The Voice, December 9 2020

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December 9, 2020

Vol.24 No.49 

Published every Wednesday

Renewed call to protect remaining trees along trail

Column Six This Pied Piper was a hero

BY PETER NICE as told to Larry Coté

Special to the VOICE

M

worry that we're losing our smalltown feel, that the growth is too rapid, simply too much too soon.”

Jones and Nicholson stress that they are not opposed to all development, but draw the line when profit-driven developers ravage the land by destroying huge swaths of healthy trees and vege-

y name is Peter Nice and I wish to recollect for you one of the chapters of my life. I was one of the English child evacuees during the Second World War. We evacuees lived in major urban cities and coastal towns in the UK that were thought to be potential targets for German bombing raids and possible invasion.

I was born 87 years ago, to Daisy and Edwin Nice, in Clacton-on-Sea, a seaside town about 72 miles northeast of London. I have a brother, Edwin, who is one year younger than me. My father was an engineer with the L.NER, a major railway company and, as an essential service worker, he was not conscripted into the armed services. The nature of his work required him to be away from home very often.

Near the beginning of the war, in 1939, the government announced a program that was intended to save children, pregnant women and a few other vulnerable people from the German bombing attacks. The program was codenamed, “The Pied Piper.”

Due to the dire nature of

See TRAIL back page

See COLUMN SIX Page 8

Dave Nicholson and Mike Jones at the Port Robinson Road entry point of the Steve Bauer Trail.

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Mike Jones, who has lived on Emmett Street for 44 years, has always loved the outdoors. Still active at 68, he has been an ardent environmentalist since he was a teenager. Jones was involved with Operation Clean, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, years ago,

a group dedicated to improving water quality in the Niagara River, and was also a member of the Niagara Outdoorsman Association.

His main passion is the Pelham Tree Conservation Society (PTCS), an organization he founded with roots set in 1999. Jones is a driving force in the effort to protect the area’s urban woodland, and he also maintains the group’s web-

site. Dave Nicholson is an avid researcher and voice for PTCS, as is Graham Spett.

All three firmly believe it is time for the residents of Pelham to take a stand on the loss of natural habitat to urban sprawl.

“Local people are always telling me that they're opposed to the type of intensification we’re seeing,” said Jones. “There is a lot of

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Page 2

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Fire Department expecting January infection rate increase

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Cue Ride of the Valkyries: It's the smell of money in the early morning...mid-morning...late morning...early afternoon... mid-afternoon...late—. You get the idea. Asking yourself what the heck is going on lately with all those helicopters flying above Highway 20? We solve the mystery this week, p.10. With sufficient cash and an urge to expose yourself, so to speak, to world-beating high rates of COVID infection, you too can fly through an effective loophole to the USA on non-essential business. Reserve some cargo space for a couple of XXL bottles of Purell...Speaking of pandemics and their collateral weirdness: At a time of unparalleled strain on the municipal budget—paying off the MCC was already burden enough before COVID came along—Councillor Lisa Haun is leading an inexplicable charge to spend $20,000 dollars on an emergency management consultant. It's the sort of tender that Haun, who, at last telling, is a freelance emergency management consultant—might well have bid on, were it not a clear conflict of interest. It's not immediately apparent why half of council is going along with this—which, absent Councillor Kore, who remains on his leave of absence, was enough to stop it from being nipped in the bud, much to the consternation of those, like Fire Chief Bob Lymburner, who have been planning for emergencies for awhile now...Back to the aviation biz: A retired Air Canada pilot, who first clued us in to the Hamilton-Buffalo helicopter flights, recalled a good line variously attributed to Freddy Laker or Richard Branson: "Aviation has made millionaires out of many billionaires." I was bitten by the bug myself in the late '90s, when for about 30 seconds I considered buying a ten-passenger turboprop, new, for around $1 million. A business case for paying off the loan and making a reasonable living in my lifetime, however, was not to be found, no matter how creatively the numbers were crunched...To be crystal clear: After printing last week's interview with Michael Bond, who hit and killed a pedestrian on Effingham Street last November, we had a handful of bitterly condemning comments from family members of the deceased, upset that Bond was given a platform to speak, and did so around the one-year anniversary of the incident.

We understand the emotions, but the news media are not in charge of scheduling court dates. That Bond made his most recent court appearance now, and was willing to attempt an explanation for his conduct, was not the paper's timing. As any reasonable reading of the article would conclude, neither the writer nor the newspaper was giving credence to Bond's assertions. The incident happened at 11 AM on a morning that 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 See CORNER Page 15

Voice

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Taking precautionary measure now to protect firefighters in face of poor COVID protocol compliance by younger members of public

BY VOICE STAFF On the second wave of COVID-19 infections, the Niagara Region is faring relatively better than some parts of the province, yet Fire Chief Bob Lymburner says that darker days are not far ahead—and points the finger squarely at a younger demographic driving the numbers.

In a memo to Town Council and senior staff last Wednesday, Dec. 2, Lymburner cited persons 20 to 39 years of age as currently responsible fo the highest level of infections and outbreaks.

All training will be suspended (online exempt).

All inspections deferred unless it is a life safety issue.

Equipment and truck checks will be done with minimal personnel and while physical distancing.

No meetings except virtually.

No gatherings or social events at the stations.

No rentals at the stations.

Station 2 gym will admit only one user at a time.

Only one person in the station at a time to wash or clean vehicles.

Four persons per truck for emergency response, though

More delays in Clapp case

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

The utter dysfunction of trying to conduct court proceedings electronically was on display during appearances for Jason Lusted and Matthew MacInnes — the two men charged with second-degree murder in the death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp— on Friday, Dec. 3.

Audio difficulties delayed proceedings numerous times as Lusted waited on video to appear from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton.

When Lusted’s turn came, the feed from Milton was muted, leading to another delay.

Ultimately, the 49-year-old made his appearance. However, his lawyer was again a no-show.

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“The sad part of this is Public Health has set guidelines to address the second wave but these rules are largely being ignored by this group,” wrote Lymburner.

The Chief added that in anticipation of people not following the rules over the Christmas holidays, there will be a surge of cases in the two weeks following the holidays.

“As a proactive measure and to protect our Fire personnel from infection,” the Chief noted that the following measures will be in place starting Jan 1 and running until Jan 14.

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Vacation Time Machine — A Year Ag o This Week!

Lusted had named Hamilton attorney Kim Edward as his representative during his first court date, on Nov. 27, but she had not appeared.

The duty counsel this past Friday told the court that he had no message from Edward.

“Do you know what the request was going to be today?” the Justice of the Peace asked Lusted.

“Just put over for another week,” he replied, still confined to a wheelchair after an alleged suicide attempt on Nov. 5 while in custody in Thorold.

As several people related to other matters talked over each other on the Zoom call, Andrew Burton—the lawyer for co-accused MacInnes —was seen trying to interject.

See DELAYS Page 12

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Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to four calls for assistance from Friday Nov. 27 to Friday Dec. 4 Friday, Nov. 27 Detector activation, Riley Avenue, Fonthill Saturday, Nov. 28 Structure fire, Bacon Lane, Fonthill and Fenwick Monday, Nov. 30 Remote alarm, Haist Street, Fonthill Thursday, Dec. 3 Medical assistance, Canboro Road, Fenwick

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Page 3

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Proposed 2021 operating budget up 4.7% to $19.3 million Haun lobbies for $20,000 to pay for redundant emergency planning study; Stewart votes against hospice

2021 Operating Expenses by Department Community Planning and Development 1,339,041 6.9%

Recreation, Cultural and Wellness 4,019,546 20.8%

Clerks 494,491 2.6%

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Town of Pelham council finished reviewing the 2021 budget Nov. 30, picking up where they left off after the first meeting was called due to curfew three weeks earlier.

The total proposed operating budget for next year sits at just over $19.3 million, a 4.7 percent increase over 2020.

Included in it is $158,000-worth of more compensation for Town councillors, although the increase was explained by Treasurer Teresa Quinlin as being due to the fact that elected representatives have been added to the Town’s benefit plan.

Beyond that, different councillors took issue with various items in the budget.

Ward 1’s Wayne Olson moved to take out a proposed $20,000 for a consultant study on Pelham’s emergency management plan, citing the Town’s widely lauded performance in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic— and subsequent industry awards bestowed upon communications staff.

“I look at the response of the [Fire] Chief, and Region, and I’m pretty satisfied with it,” Olson said.

Ward 3 councillor Lisa Haun disagreed strongly, explaining she wasn’t trying to “critique” the work of Fire Chief Bob Lymburner over the last nine months. “[With a] program review, you can look at multiple events,” Haun said. “So, it’s pandemics, fires, floods, terrorism events, so on and so forth. There’s a multitude of things you can evaluate … to ensure the training’s been done, to ensure that we have an appropriate response, that we have business-continuity programs in place.”

Mayor Marvin Junkin sided with Olson in moving to withdraw the funds for the study.

“Councillor, you did use ‘terrorism’ … when I think of things like that I either think of the feds, but I guess closer to home, I think that not just one municipality should be an island onto itself,” the Mayor said to Haun.

“This work, if it needs to be done, I would like to see it carried out at the Regional level.”

Haun retorted that emergency management plans are expected to be multi-tiered.

“Just [up]loading and hoping

General Government 691,316 3.6%

Corporate Services 2,435,586 12.6%

Public Works 8,429,866 43.7%

Fire and By-law 1,890,928 9.8%

General Government

Clerks

Corporate Services

Fire and By-law

Public Works

Recreation, Cultural and Wellness

Community Planning and Development

Page 12 of 46

11

Presentation slide prepared for Pelham Town Council, showing 2021 expenses by department. that the Region has Pelham’s best interest in heart in every single capacity, they have 12 municipalities,” she said, citing as an example a potential case of a truck carrying toxic contents crashing in the town.

“I do have expertise in this area, as you know, and I strongly recommend we look at having a municipal response,” said Haun, who previously worked in emergency management at the provincial lev-

el, and told the Voice this spring that she is now an independent consultant in the field.

All Ontario municipalities are required to have an emergency preparedness and response program under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The law was enacted in 2006 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, replacing previous legislation which had been written during the Cold War. Lymburner defended the Town’s

existing plan, saying that it was rewritten in conjunction with a third-party consultant just last year, before COVID-19.

“We have a plan in place, the Fire Chief said. “It’s worked rather well during the pandemic. If you’re dragging me into this … I don’t know what to say. It’s your choice.”

Haun replied that because con-

PETER PIPERS PROUDLY PRESENTS: 2020 HOLIDAY BENEFIT STREAMING SHOW In Support of The Hope Centre Join us December 13th on Facebook Live Log onto Facebook starting at 1pm and enjoy a great live stream performance! Visit each performer’s page for the show and a link to The Hope Centre to place a donation!

