The Voice, February 2 2022

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DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@darcyrichardson.ca 905.321.6292

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ON ICE The weather was clear and cold — subzero Celsius cold — on a recent Friday afternoon, but that didn't stop a group of intrepid skaters from taking to the rink at Pelham Fire's Station 3, located on rural Cream Street. Jacob Simpson of Fonthill demonstrated some deft puck handling, while his dad Ken observed. Other kids on blades included Liam, Rosalie, Kaylee, and Joshea. Station 3 volunteer firefighters continue their community tradition of creating and maintaining the outdoor rink for residents and visitors to use at their leisure. Covid restrictions are in place. Lights out at 9 PM. Skate safely!

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Page 2

The Voice

Lusted back in court

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

By the numbers: While working on our website the other day I realized that it had been awhile since we updated you on what’s been attracting the most reader attention. So here they are, rounded to the nearest whole, some of the top stories over the last 12 months. Number one is “Sexual assault charges for Pelham business owner,” the first story about Country Corner owner Rick Lowes, at 64,000 hits. Up next, I’m delighted to say, is “Stars on houses: What’s up?” about homeowners decorating with barn stars. The delight comes not from the story’s original and self-evident intent, but on the very much mistaken impression that many readers have (almost all of them American) that barn stars are covert signals that swingers reside therein.

Hilarious, and yet so fundamentally human. Number three, at 15,000, is “Little-known Black history comes to light in new documentary series,” our story early last December about the historic village of Canfield. At number six, with 5200 views, we have “Not so fast with your $250,000, St. Catharines,” about the “Gang of Four” faction on Pelham Town Council effectively obstructing a formality that would have seen funds from St. Kitts go toward a Pelham environmental project. Finally, at number ten, with 3800 views, “MP Dean Allison under fire for stance on fringe Covid treatment,” regarding Allison’s social media commentary about Ivermectin, the (mostly) livestock drug...A musical respite: My spouse and I caught an excellent CBC documentary over the weekend, “Anne Murray: Full Circle,” about that Nova Scotia girl who went global. We found it on CBC Gem, the streaming app, which so far is worth the $4.99/mo. for premium content. We’ve also been enjoying— wait for it—The Weeknd’s latest album, “Dawn FM.” It’s a masterpiece, no question. Why are we, in our early 60s, attracted to contemporary pop/soul/alternative R&B electronica?

Probably because much of his work sounds straight out of the ‘80s, so we’re really listening with 20-year-old ears...What a centrespread: As soon as I came across the "Jig Map" I knew we had to run it. This may be the most enjoyable read you've had in awhile. (Imagine trying to put all those pieces —300 of them—together.) And am I the only one who didn't know about the 1825 Grand Island plan? Enjoy! See you next week. ◆

Voice

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Jason Lusted appeared in a St. Catharines court on Friday, Jan. 28, via teleconference, represented by Toronto attorney Cara Barbisan. Lusted has been remanded in custody since his arrest in 2020, and is currently at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton.

Pelham resident Earl Clapp, 74, died October 2, 2020 after being dragged by a vehicle nearly two kilometres from his Centre Street property to Highway 20, east of Balfour Street. Authorities allege Lusted and co-accused Matthew MacInnes were attempting to steal a trailer from Clapp’s property, and caused Clapp’s death.

A judicial pre-trial (JPT) had taken place for Lusted, but Barbisan told Justice Tom Froese that she had just recently received a fourth wave of disclosure, which has been sent to Lusted for his review.

She requested that the matter return to court on February 18 via videoconference, which was granted by Froese.

Preliminary hearings in the case commence March 21, and are subject to a publication ban.

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The Pelham Fire Department responded to 17 calls for assistance from January 21 to January 28 Friday, January 21 Emergency assistance call, Elcho Rd., Station 2 Saturday, January 22 Medical assistance, Station 2 Medical assistance, Station 3 Sunday, January 23 Motor vehicle collision, Boyle Rd., Station 2 Burning complaint, Boyle Rd., Station 2 Medical assistance, Station 1 Monday, January 24 Remote alarm Pelham St., Stations 1,2 and 3 Medical assistance, Station 1 Motor vehicle collision, Victoria Ave., Station 3 Motor vehicle collision, Victoria Ave., Station 3 Tuesday, January 25 Detector activation, Rosewood Cr., Station 1 Wednesday, January 26 Medical assistance, Station 1 Kitchen fire, Sandra Dr., Stations 1 and 2 Thursday, January 27 Motor vehicle collision, Webber Rd., Station 1 Friday, January 28 Medical assistance, Station 1

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

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Karen Clapp and Jim Bulek from Fonthill say Hola from their balcony at the Grand Muthu Imperial Hotel, Cayo Guillermo Cuba. They traded in snow and minus-20 for white sand and a very positive-27!

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.

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Page 3

A February 2 2022

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

Budget passes, water on hold

Pelham Town Council quietly passed the municipality’s 2022 operating budget during its Jan. 24 virtual meeting, with little discussion on the matter. The budget is set at $20,374,879, and removed some $27,500 from advisory committee budgets, and cut and additional $50,000 by not constructing municipal parking this year for the short stretch of retailers in Ridgeville.

The fi nal tax levy increase for 2022 is 3.88 percent. For an average residential property with an assessed value of $373,000, this would be an increase of about $77.

Highlights include $250,000 for LED streetlight replacements, $250,000 for erosion mitigation related to the East Fonthill stormwater management pond, and $50,000 for a drainage study in the Webber/Farr Roads area.

However, approval of the water and wastewater budget was deferred until Feb. 7 over concerns about various rate increase options. Treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy said she was preparing a new proposal.

For the second year in a row, council passed a property tax payment plan for residents adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. To qualify, a property must be either a primary residence or farm, and the owner must have experienced fi nancial hardship directly related to the pandemic in the form of loss of employment or a decrease in income of greater than 70 percent.

