disrupted by the public nuisances caused by disorderly cannabis operators who believe that they are above the bylaws and regulations governing cannabis in the Town of Pelham.
Development
Another hot-button topic that I am hearing about at the doors is the proposal to build a “hotel” at the former RBC branch in Fenwick. I was stunned when the Committee of Adjustment granted the developer’s minor variance and relief from the restricted Zoning Bylaw (1136). Under Section 45(1) of Ontario’s Planning Act, 1990, there are four tests a minor variance must meet: Is the application minor; Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question; Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning Bylaw; and does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan. The developer is asking for a maximum gross floor area of 191%, whereas the allowable max-
imum gross floor area in Pelham is 50%. This is a 146% differential and certainly not minor in nature. The developer also asked for a zero parking allotment, whereas our bylaws state that there must be three stalls for every eight hotel suites. This development will cause unwanted traffic congestion in downtown Fenwick. It will affect emergency vehicle access, it will create difficulty for delivery trucks that access the roads on a daily basis. The developer needs to fully clarify the intended use, as many residents fear that it will simply become another Airbnb, something that Ward 1 is already facing challenges with. When it comes to Airbnbs, I support strict enforcement of the bylaws limiting shortterm rentals. Residents also fear that this development could negatively impact the neighbouring businesses. I would like to see the old RBC branch utilized in some way, but not as a three-storey hotel. So yes, this development is not minor, and it is not appropriate for the lands in question; therefore, it should have never been passed through the Committee of Adjustment and should have been a matter that was decided by council as a whole. I want to make it clear that I am not against this specific developer, or development for that matter. However, it needs to be appropriate development that serves the needs of the residents, but does not burden them. See SOOS Page 14
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Reopening schools safely matters to everyone That’s why the government of Ontario has worked with health officials, school boards and educators to develop a comprehensive plan to keep kids and staff safe. • Physical distancing measures will be implemented such as desk separation, signs, floor markings and one-way hallways. • Face coverings will be required for staff and students in Grades 4-12. • Hand hygiene will be enabled with hand sanitizer and hand washing. • More nurses will be in schools. • School cleaning will be enhanced.
A LOT TO TAKE ON
Sending kids back Weighing risks means parents face tough choices BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
We are desperate for the illusion of normalcy while in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. But expect a lot more angst in September, as formal schooling gets jump-started across Niagara. Spoiler alert: there will be COVID outbreaks in schools across the country. You can take that to the bank. Schools have a plan for how to deal with infections, but
this is all new territory. Commenting in Maclean’s magazine, some of Canada's top health officials, including Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam, are predicting “peaks and valleys” with COVID-19 until 2022, with the first peak to hit this fall. “Crushing the curve” remains critical so that hospitals are not overwhelmed during the impending flu
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Page 11
N BOARD
ck to school during a pandemic season. Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Niagara’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, has said that Ontario’s returnto-school plan is based on taking cues from countries with the best track records on low infection rates in schools, including those in Taiwan, South Korea, Norway, and Denmark. Regardless, many teachers (and certainly their unions) feel they are being asked to jeopardize their very lives so that parents can return to the workforce. School
board trustees and administrators have voiced concerns that they have been given an impossible task, with too little information, time, and money to succeed. Working parents are frustrated that they will have teenagers who won’t be at school on a full-time basis, and will need support and guidance as they participate in Zoom classes from home. And the students themselves? Some are apprehensive and scared for their safety, others are just happy to reconnect with their
friends. Academically, teachers will no doubt be generous in their assessment, which could lead to gratuitous grade inflation. For those in Grade 12, with post-secondary admission applications looming on the horizon, there is much at risk. What a writer in Atlantic magazine referred to as the “trinity of pandemic safety” —distancing, hand-washing, and masking — dictates the new normal. Are parents justified in their trepidation about sending their
children back to school? The latest statistics suggest that, as the kids would say, parents should “chill.” According to the federal government’s COVID summary quoted recently in the National Post, there have been 122,087 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, resulting in 9,026 deaths...a 7.4 per cent mortality rate. For children under the age of 19, the numbers are 9,909 infections and one death. Dr. Stephen Freedman, a pro-
fessor of pediatric medicine at the University of Calgary, was quoted in the National Post as suggesting that the COVID infection rate in children is probably eight to 10 times greater than that confirmed by testing. “It’s more likely that the death rate in Canada for kids under 19 is one in 100,000, or 0.001 per cent,” he said. Freedman noted that children infected with COVID often do See SCHOOLS next page
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SCHOOLS
continued from previous page
FERDA BOYS (AND GIRLS) Peter Piper’s Pub is currently running a fundraiser through the sale of military green restaurant T-shirts. All proceeds go to the Lincoln/Welland 613 Regiment Army Cadets, whose usual fundraising efforts have been hampered this year. Owner Stephanie Moore presents Kelly Chuckry, Chair of the 613 Support Team, with a cheque for $650. Moore says plenty of shirts are still available. SUPPLIED
