The Voice, February 5 2020

Illegal duplex vacated, but still remains page 3 Fenwick rail disaster, 40 years on page 6 Get sweetly pampered page 9 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.24 No.5

February 5, 2020

FREE

Column Six

The Kobe quandary Celebrity, and mourning people we don't know

BY COLIN BREZICKI

Special to the VOICE

I

’M NOT AN AUTHORITY on celebrities, living or dead. I checked a list of the 50 “most famous” who have died and recognized the names of ten.

Had the list included James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley I’d have got 13.

But I have heard of the most recent addition, Kobe Bryant, though I’d never watched him play the game he excelled in.

On his death, social media outlets erupted with the inevitable tributes. We experienced grief on a global scale and watched another face being etched into the side of Mount Olympus. As is the way now, a celebrity death triggers fulsome accolades and a dust storm of universal mourning, with immortality secured when it settles.

I wonder sometimes if these outpourings have less to do with the victim (one of nine in this case, including

Fenwick Flossie, the meteorological marmot, the weather-prognosticating woodchuck, emerged last Friday to find this trio of fans and many more. Story p. 3.

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Page 2

The Voice, February 5, 2020

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Corrections at the top: In last week’s story about Ridgeville musician Spencer Burton, we mixed up a couple of names.

In fact, the handsome 30-something in the spotless lumberjack shirt was not film director Benjamin Burns, but producer Chris Paco...Get pumped while you can: The Pelham Historical Society’s Carolyn Botari wants it known that the library’s Fonthill branch is hosting the society’s latest display-case extravaganza, this time on the history of gasoline stations in Pelham—as previously noted in this space, there were once six stations in Fenwick alone...Get pampered: This Saturday sees the Fonthill Kinettes holding their annual Pamper Me Sweet event (story, p. 9)...Not going anywhere: Lori Grande may be stepping down as Pelham Cares’ Coordinator of Client Services (aka, boss), but she’s staying on as a volunteer. “It has been such a pleasure meeting and working with so many members of our community,” says Grande. “I will be staying on at Pelham Cares in a volunteer role, so will continue to support the good work that we do”...Some needed sunshine: After a couple of gray days, as we finish putting this issue together the sun is out in all its glory. Larry Coté reminds us this week (p. 4) that getting a dose of El Sol is vital during the winter. I can personally attest to the benefits of Vitamin D. About five years ago I started taking 2000 units, each day with lunch (two small tablets, available over the counter from any pharmacy in town), year round. Actual effect or placebo effect, I don’t care. My mood improved from deeply cynical to intermittently moderately cynical...Some needed cushioning: For the first time in a decade my wife and I bought a piece of furniture—a fine sofa from the fine folks at Lampman’s Furniture, timed to coincide with a tax-in sale, of course. A loveseat that came with the house, 11 years ago and at least 11 years old then, had more than reached the end of the road.

Its rarely used, three-seater sibling, down in what we grandly call the “theatre room” in the basement, is next to go...in 2030 or so...Staying fit: John Swart has some useful, if somewhat alarming info on maintaining muscle mass as we age (p. 18), and, in response to my moaning recently about eyestrain and various stiff muscles, a friend reminded me of the 20-20-20 rule while working long periods at a screen. That’s taking a 20-second break, every 20 minutes, to focus on something at least 20 feet in the distance. It’s been working like a charm...

Running the trains on time: It's true, this week you may as well call it our Special Railroad Issue, given the story on page 3, and the delightfully surprising centrespread that takes us across the continent. But no spoilers. Enjoy the tale as it unfolds...A card for your sweetie: Valentine’s Day is next week.

Believe it or not, PharmaChoice, next to Food Basics, carries some of the finest quality gift cards you’ll find anywhere, so word to the wise. Make his, her, or their heart glad...Er, why yes: There is a new Puzzler. Enjoy! ♦

Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Make a new plan, Stan Does Pelham really need to hire another planner?

Take a look at our neighbours, says the Town

BY VOICE STAFF In response to a spate of stories recently on land use and planning issues in Pelham—plus CAO David Cribbs’ assertion that an overhaul of the Town’s zoning bylaw, dating to the 1980s, is overdue—the Voice received the following from a reader: The Town initiated the process of updating the zoning bylaw back in 2015, when they retained the services of Municipal Planning Services and The Planning Partnership. I am not sure of the resources budgeted, but $75,000 would be typical.

The consultant clearly completed a substantial amount of work, as evidenced in the three drafts issued in 2016 and 2017. A copy of the third draft can be found online.

The draft was presented to Town Council on August 31, 2016, as part of a workshop. The whole agenda for this meeting can be found online.

Through 2018, it was typical to find this wording in the June/July/August 2018 Monthly Report of the Community and Development Planning Department: Municipal Planning Services and The Planning Partnership have been retained for the

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purposes of writing a comprehensive zoning by-law that conforms to the Town’s Official Plan, 2014. A second workshop with Council was held

We suspect that too much is being made of the position’s job title of “Policy Planner”

on February 16th, 2017. Staff have received a revised draft of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law from the consultants in August. It would be appropriate to circulate the draft Zoning By-law to agencies for review and comment.

It is not evident that the department circulated the draft or ever reported back to Town Council.

It is surprising to read that the Town now seeks to hire a planner to create a new zoning bylaw that in actuality already exists. It would be interesting to learn how

the business case supported hiring a full-time permanent position to complete work that is already done.

Was the business case part of an agenda that is publicly available? How much money was paid to Municipal Planning Services and The Planning Partnership for the unused document? Are they still under contract to complete the work?

While the reader declined to be identified, the facts and questions posed were straightforward, and appeared to originate from a person or persons acquainted with Town Hall’s inner workings.

We put the queries to CAO Cribbs, who provided the following response: It is correct that a company called Municipal Planning Services, as subcontractor to the Planning Partnership, conducted $71,482-worth of work over a period of five years in working on a zoning bylaw update. The work was never fully completed, but will be relied upon as a starting point for the work that will proceed later in 2020. Much has changed in the planning world since Municipal PlanSee Q&A Page 14

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Pelham Puzzler

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.

Thomas G. DUSSOME, 23, St. Catharines Rocco L. G. GOBBI, 29, Welland Gregory D. THORN, 53, Pelham Jesse J. LORENZ, 22, Fort Erie Cassidy N. STRAUSS, 23, Tonawanda NY Jennifer L. POIRIER, 35, Welland Boris IDUHORIMBERE, 23, Welland

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 3

Illegal duplex vacated Flossie says early spring is on the way

BY HELEN TRAN

Special to the VOICE

BY VOICE STAFF The tenant occupying an illegal duplex in Fonthill has vacated the unit, according to neighbours and Town staff.

The single-family residence at 42 Emmett Street came under scrutiny last year as neighbours watched the home’s new owners apparently construct an apartment, without the necessary zoning variance or building permits to do so. Neighbours say that their complaints to the Town went unheeded.

In a bizarre turn last November, the tenant, whose parents owned the house but did not live there, entered the home directly across the street through a basement door. The homeowner, former Pelham Town Treasurer Cari Pupo, asserted that the man was acting in a threatening manner and called police, who cited the tenant for trespassing.

Following coverage of the incident in the Voice, and of the neighbours’ wider concerns about the property, the Town confronted the home’s owners and set a January deadline for them to bring the property into compliance with the street’s R2, single-family residence zoning.

“As it turns out, there was a second dwelling unit,” CAO David Cribbs said last week.

“That unit has been vacated. All furniture has been

removed, the appliances disconnected and stored in a different room. The Town has obtained compliance.”

Fire Chief and Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner inspected the dwelling on January 15.

As it turns out, there was a second dwelling unit

“I can confirm there is no occupancy in the unit,” said Lymburner. “There are a few pieces of furniture but nothing that would support living there. We have closed the file.”

Across the street, Pupo wasn’t entirely mollified, and said she planned to meet with Town staff about the matter.

“The neighbours of 42 Emmett have been through a long year of trying to get conformance to the zoning bylaw,” she said. “The owner’s son has moved out of the second apartment of the duplex, but there is more to come.”

The Groundhog Day ceremony at Centennial Park last Friday was a resounding success, as Fenwick Flossie, the Fenwick Lions’ Club resident groundhog, predicted an early spring for 2020.

“Winter’s over and spring is just around the corner,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin, admiring the giant marmot.

Students from St. Ann Catholic School, and Fonthill Montessori Preschool, arrived just before 10 AM to attend an event now in its 27th year. On average, some 250 students attend the annual gathering, with parents, teachers and other guests boosting the numbers to almost 400. (Students from Wellington Heights Public School were not in attendance this year as a consequence of the current labor dispute between teachers and the Ontario government.)

