The Voice of Pelham, December 7 2016

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Annual Pelham Cares food drive a success Massive collection effort proceeds better than ever

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Hundreds of volunteers came together over the weekend to make Pelham Cares’ 26th annual Community Food Drive a resounding success.

Members of the Fonthill Lions Club, Fenwick Lions Club and the Fonthill and District Kinsmen Club, along with some 250 other community partners, hit the streets just before 9 AM to begin the door-todoor collection of non-perishable food items donated by local residents. At the same time, another crew of some 80 volunteers assembled at a local garden centre, where the food was dropped off and sorted.

From there, once the food had been sorted and packaged it was taken for storage at the Pelham Cares office in Fonthill.

“It takes a small army,” said Lori Grande, coordinator of client services for Pelham Cares.

One of 22 collection teams. From left, Jennifer Robertson, Larry Robertson, Braydon Robertson, Elyse Boutiler.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO “It all comes together in one day but there are a lot of different pieces that need to line up to make it happen. There are a lot of people involved and it just doesn’t happen overnight. We have to make sure

that everyone gets all of the information they need and they know what they have to do when they get here so they’re good to go.”

Collecting food throughout the year to replenish their shelves at the

The VOICE

According to Town of Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway, the Town has terminated the employment of Ana McKnight, its Marketing and Communications Officer, based on the findings of an external consultant.

Ottaway said that the

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Town hired Wilkinson Consulting Group to complete a comprehensive review of compensation paid to Town staff. To date, six positions have been identified as underpaid, while one— McKnight’s—was identified as over-paid. Ottaway would not go on record as to whether the elimination of additional positions was

under consideration.

Sources familiar with the situation say that McKnight was earning over $90,000 yearly, while the going rate for similar work in the private sector and in comparable municipalities in Niagara is closer to $60,000.

McKnight’s dismissal was, “a really tough thing to do but it had to be done,”

food bank, Grande said the annual drive in December is always the organization’s biggest and most important effort, helping them bring in enough food to last until late April or early May. Serving an average of 50 families a month, Grande said the need for the services Pelham Cares has to offer grows even greater this time of year. The increase in demand comes mainly from the high cost of the holidays and the influx of seasonal workers who get laid off and need assistance.

“Sometimes people just need a little help over Christmas so we always tend to register quite a few more people,” she said.

“Sometimes some of them will stay on for food services into the next year and sometimes they don’t.

It’s a very expensive time with hydro and gas bills going up and everything else.”

Grande said that every year they learn a few things that help make it easier for the next year’s drive.

One of the minor improvements at this year’s event was the signage hanging over each packaging table directing the sorters where to deposit specific food items. Long-time

BY NICK SALTARELLI

Special to the VOICE

and its function to create a new position to handle the majority of McKnight’s responsibilities. The new position will be designed to accommodate the Town’s marketing and communications needs, said Ottaway, and the rate of compensation will be set according to

Just the other night, as the wife and I were putting the supper dishes away, there came a loud hammering at the front door; like a police battering ram but without all the shouting and sirens.

We sometimes eat late and it was 8:30 or so, pitchblack outside. We’d already locked the front door and shut down the porch lights.

We glanced at the kitchen clock at the same time then threw each other puzzled looks.

I braced myself, fired up the lights, unlocked and swung open the door and there standing before me were two boys, 13 and 15, I’d guess, not particularly articulate, nor particularly well groomed.

The taller one took a deep breath and broke into his obviously practised yet remarkably wooden spiel while the shorter one smiled broadly and nodded his head enthusiastically.

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said Ottaway.

“It eliminates one management position, it frees up that money that we need to address the equity issues with other staff.”

The duties of the marketing and communication officer are currently under review by the Town’s human resources department as they redefine the role

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The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

DISMISSAL

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

continued from Page 1

by Dave Burket

We mean it this time...I realize I mostly promised a respite from the deer hunt stories last week, but we had yet to hear from officialdom.

So getting the last word is the theoretically neutral and science-based Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Just to prove how focused both sides are on this topic, the story that we expected to generate letters two weeks ago got zero response, while the deer raked in all the love. Which story?

The news that by next spring we may see tanker-trucks of nuclear waste being shipped through Niagara, most likely straight down the QEW to the border. The horror of a spill and consequent, lasting damage to tens of thousands of residents and acres of farm land is a pretty sobering thought. Or we thought so, anyway.

Culinary changes...Out with the old, in with the Thai. Bailey O'Brady's and its perpetually saggy sign is no more. The all-day-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

breakfast spot opposite Fonthill Sobeys is closed.

A sign on the door thanks their customers for years of patronage. Meanwhile just up the street, Young Thai has opened in the former San Marcos location. Owner Nida is happy to welcome you, and turnout and opinion so far are positive. We'll have a story soon. Fenwick's Golden Grill is under new ownership. The new Pelham Street Grille is going gangbusters, and Zest is starting prime rib Sundays.

Bottom line, if you can't find somewhere decent to eat in this town, you're not half-trying.

Santa's looking for your letters...The Voice's North Pole mailbox will be ready to receive letters during this Saturday's Santa Claus Parade in Fenwick. Bundle-up!

Heavy wallets...How much did you spend at last year's Summerfest. The Town suggests about $2 million. Take this week's survey and tell us.

the market rate.

The CAO explained that the Town has historically compensated employees based on senority, the socalled “lockstep progression” model. It now wants to base its compensation on “pay-for-performance,” which factors in employee productivity.

Ottaway said Pelham has been adjusting its performance management program over the past three years to transition to the pay-for-performance model. McKnight, previously a business analyst in Mississauga, was hired three years ago.

“Now we want to reward our employees for their performance not their tenure,” he said.

“That’s a pretty common private sector practice but it’s not all that common in the municipal sector.

I think we’ve been blazing the way, particularly in the region, on moving that model from the industrial revolution-type of organizational set up of munici-

Ana McKnight, with husband and daughter, shortly after arriving in Pelham in 2013.

FILE PHOTO palities to more of a modern business-like one.”

The consulting firm looked at the rate of pay for each position on Town staff and compared these to the same positions in the private sector and in municipalities of similar size and make-up throughout the region and the province.

Ottaway said the analysis revealed that the majority of Town staff were being paid at a rate within the mar-

ket zone, however it was also determined that six employees were being paid significantly below market rate and one significantly higher.

While McKnight’s previous salary was established under the lockstep progression pay structure, the new rate will be substantially less under the new pay-for-performance model.

Its unclear how McK-

night’s salary was significantly influenced by seniority, as she was hired in March 2013, just a little over three-and-a-half years ago.

Also unclear is whether the new position being created to replace McKnight’s will see its responsibilities reduced by an amount commensurate with the pay cut.

In a news release, the Town stated that it did not anticipate any significant disruptions in its day-today operations while the new role is formed.

The CAO confirmed that McKnight had been offered a severance package, but said that he could not disclose the details because she had not yet responded to the offer.

He would not go on the record regarding whether McKnight was encouraged by anyone within Town Hall to apply for the new position, though sources tell the Voice that this is the case.