ROGER WYATT @rogerwyatt 1pm - 2pm

ROB REPOVS @robrepovsmusic 2pm - 3pm

JESSICA WILSON @Jessica Wilson 5pm - 6pm

TOWN OF PELHAM

SARAH & DAN from EVERMILE @evermile 7pm - 8pm

See COUNCIL Page 12

Page 4

The Voice, December 9, 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 Jase Graves A Christmas (cellphone) Miracle

I

’ve always taken great pride in the tender care I give to my cellphone.

Until recently, I could boast that with all of the various cellular devices I’ve possessed through the years (dating back to the first Motorola bag phone my dad gave me during the Early Iron Age), I’d never once had so much as a bent antenna.

While my three teen daughters seem to enjoy competing to see how high they can bounce their iPhones off of parking lot pavement, my trusty phone case keeps my device safe and secure on the rare occasions when I drop it while fumbling with my wallet to pay for their multiple repairs. Ironically, my sturdy and practical phone case is an object of derision from my daughters, who insist on enveloping their phones in flimsy, fashionable covers whose main protective feature is an over-abundance of glitter.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I spent my Friday evening trying to decide whether to place my middle daughter on emergency life support due to acute Snapchat-deficient syndrome, or race around town trying to find

a cell phone repair shop that was still open and could (for the second time) replace her entire screen, which had become dislodged in an incident involving the school cafeteria’s tile floor and a corn dog.

As I began to hyperventilate, I remembered the phone repair shop

While my credit card was still in shock over this costly repair, I suddenly found myself the victim of cruel irony.

I spent a solid weekend assembling a Christmas lighting display to rival that of Clark W. Griswold. My neighbors could only gaze on with incredulous envy as I festooned my roofline and front lawn with multiple strings of C9 bulbs (some of them actually working).

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Unfortunately, my triumph was short-lived. When I reached for my phone to commemorate this achievement with a photo, I realized that it had become wedged in my pocket against a pair of rarely used needle-nose pliers, and the unresponsive screen was now streaked with random bars of light.

Even my fail-safe troubleshooting technique of turning off the phone and turning it back on again was ineffective.

Suddenly, I panicked! How could I check Facebook every five minutes, or play that game with the little jetpack man? What if one of my daughters tried to text me requesting more cash? As I began to hyperventilate, I remembered the phone repair shop. I could simply take it there the next day and return to happily allowing this wireless device to control my very existence.

After a fitful night’s sleep, I arrived at the shop early the next morning, only to sit in the car a full 15 minutes past the posted opening time.

Apparently, the teenager in charge of the place was still in a drive-thru somewhere 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

Fonthill Lions thanks On behalf of the Fonthill Lions Club, I would like to thank the Voice for its generous support of the Fonthill Lions’ inaugural “Breakfast with a Side of Santa” Drive-Thru meal event. This was a pilot event for our club’s future drive-thru fundraisers to raise money for our community service during COVID-19. Your support will go a long way towards raising awareness for the Fonthill Lions’ continuing community work.

Our next meal will be on Sunday, January 17, 4:30 – 6:30 PM, and will be a half chicken dinner with potato, coleslaw, gravy and dessert. Details will be soon posted on our website, www.fonthilllions.ca.

We cannot thank you enough for the outstanding front-page placement of our story. We were all touched by your generosity of spirit. Wishing the best of 2020 holiday season and a happier, safer 2021.

Steve Pellerin President

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

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Electoral District: Niagara West

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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

Gilberts Flowers

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986

FLOWERS FOR ANY OCCASION We offer a large variety of fresh flowers and gifts.

Enjoy the convenience of safe and secure ordering online 24 hours a day.

Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

754 Welland Rd, Fenwick www.gilbertsflowers.ca 905-892-2433

Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033

Today's forgotten business stopped advertising yesterday

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

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Page 5

OPINION Police still seeking vehicle in Clapp case It has been two months since October 2.

Two months since I lost my partner of 58 years to violence. Just under two months since two men were charged with second-degree murder, each with a criminal history and one associated with another murder.

Two criminals for whom the prospect of jail time must have been weighed against stopping and untangling my husband from their vehicle. And for my husband, their decision had horrific consequences. I cannot express how unfathomable it is, in our ordinary Fenwick world, to go to bed one night after hearing my husband tell me good night, to what was announced to us by the police the next morning.

Together, the perpetrators caused horrible pain. Pain all around: to a community which was violated and made anxious, to their own families, and rightfully, to themselves—for one usually reaps what one sows. And immeasurable pain to us, who have been robbed forever of a husband, father, grandfather and friend. And to Earl, who has suffered the greatest loss: his twilight years with his loved ones destroyed within minutes. Earl was a hardworking, honest man who cherished those he loved. Yet the perpetrators did not allow him to reap what he had sown.

As I've said to others, I rarely think of the accused. I easily keep their dark world far from my consciousness. I concentrate on the good in my life: my family, my friends and the memories of the husband I was fortunate to meet on my high school bus 58 years ago.

I was fortunate to have that time with him, and those memories must be my focus. Still, not a day goes by that I don’t wake hoping vainly that it was in fact a nightmare, or that

Mayor Marvin Junkin

Vaccine news step in right direction

we might turn back the clock.

Now my family must look to my grandchildren's sparkling eyes for any experience of joy, as they prepare for and anticipate Santa's visit. For they are too young to take a measure of what has been stolen from them.

And Santa, as magical as he is, can never replace what they have lost.

In the words of the NRPS, "The Niagara Regional Police Service are still investigating this incident and are attempting to find the vehicle involved in this incident, a 2007-2014 FORD EXPEDITION, black in colour. If you have any information regarding this vehicle, please contact the police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also provide the information to CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800222-TIPS (8477)."

Perhaps you saw something suspicious in your neighbourhood on or after the early hours of Friday, October 2? Anywhere in Niagara, the greater Hamilton area, Brantford or beyond? Perhaps the vehicle is hidden in a rural area? Perhaps it was burnt, and you noticed smoke in early October? The littlest piece of information can take the police a long way. Finding the vehicle would be very helpful. An example of a 2010 model is shown above. Please share this as much as possible.

Tillie Clapp Fenwick

W

hat great news! Several companies have completed testing of their vaccines and have either gotten approval of their product for large- scale human use or this approval is imminent.

Britain will reportedly receive 800,000 doses of vaccine shortly from Biotech/Pfizer and will start to administer the vaccine immediately to its citizens.

Canadian health authorities could approve Biotech/Pfizer for Canadian use within the next week, thereby allowing distribution to start in early 2021.

If this timetable stays in effect, then Canada should receive some 6 million doses in the first quarter of 2021, enough for 3 million of Canada’s 38 million population.

Officials have said healthcare workers and the elderly will receive vaccines first, with complete guidelines on who else will be first in line. This information will be forthcoming in the near future.

In a country such as

ours that has such a large ge og r aph ical area, the rollout of the vaccines will be one of the most complex Marvin Junkin logistical undertakings in Canada’s history. The distribution of Pfizer’s vaccine is made much more complex because they need to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, that being at -80°C. Canada has had to go to the marketplace for 26 ultra-cold freezers, with the capacity for each freezer holding 280,000 doses. It is not public knowledge if these freezers are all situated throughout the country or not.

On the local scene, Niagara Region continues to keep its designation of Orange-Restrict, even though our number of new cases has been consistently above 20 for the last week. Our reproductive number being at 1, is also inching upwards. The relatively better news is that the number of COVID-19 cases that test

positive is at 1.7 percent, while the province’s average is over 5 percent.

Pelham has six current cases with all of these individuals practicing home isolation. Some 93 percent of the Region’s cases are also practicing home isolation with the remaining 6.5 percent being hospitalized with a very small number being admitted to ICUs. It is with only a very small number being hospitalized that has kept us in our present designation.

The Region continues to test between 8,000 to 9,000 residents weekly.

P

lease help out our volunteer firefighters at Station 1 who are having a toy drive taking place between December 5 through to December 13. Also requested besides toys for children, are cans of pet food for our furry companions. Items can be dropped off during the week and also on the weekend until 7 PM. Station 1 is located at 177 Highway 20 West in Fonthill, across from the Lookout Ridge apartments. ◆

Nick’s Cleaners

OP-ED

continued from previous page

We are open—With new hours

waiting for his breakfast burrito.

Unable to tolerate further delay, I drove across the road to another repair shop/tobacco emporium where the technician invited me to peruse his selection of hookah pipes and flavored rolling papers while he dissected my iPhone. After twenty minutes of waiting (and learning all I ever wanted to know about herb grinders) I was informed that the screen I needed was out of stock.

In full freak-out mode, I drove back to the first shop I had visited and found it open—finally! The young technician, having just finished his burrito, no doubt, was able to replace my screen, subtly scoff at my bulky phone case, and send me on my way in about ten minutes.

I’m still a bit embarrassed about the relief I felt having my iPhone working again. As I often tell my eye-rolling daughters, I managed to survive for over 20 years without the luxury of a cell phone—and now I depend on it like a vital appendage. I guess I’m not that different from my girls, after all. ◆ Jase Graves is an award-winning columnist and a regular contributor to the Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop.

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

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

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

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

Page 6

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Letters

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

Open letter to the DSBN

Appreciates public library workers

Legion thanks

Canadians everywhere have been awakened to our history as it relates to the mistreatment of our Black and Indigenous citizens. It is reassuring that students in our schools will now have the benefit of studying these past mistakes so as to never repeat them. Vilma Moretti, a local Pelham resident, has raised with the school board the issue of the renaming of the former E. W. Farr Memorial school. In support of her appeal for the DSBN to reconsider the name of Wellington Heights, we also request that the superintendent, the director and the trustees revisit this matter by placing this request in the official correspondence of the next meeting of the board.

The Waterloo Region District Board recently adopted a motion to re-examine the names of all board schools and buildings in view of the reconciliation wanted by Canadians and implemented by our government. We understand the board is establishing a new committee focusing on inclusion and other equity issues. Now is the time to reconsider the decision to use the Wellington name on the Fenwick school. We will not go over, yet again, all the arguments against this inappropriate name. Instead, we ask that you fulfill your committment to “work towards the elimination of discrimination with the purpose of enhancing public confidence in the DSBN response to claims of discrimination of any kind.” You can do this by revisiting the school name.

The board has an opportunity to set a fine example for its students by reconsidering its position and righting a misguided decision..We are confident the DSBN will do so.

Keith and Marilyn Ebert Fenwick

Thank you to the amazing staff at the Pelham Public Library! Even under COVID-19 conditions, they have quickly innovated and continued to provide responsive service to the public of all ages. At the same time, they have faced the personal cost of cutbacks to their work hours. I urge Town Council to remember the crucial role that the libraries play for all citizens when it comes time to consider budget proposals.

