The Voice, December 2 2020

Michael Bond speaks page 3 First COVID case in Pelham school page 9 Niagara Basketball United in action page 17 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Column Six

Crushes, prairie dogs, and stooks Before Fenwick there was Neederlandia ...and Jim

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A HOLLY JOLLY DRIVE-THRU Sunday saw the Fonthill Lions’ inaugural Drive-Thru Meals program, with “Breakfast with a Side of Santa.” Since in-person fundraising events, such as Sliderfest and pasta dinners, are off the calendar for the foreseeable future, the club says it’s striving to find creative new ways to fundraise. “Our next meal will be on Saturday, January 17, and will be a half-chicken dinner with potato, coleslaw, gravy and dessert,” says organizer Don McGovern. Find details at www.fonthilllions.ca. Above, Socially Distanced Santa and the Lions mascot greeted hungry drive-thru diners.

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ur car was a Magic Time Machine. In 1957 we drove endlessly from southern California to Neerlandia, a farming community in northern Alberta, past fields of grain, over rolling hills, past spruce and poplar bush, and muskegs — all beneath Rembrandt skies.

As we neared the hamlet, our rackety Time Machine sent us instantly back to the 1800s.

It was exciting. It was amazing. It was unbelievable. Our favorite pioneer books came to life. We couldn’t believe it.

I was 11. With Caddie Woodlawn, pioneer girl, my fictional heroine, I now got to step into Caddie’s life.

We arrived a generation after the first settlers: land was still being cleared; threshing machines were used for harvesting; hunting and trapping were common; See COLUMN SIX Page 12

Page 2

The Voice, December 2, 2020

Pair charged in Clapp death back in court, will return again this week

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Christmas to the west: Pelham may have cancelled its annual Christmas Market this year, but if you’re up for braving the overland journey, Wainfleet has gone ahead with its Christmas Vendor Market, located next to the Wainfleet arena. This Sunday, the 6th, is your final opportunity to peruse the goods...Invaders coming east: Well, “invaders” is a bit strong, but it seems that hockey teams and skate clubs in some southwestern Ontario COVID red zones have been taking a sudden liking to the colour of Niagara's orange status. First Grimsby and now Pelham are seeing out-of-zone bookings for their ice pads, prompting some concerned readers to alert the Voice. Asked for comment on Monday, Pelham CAO David Cribbs said that the issue had been discussed that morning by the Town’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). “We have no intention to rent to groups outside Niagara,” Cribbs said. “Any bookings identified as such will be cancelled.” Cribbs added that while Grimsby has seen local residents making bookings on behalf of outside groups, this doesn’t seem to have occurred so far in Pelham. “If it does, those bookings will be cancelled as well.” A reader told the Voice that a Stoney Creek women’s hockey team was in the MCC parking lot over the weekend, “drinking, with an open fire.” Stoney Creek, as part of Hamilton, is currently a designated red zone. EOC head and Fire Chief Bob Lymburner confirmed responding to a complaint about the group…Welcome, Doc! This week sees the start of a new column, People and Politics (p.6), by Brock University Emeritus Professor of Political Science David Siegel, who began his career at Brock in 1978 and held several academic and administrative positions over the decades before his retirement last year. In 2008, Siegel was a founding director of the Niagara Community Observatory (NCO), which aims to provide evidence-based research findings to community groups on various issues. I’m hoping we’ll get the benefit of Siegel’s wisdom at least every couple of weeks...Tiny rolls for tiny toilets: We had to make room above for a closeup of the 3rd Fonthill Scouts' very clever Christmas ornament (story, p.8), the brainchild of MaryAnn Ratcliffe.

Find them in several locations around town...Supporting loSee CORNER back page

Voice

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Jason Lusted, one of the two men charged with second-degree murder in the death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp, made his first court appearance last Friday since an apparent jailhouse suicide attempt.

The 49-year-old made his video court appearance in a wheelchair from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. Lusted was moved there at some point since a Nov. 5 incident at the Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold, in which sources tell the Voice he was found hanging by a bed sheet and unresponsive.

Appearing frail, the accused identified himself to the court and said that his lawyer is Hamilton attorney Kim Edward. However, no lawyer appeared on the Zoom call on Lusted’s behalf.

“Do you have instructions for today?” Justice of the Peace Patricia Lavallee asked him.

“Remand for a week?”

Lusted replied.

“Is that your request?” Lavallee said.

“I guess.”

Lavallee agreed to bring Lusted back to video court Dec. 3.

Co-accused Matthew MacInnes later appeared via video from the Niagara Detention Centre.

An agent for his lawyer, Andrew Burton, said the de-

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Police investigate along Highway 20, in Fenwick, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020.

DAVE BURKET fense had still not received disclosure — meaning evidence —in the case, but was expecting it imminently.

“The latest update we’ve received from the Crown’s office this morning is they’re actively working on preparing the disclosure for our office,” agent Tessa Willebrand said.

She added that because Lusted had been adjourned to Dec. 3, it made sense to bring MacInnes back the same date.

“Perhaps if they can go to that same day to stay on track with that matter,” she said.

Lavallee agreed. Both will be back in video court this Thursday.

Lusted and MacInnes have been incarcerated for almost two months in the wake of the Oct. 2 death of Clapp. The 74-year-old was apparently dragged to his death by a vehicle police believe was involved in an attempted robbery at Clapp’s Centre Street property, in Fenwick.

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The Pelham Fire Department responded to three calls for service from Friday, Nov. 20 to Friday, Nov. 27 Friday, Nov. 20 Grass fire, Cream St., Short Hills.

Wire down across Hwy 20 (downed Data cable), Fonthill.

Sunday, Nov. 22 Grass fire Webber Rd. (controlled burn by owner), Fonthill.

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

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

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

Shingirai E. GURAJENA, 23, Etobicoke Joseph G. MORENCY, 71, Welland John E. TUCKER, 74, Fort Erie Brian T. GRAVELLE, 44, Port Colborne Shawna LAIGHT – RECOLLET, 26, Brantford Francis L. HARDWICK, 73, Port Colborne Rebecca J. MCCLEARY, 22, Fort Erie Joshua M. R. RAMUNNO, 27, Welland Matthew E. ALMEIDA, 31, London Aaran M. GRAY, 37, St. Catharines Ini-Abasi D. CLETUS, 28, Lockport NY Derek L. A. VAN EDE, 23, St. Catharines Richard E. KIDD, 46, St. Catharines Sandro TOMAZINIC, 27, Niagara Falls Nickolas A. ATMEKJIAN, 27, Thorold Ryan A. MATHEWSON, 37, Chelmsford Kristopher D. BOLAND, 46, Niagara Falls Jamie ROVERSI, 39, Port Colborne Timothy J. STAFFORD, 33, St. Catharines The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

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Ahoy! Hope Henderson, Tania Malaschenko, Edie Kouros, and Kim Wiley on their Mediterranean Holland America Cruise!

NRPS impaired driving charges

See something, Say something.

The science is clear.

Masks save lives.

Social distancing saves lives.

If you witness violations of Provincial or Regional COVID-19 safety protocols, notify the Region's Environmental Health duty officer at (905) 688-8248, x7590, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Don't allow personal selfishness to endanger public safety.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

“I feel terrible” Michael Bond struck and killed a pedestrian on Effingham Street one year ago Monday.

Now a court will decide his fate.

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

T

he day was dreary and overcast, which perfectly matched the mood of Michael Bond, and the topic under discussion.

He was standing outside the Niagara Regional Police station on Church Street in St. Catharines, last Wednesday morning at 8 AM. Bond had been talking to the desk officer, hoping to meet with the constable who wrote up the report at the scene of his automobile accident on Effingham Street a year ago, which resulted in the death of 66-year-old Fonthill resident Patty Valleriani. She left behind a grieving husband, two sons, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

The 52-year-old Bond said he still had vivid recollections of that fateful morning.

“November 30, 2019, 11 AM. I was helping out a friend with a medical emergency. I didn't go driving around just for fun.”

At the same time, he expressed confusion about what transpired before his eyes that morning.

“I just can’t explain what happened,” he said.