The mood among the Lions was one of jovial calm as members traded jokes and set up tables stocked with colouring books, hot chocolate, and snacks.

“Where’s Flossie?” a Lions member asked as he checked his watch. It seemed that the groundhog was taking her time preparing offstage for her much-anticipated appearance.

“The old gal is 82 years old,” answered Rob Henson, past-president and event organizer. His tone (and mischievous smile) suggested that after 25 years of annual appearances, Flossie had more than earned her diva attitude.

Henson said that he was especially excited this year, since Flossie’s 2019 appearance had been cancelled due to the weather. In his 17 years of organizing the event, there have been only two cancellations.

The first to arrive on the premises was the Morgan family. Ross and Jessica Morgan described the excitement of their two sons as something akin to

Top, Parker Marotta, Carlee Bering, Brinley Flikkema, Lexi White, and Sofia Innes.

Above left, Adrian Vani, Ben Longmuir, and Tobas Akande. Above right, two mystery guests, in their cups.

HELEN TRAN Christmas Day, with Henri and Emmett waking up as early as 5 AM to get ready for Flossie’s debut five hours later.

Maureen Coyne, a teacher at St. Ann, polled her students while waiting for the giant rodent to appear. A show of hands revealed that 15 kids predicted early spring, while two predicted six more weeks of winter.

As the magic hour approached, more students lined up in front of the den, chanting Flossie’s name with enough gusto to wake even the sleepiest groundhog.

“It’s like their first rock concert,” said Lion Trevor Philbrick.

A hush fell over the crowd as the branches covering Flossie’s den began to quiver. The giant groundhog slowly emerged, peering into the cloudy sky as

if making absolutely sure that there was no sun. After a suspenseful few seconds, Flossie raised her paws and stepped forward to acknowledge the crowd. Her confident walk was confirmation that without a shadow to be afraid of, spring would soon be here.

After some warm hugs and photo-ops with Flossie, the children lined up to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

One of the attendees remarked before leaving, “It’s good to introduce kids to community events like these while they are young. Perhaps as they grow up, they will continue to attend.”

As the crowd began to disperse, Flossie quietly retreated back to her den, no doubt to hibernate and enjoy some well-deserved beauty sleep until her next prediction, in 2021.

Join a committee!

Now accepting applications for:

Pelham Summerfest Committee Pelham Thursday Night Experience Committee Pelham Active Transportation Committee Apply today!

Applications are due by March 9, 2020.

53

For more information, visit: www.pelham.ca/committees or contact Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato at 905-892-2607 x315 or njbozzato@pelham.ca

Free Family Day Fun!

February 17, 2020 - Meridian Community Centre Join us from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a free family activities: * Free Skate 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Free Family Gym Time 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. * Barry O’Kid Show 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. * Free laser tag 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. * Community Expo 12 - 2 p.m. * Golden Boot Game 1 p.m. visit: www.pelham.ca/family-day for more information

Page 4

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

We're not shoplifting, Ron!

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté

We just forgot our bags again.

How's your serotonin level?

I

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR again when unexplained mood changes depress your usual inclination to spread goodwill and good cheer among your circles of family and friends.

Have you noticed, or more importantly, have others observed, that your moodiness is making you less agreeable lately? Are you not in the running for a hospitality award nor being nominated for the nicest neighbour on the block this year?

Well, I don’t profess to be a qualified medical diagnostician but the odds-on favourite diagnosis might be that you are suffering from SAD —Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is no laughing matter. Make no mistake, it is a serious disturbance and can affect about ten percent of the population each winter season.

Research suggests that this psychological disorder can lead to some sombre mental and physical deficits. However, be forewarned that reviewing the research on this malady will likely increase one’s symptoms tenfold. Moody? ✔ Sleepy? ✔ Weight gain? ✔ The checklist goes on.

A hazardous side effect to this condition is when some sufferers seek relief by self-medicating with alcohol and other moodaltering substances. Such

Research has revealed that women appear to be more prone than men to suffer the onset of SAD

responses may temporarily mask symptoms of SAD but these will not cure the condition and may lead to unwholesome dependencies.

Medical professionals suspect the cause of this disorder may be due to the lack of exposure to natural sunlight during the winter season. Regular dosages of sunlight causes one’s body to produce the proper levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melotonin, not to mention Vitamin D. While such bodi-

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905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

ly functions are too complex to discuss here, these neurochemicals control much of one’s mental and physical routines. These include not only feelings and mood but doctors also postulate this condition can make you more susceptible to other maladies such as colds and the flu.

Research has revealed that women appear to be more prone than men to suffer the onset of SAD. While there is yet no definitive reason for this phenomenon, it is postulated that females may be more sensitive to hormonal imbalances then their male counterparts.

One of the treatments for this condition is referred to as the light box therapy.

Now before you go sticking your head under a lamp shade and suffer third degree burns to your forehead, be aware that the light rays used in light box therapy are different than the light produced by a standard light bulb. All medical practitioners agree that it is vitally important to get outdoors during the winter season. Researchers indicate that exposure to the proper lightwaves can have See MOODY BLUES next page

1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Jenica Hrysko, Maeve Keating, 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

Davis Hall development legacy nothing to be proud of Thank you, Heather Boyd, for writing about public access to natural areas [Commentary, “No short cut is short-sighted,” Jan. 22, p. 5].

I too enjoyed accessing the Lathrop Nature Preserve via Haist Road. I used to enjoy walking down the tree-lined laneway from Haist Road which led to Davis Hall—at the time a community center run by a local organization. Behind the old barn-turned-community hall was a park with swings and play structures on the forest edge. From here, the public could access the adjacent trails of the Lathrop Nature Preserve, which link up with Marlene

Stewart Streit Park trails and the downtown.

The history of Town planning on this property is revealing. My recollection is the mayor and council of the time had an “exciting development opportunity that would benefit the community.” I waited in anticipation to hear the results of a closeddoor meeting between Mayor Beamer and council regarding the future of the Davis Hall property.

The result? Well, now we can see the results. It was a private residential comSee LEGACY next page

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

Letters

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

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

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

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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.

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 5

OPINION Questions neonicotinoid research

Why not extend theoretical library efficiencies to Town Hall?

I read the article regarding fewer songbirds [Fewer songbirds may be calling Pelham home, Jan. 22, p. 9], specifically the portion of the article noting the studies at the University of Saskatchewan and York University, whereby it is suggested that use of neonicotinoids on corn, soybeans and canola seeds are a contributor the decline in the songbirds. One would think that this statement was/is a paragraph or two taken from a study as is usually done to prove a point on way or another. I would doubt if anyone reading the article would have any idea of how many corn or soybean seeds are planted per acre or the amount of neonicotinoid treatment that would be applied to those seeds. I am a lifetime farmer. Let me clarify when planting in the spring, corn and soybeans seeds are planted at a 1-½ to 2-inch depth. Therefore when a corn field is planted there are approximately 32,000 corn seeds planted at the above noted depth per acre, with a neonicotinoid treatment of approximately 8 grams or two teaspoons for the 32,000 seeds.

The same would apply to soybeans when planted at 180,000 seeds per acre. Unless songbirds go and dig up each seed … how else would they feed on them?

As for birds at the feeder, at our home we have had numerous songbirds including junco, chickadee, grosbeak, cardinals, finch, blue jays, Purple Martins, bluebirds and Baltimore Orioles here for the last couple of years. So keep your feeders full—when it snows the birds will appear!

Jim Yungblut Fonthill

A question popped into my mind as I read your coverage of the Mayor’s meeting with the Library Board [Frustration as Mayor, Library Board meet, Jan. 29, p. 1], which I attended, namely: will the Mayor next be contacting the City of St Catharines and proposing that their CAO take over responsibilities from the Pelham CAO, given that he was so passionate about the argument focusing on the relative size of budgets and numbers of staff supervised?

The St Catharines CAO is even in exactly the same line of work as the Pelham CAO, so no learning curve at all.

Surely anybody looking at the numbers could see the sense to it!

But that would be sarcasm, which may not be all that productive.

I think it would be good to fill-in a couple of the gaps in your coverage of the meeting, especially where the Mayor repeatedly sermonized on working together cooperatively while still insisting that the Library Board appoint Town Council’s choice for CEO that very evening, without any prior

MOODY BLUES

LEGACY

continued from previous page a healthy therapeutic effect in combating the onset of SAD. Such exposure could result in lightening your mood, increasing your vitality and provide some relief from other cantankerous deficits.

Another potential therapy is to take supplemental doses of Vitamin D, the socalled “sunshine vitamin.”

Study results over the past two decades are mixed, with research finding correlations between low Vitamin D levels and depression, but not necessarily a direct improvement in symptoms through Vitamin D supple-

mentation.