Joan McCurdy-Myers Ridgeville

Thank you to the citizens, businesses and organizations of Pelham! Just prior to the kick-off of our annual Poppy campaign, we asked for your support so that we can continue to do the necessary work on behalf of our veterans and their families. Despite the year of the COVID-19 pandemic in which we were

Kudos to Fonthill post office staff Since COVID took over, my family has ordered many goods online that have been delivered via Canada Post. This has necessitated frequent trips from our post office box on the side of the building, into the service area of the Fonthill post office. Every time I need service (typically to pick up parcels, but sometimes to buy stamps or mail my own packages), the post office staff have been friendly and efficient. I would like to take this opportunity to thank these men and women for their hard work and professionalism.

Craig Hyatt Fonthill

Enjoyed story about Don Smith I’d like to thank Don Rickers for the article about Don Smith and his World War II heroics [Two heroes crossed paths at Buckingham Palace, Nov. 25, p.12]. I am quite familiar with them, since I, as well as several others in this area, knew Don very well, having worked with or for him at Union Carbide, in Welland.

While working under Don, he asked me if I was interested in joining the Air Cadets to help him. This wasn’t something that necessarily fit me at the time so I respectfully declined. This was also a way of Don saying he liked me and had respect for the effort I was putting forth.

At some point Don gave me a copy of his exploits after the crash in Denmark. It was called First Out of Denmark (he was the first allied flyer to escape occupied Denmark).

It is a great read and a prized possession of mine. I have let various workmates and friends read it over the years,

but Don said he never wanted it published.

I recall a couple conversations with Don’ s son Brian, whom I knew, and one sto-

Brian said it was such an emotional and gratifying time ry was the interment of his ashes with his crew. Brian said it was such an emotional and gratifying time for the family.

I recalled this when I read Don Rickers’ story, and I too became emotional (as usual around Remembrance Day) as I saw those pictures and realized Don Smith was so accomplished as a war hero and veteran.

Jim Stokes Fonthill

unable to actively canvas, you responded to our request in a record fashion.

Through your generosity, Poppy Campaign revenues for 2020 have exceeded $20,000, and for that our members and especially our veterans say, thank you.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 Fonthill

New members sought to defend trees Do you remember the last time you walked the Steve Bauer Trail between Port Robinson Road and Merritt Road?

Now it’s in face of imminent development which would destroy the natural beauty and serenity of the trail.

The trail will have new developments on both sides with an extension of Station Street on the east. There will be developments on the east and west sides and with two roadways through the trail to join the developments. If we don’t fight to preserve, we will lose the last undivided path of the Steve Bauer Trail System. Imagine the traffic destroying our last undisturbed natural walkway in old Fonthill. There is also a large drainage system proposed to be built along the east side of the paved walkway. This destruction of our natural greenbelt will mean it will never be the same.

We need as many people as possible to get involved to help stop the destruction of this precious gem. This trail contains a large variety of natural habitats for song birds, small mammals, frogs, foliage, trees and shrubs, etc. It also provides a natural corridor for wildlife.

We are looking for anyone who is interested in helping.

There is much work to be done and little time. We need interested people to help with the preservation of the most significant and used part of Steve Bauer trail in Pelham.

Don’t delay—we only have approximately until early 2021 to unite! Please spread this to friends, family and neighbours. We know that with this pandemic it will be hard to gather together, but there is much work we can See TREES next page

Crossley’s DelGobbo signs with Kent State Former Canadian champ lands Division 1 golf scholarship

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

When you win a Canadian golf title, the NCAA Division 1 recruiting process tends to get a whole lot easier.

“I think I sent out two letters,” said Luke DelGobbo, the 2019 national juvenile champion. “I contacted Ohio State and Kent State and there were a few schools that came to me.”

His interest in Ohio State and Kent State was obvious.

“The kid who beat me at the International Masters is now at Ohio State so I figured there’s a little connection there I could use,” DelGobbo said. “And Kent State, I know they have taken the best player from Canada the past several years. I had my heart set out on one of those two schools.”

Both schools offered him scholarships, although Ohio State offered him a spot starting in 2022.

In the end, the 17-year-old Fonthill teen committed to Kent State in the summer and signed his National Letter of Intent Nov. 11.

“It’s their history and the past players who have gone there, such as Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Connors,” the Grade 12 student at E. L. Crossley said.

Hughes and Connors are both PGA Tour regulars and tournament winners and the latter recently placed 10th at Masters. In more recent history, Kent State sophomore Chris Vandette was the 2018 and

2019 Canadian junior champion.

Joining DelGobbo on Kent State’s 2021 recruiting class were Jordan Gilkison, the No. 1-ranked junior in Ohio, and, Bryce Reed, a threetime medalist on the GolfWeek Junior Tour and a member of the All-GolfWeek Junior Team.

“Luke follows a long line of Canadians who have come through Kent State,” Kent State head coach Jon Mills said, in a release on the university’s website. “A lefty who has won at the highest level in Canada and possesses a great set of skills that will translate well to the collegiate level.”

Mills signed DelGobbo sight unseen.

“Due to COVID, I did not get the opportunity to watch Luke play even though he was on our list to watch,” Mills said. “College coaches are in a ‘dead period’ in regards to recruiting so we cannot travel or visit with prospective student athletes.”

Mills offered DelGobbo a scholarship based on his results and the feedback he received on the talented teen from respected coaches and players around Ontario.

“It was amazing how many good things I heard about Luke. Work ethic and overall attitude was huge for me. That, paired with obviously a great set of skills, made the decision easy.”

The decision was easy but Del-

Luke DelGobbo is headed to Ohio.

BERNIE PUCHALSKI Gobbo getting a chance to show his stuff in front of Mills was anything but.

“The virus screwed everything up,” DelGobbo said. “He saw me hit one shot and he wouldn’t have even known it was me. He was watching a tournament I was playing in when I was younger.”

It helped that he was on Team Ontario and Team Ontario coach Reggie Millage is a friend of Mills’.

“I was with Reggie a lot and I think Reggie helped it out a little bit.”

DelGobbo has spoken with Mills every week since committing in the summer and that interest made it a no-brainer for the Lookout Point member to sign on the dotted line Nov. 11 in front his parents, Mike and Lucia, and brother, David.

“We all kind of just sat down, I signed it and boom,” DelGobbo said. “It was just nice to get it done with. I am looking forward to going there and getting to play golf there. That’s why I am going, It’s going to be great to surround myself with a lot good players and see what it takes to get to the next level.”

He hasn’t set any goals for his first collegiate season.

“I don’t have any short-term goals because I don’t know what the next year is going to look like.

I would like to compete in the junior ranks again next year and after that, have a few good years in college and see where that takes me. I am just trying to do the right things every day.”

Mills is excited about DelGobbo’s future.

“Luke has proven he is one of the better juniors in Canada and the sky is truly the limit for him as long as he comes in and works hard. This environment lends itself to improvement in all aspects of the game.”

Mills likes DelGobbo’s game and makeup.

“Luke has power and a good short game and I also love his compete level. He never gives up and will be someone you can depend on to do the right things and represent Kent State at the highest level. We are super excited to have him join the Kent State family.”

DelGobbo spent the summer working on his game.

“It was real tough to get tee times because there were a lot of restrictions and stuff,” he said.

“But I tried my best and a lot of people were looking out for me,

especially [at Lookout Point]. I played and used the practice facilities as much as possible.”

All that work paid off.

“The scores wouldn’t say it — I didn’t real do much — but I think my game is going in the right direction, for sure.”

He did a lot of work on his swing.

“I made a change back in March and it kind of went the wrong way.

In the last month or so I have been getting back to where it was. It is a game of perfection.”

It is also a game of power for DelGobbo, who has a ball speed of 172 miles per hour and lots of length off the tee.

“I like to think my average is 300 yards. Some go over and some don’t quite get there.”

DelGobbo started golfing when he was 11 or 12 when a friend, Jake DiBellonia, took him out to play a round of golf at Eagle Valley. About a year or two later, he was shooting in the 70s.

“I started with lessons from J. J. Alexander. He was the head pro at Lookout, and then I just practised and played every day,” he said. “I met a lot good people out here and I played with them every day and I learned a lot from them.”

He would usually play in the morning, practise in the afternoon and then play another nine holes in the evening.

He realized he had a chance to play NCAA golf while golfing at Lookout with his friend Freddy D’Angelo, who became a NCAA Division 1 scholarship golfer with the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies in Rochester, Mich.

“I knew if I kept going in the right direction I would have a chance eventually.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Page 7

This holiday season needs to be different.

The safest way to celebrate indoors is only with the people who live in your home. People who live alone can get together only with one other home.

CAN'T MASK THE SMILES Pelham Beautification Committee members Cynthia Roberts, Vice Chair (and Master Elf) and Jen Pilzecker, Chair, finish up their holiday decorating at the Fonthill clock.

SUPPLIED

Letters

continued

Welland floating pool—good idea?

The City of Welland wants to add another swimming pool for people to enjoy. Council has discussed the idea of a swimming pool that rests on the Welland Canal. Before I support building this pool, I have one question: how much will it cost for each taxpayer to run this each summer?

First, I suspect there will be a cost to this new swimming facility. If the City of Welland want to build this new pool, then they should consider closing some of their outdoor pools. There are three public swimming pools that are open each summer. With the COVID-19 pandemic that began this year, only one of them was open last summer. When the pandemic is brought under control, then council can consider building

this floating pool next spring and possibly consider closing one of the other pools.

There is a question that some of you might also consider. That is why not just get rid of the closed pools? I’m against demolishing the pools because this would come at a cost, and I feel that the City of Welland doesn’t need to incur the costs of this at the present time.

In conclusion, Welland plans on having a floating swimming pool. This will be the only one in Canada if it is approved by the city council, but as I stated earlier, I will only support it if it doesn’t increase property taxes for residents of the rose city.

Brendan Young Fonthill

Like it or not, Canada Post delivers everything In response to the letter “Why is Canada Post delivering propaganda” [Oct. 28, p.6]— so you received an unsolicited copy of “The Epoch Times” in your mailbox, and claim that other Canadians including yourself, are being targeted with this newspaper.

For the record, hardworking employees of Canada Post are paid and tasked with depositing countless unwanted and unsolicited items in our mailboxes on a frequent basis. Items of use to some, junk mail to others.

We as individuals have a right to our opinions, beliefs, and to seek information from a vast array of sources, thus enabling us to conclude what we believe to be truth.

The critical and negative views expressed in the letter do not reflect the views of all, and appear to be based on information gathered from mainstream media and Google, both of which lean toward the political narrative.

Media regulated, controlled and funded by government with our hard- earned tax dollars. Content which is not without misinformation, untruths, and yes, propaganda.

And Google, who implements a ranking or-

der placing select searches top of the list.

