The Voice, February 17 2021

Granny apartments on hold

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Reaction to Bozzato retirement news

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Business support grants

The Voice Z

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

NRC Realty, Brokerage

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of Pelham and Central Niagara FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Vol.XXV No.6 

Published every Wednesday

page 13

Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@darcyrichardson.ca 905.321.6292

Column Six

Now this is what’s called a coincidence Last week's Column Six shocker for our own John Chick

HEAD: Nancy Bozzato calls it a career SUBHEAD: Veteran Town Clerk logged 40 years of municipal service in Niagara AUTHOR: Don Rickers PHOTO CAPTION: Nancy Bozzato in the Pelham council chambers PHOTO LINK: https://drive.google.com/drive/ folders/1meAXIlDvkcJ1-n2iFHt4uX4lS8A-EvnH?usp=sharing

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

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MARC MACDONALD

NANCY BOZZATO calls it a career Page 9

hen I saw the headline — “The Boy, the Man, the Mountie” —and first few paragraphs of last week’s Column Six, I took some interest given the subject matter. My late father, after all, had been in the RCMP for 35 years. Yet even the first mentions of “Aunt Gladys” in Margaret Ferguson’s piece didn’t clue me in to what was ahead.

It wasn’t until I reached page 12, and saw the photograph of Jim Currie on his wedding day, in his dress uniform, that it clicked. Jim Currie was my godfather.

It’s a small world indeed.

It seems that the author—Jim’s cousin Margaret—is an acquaintance of our esteemed editor’s spouse, leading to the story in last week’s newspaper.

I read her article with See COLUMN SIX Page 10

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The Voice

by Dave Burket

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In my experience with Bozzato over the intervening years I’d say this pretty much nailed it. Starting in 2017, the Voice filed a string of Freedom of Information requests with the Town. Bozzato is the official responsible for receiving FOIs and rendering judgment as to whether to release the requested information, and, if so, in what depth of detail—i.e. how much gets redacted, or blacked-out.

While some responses took longer than others, possibly due to pressure from above, I never got the sense that she was using procedural trickery to avoid disclosing information. (I will add that with the arrival of our current CAO, FOI response times have been much faster.)

Incidentally, on this topic, in 2017 we filed an FOI request related to the infamous closed session of council on Sept. 5, 2017, during which then-Councillor Marvin Junkin later alleged council was informed that the Town was in significant financial peril, and instructed not to make this public. Nancy declined to provide the most important information that we requested—the equally infamous KPMG report detailing the troubles—basing her decision on the premise that council, the Mayor, and the CAO had been discussing an identifiable Town staffer during their meeting, as did the KPMG report. Such disclosures are exempt FOI legislation.

We appealed this rejection to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of

Voice

During its meeting on Feb.1, Pelham Town Council received a requested analysis and opinion from Town staff regarding the potential to add proxy voting to Pelham's council procedure.

The staff report strongly recommended against it. Proxy voting would allow councillors to be absent from debate and discussion over a given issue, and allow them to give their vote to another councillor to make on their behalf.

What do you think? Should Pelham Town Council adopt proxy voting?

Take the poll and let us know! www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/proxy Ontario, who requested additional information from both sides. The glacial pace of the Ontario legal system held true to form. Guess when we received the nearly 4000-word decision from the Commissioner, upholding the denial? If you said, “Why, Dave, would it have been exactly two months ago, on December 15, 2020?” you would be right.

Yes, it took three years for our appeal to work its way through the system. In the meantime, of course, Junkin’s allegations were proven broadly true; the former council, Mayor, and CAO were booted out; and the Town has just recently started building back its reserves.

In any event, Nancy has impressed me as a competent professional, unfailingly polite, and I regret not getting to know her better over these last few years. Clearly, as you’ll see in this week’s issue, she has many fans among current and former Town Hall occupants. I join them in wishing her the best in her retirement. e didn’t have time last week to get a poll going on proxy voting. That’s been fixed this week. See above.

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航 搜索

on vacation!

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE VOICE POLL Proxy voting NRPS impaired

PUBLISHER’S CORNER hen I arrived at the Voice going on six years ago, I asked the outgoing editor to get me up to speed on the consequential people in Pelham— in Town Hall, in business, in service organizations, notable volunteers. The result was what we came to refer to as “the dossier,” a 40-page briefing paper on nearly as many people. It made for fascinating and often entertaining reading.

Of one former Town staffer, he wrote, “[…] has no qualms about lying through his teeth, and intimidating those he thinks he can intimidate. Willing to manipulate data and information to get what he wants.

His claims and information must always be confirmed independently.”

Of a businessman, “[…] is a weasel who knows on what side his bread is buttered. He gave a nice speech about […] at the [...] council meeting, and was pretty clearly put up to it. He is quick to join any committee he can, to the delight of the [now former] Mayor and CAO, who know they can count on him to forward their agendas.

Spineless.”

Of the Town Clerk, Nancy Bozzato, he wrote, “Nancy strikes me as a bit of a technocrat, focused on realizing her idea of a well-run town.

Nancy conforms strictly to the letter of the law—she won’t break it to deny you what you’ve asked for, but she won’t give you more than the bare minimum of your request either.”

A February 17, 2021

司 空公

搜索航空公司

Let us know what you think.

I know one thing for sure— absence due to attending a hockey game ought not to be reasonable grounds for missing a council meeting. That’s what kept Councillor Ron Kore from attending the Feb. 3, 2020 council meeting—a game between the Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers. I’d noticed Kore was absent, and when I saw him a day or so later in his Sobeys store I asked whether he had been ill. (Around this time he had also gone on a trip to Mexico.) That’s when he told me where he’d been, with one of his sons. He must have noticed the look on my face because he added, “Family always comes first, Dave, family always comes first.”

That’s the sort of generic sentiment that sounds reasonable, if cloying, yet hardly applies in this case to an elected official. What’s next—family potlucks taking precedence over council meetings? Bachelor parties trumping budget negotiations?

We reasonably expect our elected representatives to at least show up twice a month—attendance seems the minimum requirement of the job. Proxy voting

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to two calls for assistance from Friday, Feb. 5 to Friday, Feb. 12 Sunday, Feb. 7 Structure fire, Canboro Rd., Fenwick, Short Hills Odour investigation, Donahugh Dr., Fonthill

would eliminate even this basic duty. re we snowed in yet?

If so, there's plenty to enjoy in this week's issue.

Also, take a moment to read the obituaries. Such welllived lives. Gone, but not forgotten. As ever, stay safe out there. ◆

A

Congratulations

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OF THE WEEK!

Brendan

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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.

Kyle A. GRELOWSKI, 38, Fort Erie Thomas J. HARAPNUIK, 56, Niagara Falls Denis F. COLLINS, 50, Welland Troy J. CARREY, 45, Welland Samantha PYE, 43, Port Colborne William F. BEICKE, 35, Welland John D. MEEBOER, 25, Lincoln Lindsay P. POUNTNEY, 27, Niagara Falls

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Neither snow nor monsoon rains nor rogue pythons thick as bratwurst stop the Voice from reaching its single subscriber in Thailand, seen here daydreaming of snowflakes during a balmy Jomtien Beach "winter" sunset.

driving charges ~

See something, Say something.

The science is clear.

Masks save lives.

Social distancing saves lives.

If you witness violations of Provincial or Regional COVID-19 safety protocols during weekdays, notify Pelham Bylaw Enforcement, at (905) 892-2607 x203. At night and on weekends, call the Region Dispatch line, at (905) 984-3690.

Listen to Public Health advice.

Stay home. Stay safe.

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

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P D S A W A N M L R O J O J

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The Voice

Page 3

A February 17, 2021

Second dwelling units postponed by parking questions Demand building for years for "granny suites"

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent Pelham Town Council held a public meeting on second dwelling units Feb. 8, and while the majority of councillor and resident feedback on the matter seemed supportive of the idea, a move appears afoot to delay any such passage until after the Town’s long-awaited parking study is released.

Under the provincial Planning Act, municipalities are required to address housing needs by permitting landowners to construct second dwelling units (SDUs), either on their property or within their existing homes. Pelham can be expected to see a proliferation of “granny suites” or secondary structures once the bylaw is passed, and Town staff said demand has been building for years.

Policy planner Tara Lynn O’Toole told council that staff fields an average of two-to-three

inquiries per month on the issue, mostly from residents wishing to construct units for loved ones — often senior citizens.

O’Toole ran down the list of proposed regulations, which would permit such units in all zoned areas, but with variances. Rules would stipulate one SDU per property, that a separate SDU structure could not exceed the size of the existing primary residence, and that SDUs within an existing house would be limited to just 700 square feet.

The latter detail concerned resident Anne Matthews, who told council the SDU proposal would allow her father — who suffers from dementia — to live onsite with her family.

“My parents, they’ve been married for over 50 years, and I don’t know if they could survive even

Pelham Town Council meeting by Zoom, Feb. 8, 2021. pre-dementia in 700 square feet together,” Matthews said.

Director of Planning and Community Development Barb Wiens addressed that question later, saying staff was trying to find some balance in the proposed act.

“We’ve been tossing that around, Wiens said. “We’re trying to achieve the affordability targets.”

YOU TUBE

As such, the SDUs could also be rentable income property for landowners, something that addresses the province’s widespread housing affordability issue. That drew the concern of noted rental property opponents Marianne Stewart and Ron Kore.

Stewart didn’t like idea of the proposed bylaw not requiring the primary residence to be own-

er-occupied, while Kore asked Wiens several questions—including whether an SDU could be used as a short-term rental.

“No,” Wiens replied, reminding Kore of the bylaw banning shortterm rentals that he helped spearhead last year. Wiens also added that any attempt to sell an SDU as a separate real estate entity would require property severance and relevant zoning amendments.

The matter of parking, however, provided the most logical pushback.

The staff report proposes one parking “stall” per SDU, something that Ward 3’s Bob Hildebrandt said wasn’t enough.

“We already know one parking space per unit doesn’t work,” he said. “When you look at some of the streets in East Fonthill, you can hardly drive down them. It’s almost as if this parking study is needed before we pass the second dwelling policy.”

Pelham’s municipal parking study is expected in April after a See SECOND UNITS back page

LIFE IN PELHAM LIFE PELHAM Coming in March

every year. stroys thousands of lives deaths in Canada and deleading cause of criminal Impaired driving is still the ment programs like RIDE. offenders through enforceand the apprehension of offences through education reducing impaired driving lice Service is committed to The Niagara Regional Po-

Pelham David M. GEORGIEV, 36, St. Catharines Andrew DEGRAVE, 22, Welland Allan G. HIPPSLEY, 32, Niagara Falls Michael P. VANHELVERT, 33, Lincoln Richard W. PARRY, 48, Orchard Park NY Jamie HIDALGO, 39, Oakville Justin D. GODDERIS, 33, blood sample. refusing to provide a breath / alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or centration above 80 mgs of with a blood alcohol conby alcohol or drugs, driving nally with impaired driving have been charged crimiThe following individuals vention of the suspension. who are driving in contraStoppers to report those fic Safety Hotline or Crime gional Police Service Trafto contact the Niagara ReThe public is encouraged motor vehicle on a roadway. prohibited from operating a cense Suspension and are Administrative Driver’s Litry of Transportation 90-Day areNow alsothat’s bound by a Miniscruising, charged, Club these individuals Azamara Cruises Book now before this disappears.

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The Voice

A February 17, 2021

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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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

Mr. Trudeau, please accept my humble application

N

ow that Julia Payette has left the Governor’s mansion, I have been toying with the idea of applying for her former job as Governor General. She was given the choice by the Prime Minister of resigning tout de suite or being fired straightaway from the job, after a little longer than three years in that position.

It would seem that qualifications do not matter much and so I entirely fit the bill. Also, the job suggests the incumbent be non partisan, and so I promise not to pay dues to any political party that comes knocking nor will I contribute to the coffers of any candidate for elected office in my riding. Oh, and another thing. I promise not to disrespect any of the GG’s staff by yelling at them or even looking at them with any sort of disdain. Nor will I hire my best friend as an office assistant.

Now, you might ask, why I am considering putting my application in for this job.

I hesitate to give away too many of the reasons here, for fear that many of you readers might also be in-

clined to apply and ruin my odds of winning the post.

