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of Pelham and Central Niagara FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Vol.XXV No.4
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Column Six
Patient with sick sense of humour BY JANE BEDARD Special to the Voice
E
Sisters Leila and Cecilia Hominuk take a break from sledding at a popular spot in the Lookout subdivision following the recent snowfall.
DON RICKERS
very month for the past ten, we have been asked to adjust to a new normal, which is not such a big deal for me. I’ve been dealing with a new normal every year since my 40th birthday, usually coinciding with my annual physical. Every year since 40, something comes up that I should either address or get used to after my checkup. One year I’m told my blood pressure is too low: “How do you even stand up in the morning without fainting?” my nurse asks. I would have explained it to her were I not so laid back. I can’t grow a flower in my garden, but I can grow a bunion on my foot without even trying. Ever try shopping for a pair of heels in a double wide on the right shoe only? Don’t bother. “You might want to have that surgically removed,” says my doctor on perusing my feet during a physical. Luckily, the pandemic has removed the stigma of wearing anything repulsive from the waist down. It’s like being back in elementary school, except everyday is pajama day, and I get to wear slipSee COLUMN SIX back page
“I’VE BEEN A RESIDENT OF FONTHILL FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND WANT TO BE YOUR CAR DEALER.” Al Slattery, President, St. Catharines Mazda 161 Scott St., St. Catharines 905-684-6318 www.stcatharinesmazda.com
Pelham Funeral Home wants to ensure your safety. If you are not comfortable with coming in the we gladly offer all arrangements funeralfuneral so theyhome, won’t have to. to be done by phone and email.
Save your family the burden.
Plan your own Call today and ask how we can help. As always we are here for you should you need us. Tina Tina and Staff
Page 2
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
NRPS impaired driving charges ~
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Just tell us what to buy next: If you had invested $10,000 in GameStop stock two weeks ago, and cashed out last Friday, you would have been $150,000 richer. Why do I always hear about these things after the fact? In case you haven’t encountered any source of news whatsoever in the last week, an online group of ordinary folk—retail investors, or “dumb money” in Wall Street parlance—has been wreaking havoc with the stock market recently by buying stock in a bricksand-mortar computer game retailer whose survival prospects were once (likely still are) dicey. I, for one, am delighted. Wall Street is rigged in favour of its insiders, over-protected by liberal and conservative governments alike, and could use a good, swift, regulatory kick in the ass. There’s no legitimate rationale to allow “short-selling,” in which investors bet against companies, hoping if not provoking their stock to drop. Short-sellers were blamed for the crash of 1929, and were banned from certain trades until 2007, when the restriction was lifted. Sure enough, the 2008 crash was at least in part made worse by short-sellers—the proverbial nails in the coffin of some financial companies. Stock markets are effectively casinos, a reality made clear every time someone comes along with a new way to game the system. That being said, if you’re interested in learning more than you’ll get from Ol’ Baldy, Fonthill’s own financial advisor Nicolle Lalonde is presenting a series of free financial advice online seminars, focused on retirement strategies, starting this Friday (ad, p.17)...Not so fast with the first: In our story last week about Pelham’s new shared solicitor, Jennifer Stirton, we mused that it might be the first such arrangement in Ontario. Reader Frank DeChellis tells us that in fact Welland and Wainfleet once shared George Banks as their city solicitor, back in the ‘90s. Banks passed away in 2008, at 75, and left a widely appreciated legacy in Welland. Among other things, he championed setting up the Welland Recreational Canal Corp., to protect a canal trust fund from being taken over by the Region, back when there was talk (before the last time there was talk) of a single-tier, amalgamated Niagara... New year, new look, new offer: As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re reintroducing membership benefits, which were sidelined last spring by the pandemic. Get yourself $20 Minor Bros. and $10 Indulgence Bakery gift cards while supporting your favourite weekly newspaper—details on p. 15...Welland would like your home, please: Imagine being in Martha Rempel’s shoes (see “Open letter to Welland mayor and council,” p.8). What the City is attempting is outrageous. Lend Rempel some support, if you wish, at cooksmills.com/saveMarshasfarm...Library amalgamation takes another step forward: As we go to press, a joint news release from Lincoln and Pelham. Story next week. Until then, keep those hands washed and pie holes covered. ◆
Voice
BIG BUCKS IN BLOOMS J&J Florist and Rose’s Fine Yarns, which share a building on Canboro Rd. near Hwy. 20, held a holiday open house and fundraiser for Pelham Cares, raising $1500 plus food donations. Owner Jack MacGregor presents a cheque to Pelham Cares coordinator Jennifer Dubé. SUPPLIED
Credit card scam warning Over the past few months, the Niagara Regional Police say they have seen an increase in fraudulent transactions involving credit cards. Given the concerns with COVID-19, many business transactions are being conducted by telephone or email, preventing businesses from knowing their customers. Police say that fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation and making purchases by credit card, without being physically present at a store. This is referred to as a “card not present transaction.” Such frauds occur when a credit card is illegally obtained and a large order of merchandise is ordered by email or phone, without the cardholder being present. The card is later found to be fraudulent or stolen, however, this is usually after the order has been picked
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up or delivered, resulting in a financial loss or "charge back" to the business. According to police, this scam can impact any business which sells merchandise and is frequently done by first time customers. In many situations, the product is delivered to an address outside the Niagara region. Police remind businesses to confirm cheques, money orders, banks drafts prior to releasing any product. Police tips for merchants: Collect as much customer information as possible; verify the phone number, address and transaction information; examine priority shipment requests; validate orders from repeat customers that differ from the established pattern; question orders that are to be shipped out of province or a post office box.
What's That
SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls
The Pelham Fire Department responded to three calls for service from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29. Monday, Jan. 25 Motor vehicle accident, Victoria Ave., Shorthills Tuesday, Jan. 26 Motor vehicle accident, Haist St., Fonthill Thursday, Jan. 28 Detector activation, Canboro Rd., Fenwick
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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.
The
Mon - Fri, 8 AM-6 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM
Niagara Falls was lit up in the colours of the Cuban flag last Thursday, celebrating Cuba's "National Day" and the birth of national hero José Martí. Agradecimiento especial a Comandante Warren Mason por la foto!
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. Jason MANDOLFINO, 39, Fort Erie Eric GOSS, 21, Port Colborne Tanvir AHMAD, 32, St. Catharines Shauna FINKBEINER, 33, Niagara Falls Amanda DOWNEY, 24, Brampton Brian TUCKER, 37, St. Catharines Kerwin LEE, 43, St. Catharines
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
e s d l I m o a o r l T
P D S A W A N M L R O J O J
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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. In addition to being proved in court. all seven continents lowing charges haveimmerse been yourself in No lines, no hurry, the Region. None of the folon smaller ship’s. Extended stays offence in port, some overnight impaired driving in with an alleged criminal people included. who are charged tuities Selectlast spirits, wines, Int’l Beers & Grayear! reports the names of those tique hotel at Police sea. Service one cruise at a time araExplore Regional thetime world onboard your bouThis Pelham St., Fonthill 2019—a year to explore the world, alcohol or1400 drugs, the NiagPAST www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com driving while impairedoffi byce@thevoiceofpelham.ca http://www.hooahhvideos.ca/ select voyages Enjoy a and veranda an interior price onyourSanta Raidy Manso (center), attention deterrence toreaders! and we’ll share it for with our Email photoCayo, with aCuba! brief description to BLAST FROM THE DOUBLE UPGRADE EarlyON's Fenwick United Church location. In an effort to bring further Send us Sue your Lough picture withholding daughter The Tamara, Voice, of whether Fenwick, across with new townCuban or abroad friend
toEarlyON go chargesCentres closing driving planners 83 days instead, sayRESULTS Fenwick and South Pelham NRPS impaired Peace on Earth Existing community facilities toand beAirbnbs used in Pelham At Hoo-Ahh Aerial of theHome Week qr 905.892.7900 THE VOICE POLL: Hotels
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Page 3
A February 3, 2021
“I can’t stop the coyotes from howling” Bylaw officers need thick skins, reserves of patience BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Greg Young has heard them all…a litany of gripes from Pelhamites. “My neighbor refuses to split the cost of the property fence I’m building.” “The squirrels are carrying nuts from trees on Town property and dropping them in our yard.” His personal favourite: “The guy next door has a pond with frogs that croak all day and night…I want to lodge a noise complaint.” The duties of a bylaw enforcement officer are rarely easy. Diplomacy and empathy are required skills. Young started in the job in 2017, but was just made full-time last year. He tries to deal with
each situation in a pragmatic fashion. “I can't stop the coyotes from howling,” said Young. “They're wild ani m a l s , they do what they do. You’ll hear bird bangers in the fall, as farmers try to protect their crops. And sometimes you get a whiff of manure, or cannabis. In town, your neighbor can legally cultivate up to four marijuana plants. And the big industrial grow-ops are federally-licensed. All I can do is explain the bylaws.” Of course, Young deals with blatant violations as well. If your backyard rock concert is still blaring at 11
Talk to your neighbours and give them a heads up... have some common courtesy
Pelham bylaw officer Greg Young aims his Nasal Ranger at a cannabis production facility early last autumn.
PM, expect Young on your doorstep the next day (or perhaps a Niagara Regional Police officer there that night). Building a 10-foot fence around your property? The bylaw says six feet is the maximum height for residential neighborhoods, unless you have obtained a variance. “Talk to your neighbors
and give them a heads up that you're going be doing something…planting trees on the property line, having a party, whatever. Have some common courtesy.” Young has not yet experienced a situation in which tempers escalated to the point that a resident made threats, but he
acknowledged that it can happen. “If some guy starts to get very irate and physically intimidating, you just have to say, ‘Hey, pal, don't go there,’” said Young. “The police are only a phone call away.” Summers are busy with pool inspections, fire pit permits, parking enforce-
Google and Facebook are two of the biggest companies in the world.You might say they’re modern-day Goliaths. They’re using their monopoly power to scoop up 80% of online advertising revenues and to free ride on the news content produced by hardworking journalists and publishers across Canada. Maybe it’s time to start leveling the playing field a little, so the Davids of this world can start fighting back. That’s what Australia is doing. They’re putting in place a comprehensive solution to enable news publishers in that country to counteract the power of the web giants. They’re doing it with support from all the main political parties. And they’re doing it without new government funding, or new taxes, or new consumer fees. We think our parliament here in Canada should do the same. It’s all in our new report at www.levellingthedigitalplayingfield.ca. Read it. And tell your MP to stand up with David against the Goliaths.
DON RICKERS
ment, and complaints about long grass and weeds on neighbouring properties. And of course, cannabis odour testing, which Young now responds to with the Town’s new odour measurement device, the Nasal Ranger. In winter, it’s primarily calls about cars on streets, blocking plow routes.
