The Voice, January 27 2021

Fundraiser for ear surgery

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Growing up with nudists

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A new legal mind in Pelham Town Hall

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JANUARY 27, 2021

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Crossley Adieu to rower signs an arena with A Eastern Michigan Column Six

BY SAMUEL PICCOLO Special to the Voice

Arden Schirru joins NCAA Division 1 rowing program BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI bpsportsniagara.com

Arden Schirru couldn’t wait for the start of the 2020 high school rowing season. Coming off a gold medal in the quad at the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association championships, the then-Grade 11 student at E. L. Crossley had high expectations for the high school campaign. “The senior double was already set and my partner and I were so confident,” the 17-year-old Welland res-

ident said. “It was going to be great because we had trained so hard and we knew it was going to come together.” Equally exciting for Schirru were the possibilities at the club level. “At the St. Catharines Rowing Club, I was in the running to be put in a quad for English Henley.” To get a jump start on the season, Schirru was training in March at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota,

Fla., the site of the 2017 world rowing championships. It was there that her rowing dreams came to an end with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days, the park closed and Schirru’s hopes of a high school rowing season came crashing down. “I cried for a really long time just thinking about this year,” she said. “It was just so sad and everyone was heartbroken.” Unfortunately, things haven’t got-

ten any better as the second wave of the pandemic has hit North America with a vengeance. “Getting Grade 11 [rowing] cancelled and probably Grade 12 cancelled is tough,” she said. Thankfully for Schirru, she did have some good news in November to help temper her disappointment. On Nov. 11, the teen signed a NationSee SCHIRRU Page 9

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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s predictable as its demolition was, it was still jarring to see photographs of the old Pelham Arena last week, reduced to rubble. Just as it was surely difficult to imagine skating where you previously picked fruit, it is difficult to envision pulling into the parking lot, taking your hockey bag from the car, and having nowhere to go. Maybe it’s more surprising that it took this long. When I first began going there, I was on a team of kids barely seven but still old enough to complain about the Pelham Arena. We played games in Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Thorold, and even the arenas that looked like Pelham’s from the outside always seemed to be more put together on the inside: the lights brighter, the paint crisper, the bleachers warmer, the washrooms—well, less frightening. We imagined other teams dreaded coming to play in Pelham and facing our dressing rooms, which were cramped even when we were small, and must have been positively claustrophobic for the full-grown. Luckily, I stopped playing before I was old enough to use the showers. I would not See COLUMN SIX Page 17

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The Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Pair in Clapp death back in court Feb. 17 NRPS impaired driving charges ~

PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket

Corrections at the top: Last week we mixed up Regional and Pelham COVID protocol citations. In fact, the numbers provided to Pelham Town Council at its Jan. 11 meeting by chief bylaw officer Bob Lymburner referred to the Region. Pelham has issued zero enforcement citations. Lymburner says that so far no actual rule-breaking has been detected (see story, this page)...Not a happy anniversary: One year ago Monday saw the first reported coronavirus case in Ontario. That’s right, in January. Looking back, it’s surprising that it took until March for the first lockdown to come, and nearly the end of March at that...Back in black: The measles are gone. I refer to the noble but short-lived experiment in which our columnist head-shots

A January 27, 2021

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

Jason Lusted, one of two men accused in the October death of Fenwick resident Earl Clapp, is in the process of retaining a new lawyer. At a video court appearance on Jan. 20, attorney Andrew Furgiele said Lusted has applied for legal aid. During the proceedings,

Lusted had his charges read to him. Details of the case are subject to a publication ban under section 517.1 of the Criminal Code. Lusted’s co-accused on charges of second-degree murder, Matthew MacInnes, also appeared via video. His attorney, Andrew Burton, convinced the

court to adjourn his matter to Feb. 17 — the same date as for Lusted. The pair have been in custody for almost four months following the Oct. 2 death of Clapp, who was killed after being dragged by a vehicle allegedly involved in an attempted theft from his Centre Street property.

Area COVID update were presented in stippled form. Back to just plain photos... Candles in the wind(ows): Dentist and photographer extraordinaire Louis Albanese is honored this month by the Pelham Beautification Committee, specifically for the electric candles that have shone from his home’s windows for years (back page). His Pelham Street home’s appearance is both charming and slightly foreboding in equal measure—like a fairy tale house in the Black Forest. It’s a real Fonthill treasure...Squirrel tracker: As you can see, we’ve received another photo of the elusive albino squirrel, this time from reader Ron Mascoe. We were set to run a little map of Pelham, with dots representing location sightings, when we realized that this second photo came from next door to the first sender, both on Oakridge Blvd. Must be a neighbourhood particularly welcoming of the albino squirrel community...So far so good: It’s early days yet, but the Region’s new trash collection contractor seems to be doing a decent job—in our neighbourhood, anyway. For one thing, they actually show up on collection day. For another, these folks don’t lob our green bins halfway across the lawn once emptied. The bins are usually left neatly standing, more or less where we put them out...The doctor will write to you now: We have a good selection of letters to the editor this week (enjoy Charles Pedley’s trip down mammary lane), including from “Dr. No” himself, former Pelham Town Councillor and Brock prof Uwe Brand, so nicknamed for his tendency to vote no on so many occasions during his 1997-2006 council tenure. When Brand ran again in 2018, he told our interviewer, “There was a time that I had to file a Freedom of Information request when I was a councillor. I paid my fee, and I’m still waiting for a response. That was over 12 years ago.” Maybe Pelham’s new in-house attorney (p. 13) can assist?...Feel like a soul-crushing weight has been lifted somehow? Here's to democracy! Stay safe. ◆