My first reason is the wage packet that goes with the job. It is a reasonable amount given that the duties are not very onerous.

With me on the job, the Canadian taxpayers would be saving almost a quarter of a million dollars per year

Ms. Payette’s annual salary was $288,900 and, so the rumor goes, she did less work than the gatekeeper at the mansion. It is said she openly disliked attending government ceremonies even though most of the GG’s duties are ceremonial in nature. During her three years on the job, she was paid $938,925. If I were to be considered for the job, I would ask somewhat less than half of her salary and

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The Voice

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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

promise to attend twice the number of ceremonies.

Think about it. That would have saved you taxpayers almost half a million dollars if I were in that job during that same period.

In addition to the taxpayer savings due to a reduced salary, I also promise to cut back the annual expense account of $200,000 to again by half. So that would save the taxpayers another $100,000 annually.

With me on the job, the Canadian taxpayers would be saving almost a quarter of a million dollars per year and get more than twice the number of appearances at government and military ceremonies.

Now there is a third and perhaps even more enticing reason for my application to be the next Governor General. Should my lack of qualifications and poor work ethic catch up to me while living in that lap of luxury and I get canned, like my predecessor, there is a golden parachute that is a fringe benefit that goes with the job.

Like Ms. Payette, and See HUMBLE next page

Letters TD Bank—goodbye to Fonthill, and maybe customers too I received a note yesterday from TD Bank indicating that the branch in downtown Fonthill is closing on July 16, 2021, and all accounts will be transferred to the Welland branch, at 845 Niagara Street N. That’s one TD Bank branch for a population of around 70,000. I remember when the Fonthill branch was closed in the summer due to COVID—the lineup at the Niagara Street branch stretched around the building. I’ve already emailed the CEO of the bank—Mr. Bharat Masrani—and received a reply back from Isabelle Hochman (a Manager of Customer Care). Perhaps

others would like to share their displeasure with the bank closing by called Isabelle at 1-833-934-0006. I think if a large number of us say that we are going to move our accounts to another bank, we might have an influence. The great thing about a branch in a small town is that we know the employees and they know us. Also several seniors who make up a large portion of Pelham will not want to transfer to the very busy Welland branch where they don’t know anyone.

David Whitehead Fonthill

7

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

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

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

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

Have an Opinion?

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

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

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The Voice

Page 5

A February 17, 2021

OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Councillor Wayne Olson

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

In watershed moment, leadership is action

A

long with Mayor Junkin, and Pelham Manager of Engineering Mr Derek Young, I was privileged to attend a recent Trout Unlimited Canada presentation on the topics of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development for Watershed Management. A special thank you to Dennis Edell of the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, and to his team of volunteers, the skilled and knowledgeable presenters, and my fellow participants, who had so many useful questions. I commend the Trout Unlimited Canada website as a source of information.

I have come to expect a great presentation from the people at Trout Unlimited, with a sensible balancing of the science and the practical. This particular presentation was a useful reminder of the circular nature of our world and the powerful laws that govern the planet. It was a recognition and appreciation that we might not always be aware of the ways in which the integral parts of the immense environmental system work together. We cannot afford to be oblivious to the consequences of not acting to preserve the environment.

We all need to remember that we are all interrelated, and there are often many solutions to a problem. We also need to be aware that there are no perfect solutions. Personally, I prefer to have many choices, because it broadens one’s thinking, identifies the critical antecedent actions, and serves my basic curiosity and informs my choices.

I had an interest in learning how other governmental organizations translated environmental need into focused corrective action. One of the highlighted Municipal Governance Lessons offered was Philadelphia’s experience with their Green Infrastructure Program. Those vital governance lessons included “prioritizing learning” throughout the organization, the need to bring all departments into the process, prioritization of “cross departmental integration,” and incorporating mutual goals into the resulting design.

Perhaps the biggest lesson was to dare to be innovative and embrace the possibility of failure. If one makes a mistake, and one will, by better understanding and anSee ACTION next page

Advice to Town Council: Just say no to proxy voting The subject of voting by proxy is not a complex issue. It is purely and simply anti-democratic if used as an accepted method of municipal governance. The issue has been well covered in the February 10th issue of the Voice on pages 4, 5, and 6, let alone the staff report on the issue tabled at the council meeting of February 1st.

I want all councillors to listen, to consider, to compromise if deemed advisable, and to vote as they see fit in the best interests of the Town of Pelham. And certainly not to act as part of a cabal to serve their own interests or to support “group think.”

My recommendation: ban proxy voting except in truly extenuating circumstances.

John Abbott Fonthill

HUMBLE

continued from previous page all the living former Governors General, I would be eligible for a lifetime annual pension of just short of $150,000 and a yearly

expense allowance on the order of $200,000.

I would really enjoy those perks, especially after being removed from office for not being up to snuff enough.

I will keep you posted on the status of my application. ◆

ROLL OUT THE BARREL! Pelham Cares is looking to freshen up the look of our bins and barrels that are used to collect donations within the community.

If you happen to have a bin or a barrel at your location please return it to Pelham Cares.

Or contact us at 905-892-5300, or info@pelhamcares.org to arrange pick up.

Once returned we can have them back to your location within that same week!

Frustration over continued lockdown, and a departure

A

s of last Friday, 1,221,539 doses of vaccines had been administered across Canada, with 35,000 shots given on Friday itself. Using these numbers this means 2.5% of the total population has received one dose. As I convey to you these numbers I am not exactly bursting with pride. However, with vaccine delivery supposedly starting to ramp up after a pitifully slow start, we can only hope that in the coming weeks these numbers will skyrocket.

Along with many other politicians in Niagara, I was disappointed that the provincial health officials kept Niagara Region in grey lockdown, when many of our health indicators suggested that we should have moved into the red control zone, and almost into orange. It has been suggested that if we advance to a less restrictive zone that residents will flood into the Region from other nearby areas. This argument loses its edge when it is noticed that practically all areas west of and including Hamilton moved to the red- control zone and many areas, including the not-too-distant region of Haldiman-Norfolk, moved into the orange zone.

I certainly hope that the powers that be will rectify this obvious mistake in the coming week.

In Niagara, 123—yes, that number is correct— only 123 doses were administered on Friday, bringing the total number in the Region to 7677. The good news is 100 percent of long-term care home residents have been given both doses, and 7.1 percent of high-risk retirement home residents have been given both doses. Unfortunately, seniors living in their own homes are in for another week or two of waiting. In the meantime it remains imperative that we all continue to wear masks when out in public, and sanitize your hands at every opportunity.

A

t Pelham Town Hall the blockbuster news this past week was Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato announcing her retirement, after a total of 40 years in municipal government, with over half of these spent in Pelham. From the first day that I became involved in politics in Pelham, I was amazed at the amount of knowledge Nancy possessed about everything alluding to municipal governance and protocol. It will be a sad day when Nancy walks out of Town Hall for the last time as Clerk, but the Town’s loss will be her grandkids’ gain. On behalf of Town Council and all Pelham residents, Nancy, we wish you a long and happy retirement.

At the other end of the employment spectrum our new Town solicitor has just finished her first month of employment in Pelham and when asked for comment these were her reflections: “My first month as Town Solicitor has gone quickly! Time flies when you are having fun...and when you are working hard! Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of meeting Mayor Junkin [Mayor’s note: A nice guy] and of connecting with many Town staff, both virtually and in person. I expect to meet other members of council shortly and I am looking forward to that.

I have received a warm welcome from everyone here and have already seen how dedicated council and staff are to serving the Pelham community. I am excited to be part of this team! In addition, having recently relocated to the area, I am looking forward to exploring the Niagara region with my family!”

Welcome to our town Jennifer! From our short time conversing with each other I am confident that you will have no problem fitting in with our team.

Now for all of you that have just finished reading this column, grab a coat and a hat and go get some exercise! [Editor’s note: Not before reading the rest of the paper.]

And when you return home, phone a friend.

Until next time… ◆

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Page 6

The Voice

A February 17, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Letters continued

POETRY

A pox on proxy

No need to rush SDU decision

Looking for Haist update

Here we go again! Can our elected councillors please do the job we elected them for—be at the meetings, do their due diligence, and above all, be transparent to the people who elected them.

Mayor Junkin has explained the “quorum” rule and it has worked thus far. It seems unlikely two councilors would be absent at once for any length of time, so four can do the job, as has been done this past year.

It is amusing that Mr. Hildebrandt found it necessary to consult MPP Oosterhoff, when he couldn’t even obey the rules of distancing and wearing a mask during this pandemic. He is part of Doug Ford’s group and as such, supports proxy voting.

Lastly, as a senior living in Pelham, which is part of the Niagara area, why is it so difficult to get information on the status of our area regarding COVID-19 updates.

We have watched the news on every channel, including CHCH, and nothing is reported about the lockdown, other than we are now in grey zone...and why are we, because we assumed that our numbers had gone down more so than Toronto and areas. We have been diligent and home waiting since last March to find out about vaccines and when we can at least go out for a lunch or get a hair appointment. I realize we’re all in the same boat, but as seniors our ages are against us as time marches on.

R. Obelnycki Pelham

The Town of Pelham’s Planning Department should not move forward on its Second Dwelling Unit proposal until the pandemic is over and we can hold public meetings to allow for a full presentation.

Or is the Planning Department opposed, and does not want to repeat the same situation that was created when a large crowd of objectors came out against a proposed additional house on an existing lot with an existing home? Or the fallout that was created when a homeowner who did not live in the dwelling created a second dwelling without a proper permit, and without a change in the single family zoning?

Whatever the case is, I feel that this bylaw amendment is such a major change in the fabric of our town’s identity and lifestyle that a motion to stay this change is a must. I believe we need a stay on this motion to allow for true democracy. We need this because it affects the whole town’s population, not just one small portion. We need to stay the motion until the pandemic is over so that all who wish to be heard and those wanting to show support can be seen.

We need this because of the vast majority of residents do not even realize what has been put forward due to the lack of transparency. A major amendment like this warrants a letter to all the citizens in the Town of Pelham not just a onetime notice in our local paper, other papers, or a notice on the Town’s website. Too many citizens don’t have the knowledge of how to maneuver the website or have a computer that will be affected by this amendment. I am not saying this because I’m against these notices but I feel that many citizens are not aware of the amendment.

I see the lack of public notice as the same way that the two new proposed developments off Port Robinson and the Steve Bauer Trail proposal changes went.

This created a major change in the proposal due to the motion on January 11, and created an unnecessary workload on the Planning Department, just because of the lack of notice to the general public.

In this time of major shutdowns we need governments on all levels to be innovative in ways to

As the Haist arena and quonset hut have been removed, the public eagerly await designs from Lally Homes. The taxpayers were told they would be informed as to an inclusive public meeting (Zoom), and variances for homes fronting Haist were requested.

Pelham Town staff indicated the land itself has to be cleaned due to toxic leftovers from years of usage as hockey arena. An update regarding these matters would be appreciated.

L. Morgan Fonthill

ACTION

continued from previous page ticipating problems one can contain the severity of the mistake and perhaps turn the mistake to one’s own advantage.

I was curious about Pelham’s stormwater management plans as they pertained to our new developments, in particular to our dozen or so Storm Water Management Ponds (SWMP’s), repetitive serious flooding, threats our urban forests and wetlands and changes to our drainage systems that residents tell me about so frequently. Being a former fly fisherman, I

also have an interest in the future of the Twelve Mile Creek watershed and the resident brook trout population.

Believing and knowing that planned work is a lot cheaper than unplanned work, I am always on the lookout for strategic plans, master plans, strategies and the like. In my world, everything starts with a plan. Every planning cycle deepens one’s body of knowledge. That way one can start to understand the underlying structures driving events and better anticipate opportunities and new directions and new required capabilities.

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Applications for 2021 are available at Town of Pelham or at the Legion. Any questions or needs, please contact Rick Hatt, Legion Coordinator at hattrich@sympatico.ca or call 905-892-6100

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See DWELLINGS next page

This summer, the Town will complete its important Asset Management Plan for municipal infrastructure. It will include lifecycle activities, including fully costed protocols for inspection, testing and maintenance, leading to a set of standard operating procedures for our ponds and all other assets. I am looking forward to this plan because it will be a structure that will help to broaden our thinking and present problems in a more focused, articulate and factbased manner.