So, in order to lighten your mood and improve your overall wellbeing to the benefit of yourself and those around you, make certain to expose yourself to as much natural light as you can every day during the winter season. You owe it to yourself and those around you to avoid SAD and the imposition of its symptoms.

Remember, you won’t go wrong when you seek the light of day and share glad tidings through the year. ♦ Larry Cote’ is a retired college professor. He was awarded the Governor General’s medal for his community contributions.

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Greg Lewis’ eminently sensible suggestion that the Mayor and council walk back what was clearly a hasty, poorly thought out scheme, and start a conversation about how best to work together.

Another element missing from the story was the discussion of the LINC

I am a library user for its future.

Did no one have the foresight to leave at least a meter-wide public access or right-of-way path through this private residential subdivision to the Lathrop Nature Preserve?

A. Garofalo Fonthill

I am a library user. I always have been. Starting as a small child, my mother took my sister and me weekly to our local library, and when I became a mother, I did the same with my daughters. It was a treat where they participated in story time, arts

and crafts days, summer reading programs and took out so many books that our wagon ride home was often a challenge.

My husband and I have gone to seminars at our local library, participatSee USER Page 8

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72

munity in place of a public asset.

And only now we see who benefits.

What’s worse is the Davis family likely donated this land with a different intent

The libraries— Pelham's library—apparently have a greater penchant for action

program, an integrated library system consisting of libraries in five Niagara municipalities plus Niagara College, which has existed since 2010, and demonstrates how forward-thinking and innovative library administrators have been. Municipalities in Niagara are only now getting around to similarly cooperative thinking, and are actually only in the talking phase, and then only after a serious threat of municipal amalgamation motivated them.

The libraries — Pelham’s library — apparently have a greater penchant for action.

Perhaps it should be the library taking over administration of the Town?

Or maybe the Mayor and his council should turn their attention to the items that aren’t functioning well, and leave the library to continue its good work.

Hey wait, one more thought: doesn’t the mayor of St Catharines pretty much do exactly what the Pelham mayor does?

Peter McKinley Fonthill

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consultation between the Town and the board. Even after board member

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

Page 6

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

National coverage for Fenwick train wreck Fatal collision at Webber Road crossing happened 40 years ago next week

BY VOICE STAFF for the ride home. Rohaly also recalled a derailment near his home in 1972, resulting in a chemical spill that forced his family to evacuate for several days.

The Pelham connection to the TH & B received national attention on February 11, 1980, when a Toronto-bound freight train was derailed by a collision at the Webber Road level crossing. The driver of a Union Carbide transport truck from Welland, carrying 25 tons of electrodes, apparently tried to beat the train to the crossing and was killed in the collision.

The absence of skid marks, combined with the clear conditions in broad daylight, led officials to conclude that driver error was the cause of the crash that derailed seven cars and four engines of the 104-car train. At the time, there was also speculation that the driver fell asleep, according to Fenwick resident Gary Chambers, who lived not far from the accident site.

When diesel fuel ignited, flames shot some 200 feet into the air. Three Canadian Pacific Railway workers were in the lead engine that was hit by the truck and overturned. Though dazed, they managed to crawl out of the engine before it caught fire, and all were treated at Welland General Hospital for minor injuries and released.

The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local residents at the time complained that the signals at the Webber Road crossing sometimes malfunctioned, and this was investigated as a possible contributing cause

Firefighters hose down one of the engines, top, from what was then Welland's Evening Tribune (story and photos credited to Karen Crozier, Michael Davie, and Joop Gerritsma). Centre, Pelham's weekly paper of the era, the Herald. Bottom, cover of the Feb. 13, 1980 Tribune.

of the tragedy, but eventually discounted.

A bush lot on the south side of the crossing was also cited as possibly screening the

VOICE GRAPHICS FROM ARCHIVES

train from the view of motorists. This too was dismissed, and the bush lot still exists on the southeast corner of the crossing.

69

Residents of Fenwick have a close connection to the old Toronto Hamilton Buffalo train tracks, which cut diagonally through the village. Current residents have become used to the repeated train whistles as the engineer signals at each of six level crossings within a two kilometre span. Longtime residents may recall the old Fenwick train station, just off Church Street, that provided passenger service between Toronto and Buffalo until 1966, when the station was torn down.

Passenger service didn’t stop with the destruction of the station however, and travelers could still operate a manual signal at the site and bring the trains coming from Buffalo to a halt so they could board for the trip to Toronto.

Valerie Grabove, a Fenwick resident who commuted to Toronto two or three times a week, recalls that buying a ticket at Union Station in Toronto for “destination Fenwick” never failed to get a baffled reaction from the ticket seller behind the wicket, but the train dutifully came to a stop in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere to the puzzled Buffalo-bound passengers, and drop her off at the side of the tracks. This custom passenger service finally stopped in the early 1980s.

In an article published online in 2012, Brett Rohaly, who lived on Poth Street in the early ‘70s, remembered hitching rides on the westbound trains so he could play tennis in Fenwick. He and his friends would jump on an eastbound train after their game

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Letters

The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 7

continued

Garbage pickup every two weeks How many of us think garbage should be picked up bi-weekly? The government of the Niagara Region has approved this new policy starting in October of this year.

On this topic of waste management there will be many people angry, but the Region is allowing residents to put out two garbage bags every two weeks. Our current limit is one bag per week.

Therefore, we can still put out the same amount of trash as before. I feel that this makes no difference for me. The bags can sit in the garage for a week with the amount of space that I have. This may only be annoying in the summer when the heat and humidity will cause odours.

Next, I would like to look at the facts that the Region has come out with for the year 2018. There is something called a diversion rate. This is the rate of items that aren’t sent to landfills. For example, say an individual throws an empty can of pop in the trash, then this aluminum can would end up at the dump instead of a recycling facility.

There are countless factors that affect the diversion rate, and the rate was calculated at 56% in the calendar year 2018. A goal of 65% diversion is what the region of Niagara wants to happen in the future.

Our compost (green bins) and recycling will still be collected every week. The waste management division wouldn’t be able to function properly if they collected these items every other week along with the trash pickup.

There is another question that I have. Are we allowed to dispose of rubbish every week if we put a garbage tag on each bag? I read that with this new bi-weekly program that if you have over two bags, you will still be permitted to place tags on any additional trash you may have. If these rules also apply during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, there will be more questions that will need to be answered by the government.

In conclusion, we will get our garbage collected every two weeks starting next fall. I ask again, how many of us are in favour of these new rules regarding trash pickup and landfill diversion?

Brendan Young Fonthill

RX: A PRESCRIPTION FOR THE WINTER BLAHS Got a dose of tedium? If so, an escape to the Niagara Parks Commission’s stunning cyclamen showcase may just be what the doctor ordered to help chase away the symptoms of SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder. Invite a companion and the two of you will benefit from this respite from the darker days of winter. You can’t but come away in better spirits than when you arrived. The current NPC showcase is one of seven themes produced during the year by the NPC’s growers. This show featuring cyclamen will run through March 4, when the next show will be unveiled. The Showhouse is located just minutes from the Falls on the upper parkway near Dufferin Islands. The tour is a gentle walk and easily accessible. Doors open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. Cyclamen is a small but hardy plant. It has sweet-scented small flowers on longish stems. In addition to the colorful blooms, its foliage is an attractive backdrop. Accents of azaleas, orchids, Dusty Miller, and an array of other interesting plants complete this beautiful showcase. LARRY COTÉ

Niagara Region Transit is now available in Pelham Route 70A/75A picks up residents at the Meridian Community Centre and connects them to Welland and St. Catharines

6e

Plan your trip by downloading the Transit App from the app store or by visiting niagararegion.ca/transit

Page 8

Letters

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

Support teachers

Lack of councillor's phone number delays inquiry

New council yet to lift shroud

As a retired teacher, I once had to teach classes of 40plus students. Did I do my best to meet the needs of each student? Absolutely. Was I successful? Absolutely not.

Why is one of the most important aspects of private education the small pupil-to-teacher ratio? It is directly linked to student success. The smaller the class size the more a teacher can individually help students' weak areas and develop their strengths. All teachers strive to do that, but these cuts make it less likely for our students in our public education system.

Education Minister Lecce knows all about the benefits of smaller class sizes and private schools. Mr. Lecce, support our teachers and speak out for the children you now represent in our public schools.

Margaret Cosgrove Fonthill

I was out of town visiting friends when I received a call from my wife informing me that we had no water. Having seen a water leak on Bigelow Crescent on a recent walk, I surmised the Town had turned the water off to repair a broken pipe. As my wife is not tech savvy, I told her I would look on the Pelham website to see if there was any notification. There was not.

