The Voice, January 22 2020

Controversial variance deferred page 3 Sounds of songbird silence page 9 Koabel may be national treasure page 17 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.24 No.3

January 22, 2020

FREE

Column Six

Strike

The Queen and I

actions

Reflections on Harry, Meghan, and entitlement

continue

BY COLIN BREZICKI

Special to the VOICE

H

Page 3

Teachers' union demonstrators march along Highway 20, outside E. L. Crossley Secondary School, last Wednesday, Jan. 15.

DAVE BURKET PHOTO

ARRY AND MEGHAN Windsor plan to climb down from their royal plinth, move to Canada and become who they really are. Good for them for trying, I say.

But would it were that easy. Finding a suitable mansion in Toronto for half the year shouldn’t be a problem, but finding out who they are might prove a challenge.

Beyond a certain point of fame you not only can’t have a private life, but you never really had one, said the very wise Clive James.

And the question arises, as much as they want to know who they really are, does anyone else?

No matter what they end up doing under the Sussex Royal brand, whether it’s the speaking tour, or marketing something or other, or heading charitable causes, it won’t be as Mr. and Mrs. Windsor.

They might have nothing but pearls of wisdom to cast See COLUMN SIX Page 12

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Page 2

The Voice, January 22, 2020

On the road to the solution, were:

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

kernel as the nut.

So, a question to fit your solution could be: We have to open the paper to search for the contents. When we do this with nutshells, what contents do we find? Nuts.

BY THE PUZZLEMEISTER

Special to the VOICE

One thing is for sure: Voice readers are a creative bunch.

Starting seven weeks ago, the Pelham Puzzler posited the answer, "Butternut," and, with an increasing number of hints and clues for guidance, asked, "What is the question?"

En route to the correct solution were the following answers, just a sample among many:

Now just where is this building: Remember this photo of a garage/gas station from last week, the one that was labeled as being in Fenwick? One old Fenwick hand isn’t so sure. The photo was almost certainly taken no later than 1930, and the building itself features “1888” above the main door, suggesting that it might well have been demolished before anyone alive today would have been old enough to remember it. In any case, if you think you know the building, let us know! (And see this week’s letters for a quick note about the Turners Corners gas station shot as well.)...What a difference a week makes: From spring-like highs two weekends ago to the sort-of threat of a blizzard this past weekend, which fortunately turned out to be a mere dusting. Even so, it required one pass of the snowblower. I managed to strain a back muscle last week, and so found myself hilariously (less so at the time) wincing in minor agony while trying to pull-start the bloody Toro. Luckily it caught on the second try. Do check out John Swart’s tale of two weeks ago (page 18), when we hit 15 C, the neighbourhood of 60 degrees in old money…A belated tip of the cap: Thank you, Sportels, for your generous gift card. We were just made aware of it!...Speaking of bundles of joy: We have two brand-new paper routes on offer (Classifieds, page 15), both in East Fonthill. In the blink of an eye, or so it seems, that’s up to 340 new homes to hit, or roughly a 5% increase in the number of residential dwellings in Pelham since 2018 or so...Yes, we have a winner! With nearly 50 entries over six weeks, a single correct Puzzler solution arrived last week, shortly after the paper hit the street. Read all about it on page 10. Meanwhile, a Mini-Puzzler: Win a $10 Sobeys gift card by answering the question. What question, you ask? Surely history wouldn't repeat itself, at least not exactly, says the Puzzlemeister. Deadline, Sat., Dec. 15, 6 PM. If multiple correct entries are received, a single winner will be drawn at random. puzzler@thevoiceofpelham.ca Good luck, Puzzlers! ♦

Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

on vacation!

My answer to the puzzle is: Who are characters in World of Warcraft? I tried to find what the four words had in common, as three could be food related, but hex was not. Finally, searched to see if they could be character names, and found all appear in World of Warcraft, which is an online game.

What are one of the nuts used in ink production for newspapers? Answer: butternut.

The question is: What species of tree was used to produce the newsprint that the Voice is printed on?

I'm now digging very deep. I've been thinking that the various clues, particularly the multiple references to "searching" and the reference to scrutinizing words, lead to the Weekly Word Search. However, although the word "nut" can be found in this week's edition, I can't find anything which fits in the previous edition. So, I've decided to give up following that train of thought.

I've also considered all the interrogative pronouns for a clue to the question, and considering the answer, have concluded it is most likely to be “what?”

I have to come back to your repeated references to “within the pages” and “before your eyes.” I'm now thinking the most important clue is “before your eyes.” In that regard, could the solution be exactly that? Staring you in the face as you read it?

So, here we go.

I had no clue that butternut trees are a species white walnut trees that are endangered in the area.

The song lyrics of Buscando Un Sueno go on about being born in North America, and proud I speak Spanish.

A quick check through past news showed that Pelham has a community tree plant every year, and last year's plant in Harold Black park involved the planting of butternut trees along with Ironwood, Tulip, Katsura, and Sugar Maple trees.

My suggestion of a solution to the puzzle would be, "What type of trees will the Town be planting this year for its community plant?" Advertising this event in the form of a puzzle would be brilliant, and raise awareness for a great cause!

Find the actual solution on page 10.

The

Congratulations

Voice

CARRIER

司 空公

搜索航空公司

My answer: Coming from an eastern North American tree and a member of the walnut family the white walnut is also called?

Or: What is a soldier or partisan of the Confederacy during the American Civil War called?

"What is the name of a racehorse that is also the name of something it cannot eat?"

I got this from the clues last week about the Spanish song that was featured in the Dreamer movie soundtrack (a movie about racehorses), the Wilson Pickett clue this week (Mustang Sally) and the clues that are often related to food or are on menus. And the revised solution contains nuts that horses shouldn't eat… I thought maybe the Word Search would reveal something because a lot of clues are about seeking and finding but I couldn't establish a link.

I think my solution is a bit of a stretch. But it's the only thing I could think of.

One of your cartoons last week indicated that the "answer" is not specifically "butternut" but is "nuts" in general. This is confirmed by your revised answer in this week's edition, where I note you have now included “hex,” which could be referring to a nut on a fastener (hexagonal nut) or a hex climbing tool, which is also a type of nut. This also indicates that the butternut you referred to is the tree variety and not the squash.

The various cartoons in the recent two editions all refer to "searching" in one way or another: • "Buscando un suendo" is looking for a dream • "...in life's search for meaning there is no easy answer" • Aneesh Chaganty produced the movie "Searching" • "....Leonard Nimoy searches....."

• Wilson Picket sings : "search your heart" • "scrutatore con le parole" is to scrutinize in words So now we are back to searching for a solution which is in the pages of the paper and before our eyes. Again, for reasons given in my first attempt, it cannot be anything specific, so it must be the paper's contents in general and we have to open the paper to get to it's contents.

In the same way, we have to open a nutshell to get to its contents (the kernel), and we commonly refer to the

航 搜索

Question: What is as hard to crack as the answer to the puzzler question?

Answer: Nuts

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Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

DSBN wants portion of Town park

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NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

The Comfort Maple myth

Vol.20 No.39

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

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Oops: No fire trucks for you

Column Six

Get

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Column Six

Growing up British

Vol.20 No.32

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

W

BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Public meeting tonight on school issues

BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick.

Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation.

DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime.

Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting.

“We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin.

My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries.

Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town.

This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation.

On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque.

“This tree looks dead,” I said to my father.

“It sure is getting there, Julie.”

The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through.

One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through.

“If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said.

While waiting for the contractor to return to fix

the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term.

Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered.

The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event.

Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security.

Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016.

"We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said.

“It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going.

We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box.

Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano.

For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely.

Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples.

As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations.

The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada.

“The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals

ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie.

Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept.

19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school.

Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later.

After delivering to Council a petition containing

Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case.

Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel.

As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support.

Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Cell 905.933.3049

T

Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign.

A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

Office 905.892.1702

Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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Request made of community still peeved at name change

See DSBN Page 9

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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick.

Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues.

Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students.

“The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated.

The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained.

“I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.”

Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn.

Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly.

The hues of Autumn are outstanding.

A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour.

Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River.

If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills.

If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 3

Proposed education changes continue to disrupt Niagara's Catholic schools latest to see planned job actions

BY MEGAN METLER

Special to the VOICE

Since March 15, 2019, when Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario government made educational changes, there has been increasing tension between students, teachers, parents and the government.

Ford’s plan, called “Education that Works for You,” focuses on modernizing classrooms, learning, and health and physical education. The main changes are greater classroom sizes, cuts to grants for student needs, requiring high school students to take a minimum of four online courses, new math and sex-ed programs, and fewer teaching positions.

For almost a year, there have been student and teacher walk-

outs, strikes and protests, with no resolution between the school boards and the government in sight.

“It has become clear that this government will only do the right thing when they are under pressure from Ontarians. They have left us little choice but to take the next legal step in the bargaining process,” said Ontario English Catholic Teachers Associate (OECTA) President Liz Stuart through a news release.

Beginning Monday, January 13, OECTA announced their administrative job action. This means teachers will not contribute comments on report cards or perform EQAO-related testing or Ministry

of Education initiatives. During the job action, schools will be open for regular class sessions.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced that school boards would be permitted to decide to continue with EQAO testing for Grade 9 students or possibly to wait until June for the next examination period.

On Tuesday, all OECTA members were to have participated in a full day withdrawal of services.

They were not report to work or perform any of their responsibilities. Students were not be at school for that day, and were to lose valuable classroom time before first semester exams later on.

“Of course teachers would rather be in the classroom, but the government needs to recognize that we are united in opposition to their cuts, and we cannot accept an agreement that would have devastating, long-term consequences for our students and schools,” Stuart said in the press statement.

In response to her comments, Lecce asserted that the union-led escalation of withdrawal of services targeting EQAO testing and report cards, hurt children the most. Lecce also said that, “Parents are justifiably frustrated that teacher unions escalate every few years.”

For parents, these negotiations can be difficult when it comes to finding daycare for their children on strike days. It’s full of uncertainty because they don’t know when these days are happening, leading to a last-minute scramble to find placements. (Last Friday, the Town of Pelham announced that it would be offering a day camp for affected elementary students, starting with Tuesday’s planned walkout. The cost is $45 per child, daily.)

“Let’s not suggest this is not about money,” Lecce also said, suggesting that teachers are more concerned with their pay than the students’ educational needs.

OECTA announced that fol-

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS fundraising anytime, Mayor, you did a great job on our and the community’s behalf,” she said.

Local businesses and organizations highlighted included Dekorte’s Landscaping, Willowbrook Nurseries, Lafarge Canada, Lookout Ridge, Taylor Foundation, Rankin, Young Sod, Sobeys, Tim Hortons and the Voice.

Baltjes said that 75 percent of the refurbishment is paid for, with the committee now in talks with other businesses to fund lighting and benches come spring.

“It just goes to show what a great community we have,” Junkin said.

New sign bylaw deferred

Mayor Marvin Junkin, standing, and CAO David Cribbs accept commemorative buttons offered to council and staff by members of the Fonthill Bandshell Committee. Chair Gayle Baltjes singled out Junkin for his personal involvement in helping fundraise for improvements to the popular music series venue, which draws thousands each summer.

YOUTUBE SCREENCAP

Town approves up to $50,000 for Cannabis Control Committee

Town Council approved more funding for Pelham’s Cannabis Control Committee at its January 13 gathering, another infusion of cash that prompted a round of applause from members of the public present at the meeting.

Committee Chair Tim Nohara said the money will be used to pay an external planning consulting firm in regards to bylaw implementation before a self-imposed March 31 deadline.

Nohara said the committee had unanimously decided to subject local pot producers to an “Odorous Industries Nuisance Bylaw,” in concert with amended zoning changes.

Last fall, Pelham extended its Interim Control Bylaw on cannabis production to this coming July in order to allow the committee to devise actionable regulations. Nohara told council last Monday that the goal is still to have these compiled by the end of March.

“The biggest thing we need … is to help us rapid-

ly get these bylaws drafted and over the finish line,” Nohara said. “This has been carefully engineered to anticipate challenges. We need some runway after the b y l a w is approved.”