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BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent While Niagara’s infection rate is slowing somewhat, the mortality rate is up. Some 45 percent of deaths attributed to the virus since it began have occurred just since Dec. 31, with 38 in the last week and seven on Sunday alone. As of Monday, Niagara Public Health indicated there were 46 active infections in Pelham, with a rate of 25 active infections per 10,000 population. For neighbouring municipalities, the numbers were 156 in Welland (28 per 10,000), 69 in Thorold (30.5), 63 in Lincoln (25.8), and eight in Wainfleet (11.9). Niagara has registered 276 deaths since the pandemic began, and 750 cases have been reported during this period (4.2 percent requiring hospitalization). There are 1487 active coronavirus cases throughout the Region, including 51 active outbreaks. The only

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current outbreak in Pelham is at Lookout Ridge Retirement Community. Lookout spokesperson Erin Stitt told The Voice on Monday that one active case remained in the building. "The declared outbreak on January 7th marks the first outbreak of COVID-19 in our facility since the pandemic was declared in March 2020," said Stitt. Niagara’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, told the St. Catharines Standard last week that even if the number of infections drop, Niagara residents can still expect restrictions for several weeks. The 3,390 vaccinations given so far in the Region include residents at its 32 long-term care and retirement homes, and 2,909 injections administered to front-line health workers at the St. Catharines hospital. Hirji said that due to government priorities and a limited supply of vaccine, See UPDATE Page 16

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to six calls for service from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22. Saturday, Jan. 16 Remote alarm, Moyer St., Shorthills Damaged gas line, Rice Rd., Fonthill Monday, Jan. 18 Motor vehicle accident, Sumbler Rd., Fonthill Thursday, Jan. 21 Motor vehicle accident, Victoria Ave., Shorthills Friday, Jan. 22 Medical assistance, Fonthill

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

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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Sandahl K. SPOHR, 29, London Margaret A. MAGEE, 61, St. Catharines Carl E. ELLSWORTH, 36, Syracuse, NY Yasemin SARARER, 21, Niagara on the Lake

See something, Say something. The science is clear.

Masks save lives. Social distancing saves lives.

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

Listen to Public Health advice. Stay home. Stay safe.

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The Voice

A January 27, 2021

Stop the Spread

Amanda and Aaron Gervason with their son, Emmett.

DON RICKERS

North Pelham lad hoping for restorative ear surgery

COVID-19 can be deadly. Stay home. Stay strong. Save lives.

GoFundMe page established to help offset costs of operation in the U.S. BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent “Not life threatening, but life altering.” That’s the way Emmett Gervason’s mother, Amanda, describes the nature of his impending ear surgery. Amanda, a nurse with the Niagara Health System, and her husband Aaron, a custodian with the District School Board of Niagara, moved from Smithville to a rural property in North Pelham a little over a year ago. They have two small children, with Emmett about a year older than his sister, Alora. He will turn three in June, and, a month later, will be in Palo Alto, California for an expensive surgery which will hopefully not only restore his hearing, but cosmetically resculpt his ear to a normal shape. Emmett was born with a congenital deformity called Pediatric Microtia, which statistically occurs about once in every 10,000 births. He requires a full reconstruction of his external ear, as well as the ear canal, due to a condition called Atresia, which is the absence of closure within the external canal, affecting the bones that enable hearing. He does have hearing in his left ear. “It’s not just about the appearance of his ear, but the way his conductive hearing loss affects his speech, his language, his ability to learn, and ultimately his mental health,” said Amanda, referring to her son as “Emmy.” She is in contact with a group of other moms with kids who have Pediatric Microtia, and said that the provincial government has denied all of their requests for funding under OHIP. Amanda did contact local MPP Sam Oosterhoff, who was sympathetic, and offered to reach out to the Ministry of Health to advocate for Emmett’s surgery. Unfortunately, the Ontario health system appears unwilling to cover the procedure, considering it cosmetic surgery. The Gevrasons expect that their all-in expenses will be approximately $250,000. Should fundraising eclipse that target, they plan to donate the money to help another family in similar need. Neither Aaron nor Amanda have health coverage through their employment that would assist with the

costs. “We were originally referred to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, but they were not prepared to operate on Emmy until he was 10,” said Amanda. A mother in Binbrook, whose own child had the reconstructive surgery, convinced Amanda that the surgeons in California were the best option. Emmett’s surgery under anesthesia will take eight hours, said Amanda. A new polyethylene implant, a reversed replica of his left ear, will be grafted onto his skull, using his own skin to anchor it in place. “We have to stay in California for six to eight weeks after the surgery, because they need to see Emmy weekly for follow-up tests, and to make sure infection doesn’t set in.” They will travel without 14-month-old Alora, who will stay with family. The financial burden will be substantial. The Gervasons were resistant to asking for help, but friends, family members, and co-workers encouraged them to proceed with the surgery, and set up a GoFundMe account. “I think the most difficult part was admitting to ourselves that we can't do this on our own,” said Amanda. “It's not about us… it’s about our little boy, and what's best for him. We will do anything for our son.” Emmett cannot identify the direction of sounds, has problems dealing with loud environments, and has a hard time focusing on conversations. He has had a specialized teacher working with him since he was six months old, and he wears a BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) to help him hear. His parents have introduced some basic sign language to help him communicate his needs. “The surgery will undoubtedly result in a return to relative normalcy for Emmy,” said Aaron. “He will be able to hear with both ears, although not at 100 percent efficiency.” Thus far, some $20,000 has been raised for Emmett’s ear surgery via GoFundMe. The page may be found at: https://gf.me/v/c/ tpkk/an-ear-for-emmy