He maintains that he and his friend were driving south on Effingham in a Volkswagen Jetta, between Foss and

Michael Bond, with his dog, Whisky, outside the Niagara Regional Police station on Church St. in St. Catharines last Wednesday morning.

DON RICKERS Welland Roads, when Mrs. Valleriani, who was walking along the roadway, stumbled and fell into the path of his vehicle.

However, the morning was bright and clear—visibility and road conditions were excellent. There was no oncoming traffic.

It is next to impossible to imagine such an accident occurring between a pedestrian who could be seen several dozen meters away down an arrow-straight stretch of roadway, and a vehicle operated with any degree of care and in observance of basic rules of the road.

Bond has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with careless driving causing death, driving while under suspension, driving with no vehicle license, and operating an unsafe vehicle.

He has decided to represent himself in court and plead not guilty to all charges.

Bond is unemployed, and said he can’t afford a lawyer. A judge at a previous hearing gave him time to investigate legal aid, but Bond said “It didn’t work out.”

Dressed in a hoodie and bulky jacket, he clutched his small dog Whisky, and pulled a few personal items and his court documents with him in a wheeled suitcase,

Bond projects as a street person, not unlike the forlorn men who, at that moment, filed out of the hall at St. George’s Church, across the street, having just eaten the free breakfast the church hosts every morning, 365 days a year, for the disadvantaged.

In fact, Bond is now living on-and-off the street, since he was recently evicted from his previous accommodation. Local hostels are now his home.

Bond said he had been staying with his father and stepmother for a while near Highway 20, not far from where the accident occurred. He had been looking for another place to live, due to a poor relationship with his step-mother. He had lived in the basement of their house, or in a trailer in the yard.

“My father had a stroke, and was in a coma…he’s in the hospital, brain damaged.

My evil stepmother—I’ve never gotten along with her. She wanted me out. The police told me I had to leave the property… so now I'm on the streets.”

Bond swears he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he slid behind the wheel that morning, although he admits to a DUI conviction “about 20 years

Page 3

ago.”

He remembers hearing a noise, and thought maybe he had hit a dog on the road.

"I stopped the car and got out and I saw the lady on the ground. I yelled to my buddy to call 9-1-1 right away. I tried to do CPR…I did everything I could.”

He paused before continuing.

“I feel horrible. Look, my wife died in a motor vehicle accident three years ago, so I know what the family is going through.

It’s terrible. And they're suing me for $10 million, which is ridiculous, because I don't have anything.”

Bond has been sporadically employed over the years.

“The last place was dangerous. I was doing work I wasn’t certified for, and it was minimum-wage pay,” he said.

Asked if he had a connection to Pelham, Bond answered, “I really don’t have roots.

I've lived in almost one hundred houses in my life. I have some family in Mexico.”

Bond was in possession of a Mexican driver’s license the day of the accident, which he asserted was “perfectly legal.”

He carries a Canadian passport.

Bond said he is sorry for what occurred, and wanted to apologize to the Valleriani family, but, “I talked to the police and they said it was a bad idea. I don't want to be involved in giving that family any more pain.”

Since his wife died, Bond said he has only Whisky for companionship. But he thinks his dog deserves better than life on the street.

“I think I'm going to drop him off with somebody who's got a nice stable home.”

Bond had a rambling explanation for why his driver’s license was suspended, and asserts that the police have a “tainted” report of the accident, suggesting that “they came up with the conclusion that the dog was in my lap and distracted me and I swerved.”

He said that he just wants to “hop on a plane and leaving the country,” but knows that incarceration is a very real possibility once the trial is finished. “I've been in courts many times in my life, and you never know what's going to happen,” he said. He asserted that he had never been charged with acts involving violence.

A year since his wife’s passing, Sandy Valleriani still lives in Fonthill. He asked not to be quoted for this article, preferring that the police and the court system be allowed to do their work.

STONEVILLE, ON Voice contributor Larry Cote is on the trail of fun. “If you haven't yet tried the newly refurbished Steve Bauer Trail, then you are in for a real treat when you do,” says Cote.

“It is a truly beautiful and rewarding walk or bike ride along a tree-lined pathway.

As an extra special treat you will be welcomed by the rock-solid friendly folks from 'Stoneville' just inside the Port Robinson Road entrance.” Cote says the trail is user-friendly for those who require assistive walking devices. (Thanks also to Anne Schattmann, who sent in a similar photo.)

LARRY COTE

Page 4

The Voice, December 2, 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 That other pandemic—Plastics

W

ell, at long last, there appears to be some official movement towards banning some items of plastic from polluting our beleaguered environment. The Federal Government recently announced a list of so-called single-use plastic items to be banned as of next year.

While the list of items is not very lengthy, it may well be an indication that the Federal Government is responding to the many scientists who have claimed the unguarded disposal of plastic is lethal to the environment.

The list of products targeted by this recent announcement are thought to be among the most egregious contaminants and readily replaceable by biodegradable materials. The six items on the list are as follows: drinking straws, coffee cups, grocery bags, stir sticks, six-pack rings, and some forms of take-out food containers.

To demonstrate the magnitude of the problem, the banning of these items represents less than 1 percent of the plastics entering into the environment annually. So, it is incontrovertible

that much more needs to be done to reduce this threat to all people and other forms of life that share what has become a fragile planet.

According to oceanographers, even the sea floors

According to oceanographers, even the sea floors are littered with items of plastics

are littered with items of plastics. The stomachs of many whales, turtles and other sea creatures have been found to contain indigestible plastic items such as water bottles, packaging of all sorts, and even flipflops just to name a few.

Another serious issue associated with this particular pollutant is the contention that this man made chemical element is nearly indestructible and will not degrade for many, many

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years. Likely, beyond your lifetime. Also, the problem of volume is incremental, meaning that today’s discarded plastics are in addition to those items disposed of months, and even years ago.

The solutions to this environmental destruction are very challenging. A major issue is that, for the most part, the responsibility is largely on the shoulders of each individual. Does one have the wherewithal, courage and gumption to avoid consuming products that are made of or encased in plastics? Further, if and when one encounters plastics of any kind, how does one dispose of this virtually indestructible material properly? Putting such stuff in the blue box doesn’t end the problem but merely passes it along.

We might expect future government actions, such as imposing a levy on enterprises that continue to make use of plastics either in producing materials or using plastic in other ways such as packaging. The reality is that should there be an added cost to reducing and avoiding the use of See OP-ED next page

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

Vaccine optimism Where to start?

There are more signs of progress in the fight against the dreaded coronavirus; however, we can’t let our guard down. Two vaccines that are made by American companies have shown promising results. Both Moderna and Pfizer claim about a 95% success rate in combating the virus. There is also a Russian vaccine called Sputnik, but even with positive news from this vaccine, I will refuse to receive this vaccine. Sputnik is from a developing country that is still very corrupt

and doesn’t have good health care. The United States is a developed country, and I feel I can trust their pharmaceutical companies.

Both vaccines still need to have more people monitored for side effects before there is final approval from both US and Canadian regulatory bodies. I hope as you read this that you will have a little more patience as it looks like this lifesaving vaccine might be available starting in April. Two shots will See OPTIMISM next page

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

Letters

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

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033

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

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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher.

ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

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

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

Page 5

OPINION DSBN REPORT

PELHAM AND COVID-19

Nancy Beamer, Trustee

COVID, COVID, COVID!

Niagara steady in orange-restrict range

I

f you are like most people you are starting to experience “COVID fatigue.” It has been a long, long nine months, but if we are to succeed in overcoming the spread of this virus, we must continue to persevere.

The good news is that, even though the Ontario numbers have seen a steady increase, our schools have been doing well. To date, there have only been 22 cases of COVID in our Niagara Public Schools, including one last week at Glynn A. Green Public School, in Fonthill. There has been no in-school spread across the district. This shows that not only are our procedures and policies working, but it also shows that the students, teachers and support staff have adapted to and accepted the responsibilities of the new “normal.”

Teachers have worked so hard to make the transition to this new learning style easy. I am sure we all have a deeper appreciation for their dedication to their students and to their profession.