C A O D a v i d C r i b b s Tim Nohara. then rec- YOUTUBE SCREENCAP ommended the Town waive its regular purchasing policy to get the committee the money they asked for.

“Broadly speaking, I think [council] would be supportive of this being an appropriate time to waive the purchasing policy with regards to the potential quantum of monies to be made available,” he said.

“I would submit that one might reasonably expect to pay around $200 per hour for these services rendered, for perhaps three weeks to a month’s worth or work— puts the value of that in the ballpark of $40,000, plus or minus a bit.”

Council agreed.

“Residents would rather see us get this right,” Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi said. “Forty thousand dollars sounds fair.”

Last fall, Ciolfi, who is also a member of the CCC, also asked for and received $10,000 for the committee’s legal bills.

With that, council unanimously approved the $40,000, with an amendment for Cribbs to authorize an extra $10,000 if needed.

The overflow public gallery then broke out in applause.

Bandshell bonanza

Fonthill Bandshell Committee Chair Gayle Baltjes appeared before council to thank it and various community members for their help in redoing the landscaping around the Peace Park Bandshell, home to Pelham’s summer music series. In addition to thanking the CAO for “moving mountains” to get the bulk of the project off the ground before winter started, Baltjes credited Mayor Marvin Junkin for his work in getting local businesses on board.

“You can help us with

A proposed update to the Town’s sign bylaw was deferred during council’s Committee of the Whole meeting, with members wishing to seek further clarification on private property lawn signs.

The new bylaw has expanded to include eight pages of definitions, covering a broader range of issues than the previous version’s two pages of definitions.

“A well-drafted sign by law is a lengthy document — it protects free speech and tries to curb the worst excesses that other communities in Ontario have seen,” Cribbs said. “You’re not clamping down on protest or expression, but you are also protecting quality of life.”

The proposal for a new sign bylaw came about last fall, when anti-cannabis signs began appearing on some private properties around town.

New video system works

After a technical glitch that sent a blank screen to YouTube of council’s December 16 meeting, the Town’s new $65,000 audio-video system in chambers worked last week. In addition to being able to be streamed live, the new system utilizes multiple cameras that are activated by a speaker’s microphone.

lowing the full-day withdrawal of services, there could be a full strike if an agreement was not reached soon.

So far in the negotiations, the Ontario government has agreed to modify its original proposals.

They have accepted lower class sizes of 25 rather than their original 28, and reduced mandatory secondary school e-courses from four to two.

Even with these modifications, the union continues to fight the cuts and changes to the educational system.

As meetings between the government and OECTA continue, the Niagara Catholic District School Board hopes “that a resolution will be reached… [with] a minimal effect on classroom learning,” according to a statement on the board’s website.

“Teachers must do what is necessary to protect our rights and ensure quality education for all students, now and in the future,” said Stuart.

What is a "neighbourhood" Application for variances to build on undersized lot deferred after marathon meeting

BY VOICE STAFF The Town of Pelham's Committee of Adjustment wants more information before it considers a proposal to sever a lot on Alan Crescent in Fonthill. At their regular meeting last Tuesday, January 14, the committee received an application from a property speculator looking to split the existing single lot at 20 Alan Crescent into two parcels, one of which would be considerably smaller than is permitted under the present zoning bylaw.

The application to sever was supported by the Town’s Planning Department, as it conforms to Provincial standards and meets the requirements of the Planning Act and the Town’s Official Plan, according to Planning Director Barb Wiens.

However, the 20-plus residents attending the meeting made clear their opposition to the radical change in the character of the neighbourhood that would result from large lots being diced into smaller ones to permit such intensification.

Committee Chair Don Committee Chair Don Cook.

YOUTUBE SCREENCAP Cook, and members Bill Sheldon and Bernie Law wrestled with the conflict between the rights of the developer, represented by Craig Rowe of Upper Canada Consultants, and the feelings of the residents.

At issue is the size of the severed lot and its frontage on the street. Current zoning requires a minimum lot size of 700 square meters, while the new lot would be only 432 square meters. Frontage of the lot would be 14 meters, while the current law requires 17 meters. The developer is asking for variances to permit the smaller lot, while neighbours assert that a house placed on such a small area would adversely affect their own properties.

Planning Director Wiens emphasized that Pelham is required to intensify housing in its residential areas by 15 percent, according to Regional directives. This amounts to 300 new residential units within the current urban boundaries.

Wiens pointed out that the intensification rules for the entire Region of Niagara require an average 40 percent increase in density (St. Catharines is at 80 percent) while Pelham’s larger lot sizes and rural character are recognized in the much reduced requirement.

However, when questioned by the committee, she revealed that the East Fonthill Development does not count in the Town’s intensification statistics because it is a “green field” development—namely, a new parcel of land that was previSee VARIANCE Page 14

Page 4

The Voice, January 22, 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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté It's a short drive to urbanization

A

T ONE TIME, not long ago, people would enjoy a pleasant drive through the lane ways and back roads of Pelham. When a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive or picnic was a popular pastime, Pelham was a favourite destination for residents of Niagara and even farther afield.

However, as the popular expression laments, “All good things must come to an end.” And so it is that this once popular and healthy pastime has mostly seen its day and has become a rare occurrence today. And to accompany that change, the characteristics of this once-popular destination have evolved.

At one time in the mind’s eye of many people, Pelham held an unambiguous rural flavour and many charming characteristics. It had peacefully quiet boulevards, lined with larger-than-life mature trees that shaded gracious country-style homes with neatly trimmed yards. A Fonthill address was a much envied locale to many residents of some nearby and more urbane communities. Some romantics said that Fonthill was a “bedroom community” for

those who worked in nearby cities, and commuted from their bucolic homesteads to their workplaces in the urban centres.

Lamentably, there are fewer and fewer vestiges of those more laid-back times

The comely downtown area was no more than a few blocks long, and most of the merchants were hometown folks often known on a firstname basis by the locals.

The store signs were locally familiar and well-established family names. A visit to one of these locally owned stores was accompanied by a level of oneon-one friendly service that would rarely be experienced by today’s youthful modern shoppers.

The town wasn’t heavily populated just a few years

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back and elected officials were regarded as neighbours. Generally speaking they weren’t referred to as politicians but as residents devoted to serving as custodians of the pleasantries of the community. They were known to be from among the common folk rather than from the ranks of those seeking some special or quasi-professional strata in the stream of things.

Lamentably, there are fewer and fewer vestiges of those more laid-back times, and the hustle and bustle of city living is near at hand.

Some few back lanes give hints of the town’s pastoral past. But even these are quickly being overwhelmed by modern commercial and residential developments.

Large-scale franchise operations have taken over most market sectors and high density cookie-cutter-style residential developments cover much of the once rustic landscape.

Among the reasons that this urbanization has overtaken the previous pastoral character of Pelham is the attractiveness and economics of living in such charming surroundings.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Maeve Keating, Brian Green, Megan Metler, John Piccolo, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, 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

Alive today thanks to Dana, Chris, Gord, and many others On November 24 last year in Fonthill, at approximately 2:30 PM, I had a massive heart attack.

The ambulance was called and the paramedics were there within minutes. Unfortunately I do not remember much, but they were very knowledgeable and within minutes had me in the ambulance on the way to Hamilton General.

Apparently on the way my heart stopped and they were able to resuscitate me, and for that my family and I are truly grateful.

If it wasn't for the professional action of these fine men— Dana, Chris and Gord—I would not be writing this letter. I also would

like to thank the lady at 911 who helped my wife through this ordeal and Doctor Jolly and the fantastic men and women at Hamilton General who repaired my artery.

I thank God for this blessing and all the men and women for my life and want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

Wally Gabor Fonthill

R

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

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

Letters

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

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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 905-892-2607 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

On the

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The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 5

OPINION No locks needed at Turners Corners Just like to let you know how much I enjoyed seeing the historical photos published in your January 15 edition.

The Turners Corners structure was built in the 1920s by my father, Louis Whitaker Sr., who was a builder at that time, before going to Union Carbide. As a young child, I had a conversation with him concerning that business, which he stated was open 24 hours a day. They were a full year in operation before he got back to install locks on the doors.

Thanks for the memories.

Jerry Whitaker Fonthill

Plenty of soup for you On behalf of the Fenwick Lioness Club, we would like to thank everyone for your support during 2019! Proceeds from all our events go to our guide dogs fund and Lioness-supported projects. Our upcoming events are Soup Lunches on February 16 and March 15. And due to popular demand, we are happy to announce that our Afternoon Tea Socials will continue on January 31, February 28 and March 27. Looking forward to seeing you and wishing you all a healthy, happy 2020!

The Fenwick Lioness Club

Rock icon literally the kid next door Brian Green's article on Neil Peart struck a chord with me [Marvin Junkin recalls brush with rock and roll fame, Jan. 15, p. 9].

During the 1970s, my family lived next door to the Pearts, at the corner of Dalhousie and Simcoe, in Port Dalhousie. Neil was well ahead of me at Lakeport, and my personal interaction with him was very limited. I do recall the neighbours being tolerant of the occasional high-decibel jam session in his dad's garage. But some of the vignettes he related in his writing reminded me of the shared experiences of our generation—Baby Boomers growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario. Climbing trees in Little Woods near Gracefield School, pilfering fruit at the Cole farm, swimming lessons at Lakeside Park, skating on a frozen Martindale Pond, long bike rides down Lakeshore Road. It was a comfortable and sheltered existence, a bit like Andy Griffith's Mayberry, I suppose.

Neil was a by his own admission a geeky and gangly teenager, and not one of the cool dudes at Lakeport —not a jock or a frat boy — but a guy with a burning passion for literature and philosophy, and music, and yes, drumming. He frustrated his teachers and never distinguished himself academically, but we acknowledge today there are different kinds of intelligence.

One of the greatest testaments to the success of Rush is that these three guys stayed together for 40 years as friends and creative collaborators. They were a triumvirate of supportive brothers, connected by not just a passion for progressive rock music, but a shared sense of humour that was evident from their first meeting. I find that impressive and, frankly, heartwarming.

Though a rock and roll icon, Neil preferred to leave the schmoozing with fans to his bandmates, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, who were more comfortable with the autograph hunters and selfie-seekers. Neil preferred to immerse himself in his craft, in books, visits to art museums, and long rides on his motorcycle. If you ever listened to one of his rare interviews, you couldn't help but appreciate the depth of his intellect and articulate expression. And his humanity. Neil was clearly a very nice guy, as well as a gifted storyteller, and a consummate professional on stage.

Neil once wrote that our heroes and role models should not be Hollywood actors, pro athletes or rock stars, but local people around us who are leading by example. It was nice to see that stardom had not ungrounded this small-town boy.

I wish I had taken the time to get to know him better.

Don Rickers Fonthill

PAVED

continued from previous page Many of the newest residents immigrated here to escape the chaotic nature of living in crowded and costly districts such as those within the GTA. As time marches on we might expect the once pastoral and rural nature of Pelham will continue to be paved over. The landscape will take on the characteristics of living in just another suburban complex.

The Hamilton area was once a popular location for those seeking relief from living in the Toronto area. However, according to real estate experts, that popularity has now shifted to Niagara and

Pelham in particular.

For some, that is the way of the future. For others, it will be the lament of the past. ♦

PUZ ZL WIN ER D EC N E R LA We R E D e un c ks o f er com tainty e to end

al dic me n a l ys gio it y s a e R or al r h a u t g e n e m ay t t h a ul a c e e l pop b e ab not ndur e to e t h e r on o ano zler s Puz

COMMENTARY / OP-ED

Heather Boyd

No short cut is short-sighted

W

HEN WE FIRST MOVED to Fonthill two years ago, we spent a great deal of time discovering where all our local hiking trails were. We were excited to have such excellent and local access to the Bruce Trail, Short Hills Provincial Park, and NPCA trails.

We soon discovered Marlene Stewart Streit Park, right in downtown Fonthill, complete with a skateboard park, climbing equipment, and a pool. Best of all, it was adjacent to a trail system (John Nemy and Lanthrop Trails) maintained by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. One spring day about a year and a half ago, you could have knocked me over with a light breeze when I discovered, on a walk through the trails, that I could access the trails right from

my own neighbourhood, without getting in my car. The trail system has access points that run north/south along the western ridge of the forest. I was so excited to share the news with my family, I nearly forgot to return to the parking lot at Marlene Stewart Streit Park to get my car!