Mayor David Augustyn deferred all requests for information to CAO Ottaway.

The Voice was unable to reach McKnight for comment before press time.

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On Saturday December 03, 2016 at approximately 12:54 am police, paramedics and fire responded to Townline Tunnel Road and Keefer Road in Welland for a two vehicle collision.

A Grey Ford Escape was travelling westbound on Townline Tunnel Road and a Red Ford Focus was travelling eastbound on Townline Tunnel Road when the two vehicles collided head on.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the Ford Focus, a 34-year-old female from Fort Erie, was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The passenger in the Ford Focus, a 39-year-old male from Fort Erie was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 51-year-old male driver of the Ford Escape from Mississauga was arrested at the scene and charged with impaired driving causing death, and impaired driving causing bodily harm.

The incident remains under investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are requested to contact Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111 extension 5500.

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The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 3

Christmastime at E. L. Crossley Plenty of seasonal entertainment on tap with something for everyone

BY KAYE CHANG

E.L. Crossley Correspondent Coming this month, E.L Crossley’s performing arts department will be putting on various shows for friends, family and the community.

A production of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol will be having its first matinee on the 11th of December at 1:00pm in room 110 at Crossley. Other show times include two evening performances on the 16th and 17th at 7:00 and a final matinee on the 18th at 1:00.

This version is unlike other productions of the old Dickens classic. A Christmas Carol enables performers to use their bodies as inanimate props in which the blocking is experimental and “all over the place.” The overall sophistication of the classic script with the new, inventive cast of actors, set designers and director, however, was a combination effective enough to turn a basic play into a piece of visual and sensual art.

Grade 12 student Matt Beard, the lead actor, said that the play was really “An actor’s play.”

When asked what was most successful during the long, rigorous process of putting together the play, Matt said that the ensemble was what worked out the most.

Even though they were short on time, seeing as they had to stop rehearsing for a threeweek period due to difficulties with the play’s copyright, the actors involved were still able to not only develop as individual performers but also as collaborative artists.

Matt guaranteed that the audience can expect “a twist on the original story that includes a sad, beautiful character arc within Scrooge’s development. With the strut stage and the realistic sense of humanity, the audience is really going to feel like they are there. This is what makes you understand why theatre is so important.”

A Christmas Carol, beyond being a thrilling and joyful play, is also one that brings a vital message about family, forgiveness, and moving forward. By seeing it, the actors of the production hope to show their audience that consumerism and self-interest are always second-best to the true meaning of

Christmas.

Also coming up at Crossley is the winter concert. On Wednesday, December 4th, the E.L Crossley music department will be putting on their production at 7:00, in the school’s main gym. The night is expected to be filled with festive decorations, theatrical lighting, holiday classics, concession snacks and an affordable entrance fee of five dollars.

Mr. Gaines and Mrs. Barber have been conducting rehearsals with their musicians for three months.

The bands and ensembles in the Crossley music department vary from concert band to jazz band, percussion ensemble, choir, vocal ensemble and guitar ensemble. Although these groups are very different, they all have the common struggle of completing musically complex pieces.

Musicians have to achieve a range of notes that create layers in their music, while simultaneously tackling their place and role within the rest of the band or ensemble so as to achieve harmony.

With this said, practicing for a winter concert is a very long, frustrating process. On the other hand, it has also been considered by musicians and music teachers alike, that orchestrating a concert is very gratifying once the final product has been presented to the public. Mr. Gaines, an avid conductor and teacher involved with the concert, stated that, “Students know that music makes them smarter; it’s that repetitive, rigorous progress that makes you a better, more sensitive person. Music builds teamwork while requiring dedication, commitment and intrapersonal skills.”

Despite the music department’s many challenges, there has been exponential growth in every student participating.

Anyone coming to see the concert, whether friends, family or people who just enjoy music, can expect a high quality performance. Mr. Gaines said that the school’s music department “takes the greatest pride” in this particular truth.

With both the play and the winter concert going on, there is going to be a lot of excitement and achievement at Crossley this December.

From left, Jeff Berg and his sons Brandon and Ben.

VOICE PHOTO

Berg family business continues growth Hardware retailer and farm equipment dealer expands

BY VOICE STAFF Originally opening its doors at their previous storefront in Fonthill in 1919, the Berg family business has stood the test of time. Ninety-seven years later the fourth generation family business continues to grow under the guidance of founder Benjamin James Berg’s grandson, Jeff Berg, and his two sons, Brandon and Ben Jr. To keep up with demand, Brandon Berg says they recently had to build a new warehouse.

“This year has been a big year for us,” he says.

“We needed more space just to keep up and we’ve already pretty much outgrown it. Sales of our main product line, Kubota, have well exceeded any previous year’s sales.”

Due to growing sales in this and previous years and the increase in inventory that goes along with it, they are now expanding with the addition of a new 6,000 square foot ft. warehouse built by Timbro. This will be Berg’s third warehouse, not including the storefront, bringing their total floor space up to some 20,000 square feet.

The new warehouse will be used as shipping and receiving area with a loading dock, as well as a storage facility for customer equipment and new units.

“We firmly believe in storing as much equipment inside to ensure our stock, as well as customer equipment is safe and protected

from the elements,” said Brandon.

“Due to the seasonality of our business, we are already receiving and assembling units that won’t be sold until the spring and summer

There are not too many businesses that have lasted this long

of 2017. This warehouse will allow us to keep all of those assembled looking perfectly new for when customers take delivery of them next year.”

Ben and Brandon said their family is very proud to be able to carry on their great-grandfather’s legacy.

Having worked closely with their father, Jeff, and their grandfather, Ben Jr., they said they learned a great deal about the value of providing customer service.

“There are not too many businesses that have lasted this long,” he said.

“I think the community really appreciates how long we have been a part of this community and that we take pride in what we sell and the services we offer. Every day

people will come in and tell us stories about the time my grandfather sold them a tractor or helped them out in one way or another. We have a connection here and our history is important to us.”

“Even though our grandfather is retired he comes in here and gets right to work,” added Ben Jr. “He will see someone he knows who needs help with something so of course he helps them.”

Over the years the business has gone through many changes, Brandon explained.

When his great-grandfather moved the business from Fonthill in the late 1940s to its current location in Wainfleet, it was renamed Berg Motors.

It was at this location that Ben Sr. along with his sons Ben Jr. and Donald worked together for nearly a decade.

At the end of the 1950s Ben Sr. passed the business down to his two sons and it was renamed again B & D Berg Motors. This is when Ben Jr. began selling tractors.

A few years later Ben Jr. bought out Donald and renamed the business under its current name, Ben Berg Farm & Industrial Equip. Ltd., to reflect the new focus on tractors and farm machinery.

In the late 1970s they became one of Canada’s first Kubota dealers.

Since then they have added other brands, including Land Pride and Buhler/Farm King implements, Echo and Husqvarna small power equipment Columbia lawn tractors as well as brands of home and farm equipment.

Matt Beard as Scrooge in the background with members of the cast in the foreground.