Page 4
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté
Time to stop avoiding this topic
I
t’s a discomforting topic few people want to think about: Fraud, committed against seniors. A little research into this topic will upset any decent person’s sense of compassion and common decency. One of these findings that will shake one to the core was the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) claim that 90 percent of the scams against seniors are perpetrated by the older person’s own family, even sons and daughters. Does that not fit the definition of bastard? Another scary aspect is the fact these crimes are considered “low risk” and difficult to prosecute. Such factors invite the scum of society to engage in such amoral conduct. According to the RCMP, the annual rate of fraud in this country exceeds $3 billion dollars. With a population in the neighbourhood of 40 million, the issue isn’t an insignificant one. The list of scams against this vulnerable sector is both unexpectedly long and abhorrently scary. The worst of these scams can leave victims penniless and sometimes homeless. How’s that for respecting your el-
ders as the old admonition recommends? While in the vicinity of ethics, researching crimes against seniors could cause devout moralists to rethink
Another scary aspect is that these crimes are considered "low risk" and difficult to prosecute
the commandment to love your neighbours. To extend love to those who would scam seniors could be a stretch. A sad irony associated with the scamming of seniors is that many victims are known to love and trust their families and neighbours. That is how they were raised and guided their lives. Unfortunately, such inclinations allow the swindlers’ exploitative behavior to be much easier to execute. As stated earlier, the list
NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre Distress and crisis. 24-hour help line: 905-688-3711
Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-811-3887.
Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140
Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca
Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll-free) Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text - 274637 (CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip
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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
of types of scams is extensive and beyond this column’s space limitations. However, perhaps it is important to identify the top five that target seniors as listed by NCOA. Scams associated with medical/ health issues, counterfeit prescription drugs, funeral and cemetery scams, fraudulent anti-aging products, and telemarketing scams promoting a miscellany of products and services are the most common. According to Canada’s Department of Justice, it is important to identify ways to help prevent elderly fraud. Such suggestions are intended for implementation by seniors themselves and their caregivers. The Justice Department suggests that seniors stay involved with family, friends and community activities. Seniors must execute and include absolute clarity in their power of attorney documents. Seniors must refuse anyone who calls or comes to the door selling anything or looking for donations. All seniors must use direct deposit for checks of any and all kinds of transactions. All of these See OP-ED next page
Letters Appreciates local little library As a response to your article on sidewalk libraries [These streetwise libraries never close, Jan. 27, p. 12], we are writing, both as grateful neighbours and avid readers, with regards to the “little library” on Fallingbrook Drive. Joe and Maggie VanBolderan have been our neighbours and friends for 35 years. We've watched their children grow and have families of their own and appreciated enormously the care they took of our home as we spent several months in Florida over 20 years. The library is just an extension of
their devotion to the neighbourhood which, as it ages, truly appreciates popping down the street, or in my case, next door, to invariably find something to while away the hours during the COVID crisis. Thanks to Maggie and Joe, and all those who have contributed books. Jerry and Lin Whitaker 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
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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication. The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at (905) 892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www. thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics
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The Voice
Page 5
A February 3, 2021
OPINION REGIONAL COUNCIL UPDATE Diana Huson, Regional Councillor for Pelham
PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin
Raiders of the Lost Reserves
L
ast week the Region finalized our levy budget, which encompasses our operating expenses, some capital expenditures, our suite of programs and services, and also our agencies, boards and commissions. Staff had followed a 2 percent budget guideline and, to their credit, were diligent in sticking to that number despite unexpected COVID costs created by the pandemic. Similar to the Town, the Region received significant funding from the Province to mitigate these costs. However, there were other financial pressures, largely resulting from the Niagara Regional Police budget which came in at a 4.3 percent increase. Last year council had approved an additional 40 new officers to respond to an escalation of calls, largely due to mental health pressures, and to preserve our 9-1-1 response time. Half of these
hires fell onto last year’s budget with the remainder covered this year. This landed the Region’s budget at a 2.9 percent increase. However, council decided
to slash the budget down to 1.8 percent in order to assist those in our community who are struggling. They accomplished this by raiding our reserves to the tune of $4.3 million dollars. And I fear this will come at a great cost. To put this into perspective, a 2.9 percent increase
Nearly 50 percent of high-risk residents are vaccinated
would have resulted in an additional $46 annually for the average household. A 1.8 percent increase will result in an additional $29 annually, representing a savings of $17. To be fair, the average Niagara household is assessed at $278,000. In Pelham, the average household is most likely double this, so the savings would be closer to $34. It’s not a lot of money, but 1.8 percent makes for a great headline. The Region is in a unique position compared to our lower tier municipalities where nearly 84 percent of our programs and services are deemed essential. The demands placed on these services, such as waste collection, policing, EMS, public health, and long-term care have directly increased. The pandemic is not over. These units will continue to need priority resourcing and support into the near See RESERVES Page 7
N
ews on the vaccine front took another disheartening turn this week when another drug maker announced that it would be reducing vaccine shipments to Canada by 20-25 percent. Moderna, a U.S.-based company, had originally agreed to ship 230,000 shots in the first week of February, with 249,600 shots to follow three weeks later. The company has revised the first-week shipment down to 180,000 shots. So far the overall target of 2,000,000 doses to be delivered by the end of March is still expected to be met; we will have to keep our fi ngers crossed on that one. This announcement came on the heels of the other major supplier to Canada, Pfi zer, stating that it would be delivering roughly 80 percent fewer shots over the next four weeks than initially promised. This number could
conceivably go even lower if the European Union introduces export controls on shots leaving that area. If the E.U. feels that they are not receiving a suffi-
All long-term care homes in Niagara have been vaccinated
cient number of shots they can block exports to outside countries. On the Niagara front, total number of doses administered reached 3,993 as of Friday, with 103 people vaccinated on that day. All long-term care homes in Niagara have been vaccinated, and 42.9 percent of high-risk retirement home
Offering
Liked Ruehle reminiscence I enjoyed Michael Ruehle’s story about his parents and Sun Valley Gardens [Growing up with nudists, Jan. 27, p.10]. I have been a nudist since the early ‘80s and have loved every minute of it. My wife and I are members of the local resort. We find members to be just as he writes—good folk. I have not read Au Naturel: The History of Nudism in Canada, but if I do I'll now know the other side of the story. James Schaefer Voice website
Churches must obey health orders Shame on every church who blatantly defies or plans to defy universal COVID-19 legislation. Instead of shining a light on a world that is darkened by this “power of the air,” you are an example of utmost arrogance! As opposed to an organization that is to be an example of Light and Life, you are contributing to the increase of Darkness and Death! How does this compare with Romans 13:1-5, or I Peter 2:13-15? Or have you torn those references out of your Bibles? If you were an object of religious persecution, then maybe you would be justified. You are not! These are restrictions placed on all non-essential services. If you claim to provide an essential service, it can be done within the parameters already set via restricted assembly or technology. There is even tech-
nology that enables your finances to be maintained by those who wish to donate. Currently your behavior is encouraging religious per-
I am thankful my church is not defying this legislation
secution but for the wrong reasons. (1 Peter 2:20) I plead with those who already hold a distaste for this religious institution. They are not all the same! I am thankful my church is not defying this legislation, or I would disassociate myself from it. Michael Benson New Dundee
OP-ED
continued from previous page suggestions, and more, encourage seniors to remain active and avoid being isolated. Such a strategy will help maintain a level of alertness that allows one to figuratively //smell a scam a mile away. According to James Dolan, writing in the CSA News, “Fraud thrives in secrecy. Like cancer, it spreads because victims don’t know it’s there and, therefore, can’t take steps to stop its spread and eradicate it.” All attempts to defraud seniors should be reported to law enforcement. That is the best way to constrain these despicable onslaughts. As Dolan suggests in his article, the proper place for fraudsters is in jail. ◆
residents have had their shots. As for COVID-19 numbers, new daily cases in Niagara continue to hover around the 100 mark, give or take, with new cases on Jan 29 being at 91. Pelham’s active cases were at 35 on Sunday, with all reported cases self-isolating at home. Total number of deaths in the Region is at 311, every single death being one too many. The past week saw a bit of snow fall in town, with temperatures falling to seasonal lows. Perhaps this will be the extent of our winter, as temperatures are forecast to go above freezing, starting on Wednesday. It is great to see so many residents out walking, at any given time throughout the day. With the days getting longer and the sun’s heat getting stronger it is nice to say goodbye to January. Until next time…
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Everyone has a story. Tell us yours! NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 4000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
Page 6
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
PEOPLE AND POLITICS
by David Siegel
The rise and fall of Conservation Authorities
C
onservation authorities are one of those government entities that usually fly beneath the radar. We sort of know that they exist, but we don’t have much contact with them except on special occasions like Thanksgiving weekend (in normal years) at Ball’s Falls. It’s quite surprising when an issue brings conservation authorities into the news. The legislation creating conservation authorities was passed in 1946 in reaction to previous poor conservation practices that had led to serious issues with both land preservation and water course maintenance. According to the Conservation Authorities Act, the role of the authorities is to provide “programs and services designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources.” In practice this means that conservation authorities sometimes construct works that channel water courses to limit flooding. They also have a regulatory role in preserving such natural features as wetlands and controlling the use of floodplains so that when flooding occurs, as it inevitably will, the damage is limited. Conservation authorities are special purpose bodies,
meaning that they defy easy categorization as either provincial or municipal institutions. They were created by provincial legislation, so they are accountable in some ways to the provincial government. However, they operate at the local level and are
It will make it easier to tilt this delicate balance in favour of development rather than preservation
governed by a board composed of people appointed by local governments, so they are also accountable to these local governments. There are several reasons why governments create these special- purpose bodies rather than lodging responsibilities clearly with the municipal government. One typical reason would be when the boundaries of the special-purpose body do not coincide with local government boundaries. The responsibilities of conservation authorities require that their
boundaries follow the watershed of major water courses. For example, the territory of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is mostly in Niagara, but it extends into small areas of Hamilton and Haldimand County because that’s where some water courses flowing through Niagara originate. Since the boundaries of municipalities hardly ever follow watersheds, it is understandable that the boundaries of municipalities and conservation authorities will seldom coincide. Another typical reason for creating a special-purpose body is when the role of the body does not sit well within the political process. Conservation authorities are sometimes called on to make unpopular regulatory decisions. They can limit the development that can occur on wetlands to preserve the natural habitat of flora and fauna. They can also limit development in floodplains to reduce the damage caused by flooding. These decisions can put conservation authorities at odds with developers who would like to build on those lands and local governments who would like to have the property tax associated with that development. Bodies that have a regulatory function like this are frequently
Protesters outside an NPCA meeting in July 2017.
positioned at arm’s length from direct political control. Conservation authorities must engage in a balancing act. They are charged with preserving lands that are important for conservation. However, they should not unreasonably restrict the use of land that could be developed without a negative impact. This is where the second reason for the creation of conservation authorities as special purpose bodies comes in. It seems desirable to separate this regulatory function from the political process found in municipal governments. Local councillors could be under inordinate pressure from developers (who might have helped to finance their election campaigns) and from the need for the property taxes flowing from the new development. Conservation was seen as such an important function that it was separated from the usual political processes.
SUPPLIED
The provincial government has introduced legislation that will make it easier for the provincial government to override the local authority’s decisions. This will change the balance that has been in place for many years. The provincial government always had the right to override a decision of a conservation authority. After all, the province created the authority in the first place. However, this proposed legislation will make it much easier to perform that override. It will make it easier to tilt this delicate balance in favour of development rather than preservation. This takes on particular importance in a world facing serious climate change. Most of these decisions are irreversible. When a wetland is compromised by development, the wetland is lost forever. No one tears down a shopping centre to construct a wetland.