Ever since this serendipitous discovery, we have accessed the trail system from Haist Street regularly — we’ve left the car (and gas emissions) at home, to walk through the forest to the public pool in the summer, to explore the skunk cabbages that pop up from under the snow in the spring, and to catch sight of a red fox who was as surprised to see us as we were delighted to see it. Most recently we celebrated the winter solstice with a stroll

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through the forest, stopping for a picnic of hot chocolate and cookies as the sun set, and welcoming the new year, along with several other families, on a casual walk on January 1.

But Fonthill is growing. And the housing developments are too. (Indeed, if they weren’t, we wouldn’t be living where we do). Currently, development along this stretch of Haist has made it clear that our days of accessing the trail without driving our car may be numbered. The Davis Heights development of townhouses includes a row of houses skirting the footpath on the western ridge of the trail system.

Even now, despite continued signage indicating to us that we are entering

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Page 6

Letters

The Voice, January 22, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

Delay isn't a win—keep up the pressure Last Tuesday, there was a meeting of the Town of Pelham Committee of Adjustment to discuss an application for severance/variance regarding property on Alan Crescent, in Fonthill.

I would like to thank all those who wrote letters of opposition and took the time to come out to the 4 PM meeting. The turnout at the meeting was robust, to say the least, with people spilling out into the hallway. With the exception of the consultant sent by the developer and the two planning staff members, it would be safe to say everyone else was there to oppose this application.

This really highlights the disruption and negative impact this proposal has already had on the neighbourhood. Despite the collective wisdom and overwhelming opposition of dozens of residents from multiple professions and age groups, the Planning Department supported this application.

The concerns expressed in the numerous letters of opposition sent in prior to the meeting were addressed and all disregarded.

The Planning Department does not seem to think that the opinion of an entire neighbourhood is relevant. The fine residents of this neighbourhood deserve more respect. When 100% of the people share the same opinion it is assumably correct.

The Planning Department gives more merit to a justification report prepared by a consultant hired by the developer. The obvious motivation for both the developer and the Planning Department is money.

While citing many excerpts from the Provincial Planning Act and the Town of Pelham Official Plan, both parties ignore key statements that would discredit their reasoning. This application not only conflicts with these policies, it also

totally ignores current R1 bylaws.

Thankfully, after three hours-plus of discussion, the Committee of Adjustment made the wise decision to defer this application to a later date. They appreciat-

The fine residents of this neighbourhood deserve more respect

ed the input from the public and respected the overwhelming opposition. They realized that this matter needed more time and discussion.

If you are at all concerned with how development may negatively affect your neighbourhood, please take the time to review this case.

Information is available on the Town of Pelham website. Go to the Council Calendar from the main page and click on January 14.

There are comments from the Planning Department, letters from residents and some good photos that show exactly where they are proposing to shove a house in.

Also available from the Town are the three applications for this property and a justification report prepared by a consultant. Look at the photos and decide for yourself if this is the kind of development you want to see in our existing, well- established neighbourhoods.

If this is allowed, it will open the door to more of it. If you oppose this, voice your opinion and attend the next meeting. Maybe we can get an even larger turnout at the next one.

Robert Jensen Fonthill

ACCESS

continued from previous page Lanthrop Nature Preserve and John Nemy Trail from this western ridge, access is feeling less like a walk in the park and more like trespassing. Currently, there is a small, undeveloped portion of field remaining between one set of townhouses and another, but when I access the trails, I wonder if I will be yelled at by residents or construction workers. I’ve taken to accessing the trails at offhours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) to avoid the bustle that comes with construction. Short winter days put a kibosh on that.

Frankly, I was concerned enough that, despite the distractions that keep us all from doing the things we feel are important, I decided to make a couple of calls.

The first was to the Town of Pelham. I’m told that the Town approached Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), the organization that maintains the trail, about their interest in maintaining trail access. I’m not sure exactly what responsibilities this would entail that are different than the current

COMING UP ROSES At the Fabulous Fenwick Lions Dinner Meeting on November 20, Rose City Kids’ Sonya Wierenga and Bryanna Gleason attended to receive the club’s yearly donation of $500, plus an additional $70 that a local Lions club donated for their 70th Anniversary, which in turn they donated to a charity of their choice. From left, Lion Jeff Pickup, Bryanna Gleason and Sonya Wierenga from Rose City Kids, and Lion President Ron Acaster.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

GOING FOR THE GOLD The Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club presented 50-year service chevrons and certificates at their January 8 dinner meeting.

From left Lions John Clare and Bill Farion. Irv Muir, an additional recipient, will have his delivered.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Between Ford government and teachers, the "thugs" aren't in the schools In April of last year, province-wide walkouts of students occurred as their way to protest cuts in education. Doug Ford said that they were being influenced by “union thugs” within the profession. One definition: Thug: a violent person, especially a criminal.

I am not a violent person; I am not a criminal. Before I retired, I was a well-respected professional (at least by

responsibilities, but their answer was, apparently, no.

I followed up this call with a call to NCC. They shared with me that the property including the foot trail on the western ridge is private property, and therefore falls within the domain of the Town, if indeed the Town has any control (real or desired) at all over property that has now been sold to a private developer.

And so, those interested in this trail are in an all-too-common quandary: the passing of the buck between two bureaucracies with nary a foothold for hikers to stand on.

Why is this so important? The research on environmental stewardship has uncovered a valuable point about access to naturalized areas like the John Nemy Trail— those who access nature are more likely to protect it.

In this current climate (yes, pun intended), we could use all the impetus we can get if we are to hand over stewardship of a reasonably healthy world to our children and grandchildren.

Environmental emergencies are being called at all levels of government. Students around the globe are skipping

my students and their parents). When I decided to switch schools with four years left in my career, a mother of one of my students asked me to please stay on for one more year so that I could teach her son's brother.

Unfortunately, attempts by teachers to explain what Ford’s education cuts will do to students are met with comments about our “exorbitant” pay, and

school to highlight the urgency of stemming environmental degradation.

Healthcare providers,

No matter how far down the wrong road you've gone, turn around

myself included, are protesting alongside students because of the health impact that climate change has on our patients. Pleas by environmental scientists to reduce greenhouse gasses are getting louder and more panicked —all of this highlights the need to do what we can to preserve nature. Local trails (and trail access) are a small but mighty part of the picture.

I will not pretend to understand the nuances of public trail legislation. Terms like minimum trail width, residential buffer (measured in metres), and financial considerations are not easily dismissed. But let’s

the stock response of “But you get all summer off”... as if that has anything to do with fighting the changes that will hurt the weakest kids in our schools.

No, Doug Ford, I am not a thug. And the fact that you label me and my colleagues this way clearly demonstrates what kind of ignorant man you are.

David Fowler Wainfleet

put this into perspective. This isn’t the Oil Sands. This isn’t about developing a national green energy plan. This is one access point to one trail system in one small community. Our small community. And access makes a difference.

There are other access points for this park. One involves walking 20 minutes down Highway 20, and the other necessitates buckling three kiddos into my car and driving. When such easy walkable access is possible, these options seem more like consolation prizes.

The issue of accessing the John Nemy Nature Trail is about prioritizing public access to naturalized areas without adding to the burning of fossil fuels and traffic congestion. It’s about spending more time in nature to lead to more respect for nature—something every single one of our Town councillors, regardless of whether they consider themselves environmental advocates or not, ought to be able to stand behind. Instead, I fear they will stand behind the adage, “What’s done is done.”

I’d like to think we have a chance to stem the tide of climate change within the projected timeline of the next 13 years. I know

that part of this is having people easily access the serenity and beauty of a forest and experience the sounds of nature. Knowing the forest means protecting it. Block access to it, and we take one step further towards a cycle of ambivalence. But if politics and passing the buck for maintaining access to a trail —access that already exists— continues as is, it is hard to keep up hope that issues with far bigger barriers are resolvable.

What comes to mind is a Turkish proverb: “No matter how far down the wrong road you’ve gone, turn around.”

Let that wrong road be the closure of public access to the John Nemy Nature Trail and Lanthrop Nature Preserve. I rather fear the wrong road will be the one I am on—a dead-end road in a residential neighbourhood, forcing to me to go home to get my car keys.

Based on the number of footand paw- prints along the western ridge of this trail system, my family and I are not the only ones who enjoy this area. I encourage anyone who cares about maintaining and preserving access to reach out—your voice makes a difference. ♦

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 7

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Chargeable paint costs may vary depending on the vehicle/colour. See dealer for full program details. Credits vary by model. Dealer may sell for less. Factory order may be required. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. Offers may not be redeemed for Cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. β Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased and delivered between January 3, 2020 to January 31, 2020. Lease based on suggested retail price of $49,683, towards the lease of an eligible 2020 Silverado Crew Cab Custom Edition. Bi-weekly payment is $158 for 24 months at 1.9% lease rate (1.9% APR) on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $79 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,350 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade.

Total obligation is $12,508. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $37,727. ≠ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased and delivered between January 3, 2020 to January 31, 2020. Lease based on suggested retail price of $31,493, towards the lease of an eligible 2020 Equinox LT FWD. Bi-weekly payment is $150 for 48 months at 1% lease rate (1% APR) on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $75 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $2,600 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $18,178. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $14,172. ^ To qualify for the Costco Member Pricing, you must be a Canadian resident holding a valid driver’s license, have been a Costco member since January 2, 2020, or earlier and must: (1) Register with Costco to receive your non-transferable Authorization Number; (2) Present the Authorization Number to a participating dealer; (3) Retail purchase, finance or lease an eligible new or demonstrator in-stock 2020 Chevrolet: Equinox (excl. LS), Traverse, Blazer (excl. 2.5L), Tahoe, Suburban; delivered from January 3, 2020, to March 31, 2020. In addition, to receive a $500 Costco Shop Card by email, submit a redemption form to Costco within thirty (30) days of vehicle delivery and complete a Costco member satisfaction survey. Please allow three weeks for Costco Shop Card delivery, pending completion of all eligibility requirements; including redemption form submission, purchase verification and survey completion. Costco Shop Cards will be emailed to the email address provided to Costco at the time of registration.

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by GM Financial. The $45 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,795 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $0. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $6,511. ~ 15” Kumho Wintercraft Ice WI31 (185/55R15) tires only. Installation, mounting and equipment extra. Four 15” Tire Application Kumho Wintercraft Ice WI31 (185/55R15) winter tires included with the purchase or lease of a new 2019 or 2020 MY Spark delivered between Oct 1, 2019 to February 3, 2020 at a participating GM dealer in Canada. © Copyright 2019 Kumho Tire Canada Inc. All rights reserved. £ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles purchased and delivered from January 3, 2020 to January 31, 2020. 0% purchase financing (0% APR) offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 72 months on eligible new 2019 All-New Silverado 1500 Crew Cab RST models. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $49,485 financed at 0% nominal rate (0% APR) equals $688 monthly for 72 months. The offer includes $1,000 RST Bonus (Tax Exclusive), $2,650 Cash Delivery Allowance (tax exclusive), $2,850 Finance Cash (Tax Exclusive) and $500 option package discount. Cost of borrowing is $0, for a total obligation of $49,485. Freight ($1,895) and air conditioning charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and, except in Quebec, dealer fees not included (all of which may vary by dealer and region). ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TD Auto Finance is a registered trademark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ΩWhichever comes first. Limit of four complimentary Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered.

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Page 8

The Voice, January 22, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FIRST PERSON Rosemary Chambers

Rosemary Chambers readies the Pelham Historical Society's Green Lantern display at the library's Maple Acre branch.

DAVE BURKET PHOTO

Green Lantern memories

S

ITUATED AT 794 Canboro Road, in what is now the Grill on Canboro, Yager’s Green Lantern was a go-to destination in Fenwick for almost 70 years. Why “Green Lantern”?

Lelia Balfour Raines, daughter of Walter K. and Jennie Balfour, for whom Balfour Road was named, ran a confectionery store on the ground floor of the Odd Fellows’ building. It was she who chose the name, inspired by a small green lantern which she found and hung in the store.

Her parents operated the business much of the time.