A. PETRYSCHUK PHOTO

IN THE NEWS Arrest made in Pelham retirement home thefts

The Niagara Regional Police are thanking the public for their help assistance in identifying the suspect in a break and enter and theft at a Pelham retirement home on October 8th, 2016. An undisclosed quantity of jewelry and cash was taken as a result of this theft.

After identifying the suspect a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On Wednesday November 30, 2016, Russell White, 54 years of age, of Niagara Falls, was arrested and he has been charged with break enter and commit theft and two counts of break and enter with intent.

Police say that White will be appearing in Welland Court at a later date.

Burgoyne Bridge closure now Dec. 8

A full closure of the Burgoyne Bridge is now scheduled to occur from Dec. 8 to Dec. 18, 2016. During this time the bridge will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Vehicle traffic will be detoured via Regional Road 81 (St Paul Street), Louth Street, Regional Road 77 (Fourth Avenue), and Ontario Street.

The new warehouse nears completion.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Page 4

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

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 8-209 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON L0S1E6

As We See It Lies, Damned Lies, and Summerfest revenue statistics

A

T A RECENT COUNCIL meeting, the Summerfest Committee made their final report to Council surrounding the annual four-day event. The report provided insight into the festival’s various attractions, attendance numbers, issues raised by local businesses, and potential changes for next year.

The report also highlighted the so-called economic impact of the event, claiming Summerfest brought in a whopping $2 million-plus in 2016, or just over $60 per person. An average family of four, by this reckoning, spent just under $250 attending the event. It’s an impressive figure, and it certainly adds to the allure of the festival, but just how accurate are these numbers?

As the saying goes, “There are lies, damned lies, and statistics,” though in the case of our current provincial government— and increasingly at the municipal level—“statistics” might more accurately be replaced with “economic models” (cough, projected Community Centre costs, cough). So before Council hosts a photo-op or gala celebrating this report, perhaps they

should look a little more carefully at the underlying figures, because at first glance there are some pretty important questions left

That's a lot of people packed into Pelham's little white bus, that doesn't charge a fare

unanswered.

For starters, how exactly have attendance numbers been calculated?

The report indicates that counts were provided by the contracted security firm, but does not outline their methodology. The committee’s use of the province’s TREIM (Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model) simulation relied almost exclusively on this figure, but just how accurate was it?

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(905) 892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca MANAGING EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca NEWS EDITOR Nate Smelle editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CORRESPONDENT John Swart jswart7@cogeco.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

And that’s not the only issue that arises when using TREIM. A simulation is only as good as the data fed into it, and there just doesn’t seem to be a lot of clear, supported data in the committee’s report.

As an example, some of the TREIM simulations run by the Voice indicate a Summerfest economic impact of nearly $500,000 spent on public transit. That’s a lot of people packed into Pelham’s little white bus, that doesn’t charge a fare, over four days.

We are a pains now to clarify that this isn’t a fault that rests solely on the shoulders of the hard-working people on the Summerfest Committee.

This is a problem inherent to the systems we have set up to monitor and calculate the effects of these events on our communities.

And make no mistake, in most cases, as with Summerfest, the net effects are positive, but that doesn’t excuse this province-wide tendency to inflate the numbers.

Unfortunately, everyone has an interest in playing this game. Each level of government can happily point to absurdly high tourist-related revenues when critics ask what they’ve See STATISTICS Page 9

Letters Trump supporter misses the point Mr. Charles Pedley, your letter in the Voice [Glad that Trump beat Clinton, Nov. 30] left me a little taken aback.

I mean surely people can't actually believe that Trump is not a racist, sexist, and narcissist?

Yet here you are throwing around such weak arguments like “he employs black people," as if that is enough to support the fact that he is not racist (a first grader could probably come up with a better argument if there was one).

So I think you may need a little bit of help opening your eyes to what you so clearly choose to ignore.

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Members of Pelham Town Council

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

Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105

Electoral District: Niagara West

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty 742 Memorial Dr. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607 Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317

Next time you should read the letter before jumping into a completely irrelevant argument Donald Trump; a man who refused to condemn the white supremacists (like the KKK) who have so openly supported him and his campaign.

A man who claimed that the Mexicans who enter America are for the most part drug dealers, criminals and rapists.

A man who proposed to ban all muslims from entering the country and make the current American citi-

Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-684-4870 Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599 Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528

zens who are muslim register themselves as such (honestly, do you remember what Germany did in the 1940’s).

So please do everyone a favor and stop acting like Trump being racist is something made up by CNN to swing the election in Clinton’s favor.

Also while we are on the topic I may as well add some of the utterly sexist things that Trump has said about women. He claimed that sexual assault in the military is to be expected, that's simply just what happens when you put men and women together.

He has stated that unless a woman is hot she has no business being a journalist, he has insulted too many female reporters and celebrities to count, and oh how could I almost forget about his infamous “locker room talk." And with regards See READ FIRST Page 5

NEWSFLASH Tell us your story Introducing Column Six, presenting tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.

Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari?

Do you know where Hoffa’s buried?

Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008

Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

Have an Opinion?

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome provided the submission contains the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published.

Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity or legal reasons. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

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Letters

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 5

continued

Mistreatment by man and machine

Treaties are meaningless in face of cruelty

Has this happened to you?

I was sent for an ultrasound by my doctor, to the huge Medical Centre on Prince Charles Drive. I had checked in advance, with the receptionist, and I knew they charged three dollars for parking.

Outside the front door were signs saying “Pay for Parking in the Lobby,” so as I was early for my appointment I thought I’d get the parking paid for. Inside the vast lobby there are two very large machines which take your money and issue a ticket to use upon departure from the lot. Sounds simple enough.

The front of the ‘monster’ is covered with slots

of all shapes and sizes and notices all over, giving instructions…I mean, a lot of notices. This was my first time in this building, and other than the two pharmacists in the pharmacy, I didn’t see another soul.

I put three dollars in, and a piece of paper was issued.

Instructions were to feed the paper into another slot, to be scanned, and another piece of paper would be issued. When this didn’t happen, I asked the pharmacist if she knew anything about this machine. She told me to press a button and ask for help from whoever answered.

Talk about automation gone awry!

I pressed the button and a woman’s voice from heaven- knows-where, but emanating from the machine, asked what my problem was. I explained my predicament. She said to wait five minutes and someone would come.

Well I waited, I guess only four minutes, because I had an appointment to keep, and pressed the button again.

This time the woman barked at me that she had said ‘five minutes’ and ‘just wait’!

Not long after, a burly man, dressed for winter, came bursting through the doors from the parking lot

READ FIRST

that your letter took the point that my father, “D. Ruzgys,” was trying to make about our newly elected MPP and spun it into some proTrump propaganda.

The argument that my father was trying to get across was not really about Trump or Clinton at all, he simply used the American election as a mere reference point.

If you had actually read past the first couple of lines you would have discovered that he was discussing his disappointment in our region for electing a 19-year

continued from Page 4 to him being a narcissist please just listen to one of his speeches and count how many times he says something along the lines of “I’m the best."