Parents have taken notice of this and many families have decided to return their

children to in-school learning. At the transition time in early November, 860 students indicated that they were ready to come back to actual school and only 150 students decided to change to virtual learning. It is nice to see that as we all progress down the COVID pathway, confidence is returning and we are starting to move forward. Senior staff at the Board deserve a lot of credit for doing such a good job of reorganizing staff and spacing without major interruptions to student learning.

Up until this last few days, Mother Nature has cooperated weather- wise and many classes could be held outside. Now with colder weather setting in, the schools, with input from Public Health, are moving forward with re-opening the gyms for Phys Ed classes.

If all goes well with this, the next step will be the re-introduction of extra-curricular activities. This will move forward in slow, careful steps to ensure the safety of everySee BEAMER next page

Open letter to the DSBN From coast to coast to coast, there have been numerous name changes of schools, streets, swimming pools and parks because those names are honouring racist people. In Port Alberni, British Colombia; A. W. Neill Elementary, in Edmonton, Alberta; Dan Knott School and Oliver School, in Regina, Saskatchewan; Dewdney Avenue, and Park and Pool, in Winnipeg, Manitoba:

L

ast Friday the province processed 58,000 COVID-19 tests.

Coinciding with this record number, the province reported a record high 1,855 new cases of COVID-19, also on Friday.

The seven-day average for the province also reached a record high of 1,489, which is the highest seven-day number since the first confirmed infection was reported in Ontario in late January.

Niagara continues to maintain its orange-restrict range although the core numbers used in determining the rating remain precariously close to the next rating: red-protect.

Our number of new cases per day remains in the high teens or

higher, and it is this number, I suspect, that prohibits Dr. Hirji from rescinding his family-members-only Marvin Junkin section 22 for patrons dining in a restaurant. The good news for the Region is that the vast majority of COVID cases—nearly 97 percent—self-isolate at home, with less that 1% admitted to intensive care. All Pelham cases are self-isolating at home with two active cases currently within the Town.

One matter that has recently been brought to the Town’s attention is the rental of ice time at the MCC by

OPTIMISM

Wolseley Avenue and School and Cecil Rhodes School, in Toronto, Ontario; Vaughan School.

Prime Minister Trudeau renamed the Langevin Block, out of respect for the Indigenous peoples, because Sir. Hector Langevin was associated with the Residential school system; and in Halifax, Nova Scotia: Sir John A. MacDonald School. All of these instances were widely reported by national news

OP-ED

continued from previous page plastics, and it is the consumer who will ultimately shoulder that cost. But if one admits to the destructive and unhealthy

outlets. Surely, the Trustees on the District School Board of Niagara have seen at least one of the articles.

This should be a wake up call for the DSBN to reconsider the name change from E. W. Farr Memorial School to Wellington Heights, in Fenwick. Isn’t it time for the Ministry of Education to mandate that every board See OPEN next page

nature of discarded plastics then it may be well worth the price of admission.

At this point, the age-old adage may be appropriate here. One can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution. If one chooses not to buy one item packaged in plastic today, then that’s a start.

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continued from previous page

need to be given to bring COVID-19 under control. The Moderna vaccine is more promising because it can be stored in a standard freezer as opposed to needing to be stored at temperatures of -70c.

This news couldn’t come at a better time, because Canada doesn’t have the virus under control. We may not be seeing numbers like they are seeing in the United States, based on multiplication of cases, but the problem in Canada is that six provinces are having massive spikes of cases. I think most of the responsibility is because people are experiencing COVID fatigue. An interesting note is that two of these provinces, Manitoba and British Columbia, didn’t get hit hard in the spring, during the first wave. Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta were experiencing moderately high numbers of cases during April and May. The four Atlantic Provinces got hit with fairly high numbers at first. We can look to them as a role model to how they have re-

out-of-region teams. On Monday morning senior staff and the CAO discussed the situation and did indeed find that bookings were made by groups from red zones outside our Niagara health zone.

From now on, any booking identified as being from such zones will be cancelled.

The North Pelham Youth Association is currently conducting a fundraising campaign.

Donations can be made on the Canada Helps website, and made in memory of or in recognition of others. The Association was recently featured in a Voice article and is striving to bring its hall up to current accessibility standards along with a general face-lift.

Until next time…

corded only a few clusters of cases, mainly in New Brunswick, during this second wave.

Back on the topic of the vaccines. Both Moderna and Pfizer have shown very few side-effects with their experimental serums.

Until these vaccines can be made available please continue to wear a non-medical mask because it isn’t always possible to maintain six feet of space between people in crowded indoor spaces. The good news about this virus is that it doesn’t seem to spread by walking past someone. Your chances of getting ill increase when you are in the same room as an infected person for a considerable length of time.

In conclusion, the news from two major pharmaceutical companies couldn’t have come at a better time in this pandemic.

When these vaccines are approved, the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions should receive this medicine first. The end is in sight, but life won’t totally return to normal until 2022.

Brendan Young Fonthill

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

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

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Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

Canadians rely on newspapers to be their trusted source of accurate information, helping shed more light on the world.

Newspapers matter. Now more than ever.

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

Page 6

The Voice, December 2, 2020

OPEN

PEOPLE AND POLITICS

continued from previous page

by David Siegel

The pandemic and the provincial auditor

O

ntario’s auditor general is currently in a dispute with the provincial government over a report on the government’s response to the pandemic. The auditor general has produced a report that is critical of the provincial government’s handling of the pandemic, and the premier has responded with a strong attack on the auditor general.

This conflict is not an unusual situation, but it does provide an opportunity to consider the appropriate role of the provincial auditor.

Auditing sounds like one of those green-eyeshade functions that somebody should do, but it doesn’t stir much interest. The truth is that auditing has changed over the years, and the events around the pandemic illustrate the important role it plays in modern government.

The role of the auditor general has deep roots, going back to the 19th century when it was strictly a financial function. The auditor attested that the financial statements presented by the government accurately depicted the government’s financial position. There was no value judgment about whether the money was spent wisely; simply an attestation that the figures on the page were accurate.

When James Macdonnell became Auditor General of Canada 1973, he set about

transforming the character of the office by introducing the concept of comprehensive— or value-for-money —auditing. The idea was to go beyond simply attesting to the accuracy of the statements to determine whether the funds that were spent

Do funds spent on regional economic development actually assist those regions?

provided value for money.

Provincial and city auditors general followed Macdonnell’s lead and now all of them provide some type of value-for-money audit.

This shift in emphasis has invited some controversy because a value-for-money audit requires value judgments. Do funds spent on regional economic development actually assist those regions? Or do they simply perpetuate the disparities that they are supposed to alleviate?

Over the years, the provincial auditor general has done reports on addiction treatment pro-

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grams, the Pan American / Parapan American Games, farm support programs, child welfare services, and many other government activities. The purpose of the reviews is not to second-guess the professional experts who run these programs. The purpose is to offer a judgment on whether the results produced by these taxpayer-funded programs were worth the cost.

The reports generally have two objectives. One is to provide information to the public that can be used to hold the government accountable. Do the programs do what was promised when the money was spent? The second objective is to assist the government in improving the quality of management of these programs. How can the delivery of these programs be improved so that better value for money can be realized?

In the case of the pandemic, the auditor general has produced a three-chapter report and has promised three more chapters, for a total of six.

The first chapter looks at the province’s Emergency Management Office.

The auditor first looked at this office in 2017 and reported that “certain of the activities and tools needed to prepare ministries and municipalities for an emerSee SIEGEL next page

look at the names of their schools through an anti-racist lens? We should not have to petition them to do the right thing.

The Duke of Wellington was a racist who epitomized white privilege. He is not a person whom our students should look up to. Granted, he was a great commander and defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo, and was Prime Minister of Britain, but we cannot celebrate him when we know that he was anti-Semitic, was pro slavery, and basically dismissed our Indigenous people. His values are of the past and we cannot celebrate them.

BEAMER

continued from previous page one.

At the secondary level, things are changing too. Classes have switched to a one-week turnaround. It is thought that this will help with learning retention. Also, there are three secondary schools, DSBN Academy, Eastdale and Port Colbourne, with small cohorts. Students at these schools have returned to all in-school learning. This means that they are at school Monday to Friday. Times and curriculum are the same as at other schools.