Tables and chairs provided a place for patrons to enjoy their ice cream —a special treat on Saturday evenings, when stores in most towns remained open for country people to do their shopping.

On such evenings in summer, the Ridgeville Band was sometimes hired to play, and lawn bowlers made use of the lighted greens next door (site of the former Fenwick Post Office).

An assortment of penny candy, chocolates, and gum made the store a popular spot with young villagers. Students of Pelham Continuation School, and later Pelham High School, recall The Green Lantern as the place where they purchased new textbooks and supplies, since this

was the only store in Pelham Township selling secondary school books.

Ralph and Bernice Yager purchased the business in 1942, enlarging the floor space and changing the name to Yager’s Green Lantern.

They added a lunch counter and eating area and expanded the stock to include magazines, cigarettes, bread, milk, newspapers, cards, giftware, trinkets, school supplies, pop, perfume, shaving cream, bubble gum, toothpaste, black ball candies, hand soap, chocolate bars, bandaids, potato chips, nylons, shoe polish, hot water bottles, aspirins, matches, sewing supplies, batteries, toys, shampoo, wrapping paper and bows, and just about anything else you might need or think of.

When their son Bob and his wife Linda took over the business in 1985, they added a Sears Catalogue outlet. Bob and Linda were great supporters of minor sports, and, win or lose, teams regularly stopped in after their games for a thick milkshake or icecold bottle of pop.

Yager’s Green Lantern was a huge part of the Fenwick community. At a time when everyone supported local businesses, people came to Fenwick to do their banking, get their car fixed, pick up groceries, or get a haircut.

Yager’s was a favourite stop

for a cup of coffee, a burger, a sandwich or piece of pie, to meet friends and neighbours and to catch up on the latest news.

They were renowned for their Christmas window displays and children looked forward to visiting with Santa in the weeks before Christmas, when he came to town sitting on a farm wagon, pulled by a tractor. Town staff and Ontario Hydro employees worked together with the Fenwick Lions, putting up the beautiful decorations that were strung across the

street and on the downtown flagpole. Afterwards, the men looked forward to a hot dinner courtesy of the restaurant. Christmas carols were piped inside and outside the store for all to enjoy, making downtown Fenwick a truly magical place.

Of all the jobs that I had over the years, working at Yager’s Green Lantern after school was my absolute favourite. Dishing up “scutterbotch” ice cream, flipping burgers, concocting swamp water, listening to the latest tunes on the jukebox— espe-

cially BTO’s “Taking Care of Business,” which meant my friend Terry was in for his supper.

It was a Yager’s where I got to meet some wonderful and interesting people — who could forget Edie Rhora, Miles Stickles, Hoppy Hopkins, whistling Harry Gilbert, George Alsop, Ken Bardon, Miss Delamater, Mrs. Elliott, and Arnold Page? Or Ernie George, who drove his door-less pickup truck, and Mrs. Ned, who drove her green Cockshut tractor to town? Working with Aunty

Ei Fletcher, Alice Martin, and Sue McMenemy, it was the best job in the world. Everyone is gone now, and although the building remains, any traces of The Green Lantern have vanished and I’m left with only my memories.

I was truly blessed to have grown up in Fenwick.

Special thanks to the Pelham Historical Society calendar, 1993, and to Bob and Linda Yager. Find the Yager’s Green Lantern display at the Maple Acre Branch of the Pelham Public Library, in Fenwick, through February.♦

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The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 9

Fewer songbirds may be calling Pelham home Readers note decline in winter bird population, reaffirming five-decade North American trend

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Over the past few winters, one of the consolations of gazing out of our patio windows on gloomy afternoons has been the activity of songbirds, eagerly pecking away at a variety of seeds and nuts we have stocked in our backyard feeders. But their numbers seem to have been dwindling this season, as evidenced by reader comment to the Voice.

This perception is buttressed by research published last fall in Science magazine, which documented how bird populations have plummeted in the past five decades, dropping by nearly three billion across North America (an overall decline of 29 percent from 1970).

Ken Rosenberg, a collaborator on the research project and a senior scientist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, NY, told Science that the collateral effects of the decline are profound.

“We’re talking about pest control, pollination and seed dispersal,” he said, referring to the roles birds play in ecosystems.

Because it is relatively easy to monitor birds, their presence or absence in a habitat can be a useful indicator of other environmental trends. Essentially, if the birds are hurting, we can be pretty sure that other parts of the ecosystem are also in degradation. Sickly birds were an early warning sign of the environmental damage caused by the pesticide DDT, a generation ago.

Grassland-dwelling birds such as field swallows and meadowlarks have been hit

especially hard. According to the Science study, more than 700 million birds across 31 species that make their homes in fields and farmlands have vanished since 1970. Rosenberg says the most likely explanation involves changing agricultural practices (which removes nesting habitat) and use of pesticides (which kills insects that birds rely on for food).

Closer to home, birders Bob Highcock and Jean Hampson, of the Peninsula Field Naturalists, who serve as compilers for the St. Catharines Christmas Bird Count (CBC), echo the concern. “Looking at the reports we have received, the number of species observed for many of the southern Ontario Christmas Bird Counts have been lower than average,” Highcock told the Voice. “The St. Catharines CBC last December indicated that the number of species was near the average of the previous 12 counts, but the total number of individuals [birds] was below average.”

Marcie Jacklin is a Niagara resident and internationally recognized authority on birds. She was the lead science librarian at Brock University for 25 years (now retired) and has been a member of Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre since 2011. With some two and half decades of experience bird watching in the Niagara area, Jacklin has participated in multiple counts, including Christmas Bird Counts, Breeding Bird Surveys, and Marsh Bird Monitoring Surveys.

“Birds are definitely on the decline, and although birders have been aware of

this for many years, others who have feeders or are active in the outdoors are just beginning to see this loss now,” she told the Voice.

Jacklin attributes the decline of songbirds to two factors: human disturbance and habitat loss.

“Birds that cannot adapt to living with humans are losing numbers. Invasive species like house sparrows and starlings seem to be thriving, but we are seeing fewer chickadees, field swallows, swifts, American goldfinches, and junkos.

And pesticides kill insects, so birds that eat insects are dying off.”

In Niagara, habitat loss is connected directly to wetlands, woodlands and grasslands which are being destroyed. The loss of native trees alone in Niagara in the last decade has been enormous, asserted Jacklin.

“In Niagara we have lost most of our wetlands. Ponds are not wetlands. Wetlands are highly productive ecological areas which have taken thousands of years to develop and can’t be easily recreated by humans.”

She offers a solution.

“A Natural Heritage System should be developed and protected as soon as possible at the regional level. This should be based on scientific and expert data.”

Natural Heritage Systems are networks of interconnected natural features and areas such as wetlands, woodlands, lakes and rivers. They help conserve biological diversity, maintain ecological functions such as movement corridors for wildlife, and sustain ecosystem services such as pollination and clean water on which we all depend.

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THE VOICE POLL Where did all the birds go?

15%

In anticipation of this story's publication, last weekend the Voice ran a snap survey through our website and Facebook, soliciting reader opinion as to whether they were seeing MORE, ABOUT THE SAME, or FEWER songbirds at their feeders this winter, with responses separated geographically by Fonthill, Fenwick, and Elsewhere in Pelham. Overall, some two-thirds of respondents reported seeing fewer birds this year. The largest drop was seen in Fonthill, where fewer birds were seen by nearly 2.5 times more readers than those reporting about the same or more birds. Overall, 15% of all readers reported seeing more birds, 18% reported seeing about the same, and 67% reported seeing fewer birds. 39 readers voted.

18%

67%

ADVISORY: While safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling firm.

From left, a Chestnut sided Warbler, a Scarlet Tanager, and a Baltimore Oriole. BIGSTOCK PHOTOS Not all birds are in decline locally. Robins appear to be present in significant numbers, drawn to the orchards and vineyards which have made Niagara famous. And, due to climate change, many birds are no longer migrating south.

Bill and Kim Duffin, who work a 100-acre fruit farm in Pelham, are resigned to the fact that birds will cut a swath through their crop each year.

“The first of July, you’ll hear my [propane-powered] bangers,” said Bill, “in an effort to scare off the robins, starlings, and blue jays that invade my trees to feast on

my five acres of sweet cherries.”

Duffin also noted that he regularly sees owls and hawks in his orchard — usually around dusk — which prey on the hundreds of squirrels which call his farm home.

And let’s not forget about crows, which appear to be thriving in Niagara. There is nothing subtle about these intelligent birds. They are loud, especially before sunrise. As social birds, they flock together, all the more so in winter.

Neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides, were in the news in 2014 for their harm-

ful effects to bees and other pollinators. It turns out that these chemicals may also be impacting songbird populations. A 2017 study by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and York University found negative effects on small birds from imidacloprid, one of the commonly used neonicotinoids.

These insecticides are applied to almost all corn and canola seeds in Canada, and coat many soybean seeds as well. Tens of millions of acres are involved. They are See SONGBIRDS Page 20

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head of council, I will do my best to rectify this situation, initiating meetings, at the very least, on a quarterly basis.” If not a Christmas miracle, that’s at least a decent stocking stuffer...Hold on, there is a minor miracle: We’re getting some time off!

Be advised that the Voice is taking a two-week holiday break. Usually it’s one week, but some serious battery-recharging is needed this year.

Our next issue will be dated January 8. Time to clean the office, and just sort of stare into the middle distance for awhile, preferably in a Zenlike state of inner silence…

Wait, just before the Puzzler: One more library thing, from the Pelham Historical Society’s Rosemary Chambers, who invites us all to see their new Yager’s Green Lantern display at the library’s Maple Acre branch in Fenwick. It is representative of the store’s Christmas window, 1950-60,

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Page 10

Board entirely. The trouble is, politicians are no more suited to running libraries or schools than they are to running airport control towers or construction sites—which is to say, public education, of which libraries are an integral part, should be left to the professionals. (Among other things, politicians tend to like to direct what information is, and is not, acceptable—in the content of school textbooks, in the titles permitted on library shelves.)

Now, does this mean we taxpayers should still expect reasonable cost efficiencies?

Of course. A library, just as any other Town-funded entity, should spend wisely, and manage itself with appropriate staffing. It’s possible that the Pelham Library might be able to improve in both areas. However, council did not undertake to find this out for itself, and, to his credit, Mayor Junkin acknowledg-

vance—a lot like challenges to the relevance of newspapers. One common denominator, of course, is paper and the printed word. We’re told—mostly by people who don’t really know what they are talking about—that paper is dead, that digital is the future. What good is a library, by this reasoning, when e-books and Amazon and iPads exist? The underlying anti-intellectualism behind these sentiments is hard to miss, chiefly because you won’t find actual readers expressing them. Full disclosure: After the 2018 municipal election, when Pelham put out its recruitment call to residents interested in serving on the Town’s various volunteer boards and committees, I submitted my name for the Library Board.

Not only did I think that the library was worth supporting, I was also concerned

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says, “Buscando un Sueno is my favourite soundtrack!”

The first English Google search result is, “In Search of a Dream.” Reading Lady’s newspaper says, “Scientists and theologans alike say in life’s search for meaning, there’s no easy answer.” The

The Voice Comic

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WINK HAMPER ATLAS TOY INKY SALTY

TORTILLA HALLWAY EXTRA MARGIN OLIVE SUPER

TALENT TIPSY ALLEY SORE TACTFUL YELLOW

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WELLSPRING HUMBERSTONE ALBINO TICE INCREDIBLE SHORTHILLS

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U Y D P Y A E I O I T W S J F B N G Q N

Publisher’s Corner and the Puzzler autoreply clarify that the solution is unrelated to any ad. Typewriter Lady says, “I pray daily for the Puzzler solution.”

Armchair Man is listening to music. He

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G U Z V E W S U P E R V G D X Q T W J W

905-892-8690

h

Weekly Word Search

letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca

d

Dec 18

Alert Puzzlers detect that this refers to the Greek text in that week’s Voice on Vacation, which reads, “If you want to solve the puzzle, Diogenes might be able to help.” The Greek philosopher Diogenes was said to walk with a lamp, shining it in search of an honest man.

This whole Puzzler thing is all Greek to me. Oh well!