I expect that there is some degree of urgency to the need for stormwater pond maintenance planning. The presenters cited the fact that there are over 1000 ponds in the GTA alone. According to a 2010 survey of 98 ponds within the Lake Simcoe and Region Conservation Authourity, 55 percent were in need of maintenance and “12 were so full they could no longer be classified as ponds.” I don’t believe that our ponds are in this condition because they are generally at an earlier stage of their lifecycle, but some do need attention.

According to a very current KPMG study, Pelham will be adding six more ponds within the next five years. The current learning arising from the study of our present maintenance ponds will produce strong protocols and strong standard operating procedures.

I have confidence that our staff will take full advantage of these opportunities to construct truly robust plans.

When it comes to Low Impact Development, we learned it is important to

Treaties overtaken by modernity In his remarks [“Deer hunt is treaty right,” Letters, Feb. 10, p.14], Mr. Scapillati shows that he is not cognizant of the varied concerns of the demonstrators at Short Hills Park during the deer hunt.

We have always expressed concerns about public safety, the damage to the environment and the suffering and mutilation of the deer during these treaty hunts.

Mr. Scapillati feels that, “...the deer are harvested, many celebrations are enjoyed over a good meal and the bonding and tradition of hunting by bow is enjoyed...It doesn’t get any better than that.”

He’s right. It doesn’t “get any better.” It gets

develop concepts and designs that “meet the existing maintenance regime” in terms of equipment, staff, and expertise. I would add cost to that, as well. With new stormwater ponds in our future, it is prime time to design our ponds

As I have said many times, the work of our Town committees is very impressive and they do us all proud

with ease of inspection and maintenance in mind. Of course, natural systems are cheaper than engineered systems.

There are several Low Impact and Green Infrastructure models in our community and some of them are reaching a mature lifecycle age. For all of our legitimate questions and concerns about the stormwater ponds, they are an important and integral part of Low Impact Design. With the degree of uncertainty about the lifecycle costs, we probably need to be building a financial maintenance reserve.

The overall objective of LID practices is to change our urbanized water cycle into a more natural water cycle. The objective needs to be to control the volume of the runoff so that water can evaporate or be absorbed into the soil and not

worse—way worse. Per Six Nations website today there has been an explosion of COVID cases “due to midwinter ceremonies Jan 15-Jan 26.”

Per their website today, Six Nations have 348 cases per 100,000, while surrounding areas have a tenth or less of that: Brantford has 22 per 100,000 and Haldimand-Norfolk has 30 per 100,000.

The authors of treaties written many, many years ago did not consider they would be over-hunting in Six Nations such that they would have to travel over an hour to hunt basically tame deer in a public park, didn’t consider ur-

LOOKING OUT I see outside, a winter wonderland.

I recall the sound of ice beneath my feet.

I can almost smell the frost upon the tree tops And I look at pristine snow that's oh, so sweet.

I remember well the sound of winter whipping Large icy flakes of snow, upon my cheeks.

The snowdrifts by our door that kept on growing, Until they reached a summit or a peak.

My father carved a lonely, snowy pathway, So we could walk to school each single day.

The joy we felt if there should be a respite, So we could climb the drifts, so we could play.

The ice rink that he made outside my window, The hose he held in frozen fingertips, The toboggans, skates, and sleds, Our noses, oh, so red.

All these memories keep drifting back to me.

But now that I am old and bones are brittle, My body grunts a thanks for memories, On a cold and blustery day, my bones must have their way, They're glad I'm looking out...

Instead of in!

See TREATIES next page

go into a pipe. That means reducing and delaying the peak runoff. Our soils are exceptionally good at absorpt ion—unfor tunately, the loose characteristics of our soils make them more susceptible to erosion.

There are several LID features in the Town already given that Public Works and Utilities has been taking opportunities to build LID features as money and time becomes available. There are good examples in some of our parks and flowerbeds. A very good example is the parking lot at Marlene Stewart Streit Park, which has the curbs removed to allow the water to recharge the groundwater rather than go through a grating and into a pipe. These features can be used to build staff and resident comfort and acceptance, showcase the technology, and provide proof of concept according to the presentation.

It might come as a surprise to many but every— that’s right, every—single lot in the Lookout subdivision has an LID feature called a soak-away pit, which recharges the ground water without collecting in a pipe and going into a Storm Water Management Pond.

As well, the Storm Water Management Pond at Brewerton and Haist is built to an Enhanced Level One, designed to control the quality and quantity and reduce the temperature of the water at the outlet.

In the meantime, council is expecting to receive a valuable report about our SWMPs this spring, which should add another important layer to our learning and body of knowledge.

Shirley Lazareth

It might be interesting if every resident had a look around their properties to identify the LID features and practices. Or better still, while contemplating the coming season, when we are reading the seed catalog. There always seems to be another thing that can be done to support nature. One should be looking for things like soak-away pits, infiltration trenches, swales, and trees. One will be impressed how much an individual can influence our environmental outcomes and perhaps realize that more can always be done.

As noted above, natural systems are preferred over engineered systems. The planned and existing wetlands in East Fonthill and East Fenwick represent a considerable area and opportunity. As I have said many times, the work of our Town committees is very impressive and they do us all proud. I am proposing what some have called a citizens’ “science project” to recommend the care and maintenance of our current and future green spaces.

I believe that our Town has the attributes for successful accomplishment in just about anything we choose to tackle. In the final analysis, leadership is more about action than anything else. There are many compelling reasons us to act together. And here are the ancillary benefits, according to the presenters: Increased green space, improved and new wildlife habitats, reduced urban heat, creation of green jobs, and improved aesthetics.

Surely these benefits are worth working towards. ◆

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

A February 17, 2021

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Page 7

Letters continued Election on the horizon So the people of Canada are probably going to face an election whether they want it or not. When it will happen will depend on who takes the blame for calling it. The Liberals keep threatening to call one if certain motions are passed or not and the Conservatives do not want to take the blame unless it is a critical point. The NDP will just sit back and wait to put their thumb on the scale when the time is right. How long can some of us go on with all the present government’s fiascos before we have had enough? Some have already had enough but a great many are sitting back in our COVID seclusion waiting for the next handout from the Liberals. The way they just cancelled money owing from personal businesses is just a hint of what funds owing they may cancel as part of an election campaign.

Sure, they made an ambiguous policy, but some people could see the intent and did not take advantage of it. Those who did not apply lost financially but hopefully morally they feel good. In the past if Canada Revenue made a mistake and adjusted your income tax return and gave you back extra money and then did a reassessment later and wanted it back with interest then that was your responsibility.

Television is airing anti-O’Toole ads promoted by a private group over which there are very few controls. These are not Liberal ads, although the group leaders may have Liberal leanings. These ads I suspect are aimed at taking the focus off the COVID vaccine shortages that have developed as a result of the Liberal procurement program. It is sad that less than one-half of one percent of Canadians are fully protected with the vaccine.

Agreed if you don’t have it you can’t adminis-

ter it but that is the problem.

Our economy is going to be a real challenge to show recovery. We cannot do that by carrying on with more social handouts. For sure, children and seniors need extra attention but there are a lot of people who will fail financially and some will never make it back. The federal government has left the dirty work up to the provincial governments to handle quarantines, lockdown, and closures because I guess that is their job. The provinces/territories should be better at it as they are closer to the job.

What the election platforms will be is wide open. The Conservatives will want to look at the COVID issue as well as the economy and the Liberals will continue giveaways to cover their tracks. The NDP will do the best they can to get things that Canadians would like but can’t really afford. But who cares about borrowing?

One issue that I am sure will come up though is more firearm control. There has been no letup in violence in the big cities and I suspect not one firearm banned last May from being owned by law -abiding, RCMP-licensed Canadians was used in any of these gang, drug or mental health-related crimes.

The solution will be to ban more firearms. Not admit they had it wrong. The Liberals are just too weak to get tough of crime, as it might hurt someone’s feelings.

Who knows— we could end up with another minority with the same or a different leader. As I see it.

Bill McLeod Welland

Animal losses more moving than human?

TREATIES

continued from previous page ban sprawl and didn’t consider a deadly pandemic.

They probably couldn’t have imagined or approved of the sadism of involved hunters leaving their call-

The question posed in the letter’s closing argument gauges the public is more apt to sympathize if the “pregnant deer” had been a dog. Perhaps.

The question one should ask is, what angle does this argument validate if pregnant people paying others to make them not pregnant is an ideology many are only too willing to stomach.

Janet Gritter Wellandport

ing-cards displayed: deer fetuses cut out of a doe and her once lactating nipples strung in a tree above; a deer heart left on an SHP sign; buck penis shafts on display on trails; forgotten (deadly) cross bows left in the park; numerous

DWELLINGS

continued from previous page connect with their constituents. We need our Town to be able to find ways to listen to the wishes of its citizens. We need to have the voices of the grass roots to be heard not discarded as troublemakers. We need our town administrators to prove to the public that they are listening to the public request to be heard.

Letters sent out to the all residents when major changes are being sought must be just

wounded deer left to die agonizing deaths; killing 69 lb fawns.

So, yes, Mr. Scapillati, it CAN get better than that. It MUST get better than that.

Sheila Krekorian and Joe Skura St Catharines

one tool. Weekly notifications in our local papers of major changes are another tool; making an open chat line on their website can create more people to bring forward ideas. By having more public meetings on topics, not just one meeting, would allow and encourage more to participate.

It has been clearly demonstrated that following the protocols and procedures that have been put in place during normal times is not enough to inform or to allow for proper debate during this pandemic.

Mike Jones Fonthill

Wear a mask, wash your hands and physically distance to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Learn more at ontario.ca/covid-19

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T:15"

Differing ideologies and worldviews will always put people at odds. Against it or for it, hunting divides. But what is perhaps telling in this letter opposing an Indigenous hunt [“Hunting is not ‘harvesting,’” Letters, Feb. 10, p.8] are the references to “a once – pregnant doe” and the fact that matters were considered worse when “twins” could be identified in the gutted remains. It reminds me of a similar point offered by horse rescuers who say two lives are lost when a pregnant mare is not saved and dies. Animal pro-life?

A harmless coffee break can do more harm than you think.

Page 8

The Voice

A February 17, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Former Town councillors react to Bozzato news Roland Rd. cop-on-cop Following last week's announcement that the Town of Pelham's Clerk, Nancy Bozzato, was set to retire this spring, the Voice reached out for comment from some who knew her the longest, members of the previous council. (Former Councillor Richard Rybiak and former Mayor David Augustyn did not respond.)

Former Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King

In every sense of the word, Nancy Bozzato is truly a professional! Nancy’s wealth of knowledge and experience will leave a void in the Town but it is with certainty that she will retire with dignity and grace knowing that she prepared staff to carry the torch high.

Nancy has been a friend when support was needed and shown caring and compassion to many, many people without ever losing sight of her professional role.

She has given of herself to the betterment of the community and now it is time that she devote her love and devotion to a new life chapter and new beginnings!

Former Ward 3 Councillor John Durley

Nancy's professional demeanor, open and pleasant personality, high rate of ef-

ficacy, undaunted knowledge and confidence, were a credit to our municipality and contributed very positively to the success of Pelham m o v i n g forward, especially during this current, very challenging, term of council. It was truly a pleasure to have served on council with Nancy in the position of Town Clerk. Her expert guidance and willingness to lead made the Parliamentary aspect of my job as a councillor easier, rewarding and enjoyable. Her well-deserved retirement will be great for Nancy (also for her husband Brian and the Bozzato family) but will be devastating for Junkin and his council.

Former Ward 3 Councillor Peter Papp

Having known and worked with Nancy Bozzato for over 40 years, there is not enough accolades that I could describe what a professional, de d icate d, compassionate, committed and caring person Nancy is and will continue to be even after she leaves the Town of Pelham. Whether it was

helping the E.L. Crossley marching Band, residents of Pelham, Mayor and council, conducting local elections at a superior level, her fellow staff and affiliated staff in local Niagara municipalities and the Region, she went beyond the ordinary realm of her responsibilities! She is very honest, focused and accurate in the her role as Clerk. She is an encyclopedia of municipal operations and purpose. She will be deeply missed but I know that her supportive and mentoring skills will ensure that her successor continues to maintain Nancy’s standards and respect for our municipality. To Brian and Nancy and their family, my very best and arrivederci—till we meet again! She never ever let me down.