Hopefully, this is another step in achieving our goal, which is to get all our students back to school full time.

At our last Board meeting, the formation of an Equity and Inclusion Trustee Advisory Committee was approved. This committee is chaired by Trustee Shannon Mitchell (Niagara Falls) and I am pleased to be on it. This is the governance part of the committee made up of senior staff and trustees. There will be also be an Equity Advisory Committee set up that will include students, parents, community groups, staff and the chair of the Trustee committee.

These groups will work on identifying and addressing bias and systemic barriers in the DSBN and providing feedback on issues related to equity, inclusion and diversity. If this committee is of interest to you, applications will start in January. Check the DSBN website.

Over the last few months, there has been a renewed focus on offensive names. As most of you know, I ran for the Board because I

Is it any wonder that Indigenous people and people of colour are so frustrated. Is there no one listening?

“There are none so blind as those who will not see. There are none so deaf, as those who will not hear.”

I am sending a copy of this letter to Kelly Pisek, the superintendent responsible for Pelham Schools, and am asking that she, the Director of Education, the Chair of the DSBN, and the Trustees include it in official correspondence for board consideration.

This is such a simple fix, and what a perfect opportunity to do so.

Vilma Moretti Fonthill

felt the renaming of the elementary school in Fenwick from E. W. Farr to Wellington Heights, did not follow proper procedures and that the chosen name was unacceptable for a myriad of reasons. I have not forgotten this. It is like that hidden app that is constantly running in the background of your computer. So, when I saw that Trustee Kathleen Woodcock from the Waterloo District School Board had brought forth a motion to form a committee to review all the school names in their board, I immediately contacted her. We had a lengthy conversation about how she formed her motion, the problems the committee will face setting the parameters for the review and the fact that she had support not only from the majority of the other trustees but also from their Director.

She and I agreed to stay in touch. There have been many examples of name changes recently, including the removal of the Vaughan name from a secondary school in that town and the change of the McGill sports teams’ name from Redmen to Redbirds.

The Names Matter Group has been reactivated under the leadership of Vilma Moretti, and they are pursuing the issue of the school name in Fenwick. As I have indicated to them, as a Trustee, I can no longer be a part of the group, but when they officially bring this back to the Board, I will make sure their community voice is heard because Community Voices Matter.

If you have any questions or comments that you would like to see addressed by the new Equity and Inclusion Committee, please feel free to get in touch with me by phone, 905-892-5280, or email, Nancy.beamer@ dsbn.org ◆

Lack of affordable housing for disabled is concern Lifelong Pelham resident Rhys Evans may effectively be priced out of town

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Nigel and Denise Evans have lived in Pelham for three decades, ever since emigrating from the United Kingdom. Their 28-yearold son, Rhys, was born here, and loves the community. He’s a graduate of E. L. Crossley and Niagara College, served on two Town Council committees, and held a part-time job. And he would like to build a life here, living independently.

Rhys is also disabled. He has cerebral palsy, and is confined to a wheelchair. His parents feel that the lack of affordable, accessible housing is an issue other municipalities have actively worked to defeat, but in their view, Pelham is falling behind in providing apartments for younger people with disabilities.

They have shared their concerns with Mayor Marvin Junkin, inquiring as to what steps could be taken to rectify the situation.

For example, could young disabled adults apply to the Town Square Manor seniors apartments by the library? Could the Town grant permits to developers with a provision that some of the units

be made available for people with disabilities on low income?

The Evanses said Rhys was excited in November 2017, when Parkhill Properties purchased 1.48 acres in East Fonthill near the community centre for $1.1 million, and announced plans to build an eight-storey, 80-unit apartment building geared to affordable housing. But the project did not come to fruition. Marc MacDonald, Communications and Public Relations Specialist for the Town of Pelham, said that the developer received site plan approval from council, but MacDonald was unaware as to why Parkhill did not proceed with construction.

Pelham’s Director of Community Planning and Development, Barb Wiens, responded to the Evans inquiry on behalf of the Town.

She said that Pelham has approved a number of projects for apartment-style housing, including a 10-storey apartment building adjacent to Wellspring Niagara, a 60-unit apartment building on the former Fonthill Lumber site, a five-unit apartment building within the Summersides Mews

Nigel and Denise Evans with their son Rhys at their Peachtree Park home.

DON RICKERS development, three apartment buildings on the corner of Rice and Summersides Boulevard (known as 120 Summersides), and a 12unit apartment building on Port Robinson Road.

In addition, Wiens said that the Town has an application for an apartment building proposed for 1 Pancake Lane that is pending a public meeting and a council decision, and another proposal for an apartment building on Station Street that will be considered early in 2021. All of these developments would have some accessible units, a requirement of new construction under the Ontario Building Code Act.

However, the Town does not control the marketplace, said Wiens, and can only encourage developers to provide affordable housing units. Further, once a proposal receives planning approval, the Town has no ability to control when a developer will build, since the timing is often dependent on the developer being able to obtain financing.

Wiens said that in early 2021 Town staff will bring forward zoning requirements that would permit accessory apartments or second dwelling units within existing houses in Pelham. This initiative is supported by the provincial government and is seen as

one approach to address housing affordability.

The Evanses noted that the March of Dimes charity has affordable rental properties in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, and Rhys is on a waiting list for a unit. But his fear is that he'll be distanced from his parents, his friends, and his personal support system.

“He'd like to be here, where he's grown up. He’s been a good advocate within the community for accessibility issues,” said his mom.

For example, at the old arena on Haist Street, Rhys was pushing to get a ramp built, so that grandparents with accessibility issues could watch their grandkids play hockey.

“For us, the crux of the matter is what kind of community do we want?” said the Evanses. “Do we want an inclusive community that looks after people at all times in their life?”

Rhys would be happy to do his own grocery shopping and personal errands, but requires the services to be in place to assist him. He has a group of half a dozen friends who are similarly challenged.

“The whole process has been mentally and emotionally draining, thinking about what it's going to be like for me in the future,” lamented Rhys. “I participate in the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Active Transportation Committee, and want to help improve accessibility in the community. It’s just getting more and more challenging as I try and do that.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

SIEGEL

continued from previous page gency were not in place.” A follow-up examination in 2019 indicated that very little had been done to remedy the problems found earlier.

Then, when the office faced a stress test in 2020, it is not surprising that it did not fare well.

In other words, the auditors tried to provide an early warning system three years ago, but no action was taken, leading to the unsurprising crisis that occurred in 2020.

The second chapter covers “outbreak planning and decision-making.”

This chapter is critical of the operation of the health command table which is the key operational planning unit for dealing with the pandemic. It argues that this was slower to grasp the issue and not as well organized as similar bodies in other provinces, which means that it lost key early opportunities to control the pandemic.

The audit office has been criticized for second-guessing the health experts. In fact, in this chapter, the audit office argues that the government did not give the public health experts the central position in responding to the crisis that they should have had.

The third chapter focusses on laboratory testing, case management and contact tracing. The auditor concluded that generally the targets established

The Voice, December 2, 2020 for speed of testing, case management, and tracing were not met, which resulted in a greater spread of the virus. This provides useful information about where improvements in the system need to be made.

We can look forward to more reports from the provincial auditor that will shine additional light on the actions taken during this crisis. In particular, chapter six promises to look at long-term care. We know that the system has failed some of our most vulnerable residents in this time of crisis. The auditor general should be able to provide some advice about

Page 7

how to avoid a repeat of this scenario in the future.

These are difficult times.

They are especially difficult for people who are charged with managing the healthcare system in the face of an unprecedented challenge. It is understandable that a report such as this one from the auditor general would trigger a defensive reaction. However, this report also provides valuable information. We should look forward to the next chapters.

David Siegel is a Brock University Political Science Professor Emeritus.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

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Restored facades in downtown Thorold.

Harry and Evelyn, Cub and Beaver, are ready to roll with ornament rolls.