"Folks, the chef has asked me to tell you that nothing in this scene is related to the puzzler answer. More popcorn?"

T

but is not a hint. Sobeys is in with a $30 gift card. Prize value now $60.

On December 11, after some readers theorize that the solution is connected to his cartoon panel, The Waiter clarifies that “nothing in this scene is related to the Puzzler answer.” Minor Bros. is in.

r

Dec 4

Sp

FONT FONT

www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com 1400 Pelham St., Fonthill

$30 Minor Brothers Gift Certificate

http://www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/the-pelham-puzzler/

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We've been there! Call Pam or Jim

Deadline: 6 PM, Sat., Dec. 14 / Good luck!

J

NIC

Remember you are TICO protected when booking with us.

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puzzler@thevoiceofpelham.ca

o

Watch for exciting cruise and travel offers starting in January!

$30 Fonthill Sobey’s Gift Certificate

Email your entry to:

MERRY CHRISTMAS z

Q

May your New Year take you on new cruise and travel adventures.

$30 Peter Piper’s Gift Certificate

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The solution is before your eyes Search and ye shall find

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The answer is “Butternut.”

What is the question?

$90!

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Total prize value now:

Cong

Send us your picture holding The Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers! Email your photo with a brief description to

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The

Pelham Puzzler

t

The most recent Pelham Puzzler debuted on November 27. The prize started with a $30 Peter Piper’s gift certificate. Similar to a Jeopardy challenge, the Puzzler provided the answer, and asked readers for the question.

From the start, two general hints were provided as to the solution’s location: the words “seek” and “ye.”

On December 4, one hint word is refined. “Seek” becomes “search.” The Waiter cartoon mentions the Puzzler,

Tom and Lianne Daley, in the Town of Oia, on the Island of Santorini, Greece. Αν θέλετε να λύσετε το παζλ, ο Διογένης θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει ...

The Voice Comic

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Special to the VOICE

Prize value now $90.

December 18 sees a holiday cornucopia of clues and mentions. Publisher’s Corner reminds readers that the solution is within the paper—which is echoed by the Reading Lady. Her newspaper text says, “In life’s search for meaning, there is rarely an easy answer. That said...the solution is within the pages of the paper, not in a dictionary or map or cookbook or other types of documents.”

Typewriter Lady says, “Honestly, clues could be anywhere!” Armchair Man weighs in for the first time, saying, “This whole Puzzler thing is all Greek to me!”

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BY THE PUZZLEMEISTER

Dec 11

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Nov 27

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, January 22, 2020

On the

Page 11

The Voice Comic

"Honey, could you turn that up?

Buscando un Sueno

Jan 8

"Folks, this bowl is full of peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamias. Now, Remain calm. the puzzler solution can apply equally to ANY of them."

is my favourite soundtrack!"

bowl is full of different kinds of nuts, and The Puzzler solution “can apply equally to any of them.” In a break from standard practice, except for Vera Miles, the Horoscope birthdays are all for dead people. How odd. PetValu is in. Prize value now $150.

On January 15, the Puzzler is updated to replace ye with thou, as in, Search and thou shall find—both

turns “searching” for the Italian “scrutatore” and “the words” for “le parole.”

The Horoscope repeats the same birthday names as the previous week, with new dates. Their connection? The 1956 classic film, The Searchers. The first Google result for “Alan Le May, Novelist,” includes, “He is most remembered for two classic Western novels, The Searchers (1954) and The Unforgiven

I pray daily for the Puzzler solution!

How about you?

L

"Folks, In the Christmas spirit, chef says he praying that you can solve the puzzler over the break! More cheesy cauliflower?"

ye and thou having a Biblical flavour, and intended to point to the page containing the religious Faith Lift feature, where Puzzlers would also find the Word Search feature, containing the solution. Publisher’s Corner once again reiterates that the solution is inside the paper. In Voice on Vacation, Chinese characters on the underside of the airplane spell, “SEARCH AIRLINES.” Typing Lady declares that she met Aneesh Chaganty. The first Google search result on this unique name that no one has ever heard of reveals that he directed the film “Searching.” Armchair Man is listening to a new tune,“Search your heart.” The Reading Lady’s newspaper says, “This week on In Search of... Leonard Nimoy searches for the elusive Pelham Puzzler solution.” The Tennyson line on page 8 is now in 100% black. In The Waiter cartoon, one diner says to the other, “Darling, I believe this menu is in some kind of CAMOUFLAGED CODE! What in the world is linguine scrutatore con le parole!” Google Translate re-

Voice HOROSCOPE FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 6 Natalie Wood, Actress DEAD JANUARY 7 William Steele, Actor DEAD JANUARY 7 Max Steiner, Composer VERY DEAD JANUARY 8 Frank S. Nugent, Screenwriter DEAD JANUARY 9 Alan Le May, Novelist QUITE DEAD JANUARY 9 John Ford, Director EXTREMELY DEAD JANUARY 10 Vera Miles, Actress NOT DEAD

(1957).” PharmaChoice is in. Prize value now $180.

Using the first letter of each Word Search word, starting on Nov. 27, it was possible to spell the question, which was the solution: WHAT IS THE MOST TASTY NUT NOW. ♦

Peter Falk as Columbo, Rock Hudson and Susan St. James as McMillan & Wife, and Dennis Weaver as McCloud.

Diogenes and the NBC Mystery Movie In the 1970s, the NBC Mystery Movie ran on Sundays, presenting 90-minute standalone episodes. They initially rotated through three recurring detective series: Columbo, McMillan and Wife, and McCloud. Two of the shows created catchphrases, with Peter Falk’s Lieutenant Columbo saying, “Just one more thing,” as he spotted an inconsistency in a perp’s alibi, and the cowboy-hat-wearing detective, Marshall Sam McCloud, transplanted from New Mexico to Manhattan, saying, “There you go.”

In the opening titles sequence common to all three series, a mysterious man is seen walking through a desolate landscape, shining a light into the darkness. Highbrow TV reviewers at the time likened the man to the Greek philosopher Diogenes, carrying his lamp, in search of an honest man.

Jan 15

Weekly Word Search

Weekly Word Search

Weekly Word Search S E C K A O E P J P J Y A B K J D X S T

U V T M I E J U W G K K F F N V K U U X

B W Z Y Y R O T S E N A T Z B N T Q F Q

Z U E G D F N T W A I N P C A H M V X S

X A T W O O D I M C E R Y Y E R W K B R

X G Q B V D A X G P L F O R S H L S A I

R X D R A G A W J P S G L R A D N F H B

Q T B E P W T R U D E A U U R X Z N O I

P S R I M P J R D A N M W T W G A K O C

C D L E D L E I F D A H H N R G M T J E

Q R L S B P V O D S H P N Z F J D J A I

G I Y J R E E H C S U J R P T I E R K K

N Q T A R Y K M F Q L Z I H E A R K G P

I I H S K K X C W M C T U A G D A M U X

G S O R V L I U I S M N E K Y Q G G I T

I N M O Z I H A M H M Y Q H I A A C C K

L X U M G C L N Q O T I P J K U U E M Y

H H C O S D Q K C Q L C G Y Y P T N L E

A G G C Y X J U D C U A L O B Z Y O L I

Dec 18

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

WAXMAN HADFIELD ANKA TORY IVERSON SUZUKI

TREBEK HARPER EGOYAN MCLUHAN ORR SUTHERLAND

TRUDEAU THICKE ATWOOD SCHEER TWAIN YOUNG

NESTOR URRY THOM NIELSEN ONDAATJE WEIR

K I X N M D N Y I F A C R R L Q I B O C

How I solved it

ast week all of the clues made mention, in one way or another, of the word “search.” Since I’d already decided the Word Search was useless by itself (because the words changed every week), these “search” clues instead led me (naturally) to… Sudoku, which I realized I probably needed to use as a cipher to the Word Search.

Nothing.

Still staring at the Word Search page, I started repeating the clues I thought were most significant.

“The same words conceal and declare…,” and, “written in camouflaged code.”

I was pretty frustrated. All the clues pointed to the answers being camouflaged in the Word Search words. But those words changed every week! And weren’t even in alphabetical order like they’re supposed to be!

That had stuck out to me several times over the past couple weeks. Didn’t the people at the Voice know how word search word banks work? They are always alphabetical!

I angrily scanned down the list of words, not bothering to read them, just glaring at the first letter of each misplaced word.

W…H…A…T…— I stopped.

“Are you kidding me?” I hissed out loud, startling the cat.

Well, we don't have a cat. But it was the sort of hiss that would definitely have startled a cat, if we had a cat.

I…S…T…H…E…M…O…S…T…T…A…S…T…Y…N…U…T…N… O…W. “Oh—son of a gun!”

My 7-year-old didn’t even bother to look up as she asked, “Still can’t get it?”

“No. I just got it. I’m just mad at myself. I…really overthought this one.”

Emily Boss

Th e n k o ... ans e e f is o wer w n pa his arch O oy T im e b ut g e 2 , whe In Snard N or f the re is Leorches qu e It's stion? sea lusive en e to d ough the am rive elh but you P uzzler . tern n uts P lutio o s

I met Aneesh Chaganty at Sundance and my life was changed forever!

The Voice Comic

PUZZLE LIKE A BOSS Puzzler winner Emily Boss with her helper kids Jack, Wesley, Felicity, and Charlotte. SUPPLIED PHOTO

O W K I Y J E O V W A L Z A F T S N O M

S L I T S U J H H D R A K T Y O A B R A

N U D L S J D D L D M I V O L R A B C Z

A A Z S L V U W V G H R K Y O I B R X Y

B L S U M Y C P X G Z E H O N N O U Z C

E I F S K O S O Y I M P E T U O P J D F

H D Q A I I B D H C K M M H V S E F W M

H Y S N W N U I N C T I O S U E L I P J

T V V E A W Q N L U E T P H P D O N H H

T M O J L Q H W M E J A D C K E O K I S

R E Z A L B L I A R T U F L U C R M Z A

W K S F T F C R M P N R A R Y R U L D S

P X N E G P E L F X O U T F Q E B U E M

W A S I A L T Z J Z P S Q D F M P H Q L

V L B E G N A U S T I N J A V L O S Q Z

A F H N A U X W Y U G O V E A L K Q Y Q

R R A B H J H O L H V X K N D T H T V O

E R A M V T L K N W F D D E N A S H Q H

W R K S R X K H O W I E N A D N O H W S

Jan 8

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

WILLYS HONDA ALFA TOYOTA IMPERIAL SAAB

T A S T Y

TESLA HOLDEN EDSEL MERCEDES OPEL SUBARU

TORINO TRABANT AUSTIN SUZUKI TRAILBLAZER YUGO

NISSAN UPLANDER TAURUS NASH OLDSMOBILE WRANGLER

N U T

T Y D M O L U S D Z R U R A B U S C M Z

N S N O T C N O M F X I X Y C D N T H Z

I N A H V N N I J A Z R A F K R O A Q X

D E A U I A Y V V C N R O S R O T C E P

N H G A R R P U L A M I E U O F N O A G

A T R H X P U Y M O M L L T G S O M K Q

M A E Q W A H W U N P L N A O T M A C C

R T E N Z U I T W A O E H S S O D Q L S

O Z W Q X F H Y N H M J V I V B E D K F

N O D C B B Q P R A J S W N E B T U Z C

G E G S W M M M R F B R P U Q A O P J X

O E H O Z D Y C Z D F E T T W F R P X B

B T P U G M A W R B A D L A O A O S M B

H Z T I K S T O K Y O B S A S O N A Q A

T A H A N P K M Y L W H A K L N T L E U

U I R B W N I O P N I X H M O O O A R P

F M J A G A I T B N K O R F A O B V A B

E P Q U R G Q W G W P G R R D L U D V P

T R R Z A I B T K H A M B U R G S G O V

A S J T U N O O F N Z A H V J O T I V L

Jan 15

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

WASHINGTON HARARI ATHENS TUNIS ISLAMABAD SACRAMENTO

TIJUANA HAMBURG EDMONTON MONCTON OTTAWA SALINA

TACOMA TEHRAN ABBOTSFORD SURREY TORONTO YARMOUTH

N O W

NORMANDIN UPPSALA TOKYO NAPLES OSLO WINNIPEG

Y Q H P G N A Z N B P C Y E R R U S U T

Page 12

The Voice, January 22, 2020

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 before a paying audience; the quality of their endorsed merchandise will undoubtedly be high end; and their sponsored charities worthy ones to be sure. But that’s hardly the point.