The point of my letter is not to try to get you to change your views; I have given up arguing with people like you a long time ago (it’s easier to reason with a brick wall honestly).

I am simply just saying

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ligion, interests or indeed their rights or justifications, etc.

In respect of treaties, these are man-made (or God-given; depending on who you speak with) but most man-made laws that have to do with animals do not protect them, and I will not cede one animal's life so that others can use them for their own purposes.

Shall we tell the Japanese we are with them because CITIES says it is 'legal' to decimate whales in the Southern Sanctuaries?

Shall I throw up my hands and agree with the sealhunt, because the DFO (Canadian Department of Fisheries & Oceans) claim they

regulate and monitor that hunt?

Shall we say 'tally-ho' to fox hunting because the Wild Mammals Protection Act contains specific exemptions for hunting activities, thereby preventing prosecutions of other hunt activities that might otherwise have been considered cruel?

This is the 21st century and I challenge the ways of God and man; I feel no obligation to praise their lack of mercy or compassion.

Cath Ens St. Catharines

See BAD ATTITUDE Page 6

Firstly, let’s start with a bit of honesty and skip the sanitized euphemisms — there is no 'harvest' at Short Hills; apples, grapes, and cabbage are harvested, but animals are hunted and killed.

The only beings that have no choice in all of this ARE the deer that will suffer and die...everyone else has an option(s) and so I must side with those beings whose needs, wants and very lives have largely been left out of this conversation; the deer of Short Hills.

Animals that die over this hunt will not care who fires the arrow — the colour of that person’s skin, their re-

-old, pro-life, anti-gay, first year political science student.

He was simply stating that as Canadians we should look at what is happening in America and learn from all of

the sexism, racism, and hate that has been brought to the surface with the election.

He was trying to get across that in Canada we are multicultural; we respect everybody regardless of their race,

sexual orientation, or religion. He was simply trying to say that the candidate we have elected does not represent the values that make so many of us proud to be Canadian.

So next time you should actually read the letter before jumping into a completely irrelevant argument; it will save us all the headache.

Shannon Ruzgys Fonthill

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Page 6

Letters

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Haist St. traffic-calming error hastily corrected

continued

Ministry of Natural Resources using outdated strategy Despite what the Vice President of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre believes, animal advocates, conservationists, and residents in area do not believe that hunting is an appropriate activity for a provincial park.

Hunt supporters’ critique of the anti-hunt protesters at Short Hills has often focused on what they claim is the “unacknowledged racism” of nearby “NIMBY do-gooders” as the motivating factors in our protests.

Acrimonious counter-campaigns by hunt supporters seem to have at their core the presumption that protected public lands are there for individual use however they see fit and it is racist to suggest otherwise.

There’s a reason no one has captured “racist remarks” made verbally or on signage in this day of the smart phone and social media – because hunt protesters are not racists.

Despite trying very hard to portray the anti-hunt protesters as “racists” through platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, Bruce Smith and the pro-hunt defenders have failed to prove their accusations.

Mr. Smith doesn’t like to use the word “kill” when describing the hunt because it exposes the lie that animals die peacefully after being shot or otherwise tortured.

Merely using the word “kill” also infers that there is no management of the hunt, while the term “harvest” has pleasant connotations of the nostalgic gathering of a crop that is planted and cultivated by continuous hard labour.

Of course, the hunters do nothing resembling care of this “crop.” Neither are the hunters collecting rainwater for irrigation or ripening turnips, although the hunt does bring to mind the image of a combine harvester and a crop of living animals that are simply mowed down.

It’s just another level of duplicity used to get the public on board with having arrows fly through the park.

BAD ATTITUDE continued from Page 5 and straight towards me.

He did not look happy. He

Indentured public servants in the MNR have no apparent interest in overseeing the park either

Shame on the so-called animal rights activists who embrace this linguistic trickery.

Mr. Smith and the Ministry of Natural Resources have also claimed that hunting is necessary as a means of population control and that they are in fact conservationists doing everybody, including the animal, a huge favour.

How many times have we read that in the absence of predators, an environments’ carrying capacity can be exceeded and animals will surely die a slow painful death from starvation, or so the justification goes.

The MNR has offered several insipid excuses for the Short Hills hunt – population control, deer in over-abundance, and last year, Lyme disease, but have provided no evidence for any of it.

In fact, the MNR’s own empirical data obtained through FOIA requests disproves their rhetoric.

The Ministry's own biologist reports indicate that the deer killed are of a healthy weight, and photographic evidence of the dead deer being taken from the park supports this observation.

Indentured public servants in the MNR have no apparent interest in overseeing the park either.

With the budget for maintenance exhausted on the private exploitation

asked me, “Well, what?”

I was flabbergasted that this was the person sent to help me. I explained my predicament.

Now it was his turn to

of the park, Short Hills is essentially abandoned without oversight.

When vegetation is destroyed by 4WD vehicles, plant vigor and regeneration is reduced, ground cover is deteriorated, and there can be a change in species composition.

Inappropriate behaviours such as littering and other depreciative uses add to the degradation of the park.

This is already happening. The park is being destroyed not only by the sanctioned native deer hunt each year, but also by illegal and off-season hunting.

Poaching and the fear and disruption it causes compromises animals’ normal eating habits, making it harder for them to store the fat and energy they need to survive the winter.

The hunt has also devastated the entire community and left residents constantly on edge, long after the official hunt is over.

Horses live on the outskirts of the park as well, making the park perimeter a dangerous place due to the continual presence of poachers.

With over 100 hunters entering the park on a single day this year, this hunt now bears more than a passing resemblance to the despised Florida bear hunt that left many young animals without their mothers.

The MNR’s belief that the deer in the park are overpopulated is based on outdated conservation strategy.

Pre-ecological thought and faulty science is still being practiced.

Short Hills park is now being managed as a game farm, not as a sensitive ecosystem.

Park lands should be totally conserved.

For everyone.

Not “conserved” for the use of hunters.

Not conserved so that someone can go ripping through on an all-terrain vehicle.

Heather Clemenceau Aurora ON

bark: “I suppose you put your money in here?” and he indicated the slot where I had deposited my loonies.

I said yes, and in high dudgeon he said, “Do you re-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

alize I had to leave my kids home alone to come here and sort you out?”

How would I know?

Apparently I had put my coins in the slot intended for

Construction error blamed on contractor

BY VOICE STAFF Residents and drivers travelling north of Hwy 20 on Haist Street in uptown Fonthill have raised concerns regarding mistakes made during the construction of the new traffic calming chicane.

Town of Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway said that the idea for the chicane arose after the Town became concerned about the public’s safety due to drivers speeding through the residential neighbourhood.

After conducting traffic studies in the area and taking into consideration the public’s input, he said the Town decided to take action. Citing the effectiveness of chicanes used around the world to slow traffic in similar situations, Ottaway asserted that the chicane was as the best traffic calming measure for this location.

“It’s the first one we’ve

a credit card. They were now just fodder for the monster.