I think the most difficult part was admitting to ourselves that we can't do this on our own

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The Voice

A January 27, 2021

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OPINION

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

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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté

The dilemma of essential services

T

wo weeks ago I wrote a column, “Concentrate on the ‘Care’ in LTC,” that was intended to advocate for better care of the residents of long-term care facilities. With the onset of the pandemic, glaring deficiencies in the care for many of these vulnerable people made headlines. Hopefully, a large share of these facilities provide exemplary resident care. Unfortunately, there are some where the level of care might be described as abhorrent. When the military was called in to help manage some of these overwhelmed lodgings for seniors they reported on the horrid conditions in the facilities and, woefully, for the residents. Emphatically, this should not be tolerated, ever! Such inhumane practices must be eradicated. Ways and means must be found, financially and otherwise, to correct such wrongdoings. Less than a full-out effort to correct this outrage is unacceptable. However, one reader wrote that this seniors’ issue was worthy of advocacy but pointed out that it is only one of many societal deficiencies that need be

ameliorated. This critic from the educational system contends with the deficiencies in that sector on a daily basis. For most of my working career,

Ways and means must be found, financially and otherwise, to correct such wrongdoings

I was involved in that sector and consequently advocate for student success. It appears our society has not yet found the criteria, or courage, to prioritize the needs for the many diverse sectors that comprise our society. However, we call upon our political leadership to the near-impossible task of allocating finite resources to satisfy the near-infinite needs of groups with an almost endless list of legitimate demands. While this society is

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Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

blessed with many resources, these are not infinite. Therefore, a mechanism need be found to distribute these resources in the most astute, moral and ethical manner. Take these two issues of education and seniors’ care. One concerns the development of youth, who will be this society’s future leaders and caregivers. The other is concerned with the life, comfort and death issues of those who gave this society its life. Is one be more indispensable than the other? Who is prepared to definitively answer this question? Another area demanding an ever-increasing share of the finite pot is childcare. The growing importance of this sector has become a crucial matter in recent years. Changes in our society, such as the increasing number of women in the workforce, has drastically altered the profile of our societal structure. Clearly, given the many issues our society faces, ideal solutions have yet to be found. One of the prospective solutions is the amalgamation of some of these currently diverse serSee OP-ED next page

Letters One small win It was one small win for the Trail …one giant victory for the people of the Town of Pelham. Recently, Town Council on its own initiative decided to present a motion that would deny “trail crossings” of the Steve Bauer Trail. In the end, council voted 5-2 in favour of the motion, with Councillor Olson and Mayor Junkin objecting to it, in part, because it did not follow procedure. Procedure is to have staff present a report (with potential input from the developer) as to a policy’s desirability and feasibility. The motion was called premature, be-

cause, according to the Director of Planning, “in making a decision on this matter, council will need to consider if the request is in compliance with the Town Official Plan along with Regional and Provincial plans and policies.” That begs the question, what about considering the wishes of the people of Pelham? Too often the people’s wishes are diametrically opposed to what developers and Town staff want and endorse. For example, See SMALL WIN Page 6

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CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

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

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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication. The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at (905) 892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www. thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

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A January 27, 2021

OPINION My experience with Sun Valley Gardens I never thought I would be telling this story about a nudist colony to a newspaper— but here it is! I was working for Jeffrey’s Dairy, when milk was delivered right to your door, or right to your beautiful naked customer. I was just covering for the regular milkman but did not know how exciting this job was to be. We were working from roughly the location where the new St. Catharines General Hospital is today. We loaded up the truck and started on our route. I was learning the route so I could make some money for the summer. We were moving in a general westerly direction from St. Catharines to where Pelham Road goes up the escarpment and eventually meets what is now Victoria Avenue, right where a farm machinery supply company is. To the southwest of that location was a little place called Putts Inn. Then we turned on the road which leads to the northwest where the trees were standing tall. There was a long driveway into this nudist colony with signs on the trees which said things like, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do!” (Of course that meant that we should have taken our clothes off before we went in.) The driver then stopped before we went through and gave me these words of caution. “I know a young teen-

age guy like you is going to think I am crazy but everything I tell you is true. When you get into the colony where the milk is received and you start seeing totally or partially naked people, you are going to feel like laughing. I know you think you are probably going to get excited in another way. But this is true and you must

This is the last dairy in the Niagara Peninsula to deliver milk here

listen! This is the last dairy in the Niagara Peninsula to deliver milk here. We do not want to lose this customer! So, listen. It will hit you like windstorm when you feel like bursting out into laughter. People just don’t walk around with their clothes off normally. So, when that happens you will feel like laughing loudly but you must run back into the back of the milk truck and shove your face down into those jugs of milk and stifle it so there is no laughter." I thought he was nuts, but he was right. The wife, I think she was German, came out to receive the milk and she was beautiful and as

we used to say, “Built in all the right places.” Then it happened! I ran into the back of the truck and stifled my laughter until it stopped and I had control again. Before that I didn’t remember seeing anyone in the nude, except possibly somebody’s baby when they were being changed. I have remembered that scene and forgotten I am sure millions of other scenes that I could have remembered. But I got to see a beautiful woman right in front of my eyes and that does have an effect on probably anybody, but as an 18-year-old it was like a Christmas present being opened before Christmas. Then I though how wonderful this was going to be for the next two weeks. But one of the more mature drivers took that one customer off the route to save their business from being lost. I have told this story to the best of ability from 18 years old unto 77 years old and it will always stick in my mind! That was my Sun Valley Gardens experience. Charles G. Pedley, BA, MSEd, MUI Fonthill