The Clintons and the Obamas continue to make a king’s ransom from their speaking engagements, and I’m sure they’re worth listening to. But would anyone pay to hear them speak, or read their memoirs, if they weren’t the Clintons and the Obamas?

At least presidents are elected.

Thomas Paine remarked that a hereditary head of state is as absurd a proposition as a hereditary physician or astronomer.

Or a hereditary astronaut.

In The Crown, there’s a riveting scene between Elizabeth and Philip where she shares with him a rather profound insight.

He complained to her that his private audience with moon astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, was sorely disappointing.

Inspired by what he believed to be their fierce initiative and drive to find themselves in outer space, he soon realized theirs was no voyage of self-discovery but a scientific, pre-determined regimen of checking boxes and following protocol. Far too busy with routine to discover themselves on the moon, their only thought was to find their way back to earth.

The Queen asks Philip what did he expect. The astronauts knew they would spend the rest of their lives in a goldfish bowl, afraid to open their mouths about personal matters or beliefs, because if they revealed who they really were they’d likely disappoint their admiring public. For that, she says, they deserve our pity.

She knew whereof she spoke, having been ceremoniously lowered into the

royal goldfish bowl at the beginning of her adult life.

Every year, the Queen’s Christmas message to the world dangles before us the tantalizing hope that she will reveal something of herself, of who she really is beneath the crown and the jewelry, the pomp and the circumstance. But it never happens.

In The Crown it does, because like Coronation Street, it’s largely fiction. In both shows we get immense pleasure from seeing celebrities who are pretty well as we imagine ourselves to be.

I was privileged once to meet the Queen (Royal protocol discourages those granted such an honour from sharing what was said, but what the hell, I’m trying to make a point here).

The occasion was a garden party in Oxford, in 1983.

Amongst the many celebrated alumni of the university there was I, wearing the wrong shoes and wanting to be somewhere else.

Next thing I knew the Queen was standing in front of me and her mouth was moving.

“You’re not a lawyer, are you?” she asked. “Everyone here seems to be a lawyer.”

She looked me in the eye and smiled, surely not at all interested if I was a lawyer or not.

“No, Ma’am, I’m a teacher.”

“Oh, and what is it that you teach?”

“English, Ma’am.”

She chuckled, then checked herself.

“I’m terribly sorry. I shouldn’t laugh, but I’m looking at your name and thinking how funny.”

I smiled back.

“That’s okay, Ma’am. It’s the Queen’s English I teach.”

And she laughed again, then nodded and moved on.

The official photographer had caught the moment.

Afterwards I thought, whatever does one say when one is required to go walkabout among congenital-

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The author, wearing glasses, meets HRH. ly ordinary people for the ten thousandth time? How does one do it for 70 years without going brain dead? I imagine Ma’am carries on doing what Ma’am’s always done in those encounters: just be herself.

Likely, she had already erased our little exchange as soon as she engaged the next random person along the line.

I, on the other hand, will never forget the moment, because she’s the Queen and she spoke to me. I was allowed as much of herself as she wanted to share. But it was enough to know she was real.

I guess what we learn

SUPPLIED PHOTO

from such moments is that for all their celebrity, they have feelings like anyone— asking themselves, what on earth do I say to this person?—and when they’re cut they bleed as we do. Who wouldn’t want to escape the mongrels of the gutter press as Harry’s mother was incapable of doing when she was driven to her death. Now they’ve got their teeth into Harry and most sickeningly into his wife, attacking her for her supposed interference and her racial background.

"This is a seismic moment in royal history and British society," Kate Williams, a historian at the Universi-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca ty of Reading, wrote in The Observer. "It tells historians of the future much about our society, its self-perceptions, prejudices and fears.

And most of all, it should mark our realization — as we didn't learn after Diana—that those who marry into the Royal Family are not our dolls to attack and throw around as we please."

But society has always attacked and thrown its “dolls” around as it pleases, whether they’re royals or not. We think of Elvis, Marilyn, and Maria Callas. Of Mario Lanza, Judy Garland and Amy Winehouse. So, I’m not certain that, sad as it is, this is all that seismic a moment in our history. Henry VIII went through eight wives, but himself escaped execution or assassination, unlike no fewer than seventeen other British monarchs.

Harry and Meghan would dearly love to shake the monkey off their backs, and be who they really are. Who can blame them.

But it’s the golden one on their shoulders that their adoring public will never not see.

As Heathcote Williams remarked, when people come up to talk to the famous, they only see the golden monkey.

Did I see it when I spoke to Ma’am nearly 40 years ago?

Of course I did.

Will Brand Royal Sussex shake the golden monkey from their shoulders? Or, having now given it a name, don’t they have less hope than ever of doing so.

It’s interesting that Canadian marketers and economists regard their arrival here as a boon for tourism and for Canada’s media image abroad.

Mr. and Mrs. Windsor might eventually find themselves after they arrive here, but we’ll likely never know who they really are. If we did, how would we react when they turn out to be no different from us.

That’s not what we paid to see. ♦

Huson voted off NPCA board Defeat comes on heels of media criticism

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Pelham’s Niagara Regional Councillor Diana Huson lost her bid for re-election as Vice Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) board last week, following a week of controversy surrounding different board members’ positions on the effects of human-influenced climate change.

Also defeated in the vote was board Chair David Bylsma.

Bylsma, the mayor of West Lincoln, has gone on record in the past saying that while he believes global climate is changing and work needs to be done to adapt to it, he rejects scientific consensus that human activity is to blame.

The polemics began on January 7, when environmental advocacy group For Our Kids Niagara called on Bylsma to resign his chairmanship in an open letter, citing that position and its conflict with an environmental conservation agency.

The St. Catharines Standard newspaper then polled all NPCA board members about their belief in human-influenced climate change. Five members — including Huson —declined to respond.

This resulted in Huson See NPCA next page

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The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 13

NPCA

continued from previous page engaging with a Standard reporter on Twitter, referring him to NPCA communications and public relations manager Genevieve-Renee Bisson for comment.

Bisson later criticized the reporter in a since-deleted tweet, suggesting that the writer was playing politics in trying to influence the vote with a hot-button question.

Huson declined to comment specifically on the climate change controversy, but expressed disappointment over what she seemed to suggest was an attempt to discredit Bylsma, who is local president of the Christian Heritage Party.

“I was very frustrated with the personal attacks [ahead of the vote],” Huson said. “It kind of reminded me of what happened during the election in 2018, when Brian Baty was attacked. I wasn’t okay with it then and I’m not okay with it now.”

Baty, a former Pelham Regional Councillor, accused the same Standard reporter of discrediting the NPCA foundation he sat on in 2018, after the paper ran an article on event spending that cast Baty in an unflattering light.

Huson said she was proud of the work she and Bylsma did leading the NPCA board, pointing to new partnerships with groups such as Trout Unlimited, in revitalizing Twelve Mile Creek.

“We helped the organization pivot,” she said. “For instance, there used to be

Diana Huson, speaking with Pelham Town Councillor Bob Hildebrandt, at an event earlier this month.

VOICE PHOTO a rule where if you went to multiple meetings in the same day you could claim a per diem for each — so if you had three meetings in the same building, you could claim three lunches. We cleaned that up.”

Bylsma declined comment when reached by the Voice.

The NPCA had been ensnared in controversy and mismanagement for the years prior to Bylsma’s chairmanship, with a damning Ontario Auditor General’s report coming out in 2018.

“We’re trying to clean the organization up from past problems,” said an NPCA insider on condition they not be named. “But we keep paying for sins of the past … and as far as a climate change mandate goes, look at the Ford government, why aren’t [people] protesting Doug Ford?”

Provincial funding to the NPCA was cut almost in half

from 2018 to 2019.

Despite losing her board position, Huson said she is happy with the leadership change, led by new chair Brenda Johnson, a Hamilton city councilor.

“There’s still a relationship with Hamilton that needs repaired so I think there’s a benefit in having a Hamilton member as our chair,” she said.

However, Johnson’s background in the area of environmental conservation isn’t without its own controversy. Johnson was one of several Steeltown councillors who were aware of — and kept secret for months –—the leak of 24 billion litres of untreated sewage into Chedoke Creek in West Hamilton.

Bruce McKenzie, a naturalist from Grimsby, will replace Huson as vice chair.

McKenzie also declined to answer the Standard’s questions about climate change.

From left, Leo Giovenazzo, Scott Kenyon, Sharon Smith, Anne Smelsky, Scott Ryckman, Pam Thompson, Ann Mantini, Wayne Olson, Karen Post , Robin Halliwell, Michelle Lewis. MEGAN METLER PHOTO

Catch the Ace big charity earner Games continue Thursdays at Legion

BY MEGAN METLER

Special to the VOICE

On Tuesday, January 14, some $9800 was donated to seven local charitable organizations through AGCO-licensed Catch the Ace games at the Fonthill Legion.

The program committee members who put on the weekly matches are Scott Kenyon, Anne Smelsky, Sharon Smith, Scott Ryckman and Jean Lalonde.

“The Legion solicited their members and the public for names of charitable organizations in need of assistance,” said Kenyon.

The chosen organizations were Young Caregivers, Behavioural Support Niagara, Distress Center Niagara, Pelham Cares, Wellspring Niagara, Red Roof Retreat, and the Lincoln and Welland 613 Army Cadets.

At the donation event, one member from each group attended and shared their charity’s story and how the donation will help.

On behalf of Young Caregivers, Michelle Lewis shared that the money they received

will go towards maintaining summer camps, counseling and transportation for youth, and young adults who are a main caregiver for a family member.

“It’s donations like this that help us continue to provide what we do for kids. [This] helps us support those kinds of activities that we provide, so thank you very much,” said Lewis.

Wayne Olsen also explained the benefit the money will make for Pelham Cares and the people that they help.

He said that with the increased cost of food, donations are extremely important in order for Pelham Cares to provide those in need with the food bank and transportation services.

Kenyon added that, “The representatives of all of the recipients spoke about the work that they do and the great need for donations such as these.”

Catch the Ace games are every Thursday from 6 to 8:30 PM at the Fonthill Legion, and all are welcome.

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Page 14

The Voice, January 22, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Ridley students charged

OBITUARY

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Special to the VOICE

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Alan Crescent resident Ted Collata speaks before the committee on Jan. 14.

VARIANCE

continued from Page 3 ously a farm field and not an existing residential area— nor does the townhouse development on Highway 20, at the old Fonthill Lumber site, because it is on commercial/industrial land.

At the end of “the longest meeting in my four years of experience on this committee,” Don Cook agreed with the other two members that the matter should be deferred so that they could get more information. He said that he thought the Planning Department had “not looked at the fabric of the neighbourhood” in recommending approval of the application. In moving for the deferment, Bill

Sheldon cited the Official Plan’s assertion that “the established character” of a neighbourhood must be taken into consideration in deciding on amendments.

The current zoning bylaws were brought up several times in the discussion, and one solution to what Sheldon called “the current conundrum” would be to kick the entire matter upstairs to Town Council, for an update to the now33-year-old zoning bylaws.

Town CAO David Cribbs has gone on record as favouring an overhaul of the zoning regulations, but such an approach may take years to work its way through the municipal process.

There is no set timeline for the matter to reappear before the committee. The

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A decision in favour... could set a precedent that would totally change this neighbourhood

that the issue is of such importance to the entire area bounded by Pelham Street, Haist Street, Canboro Road and Pancake Lane, that there could be as many as 200 residents at the next committee meeting. A petition is already circulating in the neighbourhood to prevent such severances.

Zanutto also suggests that the Planning Department did not sufficiently consider the 15 letters of objection filed by neighbours prior to the meeting when it recommended approval.

“A decision in favour of this application could set a precedent for development that would totally change this neighbourhood and maybe all of Fonthill,” he said.