INTEGRITY
continued from Page 13 veyed when students are silently judged by computer algorithms, and sent the unspoken message, “We don’t trust you.” And fi nally, just how important are these tests, anyway? Some educators say that by stigmatizing all students as potential cheaters, the focus shifts away from teaching and learning to punitive measures, and wastes an opportunity for a more reflective approach to online assessment. Since stress is a key driver of cheating behavior, it stands to reason that students who feel connected, supported, and encouraged are less likely to breach the honour code. Master teachers maintain that it is possible to measure authentic learning by replacing easily cheatable multiple-choice or true-andfalse questions with short-answer items, case studies, and scenario-based projects. Many have also changed their assessment mix to shorter, more frequent, lower-stakes tests, rather than major exams, thus removing an incentive to cheat. The texting of answers between students in the classroom can also be combatted by creating and administering multiple exams for the same course, although this strategy increases the teacher’s workload. Kevin Cavanaugh, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Brock, told The Voice that university officials considered a virtual proctoring system, “but the University Provost’s Office decided against it, due to concerns about privacy, information security, and pedagogical flaws that are not aligned to Brock values of a high quality teaching and learning experience for students.”
Urkund is one of several companies marketing anti-cheating measures to educators. Rather than utilizing surveillance software, Cavanaugh said that Brock’s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI) engaged instructors through workshops and one-on-one consultations, supporting efforts to rethink assessments that accurately gauge the learning outcomes in a course. CPI staff helped instructors develop major assignments and create exams that are open-book or that follow random allocation of questions, thus not requiring any virtual proctoring. “This is a major shift from traditional exams, and it has spurred innovations in assessment design that will likely continue after we are able to return to in-person classes on campus,” said Cavanaugh. Fiona Allan, Vice President, Academic at Niagara College, told The Voice that the college is not using remote proctoring software as part of its online program delivery, but relies on a variety of
measures to help maintain academic integrity, including technological tools to randomized questions, and plagiarism detection software for written assignments. “Many members of our faculty are also reimagining their assessment methods for the remote learning environment,” she said. “For example, some are choosing to use case- and scenario-based evaluations and other authentic assessment approaches, that encourage students to make use of the internet and other information-rich digital resources, which reduces instances of cheating.” Kim Sweeney, Chief Communications Officer for the District School Board of Niagara, confirmed that no anti-cheating surveillance software is used in DSBN schools. Similarly, Niagara Catholic Communications Officer Jennifer Pellegrini told The Voice that her board doesn’t use any sort of academic software for on-
URKUND.COM
line monitoring, although they do employ a program called Urkund, which checks for plagiarism. The only educational institution in Niagara identified as actively using online proctoring software is Ridley College, the region’s largest private school, with a significant international enrollment. Bruno Petitti, the school’s director of information technology, told The Voice that Ridley uses Microsoft Teams as its video conference, Apple MacBook computers, and Exam.net as its secure and easy-to-use exam platform. Created in Sweden, Exam. net’s website proclaims that it is used by 100,000 students daily around the world. Students can only access on their computer the online tools that the teacher chooses. Petitti said that many tech surveillance companies have offered free or low-cost trials during COVID times, so it made sense to consider their products.
Climate change seems to be stepping up the pace of natural disasters. We are experiencing the obvious contradiction in terms of seeing a “100-year event” occurring every five or ten years. Governments are awakening to the fact that we must deal with climate change, but we are facing vast changes that we cannot predict. This is a time to be conservative. Until we develop a better understanding of what the future holds with regard to environmental factors, we should proceed very carefully in making what are really irreversible decisions. The balancing act that I discussed above is a very delicate process. This is not a time to tilt that balance in ways that could produce irreversible changes in an uncertain environment. ◆ David Siegel is Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Brock University.
Previously, Ridley teachers were only using Turnitin.com to control potential plagiarism. “It gives us options to set exam time limits, allow dictionary searches, and provide access to various fi les and online resources, so we can really control the proctoring of the exam,” said Petitti. “We have the capability to lock down student computers to provide secure data. Information is populated into a console that the teacher can observe, but it’s not like spyware where they have a camera monitoring pupil keystrokes.” Petitti said that he hasn’t had any negative pushback from students, parents, or teachers. “It’s not software that we're using to breach people's privacy, or creep out the kids,” he said. “We're just ensuring that the exam is administered in a secure container.” In late January the Ontario government announced that students in seven public health units would return to the classroom on Monday, Jan. 25, but online learning would remain in place for the rest of southern Ontario schools (including those in Niagara) until further notice. Parents in Toronto, Peel, York, Windsor-Essex and Hamilton were previously told their children would not be returning to the classroom until at least February 10. Schools in northern Ontario reopened for in-person instruction on January 11. Schools in Niagara will be using online learning exclusively until at least February 10, according to comments made to the St. Catharines Standard last week by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, parliamentary assistant to Education Minister Stephen Lecce.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
Page 7
A February 3, 2021
Letters continued Pelham Cares gives a shout-out All food banks remained open throughout the pandemic, as we are declared essential. Pelham Cares is 85 percent volunteer-run with only two part-time staff. Through the past year we had to minimize volunteers’ capacity along with increasing staff responsibilities. Our staff and volunteers have been on the front lines, working incredibly hard to continue to serve those who need it the most, despite many challenges. Pelham Cares is so grateful for the selfless support of all those involved that made Pelham Cares continue to thrive to meet our community needs. Pelham Cares 2020 at a glance: Transitioned clients able to enter
RAIDERS
continued from Page 5 future as we respond to an ongoing public health crisis. There's also a question of what role the Region will play in a post-pandemic recovery. The answer to this is dependent on how the Region is funded and the resources we need to respond. For this reason, our financial health and capacity to service our residents are of vital importance. So, where do we stand financially? In a recent sustainability review, the Region was found to have the second lowest reserves and reserve funds per household in comparison to other Ontario municipalities. It was also found to have the second highest in long-term debt
and browse model to a contactless "drive thru" pick up by appointment. Limited the number of volunteers’ capacity within our facility and food drive. Increased staff responsibilities. Ordering and purchasing items by bulk. Purchased freezer for additional storage. Upgraded our driveway for visibility and added an extra parking spot. Partnered with other food banks, resulting in further storage support for both dry items and frozen food. Purchased further shelving to expand our storage. Introduced Zoom for board meetings and staff training. Provided summer activity boxes for families this past summer. Changed annual food drive as a drive thru food drive
per household. Additionally, we have the lowest capital additions as a percentage of our amortization expenses, meaning we aren't replacing our capital assets as quickly as they are wearing out. In other words, our financial position is not great. Actually, it's quite poor. The Region has a Taxpayer Reserve Fund dedicated to protecting the Region from emergencies that result in significant and unexpected costs. It can act as a buffer in cushioning the taxpayer from absorbing significant budget increases resulting from unexpected events. One could argue that the pandemic is such an event, but this would ignore the fact that the Region has already received Provincial funding to cover the bulk of these costs. We've also undergone significant budget
Our staff and volunteers have been on the front lines, working incredibly hard to serve those who need it the most adhered to Ontario Public Health regulations. Pelham Cares had an increase this year: 31 percent increase in use of our services. 92 percent increase in emergency food orders. 163 percent increase in providing referrals for further supports.
mitigation efforts that have helped keep our budget lean and ease the financial burden created by the pandemic. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the reserves issue. As noted, the taxpayer reserve fund (TRF) was designed to protect the Region, and subsequently the taxpayer, from significant and costly events. Based on that sustainability review, it should have a balance around $60 million. In 2014 the taxpayer reserve fund was half of this, having a balance of $30 million. By 2018, the reserve dropped to $26.4 million, a reduction of $3.4 million dollars. Today, and in consideration of our most recent budget actions, the reserve fund will drop to an estimated $14.25 million. This means the current council has depleted the reserves by more than four
Tremendous community support: When we say, "It takes a village," we mean it! Our fundraising efforts were challenged, as was the case for many other agencies and clubs this past year. At Pelham Cares, we were supported through many creative fundraising efforts within the community. The following top creative fundraising supporters exceed over $2,000 in donations: Keith's Restaurant Cookbook; Pelham Cares Gives Back Raffle; Meridian Community Centre Drive Thru Food Drive; 3rd Fonthill Scouting's Toilet Paper Ornament project; the "JoyTruck" Light Up Truck; Pelham Street Grille's Pancake Breakfast; Fenwick Parade; PetValu dog and cat
times that of the previous council in only three years! I was not in support of the $4.3 million drawing from reserves. I had actually tried to increase the budget by 0.1 percent to make a point. If we want to spend money, the reality is we have to collect taxes to pay for those commitments. The West Lincoln Hospital funding is a glaring example of this. The Region has committed $12.6 million dollars but allocated only $1.5 million over each of the next four years. This leaves a deficit of $6 million that needs to materialize in 2024. When that was voted down, I tried to cut something from the budget.
food for our furry friends’ support; Sobeys Donate $2 to Pelham Cares Campaign; Peter Piper Pub Golf Tournament. We are so grateful for the outstanding community supporters and the way that businesses came together and joined in many of these efforts to also support Pelham Cares while many were experiencing their own challenges. It makes it such an honour to be located in such compassionate and supportive community. Thankful for our Grant Partners: Niagara Region; Niagara Community Foundation; Nutritional Partners; Branscombe Foundation; See CARES next page
I argued that if we want to spend money and we don’t want to increase taxes, then we need to cut something. That was voted down too. It seems that reserved dipping seems to be the long-term financial funding strategy of preference. But more importantly, as a response to financial hardship, I can say a 1.8 percent budget increase attains very little. And I say this from experience. I know what it's like to lose your job and own a home. Saving $34 on my property tax bill would not have helped my financial position, nor would it have allowed me to keep my house. If we're trying to respond to eco-
nomic difficulty, we need to invest in the programs and services that lift people up. Programs like subsidized childcare or investments in affordable housing can truly make a societal difference. But underfunding our municipalities in this manner, through raiding reserves, will only hamper our ability to achieve those efforts. Perhaps it’s time we focused on a new financing strategy. My preference would be one that emphasizes financial stability, protects residents from a roller-coaster of tax increases, and prioritizes spending public money based on where there is the greatest need. ◆
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Page 8
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Letters continued
POETRY
Thank you for assistance
Open letter to Welland mayor and council
To the two Fonthill lady residents and Mr. Ron Kore from the Sobeys store, and to the EMS team for their very quick support which I received after my fall on January 11 in the afternoon. Getting me slowly up and calling for the EMS who were very quick at this spot. This was not a pleasant fall to my face and nose, but I then noticed how nice it is to have many good people in this very fine town helping out in these moments. Thank you again. Theo Brunet Fonthill
I would like to begin this letter by extending my sincere thanks to those councillors who voted to bring the topic of the expropriation of my cousin Marsha's farm back to the table for discussion. Thanks to Councillor Green for your leadership and compassion. Thanks to Councillor Chiocchio for recognizing the importance of home and that the timing of this development is not right. Thanks to Councillor Graham Speck for acting with integrity and pursuing the truth. Thanks to Councillor DiMarco for your commitment to fair decision- making that puts the needs of longstanding landowners ahead of corporations. I'm sorry if I missed anyone whose work deserves recognition. I truly appreciate your consideration and commitment to the preservation of local history, family and community heritage, and farmland. I am writing with a few requests: 1. In all discussions of Lot 16 Concession 7, please refer to the property as “The Watter's Farm.” Referring to it as nothing more than a piece of data erases any recognition of the people who own and work the land and renders potential outcomes of this decision devoid of emotional consequence and personal responsibility. 2. Please consider what
Lauds fight against moth spray cost This man is to be commended for all the work he did. [Spray complaint rejected by Integrity Commissioner, Jan. 20, p.9.] I read a quote somewhere: “Change is made by people who show up.” Perhaps you don't succeed all the time, but what would our world be like if you never tried? Tillie Clapp Fenwick
CARES
continued from previous page Food Bank Canada. We received a shipment of emergency food boxes from Feed Ontario, and we had the ability to share with those who struggled with food demands such as Youth Shelters, soup kitchens and those servicing individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Our Pelham community that stepped up: We cannot say thank you enough to all our volunteers, The Town of Pelham, Pelham's small businesses, our local schools, organizations, and social clubs that equally supported us this year. Every contribution goes right back into the community and aids us to remain open and essential. We cannot thank you enough Pelham Community! Jennifer Dube Coordinator, Pelham Cares
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In these trying times many of us have moments when we reflect with sadness and concern. Recently I had one of those moments. For me, luckily It quickly passed, like softly melting snow. Not so for others whose moments may last a lifetime. I wrote this poem for those of us who feel deeply about the sorrow in our world and pray it soon will end.