Former Ward 2 Councillor Gary Accursi

When I learned that Nancy had decided to retire from her role as Clerk for the Town of Pelham I had very mixed emotions.

On the one hand I am very happy that she has decided to take the time to smell the roses and to enjoy all the things that she and her hubby Brian have worked so hard for. Lord knows she has earned every blessing that she has. On the

other hand, I am saddened that the Town is losing one of its most knowledgeable and professional employees.

During my time at the Town, I came to know Nancy as a highly professional public servant, dedicated to serving the people of the Town of Pelham. Nancy could have easily worked at any of the larger municipalities but she chose to work in “her town.” Nancy was always prepared, always knowledgeable (she never stopped taking courses) and always willing to offer gentle guidance in matters of procedure. She was well-versed in all things municipal, and while she at times came into conflict with some members of the public over things like Freedom of Information, her stand was always carefully researched and based on law not emotion. The public may not be aware but Nancy is highly regarded as a clerk not just in Niagara but across Ontario. Pelham was truly fortunate to have had her service for so many years. In addition to fulfilling her role as Clerk, she would always volunteer to help at special events and if she wasn’t working the event she most definitely would be there to lend support.

Nancy, you have my respect and admiration and my thanks for your service and I truly wish you the best as you move into this new phase of your life. Enjoy the cottage, the quilting and the grandbabies, my friend. You earned it!

shooting covered by documentary CBC reveals details of 2018 incident, casts critical eye on Niagara Regional Police

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

A CBC “The Fifth Estate” investigative report that aired on national television last week revealed new details about the 2018 North Pelham cop-on-cop shooting that left the victim, not the shooter, charged criminally.

Niagara Regional Police Const. Nathan Parker was shot ten times on Roland Road on Nov. 29, 2018 by Det. Sgt. Shane Donovan. After initial charges against Donovan were dropped, Parker himself was charged with assaulting a fellow officer with a weapon following a provincial SIU investigation.

The CBC investigation detailed several well-reported instances misconduct complaints against Parker, who first joined the NRP in 1990.

These included an alleged assault of a man in a Niagara courtroom after the judge had left chambers, and a 2013 road rage incident in North St. Catharines, in which Parker allegedly assaulted two motorists.

According to the CBC, police internal investigations found Parker guilty after of a total of four disciplinary offences, yet his most severe punishment was the docking of 120 hours of his pay. One report apparently said that Parker had still, “earned the support and confidence of his immediate supervisors.”

The Fifth Estate spotlighted the differences between internal police investigations of so-called less-serious infractions, and the SIU, which is only mandated to investigate incidents where a person is seriously injured or killed in the presence of Ontario police officers.

CBC reported that on the day in question, Parker and Donovan became engaged in a physical altercation when Parker returned after leaving his post without permission during a traffic investigation on Roland near Effingham Street. As the altercation escalated, Parker drew his baton. In return, DonSee SHOOTING Page 15

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After university she began her teaching career with Niagara Catholic School Board teaching high school physical education, science, and social sciences.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 9

A February 17, 2021

Veteran Pelham Town Clerk logs 40 years’ experience in municipal service Outpouring of praise greets news of Nancy Bozzato's retirement

I'm looking forward to reading books with chapters instead of subsections

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent in a partnership with Pelham, West Lincoln, and Wainfleet to administer the Committee of Adjustment functions for all three. So that was the capacity in which I returned to Pelham,” said Bozzato.

The new technologies of the past decade did not fluster Bozzato.

During her tenure, digital reports and agendas became the norm, and council meetings were livestreamed on YouTube for the public.

For Bozzato, the education process never stopped. She acquired numerous diplomas and certifications as part of her municipal journey, and became proficient in general administration and parliamentary procedure. Five years ago she even became qualified as a marriage officiant, and in the interim has performed dozens of Town Hall wedding ceremonies.

Mayor Marvin Junkin was effusive in his praise of Bozzato. “For the past decade, Nancy has been the familiar face of Pelham Town Hall, assisting residents through the myriad rules and regulations. It is always sad to see such a well-respected staffer walk through the doors for the final time, but it’s nice to know that the Town’s loss will be her grandkids’ gain.”

Communications Specialist Marc MacDonald made reference to an ongoing joke he and Bozzato shared.

“I was constantly knocking on her door [during non-COVID times] and prefacing nearly every conver-

DON RICKERS

“Even through a pandemic, I just think it's important to keep a positive attitude.”

So says Nancy Bozzato, one of Pelham’s longest serving public employees, who retires at the end of May after an 11-year run as Town Clerk.

A Pelham civil servant since 1999, and with more than 40 years of municipal service under her belt, Bozzato was lauded by her colleagues and local politicians for her skill, knowledge, and work ethic as news spread last week of her intention to step down.

Born and raised in Fonthill, she got her first taste of municipal government as an E.L. Crossley student back in the 1970s, when an academic work placement with the Region became available. She impressed her bosses such that they offered her a full-time job in the Land Division Committee office, the current-day equivalent to Pelham’s Committee of Adjustment.

Bozzato worked at the Region until starting her family in 1985, and took a sabbatical to raise her daughters. While on leave from the Region, she worked for the City of Welland and did some freelance work.

“At the time, the Land Division Committee function was being downloaded to all of the local municipalities, and the Pelham mayor at the time, Ralph Beamer, contacted me to ask if I would be interested

sation with, ‘Nancy, just a quick question.’ As someone with limited municipal knowledge prior to my employment with Pelham, I have been beyond fortunate to have her close by. I never stumped Nancy with my quick questions, since she literally had all the answers. She will have to go completely off the grid if she wants to avoid my continued pestering.”

MacDonald went so far as to honour Bozzato as the “single most influential person in my career thus far,” and wished her and her family “every ounce of happiness and joy to be squeezed out in her upcoming retirement.”

Regional Councillor Diana Huson, a relative political neophyte, said that her opportunities to interact with Bozzato were limited to municipal election time, and in pre-

senting reports to Council.

“Elections can be stressful, heated, and at times bizarre, not just for candidates, but for staff who have to manage them,” said Huson.

“In my conversations with Nancy which revolved around elections, my impression of her was that she’s a complete professional in her field, who sincerely cares about people, and takes great pride in her work.

I think Pelham has been very lucky to have her.”

Deputy Clerk Holly Willford, who worked alongside Bozzato for the past three years, said that, “Nancy’s integrity, passion, competence, and kindness have been inspirational.

She has left an incredible legacy, and will be greatly missed by all the Town staff.”

Retirement means more time with family and friends, and hob-

bies. Bozzato’s daughters are now adults with their own families. One is an elementary school teacher in Peel Region, the other a nurse practitioner in Hamilton.

“My husband, Brian, and I have always had a plan for moving forward with the next stage of our lives, and now's the perfect time for me to retire,” said Bozzato. “Brian and I like to play music together.

He’s a great musician. We used to do a lot of coffeehouse performances... it was a lot of fun. So I'm looking forward to having more time for that. And I enjoy cooking...and I’m looking forward to reading books with chapters instead of subsections.”

As to advice for her successor, Bozzato thought it important to, “remember that for the people you're helping through the roadmap of municipal work, this is something that's entirely new to them.

So just explain everything, and help them navigate the government process to understand how it actually works. For me, that’s been a very fulfilling part of the job.”

See more reaction to Bozzato's departure, previous page.

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The Voice

A February 17, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 delight, recalling all I’d been told about Jim’s upbringing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, at what his adoptive mother, Gladys Ansley, and her five sisters had operated as a home for mentally-challenged children, in a stately house along the Niagara River Parkway.

That mansion is today the Riverbend Inn, although pictures of the Ansley Sisters still adorned the walls the last time I visited for dinner in 2012.

Jim — or “Jimbo” — was a little older than my dad, but their paths first crossed as rank-and-file Mounties in Alberta in either the late 1950s or early 1960s, long before I was born. Joined by another absolute legend—John Bentham— the trio became good friends.

As a young child, my first memories of Jim date to my dad’s brief posting to Ottawa in 1983-84. By then Jim had returned from most of his overseas forays and had risen to the rank of superintendent, working with my dad out of the fortress-like RCMP headquarters on Alta Vista Drive. An unmarried man in his early 50s, he lived in a luxury bachelor pad popular among diplomats and other federal government employees along the Rideau River. Because the condo had an indoor pool, Jimbo would sometimes pick me up in that silver, Mercedes-Benz sedan he bought from the West German pavilion at the 1970 Expo in Osaka, and take me over for a swim.

As a world-traveler and a deeply caring man, he was an early donor to charities along the lines of Oxfam. I vaguely remember being at his house, and him showing me a picture of an East African child he sponsored.

“This is your brother,” he said.

Right, the Chick family at Jim Currie's wedding, with the author, age 11, wearing his Hong Kong Island School blazer, and his dad, Richard, in dress uniform. Above, Jim Currie with his mother, Gladys. Top, the boys home that Gladys and her five sisters ran in NOTL, ca. 1940. The building is now the high-end Riverbend Inn.

CHICK / FERGUSON FAMILIES I was too young to understand the whole logistical aspect to that, but those being the days of “Live Aid” and so forth, I got an early introduction to the act of charitable giving. Another time, Jim, my dad and I packed into the Mercedes and drove the two hours to Montreal for my first Major League Baseball game. After lunch on Sherbrooke Street, the Cubs beat the Expos by a score I cannot recall. Yet the main impression made on me that day was the concrete-donut vastness of Olympic Stadium—a heinous crime against the already-dubious field of brutalist architecture that still stands.

A few years later, my dad had been re-posted to Hong Kong, where we got a phone call. Jimbo was getting married, a borderline shocking development for the man-about-town. That sum-

mer we flew back to Canada—via a non-stop 18-hour flight from Seoul to JFK that also doubled as my first visit to New York City.

Jim and Ola got married at St. Thomas Church, on Ontario Street, with the reception at the Whirlpool Golf Course. Most of the wedding party was housed at the Pillar and Post, in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Despite living virtually everywhere else, Jim had always maintained an attachment to the Niagara Region, and his mother Gladys, then in her 90s, resided in St. Catharines.

That visit proved pivotal for me in retrospect. By now, my dad was neck-deep in the Narita/Air India bombing investigation (as for Jim, a big part of my dad’s RCMP work took him to Japan, albeit some 15 years later) and he was consider-

ing early retirement. My parents’ enchantment by the idyllic nature of Niagara-on-the-Lake quickly led them to searching out real estate in the area, with cost considerations ultimately leading them to Fonthill instead.

Tragically, within two years of getting married, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and died at the far-too-young age of 58, shortly after the passing of Gladys, at 100.

Some of Jim’s ashes were deposited in the Niagara Gorge, immediately across from his boyhood home, and the enormous front lawn he once cut with a push-mower.

My dad and another Pelhamite, Dell Clark, devised a secret indicator invisible to the naked eye to mark the spot where the ashes were scattered, but that information remains classified.

My godfather was also generous enough to leave me a portion of his inheritance, which later helped pay for my post-secondary educational ventures.

More than 30 years later, my dad and John Bentham have also long since passed away. I like to imagine the three of them are perpetually having drinks somewhere, engaging in the boisterous discussion and laughter I could hear from down the hall as a child. I also fondly remember Jim’s widow, Ola, after she gifted me MC Hammer’s seminal album, “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em.” Thanks very much, Margaret, for a blast from the past, and proof of how small this world is—and as a reminder of Gladys Ansley, an angel of a woman, whose life should be a model for others. ◆

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 11

A February 17, 2021

The Underground Railroad and Niagara

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent February is Black History Month, adopted by parliament in 1996 as a celebration of the chronicles and accomplishments of Black Canadians.

Niagara Parks is hosting a virtual speaker series this winter, exploring perspectives on Black history and culture in Canada. On March 31, local historian Rochelle Bush will provide a live-streamed, interactive presentation on the theme, “Self-liberated and famous: fugitive freedom seekers escape to Niagara.”

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Bush is the proprietor of Tubman Tours Canada, and the resident historian of the Salem Chapel, on Geneva Street in St. Catharines. The church has a British Methodist Episcopal (BME) affiliation, and is designated as a national historic site as part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists and safe houses which provided a route to Canada and freedom.