Independent media, on the other hand, do not receive government funding and are therefore free and unrestricted, enabling them to investigate and report truths which would otherwise be suppressed and hidden from public view. And yet it is the independent media who are labelled “conspiracy laden.”

I agree with having accurate facts regarding the confusion surrounding COVID-19, however to follow the norm, accept things at face value, and never question, does not necessarily mean you are being provided with accurate facts, all or in part. To limit one’s self to knowledge is to walk through life with blinders on. A wealth of information awaits. One only needs the desire to seek it out.

In closing, I would suggest to you, Mr. Mitchell, that you simply throw “The Epoch Times” in the trash bin. What you find offensive and unappealing, others may find it well worth the read.

Anita Sutcliffe Fenwick

TREES

drainage plan that will alter the trail for future generations.

If interested, please contact Mike, at (905) 658-3330, the Facebook group page "The Pelham Tree Conservation Society," or email mjones_goldwing@yahoo.ca Mike Jones Fonthill

continued from previous page do collectively in our own homes. What can you do from home? Phone your councillors, the Mayor, inform your family, friends and neighbours. Let them know of your objections of dividing up the trail and the

Gatherings with friends and extended family can carry an increased risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Consider celebrating outdoors or virtually with others that are not part of your household.

Know the gathering limits in your area before you choose to entertain with family and friends indoors.

Indoor gatherings are not permitted in regions in Grey- Lockdown.

For all gatherings with anyone you do not live with: • maintain 2 metres physical distance • wear a face covering • avoid potlucks or shared utensils • ensure everyone washes hands regularly, including before and after meals Self-isolate if you are sick, even if your symptoms are mild and ask guests to stay home if they feel unwell.

Follow provincial and local public health advice to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.

Stopping the spread, starts... with you.

Visit ontario.ca/celebratesafely to learn more.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 8

The Voice, December 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 this emergency war measure, the scheme was hastily implemented.

More than a million children were relocated from many urban and coastal towns to more rural locations throughout the UK, and even to some far-flung locations such as Canada, Sweden, and Norway.

Before the evacuation, my brother and I attended Holland Road School, where we were provided with gas masks to be carried with us at all times in a little cardboard box.

Basically, this is how The Pied Piper program was implemented: my mother was advised, with very short notice, to pack one small suitcase and a backpack with essential personal items for both Edwin and me. My mum was told that, for our own safety, we were being sent to an undisclosed rural community at some distance from our home. We children were not told the detail of these plans. Rather, we were intentionally misled and told we were going on a vacation trip or a play camp somewhere. Children of more wealthy parents were alternatively sent to family cottages located in the countryside or boarding schools at some distant place.

On evacuation day, June 2, 1940, when Edwin and I arrived at Clacton train station, we were issued name tags to be worn at all times and given a pre-addressed postcard. This card was to be mailed back to our parents once we arrived at our, as yet, unknown destination.

And so it was, my brother and I were taken by train to London Liverpool Street Station, thence from Paddington Station by train to Kidderminster, and then by bus to the village of Far Forest—population about 500. Upon arrival at the Village Hall we were each issued a blanket and told to rest on the cold,

Evacuees from Bristol arrive at Brent railway station near Kingsbridge in Devon, 1940. damp floor. We were fed rather sparsely and any sort of personal hygiene was at a premium. My brother and I stuck close to each other throughout this abnormal ordeal and feared separation as our mother had forewarned. She admonished us to watch out for one and other every minute of every hour, and that we did.

The next morning we were lined up against a wall and members of the community and nearby villages were asked to come by the Hall and choose a child whom they would billet until the indeterminable end of the war. Each of us children stood there with the earnest hope we would soon hear the portentious

words, “We’ll take that one.”

Fortunately for my brother and me, we were both chosen to remain together by a wonderful couple named Jim and Lucy Bates.

They lived in a bungalow located on “Plough Lane,” approximately a mile off the main road. This address was aptly named as, in fact, it was located in the middle of a forest glade with no electricity nor indoor plumbing. Edwin and I had to learn to live by lighting up the night with homemade wax candles and smoky kerosene lamps. This wonderfully generous couple had two very young children of their own, a little boy and girl. And yet they responded to this special call for help. For

some reason not evident to us, our foster father had some type of disability, causing him to be ineligible for military service. But whatever the disorder it certainly did not preclude him from being an excellent provider for his family, including Edwin and me.

Imagine, if you will, this young couple taking into their bungalow two very young boys they had never met or seen before and take full responsibility for their needs and cares for an indefinite period of time, and with only a pittance of a support payment from the government. For Edwin and me this began a period in our lives that would be etched in our memories forever. We

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lived with the Bates for just about two-and-a-half years. During that time, we had brief visits from our mother on maybe two or three occasions. Given the nature of the times, missing our mother and she missing her two boys did not count for much in the context of the war.

As guests, we had duties to perform around the homestead— chopping wood, digging holes for sewage disposal, pumping water from the well to fill the cistern in the ceiling of the house, picking fruit and other chores suitable for our ages. When the cherries were ripe on the trees we students were given a week off school to help harvest the crop. There was a very large orchard with large, prolific trees right on the edge of town, which I believe was owned and cared for by the Trolleys, our foster mother’s parents.

One chore incident remains in my mind. I was chopping kindling for the very hungry cooking stove in the house. Somehow or other, I missed the log and struck my ankle with the axe. While my foster mother rendered first aid my foster father ran to borrow a truck to take me to the hospital in Kidderminster, some miles from home. The doctors there tended to my wound, instructed my foster father on the home care needed, and we left for home back in Far Forest. The pain of healing was made worse by the embarrassment of mistaking my ankle for a log. That scar is a reminder of those days even now.

During the school year we attended Leas Memorial School, which accommodated about 360 students. Mr. Bates, our foster father, using a borrowed truck would sometimes drive us to school in bad weather. Mrs. Bates would pack us a sandwich for our school lunch.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca food spread, it was a yeasty by-product of the beer making process. We did not like these lunches and often threw them away without telling our mum. We had to walk back to the homestead after school and it was a lengthy trek. Due to the remoteness of the location we never saw any military personnel or equipment during our stay.

I must tell you that while our adoptive parents were a wonderful match for Edwin and me, not all billeting arrangements were amicable.

The match of child to foster parent was a lottery. Some were unhappy alliances and, frankly speaking, a few were traumatically atrocious.

When the end of the war seemed imminent, the program was to be ended and the evacuated children were to be returned to their former homes. More than a million children were reunited with their birth parents. There was a bit of a kerfuffle for us as our parents had moved twice and were now living in Colchester. However, we were successfully reunited in the spring of 1943. Sadly, many children were never reunited with their birth families. There was much confusion due to the large numbers involved. In some cases, children arrived back in their home town only to find their families were casualties of the war, and at this tender age discovered they were orphans, with no place to settle. That is but one of the tragedies of war.

Thankfully for Edwin and me, our good fortune continued and we were reunited

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Page 9

Peter Nice and his younger brother, Edwin, upon return from their evacuation in Far Forest.

NICE FAMILY with our parents. Our former home town of Clactonon-Sea mostly escaped war damage but for an accidental dropping of a mine by a wayward German aircraft that did some damage to the Grand Hotel. It is believed that this plane subsequently crashed into the North Sea. Another aircraft, running short on fuel, attempted a landing and mistook the railway track as a landing strip. It crashed and shattered the windows of nearby houses, but remarkably, except for the German pilot and two other victims, the damage was minimal.

After the war, we continued to have a close kinship with our foster parents back in Far Forest. My brother and I, and our family, owe them an unrepayable debt of gratitude. We communi-

cated with them frequently over the years following the war and visited whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Although my brother and I, together with many others, suffered a certain amount of deprivation during the war, such as not seeing our parents for long periods of time, with no toys or radios, we survived. Today, I sometimes wonder how those protesting the wearing of masks would cope with the multitude of restrictions imposed by a government during a war.

For us, the Pied Piper program was a noteworthy success— a literal life-saver.

There are many horror stories to be told about the tragedies of war. Hopefully, this episodic event represents an opposite outcome. ◆

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Beginning just before Christmas, the camp will run from December 21-23. In years past, the second part of the camp would continue after Christmas; however, due to COVID-19 and likely holiday gatherings and travel, the camp will not run into the New Year.

We’ve condensed this usual week of fun into three days, getting the campers into the holiday spirit through games, skating, gym time, movies, crafts and more!

www.pelham.ca/register

Page 10

The Voice, December 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Sky's the limit for those who can afford it Whirlybirds whisk snowbirds to rendezvous with their wheels in new Buffalo shuffle

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

While the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the plans of many Canadians who look forward to winters in the sun south of the border, one enterprising company has come up with a plan for motivated and well-heeled Snowbirds, plus their vehicles, to make the first leg of their annual treks to the Sunshine State, the Grand Canyon State, or Myrtle Beach.

Great Lakes Helicopters (GLH) usually operates out of Kitchener/ Waterloo, but for the past month has been doing a brisk business out of the Hamilton International Airport, flying Snowbirds across the border to the Buffalo International Airport. While the border is closed to non-essential travel by road—winter vacations may be desirable, but they are hardly essential—Canadians can still legally fly into the United States the same as before the pandemic hit, for essential or non-essential reason.

GLH Operations Manager Dwayne Henderson told the Voice that they expect to be flying out of the Niagara District Airport very

At $1200 a pop, Great Lakes Helicopters flies Canadian travellers to Buffalo to meet their vehicles—an extra $700 for cars, $1200 for RVs.

soon, ferrying passengers from Niagara Falls east to the Queen City.

“We’ll still have to clear Customs in Hamilton, so the helicopter actually has to go from Buffalo back to Hamilton, and then fly to Niagara District Airport to pick the people up and head [back] over to Buffalo,” he said.

Thursdays through Mondays, GLH offers five flights a day, every two hours, starting at 7 AM. Most days, flight slots are full, at $1200 a pop. Several hundred bookings have been made, said Henderson.

A number of vehicle transport companies have partnered with GLH in this venture, charging $700 to transport a vehicle ($1200 for trailers and RVs) from Canada over to meet the helicopter at the

airport in Buffalo.

Henderson said his business model includes flights up to January 22, just after US president-elect Joe Biden takes over in the White House.

“I suspect that there’s a high probability that Biden's administration will get in line with Trudeau to limit border crossings,” said Henderson. “But if there is still a market, we’ll keep going.”

GLH has up to four helicopters dedicated to the cross-border venture. Some of the smaller craft are piston-engine powered, while the bigger helicopters are turbine models. Flights usually include three passengers and one pilot. There is a weight limit of 530 pounds for passengers, pets,

and luggage. Each helicopter is sanitized prior to and after every flight, and masks are mandatory for both pilots and patrons.

While business charters are the main cash-flow for GLH, the company is also a Transport Canada-approved Ontario private career college/flight training school.