In the end, the Committee unanimously passed Sheldon’s motion that a decision on the application be deferred until the committee could get clarification on the concept of “established character” of a neighbourhood, as outlined in the Official Plan, and be sure that this concept factors in the decision on the severance application.

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It is with deep sadness, and gentle relief that the family of (Alma) Joyce Pasieka announce her passing on January 10, 2020 in Oakville, Ontario in her 92nd year.Joyce was preceded by her beloved husband of 61 years Arnold Roy (19262014). She will always be remembered with love and affection by her four children; Cheryl (Roger), David (Brenda), Janice, Ellen (Bob). In addition, she was a beloved “Grannie” to Kimberly (Doug), Kirsten, Spencer, Kendall, Jensen & Keely, and Great Grannie to Eliza and Aster, Spencer’s twin daughters. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Cherry Lillian (nee Lloyd) and Percy James Wardle and her older siblings Hazel, Muriel and Lionel. Joyce to some, Mrs. P to others, she touched the lives of many of her children’s friends and their families.

Many will fondly remember the dinners and numerous parties mom would host as she loved to entertain.

Joyce was dedicated to her church community, particularly the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fonthill.

She was continually preserving jams/jellies, knitting and completing petit point pictures for the annual church bizarres. In addition, she was an amazing stained glass designer and all of her children have examples of her work in their homes. The family would like to thank the wonderful care and support she received by all the staff at Delmanor Glen Abbey. The compassion and care provided by Dr. Kate Healey allowed mom to pass peacefully in her home.

A celebration of her life with family and friends will take place at a future date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name be made to the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be made oakviewfuneral.ca

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tigation centres on a time period between September 2018 and last August, and that the two boys charged are international students.

According to Ridley College statistics, approximately 60 percent of the prestigious institution’s upper school (Grades 9-12) is made up of boarding students.

“We continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation and want to assure you that we take allegations of harassment and abuse of any kind extremely seriously,” Kidd’s statement added. “We are currently taking measures to ensure the welfare of those involved, as well as those who might be impacted.”

Ridley College began as an all-boys school in 1889 before becoming co-educational in 1973. Notable alumni include former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge, musician Raine Maida, and the late actor Hume Cronyn.

R

Two students at Ridley College surrendered themselves to the Niagara Regional Police last week and were charged with offenses including sexual assault and sexual assault with a weapon in alleged attack against a fellow male student.

The two suspects and the victim are under the age of 16, according to the NRP. Therefore, identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. “At the beginning of December 2019, Ridley College became aware of incidents relating to an alleged sexual assault that took place between students on campus,”read a statement released last Wednesday by Ed Kidd, headmaster of the St. Catharines private school.

“As soon as we became aware of this situation, in accordance with the law, we contacted both the Niagara Regional Police Service and Family and Children’s Services Niagara.”

The NRP said their inves-

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Direct: 905-651-5143

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, January 22, 2020

Page 15

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1-855-212-7036 step repair, granite ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica,www.pioneersteel.ca Shoppers Drug Mart Pennzoil Quic coatings, brick slices items, SAT. AUG. 30, 8AM- Fonthill Library guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos Lazy Loon 1PM 625 METLER RD, P18-28 905-682-7061. blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in Town ofMILL Pelham Pharmasave FLOORING CUSTOM NORTH PELHAM P18-23 traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.

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The Voice is hiring!

Josh DeHaan Flooring

News and Features Writer

We offer in-stock specials:

PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials areThis provided.

At timecalls of registration, please enquire tools full-time position for a well-rounded reporter with theabout ability to coverneeded.

Tues., Sept.

16 10 – 12:30. $10.

Please register ahead.

Visit www.pelhama wide range of community issues, from Town Council to interviews and longer library.on.ca profile or callpieces.

905-892-6443 for more details.

Previous writing experience preferred.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/writers

FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m.

2 NEW Fonthill routes Route 47-Bergenstein Cres, Lametti Dr, Marissa St, Meridian Way, Riley Ave, Wellspring, - 201 homes - potential for 221 homes

Attention!

PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Buy, sell or trade usedGreat equipment atchildren, the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide for students, cheaper options in this adults, seniors, andupcoming everyone season. Runs Sept. 6 from Route 48 – Acadia Rd, Part of Portfor players Robinson Rd, Myrtle St, Swan Ave -55 who likes fresh air and exercise.

9-12 in for the homes, potential 119 morning. homes

PAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE!

PELHAM MUDFEST Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is Call (905) 892-8690 held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

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

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

7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Family Cancer Centre.

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.

HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sobeys recently raised a total $1,225 to support hunPurchase fresh fruitFonthill and vegetables at the Market orofbring a non-perishable gry Brock University students. From left, Sobeys employees Jonathan Skoubouris, Carolyn food Vicki itemKohli; to fillFood the hampers at theFrancesco Pelham Amodio,Graduate Farmers MarketStudents’ on Sept.

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Kitching, First Coordinator Association (GSA) President Christopher Yendt, and Vice-Provost, Teaching/Learning and Student Success Anna Lathrop.

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Page 16

The Voice, January 22, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Places of Worship and Events THE Church VOICE OF PELHAM Bethany Christian Reformed 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick Creative Director Tarja Barton Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd.,email Fonthill graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Marketing Fenwick Director

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Fonthill Baptist Church Taryn Wilton 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill

Contact email

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Dave Burket

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Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick

June 1, 15 and 29.

Date:

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Terms: Due on publication

The greatest one

I knew that Gretzky’s number was 99, which is the highest number you can get in the NHL since they don’t use three digits. I also knew that the book of Psalms has 150 chapters, which makes it the longest book with the most chapters in the Bible. So, I got this crazy thought (I do get a few)—“I wonder what Psalm 99 is all about?”

To my surprise, Psalm 99 has a lot to say about greatness. The psalmist David says that God alone is truly great. For example, verses 2-3 declare, “Great is the Lord in Zion (Jerusalem), He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy.”

The rest of the psalm describes the Lord as reigning over all things, being mighty, just, righteous, forgiving and holy. The psalmist then invites the reader to praise, exalt and worship such a great God. By comparison we are all truly weak, frail and (yes) pretzel-like. He alone deserves to be the centre of our lives. In an earlier psalm David asks, “What is man that You

The Voice of Pelham ad size Glad Tidings Church of God Service1Directory ad Fonthill Pancake Lane, w:2.5” x h: 1.75”

The author and his statuesque hero.

SUPPLIED PHOTO are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4).

Even though the 23rd Psalm (“The Lord is my Shepherd”) will always be the best known and loved psalm, I hope Psalm 99 will be another one that you will always remember.

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

drizzle. I was dressed for it and not uncomfortable, so I kept on riding, determined to do a few repeats of Saylor’s Hill to stay warm. I entertained myself by waving at all the passing vehicles, guessing what they might be thinking, and enjoyed a strange pride in the fact I was likely the most ridiculous person in Pelham at that moment.

That was before I rounded the corner from Metler Road onto Centre Street in North Pelham. There I found a middle-aged guy in shorts and a t-shirt running toward me, each step splashing water higher than the raindrops bouncing off the pavement.

With a broad “Can you believe I’m doing this in January” smile, and

water cascading off his ears and nose, he wished me a good ride. I wished him a good run in return, and thought, “You’re truly crazy.”

Cresting Saylor’s again, I turned right, and took the full force of a wind gust on my side. It was interesting to glance down and note my tires rolling along approximately 15 centimetres north of the centreline of my bike.

I was listing like the Andrea Doria.

A kilometre further on, still tilting about 10 degrees, I noticed a fellow on his roof, leaf-blower in hand. I waved, he waved back, momentarily losing his balance on the slippery roof. I had to turn around. I rode into his driveway as he tentatively shuffled toward the edge of the roof to meet me, jacket flapping in the wind

and cap on backwards so it didn’t fly off. I looked up.

We laughed at each other, and I shouted, “I thought I was nuts, but the crown is yours, pal.”

Mother Nature continued to dupe me, offering a moment of sunshine each time I was ready to quit.

“I’ll just ride to Fenwick,” I’d mutter to no one in the warm, pouring rain.

Then the sun would break through for a few seconds.

“I’ll just ride to the river.”

As I headed back to Fonthill, with thunder booming in the distance, finished for sure, the rain stopped and the sun emerged.

I laughed, took my crown back from the guy on the roof, and turned south. As I pedalled toward Wainfleet, I knew I’d stolen a day in January for the best bike ride so far this year. ♦

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“Losers quit when they're tired.

Winners quit when they've won.”

Mike Ditka

The Voice, January 22, 2020

Sporting Green The Niagara

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | January 22, 2020

Page 17

Crazy meets crazy as January hands John Swart a warm weekend

18

Canada calls on Koabel Port Colborne's Emma Koabel, right, in action with the Niagara Prep squad that competes in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association.

Port teen eyes spot with national hoops Niagara Prep head coach Dave Picton describes Emma Koabel as arguably one of the best 2022 graduating guards in the country.

Canada Basketball seems to be in agreement with this assessment after it invited the 15-year-old Port Colborne resident to attend a December tryout for Canada’s under-17 team, which will play in a tournament this summer in Romania. Koabel is currently waiting to hear if she has advanced to the next level of tryouts after attending the first stage in mid-December.

The former Lakeshore Catholic student was over the moon when she received the email inviting her to take part in the tryout.

“I was so thrilled and I immediately told my parents about the email,” the former Team Ontario

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

member said. “It was awesome.”

The invitation is the latest in the blossoming career of a teen who was in Grade 7 when she set a goal of playing NCAA Division 1 basketball.

“I have had that goal for a long time and especially since seeing all the Grade 12s on our team getting scholarships to the States and even Canadian schools,” the 5-foot-10 guard said. “It is really motivating to me and has shown me that it is possible.”

Her short-term goal is team-oriented.

“This year, my goal and our goal is to take the OSBA (Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association) championship and really

working as a team to get to that position,” she said. “We want to get to the championship game and see what happens.”

In her first year of OSBA play, Koabel has played well. Through the team’s first 12 games, she was tied for second in scoring average (12.5), led the team in steals per game (3.8) and was fifth in rebounds per game (3.4).

Picton feels she exhibits basketball IQ beyond her years and describes her as one of the best three-point shooters in the OSBA. “She is a player I trust to shoot the big shot, but more importantly she trusts herself to shoot the big shot,” he said. “She is an identified national athlete now and needs to continue to build her strength, defensive footwork in the half court and be ready to

lead Niagara Prep next year.”

She agrees with Picton’s assessment.

“I have to get stronger, which will let me be more physical with my game and allow me to bring my game to the next level on both offence and defence.”

Koabel had no problem leaving her home school to join the OSBA program at A. N. Myer.

“I knew I was going to have an awesome opportunity like this one, and I also knew that my game was going to grow a lot because of the girls that I would be playing with,” she said. “Just playing with older and more experienced girls, I knew I that it was going to help me improve a lot.”

She is enjoying all the perks that come with suiting up for the team, including playing a showcase tournament in New York City.

“It’s a really cool opportunity,”

BERNIE PUCHALSKI PHOTO

she said. “I have been getting to travel a lot with this team lately.”

It didn’t take long before she fit in at Niagara Prep.

“It took a couple of weeks to get used to everything — all the practices and all the training — but it’s worth it. It is really fun.”

On the court, she had to get used to playing at the next level.

“I am playing against Grade 12s, so they are stronger and have had more training than me. It was adjusting and learning how to use my strength when I pay against stronger girls.”

She didn’t expect to have the degree of success she has had in her rookie OSBA season.

“I do surprise myself sometimes, but it’s probably just because I have been letting loose and my teammates are really supporting of me,” she said. “We have a really great team community so they help bring the best out of me.”

Page 18

The Voice, January 22, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

It was a brazen act of outright thievery

W

E STOLE A DAY didn’t we? You remember, Saturday, January 11, two weekends ago?

The day it hit 15 C? By ten in the morning, there wasn’t a dry dog in Pelham. Every last one of them had been dragged out for a walk, in drizzle or worse, wondering what the heck was going on. Pet parents, pet caregivers, dogsters, mommies and daddies, soul sisters, whichever term you prefer as a dog owner; they were all taking advantage of the warm weather, undeterred by the rain, proving that global warming is real while covertly protesting the Re-

publican Party.