“Obviously we’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, we’re going to be feeling a huge jump of inflation this year, so although we didn’t have many people buy into it [last year], I think it’s important that the Town is again offering this for people in need,” Mayor Marvin Junkin said.

Development talk deferred

Council deferred a recommendation report for a zoning bylaw amendment for

a proposed four-storey apartment complex on Pancake Lane, directly east of the Glad Tidings Church of God. The site plan was the subject of a vocal public meeting in early 2020, just before the pandemic, during whcih several nearby residents complained about the height and parking ramifications of the development.

Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun said a “fruitful conversation” between the developers and neighbours was still needed before anything could proceed.

Haun also asked about the status of the Town’s long-awaited parking study, but Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens said the status of the report remained unknown because locked-down stretches of the pandemic have had an effect on parking patterns.

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore recused himself from discussion on the matter, saying he was “not too sure if I have a confl ict” on the matter or not. Kore said he had contacted the Integrity Commissioner over his concerns, but had not received a response. He did not specify the nature of the potential confl ict.

The matter will be brought back to council in March.

Covid update

Pelham had 122 known active cases of Covid-19 as of Monday, Jan. 24, but Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner conceded the real number is likely higher due to a nationwide lack of testing. He noted, however, that the Town was in the process of procuring rapid tests for Town staff and members of council.

The MCC was scheduled to reopen per provincial guidelines on Jan. 31, with Town Hall set to remain accessible to residents via appointment only —something that will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

Council also unanimously voted to continue virtual meetings through the end of this year.

Former Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway during a Town Council meeting, April 2018.

VOICE FILE

Ottaway makes bail on sexual assault, interference charges

BY VOICE STAFF Former Town of Pelham Chief Administrative Officer Darren Ottaway will return to court in Cochrane, Ontario on Feb. 1, after having made bail on Jan. 24, to face two assault charges, one sexual assault charge, and one sexual interference charge.

Under Section 151 of the Criminal Code of Canada, sexual interference is an offense that is committed when someone, directly or indirectly, touches the body of a person under 16 years old for a sexual purpose.

Responding to a Voice request for comment on Tuesday, Jan. 25, an OPP spokesperson would not go into detail.

“The OPP will not comment further on specifics of this matter as that information is before the courts," said James Bay Detachment Media Relations Officer Julie Vienneau in an email. “A publication ban is in place to prevent the revealing [of] information pertaining to the victim or their identity.”

After his dismissal from Pelham in January 2019, Ottaway was hired as Cochrane's CAO that August.

Ottaway did not appear to be present during a regular Cochrane Town Council meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 25, by video-conference. Before the meeting got underway, Cochrane Mayor Denis Clement read a prepared statement, noting that there was specula-

tion on social media about the case.

“There’s no official press release from any authority regarding the allegations,” Clement said. “None of the authorities have released any such information to the Town regarding the matter at hand...therefore, tonight we will not be entertaining any questions or comments on this matter.”

Responding to a Voice inquiry, Clement would not confirm whether Ottaway was still on the job, saying in an email, "At this time I have no comment. I will be making a public statement at the appropriate time."

Ottaway did not acknowledge a request for comment.

With files from mycochranenow.com

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Page 4

The Voice

A February 2 2022

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OPINION

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

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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

Elder care—a priority in waiting

T

here is a critical social issue that is slowly creeping up and due to its slow pace is not yet on our government’s legislative screen at most levels. The issue is the lack of planning for the care of an ever- increasing aging population.

The issue of elder care was brought nearer to the surface in some sectors during the recent pandemic. Not only did this sector of our population suffer severely from the virus but other matters came to the surface such as the quality of care, improperly maintained facilities, and the shortage of bed spaces in both the public and private long-term care (LTC) facilities.

It is estimated that there are 6.8 million older adults in Canada, and if recent trends continue that 65 and older age segment is likely to reach 20 percent of the population within a few years.

Older women comprise the majority of the aging population and frequently have more severe gender-specific issues, such as osteoporosis, thyroid issues, and heart conditions. As well, many older women tend not to have supplemental health

insurance and as a consequence, cannot afford proper medical care.

The recent pandemic revealed the critical shortage of bed spaces and the some-

There is some debate regarding the efficacy of having both public and private LTC facilities

times deplorably poor quality of care delivered by some LTC facilities. Such revelations should intimate that the issue requires critical and immediate action.

According to Dr. Paula Rochonis, a geriatrician at Women’ College Hospital, there are about 300 geriatricians in Canada. That is far too few to properly serve the aging population. In recent times, the shortage of medical doctors has been an issue of some concern but

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CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, 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

as yet unresolved in many communities.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations declare that healthy aging is a priority topic on their agendas. However, other critical world events appear to garner the attention of these global organizations at the expense of that declaration.

There is some debate regarding the efficacy of having both public and private LTC facilities, and whether these should become integrated with the existing healthcare system. Some suggest that the profit motive of some private facilities may override the mission to provide proper health care to residents. The reality is that the costs to integrate the public sector LTCs with the healthcare system is likely prohibitive.

There are some recent initiatives to introduce programs that allow older persons to remain in their homes as an alternative to moving to an LTC facility.

Tax incentives and grants to make these privately held homes more age-friendly are being investigated. It is

Letters The Abominable Snowman, with offspring Interesting experience on a recent Saturday morning on the hill at Glynn A. Green Public School, which suggests both disrespect for others and possibly a careless father.

I was with my four-year-old grandson and encountered a fellow there with his daughters, who said to stay off of a large swath of the hill saying it was their space. As a taxpayer paying school taxes his land claim needed correction.

He didn’t take kindly to sharing space although there was plenty between us. He then said his daughters had Covid. Creative manipulation or not, he did not set a good example for any of the children. My grandson came home and told his mother there was an angry man at the hill.