Un Jour Noir
The author's cousin, Marsha Rempel. other available land may suit this purpose. I know Marsha's lot is serviced. I do not think that's a good enough reason to remove her from her home, which is also a working farm. Financial considerations need to be balanced with those of the environment, our foodshed, the community, and our heritage. This is not the only opportunity Welland will have for new industry. Perhaps invest in servicing other areas for future development. 3. Please examine your reasons for supporting this particular development. Does it fit into the vision of what you want Welland to be, what you want to achieve with your time on council, and what business ventures you want to support? Will there be future projects
ELAINE ANDERSON
that will achieve the same, or better outcomes, for the people of Welland? To Mayor Campion, Councillors Moote, McLeod, Van Vliet, and Spinosa, thank you for your work in making Welland a good place for my family to live. I speak to you directly because you are the ones who have remained unmoved by concerns brought to you by your community. If you stand by your decision, please consider discussing your reasons with those who oppose it. After all, is that not fundamental to a healthy democracy? Feel free to reply to this email and we can set up a time to speak. There are many others in the community that would be open to a conversation as well. Liz Anderson Stratford
My hands are tied But not by rope I hear the facts I'm losing hope. How long can I Remain unscathed Along this path That others paved? How long can I Keep up the fight That robs my sleep Through endless nights? How long, how long? My body tires And now my soul Has lost its fire. Too long the struggle Too long the fear Who will survive The path's not clear? Dear Lord, please help us End this fight Bring peace, dear Lord Please make things right. Shirley Lazareth Fonthill
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The Voice
Page 9
A February 3, 2021
Brock wrestler battles bureaucracy Jevon Balfour seeks reinstatement of Olympic spot BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI bpsportsniagara.com Jevon Balfour thought he had taken the second-to-last step in his quest to represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympics when he defeated Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club’s Jasmit Phulka of 11-0 and 6-5 in a wrestle-off on Feb. 8, 2020, at the University of Calgary. Balfour, who defeated Phulka while wearing protective goggles, had been given the wrestle-off because he was unable to compete at the December 2019 Olympic trials after undergoing eye surgery in September 2019 to fix a detached retina. The 26-year-old Brock Wrestling Club member naturally assumed the victory had guaranteed him the right to represent Canada in the 74-kilogram division at the Pan Am Olympic Qualification Tournament, March 13-15, in Ottawa. A top two finish in Ottawa would punch Balfour’s ticket to Tokyo. But a week before the qualifier, the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medalist received an email from Wrestling Canada informing him that he was ineligible to wrestle any more and that his Sport Canada carding (funding) had been cancelled. Wrestling Canada based its decision on the fact that United World Wrestling, the international governing body for amateur wrestling, had ruled Balfour couldn’t wear goggles while wrestling and he was not able get
medical clearance to compete. “I was like, ‘What? How did all of this happen just like that?’We started fighting it, because how could they do it so suddenly?” Balfour said. Balfour and the Brock Wrestling Club made a last-minute appeal to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada to allow him to compete in the qualifier but it was denied. The Brampton native refused to take no for an answer and he sought additional medical and legal advice. “My vision is compromised but my eye is healthy. It is not as strong as the other one and [doctors] see no reason why I shouldn’t be able to wrestle and that I don’t need goggles,” he said. His appeal to his national governing body met with some success. “Wrestling Canada slowly gave back a bunch of stuff. They allowed me to compete within Canada and at the next nationals, they gave me back my funding, which is big, and the only thing we are fighting for now is the Olympic spot.” Yet why he has to fight to represent Canada at the final Olympic qualifier in early May in Bulgaria has left Balfour scratching his head. “It is the dumbest thing. It doesn’t make any sense and it never made any sense to me,” he
Jevon Balfour, left, in practice before the pandemic. said. “As soon as I got cleared to wrestle from Wrestling Canada, it is only right that I should get my spot back. I’ve never lost to this guy and I beat him at the wrestle-off. But they responded back that they are standing firm on that decision.” To fight that decision, Balfour has enlisted the services of Zachary Rosen, a lawyer with Lenczner Slaght, a prominent Toronto law firm which has taken the case pro bono. “The firm does work with athletes occasionally on these sort of matters,” Rosen said. Rosen wasn’t involved with the initial appeal to Wrestling Canada but has come on board to try and get Wrestling Canada to give Balfour back his spot at the Olympic qualifier. “There is an internal appeals process at Wrestling Canada as
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well as an appeals process subsequent to that, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada,” he said. “Without getting into the technical legal bits and live issues, we’re considering all the options that are available to Jevon to get his ranking back, but we’re focused right now on challenging the decision that was made by Wrestling Canada not to restore Jevon’s ranking as the No. 1 ranked athlete in his weight class.” In July, Balfour provided Wrestling Canada with evidence that he didn’t have the medical condition it said prevented him from competing without protective eyewear, which was being monocular. “Medical evidence has established that he is not monocular and two ophthalmologists in sports medicine positions have made it clear that Jevon is at no greater risk than any other athlete
for eye injury while competing and there’s no safety reason why he should be required to wear goggles when other athletes aren’t,” Rosen said. “Based on that evidence, Wrestling Canada did reconsider part of their previous decision.” But the organization stuck with its decision not to accept Balfour’s victory at the wrestle-off. “They made the decision not to consider those results in terms of his ranking on the basis that he had worn protective eyewear during that wrestle-off,” Rosen said. “Of course, he only wore protective eyewear because Wrestling Canada required him to do so. He wanted to comply with what Wrestling Canada asked him to do because his goal was to get that wrestle-off done.” Wrestling Canada is now being asked to reconsider that decision and restore Balfour’s ranking. “To put it very simply, this is a ranking that he has earned,” Rosen said. “It is not a question of giving him a new shot to beat this athlete or doing something that is inconsistent with the actual scoring that he achieved. He beat Mr. Phulka fair and square in the wrestle-off in two matches and pursuant to Wrestling Canada’s own rules he earned the spot as champion in his weight class. It is only because of Wrestling Canada’s own conduct that he is not currently the No. 1 ranked athlete.” Balfour is confident Wrestling Canada will ultimately rule in his favour. “Even though so many things that didn’t make sense have al-
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Page 10
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Centr
Protests continue aga
A
nimal rights activists continue to take aim at an annual Aboriginal ritual and treaty right in Niagara, a white-tailed deer hunt, that has stirred emotions on both sides of the debate since the first harvest took place in Short Hills Provincial Park in 2013. The final hunt day under the 2020 treaty protocol took place last Thursday. The park, which was created in 1985, was closed to the public during the deer harvest on November 3 and 26, December 10 and 17, 2020 and January 7 and 27, 2021. Robin Zavitz has lived on Roland Road with her family for close to 18 years, attracted by the glorious natural setting. Their property abuts Short Hills. “We moved out here because we love the peace and tranquility, the wildlife and the park,” said Zavitz. “The annual hunt has really made it a very unhappy place, and I just I don't see any end in sight. The Ministry has done its ‘soft shoe’ dance here for years, and the community falsely thinks that this is under control. What blows my mind is that there are still people that don't know
anything about it.” Last week’s edition of The Voice carried not only a letter to the editor from Zavitz, in which her concerns were shared, but also a full-page advertisement detailing the perceived breaches of the harvest protocol between the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Indigenous hunters. The ad was placed by the Short Hills Wildlife Alliance, a group which includes Zavitz as a founding member, and provided the link www.SaveShorthills.ca, which connects to an information page on the hunt prepared by the Animal Alliance of Canada, a well-established organization advocating for animal rights. To be clear, white-tailed deer are not an at-risk species in the province. Outdoors Canada magazine estimates that there are some 400,000 white-tailed deer in Ontario, with 75 percent roaming in the southern region of the province. The Canadian Wildlife Federation says that of all North America’s large animals, the white-tailed deer is the most widely distributed and the most numerous. The Federation’s website notes that healthy deer populations reproduce quickly, and are capable of almost dou-
Controversy over ann harvest dampened but by this year's pan
BY DON R Voice Corr bling their numbers in a good year. Greg Wilson, the Southwest Ontario manager for Ontario Parks, said that an aerial survey is done every year in Short Hills, usually after a snowfall, when the contrast makes it more effective to record the deer population. He said that in 2020, approximately 500 deer were counted in the park. The Ministry has estimated that 50 to 60 deer is the carrying capacity for the 1600 acres of Short Hills. Zavitz disagrees with Wilson’s calculations. “White-tailed deer are transient animals that move through a wide range of territory. When it’s cold, the deer are ‘yarding’ in the park—they come in from the farmer's fields because the park provides shelter from the elements,
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
respread
ainst Indigenous hunt
nual Short Hills deer t far from extinguished ndemic protocols
RICKERS respondent and a food source. The deer herd together to preserve body warmth—so you get an inflated number of how many deer are actually calling the park home,” she asserted. Contrary to speculation, Wilson said the Indigenous harvest is not part of a Ministry plan to reduce the deer population in Short Hills. “It's purely a treaty deal. If we were going to do a formal deer herd reduction, there’s an environmental assessment process that would need to be conducted first,” he said. Zavitz has several objections to the Short Hills hunt. Her primary issue is the fact that it is conducted in a provincial park, intended for public hiking and communing with nature. She also loathes the perceived cruelty of the har-
vest which leaves dead, and occasionally injured and suffering animals, in its wake. Zavitz questions the safety measures in place as well, and resents the alleged trespassing that occurs when First Nations hunters, by accident or design, venture onto private property outside the park boundaries. The Haudenosaunee Wildlife and Habitat Authority, through its website sixnationsrighttohunt.com, asserts that it has negotiated a series of treaty-based reciprocal agreements to provide safe hunting areas, with one being Short Hills Provincial Park. “There are places where large deer populations are threatening the balance of natural ecosystems, and the managers of those places welcome working with us to restore balance,” according to the website. “We will maintain high standards of safety, discipline, and conservation. On the side of our partners, it means ensuring that the hunting environment will be safe and protected. This is not just about deer hunting. We are building solid, respectful partnerships and working relationships with agencies and officials of other governments.” It is noteworthy that the agreements
were made between the Ministry and the ancestral chiefs of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy in Oshweken, and not the elected council of the Six Nations reserve. Neither Karl Dockstader, an Aboriginal activist and Executive Director of the Niagara Native Centre, nor Mark Hill, elected chief of the Six Nations on the Grand River reserve (home to all the Indigenous hunters) responded to a Voice request for comment. Biologist Neil Munro, who completed his doctoral thesis at Trent University on white-tailed deer, and who serves as a wildlife biologist for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), in Peterborough, told The Voice that deer hunting is “an incredibly valuable tool for ensuring that provincial deer populations are maintained at levels that are ecologically sustainable, in addition to all the social, cultural, and economic benefits.” Deer hunting in Ontario is a thriving business. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests invests some $71 million dollars each year in fish and wildlife management, with a big chunk See HARVEST Page 17
Two Ontario Parks trucks and an OPP cruiser stand watch at the Pelham Road entrance to Short Hills Provincial Park last Thursday afternoon, during the last day of this season's Indigenous deer harvest. DON RICKERS
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continued from Page 9 ready happened, I am still kind of confident it is going to work out.” Rosen isn’t making any assumptions about what Wrestling Canada is going to do. “I hope that they will do the right thing. I will say that the process that they have followed so far has not been inspiring.” One recent example has Rosen thinking that way. “The medical evidence I mentioned to you earlier, we provided that in July and it took them until October to get back to Jevon and confirm that he would be able to return to training and competition. We didn’t get much of an explanation about the delay other than some oblique reference to looking into their own medical evidence, which we never saw. “To me it seems like a very bureaucratic approach to what ultimately is an issue of fairness.” Rosen knows the clock is ticking with the final qualifier set for early May. “We are not going to waste any time,” he said. “We are challenging the decision they made and we will continue to push that forward as far as we can and as long as we can. The delay has not been Jevon’s fault.” If Wrestling Canada denies the appeal, the next step will be once again to take it to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. While the dispute works toward a resolution, Balfour has been training with Cornell University wrestlers in Ithaca, N.Y., since Jan. 10. “I wanted to get some more training. They are pretty open, all their guys are training on the mats and they have some really good guys,” he said. He has trained at Cornell in the past and is staying in a house that
the university rents out to athletes. He first returned to on-mat training back in December at Niagara Top Team martial arts centre in St. Catharines with other Brock Wrestling Club members who are on national teams. “It was so cool but I could feel it at first,” Balfour said, with a laugh. “I wasn’t as mobile or fluid, I didn’t flow much and my cardio was shot.” Cornell’s tough regimen has helped him get back on track and he’s confident he can qualify for the Olympics if given a chance. “That’s why I am at Cornell. It’s to get the best training that I can against the best guys, including a guy (Kyle Dake) who has been to the worlds twice and never been scored on. They have another guy in the weight class below and he is really good as well.” Balfour agrees the initial training break because of the pandemic was fine with him. “I did enjoy COVID (training break), I am not going to lie,” he said. “At first I couldn’t really believe it was happening. At that point, you couldn’t go see anyone so I decided to go get a job. I found a job at a meat store (Richard’s Fine Meats and Deli) and worked there for a bit.” Once the lockdown eased slightly, he took the opportunity to reconnect with his friends and family. “With the busy season that we always have, you never get to see your friends and family as much. I was able to see friends and family a good amount so I was fortunate for that. I was really happy about that. That was big for me.” He is glad to be back training and his motivation has never been stronger. “It’s my love for the sport and my dream of going to the Olympics. I have been putting in so much hard for work for so long that I still want to do it.”