I felt tears welling in my 77-year-old eyes.

He went on, “You’ll have to pay again, and put it in

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unique,” he said.

“We are just bringing back simple technology that works. It’s the people that we are trying to keep safe, not just the vehicles.”

Designed by the Town’s See ERROR Page 7

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I did.

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It was a strange feeling to watch the day approach and not be at the helm. However, I needn't have worried. Pelham Cares, Fonthill Lions, Fenwick Lions and the Kinsmen Club did a superb job of organizing the day. The big new maps, the personal phone calls were effective additions.

It is truly a sign that Pelham citizens care about the Food Drive and pulled together to make it a huge success. I am so proud of our town.

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The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 7

Deer hunt over: Ministry weighs in Rules followed, ecology just fine, says MNRF official

BY VOICE STAFF In the past few weeks tensions have been high between supporters of the Haudenosaunee deer harvest and protesters who oppose hunting in the Short Hills Provincial Park. Speaking with people gathered at the park’s Pelham Road access point has cast light on the issues of treaty rights, human rights abuse, animal cruelty, and racism, motivating indigenous rights protectors and anti-hunt protesters to brave the cold and stand in solidarity with their cause.

Senior Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Jolanta Kowalski said, “The ministry is committed to meeting its constitutional obligations respecting Aboriginal and treaty rights.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy has a treaty right to hunt in an area of southwestern Ontario including Short Hills Provincial Park.”

With so many passionate voices on all sides of the issue, the MNRF play an important role by collecting data throughout the park and monitoring the hunt.

Kowalski said the tradition-

al Haudenosaunee deer hunt in Short Hills this year was a success without a single safety issue to report.

“Protecting public safety is a key priority,” she said.

“MNRF worked closely with the Haudenosaunee to develop an agreement that sets out harvest protocols, including safety measures. No incidents of uncased archery equipment or hunters outside the hunting zone have been substantiated.” The hunt is over for this year.

Kowalski said that an aerial deer survey conducted by the MNRF in 2015 showed a total of 442 deer in the park. Considering that this is approximately 10 times the park’s ecological carrying capacity according to the Ministry, and that as of Friday night a total of 44 deer had been hunted, Kowalski said that there is no risk of over-harvesting taking place during this year’s hunt.

Responding to concerns that the vehicles permitted to enter the park during the hunt do a substantial amount of damage to the park ecosystem, Kowalski said that they do not travel extensively throughout

Demonstrators supporting and opposing the hunt meet hunters exiting Short Hills last week. the park. In fact, she said, the vehicles only access the park interior using existing roadways to travel to a designated parking area.

“Only ATVs operated by MNRF staff for the purposes of safety and security were involved in the deer harvest,” said Kowalski.

“ATVs were also used to transport harvested deer to

expedite their removal from the park. All ATVs stay on existing trails and roadways when possible while operating in the park. Staff use care to ensure minimal impact to the park environment.”

Now that the hunt is finished for the year, Kowalski said the harvest trail assessments will begin. Once

Contractor corrects error in chicane installation continued from Page 6 engineering department, the contract was tendered in August and awarded to Coco Paving Inc. Before the contractor began pouring concrete, Town staff were on-site to mark a rough outline in paint of where the chicane was to be located.

Ottaway said that Coco Paving erred by pouring the concrete in the wrong location.

“Their role was to pour the cement and do the asphalt and all that, and they were to do it according to the [original] design and not to the paint on the road,” he said.

“When they poured,

there was a measurement error and it pinched the driving aisle too close together.”

Closing the road before work began, managing the traffic during construction, and re-opening once the work was completed was the contractor’s responsibility, Ottaway said.

When complaints started to come in regarding the narrowness of the lane after the road was reopened to traffic, Ottaway said the Town’s engineering staff inspected the chicane and discovered the error. “[The complaints and inspection] were almost simultaneous,” Ottaway says.

“It’s not like three days

later we were driving by and said, ‘Look, it’s not done right.’ It was almost immediate.”

Once engineering staff noticed the error, a concrete element was removed from the chicane, allowing local traffic to flow through unimpeded.

Ottaway said that the Coco Paving was back on site last Friday to complete the permanent repairs.

“The error was fixed and that should solve the immediate concern that people in buses or fire trucks can’t get through.

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Page 8

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

SURVEY OF THE WEEK RESULTS

What's your opinion about the Short Hills deer hunt?

BY VOICE STAFF Given that we collect survey responses anonymously, online, and not in-person in front of Giant Tiger or Sobeys, there is always the potential for abuse.

While we’ve seen a few attempts to sway the outcome in previous surveys, they pale in comparison to the concerted attempt this week to skew the results.

Though the free version of the software the Voice uses to conduct our surveys has limitations, it does allow for manual inspection of results, a tedious but necessary step.

This week was a doozy in that department.

Out of 142 responses, nearly twothirds were devoted to skewing the results toward an anti-deer hunt outcome. Based on IP address in-

formation, a few respondents rebogus answers—almost all of which peatedly—dozens of times—gave came from outside Niagaanswers critical of the hunt, ra, some from and critical of the outside Canmotives of hunt ada—the supporters.

One results are respondent in actually Markham claimed unreto be indigenous markmultiple times, able. of different ages and genders, and always voting against the hunt.

It is not clear whether any relly. spondents were efu r a c genuinely First About half ead Nations, though of you think that . Tr d hea about six seemed the hunt is okay, about sa t l u plausible. half of you don’t. es r ed After culling the Of those who support the hunt, ew k S response-herd of their overwhelming reason is that it

is a treaty right. Of those who oppose the hunt, their overwhelming reason is that no animal should be killed for any reason.

Those supporting the deer hunt mostly perceive their opponents’ motivations as sincere, with two thirds responding that they believe hunt protesters were acting out of concern for animal welfare and were not racially biased.

On the other hand, those opposed to the deer hunt took a less favourable view of their opponents, with a majority responding that pro-hunt activists were there “based on a desire to exploit the hunt for personal gain, such as academic standing, political ambition, or other advantage.” Runner-up was “based on their desire to support First Nations culture.”

THIS WEEK'S SURVEY QUESTION How much did you spend at this year's Summerfest?

Find a link to the survey from our website, www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/fest or find it from our Facebook page, or use your smartphone to read the QR code presented here. Look for results in next week’s Voice!

Town considers adopting long-term transportation plan

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Speaking on behalf of the Pelham Active Transportation Committee (PATC) at the Pelham Town Council meeting on Nov. 21, Claire Basinski, a consultant with MMM Group Ltd., provided Council with a presentation on the Town’s Active Transportation Master Plan.

Working with the consulting firm to create the plan over the last 11 months, PATC has engaged with res-

idents through public open houses, surveys and online tools and researching best practices, to come up with a practical action plan that she describes as a made-inPelham solution.

“Our plan is founded on one very simple vision—enhancing the quality of life of the Town of Pelham's residents,” said Basinski.