I called the Town to see if I could find out what was going on, and, though not actually managing to talk with anyone, I did leave a voice mail. My wife received a call shortly thereafter confirming my suspicion. She was informed that the Town had left a note in the house mailbox letting affected residents know what was going on. Well-intentioned but not a good idea, as in these days of “super mailboxes” who

Mayor Junkin was perplexed by the lack of communication from his staff regarding the decision to consult a lawyer about Ms. Pupo's public letter [Publisher’s Corner, Jan. 8, p. 2]. Indeed, who authorized said action? Was the authority of the Mayor undermined?

A reminder to council that you were elected as a result of the previous council’s shroud of secrecy and perceived deceit. We the taxpayers expect you to be forthcoming about previous land deals between the Allen Group and Pelham, as stated before election. It was that platform on which this council and Mayor were elected.

So far we have heard scant information of money being generated in Pelham. We have heard of new Town hires (i.e., a policy planner?) more money spent with more debentures issued. We have heard that taxpayers will pay more to the Town. We have heard Town Council wants to increase the size of the MCC. Will further money spent generate more income or simply more loans?

What we haven't heard is how Town Council and the Treasurer justify more debt for Pelham residents.

The population may increase by a few hundred with new housing, but Pelham is and will remain a small community based on predicted growth, transportation, and jobs.

It’s best that projects stay in line with our circumstances. “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.”

L. Morgan Fonthill

USER

continued from Page 5 ed in workshops and even bought artwork from exhibits in the library’s community room, in addition to all the books, movies and CDs we’ve borrowed.

In short, the library is part of our life. It has been in the three different communities where we have lived because the products

and services offered were all similar and important to us, and at risk of sounding corny, made us feel at home and welcome.

That consistency across all of the libraries we’ve had the pleasure of using is a result of the rules and regulations that govern our public libraries, known as the Public Libraries Act. Libraries are a thing — an important thing. They

actually checks their house mailbox everyday? We only do so every Thursday, so we can read this newspaper.

Maybe the Town should look into alternatives. (My wife was very pleased with the politeness and courtesy from the city staff who called her.)

I decided to voice my concern with my local councillor to see if there is a better method of informing residents of upcoming maintenance issues. I was surprised to find that Lisa Haun has no contact phone number, only an email address.

Well, Lisa, maybe a great idea if you like email, but what about those folks who find this medium unacceptable? Surely as our representative you should be readily available, or maybe you think that not actually having to talk to someone elevates your status?

I did speak to Bob Hildeb-

are governed to support the communities they serve and they are governed and managed by people who know and understand their importance. That’s why I take incredible exception to our Mayor and Pelham Town Council who think they know better.

To be clear, I am not opposed to efficiency and ideas on how to make things better. I am opposed

randt and he listened to my concerns. Thanks Bob. Len Wright Fonthill Editor's note: Councillor Haun had not previously provided a number for inclusion in our contact list, appearing weekly on page 4.

Reached for comment on this letter, Haun responded with a telephone number and advice: "My updated number is 905892-5877 and will be included on our new Town website. Our Pelham website provides the contact information for two representatives for each ward, however councillors should not be considered a primary contact in an emergency. For residents that have emergency situations outside of regular hours (which are related to water, sewer or road conditions, and where there is imminent danger to public or private property), please call 905-892-2607."

to underhanded and arrogant behaviour. Our Mayor and our council went behind closed doors and made a resolution to take over the management of our library without any consultation with the Library Board or staff. The Mayor now admits that was wrong. Good — because I for one voted for him based on his theoretical transparency, which so far has not come to fruition. I did not vote for him or my ward councillors to be arrogant, work in isolation, and assume they know better than experts

6

th

ANNUAL

and people who actually do the job of running the library.

So...on the basis of good faith, I am going to take the Mayor at his word, that he would “love to get a partnership going,” and that the rest of council and our CAO agree. If that is the case they will start from scratch, throw out their resolution, and actually work with the Library Board and staff to figure out what is best for our community. To do otherwise, well, that would be “completely unaccept-

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able,” to quote our CAO, David Cribbs, although he used the sentiment a little differently when he yelled at the newly appointed Library Board chair to control the public (library patrons I might add) who were in attendance at the recent board meeting. He didn’t seem to like that people were expressing their frustration with his and Town Council’s sneaky behavior.

Again, I am going to assume he too wants to figure out what’s best for the library and the public he serves, who by the way, pay his salary. I choose to believe that he and the rest of council are as sorry as the Mayor says he is, that they now realize they treated the Library Board and staff “like dirt,” and now want to amend their ways and work in partnership with people who actually understand the purpose, role, and inner workings of libraries.

I look forward to hearing the outcome of that partnership. In preparation for those discussions, might I suggest council and our CAO do a little research ahead of time on how to work effectively with people? I know a great place where you can find some good books on that very subject matter. Just ask the Pelham Library Staff.

They’ll direct you.

B. L. Burnside Fonthill

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 9

Kinettes Alaina Hillier and Betty Twomey show their Valentine's Day spirit.

JENICA HRYSKO

THIS WEEK

Friday night at 9 PM

Time for some Sweet Valentine's Pampering

BY JENICA HRYSKO

Special to the VOICE

The Fonthill and District Kinettes are hosting their 6th annual Pamper Me Sweet! event this Saturday, February 8. The annual charity event has become an anticipated chance, say organizers, for women to pamper themselves, or be pampered by a loved one, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Pamper Me Sweet! started in 2014 as a way to treat the women of Pelham to an allstar lineup of vendors while giving back to the community.

Featuring up to 30 vendors and spiritual readers, the free admission allows anyone to stop by Fonthill United Church between 10 AM

and 4 PM to enjoy a tearoom, silent auction, and a penny sale. Local vendors will offer an assortment of jewelry, bath products, sweet snacks, and more.

“There will also be soup and chili to warm up with,” said Kinette Alaina Hillier.

In the past, the Kinettes have partnered with charities such as Women’s Place of South Niagara, and Elisha House, to direct the profits back to women in need.

This year, all proceeds from the penny sale will benefit Habitat for Humanity Niagara. The nonprofit organization builds affordable houses across Niagara, providing no-down-payment, interest-free mortgages to qualifying families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own homes. This

year they are building in Port Colborne and Welland.

“I could see how much they give back locally,” said Kinette co-chair Lola Bronn.

“I see so many families who would benefit from their services.”

The Kinette Club of Fonthill is a branch of Kin Canada. The volunteers of the all-Canadian group allow each district to decide what charity work is most needed within their own community. Currently comprised of 12 members, they have donated some $16,000 since inception.

The Kinettes are in search of any local businesses interested in donating a prize for the silent auction table.

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Page 10

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Centrespread

From Agassiz to Fonthill and back It really is a small world after all

BY LINDSAY FOREMAN

Special to the VOICE

T

his is a story about a train station in British Columbia that managed to be connected to Fonthill, in a fashion, not once, but twice, over the course of 67 years, in the form of two very different people, in two very difference circumstances. The connection? The newspaper you’re reading.

The former Agassiz station today.

First, let me set the stage.

I was born and raised in Fonthill. In fact, my parents still live in the house I grew up in, and keep me up to date on the changes within the village, the Town of Pelham, and the broader Niagara Region. It’s been a couple of decades since I’ve called Fonthill home, but it will always be so in my heart.

My post-secondary studies in Thunder Bay, then London, Ontario, took me away, as I pursued my undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology.

I lived for a few years in Oakville, while I worked as an archaeological consultant, before transferring with the same company to their Vancouver office. And so began my west coast adventure.

I continued full time in archaeology for a few years before transitioning into the museum sector in 2017. After spending the better part of a year with a municipal museum, I became the only full time employee—Manager and Curator—of the Agassiz-Harrison Museum, in the village of Agassiz, 100

“A man wrote about being in an accident with a train in Agassiz.”

I nearly jumped out of my skin! My mind went racing. When did the accident occur? Who was this man?

What was his tie to Agassiz? How could it be that a man now living in my home town was in a train accident just outside the train-station-turned-museum where I work in rural BC? My mom mailed the issue of the Voice to me. Upon receipt, I devoured Robert N o r m i n t o n’s Column Six article, “Things to avoid while driving: For example, trains.”

To recap, Norminton described how his 1939 cream-coloured Packard 120 convertible was hit by an eastbound train as he tried to cross over the double tracks into downtown Agassiz one spring evening in 1953, during a thunderstorm.

Norminton and his two passengers, Johnny Ewert and Jerry Huebert, were all working for the B.C. Electric Company, surveying a power line route along

KM east of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley, population 3500.

The museum is open to the public on a seasonal basis —May long weekend to Thanksgiving weekend— and is located inside the

com mun it y’s historic Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station, built in 1893, one of the oldest structures remaining in the Agassiz-Harrison Valley.

Fast-forward to last November. During our weekly catch-up phone call, my mom mentioned an article in the November 13, issue of the Voice.