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Going green with watershed management BY HELEN TRAN Voice Correspondent On a snowy January morning, 180 people from across Canada logged into a Zoom meeting to view the online presentation, “Innovations in Watershed Management: Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) for Watershed Management,” organized by Dennis Edell, president of the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada. The presentation, described on the event website as a “myth-busting session featuring relevant Ontario case studies,” and a chance to learn how GI and LID work, as well as how to “properly plan, design, operate/ maintain […] from the experts”, was presented by Phil James and W. Kyle Vander Linden, of Credit Valley Conservation, and Tim Van Seters, of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Free for anyone to attend, the presentation’s purpose was to inform the public about how cities and towns could use green infrastructure to reduce negative impacts on the environment when developing suburban areas, especially when paired with low impact development. LID is an important part of green infrastructure, since its use of on-site natural features such as urban woodlots and wetlands, combined with engineered controls that mimic existing hydrologic functions, serve to improve water quality while reducing runoff volumes and flood risk. Among Niagara representatives attending were Walker Industries, Niagara College students, and local conservation authorities. There were several politicians in attendance: Mayor Marvin Junkin of Pelham, Mayor Sandra Easton of Lincoln, Regional Councillor Diana Huson and Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson. All expressed admiration and interest in the proposed GI and LID methods and their benefits. In his opening address, Dennis Edell explained how traditional methods of storm water management and practices have contributed to the deterioration of environmental health. If neighbourhoods were able to implement more environmentally friendly practices, this would lead to improved environmental sustainability and longevity, as well as improved watershed health,
economy, and reduced stress on infrastructure and reduced wastewater treatment costs. “Green infrastructure is a critical need for our watersheds and communities, for its multiple benefits. The dialogue on green infrastructure right now is timely,” said Chandra Sharma, of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. She also praised how the presentation included two decades of research. Different types of LID described included creating planters to collect storm water; building engineered “permeable pavements” that soak up rainwater and absorb runoff; building stream buffers and trees; and innovative street network designs that support clustered developments in alternative layouts that flow with the natural landscape rather than decimate it. There was strong emphasis on the years of engineering, research and science that went into each type of LID. The presentation was also informative in explaining how despite the very modern technologies that went into constructing LID projects, each project utilized natural features. For example, structures that implemented “Bioretention” used a natural process to remove sediments and contaminants from storm water runoff. The treatment area consists of a grass buffer strip, a sand bed, a ponding area, and organic layers of mulch, planting soil and plants to clean the runoff. The presentation focused on the benefits of LID practices: better management of water runoff, especially in instances of extreme weather; improved erosion control and pollutant removal; increased green space and habitats for wildlife; improved aesthetics; and the creation of green jobs. A lively Q&A session rounded off the presentation, with strong engagement from the audience with questions about the costs of implementing, constructing and maintaining LIDs. In fact, there were so many questions that the presentation went overtime by half an hour. The general theme of the presentation, as voiced by many of the organizers and presenters, was that the overall aim was not to stop growth and development, as it was inevitable, but for development to have as low of an impact on the environment as possible while building long term sustainability for the environmental and economic health of the community.
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Academic integrity at risk in the age of COVID Online anti-cheating software a new tool available to educators BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent An honour code is something many fi rst encounter as children, in scouting, an effort to instill in impressionable youth a sense of trust and honesty, of right and wrong. To quote the Greek playwright Sophocles, “better to fail with dignity than win by fraud,” and other such noble sentiments. In an educational context, behaving honourably generally means that students will not give or receive aid during examinations, or in the submission of assignments expected to contain original work. Consequences are likely to include personal embarrassment, social shaming, and loss of academic status (including probation or expulsion). The code means a great deal in some institutions. At West Point, America’s premier military academy, it is the bedrock of a cadet’s existence, a measure of accountability that eclipses all other expectations. But last December, dozens of these officers-in-training were accused of cheating on a mathematics examination, taken remotely, online, during the coronavirus pandemic. Out of a freshman class of 1200, 73 cadets were implicated. Some have withdrawn from the Academy,
and others have been disciplined for their failure of character. Empirical evidence suggests that when students feel stressed, or see an opportunity to gain an undetected advantage when the stakes are high, some will cheat. Peer influence plays a role, as do high expectations from parents. Often, it is a simple cost/benefit analysis performed by the risk-taker. Don’t think for a moment that cheating doesn’t happen in Canadian schools, or in our own backyard here in Niagara, and at all levels. Educators may give patronizing assurances to the public that such behaviour is rare or non-existent amongst their students, even those struggling with online studies. But what is abundantly clear, if anecdotal observations are to be believed, is that remote learning has become the great enabler of academic dishonesty. Forget the days of whispering an answer to fellow miscreants in the examination room, or slipping a piece of paper, a “cheat sheet,” to your friend at the next desk. In 2021, students have answers programmed into their smartphone or Apple Watch, and
taped to the wall in front of their computer. They text answers to classmates, and use online software which offers formulas and solutions to scientific equations. Students can engage “essay mills” that will sell them assignments, or even contract with them to write all their reports for the semester. Several Toronto-area high school math teachers, in a Canadian Press report last December, characterized cheating practices as a “free-for-all” at virtual high schools, given student access to such software apps as Photomath, Mathway, and Chegg, which are capable of scanning a photo of a math problem, and prescribing a step-by-step algorithm on how to solve it. In their defense, these companies argue
that their technology simply reinforces concepts already learned in the classroom, and provides on-demand math assistance accessible to all students. To combat this new wave of high-tech cheating, a nascent industry of “online proctoring” companies now offers schools cheating-detection software and surveillance systems. It is a lucrative business worth tens of millions of dollars, with droves of high schools and post-secondary institutions signing on in an effort to keep students honest. A November 2020 article in the Washington Post detailed how companies with names like Proctorio and Honorlock use cutting-edge tech to lock down students' web browsers, track their computer activity, and pay voy-
eurs to spy on students as they take their tests. Artificial intelligence software can spot “behavioral flags” using face scanners to verify a test-taker's identity, and eye sensors to flag if they are gazing at length off-screen. Predictably, this technology has also sparked a revolt by many university students, including those at UBC, Calgary, Western, Ottawa, and Carleton, protesting the surveillance measures as an erosion of trust. This anxiety-inducing backdrop has sparked heated debate, and prompted some probing questions. Is corralling a few cheaters worth the price of treating every student with scrutiny and suspicion? What values are conSee INTEGRITY Page 6
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continued from Page 18 devils. It evokes boldness and aggression by stimulating the heart rate and pituitary gland, and communicates power, speed and authority. Cyclists beware—red trucks will take aim then swerve away at the last second just for the fun of it. White symbolizes purity, a fresh start, and cleanliness, as evidenced by Town of Pelham trucks. Sort of the equivalent of dressing Town employees in doctor’s white coats or wedding dresses before sending them out to enforce bylaws or plan traffic calming. Theoretically, cyclists should be able to relax if being approached by a white truck. If the trucks are blue or silver, go ahead and ride two abreast. Silver translates into security, trustworthiness, and upscale status, blending balance, calmness and sophistication. Blue is dependability and strength, joy and serenity, while darker blues represent responsibility. If ever you’re faced with trucks approaching from both directions simultaneously on Foss Road, no worries if they’re silver and blue. If you’re riding in the West Lincoln bible belt, a short prayer requesting silver and blue trucks might be in order. If it’s yellow, it’s a school bus not a truck, and it’s time to see the folks at Lifetime Vision before you get back on your bike. Green represents ecofriendliness and serenity. These truck drivers are philosophically aligned with cyclists, and mean us no harm. The only danger is if their serenity is induced by some of Pelham’s finest eco-friendly THCrich buds. Black trucks are the Republicans of Niagara’s back roads. Black represents prestige, power and importance, and when a two-ton black missile is hurtling to-
Markus MacKenzie KEHOE November 27, 1997 January 1, 2021 May the winds blow softly and whisper soft and low. We miss you, Markus, and love you so. Born and lived the first few years in Fonthill, moved to North Bay, where he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Survived by his father, Shawn Kehoe; mother, Karen Jansen; siblings, Thomas Kehoe (Ashlynne), Shawn Jr., and Grace (Colton); nieces Jordyn and Jaylynne, and nephew Darryl; grandmother, Mary Kehoe (late Patrick Kehoe), grandmother Jane Jansen (late Max Jansen). Many aunts and uncles, cousins, and longtime friends. Laid to rest in Niagara Falls. ward you, you must quickly decide if it’s being driven by Mitt Romney, Cindy McCain or Donald Trump. If the grille is chrome, there’s a chance you can hold your cycling line because it will be a Cindy or Mitt. If the grille is blacked out, you can hear it shifting gears before you see it, and its 4x4 wheels and tires are protruding even beyond its massive fender flares, you know what to expect. Make sure your will is current. Do intermittent squeaks from your bike drive you crazy? Is it a crank arm that will squeak for months
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OBITUARY