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not develop symptoms, and if they do, the symptoms tend to be mild. The major concern is the health of at-risk individuals in the family, so grandparents and those with compromised immune systems need to be wary. “At a public health level, we worry a lot about spread in the community. If all of a sudden lots of children get sick and they have mild symptoms, who are they going to give it to? That becomes a big question,” said Freedman. COVID does not present only a physical risk. It also can negatively affect a child’s mental health, social development, and long-term educational outcomes. “Social isolation can be a real problem. We’re definitely seeing a large number of children presenting with mental health concerns,” said Freedman. Ontario’s PC government has tried to orchestrate a safe return to schooling that is based on solid scientific evidence and blunt financial realities. “I’m proud of our plan,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m not saying there won’t be bumps in the road. Putting two million kids back in the classroom, 160,000 teachers… what we want to do is create the safest environment to go back to school.” Predictably, the Liberals and NDP disagree, asserting that it’s too little, too late. Liberal leader Steven Del Duca was in Niagara recently to meet with educators and listen to anxiety-laden testimonials. He told a Torstar reporter, “I think it is time for Doug Ford to step up with a real plan with the proper investments, commit to smaller class sizes, and if need be delay the start of the school year by a few weeks to make sure we get it right.” Del Duca told those in attendance that if the Liberals held the reins of power, they would pour $120 million into programming for disabled students, and cap classrooms at 15 students in elementary grades. Andrea Horwath, leader of Ontario’s NDP, told an audience in Kingston that, “Mr. Ford has put together a bargain-basement plan that pinches pennies on the backs of our kids.” The Voice spoke with Horwath, who said that the government has essentially provided staffing dollars that equate to only about $16,000 per school. “There really isn't enough being invested to provide for the hiring of more teachers, the necessary increase in custodial staff, the capital repairs that are necessary in terms of ventilation systems and airflow,” said Horwath. “All of these pieces are still outstanding. And the government's financial commitment doesn't come anywhere
near addressing those problems.” To enhance social distancing, Horwath said that schools will need to use facilities like libraries, gymnasiums, and cafeterias as instructional spaces. “It's about thinking outside of the box and being creative. But in order to make that happen, you need a government that's prepared to fund it.” She is no fan of the online learning efforts which took place earlier in the year. “I think it was a dismal failure from March till June. Initially there was some novelty to it, and kids engaged. But as time wore on, interest waned. Those that are uber-motivated and are very independent learners— online studies are fine for them. And for those students with parents who are available in an ongoing way to assist and encourage them, online can work.” But special-needs kids tend to flounder online, Horwath asserted. And, in a very practical sense, parents shouldn’t be expected to be full-time tutors, steering their children’s educational progress. “Let’s face it, moms and dads needs to get back to work,” said Horwath. “We need our economy to be back up and running as quickly as possible. And that's only going to happen if people can get back to their jobs. We need students to return to school full time, five days a week, distanced and safe.” Education Minister Stephen Lecce has rejected public demands to lower class sizes in elementary grades due to the enormous cost, but has introduced compulsory masking for students in Grades 4 through 12, along with more school sanitizing, the hiring of more public health nurses, and the organizing of students into small groups, or “cohorts,” in an effort to limit contact and allow tracing should an outbreak occur. Physical distancing measures such as spacing desks apart, staggering recesses, controlling movement in hallways, and banning assemblies, will be commonplace in our schools this fall. Staggered starts by grade are an option for school boards to implement. The government has allocated $309 mil-
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The Voice, August 26, 2020
Page 13
Hot enough for you? Just ask the maples Drought stress likely culprit behind early leaf drop BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
Forget arbitrary arboreal assassination—the last several weeks of high heat and scarce rainfall haven’t done any favours for our trees, either. A tree’s foliage is often one of the first indicators that something is wrong. Are the leaves wilted, discolored, curled, or have brown spots? Is the tree partially defoliated? Soil pH usually isn't a problem, as most maples tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Maples prefer moist, well-draining soil, generously covered with two to four inches of mulch to conserve moisture. Insecticides (especially organic ones) can usually do the trick… if the problem is aphids or spider mites. But if you don’t see insects on the bottom of leaves, or in the soil at the base of the tree, the likely culprit is either disease or improper hydration. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves. Heavily infected leaves may drop prematurely, and swollen lesions might also develop on twigs and branches. Leaf scorch is generally caused by weather factors such as high temperatures and dry winds,
though it may also be caused by soil contaminants such as excessive phosphate fertilizers. A tree suffering from scorch will produce leaves with brown patches. Dry soil exacerbates the situation, so it is important to irrigate maples deeply and regularly during periods of drought. Dr. Jim Willwerth, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University, told the Voice that many trees, not just maples, will drop some leaves during periods of stress. 2020 has been both hot and dry, with precipitation lower than normal—our brown lawns are testament to this fact. Some maple species, he noted, can be more susceptible to dry periods, especially in soils with lower water holding capacity (such as the sandy soils in much of Pelham, that are also very well drained). “Mature trees with large canopies can have a very high water demand, and will lose a lot of moisture through their leaves during transpiration,” said Willwerth. “A few short, heavy rains will not be enough to provide sufficient water for the daily requirements of a large tree, so it will drop leaves to
reduce the overall stress.” This is particularly true of Silver Maples. Willwerth also noted that there has been no shortage of construction around Pelham in recent years, which can cause issues such as compaction and damage to the root system that can lead to a tree being more susceptible to stress. “I have also seen some of the non-native Norway Maples with some tar spot fungus on the leaves that can lead to some loss in leaves, especially if drought-stressed as well,” said Willwerth. Remember that annual growth is one of the easiest ways to recognize if your maple is a happy tree. Immature maples should experience yearly growth in the form of new shoots and thicker branches, and leaves should always appear in abundance on healthy maples.
Great food, Great people
Maple leaves have gone spotty and been falling to the ground for the better part of three weeks, as in this south Fonthill example. BOB LOBLAW
VOTE STEVEN SOOS FOR WARD 1 COUNCILLOR ON CANNABIS: Hold unlawful cannabis growers accountable. Odor and light pollution must be stopped.
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Page 14
The Voice, August 26, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Returning to school: Students share their thoughts BY MEGAN METLER
Special to the VOICE
With schools reopening and plans being finalized, many students begin preparing to return to the classroom next month, although this year many modifications and rules will be enforced to make the transition for staff and students safer. With the threat of COVID-19 continuing, some students will be remaining at home for online learning while others cautiously return to school in-person. Georgia Demizio, a Grade 8 student at St. Ann Catholic Elementary School, shared that she has felt cooped-up at home and is eager to get back to normal life. She will be returning to school in September.