“Now there is a much larger vision surrounding it which builds on what those modes are and what specifically we want to see it

relates to active transportation, but at the crux of the plan this is really what we are trying to do. When people are more active they are actually proven to be more happy, healthy and more engaged in their community.”

PATC’s master plan lays out a 15-year strategy for the Town to achieve its goals in terms of active transportation, according to four principles that include priorities, planning, process and programs. Basins-

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ki said the proposed active transportation network will stretch out over a total of 153.5 kilometres.

Facilities and routes within the network were selected based on traffic volume, speed and other context-sensitive considerations along potential routes.

The basis of the active transportation strategy is its network, she said.

“The network is made up of facilities, routes and connections all throughout the town in its urban areas, its rural areas, its suburban areas,” said Basinski.

“It’s for all areas to try and achieve connectivity and continuity that gets people not only to the key areas in town but to the surrounding areas as well.”

Identifying the most important active transportation projects for the Town in the next five years, the “dynamic plan” highlights 10 areas for the municipality to prioritize. These include: East Font Hill active transportation linkages, the Steve Bauer Trail surface upgrade, In-boulevard trail on Station Street, urban signed bicycle routes, the paved shoulder along Foss Road, signed bike route on River Road, the sidewalk to E.L. Crossley, the signed route on Maple and Church Street, bike lane at Hwy 20 and Pelham Street and Hwy 20 bikes lanes.

“We want to create this change and we want Pelham to become even more active,” Basinski told Council.

Through the master plan PATC recommends that the Town prioritize the implementation of active transportation infrastructure,

FOOD DRIVE continued from Page 1 Pelham Cares volunteer Carole Chapman pointed out how the simple change had made the sorting and packaging of food more efficient.

Already looking ahead at ways to make next year run smoother, Chapman suggested having double-sided overhead signage so sorters could see which tables were

When people are more active they are actually proven to be more happy

policies, programs and protocols, including easy to implement short-term facilities as well as the integration of active transportation into day-to-day decision making. They also advised that the municipality strategically plan for future active transportation improvements and changes by adopting the system, actions and recommendations outlined in the plan.

For the new active transportation network to be a success, Basinski said the Town must also work with both internal and external partners during the day-today decision making process. Educating the community and visitors on the benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle and developing complete communities, and encouraging people to adopt such a lifestyle is also essential for the initiative to succeed in the long-term, she said.

Seeking the Town’s endorsement of the plan, PATC would like it to be the guiding document and the blueprint for the Town moving forward. Recognizing that Pelham is already a silver

which from all directions as they carried the heavy boxes of food.

Volunteering with Pelham Cares throughout the year, Chapman said she looks forward to helping out at the annual food drive every December.

As one of the volunteers at the garden centre, she was sorting and packaging canned soup at the soup table.

bike-friendly community, a bronze walk-friendly community and soon possibly an age-friendly community, Basinski said told Council that adopting the plan will create even more opportunities for the Town to grow its reputation.

“This will only perpetuate that and further the opportunities that you have to be recognized,” she said.

“We want to be able to select projects on an ongoing annual basis and come up with those that make sense for the town and the different geographic areas to further those objectives that we’re looking for. Finally taking action and identifying those next steps and actually moving forward with what needs to get done and moving forward with the implementation, whether its programs, initiatives or infrastructure.”

Councilor Catherine King praised the committee for their work and for developing such a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of life for those living in and visiting the community.

“This really addresses every mode of transportation,” King said.

“While your presentation identifies projects for the next five to ten years in your recommendations one of your recommendations addresses the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. That plan in itself promotes that active lifestyle. I think more importantly it addresses work that the region is also working on with respect to creating the circle route and connecting communities.”

Laughing with her friends as she worked, Chapman said she always enjoys the camaraderie she experiences at the event.

“You can really feel the community spirit,” said Chapman.

“Everyone feels good helping out their community and just from being here with each other. We have a fun time talking with everyone and socializing.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 9

OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET UNDER THE ARCHES A crowd of 300-plus browsed vendor booths set up beneath the colourfully-lit arches adjacent to Town Square last Friday evening for the Town of Pelham’s annual Outdoor Christmas Market. While some took advantage of the unique Christmas shopping opportunities, others indulged in the cheerful Christmas atmosphere the event provided. Thanks to the Fonthill and District Kinettes Club, children wanting to deliver their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus also had a chance to visit with jolly old St. Nick in person, who has made a number of stops in Pelham recently.

VOICE PHOTOS

Fonthill Lions to hold fundraiser barbecue for Faith Flagg

STATISTICS continued from Page 4 done for the local economy, while the festivals themselves can continue to lobby for bigger grants and concessions from those governments.

In the short term, it seems like a win-win scenario. Eventually, however, those numbers will come home to roost. How many important decisions about local and provincial tourism investments have been made using inaccurate data?

Failed modelling will eventually come around to negatively impact local businesses making plans based on empty numbers, and risking their families’ futures on intentionally exaggerated data.

It’s a symptom of our political environment that baseless figures can be

Treatment still needed after teen was run down in 2015

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

On April 3, 2015, Faith Flagg, then 17, was the victim of a tragic hit-and-run while walking home with a friend along Canboro Road.

Suffering a severe head injury as a result of the incident, Faith and her family’s lives changed forever that night. Fenwick’s Anderson Wormald, 42, was convicted of the crime and sentenced to one year in jail for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

Tomorrow night the Fonthill Lions Club will be hosting a Barbecue Fundraiser for Faith Flagg at E.L. Crossley Secondary School from 10:45 AM until 12:15 PM. Fonthill Lions Club member Fred Arbour is one of the organizers of the fundraising initiative for Faith.

Although the barbecue is intended to raise funds to help Faith and her family with their medical costs, he said it also serves as a reminder to the community that this type of tragedy can happen to any family at any time.

“It was a tragic accident that could have happened to any family in the Town of Pelham or anywhere for that matter,” he said.

“She was just on her way home and her family knew she was on her way but she didn’t get there.”

Organizing community events such as the Barbecue Fundraiser for the Flagg family is what being in a service club is all about, Arbour said.

Last year’s fundraiser was a big success, he said, with the Fonthill Lions Club raising nearly $2,000 in less than two hours. This year he

Faith Flagg before the hit-and-run that nearly took her life. hopes the community will come out to help them sur-

It was a tragic accident that could have happened to any family

FILE PHOTO

the Fonthill Lions Club will be collecting donations and serving up hamburgers,

hot dogs and beverages out back of E.L. Crossley Secondary School.

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“We feel that this is a way we can try and help out to raise some funds to offset some of the family’s costs,” said Arbour.

“For the time being she requires regular medical care. She has to go to St. Joe’s in Hamilton at least every other week for different types of procedures.

This is the kind of thing we can really help out with as a service club.”

Rain, snow or sunshine,

touted as fact, and it’s high time the people of Pelham, and the province, start demanding accurate numbers surrounding our economic situation.

Whether it was Tim Hudak claiming he would create a million jobs, or the Liberal government expounding the economic virtues of wind power, residents need to start holding politicians and committees accountable for to their claims—at Queen’s Park, and right here in “transparent” Pelham.