L. Morgan Fonthill

See ELDER CARE next page

7

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

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

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Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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Have an Opinion?

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

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

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The Voice

Page 5

A February 2 2022

OPINION PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Moving from pandemic to endemic Covid

W

TOWN STAFF GIVE BACK To support the Pathstone Mental Health Walk-in Clinic, operated at the Meridian Community Centre, Town of Pelham CAO David Cribbs and Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay present Pathstone Fundraising and Community Engagement Coordinator Michelle Begin, left, with $1877.50 from the staff Charitable Giving Fund. Town staff contribute to the fund annually and select a local charity by a staff vote to receive the funds.

SUPPLIED

Pelham Cares says thank you On behalf of the Board of Directors of Pelham Cares, staff, and the community we serve, we would like to extend our gratitude.

Our Annual Food Drive was altered again due to the ongoing pandemic, yet our community volunteers, and donors rose to the occasion.

We had over 200 volunteers safely receiving donations in a contactless manner.

We even had Mayor Junkin take a shift or two along with Councilor Wayne Olson. This food drive would not have happened without the continued support of the Town of Pelham, who gave us the ability to utilize the Meridian Community Centre once again for our receiving and sorting needs.

This year we opened a “Pop Up” food drive date thanks to our amazing community club members the Fonthill Lions, Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District, and the Fabulous Fenwick Lions. Additional help with the transportation was provided by Salumatics, Seniors on the Move, and Craig and Sue Bernard.

Through this initiative we were able to boost our food and monetary donations.

At the completion of our three weekend Food Drives this year, we fell short on food donations from last year with only 1036 boxes, but our monetary donations exceeded last year.

We want to thank our local schools, including St. Ann, A.K. Wigg, Glynn A. Green, St. Alexander, Wel-

lington Heights, and E.L. Crossley. They ran a weeklong food drive at each of their schools and through their donations they have brought us closer to our food target. Our volunteers have been steadily sorting through the food/hygiene donations and we are seeing our shelves fi ll up again and we can not be more thankful for our continued community support!

Finishing our Food Drive, we rolled right into the Toy Drive and Christmas Hamper preparations.

Again, a huge thanks goes to our Fonthill volunteer firefighters who continually organize this drive and the many businesses in town who have participated in donation drives. We were able to fi ll our Christmas hampers with gift cards, food for Christmas meals, and gifts for all ages including our teens! This is NEVER possible without the kind and generous donations that come in from our community that enables these Christmas hampers each year.

Pelham Cares has seen an increase in need. Many are struggling financially, unemployed, moving out of the area, while others are moving in. Lack of affordable housing is a major concern and contributes to ongoing financial struggles.

We cannot thank our community enough for the generous donations of food, hygiene, toys, and monetary contributions. We can

ELDER CARE

continued from previous page thought that such public funding would be more cost-efficient than building and operating more long-term care facilities.

Hopefully, the provision of appropriate health and humane elder care will move up on the agenda of every level of government in the immediate future.

Frankly, such a resolution only seems fair. Our elders provided for us in spades and now when they have a need for our care we should be there for them with full hearts. ◆

continue to be a support to your neighbors and those who live in the Town of Pelham because of you.

Very warm New Year’s wishes from the team at Pelham Cares, and very big thank you to our team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to get packages together and keep the operations running smoothly during this remarkably busy time of year!

Tracy Holmwood President, Pelham Cares Inc.

e have let our lives be controlled for the last two years by a significant amount of fear and now we are going to have to change some of that thinking.” These were the words of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, stated at a news conference on January 27.

“I think we have to understand we have to live with this virus.” These same conclusions are obviously being reached by countries around the globe. As restrictions are being lowered or in some cases totally rescinded, it should be noted that the UK and Denmark have dropped all mandatory protocols.

Many countries are under pressure from their own medical staff to do away with restrictions that been proven to be of little or no help in controlling Covid. A professor, Hagai Levine, chairman of the Israel Association of Public Health, stated last Wednesday, “There are still many courses of action being taken, some of which have been in effect since the beginning of the pandemic which have become irrelevant and sometimes even incorrect and harmful towards the Israeli public’s health. The public health response should be focused on

health not testing.”

Being two years into this pandemic, all countries should be reevaluating their policies and protocols, and Canada has taken some steps in this regard, by reducing self-isolation times for example.

I think we have to understand we have to live with this virus

Our province beginning with Monday’s actions will be using a measured approach going forward and restrictions will only be lifted if certain numbers are met. I get the sense when talking to residents that the majority are also saying, “Let’s get back to normal, the sooner the better.”

It is great to see that as of yesterday indoor dining is again being allowed in all Ontario restaurants and of course our own MCC also opened yesterday with certain Covid restrictions in place.

L

ast week I along with CAO Cribbs and Councillors Hildebrandt and Wink attended the Rural Ontario Municipalities Associations Conference via Zoom.

During the conference we met with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport Tourism, and Culture Industries, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Long Term Care.

Each delegation was allowed 15 minutes to speak with the minister involved. During these sessions our delegation from Pelham discussed Town-related Issues. In all cases our issues were received but no promises were made.

This yearly conference is a great opportunity for locally elected officials to meet one- on-one with our Provincial counterparts. will end today’s column with a good news story from last week. One of the results of the NFL games played Jan 23 was the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Buffalo Bills with just 13 seconds left on the clock. A Chiefs fan posted on social media asking all Chief supporters to donate $13 dollars each to a charity set up by Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. In less than a week, $300,000 had been donated to a children’s hospital in Buffalo.

Gotta love it! ◆

I

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

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

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 4000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Page 6

The Voice

A February 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

All roads lead to ROMA Pelham officials pleased with outcome of Rural Ontario Municipal Association meetings

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Andrea Metler staffs the entrance desk at the MCC, ready to help residents obtain their QR code for proof of Covid-19 vaccination.