Timms, Marion Emma (nee Law) December 13, 1924 - January 24, 2021 Passed away peacefully at Lookout Retirement Home in Fonthill, Ontario, on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the age of 96 years. Predeceased by her beloved husband Reginald “Rex” (November 17, 1999) and infant daughter Susan Zeata (1960). Dear and loving mother of Marnie Tempest (Timothy), Roy Timms (Wendy), Bruce Timms (Coral Cutler), Art Timms (Sharon) and Christine Timms (Adrian Bannister). Cherished grandmother of Sarah, Jeremy (Cheryl), Julia (Quenton), Val, Gaelan, Erin, Andrew (Jessica) and Peter. Great grandmother of Nate, Taylor, Xaria, Xhayden, Jasmine, Jonas, William, and Alexa. Predeceased by her parents Roy and Zeata Law, brother Bud, her parents-in-law Reginald and Sarah Timms, sister-in-law Eileen (Norm) Tufford, brotherin-law Leslie (June) Timms and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Marion was born in Toronto. As a young girl she attended Port Colborne High School and Havergal College. She graduated as a registered nurse from Hamilton General Hospital, and as a Public Health nurse from the University of Toronto. She then worked for the Victoria Order of Nurses in Niagara. Marion met the love of her life Rex and married in 1950. Marion was a warm and generous woman with a profound love of her family. She was the quintessential wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, daughter, and friend. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Fonthill Anglican Church, serving on the ACW. She lived a long and happy life surrounded by her family, friends, church and community. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to personal caregiver Kim McNabb, Dr. Jason King, Amy Seneca, Robyn Davison, and all of the wonderful people at the Lookout Ridge Retirement Home who helped make Marion’s last years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. A private graveside service and interment will take place at Fonthill Cemetery. A larger celebration of Marion’s life will be announced once it is safe to gather again. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Trinity Fonthill Anglican Church. 1557 Pelham St. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E3 would be greatly appreciated. (For online donations, visit www.holytrinityfonthill.org.) Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca with no problem, or the slowly disintegrating clasp on your handlebar bag, which will let go on a bump while you’re flying down Haist Street, get caught in your front wheel, and put you over the bars faster than Bianca Andreescu disappeared from the tennis scene last year. Don't you hate it when you drive to the start of a big ride and discover you forgot your shoes, water bottles, front wheel, helmet, whatever? Just add your personal favourite forgettable here. Don't you despise it when you're late for a ride and you jam your cleats into your pedals, then wind up on your face when you try to unclip because the bike has Look Keo pedals and your
shoes have Shimano cleats, and they won't release? Don't you detest sharing your favourite Short Hills single track with f r e e-r a n g e dogs, poison ivy, horse buns, and those trendy COVID hikers that have switched from Tilly hats to de rigueur cycling shorts? Don't you hate stopping at a yard sale during your S a t u r d a y morning ride, asking if they have any old bikes for sale, and learning the vintage Marinoni that late Uncle Giorogio hadn’t ridden for 35 years sold for 40 bucks ten minutes earlier? Don't you hate it when rotation through the peloton finally lands you in pace line position behind the best non-gender-specific butt in
Red trucks will take aim then swerve away at the last second just for the fun of it
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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 and Karsyn. Dearly loved sister Marilyn (Tracey) and brother Lynden 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.* the club, and—sorry, wrong column. Thought this was ten best things about bike training. Getting a flat tire just before the lunch stop is the worst. Your fingers get covered with sticky black chain lube and bits of whatever you might have been riding through recently. Then you rip your fingernail half off on the teeth of the rear gears while putting the wheel back on the bike. You realize how happy you are that your tetanus shots are current as you dig into your frame bag for your tuna croissant and apple slices. Don't you hate it when you throw your two-dollar readers on over your sunglasses for a quick look at your GPS, then go into Tim's for a coffee and the cute server giggles and asks if you always wear your reading glasses over your sunglasses? Speaking of Tim's, don't you hate it when, against all common sense and cycling wisdom, you can't resist a chocolate hazelnut eclair, then toss it up on the next long climb? Don’t you hate it when your cadence sensor or Fitbit tells you exactly how many calories you’re burning each pedal stroke, or how much power wattage you’re generating on every climb. There wouldn’t be
OBITUARY
Karl Christian Tatzel Karl passed away peacefully on January 27, 2021, in his ninety-seventh year, with his loving family at his side during his final days, a short eight months after the passing of his beloved wife and best friend Ruth. They shared and built a life together for seventy nine years and were often heard to say how lucky they were to have always been able to do everything they wanted. Arriving in Canada from Graz, Austria in 1952 (made possible by a loan from the Canadian government), Karl immediately found work in Toronto as a skilled tool and die maker/machinist and worked hard to quickly repay the loan and send money for the rest of his family to join him. Through hard work together, Karl and Ruth forged their life as Canadians (of which they were both so proud). Karl became plant manager of a paper converting company and eventually started his own successful business, K. T. Precision Machine & Tool Shops Inc. All that paled to the pride he had in his family: his children Ruth (the late Terrance) and Timothy (Barbara), as well as his grandchildren Andrea (George), Jodie (Curtis), Stephanie (Adrian), Alexandra (Matthew) and Juliana (Trevor) and great-grandchildren Trysten, Grace, Cameron, Nolan and Jack. It is with immense joy that we recall all of the very good times, but at this time we feel more sorrow at the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Thank you to the dedicated staff from “I’m Here Homecare” and to his family physicians, Drs. Peter Pringle and Jane Rusnak. A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church in Fonthill with Rev. Fr. Mitchell Kasza as Celebrant. Entombment to follow at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to the DAVIDSON FUNERAL HOME, 135 Clarence Street, Port Colborne. Online guest register and condolences are available at www.davidsonfuneralhome.com
a sport fishing industry if some electronic device automatically calculated the size and weight of each fish caught, denying fishermen and women worldwide the opportunity to stretch the truth back at the campfire. Why do cyclists crave their electronic devices? There you have it—the unvarnished truth. I had a couple more examples, but they’ll have to wait until next time. I’m late for my appointment at the truck dealership to choose the colour of my new 4x4. ◆
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Completion of SWIFT broadband expansion FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY Tasty treats with fundsforecast heading straight into the community. Haddock, for back 2022 french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent
PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE
Southwestern Fibre Technol- atnesses throughout the Aimed Niagara to region,” Buy, sell orIntegrated trade used equipment the Pelham Arena. providea ogy (SWIFT), a non-profit broadband com- sentiment echoed by Niagara Regional Chair options the for construction players in this pany cheaper which subsidizes of upcoming Jim Bradley.season. Runs Sept. 6 from high-speed, open-access internet networks Bell Canada has been contracted for a 9-12 in the morning. in Ontario, announced last week that is portion of the work, supporting fibre-tocoming to the Niagara Region. the-home installation in Niagara Falls, A joint federal MUDFEST and provincial infrastruc- Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Lincoln, NiagaPELHAM ture program, the New Building Canada ra-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Wainfleet, and andCommunities women will Fund, be back the West mud Lincoln. as the second run on the yearwill is FundMen – Small has in apCogeco Communications proved some $127 million dollars in funding receive funding to deploy fibre-optic caheld at Bissil’s Hideaway. for projects across the province. Addition- bling along under-serviced roadways withal monies from municipal partners and the in Grimsby and West Lincoln, while Niagara private sector will bring total EXHIBITION project in- Regional Broadband Network Limited has NIAGARA REGIONAL vestment to $209 million dollars. secured contracts for similar installations Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It SWIFT’s focus is on greater equality be- in parts of Pelham and Wainfleet. tween ruralfrom and urban with reThe high-speed service should be comruns Sept.populations 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. gard to digital technology. Niagara is set to pleted by mid 2022. receive $21.2 million in broadband upgrades MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff BIG MOVE CANCER to support projects in four RIDE underserved told the Voice that, “I committed to advoparts of the region, providing 396 kilo- cating for rural broadband investments in The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. metres of fibre-optic cable to some 5,600 Niagara during the last election, because I 7.and Proceeds for the Big Move stay inheard Niagara and support Walker homes businesses. from many peoplethe who spoke Famabout In ily a prepared statement, SWIFT Board the difficulty in accessing school, work, and Cancer Centre. Chair David Mayberry said that, “Connec- leisure online due to inequitable internet tivity is key to the economic success of our access. The pandemic has underlined the region,” and that the projects will “further importance of these services. This $21 milWALKING CLUB support online learning, increase work- lion investment, with support from multiple Interested in walking inand Pelham? from-home opportunities, unlockJoin them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena next page greater economic growth for busifrom 9-10 am andpotential Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell See for BROADBAND 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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The Voice
A February 3, 2021
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PLACES OF WORSHIP
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Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com
Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca
Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca
Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com
Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com
Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc
St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com
FAITH LIFT
continued from Page 19
Joe’s job
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who prays for our Prime Minister too.
BROADBAND
continued from previous page levels of government, shows the importance of working together to build up Niagara’s capacity and prosperity.” Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson was elated at the announcement, noting that local broadband enhancement will likely extend just north of Hwy. 20 into North Pelham, and also along main roads towards the Welland River. Internet access has quickly become an essential service for many families struggling with confinement to their residence, said Huson. “It's fundamental for students who are trying to learn, adults working
from a home office, or seniors who just want to be safe, but need a way to connect with family and friends. Where would we be without FaceTime or Zoom right now? It's a pandemic necessity.” Huson added that high-speed connectivity is also essential infrastructure to support innovation and competitiveness in the agricultural industry. “I'm sure this will be welcome news to many. I'm certainly celebrating the news,” she said. Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin said that the exact details have yet to be worked out, but he is hopeful that “at least some of Pelham’s rural population will benefit from the expansion of the fibre-optic network.”
Son: "I was awarded the 'Leslie Nielsen Badge' at school today." Dad: "What's that?" Son: "It's a big building full of students and teachers, but that's not important right now."