By promoting and permitting inaccurate data, we collectively shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes time to make important economic decisions based on that data.

In the long run, it’s better to tell the truth than to parrot yet another baseless economic model.

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Page 10

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Calling all floats The Fabulous Fenwick Lions are inviting you to take part in a parade. The Club is looking for area businesses and clubs to enter a float in their 19th annual Santa Claus Parade and party which will be taking place at 1PM on Saturday, Dec 10, in Fenwick.

The parade route is approximately two kilometers long, winding through Fenwick and finishing at Centennial Park, where the Lions will have a Christmas celebration complete with music, food, rides and of course Santa.

For those interested in the chance to promote their business or club by either walking as a group or pulling a float, the Lions want to hear from you.

There is no cost to participate in the parade. For applications email trevorphilbrick@hotmail.com or download the application from the Town of Pelham website.

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MAKE IT OUT TO ROVER D. DOGG, PLEASE Fabulous Fenwick Lion President Jeff Pickup presents a cheque for $7,500 to Emilia Froom from the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. Future Guide Dog “Morris,” who Emilia fostered, looks on. The donation was made from the proceeds of the Lions' Wheels & Waves boat raffle this fall. $6,000 went to sponsor a Canine Vision Guide Dog and $1,500 Lion Holly Cavanaugh’s project of raising $12,000 for an Autism Assistance Guide Dog. In the last 13 years the Fenwick Lions have sponsored 13 Canine Vision Guide Dogs & 4 Special Needs Guide Dogs at a cost of $118,000.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

THE WINNERS IN OUR

Name the Lakes!

It’s Turkey Time at the Grille!

The holiday classic ...

CONTEST

T

wo weeks ago we asked Voice readers to suggest creative names for the two new cooling ponds located in the new East Fonthill development. The Town has unimaginatively labelled these the “Gateway Pond,” at the corner of Hwy 20 and Rice Road; and the “South Pond,” near Rice Road and Port Robinson Road.

The results are in!

We asked you to vote for your top three nominees for each pond. Based on 182 votes, including several from a single family that we'll call the "Pippins," the winners are as follows:

For the Gateway pond:

Eh-Hole Major For the South pond:

TURKEY DINNER

Lake of Lies The people, in their infinite wisdom, have spoken. We shall draft a letter forthwith to Town Council in support of your desires.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 11

GUIDE DOG PROGRAM AWARD Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club member Ken Suthons is presented with the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship award by Lion Chief Jeff Pickup at a November dinner meeting.

The award recognizes Suthons’ outstanding community service and his work with the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dog Programs.

Suthons is also the Chair of the Lions' “Purina Walk for Guide Dogs,” held in conjunction with the Lions' Spring Carnival.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Flash the Bat signal Fonthill Sobeys owner Ron Kore says that he feels sympathy for whoever left behind this curious...Batmobile?

Skate?...in his store recently.

"I'm just imagining the work that went into this, and some dad and his child, miss-

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Above, Joan Sumby. Supplied photos.

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Page 12

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Automotive

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COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 some?”

I could tell right away that they weren’t from the neighborhood, and thought for a passing moment that they might be learning-disabled kids doing a fundraiser. But they appeared fairly standard-issue — as regular as teenagers can look, I suppose. “It’sa ‘nitiative!” the younger boy parroted to more enthusiastic nodding, “We make money!”

I bought three boxes for $10 and congratulated them as I closed and relocked the door. The transaction took maybe two minutes.

On the front of the box was printed, let’s say, “Kids at Work,” not the actual name, with amateurish

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TEL: 905 732 1800

depictions of smiling little kids on a sunny street, here at a lemonade stand, there delivering papers and selling ice cream and in the centre a larger caricature of a sweet child selling, you guessed it, chocolate covered almonds. “Thanks for supporting ME!” exclaimed the box. “Thanks to you, I can work!”

It took me until I got back to the kitchen to parse what had just happened.

My professional background is manufacturing management with associated marketing and sales.

The unit cost to produce a 90g box of chocolate almonds might surprise you.

Pennies. I won’t bore you explaining scale economies or fixed, variable and incremental costs, but let’s be generous and say these

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particular boxes cost plus/ minus 20 cents each to produce at a plant in another province and another nickel to ship to Niagara. Let’s also suppose the home company sells the boxes to their distributors for a dollar each.

The kids sell them for between $3.33 and $4.00 apiece, so we’re looking at a gross distributor margin of between $2.33 and $3.00 per box.

I did some digging and found an online ad seeking teenage workers. I called the number provided and was told that kids get paid $1 per box and make on average $50 a day, paid in cash. They go door-to door-in pairs, so to earn those fifty bucks each they need to peddle 100 boxes between them. There are eight kids to a crew.

The math’s not all that

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It took me until I got back to the kitchen to parse what had just happened complicated. It’s conceivable the boys might sell all 100 boxes at $4. They’d get the standard $100 payoff, but score the highest profit for the boss (let’s for fun call him Fagan), which is $200. Fagan’s profit drops down to $133 if the boys sell all triples. Let’s say average

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net profit from sales is $175, times four. That’s $700 for Fagan and a $400 payoff split among the eight kids.

That’s $700 per day.

In cash.

Fagan’s sitting nice and warm in a nearby idling minivan. According to the company website, he’s there to watch over and protect the kids as they go door to door — certainly not to make sure they don’t scam him by saying they sold more triples than they really did.

Is it me, or does this “‘nitiative” smell just a little off?

It certainly mimics local charities and boy scout troops and minor hockey teams and high school drama clubs going doorto-door to raise money for expenses. The type we au-

tomatically welcome, helping support the Town and local youth.

The difference here is that buyers receive no receipt, local initiatives receive no support, and certainly the Town receives no revenue.

And while nothing illegal seems to be happening, I expect the guys who run these things aren’t big into altruism.

Yet the website insists it’s all for the kids’ benefit. The side of the box explains that the company is on a “mission” to keep teens out of trouble and to appreciate the value of money.

And here I was cynically thinking it was to make somebody rich off of the work of urchins.

Are you seeing this, Canada Revenue Agency?

Greenfield Gardens is offering a full time job in the greenhouse industry to a highly motivated individual.

Responsibilities include planting, sticking, pinching and packing. Must be able to work in hot and humid or cool and damp environments. Wage is $11.40 per hour. Position available from January to October. Please email resume to frank@greenfieldgardens.ca or fax it to 905-892-2447.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 13

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Place your ad by email or phone office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690

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This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers newCANCER facility will BIG The MOVE RIDEfeature adaptable and multipurpose comThe Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive Among ride taking place on Sept. munity spaces, a double gymnasiPutting their shovels into the soil those present Proceeds the an Bigindoor Movewalkstay in Niagara and support the Walker Fama doublefor arena, where centre ice will be located in 7. um, were, from ing/running track, a concession Arena A in East Fonthill, Town staff ily Cancer Centre. left, Counarea, change rooms and washrooms,

BY VOICE STAFF

closed-up shop for two hours last cillors John Wednesday and assembled for a cer- and an atrium/lobby area.