“We read something in the paper this week we thought you might like”— “we” being both she and my dad, who brought the article to her attention.

SUPPLIED

Harrison Lake, just a few kilometers outside of Agassiz. The trio was headed to the Aga Theatre to catch a movie. Luckily, everyone was all right, and Mr. Norminton eventually received $687 compensation for his car.

Now, our museum houses the archives for the local newspapers back to 1923. I wanted more details about this accident, so I started combing through the issues of The Agassiz-Harrison Advance.

Sure enough, there it was. I found an article in the March 25, 1953 issue that documented the accident.

“Three Narrowly Miss Death At C.P.R. Crossing” read the front-page headline.

We learn that the accident occurred the day before, on Tuesday March 24, at 7 PM, and that this was the first documented train and car accident at this crossing.

Naturally, I wanted to know which movie this group was headed to see. I located the March 18, 1953 issue of The Advance. The Aga Theatre ad indicates that The Flying Missile, starring Glenn Ford and Viveca Lindfors, was showing at 8:15 PM, on Tuesday March 24. This film that you’ve never heard of was already on its second and possibly

Above and right sile. Lower left, Bottom center, th Streetview, in 20 1962. Bottom rig to the crossing, D

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, February 5, 2020

Glenn, this doesn't feel right

again

t, promotional materials for The Flying Misthe Agassiz station in December 1984. he former Aga Theater, as seen in Google 018. Below, a view of the station's west end, ght, it's front-page news: signals finally come December 1957.

SUPPLIED

third run, having been released over two years earlier, in late 1950. IMDB describes it as a “fictional account of the role played by a somewhat impetuous US Naval commander in developing the first means of launching missiles from submarines." How was this not instantly an Oscars contender?

I’m guessing that Norminton, Ewert, and Huebert would have aimed to grab dinner or a snack at one of the local eateries in Agassiz prior to taking in the show. But we’ll never know as they never made it! As a side-note, the Aga Theatre building still stands on Park Avenue, in downtown Agassiz. After several incarnations, it’s currently a private residence, located next to the Agassiz Legion.

Near the end of his article, Norminton notes that he had “provided the locals with

Page 11

I know.

I don't think Robert and his friends made it to the theatre

just the ammunition they needed” to finally get crossing gates and a signal on the Highway 9 CPR crossing. Through my research, I was unable to locate the subsequent accidents in 1953 that Norminton mentions. I did, however, find the date of installation of the new crossing gates and signal—December 10, 1957.

On the front page of The Advance from December 12, 1957, there is an image with the following caption: "After years of appeals from local officials and organizations, the C.P.R. crossing at Agassiz is now protected by both automatic flashing signals and crossing gates.

Installation of the equipment was completed Tuesday. The gates do not come down until several seconds after the lights start flash-

ing, giving drivers time to get clear. They should eliminate the type of accident where drivers start across as one train pulls clear and collide with another coming the other way."

It took four and a half years from the time of Norminton’s accident until safety gates and a signal were installed at this crossing!

The more things change, the more the speed of government stays the same.

If you are ever out in the eastern Fraser Valley of BC and you want to check out the scene of this accident, please stop by and visit me at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum. It’s always great to see a friendly face from “back home,” and I’d be happy to give you a tour of our museum and archives! We are all connected in this world in mysterious ways. ♦

Page 12

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

New Business FOCUS

New naturopathic and chiropractic clinic in Fonthill For an electrifying experience, ask about the "Neubie" Special to the VOICE

Husband and wife team Dr. Laura Imola and Dr. Ernie Bagnulo used to drive through Fonthill dreaming aloud that it would be their retirement sanctuary. Instead, they have chosen it as the second location for their wellness clinic WIN... altra.

Imola and Bagnulo have always shared many of the same visions. While dating, they attended naturopathic and chiropractic school respectively. One question that kept their early conversations flowing: what does optimal health care look like?

In the beginning, they practiced separately. When the pair decided to join entrepreneurial forces in 2006, they heard many patients of traditional clinics express frustration with their doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists,

who all practiced separately and with little communication. Since then, they combined their individual creativity and energy to create something unique.

“We had this vision to get as many health care providers as we could working together under one roof for the benefit of the patient,” says Imola.

Walking into what they describe as “an evolution” of their previously established Niagara Falls clinic, WIN Health Solutions, you are offered coffee, a smile, and an individualized healthcare team.

Their dreams have been a long time in the making.

Just finding the right location involved patience— waiting for that perfect spot to reveal itself. While Bagnulo hails from Niagara, Branford-born Imola says that, "Pelham is an ever- expanding town that maintains its sense of community."

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They announced the establishment of the second WIN location in December through social media.

The modern loft-style clinic opened in Fonthill’s UpTown Square Plaza in January. Although there are many private treatment rooms, chiropractors and physiotherapists often work with patients in the open concept studio. They encourage removing traditional physical barriers.

“Patients don’t want to be

trapped behind four walls and a door,” says Bagnulo.

“It’s more of a functional rehab with the intent being more one-on-one time.”

An athlete himself, Bagnulo has a special interest in sports injury care. Their newest therapy uses a tool called the “Neubie,” applying electrical stimulation to the muscles meant to relieve pain and speed recovery time. It is used in combination with movement, so patients can take back some

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Patients don't want to be trapped behind four walls and a door control of their recovery.

“We want to dispel the myth that rehab is driven by the doctor doing all the work,” he says.

Although the couple’s primary Niagara Falls location came from humble beginnings, the initial team of three grew to include a four-person reception team and around 15 health care providers. Imola hopes the Fonthill location will follow suit.

“We have two kids,” she

says. “And work is like our third baby.”

When warmer weather arrives in the spring, plans for WIN include opening up the loft area to host yoga classes, health seminars, and a grand opening to give Fonthill residents a chance to meet the team.

Those interested can get more information on the type of care offered by visiting www.winhealth.ca or stopping by the clinic to speak with a receptionist.

O

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EMAIL: rbrown@royallepage.ca OFFICE: 905-734-4545 or 905-892-0222

From left, Dr. Jack Harman, Dr. Ernie Bagnula, and Dr. Laura Imola pose beside their treatment device, the Nuebie.

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 13

Niagara on guard for virus

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Coronavirus at this writing has killed 362, infected 17,503, and been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization.

Although about 99 percent of the cases are in China, the disease has spread beyond Wuhan to some 23 countries.

Emergency measures in China include the closure of businesses and restaurants, and imposition of travel restrictions. Many international airlines have suspended service to and from China.

Here at home, Brock University, Niagara College, and Ridley College all have large Chinese student enrollments, and are co-operating fully with Niagara Public Health authorities.

Both the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and the Niagara Catholic board have emailed parents to explain that they are closely monitoring the virus, and have included coronavirus health sheets.

"We have sent a message to parents about measures they should take at home,” said DSBN communications manager Kim Yielding. “In our schools, we are promoting frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you don't feel well. Our DSBN website now features coronavirus updates on the home page.”

Andrea Carisse, strategic communications director at Ridley College, said that there are no cases of coronavirus on the independent school’s campus, and that pre-screening for international students returning from abroad is in place.

“We have had our fingers on the pulse of this for a couple weeks,” said Carisse, “and all our parents are aware of how we are proceeding. Not only are we educating our students about the signs and symptoms of the coronavirus, but also reminding them that proper hygiene practices are paramount.”

A message from Niagara Region Public Health on the Niagara Region website has reported that the coronavirus risk to Canadians is low, and that only those who have travelled to the Wuhan region in China are at greater peril.

Ontario's Ministry of Health confirmed that a person brought to the St. Catharines hospital last week by paramedics and hospitalized for suspected coronavirus has tested negative. The individual was put in isolation upon arrival, given their symptoms and travel history.

Federal and provincial health officials in Canada have assured citizens that they are much better prepared for this new virus due to lessons learned with the SARS outbreak almost two decades ago.

DECADES OF SERVICE The Fonthill Lions Club recently celebrated members with long service. From left, Lion Doug Gaylor, 30 years; Lion Jake Dilts, 40 years; District Governor Steve Burrows; and Lion Fred Arbour, 50 years.

SUPPLIED

INN NABS THANK YOU The Fonthill Inn, on Pelham Street in Fonthill, received the Pelham Beautification Committee’s January “Thank You.” Elizabeth McGill, left, co-owner, receives her Thank You from Jennifer Pilzecker, committee chair. “Although the Fonthill Inn is attractive year round, the splash of colour is especially appreciated during the somewhat bleak month of January,” said Pilzecker. The Pelham Beautification Committee is an advisory committee to Pelham Council. Individuals are encouraged to submit Thank You nominations to the committee at beautification@pelham.ca SUPPLIED

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

CONTE

continued from Page 17 tions with the expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights, before landing a special assignment scouting job with the New York Islanders.