RANDOM
Obviously, Biden has his work cut out for him — a raging pandemic, a deeply divided people, a recently shaken democracy, and a struggling economy. Comparisons have been made to Lincoln’s task during the Civil War, or Roosevelt’s challenges during the Great Depression. Believers are commanded in Scripture to pray for their leaders. The apostle Paul wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession
and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) He didn’t say pray for your leaders if you agree with their politics. He said pray for your leaders, period. Joe Biden is not our leader but Canadian believers should pray for him anyhow because of the enormous influence for good or ill that America has on us and the world. To his credit, Biden began his presidency with a prayer. And (quite honestly) this Irish-American president, who has endured so many trials in his long life, needs all the prayer he can get. ◆
YUKS
ticians (unlike most Canadian ones) are not afraid to make spiritual references in their speeches. Biden used words and phrases like “prayer,” “faith,” “one nation under God,” “before God,” “sustained by God,” “sustained by faith,” “the work and prayers of a century,” “the sacred oath before God,” and “May God bless America and may God protect our troops,” in his speech. In his hopeful and optimistic address, Biden even quoted a Bible verse: “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b) He also quoted St. Augustine (an early Church father and theologian), who wrote, “The people are a multitude defined by the common
objects of their love.” In what he called his “first act as president,” Biden led his nation in a silent prayer for the 400,000plus victims of COVID-19. He somberly noted that this already exceeded the number of American casualties in World War II, and the pandemic still far from over.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
Page 17
A February 3, 2021
HARVEST
continued from Page 11 of the revenue coming directly from recreational hunting and fishing licence fees. The Ministry’s 2019 online data showed that 186,384 deer tags were issued in 2019, resulting in a province-wide harvest of 53,508 deer. In Niagara’s three Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) which allowed a three-month bow-hunting season in the fall of 2018, almost 6000 hunters harvested just under 1700 white-tailed deer on Crown or private land outside of Short Hills Provincial Park. By comparison, the annual Short Hills harvest, conducted over a series of days by Indigenous hunters, takes from 50 to 120 deer. Members of the Short Hills Wildlife Alliance have detailed damage done to the park during the treaty harvest, with trucks, SUVs, and all-terrain vehicles tearing up paths and crushing vegetation. “It’s all been documented…the Ministry was actually doing a lot of the damage, loading up dead deer on their ATVs and driving them back to the hunters’ trucks in the staging area. The Ministry has actually placed crushed stoned on what was wetland, and created a virtual parking lot for these hunters,” said Zavitz. But other groups have indicated that the high volume of deer in Short Hills has created its own set of problems. Brian Green is secretary of the Niagara chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, an environmental group committed to the restoration and preservation of cold water habitat, with a primary regional focus on Twelve Mile Creek, which runs through Short Hills Park. “The deer population in Short Hills is so large as to be unsustainable,” said Green. “They eat everything, including shrubs and ground cover we have planted to anchor the soil to prevent riverbank erosion. It’s a challenge planting anything along the stream that they won’t devour. In addition, the hooves of so many deer have caused significant erosion damage in the park.” From Zavitz’s perspective, the hunt is woefully understaffed by the Ministry. “Back in the day, the Ministry probably had 30 to 35 staff members right in the park during the hunt, trying to keep things under control,” said Zavitz. “The hunters agreed that they would not leave the hunt zone without a Ministry officer accompanying them.” Zavitz asserted that although Ministry officers are present at the three park entrances on the
Members of Short Hills Wildlife Alliance protesting on site during the 2019 deer hunt. days of the hunt, they are fewer in number than in past years, and claimed, “There are zero Ministry staff in the park itself during the hunt…there's nobody to enforce this.” Wilson said that eight staff were assigned to the hunt this year, with numbers reduced due to COVID restrictions. “It’s a reflection of the current situation,” said Wilson. “In past years, the Ministry had a biologist on site to assess deer health, and check animals for ticks and Lyme disease. That has not been done by our staff during the 2020 hunts, but by the harvesters...it's been a collaboration.” Pandemic lockdown directives from the province do not apply to the Indigenous hunt, said Wilson. Zavitz said that, in past years, she has spoken to Regional Council and various municipal councils in Niagara, conveying the message that a provincial park is not the proper venue for an activity of this sort, and suggesting that other lands in the peninsula would be more appropriate. She said that while there was support for her argument, the Region acknowledged that the treaty rights decision was a provincial ministry matter outside its purview. When asked for comment, Regional Chair Jim Bradley referred The Voice to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, noting that, “Niagara Region has no jurisdiction or standing over the deer harvest, provincial parks, or the protocols that are followed during the hunt. That said, Regional Council fully respects all relevant treaty rights related to the harvest.” A protocol was written and signed in 2014 by the Ministry and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, said Zavitz, the priority being to establish safety practises regard-
ing the hunt. She asserts that the protocol has been revised annually, but is currently unsigned. “[Southwest Ontario Parks manager Greg Wilson] told me, ‘It's a gentleman's agreement. It's not legally enforceable,’ but that’s not what they're telling the people of the community.” According to Zavitz, the number of hunters participating in the harvest has increased dramatically. “Back in 2013, 15 hunters were in the park for four days, and took seven or eight deer. And then it expanded the next couple of years to 30 hunters, then 35, then 50. I think the record we've documented to date is 98 people in the park in one day.” Zavitz said that a former Southwest Ontario Parks manager told her that 30 hunters maximum was the safe limit in the 1600 acres of Short Hills Provincial Park. Zavitz cited, “at least three confrontations this season where trespassers, on private property, have come face-to-face with homeowners…and the hunters refused to leave.” She said the Ministry did not mail notifications to homeowners adjacent to the park this year, as they have done every year since 2013. “When the hunt is on, we don't leave our property. My husband actually books days off, so that we can be here and keep our dogs safe and our property secure.” Spokesperson Gary Wheeler said that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks takes complaints raised about trespassing during the hunt seriously. “Ministry officers have jurisdiction within the provincial park boundary, and staff rely on our community policing partners to
SUPPLIED
assist with any concerns raised about potential incidents occurring outside of the park, including trespassing on private property. Due to privacy concerns, the ministry does not share details about complaints or any other enforcement matters.” Reflecting back to the inaugural hunt in 2013, Zavitz said that when she first heard news of the event, she started a petition, and garnered 2800 signatures within the first three days. “At that point, I didn't even know who was hunting…I didn't know anything about First Nations treaties,” she said. “I was pretty much oblivious to the whole thing. But I started that petition, because I believed that the park should be a sanctuary for the animals. With all the overdevelopment going on around Niagara, why can't we give the deer a postage stamp that they can live on peacefully?” She acknowledged that the politics of the hunt fosters trepidation on the part of many animal rights activists. “Because they are Indigenous hunters, they scare off many people from speaking out, because they're going to have the ‘race card’ thrown at them,” said Zavitz. “If you say something against the hunt, you're called a racist.” Zavitz said she did not encourage protesters to rally at the park entrance for the final hunt, adding, “I could get dozens of protesters out, but then we’d be in trouble for organizing an event during a pandemic lockdown.” She did indicate that a small group was present to document a count of trucks and hunters in the park. Ontario Parks manager Wilson disagreed with Zavitz’s assessment of many elements of the hunt.
“We do have protocols that are reviewed every year with the harvest coordinators and participants. The paramount concern is that it's done in a safe manner, not just for the hunters, but the general public as well.” Wilson does agree with Zavitz, however, that the Ministry-First Nations agreement is not legally binding. “In terms of what is enforceable, we have the Wildlife Conservation Act that speaks to hunting, and the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, that are viewed in context with the Indigenous treaty rights. The protocols are designed to make sure that the treaty rights are supported.” During the harvest, signage is placed at all authorized entry points to the park, with staff stationed at these points to deny public access, said Wilson. Ministry officers patrol around the park, and OPP and NRP have a presence there as well. “Archery is the only means of harvesting, and there is by design a designated harvest area and buffer zone, essentially an area covering the distance that that an arrow would travel. But it’s not illegal to harvest in that buffer area,” said Wilson. No injuries have been reported in the history of the hunt, said Wilson. “I've been pleased with the understanding on the part of those with opposing viewpoints. The harvest can be pretty tense at times given the different complexities, but by and large, I think we've managed to support a safe deer harvest and also engage in productive dialogue. I've certainly seen a lot of behaviour from the harvesters that was very respectful and collaborative.” As to COVID social-distancing concerns, Wilson said that while there may at times be about 70 hunters in the park, they arrive at different intervals, often as family units, and are not hunting in one large group. “Harvesters communicate with Ontario Parks staff, to alert them if they see somebody hiking into the park during the hunt, or if an arrowed deer went outside of the park,” said Wilson. Zavitz is unswayed by Ministry explanations, and unrelenting in her demands. “Things need to change. I think Minister Yurek [Environment, Conservation, and Parks], the Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Wilson of Ontario Parks, and Niagara MPP Sam Oosterhoff need to sit down and find a way to relocate this hunt. It’s been going on for almost a decade, and it's clearly out of control.”