SOOS
continued from Page 9
Farming, small businesses and COVID-19
I fully support the creation of an ad-hoc committee at Town Hall to address farmers’ concerns. COVID-19 has been challenging for all and it has had devastating effects on the small-scale family farmers. Farmers rely on markets to sell their goods and to feed their families, but markets have been shut-down for months and even now are operating at reduced capacity. The workload has also increased for our small-scale family farmers due to increased safety and sanitation measures as a result
“Some things I miss most about school are the friends that I haven't been able to see and participating in some of the clubs that l help organize,” she said. Demizio added that one of her biggest concerns was missing out on experiences like sports, clubs, teams and class trips due to the pandemic. Wellington Heights Public School students Addison Willms, Grade 6, and Ashton Willms, Grade 4, will also be returning to the classroom. Both of them worry about keeping a safe distance from their friends and the restrictions for playing with others. “Not being in school, I have missed seeing my friends the most,” said Addison. Kaleigh Scholman, a Grade 9
of the ongoing pandemic. Another big issue for our farmers is the need for access to rural high speed internet, especially as it pertains to examining market trends, research, and weather conditions. Recently, it was announced that Niagara was one of three participants for the SWIFT partnership (Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology), which seeks to deliver high-speed broadband internet services to under-serviced rural municipalities. An RFP (Request for Proposal) was put out to multiple internet service providers to deliver rural high speed internet. Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Wainfleet, and “the region’s west end,” are eligible participants for the
student attending Notre Dame College School this year, shared that she has been feeling very bored at home and has also missed seeing friends. “I will absolutely be going back to school in September because I have spent way too much time at home,” she said. “I also miss being in a class where my teacher is right in front of me instead of through a computer.” One of Scholman’s biggest concerns is the impact that wearing masks will have on learning. “You can’t hear people very well through them, so it will be hard for students to understand what their teachers are saying, but also if people don’t wear masks then it’s not really helping the situation.” St. Ann student Cameron Conley
$13.3 million dollars designated for the project. It is essential that Pelham be a strong partner in this project. This could indeed be a game-changer for our small businesses and farmers, especially since we are in the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. A partnership like this is also important for families. We are relying on technology more than ever due to the pandemic and social distancing protocols. Access to the internet will also be essential for those working at home and for children and youth who are taking courses online as parents and students now have the option for online schooling). If Pelham hopes to be a partner in the SWIFT project, it will be neces-
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told the Voice that he will be staying home for the upcoming school year because of his asthma. “Also because I want to keep my Great Grandpa and Grandma, and the rest of my family safe." The Grade 5 student said that he has been missing his friends, classmates, teachers and participating in social activities. Even though Conley won’t be attending school in-person next month, he still has some reservations about the reopening. "My biggest concerns about schools reopening are if it is cleaned properly. My other concern is what if kids and teachers attend school and they have COVID and don't show any symptoms? My last concern is kids who can't read the signs the school is putting up and don't
sary to work with all levels of government to see the project come to fruition. Working with all levels of
We all want to see small businesses revitalized throughout Fenwick, North Pelham, and Ridgeville government is essential as a Town councillor. For example, Pelham would not have had transit without a grant from the provincial government. It goes back to the old saying, “It takes a village.” We all want to see small businesses revitalized throughout Fenwick, North Pelham, and Ridgeville. One of the ways that this will be achieved is for these voices to be a part of a strong COVID-19 recovery task force. Another tool that will be useful as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery will be zero-based budgeting, something that the majority of small businesses and private sector enterprises have adopted. It involves building a budget from scratch (no carry-over from previous years), where every dollar must be justified and accounted for.
follow the rules for social distancing—who is going to monitor that?” Emma Poitras, a Grade 10 student at E. L. Crossley Secondary School said that during the online learning that took place from March to June she felt stressed and unmotivated, and that things got confusing towards the end of the school year. Throughout the long break from physically attending school, Poitras said that she has missed seeing her friends, being able to work closely with others and to ask questions directly to her teachers. “I'm planning on going back to school in September,” she said. “My biggest concern is a second wave of COVID-19. Even though extra precautions will be in place, it's always at the back of my mind.”
Essentially, every dollar is spent from the first dollar. This is another simple and effective cost-saving measure that we in the Town of Pelham can implement.
Settling perceived issues
This one is the elephant in the room, but I will address it anyway. A few months ago, Mayor Marvin Junkin received a 45day pay suspension due to a frivolous complaint from another councillor, stating Mayor Junkin tried to broker a “backroom” deal on a potential donation regarding fundraising for the Fonthill Bandshell Committee. The cost to the Town for this complaint was $18,430. This stunt was a waste of public money and a slap in the face of the people of the Town Pelham. The Integrity Commissioner found Mayor Junkin did not do anything nefarious or for personal gain. The Ombudsman felt this was a totally minor issue that did not have to be escalated. This was nothing more than attempted political sabotage of Mayor Junkin. There was also the illegal motion to not allow Mayor Junkin to be the spokesperson for the Town. However, as the Head of Council outlined in the Municipal Act (and as Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Pelham), final say on matters of the press is Mayor Junkin’s jurisdiction. Like every Canadian, Mayor Junkin is guaran-
teed the right to freedom of speech enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I find these continued attacks against Mayor Junkin as nothing more than petty attempts at political sabotage and distraction politics. In my opinion, Mayor Junkin goes to work and earns the money the Town pays him. Mayor Junkin is one of the most transparent politicians in this entire Region. We're talking about the guy who saw the Pelham taxpayers being mistreated by the previous administration and refused to go along with it! We are lucky to have him. Bring something to the table instead of attacking Mayor Junkin, someone trying to do right for the people of Pelham. As a municipal councillor, I would never use the Code of Conduct, the Integrity Commissioner, or the Ontario Ombudsman as a weapon against another councillor or mayor to settle perceived issues. As this campaign rolls on, my main focus will be on your priorities, values, and concerns. It is a councillor’s job to work with the residents to find solutions to problems, from speeding on rural roads, to nepotism at Town Hall, to fiscal responsibility, or whatever issues arise. I will be your advocate! On September 15th, I hope you will place your trust in me and help me deliver a bright future for Pelham and Ward 1. ◆
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The Voice, August 26, 2020
FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have Place these ads for 30 words + photo been exploring andfree! performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp• Birth announcements • 50th and greater wedding anniversaries • 90,ing 95, 100-plus birthday announcements grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, 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.