DON RICKERS

Need a printout of your vaccine QR code? Head to the MCC

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Town of Pelham staff at the Meridian Community Centre are a helpful bunch, especially when it comes to assisting those with limited tech skills during the pandemic.

With the MCC’s reopening this Monday, all visitors now require a QR matrix barcode to access Town of Pelham facilities. This is in keeping with a provincial government edict in December that non-scannable versions of vaccine certificates will no longer be accepted, and that the new enhanced QR code will be mandatory.

“They're very appreciative,” MCC staffer Andrea Metler told the Voice last month, before the most recent lockdown. “It’s mostly older people, maybe five a day, who are not that tech-savvy. Many don’t have smartphones. We explain the process, and using their personal health card number, print off a copy of their QR code for future use.”

The Verify Ontario app is used by businesses to read SMART Health QR codes and verify proof of full vaccination. The app can now scan out-of-province certificates that use the same technology.

Ontarians are required to have a digital screenshot of the QR-code version on their phones for proof of vaccination or carry a print-out paper copy.

The original vaccination receipts, which have been susceptible to fraud, are no longer accepted.

The app is available for iOS and Android phones, and is available online at www. covid-19.ontario.ca/verify Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has endured over three million cases of Covid-19 infection, and some 33,500 deaths.

Currently, about 78 percent of Canadians age five and up have been fully vaccinated, and 37 percent have had a booster shot. In Ontario, 41 percent have had a booster shot, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Pelham CAO David Cribbs came away from some online meetings last week with a positive vibe.

He, along with Mayor Marvin Junkin, Councillor Bob Hildebrandt, and Councillor John Wink, participated in two days of teleconferencing with Ontario government officials at the annual meeting of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA). Pelham’s Director of Corporate Services and Town Treasurer, Teresa Quinlin-Murphy, was also present for some of the meetings.

“From our perspective, the meetings were very successful, with some excellent dialogue,” said Cribbs. “The various provincial ministers seemed quite well-informed as to our issues, and asked some probing and thoughtful questions.”

ROMA performs policy, research, and advocacy activities on matters which affect rural communities. These issues are then brought to the attention of the provincial and federal governments. The annual ROMA conference provides an opportunity for politicians and senior municipal administrators to connect

with colleagues and government officials, and learn from experts about important and timely rural issues.

“ROMA happens every year in January, and normally we are granted 15-minute interviews,” said Cribbs.

“The government’s entire

A long-term care home of 192 beds would create more than 100 jobs close to Fonthill's downtown core

cabinet of senior ministers attends. We requested five specific meetings back in December, and were granted all five. I was amazed, frankly, because in my municipal experience that was a record.”

Premier Doug Ford addressed the hundreds of online participants at the start of the conference last Monday morning, said Cribbs, and spoke about his government’s vision for the future, and the role of municipalities in that framework. Late

that day, Pelham’s online entourage spoke with Parliamentary Assistant Vincent Ke, from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture. The key talking point was the Pelham Library’s impending union with the Lincoln Library, which Cribbs expects will come to be known as the Lincoln Pelham Union Library.

Also on Monday, Pelham put forward additional funding requests for Pelham Street construction costs to Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma. The Town is in year three of the four-year construction project, and “costs have gone up fairly significantly due to both inflation and Covid,” according to the CAO. Cribbs and his colleagues next met with the Minister of Long-Term Care, Paul Calandra, to advocate for funding to support the construction of a long-term care facility in East Fonthill, to be built on lands between the MCC and the new McDonalds.

“A long-term care home of 192 beds would create more than 100 jobs close to Fonthill’s downtown core,” said Cribbs.

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A February 2 2022

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The Voice

A February 2 2022

A ROMANCE MAP OF THE NIAGARA FRONTIER A picture-story history of people, places and things of the Niagara Frontier. Beautifully printed in five colors. Compiled by Josephine Wilhelm Wickser, and the map was drawn by Mildred C Green, in 1931.

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The Voice

A February 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

ROMA

mentary Assistant Jim McDonell, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Pelham made a request of $321,000 in retroactive funding for the 68 vaccination clinics run out of the MCC in 2021.

“There are 18,000 people in Pelham, but the clinics served 73,000 people from across Niagara and beyond,” noted Cribbs.

Last Tuesday, Pelham representatives met with Minister of Energy Todd Smith, to discuss energy charges in the municipality.

“Councillor Hildebrand took the lead on that,” said Cribbs. “We put forward requests to have them direct Hydro One to examine its current classification of Fonthill as medium density.

If it was reclassified as high density, the electricity costs for residents would be dramatically reduced. Bob Hildebrand is really passionate about this issue, and esti-

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Energy (NPEI), which took over the old Pelham Hydro system in 2008.

“If you're a customer of NPEI in Pelham, you're classified as high density,” said Cribbs. “If you're a customer of Hydro One, you’re classified as medium density.

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In rural Thorold, just because of the way Hydro One has established their grid, a farmer is classified as high density, but you could live in an urban neighbourhood in Fonthill and be classified as medium, which is clearly absurd.”

Hydro One has over a million customers and is the province’s biggest power distribution company. Created in 1999, Hydro One has absorbed more than 100 small utilities across Ontario in the past 20 years.

Efficiency and economies of scale should have produced savings, but the opposite has happened.

“I've been working on this issue with local retired en-

gineer Gordon Marasco since January 2011,” said Hildebrandt.

“In 2017, the government’s energy board produced a program called Distribution Rate Protection, or DRP. Basically, everyone with medium density got rate protection of about $21 dollars a month.

That helped offset the cost a bit, but we're still six percent higher than anyone with NPEI, which is the centre of town. Without DRP, there’s a 25 percent difference. So this significantly affects your energy bill.”

Cribbs expressed gratitude to Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff for his involvement behind the scenes.