Their fleet of three Robinson R22s, three Robinson R44s, and one Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter allows the company to perform a variety of operations.

Some may question the ethics of flying people over a “closed” border during a pandemic, but Henderson said that major airline carriers have been transporting people into the US throughout the crisis. Snowbirds are still required to clear Customs, and the

SUPPLIED

entire procedure falls fully within COVID-19 rules and requirements.

Canadians driving back home across the international border will need to follow quarantine protocols currently in place.

Current border travel restrictions are in place until at least Dec. 21.

Global Affairs Canada continues to advise against all non-essential travel outside Canada, and warns that should complications arise during travel outside the country, the Canadian government may be limited in its resources to help.

The travel site SnowbirdAdvisor. ca surveyed 3000 of its members, and reported that over 30 percent of respondents still planned to go away for some or all of the winter season.

IN GOOD COMPANY Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, country icon Dolly Parton—and the E. L. Crossley Marching Band? The occasion was the 2020 Toronto Santa Claus Parade, broadcast last Saturday. The Crossley band was one of eight chosen to participate this year, and recorded their performance at home ahead of time.

SUPPLIED

FOR SOME SQUARE MEALS The Board of Directors of Town Square Manor, in Fonthill, contributed $450 to Pelham Cares last week, an amount that was yet unknown when this photo was snapped. Shown are Nancy Yungblut, Aafke Bokma, Bob Close, Garth Hannah, and Mike Rykman. Pelham Cares Coordinator Jennifer Dube says that the donation is appreciated. “We will be able to use these funds to help purchase bulk items we are short on from our food drive, along with adding items to our Christmas hampers.”

SUPPLIED

LOSERS FOR WINNERS Over November, Peninsula Construction held a staff contest they dubbed “The Biggest Loser.” With each employee pound lost, an item of food was donated and matched by the company for eventual donation to “The Biggest Winner,” Pelham Cares.

Coordinator Jennifer Dube says that a “mountain” of food came in, a result of some 250 lbs lost over the month.

SUPPLIED

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Page 11

Sibbett sisters love their Family Feud Local quintet competes for cash; episode airs next Wednesday

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

September 2019 was when the plan was hatched.

The five Sibbett sisters — Wendy Sibbett Wikston, Susan Sibbett Willford, Penny Sibbett Wise, Lynda Sibbett Carson, and Cheryl Sibbett Wikston — were at a wedding, and in a mood to party.

As the champagne flowed, they got talking. “Why not create a video and submit it to Family Feud?”

Family Feud Canada, to be precise, a popular TV game show featuring comedian Gerry Dee as its host. The series is based on the highly successful American original, hosted by Steve Harvey, which is ranked in the top three most popular syndicated television shows in the US and has spawned adaptations in some 50 countries.

The concept is simple: two families compete to name the most popular responses to family-friendly survey questions in order to win cash and prizes. Each round begins with a "faceoff" question that serves as a toss-up between two opposing contestants. The host asks a survey question that was previously posed to a group of 100 people.

For example, "This ques-

tion was asked of 100 single men: ‘Name the hour that you get up on Sunday mornings.’" The team that wins by answering closest to the survey result plays a “fast round” for $10,000 in cold, hard, tax-free cash.

Families eager to appear on the show must create a five minute video introducing their team of five, which describes what makes their family unique, supportive, fun, talented, and even quirky. Energy and enthusiasm must be exuded to achieve an audition.

The sisters, who all live in Pelham or Welland, sent in their video, but didn't hear anything until this June.

“Because of COVID-19, they couldn’t audition us in person, so we did a Zoom meeting,” said Wendy.

“The producers asked us questions, and we played a mock game of Family Feud.

We had a great session, but were told that 5000 people had applied to be on the show, so they couldn’t make any promises. They said that if we were selected, we would hear from them by early September.”

As the end of August approached, with no word from Family Feud, the sis-

Wendy Sibbett Wikston, Susan Sibbett Willford, Penny Sibbett Wise, Lynda Sibbett Carson, and Cheryl Sibbett Wikston on the set of Family Feud Canada.

SUPPLIED ters were losing hope. But on September 5, the phone rang, and it was good news: “See you at the CBC in Toronto on the first Sunday in October,” said a public relations representative for the show.

Pancakes for Pelham Cares Pelham Street Grille fundraiser on Dec. 14

After compulsory coronavirus testing and a contestant briefing on the Sunday, the show was recorded the next day, on Monday.

“It was such a blast, the best experience. The peo-

ple that run that show are just awesome,” send Wendy.

Contestants sign a non-disclosure agreement with the program, and accordingly Wendy couldn’t share the outcome of the

contest, or whether her bank account was $10,000 richer.

The Sibbett Sisters episode of Family Feud Canada’s season two airs at 7:30 PM next Wednesday, Dec. 16, on CBC.

"The Day the World Stood Still" Sibling trio writes kids' book to explain pandemic

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Grille owners Catherine and George Lafreniere are ready to serve.

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Especially at Christmas time, Catherine and George Lafreniere are happy to give back to the community which supports their business, the Pelham Street Grille.

On Monday, December 14, from 8 to 11 AM, they will be hosting a sausage and pancake breakfast, with a goodwill offering.

“People can pay what they like,” said Catherine. “A Pelham Cares donation box will be at the door for cash and cheques, and donations by e-transfer are also doable.”

All proceeds are directed to Pelham Cares’ seasonal project of Christmas

DON RICKERS

hampers for local families in need.

Breakfasts are available for takeout, as well as dine-in. Catherine suggests pre-ordering for takeout, and encourages patrons to call the Grille at (289) 897-9191 to reserve a table.

Of course, walk-ins are always welcome.

An earlier Pelham Street Grille breakfast fundraiser for Pelham Cares, in May, brought in $2400.

Founded in 1983 to assist in the delivery of social services to people in the area, Pelham Cares is a food bank and more. All donations received are from community individuals, businesses, and organizations, along with the occasional program-specific grant.

Sisters Danya Huneault, Branda Sceppacerqua, and Keena Sceppacerqua-Spadzinski never contemplated being authors. The Wellandborn trio have no background in creative writing.

But the pandemic struck, and life changed dramatically. Danya, a nurse on maternity leave with three young children, decided that since she couldn’t join her medical colleagues on the front line, she wanted to “do something meaningful during all of this.”

She corralled her sisters, and pitched the concept of a children’s book to help parents explain the coronavirus.

“At first we thought she was crazy,” said Keena. But the more they explored the idea, they came to the realization that it might not be such a bad idea after all.

They put their collective heads together to come up with a story line, characters and dialogue, and brainstorm about what the pictures should look like.

The self-published book is illustrated by a young artist

Sisters Keena Sceppacerqua-Spadzinski, Branda Sceppacerqua, and Danya Huneault.

SUPPLIED from the Netherlands named Esmee Heijneman, who they connected with on Instagram.

The sisters started writing the book at the end of March, expecting the process would evolve quickly. But they soon became aware of the need for constant re-drafting and refinement. The job was not completed until October.

Five hundred hardcover and 500 softcover copies will be available shortly.

The book, entitled, “The Day the World Stood Still,” deals with how people need to look for the positives when normal life gets difficult. “COVID overwhelmed us and it changed the way people live,” said Branda.

The story deals with concepts like viral infection, social distancing, and remote learning through the eyes of children.

With no publisher, the sisters turned to social media

to market the book, primarily through Facebook and Instagram. They ship worldwide via their website. Most of their website traffic has been local to Niagara, but they have had interest from Toronto, the Yukon, and even Oklahoma.

The pandemic is forcing people to get creative.

“We can’t have birthday parties, but we can have birthday parades with social distancing. The book refers to that,” said Danya.

The intention is for families to spend time together and have meaningful conversations.

Will this be the start of a series of children’s books from the sisters? “Never say never,” they said with a laugh.

The book, intended for children six and older, is available both in hardcover ($23.99) and softcover ($15.99), at scepsisters.com.

Page 12

COUNCIL

continued from Page 6 tinuity-of-business regulations had to be written on the fly since the dawn of the pandemic, the re-examination was worthwhile. Councillor Marianne Stewart agreed.

“Each municipality is different,” Stewart said.

Ultimately, council voted along familiar lines with Haun, Stewart and Bob Hildebrandt in favour of keeping the $20,000 in the budget, while Junkin, Olson and John Wink voted against.

Because the vote ended in a tie due to the continued absence of Ward 2’s Ron Kore, parliamentary rules meant that the motion to remove the line item was lost. The money will remain in the budget.

No forestry truck

Council voted to defer purchasing a $190,000 boom truck for forestry maintenance, with only Haun voting not to do so. Council was still forced to approve $90,000 for a new one-ton Public Works truck to replace an aging one on the road now.

As far as the boom truck went, Junkin suggested the Town either rent such a vehicle as needed or investigate the possibility of joining with neighbouring municipalities to share one.

“It scares me that we are the only municipality of our size … [without] a truck,” Junkin said before making the cost-saving suggestions.

Pelham has a backlog of such forestry work that is contracted out when heights reach above 12 metres — which includes tree-trimming around power lines.

“I think there’s a time when you have to defer things and move things back,” Olson added. “I’m sorry, I have to say that, but this may be one of those times.”

Either way, Quinlin successfully urged Council to place the $100,000

The Voice, December 9, 2020 saved by the decision in the Town’s reserves.

“We’ve only increased our reserves this year by $150,000, the Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services said.

We've only increased our reserves this year by $150,000

Water rates set to go up

Quinlin presented a proposed water and wastewater budget of $3.2 million, but also recommended that water rates increase 7.5 percent and wastewater 9.5 percent—equivalent on average to about $74 a year per household.

“Those are pretty difficult numbers,” Olson said, expecting some public backlash.

Quinlin replied that “the Town really fell behind on the rates” during previous administrations, but stressed that Pelham will still have some of the lowest water rates in the Niagara Region.

Olson was the only no-vote on the matter. Water usage appeared up across the board in 2020.

No library renos this year

The budget “red-circled,” or delayed, $345,000 in renovations to the main branch of the Pelham Library in Fonthill, with Quinlin saying the project will not move forward in 2021.

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the current building must be accessible to disabled people — which would include an elevator to the existing basement —by

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

2025. Quinlin pushed back the item to the 2023 facilities budget, and said she is still focused on obtaining grant funding regarding the future of the library.

The total proposed library budget for 2021 is $877,000, which does not require inclusion in the tax levy increase or a reserve transfer.

Welland hospice money included

The budget included an $85,000 capital request from Hospice Niagara’s Welland facility, with the understanding that it also serves Pelham residents. Some of this money is expected to come from municipal grants, but Wink implored council to licence the full amount.

“I think this is important for our area,” the Ward 2 councillor said.

Ultimately, everyone agreed, with the exception of Marianne Stewart, who voted against it.