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PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make YOUR six cards with- fall themes,PROVINCIALLY learning a variety of techniques. Materials EXTEND REACH ADVERTISE OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For more information contact your local community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools ed.org needed. 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 MINORINVENTORS!! HOCKEY EQUIPMENT DECLINED SALE BY YOUR BANK? ATTN: ONTARIO WE CAN HELP! Buy, sell or Inventing trade used Arena. Aimed to provide Need Help?equipment at the Pelham Call Davison!! , 2 , 3 MORTGAGES cheaper options for players in this upcoming1 season. Runs Sept. 6 from Debt Consolidation Ideas Wanted! 9-12 in the morning. Renovations, Tax Arrears st
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FIREARMS WANTED FOR JUNE 13th, 2020 Your Classified AdCLUB or Display Ad would appear WALKING LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, in weekly newspapers each week across Handguns, Militaria. at Auction or Purchase: Ontario in urban, areas. Join Interested insuburban walkingand in rural Pelham? them Tuesdays the Pelham Arena 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.
HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES of Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring aPlaces non-perishable Classifi foodBethany itemOCNA to fill Network the hampers at eds the Ads Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4. Christian Reformed Church First Presbyterian Church
Portable sawmill service. Beamer’s Pro Hardware I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber alsoSobey’s available. Call Rob Patterson, FENWICK McDonald’s 905-401-4948, Avondale Stor riverwood@primus.ca Fonthill Legion
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Upscale yard (moving) sale will be held from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
at 27 Buckley Terrace, Fonthill on August 29Follow & 30. Lotsus of unique & on Twitter, 905.892.8690 quality items will be available. Please bring change with you & follow
Pelham’s Covid-19 rules that will be posted Like on site.us Each will be onitem Facebook. priced however no reasonable offer will be refused.
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WINTER TIRES FOR SALE For Sale: Four 16” Winter Tires, new October, 2019. Off car March, 2020. $275 firm for all four. Call 905-892-1572.
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Worship
(AD CENTRAL) www.bethanycrc.ca
602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca
Concordia Church Week Lutheran of 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com
Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca
Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca
Glad Tidings Church of God
Pelham Community Church (United Church)
St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com
COMMUNITY Events April 13
Posted Event Submissions Standards April 8United Church Fenwick
If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, www.fenwickunited.com www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com www.pelham.cc you may submit an events profile by sending your community events information to Central editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet Region Ads included the acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted until the date er Niagara Circle Route for Pelham residents, as FAITH LIFT HANDLEBARS well as a safe route to the spectacular new 2021 This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers continued from Page 17 continued from Page 18 of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide Niagara Canada Summer Games facility at Brock as much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description University. come more reflective about what Within the bill, suggested projects included, of your event. The Voice of Pelham reserves the right to edit for space. Those heading west from Thorold into Fonthill is really important in life, what is “Building new parks, cycling and walking paths truly significant. Some are able to grow old gracefully with God, but others sadly begin to realize that the ladder of success they’ve been climbing for so many years is, in fact, leaning against the wrong building! God’s Word asks us a piercing question, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36). Good question. The answer is “nothing.” Nothing this world has to offer (power, pleasure, possessions, perks, etc.) can fill the hunger in a person’s soul for spiritual life, to be connected to the One who made him, who loves him, who sacrificed His Son for him, and who wants to welcome him into eternity. A wise person will think about these things… before he reaches sudden death overtime. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor and is still starting the third period of life (except each period is now 30 years!)
to help Canadians get access to nature to stay healthy, active and safe. These changes will…. support longer-term goals of sustainable, economically healthy, low-carbon, and inclusive communities.” In Pelham, one of the projects under consideration for support by PATC is the NS&T Fonthill Spur Trail, an as-yet-to-be developed rail trail that runs approximately eight kilometres from the north end of the Steve Bauer Trail to Beaverdams Road in Thorold. At this time the trail is primarily bumpy, coarse gravel, and is very sketchy for cycling or comfortable walking in most places. It is not maintained, and can only be ridden at all because the ATV riders that use it beat the bushes and weeds back. However, it represents a wonderful recreational opportunity with potential economic spinoff for both Fonthill and Thorold if it is developed. For those heading east from Fonthill, Thorold has recently spent millions rejuvenating its downtown, including new unique shops and eateries. With a distance end-to-end of less than 10 kilometres one way, and an opportunity for a lunch stop or shopping before returning, the cycling trip distance is perfect for young families and seniors not in a hurry. The Fonthill Spur would provide safe and scenic off-road access to the popular Welland Canal Trail and the Great-
Fenwick Sub Golden Grill Devries Fruit Ridderikhoff M