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Vaccine delayed, but priorities are right

O

n the COVID-19 vaccine front, there has been some good news and some disheartening news. The good news is that some 264,000 doses have been administered across the province, with 2889 of those doses having been administered in Niagara Region. With these 2889 doses healthcare officials have completed 100 percent of long-term care homes, and 7.1 percent of high-risk retirement homes. The disheartening news is that Canada will not be receiving any further vaccine doses next week from Pfizer-BioNTech, and promised deliveries will drop by 50 percent over the next four weeks. This delay in vaccine delivery is being attributed to the manufacturer making upgrades to its production facilities. With the upgrades, the company will have the capacity to produce up to 2 billion doses a year. While this increased production bodes well for Can-

ada getting future promised levels of the vaccine, it means that our vaccine rollout programs throughout the country will come to a stop, with all vaccine

The disheartening news is that Canada will not be receiving any further vaccine doses next week doses in the country having been administered. This unscheduled delay reinforces the fact that it was a great idea to have a risk/ priority distribution system in place, as our senior homes and front-line workers are getting all of the vaccine available. On the Regional front, Region Chair Jim Bradley has created a Community Coordination Task Force

for COVID-19 vaccination. Chair of this task force is Dr. David Dec, who as chair, will also serve as this group’s primary community spokesperson. There are 20 community members on this taskforce and quite frankly such a large number makes me somewhat sceptical of its ability to react in a timely fashion to what is obviously a very fluid situation. That being said I wish them all the best going forward. Niagara’s new cases while dropping below 100 on Friday were over that number on Saturday, being 116, with 91 on Sunday. As we all know, the food service industry throughout the region is suffering tremendously under the lockdown rules. I was talking to a good friend who co-owns two restaurants in St Catharines. Their pre-COVID employee number was over 100 and now it is eight. Like most restaurants in the reSee JUNKIN next page

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OP-ED

continued from previous page vice sectors. That would mean that all long-term care facilities, both private and civic, become part of the healthcare system. As hospital facilities in most communities are a given proposition, so too would long-term care facilities be part of that same proposition. Conceivably, such an amalgamation could result in some efficiencies in administration and operations. Likewise, a similar integration of the educational and childcare systems could also result in cost savings that would fulfill some of the financial shortfalls and inequities of both of these essential services. Let us hope that the wisest among us will lead us to resolve the inequities in our society. In the meanwhile, be tolerant. ◆

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Page 6

The Voice

A January 27, 2021

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PEOPLE AND POLITICS

by David Siegel

President Biden and Canada

M

ost of the world breathed a sigh of relief last Wednesday when Joe Biden became President of the United States. That includes many Republicans who are now free from the daily grind of explaining that their party leader did not actually say something that everyone clearly heard him say. However, President Biden has a difficult task ahead of him. First, of course, is the pandemic. Biden’s electoral success was based partly on confidence that he could deal with this issue. He has said all the right things, but this is a very difficult task. It will take a considerable amount of his time and resources to deal with this, and there is no guarantee of success. Then there is the economic fallout from the pandemic. To some extent, this will correct itself when the pandemic is resolved, but there are some aspects of the economy that will still pose serious problems. The income inequality that I discussed last week was exacerbated by the pandemic, but will still be there when the pandemic is resolved. There is a serious chasm in American society. Recent events have stoked fear and anger in the African-Amer-

ican community at the same time that Biden’s predecessor energized the white supremacist movement. Biden came to power with an African-American running mate and a strong positive reputation with the African-Amer-

The euphoria of the win is already being replaced by the reality of governing

ican community. He has the right credentials to deal with this issue, but it, like the pandemic, will require considerable amounts of his personal resources. He will also have challenges dealing with a congress in which he has small majorities in both houses. He could face challenges within his own party, which has a strong progressive wing that seems to be more powerful than it has been under previous Democratic presidents. Fortunately for him,

the last four years have left the Republican party in disarray, but that could embolden some of its more radical elements. The euphoria of the win is already being replaced by the reality of governing. The positive side of this is that Biden is experienced in Washington, and has surrounded himself with experienced people. He has projected an aura of calm competence which contrasts sharply with the previous administration. What does all this mean for Canada? First of all, it is always easier to deal with a competent, stable partner than an erratic bunch who are quick to consign our prime minister to a special place in hell because of some minor disagreement. The bad news about the previous administration was that the whim of the president seemed to change daily. The good news was that he had neither the attention span nor the competence to follow through on most of those whims. The good news about the Biden administration is that it will be predictable, thoughtful and deliberate in policy initiatives. The bad news is that those policies will not always be good for Canada, but the Biden ad-