Airport report coming

Olson asked Haun — Pelham’s representative on the board of the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport — for detailed financials on the airport’s 2020 operations, after the budget document showed a $27,000 request for next year.

Haun said she would be happy to do so, and will provide them along with an appearance by other airport officials during the next council meeting on Dec. 14.

The Town has an 18 percent ownership stake in the airport along with other neighbouring municipalities, even though the property is completely within Town of Pelham borders.

Loose change

The Town’s outstanding debentures—another word for loans payable— will be $33.4 million as of Dec. 31. No debt will be issued in 2021. Pelham has a $11 million line of credit, which the Town asserts has not been touched in 2020.

LATHROP

continued from next page ara's last coldwater creek."

The Niagara College students completed their studies of the property in 2019 and recommended dewatering the ponds and grading the berm to create a wetland ecosystem, similar to the Savanta plan that is being realized now. They also pointed out that encroaching development to the south and west of the property could have significant effects. They recommended careful monitoring of storm water outflow from this rapidly developing area to assess potential further damage to the berm.

Several branches of the headwaters of the Twelve originate right in urban Fonthill—one in Marlene Stewart Streit Park (which is joined by the outflow from the Lathrop Property) and another flows under Highway 20 from the Storm Water Management Pond at Rice Road. The westerly branch is protected by the park and by the Lathrop Preserve. The easterly branch, running from the storm water pond between the Lion’s Club and Pelham Cares is the subject of real concern. A recent motion put forward

by Mayor Marvin Junkin asks for an independent study to determine the cause of extreme outflows during storms.

To participate in the Dec. 8 virtual open house put on by the Nature Conservancy about the work proposed for the Lathrop Property, visit www.natureconservancy.ca/ lathrop.

DELAYS

continued from Page 2 However, his feed remained muted.

The Justice of the Peace agreed that Lusted would return to video court this Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Amid the continued disarray, the justice pleaded with those in attendance to wait their turn.

“I’m confident we can get through this, we just need to be supportive of one another,” she said.

MacInnes appeared later via video from the Niagara Detention Centre, with Burton speaking for him. The lawyer told the court he had only received the “first wave” of disclosure in the case two days earlier, and needed more time to review it.

“I had hoped to have it substantially reviewed before the weekend, but it looks like that will have to occur over the weekend,” Burton said. “So I’m encouraging Mr. MacInnes to call me tonight or later this afternoon so we can discuss.”

MacInnes will be back in court this Friday, Dec. 11.

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The Voice, December 9, 2020

Page 13

Lathrop Preserve restoration set to start this winter Nature Conservancy of Canada wants to eliminate risk for those using the trails and damage to Twelve Mile Creek downstream

BY BRIAN GREEN

Special to the VOICE

Work will soon begin to make improvements to the Lathrop Preserve trail system and the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek which lie within its boundaries.

The planned major reconstruction in the wooded preserve is the result of surveys done by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), which owns the tract, and Niagara College students in the post-graduate Ecosystem Restoration and GIS Programs.

Their studies revealed that the old railway berm which supports the main trail is rapidly failing and could become a hazard to hikers. The berm holds back groundwater in two ponds along the south side of the embankment that is seeping through the berm, weakening it. This seepage, warmed by the sun as it strikes the two ponds, becomes a small stream that is a tributary of Twelve Mile Creek. The warm water is damaging to aquatic habitat that lives in the watershed.

To counter both the gradual deterioration of the berm and the damage to Twelve Mile Creek, the Nature Conservancy has retained an environmental consulting firm, Savanta, to design

and complete necessary reconstruction. Their solution calls for diverting groundwater from the upper of the two ponds to reduce the pressure on the railway embankment. The lower pond will see its level of water much reduced as well, and the berm at that point modified to include a pedestrian boardwalk. This will have the effect of lowering pressure on the berm while reducing the surface area of the ponds that is subject to solar heating.

If the NCC can get the necessary permits for the work from the MNRF, the Niagara Escarpment Commission, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and the Town of Pelham, as well as raise the necessary funds to complete the work, reconstruction can begin as early as this winter. A trail to support heavy equipment will be built from Haist Street into the ponds, causing the removal of approximately 25 mature trees. The NCC points out that the trees will be left on site to provide habitat for wildlife and that the trail will be erased and rehabilitated when the work is complete.

Liv Monck-Whipp is the Co-ordinator of Conservation Biology

Map showing the extent of the Lathrop Property and the proposed work sites.

NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA with the Nature Conservancy.

She is aware of the unique and fragile nature of the land they intend to work on.

"Lathrop Nature Preserve is a very ecologically significant area,” said Monck-Whipp. “It supports many species at risk, including Butternut, American Chestnut, and Wood Thrush.

Some of the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek originate right in the middle of the Preserve. Part of NCC's stewardship includes ensuring safe hiking access and protecting this sensitive habitat.”

A virtual open house to explain the process and answer questions will be held on Dec. 8 from 7 to 8 PM. Among the speakers at that event will be Prof. Ian Smith, a stream restoration expert and

professor of Environmental Studies at Niagara College. It was his students who completed the initial studies on the property, including drone imagery and manually collected bathymetric data.

Smith, a Fonthill resident, extolled the value of the Preserve.

“The Lathrop Property represents not only a critical part of our Town’s rich natural heritage, but one of the last natural areas that supports Niagara Region’s only sustainable cold water stream with the remnants of the Peninsula’s last native trout population. The Nature Conservancy of Canada and its supporters have stepped up and are working to protect this irreplaceable part of Fonthill, Pelham and Niagara.”

The Lathrop Nature Preserve

was donated to the Nature Conservancy in 1998 by Dr. D. Whiting and Margaret Lathrop, to preserve a significant natural setting in the core of Fonthill.

It extends from Haist St. to the edge of properties facing Pelham St. and adjoins Marlene Stewart Streit Park just off Highway 20 to the south. The railway berm that bisects it was part of a rail network from more than a century ago that served the canneries and other businesses in Pelham, and the ponds adjacent to it were originally quarries for ballast to construct and maintain the rail lines. The quarries filled with ground water and culverts were inserted in the berm to drain the excess water. Those culverts plugged and collapsed long ago, causing the seepage that is gradually destroying the railway embankment.

The Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada has been involved from the start of the restoration process, as Twelve Mile Creek has been the focus of their activity since their inception some nine years ago. Liv Monck-Whipp said the partnership with the Niagara Chapter has been key to ensuring the project enhances the creek that they are devoted to.

"We're very excited about partnering with Niagara College and Trout Unlimited Canada's Niagara Chapter. Together, they have conducted extensive restoration work within the Twelve Mile Creek watershed. This project will contribute to that bigger picture effort to improve water quality and fish habitat in Niag-

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Page 14

The Voice, December 9, 2020

continued from Page 18 replacement.”

He then proceeded to explain active versus passive treatment, and its relationship to AC (alternating current) versus DC (direct current) electricity.

“Direct current mimics the nervous system, and has a greater impact on our brain. It allows the wearer to move. With traditional [alternating current] machines, the current goes on-off, on-off, over and over again, contracting muscles each time. You are at the mercy of the machine because it is such a quick burst. You can’t move through it, it’s just going to happen.”

The lower intensity nature of the Neubie’s direct current doesn’t cause the quick reflex contractions, which allows the patient to move and elongate their muscles while under constant contraction. This is when strength capacity ac-

tually grows, and muscle rehabilitation happens.

He continued, “We have people on the stationary bike all the time. You can move with this big DC stimulus on you, and then you start to re-educate the body, tell it how everything’s moving, and you can tell the brain it’s okay to do this.

Essentially, you’re taking the governor off.”

“Taking the governor off,’ is an expression that I’d encountered repeatedly during my research.

The “governor,” or “hitting the brakes,” is the brain’s desire to keep the body safe and ensure we survive to fight another day by shutting down and protecting muscles and joints when it detects pain. Targeted neurological interventions can affect this governor, allowing the muscles to move and increase their strength, pliability, and range of motion.

What does “re-educating” actually mean?

Hartman tried to explain

so a layman could understand.

“The nervous system is a wonderful thing, but like any part of the human body, it is flawed. The way that nerves fire can become impaired.”

He went on to say that knee pain, for example, sends negative signals to your brain, and your brain responds by sending negative stimulus back to the knee, which limits its range of motion. The direct current transmits an intense flood of input to your brain, which allows it to overcome the pain and expand the range of motion.

The way direct current streams through the nervous system allows more than one muscle to be affected, reducing structural targeting.

Hartman uses the leg as an example, illustrating the difference between targeting just the knee, or allowing the knee, ankle and hip to be re-educated as a unit.

“Let’s support the knee, support the hip, support the ankle, get everything mov-

ing better. It’s a big problem with people who have pain.

They go, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that.’ So the re-education is telling the brain ‘it’s okay to do this.’”

The brain’s neuroplasticity, its ability for neural networks to change and adapt through growth and reorganization, make this re-education possible, but in my mind, also generates a question.

I asked what happens when the machine is unplugged?

How long might the benefits last, how long before my brain reverts back?

Hartman asserted that it is a treatment, rather than a “one and done.”

“It doesn’t always last after the first try, but it also doesn’t stop when you take the electrode pads off. The repressive signals in your brain last for some time, but it is a process, the more you do it, your brain starts to realize it’s okay.”

Hartman said each patient is different.

“I had a woman with a fully frozen shoulder, and after five treatments, she

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As the current passed through me, Bagnulo expanded on the definition of neuroplasticity and provided examples of how the brain adapts to our environment and what we do on a daily basis.

“Weightlifting and building good muscles is a form of neuroplasticity for the better, being hunched at a desk all day is neuroplasticity for the worse. It’s how our nervous system responds to the daily stresses.”

He explained that as our nervous system reacts to these perceived threats, it establishes hot spots that do create some specificity to the application of the pads, which requires scanning of each individual. A golfer’s hotspot will be different than an injury generated from throwing a baseball or keyboarding, but the goal of lifting the neurological threats so the brain treats them as normal is consistent.

One of my original questions was about alleviating minor aches and pains during or after a ride. Now that I had some small understanding of the technology, I asked if I couldn’t achieve some relief simply by “pushing through” the pain and employing mindover-matter to keep working my muscles and joints.

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was fine. Some people have thirty years of atrophy, and that’s not going to go away in a month. For the active person, the one’s that challenge themselves physically, they respond the quickest.”

Hartman wrapped up these comments, saying, “If you can restore function, and the brain’s ability to adapt, that’s when the pain goes away.”

Dr. Bagnulo joined the conversation, and asked if I’d like to experience what the Neubie felt like. It’s been a rest day on my training schedule, and nothing hurts, but as a conscientious reporter, I would like to experience the sensation of direct current passing through my body.

I remember that my right hand tingles when gripping the handlebars, a garden rake, paddle or floor mop, and offer it up.