will likewise be able to experience the shops and restaurants in our downtown, but equally as important, will have a traffic-free path to the quiet and beautiful agricultural back roads of Pelham. The proximity of these two small, tourism-minded communities will help ensure the trail’s success and popularity, as has the Friendship Trail between Fort Erie and Ridgeway, or the busy Caledon Rail Trail connecting Inglewood, Caledon, Palgrave and Tottenham. For runners and walkers, how much more interesting would it be to connect directly to this rural trail from the Steve Bauer Trail, rather than have to drive somewhere for a change of scenery during your run? This project has remained latent for many years, for various reasons. Concerns about maintenance costs as well as capital costs always arise when it is discussed, and both communities have historically committed funds to trails in their own jurisdictions—Thorold on the Welland Canal Trail, and Pelham on the Steve Bauer and Gerry Berkhout Trails. Fortunately, thanks to forward-thinking planners and politicians, along with the MTO, some of the larger capital cost items are already in place. A tunnel under the 406 to facilitate the Fonthill Spur Trail was incorporated into the highway’s expansion years ago, and more re-
cently a wide, bike trail- appropriate passageway was included when the bridge over Lake Gibson was rebuilt. However, as Veep-nominee Kamala often says, “Here’s the thing.” Pelham’s portion of the trail is miniscule compared to that of Thorold’s. When this trail is built, Thorold will have to absorb most of the municipal expense contribution. That is why additional funding is critical, and the Federal COVID-19 Resilience Funding stream is an opportunity that may not be repeated again soon. As Doug Ford’s government continues to improve its relationship with Ottawa, there may be an opportunity to involve the province as well. The Fonthill Spur is on the radar of PATC, and Bea Clarke, in her capacity as chair, has reached out to the Thorold Active Transportation Advisory Committee, which is also in favour of completing the spur if funding is available. Pelham Town Councillor John Wink and Regional Councillor Diana Huson also sit on the Pelham Active Transportation Committee. As citizens who enjoy walking, cycling and running, we need to ask those seeking to become Ward 1 councillor on September 15 if they will actively support advancing the Fonthill Spur, and encourage the support of those currently representing us on local and Regional Council. Perhaps most importantly, we have to encourage all our friends in Thorold that getting the Fonthill Spur under construction is a worthwhile goal, which will provide benefits for families and businesses of both our communities and the Region. ◆
Page 16
The Voice, August 26, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
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SCHOOLS
continued from Page 11 lion this year for COVID-related expenses in schools, which is the highest amount per pupil in the country, according to Lecce. The total includes $30 million for teacher staffing to support supervision. Lecce recently announced the government will allow school boards to access their reserve funds for pandemic needs, but NDP banner carriers Jeff Burch (MPP for Niagara Centre) and Jennie Stevens (MPP for St. Catharines) are opposed to this measure. “Reserve funds are supposed to be for future obligations,” Burch told a Torstar reporter. “It is really bad fiscal management to expect school boards to use those funds.” Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara West MPP and parliamentary assistant to Education Minister Lecce, begged to differ, suggesting that the reserves are akin to “rainy day” funds which are meant for just such a situation as currently before us. “Our government feels that the global pandemic, which has deeply affected our education system, qualifies as the proverbial rainy day," said Oosterhoff told the Voice, "and justifies drawing on the reserves. And I believe most people agree with that." Jennifer Pellegrini, Communications Officer for Niagara Catholic District School Board, would not specify how much money the board held in its operational reserves, only saying that the money was “targeted for special projects.” But Chartered Accountants Crawford, Smith, and Swallow, in an August 2018 consolidated statement of cash flows, indicated that the Niagara Catholic Board had an accumulated surplus of nearly $12 million dollars. Kim Yielding, a communications spokesperson for the pub-
lic District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), told the Voice that $9,584,314 was held in general operating reserves according to the DSBN board’s latest budget. So what will the options be for parents in Niagara regarding their children’s schooling? To paraphrase Hamlet, “To send, or not to send?” The DSBN’s 36,000 students and NCDSB’s 21,000 students are set to start classes on Tuesday, September 8. Parents were supposed to decide in late August whether they were opting for in-person classroom instruction, or online learning. Elementary school students will have classes as in pre-pandemic times (five days a week, with one cohort for the full day, and no reduced class size). Staggered starts to the school year by grade level will likely occur. No option for part-time, in-person school attendance will be available. Enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place, including daily health assessments. High schools will follow the “adaptive” model as directed by the provincial government, with two student cohorts to reduce class size. Cohort “A” will attend live classes on Mondays, Tuesday, and alternating Wednesdays, while Cohort “B” will be in class on Thursdays, Fridays, and alternating Wednesdays. DSBN students will have courses in blocks of two courses over a two-week period, and then a switch to another two courses for the same duration. Parents who decide to keep their children home will enroll them in online studies using video-conferencing software as indicated by the boards. The government has directed that 225 minutes of the standard 300 minute school day be dedicated to live, synchronous instruction. Education Minister Lecce has mandated students in Grades 1 through 12 receive a minimum of 75 percent of instruction via live, synchronous learning each day.
Dozens of school buses line up in rows at the Seaway Mall, Saturday, August 22. BOB LOBLAW (Synchronous learning involves using text, voice, or video communication in a way that enables educators to instruct and connect with students in real time.) Additionally, online teachers must be available to students for one-to-one discussions, as they would be if they were in a classroom setting. A daily schedule which details the day’s lessons and learning activities is expected to made made available to both students and parents. Pellegrini told the Voice that the Niagara Catholic board would be in compliance with all Ministry requirements. Yielding of the DSBN said that return-to-school plans for both elementary and secondary sectors are available on their website. Brian Kemper, principal of Heritage Christian School in Jordan, said that any families who choose not to send their children back to school will be supported via distance learning online. “We have based our re-opening plans on consultation with Niagara Public Health and documents from Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and the Ontario Ministry of Education,” he said.