SUPPLIED

Handmade ornaments from 3rd Fonthill Scouts

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

MaryAnn Ratcliffe enjoys supporting her husband, Kent, in his role as a leader of the 3rd Fonthill Scouts. Recognizing COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone this year, and a real struggle for others, she wanted to engage the Scouts in a seasonal project to raise the community’s spirits, and at the same time contribute some money to local worthy charities.

Her solution? Handmade Christmas ornaments, shaped like tiny toilet paper rolls, inscribed with “2020, the year we all stayed home.”

She made the first batch of 800 herself, but has since “rallied the troops” and enlisted the services of local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rovers, and Venturers. Approximately 55 youth,

and over a dozen adult leaders, are involved in local Scouting at all levels.

“We really wanted to keep this effort local, and appreciate all the stores that are selling our product,” said Ratcliffe. “We are suggesting a donation of $2 for each ornament, and the Scouts have made a commitment to donate a minimum of $500 from sales to help support Pelham Cares.”

Scouts can direct some of the proceeds to what Ratcliffe calls “sweat equity,” which reduces the cost of camps and other activities.

Among other locations, the ornaments are available at Everyday Market, PharmaChoice pharmacy, D & S Automotive, Picard’s Peanuts, Pet Valu, Pic’s Motor Clinic, Ziya Blue, and Pelham Cares.

For orders of ten or more, it’s best to call Ratcliffe at 905-892-9166. Ornaments will be available until mid December.

PAUL CARFAGNINI

Thorold celebrates revitalization

BY VOICE STAFF Thorold’s downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) celebrated the finish of its Front Street revitalization project last Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the intersection of Sullivan Avenue and Clairmont Street.

Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini and BIA Chair Serge Carpino attended with a few local dignitaries, while the public was invited to watch online.

“It is the entrepreneurial spirit of our business owners, landlords and developers that will pave the way for success, said Ugulini in a pre-event statement. “The public sector has invested

Great food, Great people

and the private sector will now complement that investment with their passion and hard work.”

BIAs are funded through marginally higher tax rates on commercial properties within an identified improvement area. The funds are typically dispersed by municipalities in coordination with BIA boards. Pelham does not have a BIA. An effort by commercial property owners in Fonthill in the early 2000s to avoid paying such an extra tax saw the formation of the Pelham Business Association, a voluntary group whose membership declined precipitously around 2015, and which eventually folded about a year ago.

Thorold is running a Scavenger Hunt game until January 4, to entice visitors to explore the downtown area and find ten bulb decorations in windows at participating businesses. Find details at: thoroldbia.com/ scavhunt.

“We want to thank people for shopping locally and supporting our small businesses,” said BIA Chair Serge Carpino. “Together we can all celebrate an amazing rebirth of downtown Thorold.”

The BIA is currently collaborating with the City of Thorold to install a new communications system to play outdoor music and run free public wi-fi in the downtown core.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

Page 9

First COVID case in a Pelham school

BY VOICE STAFF The first known school-identified case of COVID-19 in Pelham was reported last week at Glynn A. Green Public School, in Fonthill.

Concerned parents contacted the Voice Thursday evening, forwarding an email sent to them by school principal Todd Halliday. A DSBN spokesperson confirmed the diagnosis to the Voice while simultaneously issuing a public statement.

“Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) has advised the DSBN that one individual at Glynn A Green Public School has tested positive for COVID-19,” read the statement. “For privacy reasons, the identity of the individual will not be shared.”

On Thursday evening, the DSBN’s COVID-19 Public Advisory web page listed the school as having closed one classroom.

“As part of COVID-19 case management and infection control protocol, students and staff who had close contact with the individual are being contacted and told by NRPH to stay home and self-isolate,” continued the statement.

In his email to parents, Halliday said that no news is good news.

“NRPH is currently assessing the situation, and if your child is required to self-isolate, NRPH will contact you directly today,” Halliday wrote. “If you have not been contacted

by NRPH, your child does not need to self-isolate and can come to school as usual.”

Halliday said that the school was to be cleaned overnight.

“I want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to make sure Glynn A Green is a safe learning environment. We will continue to work collaboratively with NRPH to ensure our school meets all the enhanced health and safety protocols. Facility Services is completing a thorough cleaning of the school tonight and we will continue with our preventative practices, such as wearing PPE, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and daily health screening.”

In its statement, the DSBN said that a Public Health inspector and a Public Health nurse from NRPH will visit the school to complete a comprehensive assessment, though when this was to happen wasn’t specified.

“The preventative COVID-19 practices that Glynn A Green Public School has been following since the beginning of school, such as wearing PPE, physical distancing, maintaining hand hygiene, and doing the daily health screening, will continue.”

As of Monday, this brought to 23 the number of COVID-19 positives across DSBN schools since the fall semester started.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 electricity was replacing generators and lanterns; only a few had telephones and those were multiple-ring, party-line phones, misused by a couple of biddies who listened in and spread juicy gossip. My sister, when she called her friend, used to hear old Mrs. Bart’s asthmatic and raspy breathing and say, “Okay, Mrs. Bart, it’s time to hang up now. The juicy bits are coming up and we want privacy.”Such a spoilsport.

The houses were small, two storied, some still log cabins, with wood stoves, wood furnaces and outhouses. City kids, we thought outhouses a sign of dire poverty. We did not associate toilets with underground plumbing and never thought about where the toilet contents went. I found out. At my new friend’s house, just before going to bed, wearing her brothers’ pig-stinky chore jackets, we would sit companionably in the dark, two-hole outhouse while waiting for the howling coyotes to leave the yard, and cross the creek, so we could run, screaming, back to the house, the proverbial 40 yards away.

I was not a farmer’s daughter, but my friend-forlife was. Sharen was strawberry blond, tall, slim, and nervy, jumping a foot if she was startled. We were well matched. We did everything together – including going to youth sport’s nights where I always got picked for teams a humiliating last, the captain groaning, “I guess we get Marjorie.”

Stooks, and more stooks.

For a few years, the local school used the Phys-Ed periods exclusively for team practice. The rest of us were often left on the sides of the gym. Small wonder that the teams always won at the regional meets. Small wonder I was hopeless at sports. One sports night, during volleyball, a current crush of mine leaned over to tell me something. Blushing, my heart fluttering, I listened to him say, “Move over if the ball comes your way. I’ll get it.” I was crushed. He was crushing, but instantly no longer

my crush!

Sharen and I wandered the fields and woods picking wild strawberries, blueberries and saskatoons (serviceberries), and helped each other with the garden and kitchen chores. Oh, and we also poured creek water down prairie dog holes and served threshing crews.

One field at the back of the farm was so riddled with prairie dog humps and holes, it was useless. Filling pails at the creek, we heartlessly poured umpteen pails of water down the holes to see

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if any prairie dogs would emerge. About to give up, we saw two drenched baby prairie dogs creep up out of a hole. Poor little things. We put them in the pails and brought them to the house, where we dried and petted the adorably cute and cuddly babies. We left them in the pails while we had tea, then went back to them, picked up the recovered babies, and promptly got bitten by the vicious, horrible little varmints.

Sid, Sharen’s brother, heard our shrieks, grabbed the pails, saying, “I’ll take them away for you.” At supper time, we asked Sid where he had released them.

“Into the pig pen,” he said with an evil grin.

“Oh, no, you didn’t did you? You really didn’t?”

We knew full well that pigs are vicious omnivores, so the prairie dogs would have had a quick death. We are not sure if Sid actually did this as he was a dreadful tease. We stayed mad at him for quite a while, but we did get over it.

We had fickle hearts.

And serving the threshing crews? Way up in northern Alberta, in the ‘50s, there was not a variety of grain which would ripen early enough for combines, so it was cut, bundled and put into stooks—an arrangement of sheaves— to dry. Later, it was harvested with hay wagons, a threshing machine and young men, who went from farm to farm.

Threshing time was boisterous and busy, with the threshing machine making a deafening noise and filling the air with choking chaff.

The crew worked at full speed.