“We never would have gotten anywhere without athletics and it was a byproduct of this neighbourhood,” Conte said.“It all emanated from people volunteering their time to people like me and Bruce and Phil Roberto and others. I am more honoured to honour [the coaches] and Niagara Falls owes me nothing. I owe Niagara Falls and in particular those people from coaches to managers.

We had really good baseball teams and really good hockey teams and it was all done for the right reasons. I don’t know if today people from that socio-economic background would have the same opportunities we had.”

When accepting his induction into the sports hall of fame, Conte will be thinking about all those who gave him athletic opportunities in his youth.

“You don’t want to look too far back but it is nice to memorialize people who did things unselfishly,” he said. “I shouldn’t be the beneficiary, I am the recipient of what a lot of people did.”

Conte’s NHL career had its beginnings as he wound down his

Q&A

continued from Page 2 ning Services began the undertaking back in 2013.

We suspect that too much is being made of the position’s job title of “Policy Planner.”

While the focus of the position will be planning

pro career in Finland. Gary Green was coaching with the Peterborough Petes at the time and Conte arranged for two young players, who weren’t going to play on Conte’s men’s team, to go to Peterborough for the 1979-80 season.

Green and the Petes won a Memorial Cup that year and then Green took a job with the Washington Capitals. He asked Conte to join his staff.

“When I started with the Washington Capitals, we could have had our staff meeting in a closet,” Conte said.

That staff include a GM, assistant GM, director of scouting, two scouts, the NHL head coach, the NHL assistant coach and the head coach of the farm team.

“I counted at training camp this year and at one time we had eight coaches on the ice at one time and scouting staffs are in the 20s,” Comte said. “When I got into this business, there were small staffs and you got to do things and not be pigeon-holed into just doing one thing. That was beneficial to me at a young age.”

Early in his career, most of his contemporaries were iconic former players like George Armstrong and Johnny Bower.

“They were legendary to me as a kid but in short order they were just friends and the guy on the next bar stool because they were

policy work, as with most municipalities, the Town of Pelham has a steady stream of work to keep each of its Official Plan, its Zoning Bylaw and its Site Plan Bylaw current. Beyond that, there are always one-off issues that are raised by Town Council and the community, along with emerging trends that require at-

such quality people.”

After five years in Washington, he joined the staff of the New Jersey and captured three Stanley Cups. “[The cups] were all very different and they all had different coaches (Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson and Pat Burns), who I considered very good friends and all exceptional in their own right,” he said. “The most exciting one was 2000 in Dallas because it was in overtime and we were on the road.”

The 1995 championship was the most intense.

“The first one was kind of overwhelming because you always dream you will be part of something like that but you never really know how to handle it.”

He cherished his entire run in New Jersey.

“The best part is the continuity and being a part of something for a long time. You can unabashedly take a fair bit of credit for what you contributed,” he said. “You didn’t just jump on the bus when it was moving at 40 miles an hour.”

Leaving New Jersey was tough, but it opened up another door for Conte.

“One of the most fun experiences I had was in Vegas,” he said.

“That was a great experience putting together a team from scratch and having immediate success.”

tention and amendments to the Town’s Official Plan or other documents.

In addition, as a result of changes to provincial legislation and plans, the Official Plan and other documents need to be amended to bring them into compliance. The five-year review of the Official Plan is also overdue. There has been a

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Three-time Stanley Cup champion David Conte was recently inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame.

BERNIE PUCHALSKI He enjoys being back with Lou Lamoriello, his old boss in New Jersey.

“It’s comfortable because I know him so well,” he said. “But I also know that he is very demanding and I enjoy that challenge as well.”

At age 71, Conte has no intentions of retiring.

“I like the industry and what I am doing and I like the people,”

two-year moratorium on the Community Improvement Plan program, and there needs to be a review and evaluation of this program conducted before the moratorium expires to determine what the next steps should be. The Downtown Master Plan for Fonthill and Fenwick also need to be reviewed and updated. In addition, there is the need to have someone available to respond to policy initiatives of other government entities that impact on

he said. “Clearly I have a different job mandate now that is not as demanding travel-wise and yet still equally challenging. If nothing else, when you have an intense job like I had for a long time, I think it is better you slow it down rather than pull the plug on it.”

Also inducted into the wall on Sunday were Todd Simon, Ray Barkwill, Mike MacGillivray, and Larry Gardner.

Pelham—whether it is Regional policy matters, provincial policy initiatives, or policy initiatives of other agencies.

The Policy Planner will be working on far more than the zoning bylaw and there has been a significant gap in the delivery of this function in Pelham in many years.

For comparison purposes, here are equivalent planning staffing numbers from some fair comparators in the Niagara Region:

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NOTL One Director of Planning, one manager of planning, one senior planner, two “Planner Iis,” one entry-level planner, one planning technician.

Lincoln One Director of Planning, one associate director of planning, one policy and development supervisor, one planner, one planning technician.

Thorold One Director of Planning, one manager of planning, two senior planners.

Pelham (currently) One Director of Planning, one senior planner, one planner.

The best comparator is NOTL as far as population size and growth, and that municipality literally has twice as many planning professionals. Thorold is a reasonable comparator, and after this hire the two municipalities will have equivalent planning staff. By any reasonable measure, the addition of one planning professional to the Pelham team is sorely needed.

All residents should celebrate the fact that the Town experienced a 3.35% rate of levy growth in 2019. That means that the value of new construction has increased the assessed value of buildings in Pelham by 3.35%, all of which required work by Town planning staff in order for the construction to have been lawful.

Anyone familiar with the community can see the large number of new houses being built, the “For Sale” signs on numerous pieces of vacant land, and from those things can understand that there is a lot of planning and development (and policy!) work to be done in the coming months and years.

Staff are grateful to Town Council for recognizing this human resource need and look forward to welcoming a bright and talented person to the team in the coming weeks.

20

Page 14

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, February 5, 2020

Page 15

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Page 16

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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continued from Page 18 we begin to model ourselves after those individuals who are motivated to exceed the modest norms of Health Canada, and enjoy the lasting benefits. Don’t allow negative images of getting older to discourage you or be your measuring stick.

Start slowly and carefully, have a plan and follow it methodically, and the sky is your limit.

Check with your doctor before you begin if you’re concerned about your present health situation, but don’t let him or her tell you gardening and pushing a lawn mower are satisfactory aerobic or resistance exercises. And if you get stiff or sore don’t take a pill. Keep at it, and your body will eventually reward you. ♦

FAITH LIFT

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continued from Page 18 kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). He continued by saying that some people who called Him their Lord (which means “Master”) and even claimed to prophesy or perform miracles were not truly His followers. Jesus was saying that words can be cheap and that the real test of being a Christian is obedience. One verse earlier, He put it this way: “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Sadly, many people today think they are Christians because they consider themselves moral or have been raised in a religious family or who attend a Christian church. But they’re not. Why? Because they’ve never understood (or wanted to understand) what it really means to follow Christ. True repentance from sin, sincere faith in Christ as Savior, and diligent obedience to God’s will as revealed in Scripture are unknown to them.

So, let me ask you an important question: “Are you a Christian?” ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor and a former nominal Christian.

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“The best revenge is massive success.”

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 17

Swart on keeping muscle mass

18

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | February 5, 2020

Meteors solid in goal

BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

at Cornell. Tom Earl was an All-American at Colgate, who went on to play hockey with the Hartford Whalers of the World Hockey Association, got a masters at Colgate and became chief financial officer at a prestigious prep school. Fred Bassi was an All-American at Boston University and ended up teaching at Niagara College. Phil Roberto played with the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues. Bruce Durno, the goalie on Conte’s teams from age six onward, was an outstanding hockey player at Harvard and would become a Supreme Court Justice in Canada.

As for Conte, he earned a hockey scholarship at Colgate, where he won the Silver Puck Award and was named team MVP in his senior year. When his pro playing career in Europe came to an end, he became involved in hockey at the highest levels. He started with a five-year scouting stint with the Washington Capitals before spending the next 31 years with the New Jersey Devils, serving as the director of scouting and eventually the executive vice president of hockey operations.

With New Jersey, Conte received three Stanley Cup rings and had his name engraved on the Stanley Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2003. Conte then had a short stint as the special advisor of opera-

When Dave Marrone took over as head coach of the Fort Erie Meteors, he quickly determined goaltending wasn’t going to be a concern.

Jacob Hearne and Dalton McBride didn’t have overly impressive goals-against averages, but numbers don’t tell the whole story on a team which struggled from the outset this season.

“I heard they were good, but I didn’t realize how good they were,” Marrone said. “This tandem is as good as any we had in Thorold, or as good as I’ve seen for that matter.”