Paul Wagner, principal of Jordan Christian School which enrolls 180 students, said that they will be “mirroring the public system in terms of safety protocols.” JCS has a small number of international students expected for the fall term, but Wagner is unsure that they will receive clearance to attend. Private boarding schools in Niagara that enroll international students are experiencing some anxiety, since the federal government’s Department of Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees is currently in a holding pattern with regard to issuing study permits, which are required to enter the country. Flights to Canada are also difficult to arrange in some nations, given COVID restrictions on travel. Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) told a Torstar reporter that 50 of their international students (mainly from China, Hong Kong, and Nigeria) have been delayed in their arrival. Julie Cameron, the Enrollment and Admission Director at Ridley College in St. Catharines, which enrolls hundreds of offshore students from 60 countries, told the
Voice that a significant number of their international students also hold Canadian citizenship, and so study permit delays will not necessarily be a factor in the return of many students from abroad. Cameron said that 130 international boarders are already on campus, having arrived early and commenced the isolation protocol. Although international students normally head home during the major school holidays at Christmas and for March Break, Cameron said that this year, Ridley has made arrangements for the students to remain on campus with full supervision and services. Classes have been capped at 16, and although video-conferencing instruction will be available online, the vast majority of Ridley students will be receiving in-class instruction from teachers on a daily basis. A full sports and activities program will also be in place. How many Niagara parents have decided not to send their kids back to school? The number is not known yet, but a recent article in the Toronto Star reported that about a quarter of families who responded to fall attendance surveys from Ontario school boards indicated that they would be keeping their children home for online learning, not willing to take the risk of infection in school classrooms. What can parents do to assist their children through the turmoil? The biggie is to offer reassurance that they are not going to die if they catch the virus. Statistically, it just isn’t going to happen. But to protect others around them, it’s important to stress the aforementioned “trinity of pandemic safety”—hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing. Niagara’s COVID-19 cases since March total 927, with 41 still active and 822 people having recovered. At least 64 have died from the virus.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, August 26, 2020
Voice
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
CROSSWORD
F
French call this time period “entre deux ages” or “between two ages,” which fits nicely with our three-period idea. The key word for this period is success. Everyone wants to be successful in life and this is the time period when we’ve reached adulthood, we’ve got our education, and now we get to prove to the world that we are successful. So we work hard climbing the ladder called “success.” Sadly, many people leave God out of their life and plans. They ignore both Him and His Word. They never read these words of wisdom and guidance: “You shall
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Wheel, snipe, celly—the hockey game of life
ifteen years ago, I was invited to speak at a seniors retreat. I had just turned 50, so I mused that it must go with the territory. As I began my first talk, I looked out over this wonderful group of senior saints (aged 60 to 90) and said these profound words — “In the hockey game of life, I’m just starting the third period.” But then without thinking I blurted out, “You know, some of you must feel like you’re in sudden death overtime!” I’ve since concluded that sensitivity is not one of my stronger gifts. Anyhow, now that the NHL is back in action I want you to think of life for a moment as a hockey game of three 25-year periods. Which period are you in? Let’s take a closer look at each...
Page 17
meditate on it (God’s Word) day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
The third period
And finally we reach the last period — our senior years (50 to 75). These are the years when our career or life’s work comes to an end and we slip into retirement mode. The key word for this period is significance. The allure of success begins to wane and we beSee FAITH LIFT Page 15
The first period
The first period of life is from birth to young adulthood (ages 0 to 25). Key words for this time period are security and self-worth. As children and youth grow up they need to have a genuine sense of belonging, of being secure in a loving family. They then develop a healthy sense of self-worth. Without this, kids grow up feeling insecure, unloved and of little value, which leads to a whole gamut of problems for them, their parents and others. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). We gain our greatest sense of security and self-worth when we understand that we have been made in God’s image and are unconditionally loved and valued by Him.
The second period
The second period of life is from young to late adulthood (ages 25 to 50). The
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!
Word Search: Vaccines
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ACUTE ADJUVANT ADVERSE ALLERGY ANTIBODY ANTIGENS
ANTIVIRAL ATTENUATED BACTERIA BOOSTER BREAKTHROUGH CHRONIC
COMBINATION COMMUNICABLE CONJUGATE CONTRAINDICATION DISEASE EFFICACY
EPIDEMIC EXPOSURE IMMUNITY INFECTION VACCINE VIRUS
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
Page 18
The Voice, August 26, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
FROM THE HANDLEBARS
by John Swart
Is it time to make the Fonthill Spur Trail a reality?
D
on’t you love it when one of your assumptions proves to be wrong, and you have to rethink everything — in a good way? We, through our various levels of government, are spending unprecedented amounts of money because of COVID-19. Stimulus to improve various social safety nets, assistance to businesses, improvements to schools to keep kids and teachers safe, and other needs are costly. While recently cycling the Steve Bauer Trail, I was thinking how fortunate it is for the community that the money provided for the
trail’s imminent paving had originally been made available before the costs of the pandemic altered our focus. Where will the various needs of active transportation, including trail expansion, fit into the new hierarchy of government spending as we continue to deal with COVID-19? My concern was that active transportation might be relegated to a back burner because of other priorities and a general lack of funds, so I contacted Bea Clark, Chair of the Pelham Active Transportation Committee (PATC) to share my concerns and get her opinion on what to expect. Her reply was not at all as
I had anticipated. Clark said, “I think one of the things the pandemic has shown us is how important outdoor spaces are when we have to keep distance and try to stay safe and still try to maintain our physical health, so Active Transportation has really been prominent in a lot of discussions that politicians are having about developing this pandemic resilience, or an ability to generally cope with all the changes we’ve had to experience. So if you’re out and about, regardless of the community, you’ll see more people walking and cycling, more people trying to be outdoors, to maintain their health and their sense of community.” When I asked Clark about the future place of active transportation in government budgeting, she replied, “It’s true that there are many other priorities for funding,
The new bike-friendly bridge built over Lake Gibson was designed to accommodate the Fonthill Spur Trail. JOHN SWART but I think that everyone is realizing the importance of ‘walkable’ communities, and whether it’s good times or bad, it’s just important to have that infrastructure in place.” Her thoughts align with statements by Catherine
McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, when she announced on August 5 a new COVID-19 Resilience Funding stream worth up to $3.3 billion, as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. McKenna said the new fund-
ing stream recognizes, “Canadian communities are on the front lines of the pandemic, and need immediate assistance to make their public infrastructure safe for use during the pandemic.” See HANDLEBARS Page 15
Voice
HOROSCOPE
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, acting your age will not feel like fun this week, but you have to hunker down and be the adult. Even as others shirk responsibility, you know how to get the job done. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, it is alright to go against the grain once in a while if it means that much to you. Sometimes you have to be a trendsetter. This week you stand out in a good way. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 This week could mark the start of a fun and informative phase for you, Gemini. Look around at all the possibilities to learn new things. You can expand your knowledge tenfold. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, eagerly follow all impulses to explore new interests. This is a great time to start a new hobby or even change careers. Be aggressive with your goals. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 There is some tension going on with you this week over what you desire and what you know is good for you, Leo. You’ll need to walk a fine line if you are to get both. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, sometimes the best conversations you can have are the ones in which the person you are chatting with disagrees with what you are saying. It’s an opportunity to debate. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, take inventory of the value of what you have. That doesn’t strictly mean material things. It also refers to the friends and loved ones who always have your back. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, it can sometimes be
best to walk into a situation without any expectations. This way anything that happens can be taken at face value. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 It’s required patience, but things will start to make sense in your life this week, Sagittarius. All of the parts start to fall into place and the bigger picture is revealed. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 There is no need to deny yourself some guilty pleasures, Capricorn. Dig into a big piece of cake or indulge in some binge-watching. You’ve earned it. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, expect more plots than a soap opera in the days ahead. The good news is that you decide which course things will take. Surround yourself with your support network. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, excitement is fine, but your eagerness to jump into a project may seem too intense to others. Temper some of your emotions. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 23 Andrew Rannells, Actor (42) AUGUST 24 Sofia Richie, Model (22) AUGUST 25 Blake Lively, Actress (33) AUGUST 26 Melissa McCarthy, Actress (50) AUGUST 27 The Great Khali, Wrestler (48) AUGUST 28 Florence Welch, Singer (34) AUGUST 29 Noah Syndergaard, Athlete (28)
SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Utah 2. Rama 3. Uric 4. Soaks 5. Poe 6. Arisen 7. Rigil 8. Joe Biden 9. Inn 10. Dadas 11. Herb 12. Arab 13. Loti 21. Sites 23. Reb 25. Dad 26. Nab 27. Chest 28. Raphe 29. Tchad 32. Haber 33. Edema 34. Mired 36. Kaw 37. Dag 38. Wac 40. Familiar 41. Sages 43. Hel 44. Rat 46. Mia 47. Sateen 49. Skald 50. Cirri 51. Sates 52. Hahn 53. Agee 54. Kure 57. Mare 58. Abib 59. Sine 61. Hep 62. DDT
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Urus 5. Parji 10. Dhal 14. Taro 15. Orion 16. Aero 17. Amia 18. Eigen 19. Drat 20. Hacks 22. Sib 23. Rabbi 24. Sidelines 27. CRT 30. Tan 31. Dab 32. Hem 35. Hacked 37. Deb 38. Wadi 39. Ephas 40. Fan 41. Saber 42. Shaw 43. Hag 44. Raceme 45. Ted 46. Mem 47. SAG 48. Rad 49. Silicates 52. Hakka 55. Lit 56. Samas 60. Agua 61. Hired 63. Tabi 64. Herl 65. Eared 66. Erin 67. Need 68. Print 69. Sebe
Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, August 26, 2020
Julianne Miszk, running with teacher Vic Pietrangelo.
BERNIE PUCHALSKI
In remembrance of Julianne Accomplished athlete inspired so many BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI
BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM
When I heard of the recent passing of Julianne Miszk, I was overwhelmed with a sense of sadness, thinking of all the trials and tribulations Julianne faced in the 22 years she graced us with her presence. Born with Dubowitz syndrome, a rare condition that has only about 140 cases reported worldwide since 1965, Julianne had to deal with a learning disability, an uncommon bone disorder called fibrous dysplasia, surgeries and infections. If all these challenges weren’t daunting enough, cancer struck. In November 2016, Julianne had surgery in which a section of her fibula (calf bone) was used to replace a cancerous part of the bone in her jaw. She spent two weeks in hospital following a 10-hour surgery and had to fight off multiple infections. Sadly, doctors discovered there was still cancer present at the margins of her jaw. Following chemotherapy, Julianne underwent another 10-hour surgery in July 2017. Doctors took a piece of her scapula (shoulder blade) and put it in her jaw. In June 2018, doctors determined the cancer had returned inside Julianne’s reconstructed jaw bone. They planned to take the fibula from her other leg, reconstruct with a nerve ending
from the top of her foot and follow up with five weeks of radiation. Four hours into the surgery, they discovered so much scar tissue that it was too dangerous to proceed. Julianne then underwent seven weeks of daily radiation treatments that would have overwhelmed anyone but Julianne. On some days, she asked for double treatments. One doctor asked Julianne why she wanted to put herself through it and she said that she was tough and would suck it up. She wanted to be done with the treatment so she could return to school at Saint Michael. When treatments were done, Julianne tried to follow the advice of her doctors with one exception. She refused to take it easy. “But I didn’t listen to that,” she said. “If I didn’t do anything, I would just feel bad.” Doing nothing was not in Julianne’s DNA. While she fought her own battle with cancer, she created yellow and gold Julianne’s Journey of Courage Bracelets (gold for childhood cancer and yellow for her type of cancer). She ended up raising some $3,000 for Camp Ooch (Camp Oochigeas) to help purchase crafts for the summer camp for kids with cancer. Camp Ooch ended up splitting the proceeds with a hospital in London so it too
could purchase crafts for childhood cancer patients. “If kids can’t get out of their rooms because they are getting blood transfusions, volunteers come to their room and bring crafts and things,” Julianne said of the endeavour. She then got involved with the Heaters Heroes charity, which helps local children in need, and raised thousands of dollars to help towards the granting of kids’ wishes. Julianne also did charity work with the Saint Michael’s Chaplains Crew and participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, riding 200 kilometres on a tandem bike with her father, Joe. Her obituary perfectly described Julianne’s time on earth. “She accomplished everything she needed to do in her short time with us and now it was her beautiful soul’s decision to return back to her heavenly home,” it read. “Cancer could never extinguish this girl’s spirit to live, love and enjoy life to its fullest! She inspired, encouraged and touched so many peoples’ lives. Her legacy and strength of character will continue to live on forever in our hearts.” I have many memories of my time chronicling her sporting achievements, including her seven Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations cross country