At threshing time, most of the houses had an ample supply of women-power because the girls were trapped in the houses with their mothers, baking and cooking to prepare for coffee and meal times. Their hard work had a reward: they got to bring out the coffee and goodies to the field. This was highly anticipated, as there were two girls to ten bare-backed, muscular young men. Yum! This time was a most delicious chance for flirting, for thoroughly enjoying the company of handsome and some not-sohandsome young men of the community—a time for fun,

a time when inhibitions flew into the wind with the chaff from the thresher, a time for the sheer joy of living. As long as you didn’t mind performing a demented dance as you pulled your shirt out of your pants to get rid of the mouse put down your back while the guys laughed, or being tossed onto hay wagons where one or more of the guys would join you, or racing through the fields, or crazy teasing, you were in for a great time. I’ve often wondered how many marriages had their beginnings at these threshing coffee breaks.

Back at the house, the girls calmed down, cleaned up and helped prepare the noon meal. The men came in, filling the large kitchen with the heavy, musky smell of hard-work, combined with the mouth-watering smells of food, and, of course, the ever present odour of pigs lingering on the barn boots and jackets in the back room.

Compliments, pretend insults, and jokes were exchanged. My blushing never stopped. I loved this time of the year. I thought I should have been a farmer’s daughter and wanted to marry a farmer.

One year, there was also another time for flirting, supplied by Sharen’s mother, this time for the young men.

One evening a few weeks before threshing time, Sharen and I were chatting at the kitchen table, next to the windows— about boys, of course. We had been double-dating Fred and Jim, but wanted to stop, particularly as we were to serve the threshing crew in a few weeks and, of course, wanted to be free. Car lights shone down the long driveway. As the lights neared the house, Sharen could see it was Fred’s car.

Fred, charming, blond, tall and thin, was a wisecracker.

Rumour had it that he sniffed gas. But it was just a rumour. I don’t want darken his name. Jim, dark, with curly hair, short and really strong, liked to talk, and could always hold his own in a group, which made me uncomfortable, because I was shy and didn’t like eyes turning our way.

We told Sharen’s mother to say she didn’t know where

ZAGZIG

we were (which would be the truth, we thought), grabbed jackets, dashed out the back door and across the yard, rolled under the fence, and ran into a moonlit field filled with stooks. The stooks stood tall, with the bundles slanted in enough to allow a person to creep into the little tents they made. We sprinted to the middle of the field, where Sharen slipped into a little tent, while I went about 20 yards further to conceal myself in another.

The evening was quiet, the air autumn-crisp, the skies northern-clear, the moon and stars brilliant and the stook tents cozy and tranquil with no boys to bother us.

We each rested complacently, thinking we could wait out the boys, but little did we know. Sharen’s mom was like every other mom —she knew everything.

“They probably went into the field to hide in the stooks,” she said.

So out they came, noisy and shouting. The bright moonlight helped Fred quickly find Sharen, and soon, probably from our giggling, Jim found me. The boys each sat down bedside us, way too close, in our little hideouts. Jim’s arm somehow found its way around my shoulders as he edged even closer. Danger zone, I thought. Suddenly, I heard a scream from Sharen, and a, “Marjorie, come here.

Come here, quickly.”

“What is it? What’s the matter?”

Mice didn’t bother us, and we were too noisy for the coyotes.

“Just come right away!” she yelled.

I jumped up, panicked by her calls, and rushed to her.

“What is it? What’s the problem? Are you hurt?”

“No,” she said with a naughty grin, “but Fred just told me that he had a bet that Jim couldn’t get a kiss from you in five minutes. I thought I would rescue you.”

Catching my breath, I said, “Thanks Sharen, for saving my life! Sorry, Jim, but no way!”

I’m not too sure about Fred, if he got his kiss or not. Never asked Sharen. She didn’t marry him though. Nor did I marry Jim. But we did have a lot of fun during the threshing season. ◆

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, December 2, 2020

Page 13

PROMOTING LOCAL The Food Basics supermarket in Fonthill was one of just 60 grocery stores across Ontario to receive recognition from the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards Program for its efforts to promote locally grown and harvested produce. MPP Sam Oosterhoff presented a Silver Award of Merit last week to Kendra McClentic, Produce Manager, left, and Rob Baxter, Store Manager, right.

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ELVES HAS LEFT THE BUILDING Pelham’s Holiday Elves were a busy bunch over the weekend, getting seasonal decorations up all over town. Volunteers worked with the Pelham Beautification Committee to spread their holiday cheer, with special attention this year to Centennial Park, which will host the Reverse Christmas Parade on December 12.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

HANDLEBARS

Quantification of results

continued from Page 18 ranking of more than 24,000 studies worldwide.

The report goes to great lengths to explain how its data and evidence was collected. Historically, activity data has been provided by self-reporting, a method based on surveys, questionnaires and interviews, which is subject to many selective reporting and informational biases.

By using new technology such as Garmin and Fitbit-type fitness trackers, accelerometers, and clinical data, user bias is removed, and the data is much more representative of reality.

Additional criteria were added.

Citing the methodology described in the guideline’s preamble, WHO “ensured all evidence reviews had been conducted according to standard systematic processes and were well documented; that the assessment of the certainty of the evidence used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method or an equivalent methodology that was clearly described and documented; and that the evidence reviews addressed the populations of interest with no restrictions to country or country income level.”

If gaps were found or concerns arose, WHO requested and conducted additional studies. Each outcome was given a rating of low certainty, moderate certainty, or high certainty, and where a recommendation is made, the guide is completely transparent as to whether the recommendation is based on moderate or high certainty. If the evidence was deemed low certainty, it was discarded.

More empirical evidence, combined with higher input standards for data and an improved ability to process it, allowed WHO to quantify many of their findings. At a time when “following the science,” has gained considerable importance, understanding more precisely how and what every physical activity that we do contributes to our health and well-being makes it so much easier to become motivated for the right reasons.

If I’m told that weight-bearing exercise will make my bones stronger, or higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of mortality, that’s nice; but what have I really learned that I can develop goals and routines from?

However, if WHO says new evidence generated using device-based measures (actual data) of physical activity proves that “any level and all intensities (including light intensity) of physical activity, were associated with a lower risk of mortality,” and then quantifies the results, I’m all ears.

By subdividing exercise volume and intensity from highest to lowest into quartiles, WHO research found that those in the lower two quartiles were 52% less likely to experience cardio-vascular mortality compared to the least active, the third highest effort quartile was 66% less likely, and the top quartile was 73% less likely to experience cardio-vascular mortality. These numbers I can relate to, and they provide serious incentive to shut off the screen and do a few extra crunches or pedal for an additional half hour on the trainer.

There is a known relationship between exercise and mental health, and we all understand COVID is impacting our mental

health. The (Canadian) Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recently reported that during this extended pandemic, some 24 percent of women feel moderate to severe anxiety, and 27 percent of parents with children living at home were more likely to report feelings of depression.

We seldom consider our school-age children as being sedentary, but the impact COVID is having on their activity levels is staggering

The new 2020 WHO guidelines go beyond generalizations. They state, “Research on physical activity and mental health, cognition and sleep has increased substantially.”

Adults with high versus low levels of physical activity are 81% less likely to develop anxiety, and have 78% reduced odds of depression. Similar information is available regarding other executive functions and Alzheimer’s disease.

By quantifying new evidence developed since 2010 on the benefits of exercise to mental health, WHO may provide that extra little bit of incentive required to help us become pro-active.

Sedentary behaviour

Desk-based office work, driving a car, wheelchair use, watching television—all are sedentary be-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca haviours. How does each provide a consistent and measurable base line for empirical study?

The new WHO guidelines define sedentary behaviour as “any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure of 1.5 METS or lower while sitting, reclining, or lying.”

One METS (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is defined as the energy you use when you're resting or sitting still. The relationship of activities in the guidelines can now be compared accurately to your unique sedentary behavior, providing an easier way to understand exactly how much additional benefit any exercise or activity you might engage in generates.

The WHO guidelines are divided into more categories than before, including children and adolescents (aged 5–17 years); adults (aged 18–64 years); older adults (aged 65 years and beyond); pregnant and postpartum women; adults and older adults with chronic conditions including cancer, hypertension, and type2 diabetes (aged 18 years and older); and children, adolescents and adults (aged 5 and over) living with disabilities.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour recommendations are then closely tailored to each specific group.