“I can tell you that having a member of the government who is your MPP made a dramatic difference,” said Cribbs. “There's just no way it didn't.”

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Peggy Aleksiejuk June 9th 1964 January 16th 2022 It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Peggy Jo. An amazing woman of strength, elegance, and her own way of speaking – direct, honest, and to the point. A beautiful woman in body and soul.

Her kindness and generosity are legendary. She was a loyal and dependable friend and mother, a lady of great integrity who was courageous in all her many endeavors.

A serial entrepreneur who took on many projects and business opportunities in her own stylish manner, and she always lived life on her own terms. She loved her children more than anything in the world and they are her proudest accomplishments.

Sons Dr. Phillip Aleksiejuk (Sharon), Luke Aleksiejuk, daughter Chanel Aleksiejuk (Zaid), and her grandchildren Kaia and Kaden. Peggy leaves behind the father of her children Janusz Aleksiejuk, her stepson Pawel Aleksiejuk (Nicole), her mother Linda Jefferies, brother David Adam (Rhonda), sister Linda Bilotta (Sarah), her best friend Carol Cencich, and her husband Scott Daly. Peggy knew how to make an entrance and would lighten up any room with her boundless energy, humor, and love of life. A truly glamourous and amazing woman. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends but her true spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Peggy’s life will be celebrated with happiness and joy for having had her in all our lives at a future date still to be announced.

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Vigilance best defense against rabies All Ontario cases in 2021 were found in Niagara

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A local woman’s recent discovery of a dead fox underscores the need to be attentive when it comes to animals, both in the wild, and in residential neighbourhoods.

Neva Greig was taking advantage of the snowy winter weather to enjoy some cross-country skiing in fields near her home on Tice Road.

She noticed a dead animal nearby, and on closer inspection discovered that it was a fox, but with its mouth covered in frozen, frothy saliva. She immediately thought the animal died of rabies, and made a note to call authorities the next day.

However, the animal carcass disappeared shortly thereafter, possibly hauled away to be devoured by coyotes which are prevalent in the Pelham area.

“We have a forested piece of property, and I see raccoon footprints all the time,” she said. “Raccoons and skunks are more likely to get the disease, and it was just unusual to see a fox which at least appeared to be rabid. But with no carcass to test, we’ll never know.”

Rabies is caused by a virus that infects mammals, including humans. Cold-blooded creatures like

birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians don’t get rabies. The virus is contained in the saliva of an infected animal, and can be spread through a bite that breaks the skin, having infected saliva come into contact with an open cut or wound, or getting infected saliva in the mouth, nose, or eyes. Once signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, even in humans, who require a series of vaccinations with rabies antibodies soon after exposure.

The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, generally ranges from three to eight weeks, but can be as short as nine days. Fever, headache, and listlessness are the initial symptoms, followed by hallucinations and seizures.

Domestic pets infected with rabies through exposure to wildlife demonstrate changes in behaviour such as increased aggression, depression, incoordination, excessive salivation, hypersensitivity, and partial paralysis. Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is required.

Wild animals infected with rabies often lose their fear of humans, and are active during the daylight hours (normally, they are nocturnal creatures.) In Ontario, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are the vector species of the rabies virus. Small rodents like squirrels and mice rarely contract the disease, and transmission to a human from one of these species has not been reported in Canada.

Pet owners in Ontario are legally required to have dogs and cats over three months old vaccinated for rabies. Vaccination protects not only pets, but also the families who own them.

Anne McCarthy, a science transfer specialist with the rabies program run by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, or MNR (whose official name is the Ministry of

Page 11

A February 2 2022

Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry) told the Voice that there was a serious rabies outbreak in Ontario beginning in December 2015. It started in Hamilton, traced to a raccoon from upstate New York that came across the border, likely in some sort of commercial vehicle.

McCarthy said that 2016 was the peak of the outbreak.

“We had over 250 cases. But since then, the cases have declined steadily. By 2021, infections were down by 95 percent. Ontario had a total of 14 cases last year, all from Niagara and all involving skunks, mainly in Welland and St. Catharines. Pelham is in the rabies control zone. Whenever we have a positive infection, we create a 50 kilometre treatment and surveillance area, a control zone, around that spot, and administer oral vaccines.”

Bait packs containing the vaccine are distribute by aerial drops using fixed-wing aircraft in rural areas, by helicopter in semi-urban areas, and on foot in urban areas using base stations.

McCarthy cautioned against approaching a wild animal acting strangely.

“People encountering a skunk

in broad daylight behaving oddly should keep their distance, and call the local Humane Society or the Ministry of Natural R e s o u r c e s ,” she said. “If the animal appears aggressive and someone is at imminent risk, call the police at 911. Should the animal die, or is picked up to be euthanized, we would want to test it for rabies. We need the brain, or at least the brainstem, intact to perform the test.”

The MNR’s toll-free number is 1-888-574-6656.

Significant efforts have been made to reduce the rabies risk in Ontario over the years, said McCarthy, who feels that the disease could soon be completely eradicated.

“We can’t guarantee timelines, but eradication is certainly the goal we're working towards, and we're seeing good progress,” she said.

The MNR is currently involved in a pilot program in St. Catharines. Homeowners who have a skunk living on their property are being asked to contact the MNR at rabies@ontario.ca. A crew will be dispatched to vaccinate the animal, although it won't be relocated.

Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Humane Society, told the Voice that so far this year, there haven't been any rabies cases in Niagara.

“Clearly, it's something that we have to be vigilant about,” he said.

“We’re in a bit of a deep freeze right now, that's why we don't generally see too many in January, because people don't go outside as much,

and they don't see many animals, who might be under the snow or hiding close to where they live.”

Strooband said that Ontario has not had a positive case of fox rabies since one was detected in Waterloo in 2017. Before that, one rabid fax was identified in Hamilton in 2016.