and track and field championships, but the one that endures the most came in October 2016, at the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association’s high school cross-country meet at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls. Less than a week after finishing her latest round of chemotherapy at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Julianne was able to finish the three-kilometre run in the mixed para division. In my mind, I can still picture her crossing the finish line, wearing bib No. 320 and a Saint Michael Catholic High School singlet, into the waiting arms and a warm blanket held by her loving parents, Bernadette and Joe. When the race ended, I remember going back to my car to sit so nobody could see the tears streaming down my face. I had many questions that day but few answers. Why do such bad things happen to good people? How did Julianne proceed so fearlessly against such tough odds? What right did I have to complain and moan about issues in my life when they were so trivial compared to Julianne’s challenges? What was Julianne teaching me about life? I am still searching for answers to some of those questions. Her obituary summed up what Julianne meant to me. “While fighting her battle with cancer, she continued
Page 19
OBITUARY
OBITUARY
SAYLOR, John Malcolm
KAZMIR, Catharine “Kay”
Passed away peacefully on the Oncology Unit at the St. Catharines General Hospital on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the age of 77 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife Betty (April 1, 2020). Lovingly missed by his sons Michael, Sean (Cathy), Jeff (Sarah) and Chris (Kelly). Cherished grandfather of Malcolm, Kage, Hailey, Emerson, Katarina and Felicia. Dear brother of Gail (Barry) and Karen (Nick). John worked as a teacher and principal for the Niagara South Board of Education from 1966 to 1998. John was a long time valued member of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fonthill. He loved golfing with his buddies once a week and was a regular attendee at the Friday cruise nights at the Seaway Mall. Above all, family was most important to dad. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the St. Catharines Hospital Oncology Unit for their care and compassion. The graveside memorial service to honour Both John and Betty will take place at Fonthill Cemetery on Tuesday, August 25th at 11:00 am. We ask that all adhere to the social distancing guidelines and are encouraged to wear a mask. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Building Capital Fund or the Niagara Health Foundation Oncology Unit. Online condolences may be shared at www. pelhamfuneralhome.ca
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Catharine “Kay” Kazmir on August 19th, 2020, at the age of 94. She is now reunited with her adored husband Michael, playing music together once more. Loving mother of Larry (Carol) and Dennis (C a r o l e).C h e r i s h e d grandma of Catherine (Andre) and Christopher (Andrea). She also leaves behind her sister Victoria “Vicky” Smith. She will be missed by her extended family both here and in the United States of America. Catharine is predeceased by her brother-in-law the Late Tom Smith. According to Catharine’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment at Pleasantview Cemetery has also taken place. Memorial donations made to The Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www. lampmanfuneralhome. com
to inspire and teach so many people to face and overcome their own personal challenges while staying strong and positive,” it read. “Her inspirational love for life will continue to live on through everyone who had the privilege to know her.” I can go on for thousands of words what Julianne taught me, but I will try to be as succinct as possible. Her lessons to me were: to cherish every day as if it’s your last; to realize every obstacle in life must be met with a smile and the dogged determination to overcome; to seek solutions instead of excuses; and, in some small or large way, try to make this a better place for us all. Julianne was an amazing choice to join the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame in 2018 and her presence will never be forgotten. “Just when the caterpillar thought her world was over, she became a butterfly.” Soar onward Julianne.
MCC clog reveals rebar
Snake camera view.
SUPPLIED
A sewage backup at the community centre has revealed some less-thanstellar construction quality at the $39-million-plus facility. The backup occurred in the women’s washroom near the basketball courts. A contractor came in and snaked the drain, breaking up the clog. In the process, video revealed the likely culprit: a piece of metal rebar, driven straight through the pipe. Town Communications and Public Relations Specialist Marc MacDonald says that the Town is now obtaining quotes to have the rogue rebar removed to prevent backups from recurring.
Page 20
The Voice, August 26, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Eighty-eight, with infinite reasons to celebrate Family and friends mark Iris Sainty’s birthday with social-distancing drive-by BY HELEN TRAN
Special to the VOICE
A late summer breeze ruffles the chain of cream, gold and grey balloons decorating the lawn of a house on Parkhill Street. Two larger balloons, spelling out “88,” accent the two mature trees under which a smiling Iris Sainty sat, enjoying all the spoils deserving of an 88-year-old.
After raising four daughters, Sainty had enjoyed a trip to Australia just prior to the beginning of the pandemic. The family has lived in Pelham for some 20 years and has been active in the community. “We love our G’ma”, said granddaughter Maggie Sainty. “Even all of my friends
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call her ‘G’ma.’” While close family had just celebrated high tea at home, they were now adjusting the lawn decorations in anticipation of a surprise drive-by cavalcade of cars comprised of Iris’s friends from the Church of Transfiguration. Along with relatives from British Columbia and Newfoundland, loved ones from coast-to-coast and close friends from church gathered to celebrate. Some 40 people visited and left gifts and made greetings at a safe social distance, or drove by the house. All wore masks, and they also donned party hats and sported bells, noisemakers, and homemade birthday signs. “We are thrilled that everybody could come,” said daughter Barbara Sainty. “Most people are from the church, and we haven’t seen them properly since the last church service in March before the pandemic started.” Smiles were evident despite the masks, and many partygoers enjoyed cake and fruit while exchanging memories, jokes, and wellwishes. “Iris is a very, very special lady,” said friend Joanne Lynagh. “One of her greatest achievements is raising four independent, strong daughters. And she was always the first to bake and prepare meals for the community. The family always helps those who need it.”
For the partygoers, one of the most vivid memories of Iris was of the Sainty’s yearly Christmas party, a tradition going on three decades. Before the pandemic, the family would begin making up to nine different kinds of soup every August, in preparation for the holiday party to which the entire church congregation and their children were invited. Guests would bring bread and gather to sing carols while Barbara Sainty played the piano. Iris led the singing of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ and acted out all the lyrics. The family’s close ties to the community, and their love for Iris, was evident on the day of the party through the number of people who showed up to celebrate. Even neighbours from further down the street came out, drawn by the laughter, bells and car horns The birthday girl was still beaming in her chair even as the party began winding down. “A perfectly lovely day,” said Iris. “Everybody has just been amazing. Thank you so much.”
Top, Sarah King, Stan King, Wendy King, Kathy Sainty, Timo Sakkanen, Iris Sainty, Maggie Sainty, Liam Pepper, Barbara Sainty, and Heather King. Above, friends brought home-made signs to celebrate. HELEN TRAN
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