“John Wesley, the English evangelist who led a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism, fought for the abolition of the slave trade, and accordingly most slaves of African descent gravitated towards Methodism because of Wesley’s teachings,” said Bush.

Harriet Tubman Day has been celebrated in America for 31 years, in recognition of an iconic woman who helped bring hundreds of slaves to freedom in Canada.

Herself born into slavery in 1822, Tubman made her way to St. Catharines, where she ran a boarding house for escapees. She resided in Niagara for less than a decade, beginning in the early 1850s, but her influence was significant in the

Black community, said Bush. Tubman completed over a dozen missions back to the US to lead groups of slaves to freedom, often crossing into Canada over the suspension bridge on the Niagara River, which was built in 1855.

The Underground Railroad, which was active between 1840 and 1860, had two primary lines: the Eastern Shore line, through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York; and the Western line, by way of Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.

The main terminus was Detroit, with a crossing over into Windsor. Approximately 30,000 slaves were able to escape along one of these routes. Tubman was known to most Blacks as “Moses,” which was her code name as a conductor on the Railroad.

Fittingly, former US president George H. Bush declared March 10 in Tubman’s honour, and the City of St. Catharines, under then-Mayor Joe McCaffery, was unique in Canada in also proclaiming Harriet Tubman Day on that date. Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913.

President Joe Biden’s government is working to accelerate the process of adding Tubman’s portrait to the front of the US $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson.

The Obama administration set the concept in motion in 2016, but the Trump administration allowed the initiative to lapse.

On her paternal side, Rochelle Bush’s forebears arrived in 1830 and settled in Oro, on the northwestern shores of Lake Simcoe.

Her great-great grandfather’s oldest son, John Jackson, married a woman of French lineage from Grimsby, and moved to Pelham in 1862. On her maternal side, Bush’s

Rochelle Bush in the Salem Chapel on Geneva Street in St.Catharines. mother's family travelled from South Carolina, as free blacks.

Her great-great grandfather was a clergyman, who led the Salem Chapel during Tubman’s stay in St. Catharines. With the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act in America, which required that slaves be returned to their owners even if they were in a free state, he went back to South Carolina to retrieve his wife and children, and ultimately settled in St. Catharines.

“Tubman said she didn’t trust Uncle Sam with her people any longer, so she brought them all up to Canada,” Bush told the Voice.

“The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act empowered the federal government to hire bounty hunters, and judges were on the take — it was a rigged system.”

Bush characterized Tubman as a deeply religious woman, who spoke to God on a daily basis, asking for guidance. By 1855, St.

Catharines had 123 black families, thanks largely to Tubman’s efforts. Her fame amongst American Blacks grew to the point where US slave owners posted a $40,000 reward for her capture or corpse.

The first anti-slavery legislation in the British empire was signed in 1793 in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first capital of Upper Canada, the modern-day Ontario) by lieutenant-governor John Graves Simcoe. The act outlawed slavery in the colony, and granted freedom to the children of former slaves. By 1810, slavery had disappeared from the province, and consequently it was a lightning rod for American slaves seeking their freedom north of the border.

Many free Blacks in Upper Canada were familiar with agriculture, having worked on farms and plantations in the American South.

They found work as labourers on Niagara farms, and some managed

DON RICKERS

to become prosperous business owners.

In a press release, Premier Doug Ford praised Black History Month as, “a time to honour the legacy of all Ontarians of African descent, past and present, and their remarkable contributions to our province's history, culture, and social fabric. Our strength as a province comes from our diversity and inclusiveness, and we will continue to build an Ontario free of discrimination and hate.”

In the 2016 census, Pelham had a recorded population of 17,110, with only 50 residents self-identified as Black. Much larger Black populations were recorded in St. Catharines (3715) and Niagara Falls (1735).

Tickets ($15) for Rochelle Bush’s online presentation, “Self-liberated and famous: Fugitive freedom seekers escape to Niagara,” March 31, 7 PM, are available at niagaraparks.com/blackhistory

African-Canadians served with distinction in 1812

BY STANLEY FULEKI Special to the Voice If quizzed, “How influential were African Canadians in the settling of Canada,” most Canadians likely wouldn’t know. Yet by 1793 there was a successful Black settlement right here in the Niagara Peninsula, what was then known as Upper Canada. These free Black men not only had their own farms and businesses, they served valiantly during the war of 1812.

When the American Revolution ended in 1783, old grievances remained south of the border. Anyone who had been loyal to King George was persecuted, especially the African slaves who joined the British Army when it was learned that to do so guaranteed their freedom. So when the British lost their possessions in the newly formed United States, both Black and white residents faced life-threatening persecution.

Upon learning of their plight, with the many petitions sent to England, King George gave these “Loyalists” land to settle in Upper Canada, now Ontario. Veterans of the King’s service, both Black and white, received 200 acres each.

Settling in Upper Canada wasn’t easy.

Conditions to keep your land required that by the first year ten acres had to be cleared and a cabin or homestead had to be built.

Those who could meet the requirement and convert the land to farming made good money. Those who couldn’t often sold their land and bought into various businesses. Many of those Black settlers ended up in Shipman’s Corners (now St. Catharines), Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Pelham, as their British land grants allotted.

What is noteworthy is that by 1793 the

Drawing depicting a member of the Coloured Corps., date unknown, courtesy of Superintendent Ron Dale of Niagara National Historic Sites at Fort George.

SUPPLIED

majority of white settlers were abolitionists and sympathetic to the plight of the Africans who settled here. The Act Against Slavery was signed that year, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake gives detailed accounts of the Black men who were marrying white women in that

community.

By 1812 dark clouds of war were gathering over the Niagara Peninsula, with the United States looking at this fledgling British settlement as easy pickings. But General Isaac Brock had no intentions of giving in without a fight. He called all men aged 1660 into the militia and trained them alongside his British regulars.

Both Black and white citizen soldiers were paid equal rations and equal pay.

In the spring of 1812, an African Loyalist, Richard Pierpoint, who served with the British against the Americans during the Revolutionary War, wrote to General Brock requesting the formation of an allBlack fighting company.

Brock didn’t respond at first. He most likely was concerned about the cohesion of an already ethnically diverse army and militia with Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Germans and American Loyalists in his ranks.

But on August 28, shortly after his return from a triumphant victory at Detroit, Brock granted Pierpoint’s request. Brock promoted white Sergeant Robert Runchey to captain and to command the newly formed Co-

loured Corps.

The Coloured Corps served with distinction from 1812-1814, with not one incident of desertion. In October of 1812, the Coloured Corps fought alongside Mohawk chief Captain John Norton and the First Nations to rid the Village of Queenston of the American invaders there. Later that day at Queenston Heights, the Coloured Corps skirmished alongside the First Nations using hit and run tactics, pinning the American invaders from further advancement into Canada, until they later united with the British Army to plunge the Americans into the gorge of the Niagara River, sealing their defeat.

The trade skills these Black settlers possessed were in great need by the British Army. By 1813, Captain Runchey’s Coloured Corps was reassigned from infantry support to the Engineering Company. They were the artificers who built Fort Mississauga, which stands to this day.

The Coloured Corps served at the battles to retake Ft. George and Ft. Erie. They were at the battles of St. David’s, Stoney Creek, Burlington Heights, and Lundy’s Lane.

But their distinguished service did not end when the war ended in 1814. When extensions were approved to expand the first Welland Canal, circa 1843, the Coloured Corps was called to duty again. But this time their engineering skills were not called upon—instead they served as the federal police force that kept the Irish gangs from fighting each other.

Canada owes a great debt of gratitude to the British who put up the financial capital to build this country, to the First Nations who put up the muscle and sacrifice to keep it, and to the African-Canadians who served it with distinction and honour.

Page 12

The Voice

A February 17, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Pelham Cares’ barrels and bins get a facelift

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Jennifer Dubé, coordinator of client services at Pelham Cares, recently shared a bit of a history with the Voice concerning the organization’s white plastic barrels and blue Rubbermaid bins seen around town.

Years ago, Pelham Cares used a variety of receptacles that it loaned out to community groups in need of containers for food drives.

Tracy Holmwood, Pelham Cares’ president, came across a supply of large, white plastic barrels, and thought they would be a good serviceable product for ongoing use. Her business, Miller Restoration DKI, sponsored the first barrel, and shortly thereafter the charity’s VP and local realtor Keith Moore sponsored a second.

Len Doyle, a member of the Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District, and a longtime supporter of Pelham Cares, noticed the two barrels on public display, and suggested offering sponsorships to local businesses to increase the donation intake. Doyle broadcast the news to fellow Kinsmen, and before long, Pelham Cares had 15 sponsorships from local businesses and social clubs, including the Kinsmen, Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, and local Cadet Corps. The sponsor paid the cost to purchase

Brent Hume, of Pelham Cares board of directors, and coordinator Jennifer Dubé, with rebranded barrels and bins. the barrel, while Pelham Cares provided the sponsor logo labels.

“The barrels have been

a huge hit. We don‘t know what we’d do without them,” said Dubé. “We have about eight barrels that are positioned permanent-

ly within the community, while the other seven are used for community events or businesses who support a food collection drive.

DON RICKERS

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Through the years, the Pelham Cares staff have recovered many items from bins which could be considered inappropriate, beyond the occasional key ring and case of eyeglasses. Some people clearly have the mistaken impression that they are trash or recycling containers.

“We’ve seen half-eaten sandwiches and fastfood meals, canned and boxed food items a decade past their expiration date, partially used lotions and shampoo, and a few items almost too rusted to recognize,” said Dubé with a laugh.

She remembers that during one food collection, a very apologetic lady phoned the office to say that she had put a jar of peanut butter in the donation bin, not knowing that her husband had opened it and enjoyed a couple spoonfuls.

“We had to open all the peanut butter received— that’s a lot — to verify and discard the one that was opened.”

Dubé said that after years of regular use, the container labels have become weathered and worn, so it’s time to update and rebrand them, and give the barrels and bins a scrub. She is in the process of making calls to retrieve those out in the community, while board member Brent Hume pitches in by making the collections.

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The Voice

Page 13

A February 17, 2021

Grants inject dollars and hope Small businesses receive welcome relief

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson regularly talks to a lot of local people running small businesses, and recent conversations have left him distraught.

“It was kind of alarming to hear the state of affairs from their perspective,” said the Ward 1 representative. “People are scrambling…starting to make decisions about whether they can continue to operate.”

These are not necessarily the people right on main street, stressed Olson. They are the organic farmers, the event caterers, the restauranteurs…and they are stretched to their financial limits.

“This particular COVID shutdown comes at a really bad time for them. Some are using their personal savings to stay afloat, and they can’t continue to do that for much longer. As for many new start-up businesses, the pandemic will set these young entrepreneurs back several years.”

Olson was encouraged by a recent Ontario government announcement, offering various grants to small business owners that started in January.

“This intervention has been well received,” he said. “In fact, when the applications came online, the volume of traffic was so great it crashed the site. The Treasury Minister has announced that they’ve already had 40,000 applications, which is amazing.” Olson sent out notifications of the grant programs to 14 local business owners with whom he had met.

“It’s important to remind people that the money's there on the table, and it would be crazy not to apply for it.”

The Ontario government’s Small Business Support Grant Program provides up to $20,000 to small businesses (with few-

er than 100 employees) restricted by the province-wide lockdown. The funding can be applied to a variety of business costs (including wages, property taxes, utilities, and rent) and should be accessible within ten days of receipt of a completed application.

Eligibility requirements for businesses include significant restriction of operations because of the province-wide shutdown that began on December 26, and at least a 20 percent decline in revenue in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Businesses that opened after April 2019 will still be able to receive the grant, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Big box stores (which drew criticism for being allowed to remain open for in-person shopping during the pandemic), grocery stores, pharmacies, and liquor stores are not eligible.

Another program, the Main Street Relief Grant: PPE Support, assists small businesses with one-time, $1000 grants to cover the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment. Eligible businesses include those with two to nine employees in the retail and service industries.

The WSIB Employer Relief Package provides $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province.

Businesses struggling to pay their property tax and energy bills as a result of COVID-19 may also be eligible for rebates through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business Program.

Online applications are available for relief programs online at Ontario.ca. Questions can be directed to Transfer Payment Ontario Client Care at 1-855-216-3090.

The latest assistance for Niagara tourSee GRANTS next page

Annie Hinan drops off Valentine’s Day chocolate kisses and cards at Seasons Retirement Home in Welland.