He credits the MNR’s surveillance and treatment program.

“The MNR has done a really good job of vaccination. I know that they have placed baited traps all along the border, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. When they catch raccoons, skunks, or foxes, they vaccinate, ear tag, and release them. They have had a lot of success with that.”

The bait cubes are a bit smaller than a golf ball, said Strooband, and have a weatherproof wax coating.

“For foxes, they would put tetracycline in them. If they collected a fox, they would check the teeth, and if tetracycline was present, they would know that it had been vaccinated for rabies.”

The last time a person in Ontario died from rabies was a few years ago, according to Strooband.

“A guy got off a plane in Toronto, and was in severe medical distress, and later died. Doctors determined he had rabies, but he had contracted it in another country.”

Not all animals acting strangely are rabid, said Strooband.

“Dog distemper can be picked up by raccoons, which will cause them to basically look like they're drunk,” he said. “During the day, they might be huddled in a ball in your backyard. They won't move because they're sick and disoriented. Distemper can be quite a painful disease for dog or raccoon. But regardless, that animal needs intervention.”

Pictured: An urban fox photographed on Millbridge Crescent, in Fonthill, by reader Joel Hannigan.

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FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 15 the reality which is being revealed to us, but only by the grace of God.” “One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be design and purpose behind it all… While the admission of a design for the universe ultimately raises the question of a Designer (a subject outside of science), the scientific method does not allow us to exclude data which lead to the conclusion that the universe, life and man are based on design.”

“What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electrons as real while refusing to accept the reality of a De-

signer on the ground that they cannot conceive Him.” “It would be an error to overlook the possibility that the universe was planned rather than happening by chance.”

Von Braun retired from NASA in 1972. During his illustrious career, he received many honorary doctorates and other awards including the National Medal of Science. He died in 1977 of pancreatic cancer at age 65.

His tombstone reads: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows forth his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) No, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to believe in a universe designed by God. But sometimes it helps. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 14 A 2020 study by the Specialty Food Association states that 75 percent of men as opposed to only 69 percent of women are likely to be specialty/gourmet food experimenters. The most prolific experimenters are men aged 35-43.

Maybe that’s where I’ve missed the cooking boat. Energy bars are not considered specialty or gourmet foods by the SFA, regardless of how many different brands one experiments with.

This may be another inhibitor of my desire to create stovetop masterpieces.

Ultimately, in my mind, food is above all else, fuel.

When my wife asks me what I’d like for dinner, within preset guardrails of course, my mind goes through a complex set of data: the nutritional components of all food consumed within the last 24 hours, anticipated physical activity and cal-

orie burn within the next 12 hours, supplements available, supply chain shortages, and more. Considering this process takes a moment as I consult my spreadsheets, before I can answer, she’s already decided the night’s menu on my behalf.

This is to be expected, because as a non-cooking negotiator, I’m not in a strong position to demand a specific meal. If by chance I have something in mind that I’d like for dinner, and can vocalize that choice within the discussion’s time limit, there is still no certainty it will be served.

Her first response is typically, “Great idea, let’s have that tomorrow.” Second response will be, “Well, that’s interesting, but what do you think about this?” Her third might be, “Okay.”

Then I’ll head downstairs to do a late afternoon workout or stationary bike ride, visions of a certain meal dancing in my head, and return upstairs to something totally different.

“I was searching recipes online for what you wanted and bumped into this

one instead, so I thought I’d give it a try.”

Her choice will invariably be delicious, healthier, and more fun to prepare and experiment with, so no complaints.

The choices are clear. Do I continue to abstain from cooking, or should I attempt a transition, jumping in to prepare my socially acceptable percentage of our dinners?

Do I need professional help, maybe someone like Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, or one of my more erudite male relatives to guide me, to rekindle my desire to cook?

Am I missing the whole point of so many males cooking, experimenting with food and its presentation, then posting photos of their creations on Instagram? Are men’s cooking videos on Flickr the new competitive arena for men, replacing my tired cycling groups on Facebook?

It’s all too much. For now, I’ll continue concentrating on my special domestic strength—washing the dishes. ◆

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FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Burke’s Masonry Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have PLACE YOUR AD BY EMAIL OR PHONE Bricklaying, tuckpointing, been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stompoffice@thevoiceofpelham.ca Hours: Mon-Thurs, - 2 PM (905) 892-8690 step8 AM repair, granite ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, coatings, brick slices guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos 905-682-7061. blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joieREPAIR de vivre found only in MASONRY FLOORINGP18-28 traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.

ALLTYPE MASONRY

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Brick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs.

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PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Phone Tom at techniques.

289-241-4767.Materials Make six cards with fall themes, learning aDeamude variety of 35 years of construction experience.

are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed.

Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30.CUSTOM $10. Please register ahead.FISH Visit DINNER www.pelhamMILL library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

Portable sawmill service.

Legion Fish Dinner I will come to your home or

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch

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HST, side of fries/coleslaw.

farm and custom mill your 613, Fonthill, Friday, February FABULOUS FENWICKlogs.

LIONS FISH FRY Firewood & lumber also 4 , 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., DINE-IN Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the/ community. available. Call Rob Patterson, DRIVE-THRU. 1 Haddock, Piece Fish 905-401-4948, Dinner $13.00.

2 Piece Fish french fries and much more.

Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7Dinner p.m. - $19.00. Prices riverwoodportablesawmill@ include

PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Buy, sell or trade used equipment at theCHILI Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide SUPPER PURRFECT FOR PELHAM The Fonthill Lions recently donated both cash and kind to Pelham cheaper options for players in this upcoming season.

Runs Sept.

6 from Fonthill Lions Club Chili Supper Cares. Top, Lion V.P. Pat O’Hara presents a cheque to coordinator Jennifer Dube. Below, O’Hara Sunday February 20, 4 – 6 pm 9-12 in the morning. and Fonthill Lionettes President Bonnie Puhl donate $500 worth of gift cards and $500 in winter clothing.