Durley and Mayor Dave Augustyn stated that emonial groundbreaking at the fu- WALKING CLUB Peter Papp, Ball Construction estimates the ture Pelham Community Centre site.

CAO Darren in walking Pelham? construction costs at in $32.5 million, Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Members of Town Council and Interested Ottaway, however the total project cost instaff were joined at the ceremony by from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There John Nicol, representatives of the Architectur- cluding design, furniture, fixtures and Bill is no fee for this program.

For more information, please contact jcook@ and permits is capped at $36.2 milal Design Advisory Committee, the Gibson. lion.

Oversight Committee, Pelham sport pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

Construction of the Centre is exassociations, local service clubs, SUPPLIED PHOTO pected to take 19 months and be former mayors Ron Leavens and substantially by the Ralph Beamer, and a small crowd of HAMPER DAY completed FOR PELHAM CARES spring of 2018. community members.

Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

Everyone who's anyone reads the Voice

to r W

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Page 14

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Poppy campaign chairman, Jim Garner and chairwoman of youth education, Jacqueline Schwenker pose with the winners of the Fonthill Legion’s 20th annual Remembrance Day Poster Contest on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Fonthill Legion's 20th contest celebrates young artists

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Last week Branch 613 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Fonthill continued its longstanding tradition of celebrating young artists from the community through its annual Remembrance Day Poster Contest.

Poppy campaign chairman,

Jim Garner and chairwoman of youth education, Jacqueline Schwenker, led the ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 29, handing out awards to the 20 winners of this year’s contest.

“This is always a special night for us and especially for the kids,” says Garner.

“There were so many talented kids this year and we

had a lot of positive feedback from our members about the artwork.”

Now in its 20th year, Garner says the Remembrance Day Poster Contest encourages youth to assist the Legion in one of its primary goals — fostering the tradition of Remembrance amongst Canadians. Participating in the contest is an

excellent way for children to learn how important it is to honour those who served their country and remember those who have fallen, he says “This contest really resonates with the veterans,” Garner says.

“They spend a lot of time admiring the kids work and they truly appreciate the

time and creativity they put into their posters.”

Students from nine different schools throughout Pelham and Welland were among the winners of this year’s contest. First Place winners included: Anna Stranges, Zachary Robichaud, Hayden Sauvè, Marissa Giammarco, Emma Nigh, Abby Thibodeau, Liam

Gojmerac and Kayleigh Bain Gillies. In Second Place were: Madeline Morrison, Melanie Poulin, Sarah Khodr Ali, Alyssa Caron, Ashley Robertson, Adam Mathew and Justin Vanderlee. Coming in Third: Anna Mihaila, Emily Davidson, Grace Kleiboer, Sarah Hurley and Azelie St. Denis.

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The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

Page 15

Pelham Panthers Mossimo's Atom Rep weekend action

BY BRIAN MILTENBURG

Special to the VOICE

Mr. Claus last Friday in Fenwick.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Santa attends Fenwick Christmas tree lighting

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Some 70 people gathered in downtown Fenwick last Friday evening for the Fenwick Lions Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The sounds of Christmas carols and laughter filled the main street as revellers enjoyed a cup of free hot chocolate and hot dogs provided by the Lions Club. Even Santa Claus himself took time out of his busy pre-Christmas-eve planning to put in an appearance and ask children what they wanted for Christmas.

“The Fabulous Fenwick Lions did a great job putting this together,” said Claus.

“This is what Christmas is all about. It is wonderful to see so many families getting into the Christmas spirit.”

After speaking with several children, Claus said that he had to get back to the North Pole, revealing that a new GPS system was being installed in his sleigh.

Club president Jeff Pickup said the tree planted in the heart of the village that was illuminated during the ceremony was donated by Scott Hinan of Pine Gables Tree Farm. Next year it will become part of the Fabulous Fenwick Lions Legacy Project for their 100th Anniversary of the Lions Club International in 2017. Pickup said he was grateful for all of the support from the community to make the tree lighting ceremony possible. He was

pleased to see so many come out to take part in the tree lighting ceremony.

“Events like these are great because they bring more people into the town to have a good time,” Pick-

up said.

“They give people a chance to get to know us and to find out about all of the things we do in the community.”

The Pelham Panthers Atom Rep team headed into last weekend facing two of the leagues top teams, the Lincoln Blades and Grimsby Kings.

On Saturday, Pelham hosted the high scoring Lincoln Blades. Midway through the first, the Blades batted in a rebound to make it 1-0.

Pelham kept the attack going but couldn't find the back of the net. Lincoln's captain gathered the puck and went end-to-end to make it 2-0 with two minutes left in the first. The Panthers answered quickly as Erik McQueen made it 2-1.

The second period was all Panthers and the reward came as Brandon Bernardi finished a great sequence with feeds from Ethan Baxter and Luke Breadner to tie it up.

The Panthers kept the pressure on early in the third and Breadner buried one to make it 3-2.

The defence core of Caleb Walton, Aaron Lee, Max Myers and Brody Miltenburg stood strong and killed off a 2 minute short-handed 5 on 3. Jusin Narvaez buried a beautiful feed from Braeden Miltenburg to put Pelham up 4-2.

Hard work along the boards by Austin Wilson and Ian McQueen kept Lincoln's offence from getting going late in the third.

Narvaez got his second of the game at the 7 minute mark to give the Panthers a 5-2 advantage and eventual win.

Ryan Leduc had an excellent game in between the pipes and earned the win.

Sunday saw the Panthers on the road to visit the first place Grimsby Kings.

Both teams came out fly-

Isaac Gravelle, Pelham Panthers. ing out of the gates in the first as both goalies were tested early and often.

After some hard forechecking by Wilson and Breadner, Baxter pounced on a rebound and put the Panthers up 1-0.

The second period was a back-and-fourth high tempo battle with both goalies once again displaying their best efforts.

As the second period was about to expire, the Kings got a lucky bounce and tied the game up at 1.

Grimsby carried the momentum into the third period and made it 2-1 early.

The Panthers refused to give up as Bernardi tied things at 2 halfway through the period.

Grimsby crashed the net hard at the four minute mark and somehow found the back of the net.

Pelham down 3-2 picked

JUSTIN DISHER PHOTO

themselves up and after some great work by Myers and a Paul Coffey-esque end-to-end run from Walton, Pelham had Grimsby on their heels.

With a minute left in the game, Pelham pulled their goalie and sent 6 into the King's zone.

With 46 seconds left, Breadner tapped in a feed from Baxter to tie things at 3.

With the fans still buzzing, Breadner and Bernardi found themselves on an odd man rush with Breadner capping off a four point night with the game winner with 12 seconds on the clock.

Isaac Gravelle stunned the crowd on numerous saves to earn the victory in net.

The Mossimo's Atom Rep Panthers face the Welland Tigers this upcoming Saturday at home.

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Page 16

The Voice of Pelham, December 7, 2016

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The Voice of Pelham

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