DON RICKERS

Annie Hinan’s got heart

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent “She has a kind heart.”

Patti Hinan’s words of praise are directed at her daughter Annie, who has been organizing gifts for seniors home residents during the pandemic.

Annie was born and raised in Fonthill, before heading west to study at UBC. These days, she works in digital marketing with non-profit clients, and fundraises through her GoFundMe account called, “Make a senior smile.” She says it’s simply her way to brighten people’s day.

“This year has been hard on everyone, but especially on older folks living in retirement homes and nursing facilities,” said Hinan. “Many seniors have been isolated, scared, depressed, and denied access to their families for a long time. This is just a small effort to bring a smile to their faces.”

In 2020, Hinan surprised residents at the Seasons retirement community in Welland with 200 tulips at Easter, 200 painted pumpkins at Halloween, and 200 poinsettias at Christmas, along with almost 500 handwritten seasonal cards.

This Valentine’s Day, her GoFundMe has financed 600 Valentines and bags of chocolate kisses, to distribute to Seasons, Woodlands of Sunset in Pelham, and Plymouth Cordage in Welland.

Donations are welcome at www.gofundme.com/f/make-a-senior-smile

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The Voice

GRANTS

continued from previous page ism-dependent operators is the Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund, which makes non-repayable grants of up to $20,000 available for renovations and retrofits, PPE equipment, and support for technology and digitization.

Project costs must be incurred between June 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021. Priority will be given to projects that retain and create jobs, have a high jobs-to-dollars invested ratio, and increase the competitiveness and sustainabil-

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 18 and your plant-based ALA omega-3 requirements are met too.

Pumpkinseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and almonds go into the bowl next, as they will the lunch-time salad.

These seeds and nuts punch way above their weight. One ounce of almonds provides 37% RDA of vitamin E and 20% of magnesium.

An ounce of chia seeds delivers 18% of calcium and 30% of magnesium; pumpkin seeds contribute 23% iron and 37% magnesium; walnuts provide folate, B6, Vitamin E, and omega-3— you get the idea.

Breakfast fruits will include at minimum five

Hairstyling...

ity of the business post-pandemic. Details are available online at niagaracanada.com/covid-19-2/ tourismfund.

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff told the Voice that the local tourism sector has especially suffered in the context of COVID-19, as the region’s unemployment rate grew from 6.7 percent in November to 8.7 percent in January.

Accommodations and food services —key sectors in the tourism industry—lost about 2,200 jobs between November and mid-December.

“Tourism industry representa-

small portions selected from banana, cherries (frozen non-sweetened), blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mango and pineapple to contribute to RDA for potassium, folate, vitamin C and fiber.

For variety, blend kefir, milk, soy beverage and almond beverage to taste. The soy and almond drinks will be fortified with many nutrients; milk and kefir are loaded with calcium. Kefir (fermented yogurt and milk) is an excellent source of probiotics for gut health, which is one of the most often cited reasons older adults have difficulty absorbing some nutrients.

This mixture in these quantities will all fit into a single bowl, is a great mix of low and high glycemic

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca spas, and gyms, have been hit hard.

“We hope that access to various grant programs provide these businesses with the resources they need to get through the lockdown. The key is for all of us to support these local businesses, throughout the lockdown and beyond, as best we can.”

MPP for Niagara Centre Jeff Burch downplayed the aforementioned measures, telling the Voice that it was, “once again, a case of too little, too late from the Ford government.” The NDP stalwart is calling for a ban on all com-

Rather than continue to list each component individually and its RDA values, here’s the rest of the ingredients to make a lunch crammed with nutrients: half an orange, to increase nutrient absorption; four to six cherry tomatoes, diced peppers of all colours, radish, garlic, sweet onion, c a r r o t s, and repeat the seeds as in breakfast, adding sunflower and hemp seeds.

At 4 PM, when your body demands a snack, blend up a fruit smoothie with half a cup of kefir or yogurt and orange juice, and fruits to taste. The remaining ingredient selection can be used to help fill any nutrient deficiencies you might have for the day.

If you’ve adopted the food-as-fuel approach for breakfast, lunch, and a smoothie snack, you already have 100% of your RDA for magnesium, fiber, potassium, and Vitamins C and B6.

You’re approximately 65% there for calcium and Vitamins D and B12, and halfway on omega-3s.

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Our family is like a quilt. Each our own piece, held beautifully together over the years, by the tiny threads of your love and nurture.

Your Family

tives in Niagara have shared with our office that it could take three years after the end of the pandemic to recover,” he said.

Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director of the Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the government assistance. She asserted that small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and now is the time to do everything possible to help them survive. Fabiano noted that the hospitality sector (especially restaurants), small specialty retail shops, and personal service companies such as hair salons,

foods, and is not as bulky as you might think. The mix is easily digestible, and provides an excellent start to acquiring your RDA of many essential nutrients. Preparation time doesn’t have to be arduous. Each fruit except the banana can be precut into enough small pieces to last for four days without significant nutrient loss — just store them in sealed glass containers to minimize moisture loss.

Yes, of course lunch is a salad, but so much better than what you’re envisioning as you read. A half hour preparation time can make enough salad to last for four days by refrigerating as above.

Dark leafy greens will be one third each of spinach, romaine and kale, which will provide more than 100% RDA of Vitamin C, 28% of folate, 12% potassium, and 20% magnesium, just to mention a few. The Washington Post says, “Cancer studies seem to show that raw kale is more beneficial than cooked, while cholesterol studies seem to show that steamed kale is more beneficial than raw.” Remember to serve it both ways.

Mix in half a diced avocado and you’ve added 10% folate, 7% potassium (more than a banana), 7% B6, 27% fiber, and tons of monounsaturated fats (the hearthealthy stuff).

High School Sweethearts

Love,

A February 17, 2021

Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply.

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

mercial evictions, a 75 percent commercial rent subsidy, sick days for all, a fund to help businesses with safe-reopening costs or remote-work set-up costs, more non-profit and public childcare spaces for working parents, and an end to insurance gouging and denials.

“This lockdown means more people are facing the collapse of their business, the loss of their job, or financial hardship. We’ve heard from many businesses and cultural halls that, without much-needed support, they face imminent closures,” said Burch.

ga-3s will be key to selecting your dinner ingredients, but if you expect an active afternoon and your appetite allows, here’s a trick.

Try supplementing your lunchtime salad with slices of meat, hard-boiled egg, or salmon to get these foods’ specific additional nutrients like Vitamins B 1 2 , B6 and D. Just one and a half ounces of wild salmon will add enough additional Vitamin B12 and D to meet your RDA. Or switching lunch from salad to a tuna sandwich on whole grain bread on occasion can provide variety and large quantities of Vitamin B12 and B6.

Dinner can serve the same purpose: filling nutritional gaps in a more traditional presentation. You still need some folate, Vitamin E and omega-3 to complete the day.

Vitamin E is available from plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, making it easy to fit in.

Roasted red bell peppers or asparagus as your vegetable works, or an evening snack of sunflower seeds, almonds and peanuts would do it.

Add a chunk or two of cheese and you’ll top up your calcium RDA too.

Asparagus or beets as a vegetable side will just about

complete your folate RDA, or choose a cup of lentils and you’ve exceeded your needs.

Try fresh mango with kefir as a substitute for potatoes and sour cream to push your folate RDA over the top and get you closer to 100% of your calcium RDA. For dinner, one portion of salmon or smoked mackerel will provide all the omega-3 needed.

Grass-fed beef is the best source of omega-3 if you prefer a steak or roast, and vegetarians can opt for tofu or tempeh, although all these options contain less omega-3 than fish.

With knowledge and planning, most of us can achieve our RDA of essential nutrients from dietary sources, even as we age. There will be exceptions based on underlying health conditions, and there are limits to how strongly we may want to embrace a food-as-fuel approach to eating when we’re surrounded by so many delicious choices that provide little nutritional value. And if necessary, a disciplined approach to nutritional supplement use can compliment occasional deficiencies in your dietary plan.

It may take time to learn more about nutrition, diet and foods, but before long choosing the necessary ingredients and correct portion sizes to maximize nutrients and minimize calories will become second nature.

Plus, doing the calculations could be a brain-stimulating change from puzzling or Sudoku. ◆

“21” with 59 years of Experience!

Happy Birthday, Terry!

You look great...still as handsome as ever. Keep washing those cars and mowing your well-manicured lawn. Hugs from your family!

Cheers to “80” Years!

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A February 17, 2021

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ovan unholstered his sidePELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP arm. Donovan then alleged Parker said,six “Oh, you with want fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials Make cards to do this?” before throwing are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. down the baton and pulling Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamout his own gun.

Donovan, who says he library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. feared for his life because he wasn’t wearing a bulletproofFABULOUS vest, then discharged FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY his weapon in Parker’s diTasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, rection.

Parker, who wasand wearing french fries much more.

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Robin Zavitz camera9. from

THE FIFTH ESTATE / CBC a bulletproof vest, still suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach.

He was airlifted a PELHAM MINORtoHOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Hamilton hospital, where he Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide later required bowel reconstructive surgery, according cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from to the CBC. He remains on 9-12 in the morning. paid long-term disability.

Det. Sgt. Donovan meanBY DON RICKERS accident that happened prewhile, is now suing his emVoice Correspondent viously.”

PELHAM MUDFEST ployer, the NRP, for $2 milZavitz was out and about andforwomen back the mud29,as2018, the second run on the year is lion Men dollars failing will to be It was in November again around 1 PM, and figproperly discipline Parker around 11 AM. Pelham resiured that the police must held at Bissil’s Hideaway. over the years, helping lead dent Robin Zavitz, who lives be done with their investito the incident. with her family on Roland gation. But roadblocks were Donovan’s lawyer, Marga- Road, was returning home NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION still in place. “I thought, ret Hoy, was highly critical via Effingham Street. well this is weird,” she said. games and headline this years exciting event. It of theRodeo, NRP, and said she haslive entertainment “There were police cars “I could see up ahead at the been runs familiar for a long time blocking off the roadway at from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. intersection of Roland and with allegations of miscon- the intersection, and also a Effingham that there were duct against officers. roadblock further down Ro- now more police cars, and a “I’m seeing the same fre- RIDE BIG MOVE CANCER land near Sulphur Springs,” lot of activity of police offiquent flyers coming across said Zavitz. “There were a cers walking around in the The Hoy Big said, Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. my desk,” referring half-dozen policemen pres- road.” to the7.subjects of complaints Proceeds for the Bigent, Move and support Walker Famandstay threeinorNiagara four police Pullingthe over, she snapped against cops. “We expect the cars. I always have a cam- some more pictures, and ily Cancer Centre. police to do the right thing, era with me, so I snapped made her way home. Shortand it doesn't always happen some photos. A police officer ly after she walked through in Niagara.” came up to my car and said the door, friends called to WALKING CLUB NRPS spokesperson Const. that I’d have to turn around, inform her that there were in walking Pelham?

Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Phil Interested Gavin declined a Voice inbecause they were reconSee CBC next page request for comment. structing a motor vehicle

CBC interviews Roland Rd. resident about cop shooting

from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

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FAITH LIFT

CBC

and fourth…) chances! He’s a gracious God and He’s always ready to forgive and restore us when we humbly admit and confess our sins and failures to Him. “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) What a wonderful promise God offers to us all!

So, if you need a second chance in this new year, remember Mark and be encouraged. After his failure, he was not dispatched into the dustbin of history. Rather, God used him in a wonderful way and even entrusted to him the writing of one of the four biographies of Jesus— the Gospel that bears his name. ◆

social media posts concerning a shooting on Roland Road.

“The eerie part is that I must have just missed it. I did not witness any of the shooting, or even hear any gunshots,” said Zavitz.

She did hear the sound of a helicopter mid-afternoon, likely the one that airlifted the injured officer to hospital.

The phone rang again. It was Liam Casey, a reporter for the Toronto Star, with whom Zavitz had spoken a couple of times in the past about other issues.

“He remembered we lived on Roland Road, so he called me to inquire if I knew anything about the shooting. I told him I had pictures, and he asked me to send them to him right away. That’s how CBC News must have found out about me [for their documentary], and made contact.”