CLA

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PELHAM MUDFEST Men and women will be back in the mud as held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

$10.00 per dinner/$35.00 for family of 4 + HST. Preorder, prepay at fonthilllions.ca or by the seconde-transfer run onor the year is credit card 289-684-1240

Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”

We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood

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Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811

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NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.

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The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

Support the local businesses 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walkerthat Fam- support your ily Cancer Centre.

local newspaper.

WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

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Page 14

The Voice

A February 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

C'mon John It's fun!

Who’s cooking in your kitchen?

I

was deeply engaged in a phone call with my brother-in-law in British Columbia, discussing the important manly things you might expect— NFL football, politics, beer, whether to buy a new bike or a reciprocating power saw, relationship communications, those sorts of things—when he said,“Gotta go, Marionne [his wife] just got home, so I have to go cook dinner.”

Am I the only guy out there who isn’t doing the majority of cooking in their home nowadays?

Our son-in-law bakes home-made bread three times each week, has been

influential in teaching his young daughters how to knead, roll and cut sugar cookies, and is happy to do the cooking when our daughter is unable. When we visit he and my wife discuss their latest recipe discoveries endlessly.

Sure, I’m allowed to do a variety of low-skill food preparation processes in our home. On my own, without supervision, I have permission to cut cantaloupe into bite-size pieces for future consumption, and wash small fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries and put them in individual bowls for refrigerating.

Just last Saturday, after be-

ing provided a special deep purple coloured apron to wear, I was able to successfully peel a bowl of recently cooked beets, although I did cut my finger with the knife.

We prepare sufficient green salad each Monday to provide lunches for the week, which is generally my job too, except for cutting the kale. Although I can chop romaine, baby spinach, peppers, garlic, carrots, radishes and onions to the strictest of industry standards, I have yet to be certified for cutting kale. Apparently even if 97 percent of the leafy nutrition-packed pieces are within plus or minus two percent of the exact size of a postage stamp, as demanded by our family’s head chef, those three percent of kale pieces that exceed the size parameter negate my possible confirmation.

It’s not like I haven’t cooked in the past. Those days years ago when my wife worked and our young kids needed someone to prepare their lunch or dinner, I was there. Lunch was always an uitsmijter, the Dutch ham, gouda cheese and fried egg toasted muffin sandwich that McDonald’s honed to North American tastes in the 1970s. By substituting deepfried bacon for ham and a slice of processed cheese for gouda, they created the Egg McMuffin.

Expertly prepared panfried balsamic chicken breasts, broccoli or green beans, and mashed potatoes were my go-to staples for dinner, every time.

Prior to our household recently adopting a plantbased diet (I was informed the vote was held while I was out riding my bike and

passed by a one-to-zero margin), I’d regularly contributed perfectly barbecued meat to our dinners.

Could that be the reason I no longer cook dinner? Not that I’m bitter or resentful when we’re eating our scrumptious bean-burgers on the deck while our neighbour sizzles a rack of pork ribs on his Napolean Prestige 500, but that I was unwilling to update my culinary skills consistent with my new reality?

Perhaps that reluctance stems from my selective distain for social media. I realize that in a pinch I’ll have to watch a YouTube video to learn how to change the wax gasket on a leaky toilet or install a ceiling fan, but I can’t imagine searching Google for eight ways to prepare an eggplant. It’s just not in me.

Have I missed a cultural gender shift in home cooking? A quick internet search determines that yes, I have indeed. Numerous studies suggest I’m out of sync on this one, perhaps even venturing into fuddy-duddy or stick-in-the mud territory.

The Bio-Med Central Nutrition Journal says the percent of college-educated men cooking increased from 37.9 percent in 2003 to 51.9 percent in 2016.

Covid has further increased this trend.

Sixty percent of men enjoy cooking and are confident in their cooking skills, 45 percent are cooking more during Covid, and among males 13-38 years old, 49 percent bake.

(2021 NC Solutions Consumer Sentiment Survey.)

See BALANCED LIFE Page 13

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 It is time to slow down a little, Aries. Even you cannot keep up a hectic pace for very long. Invest time in relaxing pursuits like yoga or reading to unwind your brain.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may feel it necessary to prove your point at all costs. Stubbornness will get you nowhere right now. Listen to what others have to say.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 There are two sides to every story, Gemini. It is best not to attach yourself to one version of the tale just yet. Hear everyone out and then come to an informed conclusion.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 There is no time like the present to turn over a new leaf, Cancer. Think about the areas of your life that can use some improvement and focus on the steps to get there this week.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Someone from the past comes back into your life and you will not know how to react, Leo. First assess what this person wants and how you left off years ago.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, it might be time to accept the help or advice that someone is offering to you. You don’t always have to forge new paths to prove your worth.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you are thinking about making a major lifestyle change in the near future, start fleshing out the plans this week.

Gather feedback from the ones you love.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, past mistakes provide opportunities to learn. Continue to forge a new path. Recognize that others have made mistakes and can provide support.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 A big idea is blooming, but you need to get a handle on how you can finance this endeavor, Sagittarius. It may be worth seeking investors.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 It is time to mend fences that were broken a few years ago, Capricorn. Holding on to past issues will not prove fruitful. Sit down and work through your issues.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 You certainly catch more flies with honey than vinegar, Aquarius. Focus on being warm and welcoming in conversation and your points will be well-received.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Something regarding your health may be on your mind, Pisces. Schedule an annual physical and discuss your concerns.

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Darcy Richardson

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 15

A February 2 2022

ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

It doesn't take a rocket scientist

D

r. Wernher von Braun is the world’s most famous rocket scientist. As head of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, he oversaw the development of the Saturn V booster rocket that helped land the first men on the moon in 1969.