My training schedule for that day included a 60-kilometre bike ride, which I’d anticipated would be two or so hours in the basement on the trainer. I had the new Rocketman movie to watch, with its raucous soundtrack to motivate me. To be honest, I was happy to miss riding in the wind-driven rain.

Filling the bird feeder changed all that.

Two robins chirped loudly from a nearby branch, gazing down at a big, juicy earthworm emerging from the soft ground, and a perplexed toad dragged itself from under the composter in a daze.

It could only be one thing —a warning orchestrated by

Greta Thunberg.

“Get on your bike. Ride those 60 kilometres outdoors while you can,” the wind hissed.

So there I was, cycling up Haist Street in the drizzle, overtaking hordes of dog owners, couples walking hand-in-hand, and spandex-clad runners striding on air, all smiling widely in disbelief at their warm weather fortune.

With so many dog walkers about, I noticed for the first time that there exists a hierarchy when a couple walks a dog. The women were invariably chatting away, often freely gesticulating to enhance their conversation, as the male followed, gripping the dog’s leash.

The dogs were divided into two categories. There were those that sauntered smartly at a steady pace, never veering off line, ac-

If the road is "Due to Collapse," might today might be the day? knowledging no one and showing no connection to their surroundings, intent on training their humans how to properly walk a dog of their stature.

You could see the men with these dogs were concentrating, enraptured by the woman’s words as the three promenaded along in harmony, dog and man one step behind.

The other dogs had obviously snorted a line or two for breakfast. They ricocheted off telephone posts and street signs, sniffed every bush, insisting on wrapping their leashes around anything that didn’t move, and barked at or chased anything that did.

The men responsible for these dogs had stress written all over their faces. They

JOHN SWART PHOTO

struggled to pay attention to their partner’s conversation, knowing that the point in the conversation when the attention test would occur would be exactly when Bailey leaped into a thorny rose bush to snare a squirrel.

Twenty minutes into my ride, a deluge replaced the See STOLEN Page 16

Voice

HOROSCOPE

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 19 Shawn Johnson, Gymnast (28) JANUARY 20 Rainn Wilson, Actor (54) JANUARY 21 Geena Davis, Actress (64) JANUARY 22 Beverley Mitchell, Actress (39) JANUARY 23 Doutzen Kroes, Model (35) JANUARY 24 Neil Diamond, Singer (79) JANUARY 25 Alicia Keys, Singer (39)

E

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SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. PVA 2. Lapp 3. Olea 4. Pork 5. Stupor 6. Parsley 7. Tontine 8. Padre 9. Arabs 10. Harm 12. Rya 14. Pash 19. Sage 23. Bed 24. Stalin 25. BPI 26. Ern 27. Led 28. Lei 29. Incept 34. Act 35. Vee 36. Ana 37. Leu 39. Cohorts 40. Trefoil 41. EMS 42. Pate 44. Titter 45. Pabir 46. Arick 47. Neck 48. Ashe 51. RPM 52. Aras 53. Sami 54. Ewes 58. Nye

155 HWY 20 WEST

ting down ideas of what you want to accomplish and how to put your best foot forward.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 It’s time to cut through some brain fog that has been preventing you from moving forward, Sagittarius. Start by removing all outside distractions and getting down to business.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, just when you thought your reached your quota for good ideas, you have a eureka moment later this week. Take full advantages of all opportunities that arise from it.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Don’t take a “wait and see” attitude pertaining to your career, Aquarius. You need to grab the bull by the horns and make your own breaks.

Don’t procrastinate.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Immerse yourself in a project that taps into the skills that you have long been afraid to develop, Pisces. It’s good to push yourself at times.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Plop 5. SPT 8. Pah 11. Valor 13. Tao 14. Para 15. Apery 16. Urn 17. Adar 18. Pakas 20. PST 21. SRBM 22. Abolishes 25. Belligerent 30. Preened 31. Yea 32. Indic 33. Laval 38. ECT 41. Epicene 43. Portmanteau 45. Pantheist 48. Aare 49. Oft 50. Erase 55. SBIC 56. Rot 57. Prawn 59. Hick 60. Tie 61. Mamey 62. Era 63. SLR 64. Sise

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Various opportunities may be coming your way soon, Aries. Some unique business dealings may suddenly provide some options that you never had before.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, the time has come to focus on the relationships in your life, especially a romantic one. That means spending more time with a spouse or a significant other.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, after many weeks of trying to solve a difficult problem, you have a classically clever move of inspiration. The time for big changes is now.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Put some domestic plans in motion, Cancer. Devote extra time this week to fun activities with a son, daughter or another family member.

Get creative with ideas.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A wonderful breakthrough occurs when you least expect it, Leo. If you have had real estate on the mind, it could be to that end. Enjoy your wellearned success.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Brilliant insight needs an outlet, Virgo. You may have just the thing in a plan for a book, craft project, educational experience, or much more.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are looking for solutions, but you may be focused on short-term fixes instead of looking at the long-term picture. Don’t get caught up in the here and now.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Everyone can benefit from a rebranding of sorts, Scorpio. Start jot-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, January 22, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

The Gretzy psalm

H

AVE YOU EVER heard of the Gretzky psalm?

Probably not, because I just made it up. It might sound sacrilegious to some but hear me out…

name. Others gave it to him, not only because the name “Gretzky” sounds a bit like the word “great,” but because he earned it.

I can’t help but contrast Wayne Gretzky’s humility with Mohammad Ali’s pride.

Ali boasted “I am the greatest!” True, Ali was probably the best boxer of his day, but it sounds arrogant and rings hollow when you say it about yourself.

The Great One

One day I was reading an article about Wayne Gretzky’s hockey exploits. As you undoubtedly know, this Canadian athlete set many NHL records that may never be broken. He actually had preferred baseball as a youth but we’re all glad he pursued hockey instead.

Gretzky had his own style that changed the game forever. I visited the arena and museum named after him in his hometown of Brantford a few years ago and my wife took a picture of me standing in front of a skyscraper of pucks. They represented only some of his goals as a professional hockey player.

New phrases like “Gretzky’s office” were coined.

This referred to his method of holding the puck behind the opponents’ net until he could pass it to a team-mate in front. Nobody apparently had thought of that before or had the skill to pull it off. He was a student of the game and wasn’t afraid to “think out of the box.”

Gretzky seemed to be born not only with exceptional natural talent but a sixth sense of seeing the whole ice surface and anticipating where the play was going. He always seemed to be one stride ahead. He wasn’t the fastest or strongest player but he was probably the smartest.

His title “The Great One” intrigues me. I realize the context is hockey but it’s still a vaulted claim. It’s also a bit ironic because Gretzky himself strikes me as a very humble guy. He certainly didn’t give himself that

Page 19

HWY 20 FONTHILL

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its Eastern European (Russian/Polish) background.

His teammates on the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds jokingly called him this, thinking that (in spite of his obvious skill) he was too light and lean to last long in the rough-and-tumble world of professional hockey. They were simply afraid he’d break. And maybe he would have without a team “policeman” (aka, goon) to protect him on each of his teams. But Gretzky did escape major injury during his career and the rest is history.

The Pretzel

Gretzky tells the story of getting a lesser known nickname —“Pretzel”— during his junior hockey days. It too sounded a bit like his unusual name with

See FAITH LIFT Page 16

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

Weekly Word Search L R U Q U U E B G D E G R A H C T K A Q

E T E I I D C K M N M K H O R M C I W Y

C H K C I R Z S R F I Y B O N R M I X P

M E D V E U Z F V L Y E N V I O D Y F L

N N O K R N R H Z N U F E O N C V G N O

A R U B H Q T J P U P G O S R S C H N O

P P B X A P R A C T I C E S R C A C U U

R H C I H W H J P O S H W L H E A U K D

N O I T A V R E S N O C C T F V V M S Y

M H A R O F O G N N Y K I U Q H U O B D

X Y R W W M U O T S P W S X G I D F I R

Z S A R M D T P R H I S T Z M R R M E E

P J G Q Q X W E X U H A C M K I Z V S Y

I V A G V X V Y A V S H E I V N O E T Y

Y Y I Z I O N U I E R D R P F G U E I G

U C N K R C E E G G E A T G V S L R S V

S D N T W I E J B M D Q A G S Y B Z C F

B U N E L L S V E H A R I I S W R F L R

H O L M G H S U N S E Q N Q B X A C M O

C D Q P X A W S D G L Q A Y M H D V T S

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

ACRONYM AGENCY AND CERTAIN CHARGED CONSERVATION

CONTROVERSY FOR HAS HIRING ISSUES LEADERSHIP

MUCH NIAGARA OVER OVERSEEING PLUS PRACTICES

PROVIDE RECENT SEEN THE WHICH WITH

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

SONGBIRDS

continued from Page 9 widely used on crops in the US as well, although the EU banned neonicotinoids in 2018 because of the harm to pollinators. Health Canada is proposing to phase out agricultural use of these insecticides, but is still evaluating data prior to issuing a decision.

In the Saskatchewan/York study, wild sparrows were captured at a southern Ontario stopover during spring migration, and were fed doses of seeds coated with neonicotinoids.

Tracking devices were attached to the birds. The study suggested that the insecticide suppressed the birds’ appetite leaving them comparatively lethargic. Their migration was delayed by a few days while they regained weight.

The days lost in migration might well mean losing a chance to breed, both in timing, and in energy levels after arrival at breeding

The Voice, January 22, 2020 grounds.

“These chemicals are having a strong impact on songbirds,” the study quotes Margaret Eng, a post-doctoral fellow and one of the study’s researchers at the University of Saskatchewan.

“We are seeing substantial weight loss and the birds’ migratory orientation being significantly altered by neonicotinoids. The affected birds ate less food, and it’s likely that they delayed their flight because they needed more time to recover and regain their fuel stores.”

Christy Morrissey, a toxicologist and senior author of the study, stressed that migration is a critical period for birds, and timing matters.

“Any delays can seriously hinder their success in finding mates and nesting,” said Morrissey, “so this [study] may help explain, in part, why migrant and farmland bird species are declining so dramatically worldwide.”

Another substance of

concern is mercury. Recent findings from Western University in London support the scientific opinion that mercury is one of the determining factors for the dramatic declines of many migratory songbird populations across North America.

In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Avian Biology, Western biology researchers concluded that migratory songbirds with higher levels of mercury in their bodies were less likely to return from their migrations to southerly wintering locations. They determined this after examining mercury concentrations in tail feathers of migratory songbirds sampled at the Long Point Bird Observatory in southern Ontario.

The study quotes Yanju Ma, senior researcher: “We are convinced that in some bird species, elevated mercury levels impact these birds’ neurology in a way that affects their ability to manage the challenging journey to their wintering

We are seeing significant weight loss and the birds' migratory orientation being significantly altered

grounds thousands of kilometres to the south.”

Other perils for songbirds? Millions fall victim to high-rise buildings, flying into large, reflective glass window panels.

Light pollution is also a concern. A little-known fact is that songbirds migrate at night. Distracted by light, the birds can potentially become trapped or thrown off course. Finally, cats. Not the musical. House cats. Feral cats.

They kill millions of birds

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca annually. Cats are natural hunters, and songbirds are easy prey. To help mitigate these losses, several European and North American locales have instituted various feline birth control measures. One such effort is N-SNAP, the Niagara Spay Neuter Assistance Program, based in Fonthill.

What can be done to help our Pelham songbirds?

Here is a short list of a few small things that can have a big impact.

• Make your backyard bird-friendly. Plant native trees and shrubs, especially types that produce fruit.

• Reduce window collisions around your home.

Make your windows less reflective by adding black plastic silhouettes. Relocate feeders to areas further away from windows.

• Provide birdhouses around your property so that songbirds will take advantage of them. Stock them with quality seeds.

• Keep your cat indoors.

Or at least put a bell on it.

St. Kitts porn arrest

BY VOICE STAFF In March of 2019, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) started an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. According to a NRPS statement, the investigation led to a St. Catharines resident.

As a result of the investigation, on January 9, 80-year-old Michael Carroll, of St Catharines, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, and two counts of accessing child pornography.

Carroll was held in custody pending a bail hearing at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

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