President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, in November 2020. ministration will have the focus and ability to execute them. Based on Biden’s position on climate change, it was predictable that he would cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, which he did on his first day in office. This is quite upsetting to some Canadians, but Canadians were divided on the pipeline anyway. The Prime Minister must feel ambivalent about Biden’s decision. His government has been diligent in pushing for Keystone, while being fully aware that this position cost him support among his environmentalist supporters. It is convenient for Trudeau that Biden has removed him from this nowin position. Going forward, Biden and Trudeau have similar views on climate change which could be beneficial. Right now Canada’s carbon tax is unique in North America. If the United States implemented a similar tax, it would become more palatable in both nations. Trade is always an important issue between our two

countries. Biden will not be impetuous in imposing tariffs here and there and then backing off the next day. However, the Democratic party has always had strong support from trade unions. This has made it the traditional protectionist party in contrast to the traditional free-trading Republicans. As Americans strive to come back from the current recession, we should expect to see more “Buy American” legislation and tightening trade barriers. This will reduce opportunities for Canadian business, which will be particularly damaging if Biden’s plan for infrastructure remediation goes forward. During the Obama years, Canada obtained some exemptions from the Buy American policy, but it took time. There remain some lingering trade issues involving dairy products and softwood lumber that are relatively small in dollar terms, but remain as irritants on both sides of the border. The personal relationship between the two heads of

SMALL WIN

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the discussion about the development at 3 Hurricane Road centered around what a previous developer had planned for the site, namely 23 units in place of the current one. According to the current developer with their five units, this is preferable to the 23 units tentatively proposed by the previous developer and endorsed by Town staff in the pre-consultation meeting of December 20, 2018, which was documented by a form signed by Town planning staff, Public Works staff, Building Department staff and the Deputy Secretary-Treasurer. However, it is possible for developer and people (neighbours) to come to a consensus when it follows open and frank discussions, as evidenced by the subdivision plan proposed for the old arena lands.

JUNKIN

continued from previous page gion they are hanging on with the business with their take-out service. All of Pelham Restaurants are in the same boat, so please consider ordering local when ordering take-out. Going back to last week’s column, I left out one number when discussing the Region’s funding for the proposed new hospital in Grimsby. The matrix that Regional

BIGSTOCK

government is always important. The generation gap will probably forestall the bromance that Trudeau had with Obama, but Trudeau and Biden have much in common. They are both pragmatic, moderate liberals facing challenges from both the right and the left. They will likely get along well at the personal level, but Biden will still face the domestic constraints on his actions mentioned above. An interesting relationship to watch will involve the two heads of government in waiting—Chrystia Freeland and Kamala Harris. These are two politically savvy, moderately liberal women who have broken barriers in their respective governments. Harris has Canadian ties from her high school years in Montreal. These two could play an important role both now and in the future—depending on exactly what future awaits them. ◆ David Siegel is Brock University Emeritus Professor of Political Science.

Except for this odd occurrence, general action speaks to the fact (or impression of fact) that people’s wishes and opinions count for very little in this town. As the Mayor pointed out, “to vote on this motion without hearing back from the developer or having the benefit of staff input, is not following proper protocol.” What about listening to the people, Mr. Mayor? What is long overdue is that Town Council should listen to the people when it comes to the development of 3 Hurricane Road, Kunda Park, Forest Park, and other subdivisions in this town. Council took a small step in that direction with this motion on restricting trail crossings over the Steve Bauer Trail and on the development on Haist Street, and I applaud them for listening to us, the people of Pelham. Uwe Brand Former Pelham Town Councillor Fonthill

staff designed—which, by the way, had no medical members involved in its formulation—called for the Region to contribute $9.07 million dollars to the hospital. The group spearheading the project was asking for $12.6 million. The three million dollar difference between these two numbers represent 0.3% of the Region’s yearly budget of $1 billion dollars. That was a lot of talking and posturing over such a small amount of our yearly budget, especially when it is for such a needed, worthy project. Such is life… ◆

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 7

A January 27, 2021

The Reality of the Short Hills Deer Hunt Wounding and Killing Deer The Protocol states: The Haudenosaunee are committed to ensuring that the harvest practices used at the park will result in as little wounding of deer as possible, and the goal that all deer that are wounded are tracked and dispatched as soon as humanely possible. The Reality: In a video filmed during the hunt (https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v= HeRLB6FkUsM&t=24s), the hunters talk about leaving wounded deer to die overnight. Dead deer have been found in the park and on private properties after hunt days when it was reported that no deer were wounded.

Hunt Restrictions The Protocol states: To ensure public safety: The Parties have agreed to restrict the times, dates, harvesting methods, and locations of the harvest within the park. The Reality: There are repeated violations including hunting on a day not allocated (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HeRLB6FkUsM&t =24s) and while park visitors were present, hunting outside the hunt zone and outside the park boundary all of which puts public safety at risk.

Securing the Park for Public Safety The Protocol states: During the harvest, access to the park will be limited to harvest participants and *MECP staff and local police agencies‌MECP staff will be responsible for seeking the removal of the unauthorized persons from the park. The Reality: Members of the public have been documented entering and exiting the park during the hunt. Ministry staff have been absent at some entrances of the park to prevent this and ensure public safety.

Hunt Zone The Protocol outlines: The map shows the hunt zone as the central portion of the park, away from resident properties abutting the park. The Reality: Despite the Protocol, hunters have been documented hunting in prohibited areas within the park and trespassing on private properties. When residents complain, the Ministry now states that the hunt zone is not enforceable and hunters can hunt anywhere within the park boundary right up to private properties.

The Protocol states: Haudenosaunee harvesters will use care and discipline to harvest deer effectively and humanely. Harvesters will shoot only at stationary deer when they have a clear shot. The Reality: Video filmed by First Nations hunters (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bLg5r3aGvdU) show hunters driving the deer towards other hunters and shots taken at fleeing deer. A dead deer found in the park was clearly shot in the rump as she was running away. She was left to die. Ten-point buck was found on private property with an arrow through his forehead.

*Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARK SCHNEIDER

Read the Protocol at this site: www.SaveShorthills.ca

Page 8

The Voice

A January 27, 2021

pelham.ca/family-day

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Letters continued Ministry of Misinformation

February 12-15 virtual missions fun & prizes!

We are residents of Pelham and homeowners whose property adjoins Short Hills Provincial Park. We have witnessed firsthand over the last nine years the issues surrounding the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ “hosted” deer hunt. In January 2013, when the first hunt was introduced in this once peaceful park, 15 hunters killed seven deer over four days. The community was shocked and outraged that this was happening in an area that had been protected for more than 50 years. Since then, the hunt has continued and expanded to alarming numbers of hunters, and lost deer lives. Fast forward to 2020, where now up to 75 hunters at one time descend on the park for more than eight days and kill a now undisclosed number of deer. Last year’s death count was in excess of 70 deer. Since 2013, Ontario Parks has spent in excess of $400,000 to kill over 300 white tailed deer. In the early years, the Ministry was required to produce a “safety protocol” at the request of Regional Council, as members of the community were concerned for their safety and those that used the park. Over the years this “protocol” has been revised numerous times and is now full of loopholes and escape language to protect the hunters and the Ministry. It is unknown whether council has ever seen the revisions. Past years’ protocols included a hunt zone, a buffer zone and the requirement of Ontario Parks staff to accompany the hunter tracking a wounded deer near private properties and to secure the park. Now, although the written protocol still reads that there is a hunt zone and includes a map, the safety measures in place are not enforced or respected. The Ministry is either not willing or not capable of enforcing these rules. We have been told by Ontario Parks Manager Greg Wilson that this protocol is only a “gentlemen’s agreement” and “this agreement is not a legal document” and “this agreement would not hold up in court” and “this agreement cannot be enforced.” The hunt zone map which is included in their protocol is now useless and the Ministry claims the hunters do not have to stay in the hunt zone. They just have to stay in

the park and they can hunt right up to private property lines. Ministry staff no longer assist in the tracking of wounded deer outside the hunt zone. Wounded deer have been found multiple times on private properties after these hunt. The disposal of these animals is now the responsibility of the homeowners. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Ontario Parks, appear to be misleading our community. They are providing what could be a dangerous false sense of security to homeowners around the park and the general public with a protocol that is not worth the paper it is written on. The Ministry claims that “public safety” is their “primary concern,” however this year for the first time in nine hunts the Ministry didn’t even bother to mail notices of hunt dates to the homeowners surrounding the park. This is the epitome of irresponsibility. Where does the liability fall? In previous years, 30-plus Ontario Parks staff were required to try to secure the park, try to keep hunters in hunt zones and to “assist and facilitate” the hunts. This year, we assume due to COVID restrictions, approximately six to eight staff were present. This skeleton crew of parks staff were not able to control or supervise by any stretch of the imagination. Hunters trespassed on several private properties. Members of the public were documented entering the park unnoticed by parks staff during the hunt and no staff or biologist was available inside the park to count or examine the dead deer or enforce park boundaries. Ontario Parks staff was limited due to COVID restrictions, yet 75 hunters from outside the Niagara Region ignored Premier Ford’s stay-at-home order and attended the hunt on January 7th. The final Ministry-hosted hunt of the 2020/2021 season is this Wednesday, January 27th—yes, even during a provincewide stay-at-home order. It’s incredibly sad to witness the demise of Short Hills Park and the loss of its wildlife. With overdevelopment in surrounding areas and loss of habitat, why can we not provide one small refuge for these gentle souls? Dr. Craig and Robin Zavitz Pelham

Short Hills no longer Niagara’s hidden gem Imagine going for a walk with your family in a provincial park and coming across trails of blood and piles of deer guts. Imagine going for one of your regular walks with your dog in a provincial park and finding a large buck that was shot and wounded in the hind and that had just died having struggled to live for two days after a hunt. Imagine having to wear a safety vest to walk your dog on your own property because you fear you could get shot by a hunter in the provincial park joining the back of your property. Imagine looking out your

back window and seeing a hunter on your property searching for a deer he wounded. Imagine looking out your back window and unexpectedly seeing that a hunting blind (tent) has been set up in an area behind your house and outside the hunt zone. Imagine going out on your property the day after a hunt at a provincial park and having your dogs find a buck frozen to the ground with an arrow in its head. Imagine going out on your property and finding a See GEM next page

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SCHIRRU

Letters continued

continued from Page 1

Open letter on deer hunt To Premier Doug Ford, Ministers Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek and Greg Wilson: Again reaching out to each of you to finally show true leadership for the sake of all Canadians' health. Dig down and muster the courage to cancel the Short Hills Provincial Park indigenous hunt this Wednesday, January 27. Premier Ford, nightly you expound how all Canadians are to follow guidelines to combat the exploding COVID virus, which is now mutating. You extol repeatedly, “We are all in this together.” Apparently not true, since one group has chosen to put their interests above the health of local Canadians. On January 27, numerous, mainly unmasked hunters, along with government agencies personnel,