Casey told Zavitz that the information from his sources was that a police officer had been shot. He didn’t know at the time that a second officer was involved.

continued from Page 19

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who's needed a few second chances too.

continued from previous page

Constable Nathan Parker is set to go to trial in September. While he was the officer shot, the officer who shot him, Det. Shane Donovan, says he acted in self-defense.

THE FIFTH ESTATE / CBC “You know, you wonder where's the shooter? Who's the shooter? Are any residents in the area at risk? Yeah, so it was pretty unnerving,”

she said. “It just begs the question of what on earth could have happened between two police officers while they're investigating a traffic accident, that would lead one to shoot the other? It makes you wonder if there was some kind of history between these two guys… I mean, it’s just not rational.”

Zavitz fired off a couple of her photos to Liam Casey that were published both in the Toronto Star and by CBC News.

“It was bizarre for sure,” she said.

CBC was back last fall, this time in the form of The Fifth Estate, the long-form documentary series now in its 46th year. Producers were working on an episode that was to address how police misconduct in Canada is handled by the authorities, with a particular focus on the cop-on-cop shooting that occurred in Pelham.

Zavitz was interviewed for the program, "Who Polices the Police," last October 4, close to two years after the shooting.

The episode aired last Thursday evening, and is available on CBC Gem, as well as on You Tube. A link may be found on the Voice's Facebook page.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OBITUARY

The Voice

Page 17

A February 17, 2021

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

SIMPSON, Barbara With deep sadness we are announcing the peaceful passing of Barbara Mary Frances Simpson (nee Little) at the age of 94, with her daughter, Janet, at her side on Thursday, February 4 in Whitby, due to congestive heart failure. Barbara is survived by her daughters; Rosemary Shea (David), Janet Finlay (James) Katharine Klose (Steven), daughter-inlaw Jill Simpson, many honorary sons and daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Zoe) Little and sister, Ausma Podkalns. Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Vernon Simpson; son, William Simpson; brother, Edward Little II, and parents, Edward and Mary Little. Barbara was born on May 26, 1926 in St. Catharines and grew up in Thorold and Welland.

At the age of 5, she and her family began going to a family property in Muskoka – they called “The Camp” - later named Windy Shores by her mother. And camp they did, with sheets of canvas flung over wood poles, cots for beds, camp fires, a single candle for light as the sun went down and a dug latrine! Soon a one-room wood structure was built and the family continued to live off-the-grid for 89 years. Improvements were made over the years making it Barbara’s special place to be. Her parents were very active in Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, so passed many useful outdoor skills onto her and her brothers. Throughout her life she was active in many Girl Guides capacities; as a Brownie and Girl Guide Leader and Camp Director. She fondly remembered doing her part as a teen during the war as a Niagara Area Farmerette – (working on local farms as many of the farm hands had gone to war). She went to college and ventured off to work in Toronto at the Connaught Laboratories as a Lab Technician. It was in Toronto where she met and married Vernon Simpson, a U of T Engineer in 1950. They had 4 children and moved from Toronto to Fonthill in 1955. Barbara took an active role in her community. She was on the Fonthill Library Board ensuring a new library was built; was instrumental in the long running success of the Pelham Art Council’s annual show; and an avid volunteer and strong supporter of her church - Holy Trinity Church in Fonthill. She participated in Girl Guides Canada, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, the Canadian Needle Arts Guild, the (McKeevers) Owl Foundation, the Cancer Society, and local hospitals. She and Vern were enthusiastic world travelers and enjoyed wintering in Mexico for the last 25 years. Barbara was an excellent seamstress, avid reader, card player, knitter, and on occasion – poet. She will always be remembered for her grace, dignity, life wisdom and all encompassing affection. She was strong, kind, a teacher of compassion and a beacon of love. May God bless her and may her beautiful spirit live on through all who knew her. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the family will plan a Celebration of Life and Burial at a later date. Memorial donations can be sent to: Owl Foundation (Vineland Station), Scott Mission (Toronto), Salvation Army or Cancer Society of Canada. On-line condolences, memories may be shared on Barbara Simpson’s obituary at: www. lampmanfuneralhome.com

OBITUARY

MONTPETIT, Frederick William 1937 - 2021

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Fred on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the Welland County General Hospital in his 85th year. Beloved husband of 59 years to Wanda (nee Wojtaszek). Dear and loving father of David Montpetit (Kimberly Humphreys) of Kelowna British Columbia; and Michael (Kelly) Montpetit of St Louis Missouri; and Mark Montpetit of Toronto Ontario. Beloved grandfather of Jordan Montpetit, Brock Montpetit and Garret Montpetit, of St Louis Missouri. Fred joins in eternal peace his beloved mother Olga Montpetit, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Born and raised in Welland Ontario, Fred moved to Fonthill Ontario where he and Wanda raised their family and were active members of the community. He was a long-time member of St. Alexander’s Catholic Church in which he and Wanda would attend and volunteer regularly. His 35-year career in education spanned numerous positions at the Niagara Catholic School Board and the District School Board of Niagara - including teaching and leading special education - before retiring as Principal at St. Mary’s School of Niagara Falls. Post-retirement he consulted with Canisius College in Buffalo New York until his mid-70s. Fred cherished his friends and extended family.

He enjoyed gathering and celebrating with others, including being the founding member of The Romeo’s, a monthly social group. Throughout his life Fred enjoyed travelling, even dabbling as a travel agent in his retirement. He and Wanda travelled extensively, visiting several countries world-wide. The family would like to thank the staff at Lookout Ridge for their care and support of Fred during the time he was there. Special thanks to PSW Greg. In keeping with Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced once it is safe to gather again. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation https://www.foundation.hoteldieushaver.org/site/home Online condolences can be made to www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

Judith Damaris Bridgeman (nee Tebbit) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Judith Bridgeman, who left us peacefully at Lookout Ridge Retirement Home on February 10, 2021 (age 93). Judith was born on June 1, 1927, in Binbrook Ontario, the youngest child of Amy Maud Tebbit and Alfred Sidney Cunningham Tebbit. She is also predeceased by her two older brothers, Edgar and Roland; husband Allan of over 60 years; and daughter Mary Ellen. Growing up on a small dairy and crops farm just outside of Smithville, her family was not of means but they wanted for nothing. In school, Judith was whip smart and, on the recommendation of her principal, Dr. E.L. Crossley, earned a full scholarship to McMaster University, where she graduated magna cum laude in English (which made her a stickler for grammar and diction, and a most formidable opponent at Scrabble!)

It was while attending McMaster, shortly after the War, during a dance, that she met Allan Edgar Bridgeman. They fell hard for each other, and after a brief courtship, they married on June 7, 1947. A gaggle of boomers soon followed: Barbara Ann (friend Guy Royal), Mary Ellen (d. 2011, husband David, son Justin); Eric Lyle (wife Eda); Wendy Jean (friend Bill McLaughlin); Brian Edgar (wife Lois and son Luis); Nancy Joan (wife Catherine and children Katie, Kurtis and Jenny). There are not enough words to describe what a loving kind, caring compassionate woman Judith was, a picture of grace and goodness. Quick to forgive and unfailingly supportive, those who encountered her felt enriched by her kindness and warmed by her smile. (The only blemish, according to family lore, was the one time she nearly drove through a yellow light. And, in a moment of pique, she did once utter the word “fiddle”.) She was a devoted wife to Allan, and an exceedingly caring mother to her six children: the best mother a child could ever have. With six busy children, running the household was a full-time job. When the starter home in Fenwick became too cramped, the family moved to Fonthill in 1963 where they lived on Pinecrest for over 40 years. Judith was a masterful craftsperson, teacher, role model, hostess, Scrabble fanatic and more. She was the neighbourhood go-to sewing expert, and excelled at any hobby she put her mind to, especially needlework. She loved her home, and throughout her marriage enjoyed creating hand-crafted furnishings and accessories with Allan. Judith was ever thoughtful and generous and always found time to give back to her community. She was a long-serving member of the Fonthill Baptist Church, where for a time she served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. She taught English as a second language at Niagara College and canvassed regularly for the Canadian Cancer Society. She served on the executive of Town Square Manor and on the Welland Hospital Auxiliary. As a member of Pelham Cares, she drove countless seniors to appointments across Niagara Region. After Allan retired from a career in education, they travelled regularly, keen to explore the world. A favoured destination was Australia, where Judith’s mother was born in 1889, and where son Eric resides. The bicentennial of Australia opened the door to exploring her heritage as a First Fleet/ convict descendant! Judith was a loving grandmother to Justin, Katie, Kurtis, Jenny and Luis, and a second mother to her niece Marilynn Tebbit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A kind and gentle soul who always made everyone feel special. Judith was never without a smile … right to the end. The family extends its sincere thanks to the kind staff at Lookout Ridge who provided exceptional care and support to our dear mother over her four years of residence there and throughout her final days. There will not be a funeral service, but the family is aiming to hold a Celebration of Life for Judith later in the spring, circumstances permitting. In the meantime, we welcome those who wish to do so to post memories, pictures or comments at the online condolences page of the Pelham Funeral Home. www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

SPACKMAN, Lynda Gail August 18, 1954 February 8, 2021 It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the death of Lynda Spackman. Lynda fought a courageous battle with brain cancer, but it never stopped her from giving out the tightest hugs, the most heartfelt kisses and the best advice. Lynda passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving husband Dave, children Eric, Kyle (Sherri) and Dana (Brendan) and Shannon. She is survived by her step son Sheldon (Michelle) and her brother Bill (Carol). She will be forever missed by her amazing grandchildren Dylan, Sierra, Rory, Peyton, Nathan and Dexter who lovingly referred to her as “Nana”. Lynda had a successful career at John Deere Credit for over 33 years before retiring in 2014. Her leadership will never be forgotten amongst colleagues as they knew her as a voice of reason that was always willing to help. Whether travelling the world with her devoted husband or watching her grandchildren swim in the backyard pool, Lynda took pleasure in the simplest of life’s joy. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met and she had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. She will be greatly missed by all. Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial for Lynda will take place at a later date. The family requests that in lieu flowers to please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www. pelhamfuneralhome.ca

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The Voice

A February 17, 2021

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THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

Part 2: Turning those 12 essential nutrients into meals

I

n last week’s column, we discussed 12 essential nutrients, how they keep our bodies healthy, what dietary sources provide them, and what our Required Daily Allowance (RDA) is of each. In practice, few people want to spend hours in the kitchen, so converting the above information into successful meals requires knowledge and enthusiasm for the anticipated results.

Recognizing that certain foods provide a wider variety of nutrients than others is a good start.

Salmon, dark leafy greens, fortified beverages, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, all check multiple nutrient boxes, which increases their di-

etary value and benefit.

We know there is a limit to how many calories we can consume each day, and this has dietary implications.

Firstly, every useless calorie we ingest means we can eat one less beneficial calorie. Saturated fats, sugars, starches and sodium-laced foods add useless calories.

Secondly, the part that exercise levels play in determining allowable calorie intake is huge. For women 51-plus, recommended sedentary calorie intake is 1600, moderately active is 1800 and active increases to 2100.

Moderately active would be walking two to three kilometers per day, active would be five kilometers per day.

For men, sedentary is 2000, moderately active is 2300, and active is 2600 calories, a 30% increase over sedentary requirements.

Every additional calorie we burn through exercise is one more that we can eat— either to gain additional nutrients or to reward ourselves with a traditional treat.

Our diet works best when it is complex, in the sense of eating a wide variety of foods, with as little as possible being commercially processed or refined Understand the basics of portion size and RDA. Don’t use Denny’s or Olive Garden as your guide. Smaller portions mean wider variety for the same calories.

Check out which foods and nutrients are more easily absorbed when boiled or cooked. For example, the amount of available lycopene, a powerful antioxi-

dant found in red fruits and vegetables, increases 35% in tomatoes when they are cooked.

Cooked carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, peppers and many other vegetables also supply more antioxidants, such as carotenoids and ferulic acid, to the body than they do when eaten raw. However, their Vitamin C level may be reduced by cooking, so you need to know what nutrients you’re after.

Knowing which foods benefit or inhibit nutrient absorption is important too.

Vitamin C aids non-heme iron absorption, caffeine reduces it. Vitamin D and

calcium work best together.

Consuming complementary plant and animal protein helps ensure you get all nine amino acids.