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SIDING I SOFFIT I FASCIA I WINDOWS I DOORS I TRIM
Page 18
The Voice
A February 3, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart
There’s a lot to hate about cycling secret blend of pig, chicken, cattle and sheep manure very liberally all over his personal Ponderosa. Beware of Church Road west of Attercliffe—the barnyard bouquet will knock you off your bike. Don't you hate being stuck riding with someone who wants to tell you their boring life story as you pedal alongside, or worse yet, someone who doesn't want to listen to yours? Don’t you hate it when you spend $149 on a new cycling jersey and then realize one of the ten logos you’re promoting is Gazprom or QAnon? Don't you hate it when your bike’s odometer says you rode 100 kms at a 30 kph average, and while you’re collapsed in exhaustion you notice your new GPS says it was really 98.7 kms at 29.26 kph? And isn't
a day on your bike is better than an apricot Danish with honey-cinnamon apple cider on the deck with your reunited family. But when the ride is over, and it’s just me, my bike and a dirty-banana Kahlua smoothie, I’ll admit there’s a lot to hate about cycling. Why don’t bicycles have cabin air filters? For every day I’ve spent riding amid the sumac and wildflowers of the Steve Bauer Trail, I’ve spent three riding amongst the chicken farms of West Lincoln. Worst ever was the farmer that spread manure like cyclists pop vitamin pills. To make sure his field’s soil got all the nutrients necessary, he applied a
KRAKENIMAGES
T
hey say confession is good for the soul. I’m a cycling advocate, and I’ve spent years extolling the joys and virtues of two-wheeled motion. Had Julie Payette ridden a bicycle to work at Rideau Hall each morning, she could never have created such a mess. Were we all to ride a bike for 40 percent of our errands that are five kilometres or less, greenhouse gas emissions worldwide would be reduced by five percent. If we all commuted to work by bike, Joni Mitchell would have a lot fewer parking lots to worry about. In the world of bicycle-friendly communities,
the stress level beyond belief when you have to decide which one to tell your buds? Don't you love those brightly coloured autumn leaves crunching under your mountain bike’s front tire in fall— until you hit the greasy diagonal log or eroded rut they hide? Guys, don't you hate it when you stop for a nature
gling. Fortunately, Pacific Truck Colors, Inc., an Oregon company specializing in painting commercial trucks to maximize positive brand assessment, lists all possible truck colours and what those colours imply about their drivers. Red is the colour of dare-
break and a wind gust whips up from nowhere, spreading telltale spots all over your dusty riding shoes and fancy $700 carbon fibre wheel? Don’t you hate black pickups? The research necessary to safely share the road amongst the swarms of pickup trucks in West Niagara or the wilds of rural Stevensville is mindbog-
See BALANCED LIFE Page 14
V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your ideas may seem a bit fantastical to the people who are closest to you. It could be time to expand your reach a little bit and pitch your thoughts to others. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 A financial surprise may require extra attention early in the week, Taurus. Take a step back and look at things from a new perspective as you try to adjust. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, expressing how you feel to someone special is key to your personal growth this week. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and open yourself up. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, sometimes routines can be a good thing — even if you feel as though change is needed. Knowing what to expect when other things are off-kilter can be comforting. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A supervisor may ask you to take the lead on a project that is right in your wheelhouse, Leo. Put in the extra effort to help ensure the results will be top notch. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Your perception may be altered through a sudden modification in the way you think, Virgo. This can be a refreshing change for you and open up new possibilities. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, facilitate conversations with new people to broaden your opportunities for social interaction. This may lead to friendships or business opportunities. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Thoughts may pop in and out of your mind, Scorpio. The trick is
to figure out how to weed out the pertinent ideas from the fluff. Ask others to weigh in if need be. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Emotions run high between you and your partner this week, Sagittarius. Enjoy the ride as this outpouring of emotions will strengthen your bond. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Sometimes others do not even need to speak for you to infer what they are feeling, Capricorn. This is a good gift to have and can bring you closer to those around you. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, a recognition of your specific talents and skills is conveyed to you by others. It may inspire you to work on a new project or change departments. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Knowing and expressing just how you feel can help you to troubleshoot areas that need a bit of modification, Pisces. Be honest with yourself. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 31 Portia de Rossi, Actress (48) FEBRUARY 1 Harry Styles, Singer (27) FEBRUARY 2 Shakira, Singer (44) FEBRUARY 3 Amal Clooney, Attorney (43) FEBRUARY 4 Clint Black, Singer (59) FEBRUARY 5 Cristiano Ronaldo, Athlete (36) FEBRUARY 6 Rick Astley, Singer (55)
57. NY
56. BP
47. ADDS
49. TARSI
45. ISM
46. VEEP
43. SHELBY
44. HARLEM
41. THRUMS
38. CENTAUR
35. ERECTING
32. APACE
33. MESAS
29. RAT
31. MOLAR
25. FINALITIES
20. NARIS
21. GNARR
17. LEY
19. ITEMS
13. TECH
9. NE
12. CHAT
7. SAMIC
8. EMULATE
6. ODIOUS
4. CM
5. HARRY CARAY
3. MIRACLES
1. ISLETS
2. BEANIE
SOLUTIONS DOWN
60. GYM
58. NBE
59. PRISSY
55. PS
56. BUSMEN
54. ILL
53. ARUI
52. TERMED
50. CHASED
51. RESTART
48. ACANTHI
41. TL
42. YESHIVA
39. ATAR
40. LASE
36. SSR
37. OPEC
31. MAM
34. SNARE
28. EIRA
30. EMIR
26. CS
27. TERA
24. THYSELF
22. ACETIC
23. YUCATAN
18. ROILING
15. RIMU
16. HELENA
12. CT
14. LAR
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11. MADAME
1. IBM
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The Voice
Page 19
A February 3, 2021
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
Joe Biden: New chapter for an old man
L
ast spring I bought some flowers for my church’s garden. All the marigolds were sold out so I asked the nursery attendant what other yellow flowers they had. The only ones left were called “Bidens,” so I bought and planted them (complete with their little sign tags). I joked that some parishioners might think I was a “closet Democrat.” They started out weakly but then picked up strength and even outlasted the marigolds. I guess you could call them “late bloomers.” That story line sounds familiar…
Joe’s journey
As you probably know by now, Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.’s journey to the White House has not been quick or easy. He was first elected to the Senate from Delaware in 1972. At that time he was 29 and the sixth-youngest senator in American history. A few weeks later, tragedy struck. His wife of six years (Neilia) and one-year-old daughter (Naomi) died in a tragic car crash while Christmas shopping. His two young boys (Beau and Hunter) were critically injured but survived. Five years later, Joe married Jill (who much later, in 2007, would earn her Doctorate of Education degree, at age 55). Biden was reelected to the Senate six times from 1973 to 2009 (36 years) serving on various important committees. He almost died in 1988, needing surgeries for two aneurysms and a pulmonary embolism. During those years, he ran for president twice but lost the Democratic nomination first to Michael Dukakis in 1988, and then to Barack Obama in 2008. Obama, however, invited him to be his running mate, which
made Biden Vice-President from 2009 to 2017. Near the end of that time, tragedy struck again. His oldest son (and rising politician), Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015, at age 46. His younger son, Hunter, has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction over the years. Last year, Biden tried again for the Democratic nomination and presidency and won both. He became America’s second Roman Catholic president (John Kennedy was the first). Born in 1942, he also became America’s oldest incoming president at 78 (people thought Reagan was old, but
he was 77 when he left office after two terms). After half a century in politics, Biden had finally made it to the highest office in the land. He placed his hand on a five-inch-thick 19th century Bible (that has been in his family for 128 years) and became America’s 46th president.
Joe’s speech
Biden’s 20-minute inaugural address was what his troubled nation needed to hear. He may not be as eloquent as Obama but he’s certainly sincere and downto-earth. I noticed again that many American poliSee FAITH LIFT Page 16
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: Tea Time
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. AROMA BITTER BLACK BLEND CAFFEINE CAMELLIA SINENSIS
EARTHY FIRING FLAVOR GREEN HARVEST HERBAL
LEAF LOOSE MATCHA OOLONG ORGANIC OXIDATION
PEKOE PLUCK STEEP TASTE TEA WHITE
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
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Page 20
The Voice
Voice
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
4
Baked Sweet Potato Fries Sweet potatoes are a beloved side dish come the holiday season, as they make for the perfect complement to turkey and roasts. Despite the popularity of sweet potatoes, some misconceptions about them have prevailed. The terms “sweet potato” and “yam” often are used interchangeably, but they actually are two different plants. Sweet potatoes, according to the cooking resource Epicurious, are in the morning glory family. Yams are related to palms and grasses. Yams are native to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. Sweet potatoes are grown primarily in the United States, although they were likely brought from Central or South America. One similarity of sweet potatoes and yams are that they are not potatoes at all. Sweet potatoes range in color from yellow to dark orange. There also are purple varieties. Yams have brown or black, scaly skin. They can produce off-white, purple or red flesh that is more starchy and dry than sweet potatoes. Most North American stores do not sell genuine yams. Sweet potatoes can be prepared in both sweet and savory ways, making them equally at home on the dinner table or for dessert. Sweet potato fries are one of the tastier ways to enjoy sweet potatoes. This recipe for “Baked Sweet Potato Fries” courtesy of the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission can make for the perfect side when serving steak or burgers. Baked Sweet Potato Fries Serves 8 7 1⁄3 1⁄2
medium sweet potatoes cup olive oil teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray. For crispier results, place a metal rack on each baking sheet. Peel the sweet potatoes, if desired, and cut into 1⁄4-inch strips. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, oil and salt; with your hands, toss to coat. Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on racks or foil without crowding; set aside remaining sweet potatoes. Bake until crisp, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat until all the sweet potatoes are baked.
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A February 3, 2021
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COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 pers. Given the pandemic, no one was more surprised than I when my doctor’s office called last week to remind me of my annual physical exam. I thought that it, like my new diet, would be postponed until “things returned to normal.” But the gods are keen to hurl me into whatever my new normal will be after this year’s check-up, so I put the appointment on my empty calendar and waited for the big day. I barely have time to sit down among my fellow masked patients before the nurse calls my name and takes me down a long hallway. She makes a sharp right down another corridor but tells me to stay where I am. “Stand on the X, cover your right eye, and read this line,” she says, pointing to a series of letters on the eye chart at the back of a room at the end of the hall. I squint, refocus, and lean in as far as I can without falling over. “That’s not fair,” I say. “I am not familiar with the Russian alphabet.” “Try the next line up,” she says, with no appreciation for my humour. Although the letters are larger, I still struggle. “R…P…R…R…P…” “Try the next line up,” says the nurse, irritated, as if I am messing up on purpose to waste her time. “V…U…Q…P…” “Oh, just forget it,” she interrupts and marches me to an examination room. Just forget it? I didn’t know the eye exam had a pass/fail mark. I thought I could keep going until I found some success, but this is not the case. No squeaking by with a 51 percent like in Grade 11 math class. We enter the room and she tells me to step on the scale. Wait a minute! I am fully clothed with layers of winter wear, including boots, and I am still holding my purse! This is not an accurate assessment of my weight. But she doesn’t care. She is busy scribbling on my chart: blind and overweight. “The doctor will be here shortly,” she says, briskly. I begin to place my purse on a side table beside the chair where I would sit. “Don’t put anything on the table,” she says, not even looking up from her clipboard. I move to place it on the examination table. “Don’t touch that,” she orders, using her third eye again. I hover my purse over the solitary chair and look at her expectantly. “Yes, that’s fi ne.” Relieved, it’s the fi rst test I have passed since my arrival, so I decide to press my luck. “Permission to breathe?” “Don’t take your mask off,” she retorts as she adds idiot to my growing list of disabilities. As a parting gift, she hands me a small container with an orange lid. “Fill this with urine and deposit it into the yellow bin outside the washroom.” “That’s funny. A yellow bin for the urine. Good colour coding.” I am such a child. She rolls her eyes, which is the worst reaction you can get according to Malcom Gladwell’s book, Blink. It’s a sign of dismissal and disrespect and is a strong indicator that a relationship will not last. My relationship with this nurse is most defi nitely doomed and will last only slightly longer than that of Peter and Madison of The Bachelor, Season 24. I think she writes
"No, please, continue with your hilarious set. I'm not busy at all." BIGSTOCK
humorless on my chart, as if that’s something that may be addressed by the right medication. Another, more friendly nurse takes me to a room where I get to pick a chair and have blood drawn. She is chatty and actually compliments me on my hiking boots, ignoring the pajamas poorly hidden beneath my track pants, along with the bunion bulge protruding on my inner right foot. After a quick chat with the doctor in preparation for the rest of the exam and test results, which will occur in two weeks, another nurse takes me into a room and tells me to undress from the waist up before lying down on the table. She is so used to her job as a very busy nurse that she goes on autopilot and forgets to even tell me why I’m there, and, given my low blood pressure, I’m too chill to ask. But to be friendly and take advantage of an obvious conversation starter, I ask, “Why are you sticking electrodes all over my torso?” “I’m checking your heart. Haven’t you ever had this done before?” she asks, accusingly. “I suppose it’s been a while, and I forgot.” It’s not a good excuse but I’m not thinking straight because I’m concerned that the heart monitor will show that my heart is broken due to my recent breakup with the fi rst nurse. After my heart test, the nurse notes the container in my hand and reminds me to place it in the yellow bin when I’m fi nished. I don’t offer my joke, given how it flopped with the last audience, and instead humbly dress, fi ll my container with the orange lid, and drop it in the yellow bin with the other yellow containers. I’m not offended by any of this, by the way. I’m actually impressed that I’m there at all and that the doctor’s office is open and running almost like normal. The nurses are tired of masking and cleaning and dealing with sick people and people with a sick sense of humour, so I write this tongue-in-cheek and offer my appreciation to everyone in the healthcare profession. They don’t have to like me or laugh at my jokes, and we only have to see each other once a year if we’re lucky. When I leave the building I do feel lucky, because, so far, my new normal is the same as everyone else’s in terms of what I can and cannot do in everyday life, because it has been unaffected by poor health. Goodbye yellow bin. See you next year when, hopefully, we’re all less stressed and open to having a laugh at your expense. ◆
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