Before we proceeded, I was asked a number of questions about my health to ensure my safety, and I confirmed Bagnulo’s assumption that I wasn’t pregnant.

One electrode pad was attached to my right shoulder, and another was placed in the conductive solution into which I immersed my hand, which I was instructed to keep moving. The current was adjusted to a range where I coulc feel it, but was not uncomfortable.

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Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena but it makes for terrible holiday ad or classified, get it erated with any degree of from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshellinfor 9-10:30 up: am.We're There justice...Easy to contribute: now!...Mask on care and in observance of The North Pelham Youth a path to 2000 COVID cases basicisrules of the If I no fee forroad. this program.

For more information, please contact jcook@ Hall has its official charita- per day in Ontario by this were the judge, Bond would pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext page 329. set up. time next week. The Region ble fundraising serve serious time and not We've shortened the link to added 20 on Monday. Pelham be allowed behind the wheel make it easier: https://bit. has 6 active. Stay safe. ◆ again. That said, it's possible continued from Page 2

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concentration of muscle fibres to contract, Bagnulo replied that pain is subjective so that you can get more out of the workPELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKINGoutWORKSHOP and get better results. It’s not doing the and individualized, based on our emotional work for you. It’sof not taking the place of the Make sixofcards with fall themes, learning a variety techniques.

Materials interpretation the stimulus. workout.

It’s not making it easier.

It’s mak“You could [do that], but there will come a are provided. At time of registration,ingplease it moreenquire difficult.”about tools needed. point where you can’t. There’s only so many Bagnulo that Visit strength is gained Tues., Sept.

16 10 –back.”

12:30. $10. Please registersaid ahead. www.pelhamstraws can go on a camel’s through the lengthening of muscle tissue Helibrary.on.ca said that pushing through pain in a or call 905-892-6443 forunder moreload, details. not the shortening of the tissue. controlled environment, with the goal of “With the direct current on, you are able building pain tolerance to facilitate rehabilto lengthen the muscle while it stays conitating an injury, was different from people FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISHtracted.

FRY Because of that, the concentration blindly over-extending themselves. of muscles thatthe arecommunity. under contraction while Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into Haddock, “Golfing is a perfect example,” said Bagyou lengthen them is greater, thus causing nulo.french “Everybody’s had much a bad back for years. fries and more.

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9 from 4-7 p.m. higher strength and larger size. You need to When I ask them ‘Why are you coming in lengthen under load.” today?’ they say, ‘Well, now I can’t golf.’

As I was leaving, I noticed a piece of WhenPELHAM it affects MINOR your golf HOCKEY game, it’s, EQUIPMENT ‘Now SALE equipment that I’d never seen before tucked I’ve got to get some love on this.’”

Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Aimed what to provide into a corner.

I Arena. asked Hartman it was, Ten minutes had passed since I immersed and he told me that it was a zero gravity my hand in theoptions water. for I withdrew cheaper playersitinfrom this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from the solution, and the pad was removed from treadmill that had just arrived a few days 9-12 in the morning. earlier. my back. The doctors made sure that I had This was a concept originally designed to felt nothing out of the ordinary, which I hadn’t, and we continued to the second top- keep astronauts stuck firmly to their treadPELHAM MUDFEST ic: Could the Nuebie enhance muscle build- mills while exercising in space stations. incorporated intois a mud similar as thetechnology second run on the year ing? Men and women will be back in the Now, treadmill could suspend up to 80 percent of Bagnulo responded differentiating the held at Bissil’s by Hideaway. a person’s weight while they were running technology of Nuebie’s active treatment or walking. from passive stimulation devices, including My brain was full, and I had no more room thoseNIAGARA available forREGIONAL home use.

EXHIBITIONfor new technologies just then, but I knew “Passive treatments are not longstandthat I’d be back the internet soon, trying Rodeo, games live entertainment headline thisonyears exciting event.

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Page 16

The Voice, December 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Places of Worship Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham

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

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Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca

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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 Herein, I believe, is the deeper answer to the superficial happiness of some and the wrenching despair of others.

You see, there’s a crimson trail that winds itself through the pages of Scripture beginning with cryptic hints (see Genesis 3:15) and continuing with prophetic signposts (see Isaiah 53) that find fulfillment in a lowly manger (see Luke 2:7) and ultimately on a Roman cross (see Luke 23:33).

When you see the big, biblical picture, you begin to realize that Christmas and Easter really can’t be separated.

They are both essential pieces in the puzzle. The puzzle that we’re all trying to figure out — what’s life all about?

Why am I here? Does my life have meaning? The answer to all three is a resounding “YES”!

The incredible truth is that the Christ-child was born to die. His name of Jesus was no accident. It means “Savior.”

His shed blood on the cross proves for all time how much our heavenly Father loves each one of us and far He was willing to go to provide a way for our sins to be forgiven.

And so, I hope that whatever other colors are filling your Christmas this year, crimson will be one of them. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor and is looking forward to another crimson (and hopefully white) Christmas again this year.

Fenwick Lions hosting "Reverse" Santa Parade

BY VOICE STAFF The 23rd annual Pelham Santa Claus parade, hosted by the Fabulous Fenwick Lions, arrives this Saturday, December 12, from 1 to 3:30 PM, at Centennial Park in Fenwick.

This “reverse” parade flips the script on traditional parades, say the Lions. Instead of spectators standing in one spot and watching floats and features pass by, in the reverse parade it’s the audience that moves through a line of stationary displays. Spectators will drive the parade route from the safety of their own vehicles.

All participants must remain in their vehicles at all times and a pre-registered Parade Pass is required to gain entry. Parade Passes can be reserved at www.pelham.ca/ christmas or fabulousfenwicklions. org

VID! O C PRE

Back in 2018, Fabulous Fenwick Lionness Chris Vernon handed out the treats as the Lions' annual Christmas Parade rolled through Fenwick.

VOICE FILE “We are thrilled that we will be hosting the parade this year, despite the small change in format,” said Lion Trevor Philbrick. “This is

perhaps one of the most important parades that we as a club have run in our 23 years. After a long year of isolation, uncertainty, and disconnection, people are looking forward to the holiday season and some of the familiarity that goes along with it.”

Residents must enter Church Street from Foss Road only, ensuring the one-way flow of traffic, and present their Parade Pass. The route will be one-directional, with club members, volunteers, Town of Pelham staff, and Niagara Regional Police assisting in the parade flow.

The Town of Pelham and Niagara Public Health approved the Fabulous Fenwick Lions safety plan for the event. Strict safety measures are in place for all float operators and visitors to the parade.

Find more details at: https:// f a b u l o u s fe n w i c k l i o n s .o r g /s a nta-claus-parade/

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“In dreams begin responsibilities.”

W. B. Yeats

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 17

John Swart zaps his muscles in the name of 18 journalism

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | December 9, 2020

Bonisteel ready to go Fenwick native takes on new responsibilities

BY BILL POTRECZ

T

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

he St. Catharines Falcons are asking Ben Bonisteel to grow up a little quicker than anticipated. The 17-year-old backstop has been thrust into the starting job after veteran Blair Coffin left the team when the Falcons were forced to quarantine for two weeks last month after multiple players tested positive for the coronavirus. The virus was contracted outside the dressing room in a setting of fewer than ten people.

Bonisteel seems ready for the challenge.

“Obviously Blair was a guy I learned a lot from and he was huge part of our team so I was sad to see him go. Now, it’s an opportunity for me that I gain more of a chance to play. That’s huge for me and it’s about going out there and taking the opportunity and hopefully being able to contribute to a few wins this year.”

Falcons coach Tyler Bielby has no qualms about handing the starting job to Bonisteel.

“I think the biggest thing is we have full confidence in Ben going back to last year,” Bielby said. “When we heard that Blair wasn’t coming back, [Bonisteel] has full confidence in himself so it was as simple as walking up to him and saying, ‘Make sure we’re ready and we believe in you and this is your team as of now.’

“He practised like it that night.”

Part of Bielby’s faith in Bonisteel comes from the goaltender’s top-notch work ethic.

“We have full confidence when he’s in the net he can stop pucks and that’s because of the way he prepares and approaches the game,” Bielby said. “He’s the hardest working player on the ice every day and that’s seven days a week. He’s committed to the game and to being an athlete and doing the things it takes to be consistent.”

Bonisteel, a Grade 12 student at E. L. Crossley, traces his work ethic to his upbringing.

“It’s my parents raising me that way,” he said. “I’m from Fenwick and it’s that blue collar, chip on your shoulder [mentality] to say you’re going to go into tryouts against guys from bigger cities with maybe more resources, but I have to give myself the best chance to perform at every level. That’s just something my parents have told me, whether it’s my studies or anything I take up, it’s do the best you can at it.”

Bonisteel, who posted a 1.49 goalsagainst average for the Niagara North Stars U-18 AAA team last season, suited up in one game for the Falcons and turned back 17 shots to earn a win in his junior B debut.

“It helps a lot. I was here a lot for practices, two to three a week, but it’s a big deal to say I have that game experience and I know the rink size doesn’t change,” he said. “It’s still hockey so all you have to do is go out there and play.”

Bielby has high expectations for Bonsiteel, who was selected in the first round (ninth overall) by the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League’s U18 draft.

“We believe he can get the job done, and as a result, he’ll be expected to get the job done,” the sophomore bench boss said. “He wants that, he likes that pressure. He wants to be the guy and I think coming off the overage draft last year, as junior B coach, it’s my job to give him the opportunity to make that next step.”

The Falcons have become the odd team out with the Pelham Panthers squaring off versus the Thorold Blackhawks and the Fort Erie Meteors tangling with the Niagara Falls Canucks in non-contact, pre-season scrimmages.

“The biggest thing is making sure as players we compete in practice and we don’t give up on plays in practice so he is forced to make the second, third and fourth save,” Bielby said. “We have to really compete and be strong in front of the net so he can get that feeling and be prepared for a game.

“Going back to the way he prepares, every shot is a challenge to him. Whether it’s a game or practice, he’s constantly learning.”

The Falcons are on the ice four hours a week preparing for the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s regular season to begin. The league has set a Jan. 15 start date, pending government and local health board approvals.

Ben Bonisteel.

BILL POTRECZ

Bielby has been impressed with the way his charges have handled the situation.

“They’re a big part of the reason we as coaches want to be here every day,” he said.

“Their energy and willingness to compete is a reminder of why we enjoy the game.

We see that every day. These guys have been given bad news after bad news after bad news and haven’t taken a practice off. They keep working and that makes us work.”

Falcon facts: The Falcons have named Trent Glenney as an alternate captain. Brady Caruso was named captain near the beginning of training camp.

Page 18

The Voice, December 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

An alternative to pill-popping for muscle pain

T

he first time that I heard about Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) was on a bike ride across Florida a few winters ago.