Understand the role fortified foods can play in delivering necessary nutrients through diet.

Potassium is an example for which a large volume of naturally occurring food is required to hit your RDA. It’s useful to know that additional amounts of your potassium RDA can be provided by fortified soy beverages and orange juice if necessary.

Let’s do breakfast, and start consuming nutrients with a plan.

Homemade muesli is delicious and in-

expensive, but I’ll take a fortified cereal with the least sugar possible instead. The RDA percentages of Shreddies, with a cup of dairybased skim milk, are calcium 15%, fiber 24%, B6 20%, folate 20%, B12 35%, and magnesium 35%. Mix the skim milk with kefir and the RDA percentages increase significantly.

Add two tablespoons of psyllium husk and your fiber needs for the day are covered, plus you’ve got psyllium’s additional prebiotic and cholesterol lowering benefits. A couple of tablespoons of ground flax seed See BALANCED LIFE Page 14

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you are feeling ambitious this week, so it might be time to try a new hobby or other interest. Write down your goals and see if any align with potential hobbies.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, some nice surprises are likely to come your way, especially in your private life. Enjoy every moment as it unfolds and express your appreciation when applicable.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you are likely to upstage everyone else this week because people simply cannot get enough of your magnetic personality. If you grow weary of the limelight, take a break.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, clear your social schedule in favor of some quiet time at home. Such a respite can provide a great opportunity to reflect and make a new plan.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you have a goal to meet someone new and there’s a good chance you will discover that person in the days to come. Accept the possibility that hopes and dreams can come true.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, friends often end up filling familial roles. Even though a person may not be related by blood, certain friends can be relied upon through thick and thin.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Even though the holidays are over you may still want to continue the celebration, Libra. Find a way to socialize with friends or family in a responsible manner.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you may be finished with the business that made last month hectic. Now you are ready to start a new chapter. A calm period is ahead.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, a potentially lucrative opportunity may present itself in the days to come. Consider all of your options and give equal though to all of them.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, even if you don’t say much, there is a lot of chatter going on in your head. Take some time to find a quiet place and meditate for a while.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Sometimes you just have to take a risk without vett ing all of the possible outcomes, Aquarius. If it feels like it’s a good time to make a change, embrace the opportunity.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 This week is the ideal opportunity to show strength and exhibit your organizational skills, Pisces. Don’t be afraid to think big.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS FEBRUARY 14 Freddie Highmore, Actor (29) FEBRUARY 15 Matt Groening, Cartoonist (67) FEBRUARY 16 Ice T, Actor (63) FEBRUARY 17 Ed Sheeran, Singer (30) FEBRUARY 18 Vanna White, TV Host (64) FEBRUARY 19 Millie Bobby Brown, Actress (17)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. SRI 2. HERS 3. ESOP 4. MUNI 5. PRETENDING 6. YES 7. LC 8. OTC 9. RIAL 10. IONA 12. RILL 13. NABOB 16. DEBAR 17. ALIBI 20. SEED 22. DA 25. MS 26. AAR 27. SENATORIAL 29. SAO 31. KAW 34. LEO 36. ABOR 37. DAKAR 38. SARGE 40. SB 43. SATIS 45. AS 48. DEER 50. AGAS 51. GNRH 53. ARIA 54. DILL 55. SELL 57. SSR 58. FPL 59. RAY 61. AI

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SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. SHEM 5. PYLORI 11. RESURRECTION 14. IRONIES 15. CANADA 18. SPILT 19. LABELS 21. LED 23. OBIE 24. NAMAS 28. BABE 29. SD 30. SAEK 32. RID 33. AIL 35. RNA 36. ADS 39. ONES 41. AW 42. BAAS 44. GOBAT 46. OKRA 47. SOD 49. RAGTAG 52. READS 56. REIGNS 58. FIERIER 60. SARSAPARILLA 62. SHRILL 63. ALLY

Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays!

From our family to yours...stay safe

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The Voice

Page 19

A February 17, 2021

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

Mark, champion of second chances

I

n this new year, some of us are looking for a second chance. Things didn’t go quite as expected in 2020 (to say the least). Maybe you experienced a loss, a disappointment, a failure. Let me introduce you to Mark.

The second evangelist

Appropriately, the Gospel of Mark is the second book in the New Testament (following Matthew). Most Bible scholars believe it’s the earliest Gospel, written around 60 AD (anno domini, or, “in the year of the Lord”).

It’s certainly the shortest, with its 16 action-packed chapters. It omits Jesus’ birth and moves very quickly into Jesus’ public ministry, beginning with his baptism, temptation, travels and miracles. Interestingly, the most common word in this Gospel is the word “and” (used over 1300 times!). It seems like Mark is in a hurry to tell us all that Jesus did.

His full name is John Mark, so he can become easily confused with John the disciple (later apostle), or John the Baptist. So, he’s usually just referred to as Mark. He was not one of Jesus’ 12 disciples but was a close companion to Peter, from whom he probably received most of his information about Jesus. That makes Mark’s Gospel the closest we have to a Gospel of Peter (which doesn’t exist).

ed nine verses!

We’re not told why. Did young Mark feel it was getting too dangerous? Did he get homesick? Did he get disturbing news from home?

We don’t know so we won’t speculate. Later, when Paul and Barnabas plan their second missionary journey, Barnabas again wants Mark to come along. This time Paul refuses, remembering what happened the first time (see Acts 15:37-38).

So, the two pioneer missionaries separate and Paul chooses Silas as his new partner while Barnabas chooses Mark, giving him a second chance. They go in

two different directions and God blesses both missionary teams. Later we read in Paul’s letters that he values Mark’s ministry, which shows he is glad he was given a second chance after all (see 2 Timothy 4:11 and Philemon 24).

Need a second chance?

Most of us (maybe all of us) can identify with Mark at some point in our lives.

We make a mistake, we disappoint, we mess up, we regret it, and we’re sorry.

In short, we need a second chance. The good news is that the God of the Bible is the God of second (and third See FAITH LIFT Page 16

The second chance

We first hear of Mark when Paul and Barnabas are planning their first missionary journey (see Acts 13:5). Barnabas had suggested that his nephew, Mark, come along as a helper and Paul had agreed. However, early into this challenging mission Mark bails out and returns home to Jerusalem (see Acts 13:13). He only last-

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: Bath safety

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

BATHROOM CAUTION CHAIR EQUIPMENT FALLING FAN

GRAB BAR HANDLE HAZARD HELP ILLUMINATION INJURY

MATS MOISTURE RENOVATION SAFETY SEATED SHOWER

SPA TILE TOILET TRIPPING TUB VENTILATION

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Voice

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The Voice

Voice

A February 17, 2021 PLASMATASTIC The Canada Blood Services clinic in Welland was awash in red last week as a combined 21 Rotarians, spouses, and friends from the Fonthill and Welland Rotary clubs rolled up their sleeves and made fists in a joint blood drive. Donations are in higher demand during winter months, say the clubs, and more so during the pandemic. Above, District Governor Frank Adamson donates for the 84th time.

Interested donors may register through myaccount.blood.ca

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4

Grain-free Everything Bagels Individuals who adhere to grain-free, dairy-free or nut-free diets due to health issues or other preferences may find themselves periodically craving foods that are off-limits. These bagels recreate the mouthwatering taste of traditional bagels, but with ingredients that accommodate grainfree diets. Slather with your favorite topping, such as dairy-free cream cheese.

SUPPLIED

SECOND UNITS

continued from Page 2

Everything Bagels Makes 6 1⁄2 2 1 4 1⁄4 1 11⁄2 1⁄3 11⁄2 1

cup full-fat coconut milk tablespoons finely ground golden flaxseeds tablespoon gluten-free active dry yeast eggs cup melted ghee or virgin coconut oil teaspoon apple cider vinegar cups arrowroot powder cup coconut flour teaspoons grain-free baking powder teaspoon fine sea salt

Everything seasoning: 1 teaspoon poppy seeds 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 1⁄2 teaspoon white sesame seeds 1⁄2 teaspoon black sesame seeds 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse sea salt Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan and heat it over low heat to 110 F. Place the warmed coconut milk, the flaxseeds, honey, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment and mix on low speed to combine. Let the mixture sit for 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to foam.

Add the eggs, ghee and vinegar to the bowl and mix on medium speed to combine. Add the arrowroot, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt and mix again until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 1 hour at room temperature.

To make the everything seasoning, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Scoop the batter into a 31⁄2-inch silicone doughnut pan, filling each cavity two-thirds full. Sprinkle the tops with the seasoning and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bagels are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bagels in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then remove them from the pan and cool completely on the rack.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for 6 months.

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COVID-related delay.

Councillor Lisa Haun agreed with Hildebrandt, citing condo life in larger cities as proof that just one car per household may not be an adequate presumption for a smaller unit.

Hildebrandt also asked that SDUs be included in municipal intensification targets, something that they are currently not, because of the shifting nature of usage.

The majority of feedback was supportive of SDUs, and one resident urged council to not waste time.

“I’m not sure we have to reinvent the wheel here,” resident John Cappa said.

“Other municipalities have done this per provincial rules. We really need to get going on this. Not everybody ended up with a big retirement bank account. To me, if a senior can live the last 10-15 years of their life in their own community, going to their own stores, talking to their own friends, what better to way to reward a citizen of our community.”

Cappa and his wife, Jill, were the target of local ire throughout 2019 when the couple divided an investment property—a single-family residence on Emmett St., in Fonthill— into an illegal duplex. The Town eventually directed that the added unit be vacated after a sustained lobbying effort spearheaded by adjacent and nearby neighbours.

Mayor Marvin Junkin and Ward 1 councillor Wayne Olson echoed Cappa’s thinking.

“My two cents on this item is it’s long overdue for this town,” Junkin said. “There’s so many elderly people out there that do not have enough money saved up to afford what it takes to live in a seniors’ building, and the fact they can stay with their loved ones

is just compelling for us to get this done as soon as we can, and as least-disruptive to neighbourhoods as we can. To deny that there’s a need for this, is just not socially responsible.”

Olson added that constituents have also pointed out to him it would be a benefit for disabled residents as well.

“The idea that this will aid so many family situations, I find attractive,” he said.

Emmett St. resident Mike Jones, however, provided resistance. Jones accused the Town of “a lack of transparency” on the matter, decrying the Town’s two notices in The Voice and public information on the municipal website.

“Too many citizens don’t have the knowledge of how to maneuver the website or have a computer,” he said. “This is a major attempt to change the town’s identity and lifestyle.”

Jones asked for an in-person public meeting on the matter when the pandemic is over. (Jones lives next to the home that the Cappas attempted to turn into a duplex.)

Later, Junkin asked staff about the feasibility of mailing out information to all residents, addressing the concern about lack of a computer.

CAO David Cribbs replied it would not be practical, costing the Town approximately $15,000 in stationery and postage alone.

Cribbs also took issue with the notion that residents would be in the dark regarding any planning matters.

“We’ve been functioning really well in COVID shutdown for months now,” the CAO said. “The reality is that during lockdown we have a far higher rate of civic engagement because people are reading the newspaper, because people do watch us on Zoom, et cetera. That engagement’s up, not down.

The sentiment is reversed from the reality.”

Council voted to receive the report.

OBITUARY

NICKERSON, Gordon H. In his 87th year, sadly passed away on January 25, 2021 at Rapelje Lodge in Welland.

Predeceased by his wife Donna (January 29, 2011).

Predeceased also by his brothers Milton and Billy and sister Ruthie.

His daughters Lynn Whitley (Danny), Kim Reid (Bob), and Susan Meinzinger (Howie), will forever hold him in their hearts, as well as his cherished grandchildren Kara (Chris), Laura (Jamie), Matthew (Hannah), Daniel (Kate), Hailey (Matt), William (Gris) and great grandchildren Rylyn, Addisyn, Josette, Zoe, Arya, Cooper, Deloris, and Karsyn. Dearly loved sister Marilyn (Tracey) and brother Lynden (Diane) will remember him always as well as his nieces, nephews and many, many friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank all the staff and caregivers at Rapelje Lodge. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer society. Condolences can be shared at pelhamfuneralhome. ca *A memorial video is being created. Please send memories by: Google Drive: bit.ly/gnick2021 or Email kara.dalgleish@gmail.com Adding names and dates, if known, to photo files would be appreciated.*

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