We seldom consider our schoolage children as being sedentary, but the impact COVID is having on their activity levels is staggering. In pre-coronavirus Canadian studies, 39 percent of kids got enough physical activity to meet the minimum standards established by Health Canada. The pandemic has reduced that to five percent. For teenagers, it is now less than one percent. High school students are in such bad

physical condition that the Toronto District School Board has cancelled fall fitness tests, says George Kourtis, Health and PhysEd Coordinator for the TDSB. Dose-response association, domains of physical activity, psychosocial health, and 32 other health and exercise activity related terms are explained plainly in the glossary of the WHO guide.

The document is apolitical, not private business marketing, is current, and amazingly transparent. The target audience is international policymakers, government officials charged with healthcare, non-governmental organizations, educators, and researchers, yet the information is presented in such a manner that is simple to understand.

Although the complete guideline is 104 pages in length, its format is such that anyone can select their age and health group from the categories listed above, and read only those dozen or so pages of recommendations and data related to directly to their own situation.

The WHO “Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour” will without question increase reader’s knowledge of the benefits of activity, and perhaps spur us to actions that will ensure we, and our families, enter spring as mentally and physically fit as possible after what may be a long winter.

The complete PDF file of the guideline is available without charge on the Voice website at: www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/WHO A 20-minute podcast explaining the highlights of the guide is available without charge at: https://bit.ly/3fID9ph, and is also linked on the Voice webpage above. ◆

Congratulations to ROOTED HAIR STUDIO on their Grand Opening!

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Parking on any street in the Town of Pelham during the winter season is not permitted at any time during plowing, sanding or salting operations.

Parking on the street in any way to interfere with a winter maintenance operation will result in a parking ticket.

Stop in, call or click.

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

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LAMPMAN FUNERAL HOME Our family serving your family since 1911

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

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

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

NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.

BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Family Cancer Centre.

WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena LOVE TENDER “COVID Elvis,” aka Cameron Bandshell Michael Caton, a professional fromME9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill for 9-10:30 am. singer There from Oakville, serenades Gail Levay, at her Pelham Petroleum gas station in Fonthill, in a is noperformance fee for thisforprogram.

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The Voice, December 2, 2020

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Lutheran Church 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

Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com

Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com

Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19 the account of a young virgin, Mary, giving birth to Jesus and how her confused fiancé, Joseph, handled the situation (see Matthew 1:18-25). It was not easy for the Jews to understand how Jehovah could become a man (God with us). Ultimately, this was the charge (blasphemy) that led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

The four names of Jesus given in Isaiah 9 show how the ministries and identities of the Trinity are inter-woven.

The prophet Jeremiah

The prophet Jeremiah lived in the 7th century BC after both Isaiah and Micah. His prediction was a sad one —“A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15) Matthew records that King Herod ordered the massacre of all of Bethlehem’s male children (under 2 years old) in a cruel effort to snuff out any prophesied future king. God had warned Joseph earlier to escape with his wife and newborn to Egypt (see Matthew 2:13-18).

So, there you have it — three prophets making prophecies explaining where and how the birth of the Messiah would take place. They all came true several centuries later when Jesus was born. And the world has never been the same. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who never tires of reading about (and reflecting upon) the first Christmas.

NRPS: Credit card scam warning for Niagara

BY VOICE STAFF Over the past few months, the Niagara Regional Police say they have seen an increase in fraudulent transactions involving credit cards.

Given the concerns with COVID-19, many business transactions are being conducted by telephone or email, preventing businesses from knowing their customers. Police say that fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation and making purchases by credit card, without being physically present at a store. This is referred to as a “card not present transaction.”

Such frauds occur when a credit card is illegally obtained and a large order of merchandise is ordered by email or phone, without the cardholder being present. The card is later found to be fraudulent or stolen, however, this is usually after the order has been picked up or deliv-

ered, resulting in a financial loss or "charge back" to the business.

According to police, this scam can impact any business which sells merchandise and is frequently done by first time customers. In many situations, the product is delivered to an address outside the Niagara region.

Police remind businesses to confirm cheques, money orders, banks drafts prior to releasing any product.

Police tips to reduce card not present scams For merchants: Collect as much customer information as possible Verify the phone number, address and transaction information Examine priority shipment requests Validate orders from repeat customers that differ from the estab-

lished pattern Question orders that are to be shipped out of province or a post office box For customers Regularly review your account statements If your credit card is lost/stolen, report it immediately Do not provide credit card information over the phone, if you did not initiate the phone call Ensure webpages are encrypted If you have been a victim of a scam and experienced a financial loss, please call the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 "dispatch", to report it.

If you did not experience a financial loss, please report it by contacting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“If you’re not talking, you’re not playing defense.”

Doc Rivers

The Voice, December 2, 2020

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 17

Newly released WHO guidelines on exercise are 18 laser targeted

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | December 2, 2020

Niagara Basketball United hits the floor

O

ne look at Owen Dobbie’s face and you could tell the 17-year-old Pelham resident was loving his return to the basketball court.

The Grade 12 student at E. L. Crossley was one of some 25 players taking part in tryouts last Wednesday at the community centre for Niagara Basketball United’s Grade 12 team.

“It’s going to be a lot of exposure in front of college and university coaches and it’s really cool,” the 6-foot-3 player said. “I have never had this opportunity to have all the Brock and Niagara College coaches in one gym.”

The travel basketball program for boys in Grade 5 through Grade 12 is spearheaded by Brock University men’s basketball head coach Willy Manigat, and Niagara College men’s head coach Phil Mosley. Its goal is to produce more players who can play at the USPORTS, Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, or NCAA levels.

Niagara Basketball United had tryouts for all its teams this week and the Grade 12 tryouts attracted a who’s who of Niagara’s best Grade 12 and 12B basketball players.

Dobbie loved the competition.

“You always want to play

against the best and it’s going to make me a better competitor.

It makes you work harder if you want to get somewhere.”

At this time of year, the Pelham Panthers travel basketball player would be starting the high school season and getting ready for the Standard tournament.

“I was so excited for my last year, hopefully going to OFSAA [Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championship] and getting to play the Crossley season with all my guys,” Dobbie said. “It sucks a lot.”

He is debating whether or not he will return for 12B, but plans to keep training hard during the pandemic.

“I want to work on my shooting and dribbling a lot and try and become more of a shooting guard or point guard.”

The week’s tryouts were non-contact, which doesn’t necessarily suit the bruising style Dobbie plays.

“I love being physical but it gives me an opportunity to work on different things outside of what I am comfortable with.”

He has managed to get some physicality in on the court.

“We just got a new court at home so I have been going outside and I have been playing my brothers one-on-one all through

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

the summer. It keeps me a little bit competitive.”

Manigat was thrilled to see the program launch this week.

“I am super-excited and I know Phil feels the same way,” he said. “It is part of a bigger picture for the area if it goes the way we think it is going to go and the way it has been received so far. The kids from this area are going to be the ones to benefit as well as the coaches. We are hoping to develop more coaches at the same time as the players.”

Manigat liked what he saw at the Grade 12 tryout.

“There’s some good size and there are some players who are here for a reason. Anyone who shows up for any tryout is someone who wants to be coached and wants the opportunity.”

Manigat designed the practice plans for the tryouts at all the age groups, taking into the account the non-contact rules imposed because of the pandemic “This is a different tryout than anything that has ever been run. You don’t have any contact, you don’t have any one-on-one competition and you are trying to evaluate things that are huge intangibles in any sport, which is their competitive nature,” he said. “You are trying to find

ways to read between those lines during the tryouts to find the ones that are going to be competitive and want to compete.”

The skill level of players will be obvious but there are other characteristics the coaches will be looking for.

“Listening and the ability to take instruction are two of the most important skills in life,” Manigat said. “You know the kids who are keen and want to be really good. There’s something in their eyes and the way that they pay attention to detail to the information that is provided.”

Brian Bleich, a coach on the Grade 12 team and a member of United’s board of directors, is pleased but not surprised by the interest in the program.

“We have had a great response,” he said. “All the age groups are in the 24-to-28 range for players except for the Grade 11 age, where we have almost 40 kids. We had to divide them up into cohorts because of COVID because we can’t have them all in the gym at the same time.”