My riding mate, Ted, took a Vitamin I each morning before our ride, during the ride if we were doing more than 100 kilometres that day, and one in the evening—hoping to preempt and reduce the aches and pains of the day’s efforts. (Halfway through the ride, I learned that he carried a little flask with Vitamin vodka in it as well, but that’s another story.)

Last weekend, the weather was decent, and 13 riders showed up for our Saturday morning ride.

Coronavi-

rus protocols meant we’d ride in two separate groups with fewer than ten in each.

I joined the A group, and it was challenging fun taking turns leading pace lines into the wind, but 86 kilometres later, climbing slowly off the bike in my driveway, everything ached.

Which reminded me of a conversation with my dad when he was in his 80s. I had asked him what I thought was a pretty open-ended question, “What’s it like to get old?”

His reply was far from open-ended.

“It’s okay until you turn 70, then it all goes to hell.”

Wonderful. I don’t like

pills and medications, and I don’t relish the prospect that going to hell has a specific, uniform start date— which I have now passed.

This led me to discover a device called the Neubie during an internet search for information about non-pharmaceutical ways to lessen the aches and pains of cycling and running that come with age, and decrease the muscular atrophy that older persons experience. These thoughts were top-of-mind when I contacted Dr. Jack Hartman (BA, DC) and Dr. Ernie Bagnulo (BScH, DC, and owner) of Win…altra in Fonthill, to ask for an interview to discuss the Neubie and Neufit Therapy.

The electronic stimulation technology specific to Neubie is just five years old.

My goal was to understand how this recent technology

Dr. Ernie Bagnulo, left, and Dr. Jack Hartman, with the Neubie. might work in the two specific areas mentioned above: pain relief in an older athlete, and its ability to enhance athletic performance as a way to avoid muscle atrophy during aging.

Hartman provided much

of the background information needed to understand the technology and science, and explained why the clinic included so much fitness exercise equipment.

“The Neubie is an active treatment rather than pas-

JOHN SWART

sive, and appeals to those that want to move and be active, especially as they age. They’re tired of taking pills for little aches and pains. This is a really good See HANDLEBARS Page 14

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, exciting news could be coming your way that could bring much joy into your life. It’s just what you need right now. Enjoy the ride in the coming days.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 People may be trying to convert you by telling you their thoughts and opinions, Taurus. You can listen, but follow your own mind with important decisions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, before you try to prove your point to others, make sure you have all of the facts and proof to state your case; otherwise, sound thoughts may fall on deaf ears.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, be confident this week and do not take “no” for an answer. It can be easy to get thrown off course when others offer their views on how things should be done. Stand firm.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You may be surprised how cutting edge your thinking can be, Leo. Put some effort into innovative ideas. Be a leader at work this week and welcome any new suggestions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Let others know you will not be a pushover, Virgo. Sometimes you cave to the pressures of others, especially when you feel the need to help out.

Focus on your needs this week.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you know you have something important to share or do, be bold and make your move. Waiting for others to go first may cause you to miss an opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, sometimes you are so resolute in your thinking that you feel the need to get your ideas across to everyone. Do not make promises unless you can keep them.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, even if your ways of doing things have served you well, it may be time to revise your modus operandi to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, a quick call to a friend can easily turn into a lengthy conversation. There is much to say and catching up to do. Enjoy the time you have with this person.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you may feel a bit pressured to start something you really aren’t ready for. Take it slowly and think it through before you jump into the action.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may be anxious to get moving with a new plan that you’ve hatched, Pisces. If you have all of the facts, move ahead.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 6 Andrew Cuomo, NY Governor (63) DECEMBER 7 C. Thomas Howell, Actor (54) DECEMBER 8 Nicki Minaj, Rapper (38) DECEMBER 10 Kenneth Branagh, Director (60) DECEMBER 12 Dionne Warwick, Singer (80)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. AGIO 2. ARNO 3. HASH 4. ECU 5. DEB 6. STRAP 7. PODS 8. ALI 9. SENATORS 10. RATITE 11. IBIS 12. FLOE 13. FEN 16. RARELY 18. ODES 22. PD 23. SPAN 24. SANTA 25. ORE 27. ABIBS 28. XIII 29. MAC 30. ARAB 31. MIL 33. OSS 35. TANGIEST 36. WAGE 37. ROE 39. VIANDS 42. SPINES 43. AARE 44. MB 46. CAHN 47. BOER 48. LUCE 49. ATON 50. FIFE 51. PFFT 52. SESS 53. GSA 54. RIO 55. KRA 56. NIB

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. AAHED 6. SPAS 10. RIFF 14. GRACE 15. TOLERABLE 17. INSUBORDINATION 19. OOH 20. DAS 21. ARISE 22. PEP 23. STET 24. SODS 26. POLEAX 29. MAAR 31. MARY 32. BIO 34. ARNE 35. TWINS 37. RIIS 38. CAT 39. VAAL 40. OBIS 41. BASING 43. AMES 45. PAGE 46. CAB 47. BLINI 49. AAR 50. FPS 53. GO UNDER THE KNIFE 57. SECESSION 58. RIFFS 59. ARES 60. TON 61. ABETS

Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays!

From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Page 19

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

The colours of Christmas

I

love many things about Christmas.

One of them is all the brightly shining Christmas lights that adorn home after home as you drive along a typical Canadian street at this special time of year.

Especially with a backdrop of freshly fallen snow, Christmas is a colorful time of year. Let’s look at a few of those colors.

A white Christmas

Most Canadians (except for a few Scrooges) wish for a white Christmas with enough snow to ski, snowshoe and snowmobile on, but not too much to provoke a heart attack shoveling.

Our first Christmas in the Sudbury region, I remember the snow drifts were so high our kids could safely toboggan off of our garage roof or jump off the same roof into a cushion of powdery white—whoosh! Their crazy father even tried it... and survived.

Every year we would make our yuletide pilgrimage to my parents’ home in Welland, only to discover that we were driving out of winter back into fall, or so it seemed. One Christmas Eve (which is the true Christmas for my Finnish-born wife) was so green that my dad and I did some chipping with our nine irons in their back field. Thankfully, we awoke the next morning to a thin covering of fresh snow. God is good.

times, it was the worst of times.” As my family now gathers for our Christmas Eve meal, I now sit in the “place of honor” that my Dad always occupied, until 1999, when he left us.

Amidst the festivities, a sad reminder of loss.

For many families, it’s far worse. Nicky Gumbel notes in his booklet, Why Christmas? that at Christmastime “suicide rates go up, marriages fall apart, psychiatrists’ patients suffer regressions, and family feuds begin.”

One psychiatrist has written an article on depression at Christmas and

entitled it, “Cheer Up, It’s Soon Over.”

Many people suffer from “Santa-Claustrophobia”— feeling overwhelmed with the pressure and busyness of the season. In Gumbel’s words, they end up “buying presents that others do not need with money they do not have.” Yes, Christmas can be rather blue for some people, who can only greet the new year with a giant sigh of relief.

A crimson Christmas

This article wouldn’t be complete though without the third color of the Christmas trilogy —red.

See FAITH LIFT Page 16

A blue Christmas

Sadly, not everyone’s Christmas is so idyllic or ideal. It is also the time of year that we can feel more keenly the absence of loved ones we have lost. A helpful article called, “It’s OK To Feel Sad At Christmas” quotes the famous opening line of Charles Dickens’ 1859 classic, A Tale Of Two Cities— “It was the best of

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: Entertaining

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

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Page 20

The Voice, December 9, 2020

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Steak au Beurre de Roquefort

TRAIL

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

subdivision proposals that are before council. continued from Page 1 “We always knew that the development of those tation in order to maximize lands was inevitable,” said on building lots.

Nicholson.

Nicholson is concerned “My starting point is about the impact of the Half Page Program(5.5”x4.25”)the preservation and inKunda Park and Forest Park tegrity of the Steve Bau-

Nicolle A Lalonde

MKT-1232B-C

Financial Advisor

edwardjones.ca

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

er Trail, which has been in existence since 1992. I don’t think that it has been sufficiently recognized as a community asset. The trail is a lot more than just a walking route to get down to Niagara College. It’s an immersion in nature within the town, and it will be much less so when a lot of the bushes and trees have been destroyed. And if you allow two road pathways to be driven through the trail as part of the subdivision plan, it won't be the same experience.”

Jones is convinced that regular users of the Steve Bauer Trail are not aware of what's going on, and is insistent that the Town should be posting the proposed plans for development at both ends of the pathway.

“At present, it's just

proudlY serving the niagara region since 2005

Your trusted, reliable The holiday season is an opportunity to indulge. Each person has his or her own ideas on how to treat themselves or a loved one especially well this time of year. Some may see the perks in spending a little more on elaborate gifts, while others may decide to step up their holiday menus.

For those who want to try something special for Christmas dinner, “Steak au Beurre de Roquefort” can be the ideal indulgence. Charolais cattle makes for especially tender steaks in this recipe, but if unavailable, substitute the best fillet mignon from the butcher shop.

Steak au Beurre de Roquefort (Steak With Roquefort Butter) Serves 2

Mash the butter and Roquefort together with a fork. Form into two round pats, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill.

When you are ready to eat, heat a heavy ridged pan for the steak, which you have seasoned. Once the pan is very hot, grill the steak to your satisfaction. Always remember to ask your fellow diners their tastes as well. Put the cold pats of butter and cheese on top of the hot steak and serve straight away.

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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, removed from the refrigerator at least an hour in advance Scant 1⁄4 pound Roquefort cheese, at room temperature 2 fillet steaks, preferably from Charolais beef Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

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not transparent. It's like, they've got this plan, and they're keeping it to themselves. People need to have input before it's decided.

I'm hoping that there will be a major groundswell of support of our efforts.”

PTCS has a petition on its website, which concerned residents are encouraged to sign. Jones said that the society’s membership will be phoning Pelham councillors to voice objection to the proposed developments which they say will negatively impact the trail.

When it comes to affecting policy and opinion, Jones and Nicholson think bigger is definitely better.

“We are on a campaign to increase our Pelham Tree Conservation Society membership—we'll show Town Council that there is a large part of this community that demands changes to the Kunda Park/Forest Park site as currently proposed,” said Jones. In a letter to the editor this week, Jones provides contact information for those interesting in joining, and as of Monday noon reported signing up 68 new members in the previous week.

He knows through personal experience that citizen activism can reap results. Jones said that in 1999, the Town had planned to cut down many trees on Emmett Street, but Jones rallied the locals to form PTCS. The group hired its own arborist to conduct a study, which was shared with Town Council.

“Based on the report, we asked council not to cut the unnecessary trees down, and they agreed—which saved our street canopy,” said Jones.

The PTCS ultimately developed urban forest guidelines which were accepted by the Town.

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