Marrone has given both a chance to play since stepping behind the bench earlier this month.

“We’ve been back and forth lately and one guy (Hearne) is 19 so he gets a little more time, but McBride has really come on and is playing great,” said Marrone, who is being assisted by Chris Risi, Steve Dol and Joe Fazio.

“He’s been outstanding his last couple of outings for us. I have nothing but good things to say about their attitudes as individuals too.

They’re phenomenal. We have to do everything we can to move them along to the next level. They’re great guys and great goalies.”

Marrone feels Hearne and McBride’s play has been a big reason the Meteors have begun to turn things around —Fort Erie topped Niagara Falls 2-1 last week — and have climbed into seventh place in the standings. “[They are] major. If we can control what we can control and play disciplined hockey and be the hardest working team, we have a chance to win every night,” Marrone said. “We’re going to win a 2-1 or 3-2 game most nights.

If we can keep the goals against down, we’ve got a good shot. We’re not going to win a run-and-gun game.”

Hearne has a 3.76 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 20 games so far this season.

“It’s been a tough season for me because I was hurt for seven weeks with a sprained ankle,” said Hearne, a native of Ennismore. “I was out for a while but since I came back my ankle is starting to fell 100 percent now and I feel more confident. I think this last half will be pretty good.”

Hearne feels he has progressed since joining the Meteors three years ago, partly due to the abundance of shots he has faced over the years.

“It’s a lot of development as a goalie. It may be a blessing in disguise. Facing 50 shots a night is just preparing me and making me better. I’ve seen a dramatic increase from my first year to now in the way I play.”

He is also enjoying playing for the new regime.

“I think it’s made a culture change,” he said. “It’s a new page for us so we can start fresh and everyone is committed with that drive to be better every day. The coaches have done a good job being on a personal level as well as a professional level so we are more confident on the ice and off it.”

McBride is in his first season at the junior B level after playing junior C in Dunnville last year.

“I knew I could play here,” said McBride, an 18-yearold Grimsby native. “It was just getting used to it and getting up to pace with the speed and how fast it is.”

McBride has been in net for five of the Mets nine wins this season, including last week’s victory over the Ca-

See CONTE Page 14

See IN GOAL back page

Dalton McBride, left, and Jacob Hearne have provided the Fort Erie Meteors with a strong tandem in goal this season.

BILL POTRECZ

Three-time Stanley Cup champ joins sports wall Hockey exec recalls his Niagara roots

BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

6d

Growing up in a blue-collar neighbourhood of Niagara Falls was a magical time for 2020 Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame inductee David Conte.

The wartime housing developments in the area of McLeod Road, Drummond Road and the Fallsview area were full of kids and each street would have its own hockey and baseball teams.

In the winter, the backyard of his friend Brian Cornell’s house would be transformed into a hockey rink. Construction companies would give excess lumber for the boards, the fire department would help flood the ice, someone added a heating room with a stove, and others would install lights so the games could continue into the night.

“It was crude but it was really good,” he said.

The neighbourhood parents worked hard at Carborundum, Cyanamid, Oneida, Norton, and customs and immigration, but they always found time to help local kids hone their hockey and baseball skills.

David Conte.

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“There weren’t hockey schools or strength coaches, power skating coaches or skill coaches,” Conte said.

“This was done with the purest of motives.”

The end result of their help were spectacular outcomes for the neighbourhood kids. Conte was a two-time All-American and a national champion

It was just getting used to it and getting up to pace with the speed and how fast it is

Page 18

The Voice, February 5, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

What Health Canada recommends just isn't enough

M

O V E O V E R Rick Mercer, it’s my turn to rant.

“Yold.”

The label appears on page 15 of The Economist magazine, The World in 2020 issue, which states, “It’s the decade of... the ‘yold’, or the young old, as sprightly Baby-Boomers hit 65.” Excuse me while I gag.

First, I’m a Boomer, labelled and stereotyped because of my birth date.

Next I’m a Zoomer.

Thank you, Moses Znaimer, for this one. Apparently a Zoomer is a Boomer with zip, a person age 45plus who enjoys life to the fullest. The narcissism of creating a label for mid-

dle-aged people who wake up in the morning wanting to do something interesting is ridiculous. Do Zoomers really think the world at large gives a rat’s ass how we label ourselves?

Now, for a whole decade, I’m going to be a Yold, a fine vintage blend of born-atjust-the-right-time, wanting to enjoy life to the fullest, and sprightly too.

These labels and pigeon holes insult other generations, and legitimize our actions when we take cues from age-related stereotypes. Why do we accept this? Why are we content to “act our age,” whatever that means, rather than challenge our limits?

This is especially true with the physical activity levels to which we aspire.

They’re often insufficient to maximize our health and mental well-being, while significantly limiting our vitality.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommended physical activity guidelines, as developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, are inadequate, and represent the bare minimum of effort.

For reference, Health Canada designates walking quickly, skating, and bike riding as moderate aerobic activities, and running, basketball, soccer and cross-country skiing as vigorous aerobic activity.

Surprisingly, there is no difference between their recommended minimum level of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity for the

18-64 year old age group and the 65+ age group.

Health Canada deems both age groups should engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity per week, spread into sessions of 10 minutes or more. The guidelines also suggest it’s beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Two and a half hours a week equals 21 minutes per day. In 2017, StatsCan reported that the actual average time 40-59 year-old Canadians spent on moderate to vigorous exercise was 26 minutes per day, and for 60 -79 year olds it was 18 minutes.

(No significant difference between men and women was indicated.)

There’s a disconnect here. On average, we’re already meeting or exceeding

Health Canada’s guidelines, yet our general population experiences age-related health issues that we know can be improved with additional properly targeted exercise.

Loss of muscle mass is one such reversible trait of aging. Don’t think that this means muscle mass to look like Adonis or Aphrodite—rather enough mass to maintain balance, react quickly, and play sports with the kids or grandkids.

Beginning around age 30, we lose 3% to 5% of our muscle mass every decade, and by age 70 we’re losing 15% per decade, even if following Health Canada’s exercise guidelines. Studies have shown that this loss can be reversed, and muscle mass can be maintained through our 70s and beyond by using progressive resistance training. Don’t be shy

to lift weights or dust off the old Bowflex machine.

Do it at home if you want privacy, or hit the gym if you prefer moral support and coaching.

Aerobic capacity declines 3% to 6% per decade in middle age, and by as much as 20% per decade after 70 years old. This is not reversible, or controllable, so the trick here is to adhere to a fitness regime that raises your aerobic rate in middle age or earlier. If your personal decline starts from a high level, you will maintain a relatively higher aerobic capacity than average throughout your life. Succeeding at this will require an exercise regimen more demanding than Health Canada recommends.

With a commitment to more and smarter exercise, See FITNESS Page 16

Voice

HOROSCOPE

FEBRUARY 2 Gerard Piqué, Athlete (33) FEBRUARY 3 Daddy Yankee, Singer (43) FEBRUARY 4 Gavin DeGraw, Singer (43) FEBRUARY 5 Darren Criss, Actor (33) FEBRUARY 6 Charlie Heaton, Actor (26) FEBRUARY 7 Ashton Kutcher, Actor (42) FEBRUARY 8 Seth Green, Actor (46)

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Recti 2. Osier 3. Economic 4. Necessary 5. Aras 6. Mar 7. ASL 8. Seeps 9. Bower 10. Orated 11. Tirade 12. Hod 13. ANS 19. Diu 21. Snag 24. Assur 25. Scalene 26. Lamar 27. Ylems 31. Stoss 32. Albee 34. Lases 35. Ad 36. Metatarsi 40. OP 41. Macaroni 45. Eder 47. Epilog 48. Paella 52. Reyes 53. Alp 54. Tsana 56. Senor 57. Edema 59. Weka 60. BPD 61. Ire 62. COS 63. Kos

155 HWY 20 WEST

overly emotional and sappy, but this week you can’t hold back the feelings any longer. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 If you are looking for inspiration, look no further than the close friends or relatives who are around you. They will have plenty of ideas that can get you fired up.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 You have plenty of events coming up to keep you busy, Capricorn. You may have to pick and choose which ones to attend because you simply can’t do them all.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, even though you think certain situations require your undivided attention, you’re really not involved at all. Avoid reading into things and wait for news to come to you.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 It is time to assess your priorities, Pisces. What do you want to get accomplished over this week? You can knock out one or two items.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Roe 4. Namas 9. Botha 14. ESC 15. Erase 16. Orion 17. CIO 18. Carl Edwards 20. Tenses 22. Pieta 23. Irons 24. Assuredly 28. Mas 29. SC 30. Deal 31. Saiga 33. Salam 37. Me 38. TLC 39. Roulade 41. Mam 42. OB 43. Ypres 44. Tears 46. Seep 49. NE 50. ADC 51. Separates 55. Tease 58. Ieels 59. Warred 60. Billy Packer 64. One 65. Prole 66. Nooks 67. Nom 68. Degas 69. Assai 70. IRA