GEM

continued from previous page deer’s guts in a pile and a blood trail leading into the provincial park. Imagine seeing a hunter running along your fenced property with your horses grazing nearby. Imagine being a home owner in the vicinity of a provincial park where deer hunts are held and not even being given any formal notification when the hunts will be occurring so you can secure your property and avoid the park. Imagine

prices for breaking the rules. This is a life-and-death situation. All Canadians are not to gather in groups above five. Businesses are closing. Schools are closed and the list goes on, but a hunt—potentially a source

of spread— is allowed? Heard the hunt is deemed essential, but prior to 2013 and the ancient treaty obviously survival did still prevail. Wounded deer inhumanely ripped with arrows still intact in their flesh have been viewed by the public. Personally a grown man shaken by the sight told me. Since the deer are free to run out of the park, especially when wounded, this leaves the public, even children, exposed to this horror. COVID life or death being allowed to possibly percolate in the park and beyond, as well as a once peaceful oasis, now a war zone, should not be permitted in 2021. Disallow the hunt and show all Canadians you do have the quality of a good leader. Faye Suthons Wainfleet

being a homeowner on the edge of a provincial park having secured your property with security cameras to protect your property from hunters only to discover that the hunters have stolen one of your cameras. Imagine going for a walk in a provincial park and coming across a crossbow laying on the ground. Imagine being a hiker in a provincial park that sanctions deer hunts and being able to access the park at one of its main entrances without being notified of the hunt and stopped from going in because it wasn’t

being supervised. Imagine moving to your dream home because of its peaceful and harmonious existence with nature and wildlife on the edge of a provincial park and having it turn into a killing ground six times a year. Imagine 75-95 hunters hunting in this small provincial park. Dozens lining up at a time pushing deer towards other hunters to kill. Imagine being told that the deer hunt was necessary to reduce the population yet no Environmental Assessment was ever done to validate this. Imagine

will converge in the small park. Previously young outdoor hockey players were shut down and government politicians have paid costly

Disallow the hunt and show all Canadians you do have the qualities of a good leader

Page 9

A January 27, 2021

al Letter of Intent to row for Eastern Michigan, an NCAA Division 1 program in Ypsilanti, Mich., that competes in the Colonial Athletic Association. Eastern Michigan was one of the first schools she talked to and it was an easy choice to go there when it made her an offer in September. Schirru can’t wait to get started. “I am looking forward to being in a boat, getting that level of speed and everyone there putting in a big effort,” she said. “I am excited about the team aspect and being on a whole new adventure.” There will likely be a few anxious moments along the way. “I am a little nervous, but my parents have taught me to be very independent and rowing has also taught me that and to understand what I need to do to get where I need to be,” Schirru said. “I will miss them a lot because they have been so supportive. They have done so much and no way I can thank everyone enough who have helped me as an athlete.” She gives tons of credit to the coaching she received at Crossley. “I am so beyond lucky to have gotten the coaching I got from all the coaches at Crossley, Coach Pat [MacNally] and John Ruscitti. They put in insane amounts of time and they don’t get paid for it.”

that after almost ten years no Environmental Assessment has been done to determine the necessity of ongoing hunts in this provincial park. Imagine learning that your tax paying contributions are used to finance this provincial park hunt. Imagine spending almost ten years in discussions with all parties involved, all levels of government, and attempting to address the trespassing, the safe-

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Ruscitti loves what Schirru brings to the erg room and water. “She’s pretty determined, pretty driven and coachable, and she is a good student of the game,” he said. “She likes to learn, she wants to improve and she is open to feedback.” Her determination was evident early on in her Crossley career. “In Grade 10, she broke her wrist at the beginning of April and despite this trained outside of the boat for six weeks and returned with two weeks left in the season to fight her way into the junior women’s quad and eventually win the CSSRA championships,” Ruscitti said. Over the last few years, he feels Schirru has become more committed to the sport and has matured as a person on and off the water. “She has become much more coachable and adaptable and all of that has helped her progress.” Schirru, who plans to study psychology and maybe sociology at Eastern Michigan, with the long-term goal of going to law school in Canada, is hoping for a spring rowing season at Crossley. “I feel really bad for the Grade 9s and 10s because they haven’t gotten a season yet and this is the Grade 10s’ second year on the team,” she said. “They have no experience with how great they could be or how much fun they could have with Crossley and the sport period. They could find something that they really love.”

ty issues, the violations of the Ontario Parks mandate, the moral issues, the legal issues, the conservation issues and things have only become worse. Imagine being told when you found out about these hunts in this provincial park and questioned it… that these hunters can hunt “at any time.” How is it that this group has rights that supersede all others? How is it that those who have the ability

and power choose this imbalance and do nothing to find a balance between the rights of all of those who are involved? Rights do not occur in a vacuum. They occur in the context of interaction with others and where rights collide or conflict they must have limits and boundaries. As Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Linda Chenoweth Hamilton