This fulfilled President Kennedy’s promise made in 1961 and beat the Soviets in the space race to the moon.

So, who was this brilliant scientist?

His life

Wernher von Braun was born into a prominent family in 1912 in eastern Germany, the second of three sons. His mother gave him a telescope when he was a youth and he developed a love for astronomy. Ironically, he did not do well in mathematics and physics in high school but became fascinated with space travel. He eventually earned a doctorate in physics in 1934 at age 22.

As a young man, von Braun was recruited by the Nazis to help develop their rocket technology such as the V-2 rocket. During the war, these missiles were used to terrorize London. At one point he was arrested by the Gestapo (Nazi secret police) on suspicions of disloyalty. He was soon released as an increasingly desperate Hitler needed his expertise. At war’s end, he chose to surrender to American troops (rather than Soviet) and was secretly moved to the U.S. with many of his scientific colleagues.

In 1947 von Braun married Maria (he was 35; she was 18). They had two girls and a boy. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1955. He also became a pioneer of rocket and space technology in the U.S. and was instrumental in the

successful Apollo moon landing. He then lobbied for a mission to Mars but funding was cut back and his hopes never materialized.

His faith

As a youth in Germany, von Braun was a nominal Lutheran and didn’t take faith seriously. His friends called him a “merry heathen.” However, soon after his marriage he became an evangelical Christian while living in Texas. Later in life, he joined an Episcopal (Anglican) church and spoke more openly about his faith in God, the afterlife of the soul, and how science and faith could complement

each other. He also met with Christian leaders such as Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr. His quotes reveal a strong faith: “Through science man strives to learn more of the mysteries of creation.

Through religion he seeks to know the Creator.”

“The farther we probe into space, the greater my faith.”

“I certainly prayed a lot before and during the crucial Apollo flights.”

“Scientific concepts exist only in the minds of men.

Behind these concepts lies See FAITH LIFT Page 12

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Word Search: Heart-to-Heart

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

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CHAMBERS COORDINATED HEART LEFT LUNGS MITRAL

NUTRIENTS OXYGEN PATTERN PULMONARY PULSE RIGHT

TISSUES TRICUSPID VALVE VEIN VENA CAVA VENTRICLE

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Page 16

The Voice

A February 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Kidney Bean Double Chili

Youth at the MCC in December. DON RICKERS

Step 3: Pelham reopens rec facilities

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The Town of Pelham continues to adjust recreational offerings with its move to Step Three of the Provincial Roadmap Exit Steps. With the gradual ease of restrictions, Town staff welcome back residents to recreation facilities as of Monday, Jan. 31.

“Staff at the Meridian Community Centre are looking forward to opening the doors to provide services and programming for the community again,” said Town of Pelham Director of Recreation, Culture, and Wellness, Vickie vanRavenswaay, in a Town statement.

“With measures in place to align with the provincial requirements, residents of all ages can enjoy the benefits of recreation offered through the arenas, walking track, classes, workshops, and programs.

The MCC reopened at 7 AM Monday to the public. All visitors are required to be screened upon entry, and those age 12 and up must provide QR code proof of vaccination and government-issued identification.

Individuals with medical exemptions are required to

provide enhanced QR code validation as provided by the Province of Ontario. Visitors from outside of Canada are required to provide an international vaccine receipt and a valid non-Canadian passport. Onsite food and beverage can be consumed by those who are seated. Those accessing the MCC for a vaccination clinic or a Pathstone Mental Health walk-in clinic will be exempt.

Pelham Public Library branches will also reopen for in-person visits, and all those accessing will be required to be screened upon entry. Pelham residents who require assistance accessing their enhanced proof-of-vaccination QR code can visit the Pelham Public Library or the Meridian Community Centre, with their health card, and staff can provide support. No appointment is required.

Town Hall will continue to be available to the public by appointment only. Town staff are available to assist residents Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, by phone at 905-892-2607, by email, or by scheduled appointments.

Warming up on cold days can be a challenge, especially when the weather outside is frightful. Bundling-up near the fire place is one way to keep warm, as is dining on hearty meals that have staying power.

Chili is a cold-weather staple that is full of delicious, fresh ingredients. A little chili goes a long way, and it can be spiced up to increase its warming power. This recipe for “Kidney Bean Double Chili” courtesy of John La Puma, M.D., ChefMD, is a healthy take on this beloved, hearty dish.

Kidney Bean Double Chili Servings: 4 2 4 8 1 2 1 2 2 1⁄2 1⁄4

large poblano chili peppers, seeded, chopped* cloves garlic, minced ounces frozen beef-flavored crumbles tablespoon chili powder, such as ancho or chipotle chili powder teaspoons dried Mexican oregano cup chipotle salsa, preferably Frontera brand 15- or 16-ounce cans no salt added kidney beans, rinsed, drained medium yellow summer squash or yellow zucchini, cut into 1⁄2-inch chunks (2 cups) cup reduced fat sour cream cup chopped cilantro or flat leaf parsley

Cook chili peppers and garlic in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add frozen crumbles, chili powder and oregano and continue to cook 1 minute. Stir in salsa. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 5 minutes or until chili peppers are tender. Stir in beans and 1 cup water. Stir in squash. Cover and cook until squash is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt, if desired. Ladle into shallow bowls; top with sour cream and cilantro. *If fresh poblano chili peppers are not available, substitute 1 or 2 jalapeno chilies, minced and seeded, and add 1 large green bell pepper, diced. If chipotle salsa is not available, substitute your favorite salsa and add hot pepper sauce to taste. Ancho or chipotle chili powder will give the dish more heat than regular chili powder. Beef stock may replace the 1 cup water.

UPGRADE YOUR HOME If you’re looking for new windows and doors or siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough; it’s a great time to buy. North Star energyefficient windows are built in Canada and will save you money year round. North Star windows help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home!

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