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Transitional issues pop up this week, Aries. You are not quite sure which direction you should go. A close friend or advisor can help you navigate the way.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you are a team player, but this week you may need to fly solo for a bit to get a handle on all of your tasks. Once things get settled, the team mentality can be restored.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, if you feel like your hard work is not paying off, then you may need to use this opportunity to speak with a supervisor. This can spark changes you feel are necessary.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, there are some major changes in the way you feel this week, and it could take a few days to work through all of the emotions. But you’ll get a handle on things.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Big news arrives this week with much fanfare, Leo. The excitement will start early in the week and culminate by Thursday or Friday. Expect to be surprised.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Relationships can’t be the stuff of movies all the time, Virgo. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and make the most of the small daily moments.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Your time has been stretched too fast and too much, Libra. The stress may be on and you’re feeling it. However, the remedy is to delegate some of your tasks and lighten your load.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you’re not one for being

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The Voice, February 5, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

The dangers of nominalism

N

OMINALISM” doesn’t sound like a very dangerous word, does it? But it is. Let me explain.

The term “nominalism” simply means to be something “in name only.” This implies that the person is not really what they think they are. In other words, they are deceived or deluded. When we apply this to Christianity, it becomes dangerous.

An important question

If someone should ask you, “Are you a Christian?” what would you say? Most people I expect would say, “Sure,” and then go on to explain how they live a pretty good life and are connected to a certain church.

But is that what it really means to be a Christian?

The name “Christian” means someone who believes in and chooses to follow Christ. The New Testament tells us that the name “Christian” was first used in the city of Antioch to describe the followers of Christ there (see Acts 11:26).

Before that time, believers had been called by other names such as “disciples” or “the Way.” So what does it mean to follow Christ?

Who better to tell us than Christ Himself…

“If anyone would come after Me,” said Jesus, “he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self.” (Luke 9:23--25).

Jesus was clearly explaining that following Him was important, serious and costly. It involves a commitment on our part to put His will before our own and to obey His teaching.

A bit of history

In the first century, there was a high cost to being a Christian. Of the original 12 disciples, all of them were martyred for their faith with the exception of John (who was exiled) and Judas (who took his own life). The persecution continued throughout the first few centuries AD as Roman emperors tried to crush this growing movement which put God before Rome. People thought twice before calling themselves a “Christian.”

It could mean losing their livelihood, their freedom… even their life.

But then Emperor Con-

Page 19

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stantine changed all that.

When he himself had a dramatic conversion around 312 AD, he decided to make Christianity the new state religion. Almost overnight, it was no longer risky to be a Christian. It was now the easy thing to do. Too easy.

Suddenly, being a Roman citizen seemed to mean being a Christian too. Many became “nominal” Christians — in name only, but not in reality.

A timely warning

Jesus once warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the See FAITH LIFT Page 16

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Weekly Word Search

6e

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

AFFILIATION ASSISTANCE AUDIT BOARD BUDGET COMMITTEE

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION PHILANTHROPY PLATFORM SOCIAL TRANSPARENCY

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

The Voice, February 5, 2020

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 his 13-year-old daughter) than with ourselves. What drives us to grieve publicly, at times almost competitively, for the deaths of famous people we’ve never met?

(And this time there’s a fly in the ointment. More on that later.)

The grief stakes are raised when celebrities die before their time. It’s an odd phrase that, considering no one is guaranteed a specific term of life. My brother died when he was seven, countless children die even younger, and families are pained by the thought of all

the years not lived. Death, like life, is unfair. But when a David Bowie, Prince, Amy Winehouse, or Michael Jackson die with years, even decades, yet unspent, we grieve more loudly.

Should a celebrity die violently, the maelstrom of grief increases. The sudden deaths of John Lennon, John Kennedy Jr., Princess Diana, and now Kobe Bryant trigger firestorms of lamentation that are overwhelming.

And, again, global.

Two nights after the helicopter crash, the CTV National newsreader opened with, “The world is still trying to come to grips with its grief over the death of Kobe Bryant.”

While that was surely, and

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sadly true of his family, who lost him and their daughter and sibling in the crash, I’m not sure about the world.

The man was a superstar in the game he played. He gave immense pleasure to millions of basketball fans, whether they supported his Lakers or not. He inspired tens of thousands of kids to want to be just like him, and he contributed significantly to worthy institutions from his accumulated millions.

That he occupied a special place in peoples’ lives is undeniable. Not as special as the place he occupied in the lives of those who actually knew him, and nothing like the place he and his daughter had in the hearts of their family, but still.

His adoring fans will carry on with their lives sooner than his friends will. As for his family, who can possibly know how long it will take for them to resume a normal life, if indeed they ever do? They, like any family mourning a tragic loss, deserve our real sympathy.

And like any grieving family, they’ll face a whole new challenge when the memorial service is over and the media, and the fans have moved on to the next star that falls out of the galaxy.

Real grief never goes away.

What I find interesting about the posts on social media from those who follow basketball, and strangely enough, from many who don’t, is how personally they take Kobe Bryant’s death. It’s like, “we’re suffering here and we want ev-

"Views" don't really count.

It matters not what you think but how you think.

eryone to know.”

There is almost a kind of pecking order of who among his fans has lost the most by his death.

T. S. Eliot wrote a century ago about the difference between “human feeling and the human illusion of feeling.” I’m still processing that one.

I remember feeling shocked when, aged 14 and on my way home from school, I heard someone on a busy street corner say that President Kennedy had been shot. By the time I got home Walter Cronkite was already choking up as he told the world that the President was dead.

I was numb. I’d never met the man but even at 14 I felt the loss of someone special.

He was the president who got me interested in politics and history, and also in the spoken word because he was good at it. When he died I missed him and I grieved.

I suppose if we had social media back then I’d have shared my feelings online.

Instead, over that weekend, I watched as another celebrity got shot—Lee Harvey

IN GOAL

continued from Page 17 nucks.

“I think I’ve gotten a lot more confident and we’ve been playing a lot better defensively and as a team too,” he said. “We’ve been playing a lot better and the guys are happier.

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Oswald, while in custody in a Dallas police station—and on the Monday I listened to my history teacher read to us William Faulkner’s Nobel Prize speech. Faulkner spoke about the need for hope in a despairing world, about courage, honour, pride, compassion, sacrifice and the strength to prevail.

He sounded like Kennedy.

The list of movie stars and pop singers and professional athletes who’ve died since that time is long, and over the decades I’ve observed a steady rise in the glare and clamour that accompany their passing. While it’s a relatively new phenomenon, it assuredly consoles families like the Bryants to know that he meant something to millions of people, many of whom have petitioned for his image to become the new logo of the NBA. Is there anything wrong with that? I don’t believe there is. Neither does his widow, Vanessa Bryant, who has thanked the world for its support.

But there are those who do find something wrong here, people who speak for

“We’re playing better and it shows.”

McBride, who was selected in the fifth round (97th overall) by the Kitchener Rangers in the 2018 Ontario Hockey League draft, hopes to continue to climb the hockey ladder.

“We’ll see how the season ends and hopefully make the jump up to the next level, whatever that is,” he said.

the tens of thousands of victims of sexual abuse.

They reminded us that Kobe Bryant eventually acknowledged an accuser’s assertion that their sex was not in fact consensual; a settlement was reached and the case dismissed. Consequently, many believe he should not be celebrated as a legend and national hero.

A journalist was briefly suspended by the Washington Post for tweeting a link to the original story—without adding comment of her own—within a day of the crash (a suspension widely condemned by other journalists, even from within the Post).

So what are we to think?

Who’s right? Can there even be a right view and a wrong view in an issue as complicated as this?

Christopher Hitchens once wrote, “‘Views’ don’t really count. It matters not what you think but how you think.” In other words, how did you arrive at what you think.

The trouble with certainty, he went on to say, is that it removes the need to reconcile incompatible ideas. It exempts us from the pain of changing our minds. Certainty keeps us safe in our separate silos.

Maybe in time, once Kobe Bryant’s family are left to nurse their private grief, hopefully more consoled by his supporters than distressed by his detractors, and before he himself disappears in the undertow of the next wave of public grief, we can reflect on what we really think. ♦

“Even from the beginning of the season, I’ve gotten a lot better.”

McBride said he enjoys battling with Hearne for playing time.

“It’s helped a lot for development,” he said. “It’s a lot of competition. It’s good. It’s a good, healthy battle. I like it. It makes you play well and think about what you’re doing.”

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