Training protocols being utilized are the same ones used by the Pelham Panthers organization during its summer and fall training sessions.

Bleich isn’t sure when game action will happen because Bas-

ketball Ontario announced recently that regional games and tournaments won’t start until April 1. It urged teams to continue participating in non-contact team practices “We will be creating teams but they will be training groups or pods,” Bleich said. “They will be getting training sessions with our coach, sessions with a high performance coach on another day and also athletic development without the ball, including footwork and hand-eye coordination.”

Players will receive four to five hours a week of on-court training as well as weekly virtual meetings with guest coaches and assorted speakers.

Bleich is hoping things will improve and United will be able to do more.

“If in January or February they allow us, we will start contact,” he said. “If they allow us to do intrasquad scrimmages, we will have the 11s play the 12s and the 9s plays the 10s and so on once a week just to get some game stuff in.”

Bleich is hoping for the best.

“I think the best-case scenario is a summer league and I think the vaccine will be the big thing. Once we get the vaccine and it rolls out, we may be able to do some things in April and May.”

Page 18

The Voice, December 2, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

New WHO activity guidelines to get us through the winter

L

ast Wednesday, the CBC National evening newscast did a short segment on the World Health Organization’s new, just-released, “Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour.”

“Walk the halls of your house, walk from the kitchen to the living room and back ten times, and that’s good,” said Dr. Ali Zentner, an Internal Medicine and Obesity Specialist and author from Vancouver, as she gazed into the camera with an encouraging smile.

This was exciting news!

There are days that I simply cannot find time for my required cycling or resistance

workouts.

Thanks to Dr. Zentner, I now know that if I use the downstairs bathroom instead of the ensuite, extending the distance of each of my many nightly walks by 500 percent and adding stair climbing each time, I’ve got my daily exercise requirements covered.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, Dr. Zentner trivialized the wealth of information provided by these evidence-based public health recommendations for children, adolescents, adults and older adults on the amount of physical activity required to offer significant health benefits and mitigate health risks.

The purpose of this week’s

column isn’t to address directly the need for all of us, at every age, to be active.

We’ve walked that road together in previous columns.

It is rather to share the nature of the new World Health Organization guidelines, the unique way in which they are presented to provide specific, better researched information, and to facilitate your exploration of the material pertinent to you and your family’s good physical and mental health that is available in this incredibly instructive document.

What is it that makes this guideline important reading, and significantly more helpful than the WHO’s 2010 list, or Health Canada’s current recommendations?

There are three major changes. First, the number of recent, evidence-based health studies and the amount of clinical research

Winter fun on Mud Lake, Welland.

has exploded, and technology has made these results more reliable. Second, because there is more evidence and data, many of the results can be safely quantified, increasing confidence in them.

Third, sedentary lifestyle is now defined for each age cat-

egory, and meaningful numbers that allow comparison of activity levels have been attached.

Evidence based recommendations

These guidelines are not the work of someone trying

JOHN SWART

to persuade you to purchase their latest self-help book, or subscribe to an exercise-video streaming service. The 2020 WHO guidelines were prepared through the systematic review and See HANDLEBARS Page 16

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, this week you feel more energized and ready to hit the ground running with a special project at work. It’s also a great time to do something for yourself.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a couple of days this week you may need to roll over and catch a couple extra minutes with your head on the pillow. Being extra tired may indicate you need to scale back.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 A social butterfly, you are eager to socialize this week, Gemini. Figure out a day when a few friends are available to get together and catch up. Then plan an event.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is essential to practice self-care; otherwise, you easily can run yourself ragged. Put yourself ahead of others sometime this week, even if it feels indulgent.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, take an opportunity to share your big heart with someone who may need an extra emotional boost.

Spend some quality time with this individual.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you are eager to get caught up in all the details. This can keep you on track and orderly, but you may miss some spontaneity if you’re always following the rules.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Relationships are inportant to you, Libra. You may be eager to develop some new friendships in the days to come. Think about pursuing new hobbies or interests.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, everyone around you knows if they put you in charge you will get the job done successfully.

But others may not be in tune with who you are, so open up a little bit.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you are always eager to learn new things. This week take time to explore the world around you and pick up some facts along the way.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 It can be challenging to find a balance between giving your all at work and enjoying your personal life.

That’s because you’re such a hard worker. Devote more time to home.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 The smallest steps can lead to the greatest results, Aquarius. Don’t discount any strides you make in the direction of success. You will get there eventually.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Be mindful of where your dollars are going, Pisces. This will help you strike a greater balance between spending and saving.

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Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays!

From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, December 2, 2020

Page 19

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

The prophesies of Christmas

I

f I had made a prediction in December 2019 that in a few months we would all be wearing masks in stores and standing six feet apart in lines, what would you have thought?

You probably would have wondered what I had been smoking or drinking the night before. However, a year later you might be wondering something quite different— “Is this guy a prophet?”

One of the evidences that the Bible is a special book (believers would say supernatural) is that it contains a lot of fulfilled prophecies. Some are yet future but most were fulfilled with the coming of Jesus. These prophecies were not given just a few months before the events. If so, one could argue they had simply made educated guesses. Instead, they were given several centuries before their fulfillment. Let’s look at a few related to Christmas.

extraordinary origins. The Jews considered it a Messianic prophecy telling them where the promised Messiah (anointed one) would be born.

Eight centuries later Jesus claimed to be that Messiah and the “Bread of Life” (see John 6:35 and 48).

The Prophet Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah also lived in Israel in the 8th century BC making him a contemporary of Micah. His prophecy provides more details about Jesus’ birth — “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and

will call him Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14) In this Messianic prophecy, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would be a male with a supernatural beginning (virgin-born) and a divine identity (Immanuel means “God with us”). Two chapters later, Isaiah continues his prophecy, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Matthew’s Gospel gives See FAITH LIFT Page 16

The prophet Micah

This prophet lived in Israel in the 8th century BC He predicted where Jesus would be born.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me (God) one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2) As you may remember from the Gospels (Matthew 2:1 or Luke 2:4) or from the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this is exactly where Jesus was born in a stable around the year 4 BC. It was a small town about 10 kilometres south of Jerusalem.

Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and Ephrathah means “Fruitful.”

The prophecy hints that this “ruler” would have

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: Jewelry

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

ARTICULATION BAGUETTE BANGLE BRIOLETTE BROOCH COLLET

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Voice

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Page 20

The Voice, December 2, 2020

Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

CORNER

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

continued from Page 2

Toffee Cheesecake Bars

The holiday season is a time when families across the globe look forward to the traditions they’ve passed down from generation to generation.

Holiday baking is one such tradition in many families.

From cookies and pies to brittles and fudge, there’s no shortage of sweet treats come the holiday season. But who’s recipe collection couldn’t benefit from another delicious addition? That’s just what can be found in “Toffee Cheesecake Bars” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands) by the Taste of Home/Reader’s Digest Kitchens.

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cal: Here’s a first. A Pelham Town councillor has taken out an ad, at his own expense, to celebrate the opening of a new business. Can we get this trending—both the new businesses opening and councillors advertising for them? I like it! See Councillor Wayne Olson’s message on p.14...Arena answers: Responding to our recent story about the Pelham Arena sale to a property developer, a reader asked whether area residents would once again be consulted before the Town approves a design. Planning Director Barb Wiens tells the Voice that yes, residents will get to have a say. “Any future subdivision application [for the property] will be circulated to Town departments and agencies for input, and there is a requirement for a public meeting on plans of subdivisions as well,” Wiens says. “The public meeting will provide the opportunity for public feedback and input on the proposal. Approval of plans of subdivisions rests with council. I anticipate that the Town will receive a subdivision application in the new year and a public meeting will likely be sometime in the spring.”

Wiens adds that three existing lots along Haist Street, also part of the deal, would not require a subdivision plan and could go directly to the building permit stage.

“However, it is my understanding that the purchaser will be seeking some minor variances for the three lots, and as such the Committee of Adjustment is the decision maker with respect to minor variance applications.

A Committee of Adjustment hearing would likely be in the new year as well”...Hard to believe: December is here.

Stay warm. ◆

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