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Page 10

The Voice

A January 27, 2021

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FIRST PERSON

Growing up with nudists

Michael Ruehle, son of Sun Valley Gardens owners, recalls his childhood on 25-acre naturist camp BY MICHAEL RUEHLE Special to the Voice Michael Ruehle, son of Sun Valley Gardens owners, recalls his childhood on 25-acre naturist camp My parents moved to Fenwick from Toronto in about 1955-56 to operate a nudist camp — a bit unusual in those days I guess, but my father had had this plan since his youth in Germany, where it was already a fairly popular idea. He had found out that a small group of people from Fonthill, St. Catharines, and Toronto had started to gather on some land on Roland Road, and my parents acquired the property, I believe in 1955. They called it Sun Valley Gardens and started to make significant improvements. At its peak, from the early ‘60s to the mid-‘70s, there were about 500 adult members, and it was one of the largest nudist clubs in North America, with members coming from as far as Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Cleveland—even annual seasonal visitors from Los Angeles and Florida. It was so well-known that we once received a letter sent from West Africa which was addressed just, “Sun Valley Gardens, Canada.” The post office in Montréal marked it “try Toronto,” Toronto marked it, “near St. Catharines,” and of course, St. Catharines knew where to send it. I was born in 1957 and lived on the property full time until I left to go to Toronto. An interesting childhood, I would say. I attended Law's School for Grades 1 and 2, and then Hansler, South Pelham, Pelham Center, senior public school in Fonthill, Pelham High (until it closed when I was in Grade 11), graduated from E. L. Crossley in 1976, then moved to Toronto for university. I kept a cottage on the property and stayed there off and on until about 2007, when the property was sold, shortly after my father, Karl, passed away in 2006. My mother, Marlies, passed away just last year, in May. (I'm writing this on Dec. 26, 2020, which would have been her 89th birthday.) From the very beginning, rather than be secretive, my father took the opposite tack. He made a point of advertising an “open house” weekend so all the neighbors, local politicians, and news media could come and see the place. He did this twice. The first time, any members who chose to be there that weekend remained fully clothed to avoid any risk of overreaction from the police. In the event, it went really well and some 2000 people toured the place. People realized that it wasn't a wild sex club or anything, and the press was generally complimentary. The second time, he had everyone sign a waiver at the entrance that they were aware there would be nudity. Both events were very successful and meant that instead of being harassed, the place was quite quickly accepted by the authorities. In fact, as a direct result,

there was a core of members who were locals from Pelham, Welland, and St. Catharines, most of whom kept it a bit quiet. My father was also very astute about the value of positive media coverage, and welcomed visiting interviewers from CHCH-TV, the CBC on multiple occasions (notably June Callwood’s interview), and from some of the Buffalo stations. I’d say our membership was divided about equally between the Canadians and Americans from the Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Rochester area. Back when Sun Valley Gardens was in full swing as a nudist camp, the Niagara Regional Police used to come visit now and again. My father was on pretty good terms with them, which meant he could count on help if there were any nosy youth (you guys know who you were) trying to sneak onto the property for a peek. Whenever a new officer was hired, it was part of the hazing to take him out, without any heads-up, to the camp. Generally the senior guy would say it was, "to get to know the rural parts of Niagara better." At some point the senior officer would say, "Let's get a coffee," and the junior officer would of course wonder where there was coffee, out in the middle of nowhere. So they'd drive out Roland Road to the front gate, ring the bell and talk to my dad, who'd buzz them in. The junior officer was still unaware, because the "Sun Valley Gardens" sign is ambiguous. They would drive up the long curved driveway and, when they got to the parking area by the clubhouse, the junior guy's eyes would bug out because, of course, /naked people/ were walking around! My father would meet them at their car in his famous “rubber boots and nothing else,” and escort them down to the snack bar beside the pool area, where the police officers would sit and chat with my parents and some of the other folks while drinking their coffee and having a piece of cake. My father encouraged these visits, of course, because (a) it meant the police were accepting of nudist things and knew firsthand that there was no weird stuff going on (okay, naked is weird for most of you, but nothing /really/ weird) and (b) if there was an emergency they all knew how to get there fast. Many people wonder about how folks got to be nudists and join the club. In those days, well before social media, my father would run advertisements that were more or less specific, depending on where they ran. Some would be in the various nudist magazines of the time, and these would basically say, "Come visit Sun Valley Gardens, the best nudist camp near Toronto and upstate New York." He also ran ads in some of the regional newspapers (not all permitted it), that would be a bit more discreet: "Enjoy a carefree lifestyle at Sun Valley, Canada's best fami-

Poolside in 1965.

Michael Ruehle, with his parents, Marlies and Karl, in 1960.

The main gate, 1956.

SVG ARCHIVES

Michael Ruehle, Grade 10. SVG ARCHIVES

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The main building, 1974.

Karl Ruehle, 1958.

SVG ARCHIVES

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The Voice

The sun deck, 1974. Right, a front page ad, 1967. ly-oriented naturist campground." There would be an address and "Visitors by appointment only." Most people would write for more information and be sent the many brochures we had on hand. Visitors would arrive at the gate, ring the bell, talk to my dad, and be let in. Of course, usually the half of the couple suggesting to try nudism would be the husband, and very often the wife would be a bit more reticent—in those days anyway— so it was certainly a bit of a shock for these fellows to be greeted at the clubhouse parking lot by my father, in his rubber-boots-andnothing else, with the usually-not-visible parts being at about eye level through the car window. The visitors would be shown a place to park and be invited to tour the grounds, clothed at first. They would walk down the driveway toward the valley, where the pool,

snack bar and other facilities were located, probably being greeted by other members (pun intended) as they went. On a weekend there would usually be quite a few people there, and when the visitors reached the valley where the big open area was there they were: sunning, swimming, playing cards or cribbage, volleyball or badminton—adults and kids. Now what often happened at about this point was that the husband would be slightly disappointed that the place was not full of Playboy models, but of people rather more like your typical Walmart customer, if they were nude. On the other hand, the wife would stop being worried about whether her looks would match up, and realize that these people were just comfortable in their own skin. After getting toured around the whole property—the cottage area,

Page 11

A January 27, 2021

SVG ARCHIVES

the campground and trailer area, and the clubhouse building—my father would invite them to spend the rest of the day, but explained that they would now have to be nude as well. It was pretty rare that people would leave. They would change at their car, take a towel (all nudists keep a towel with them to sit on) and go back to the valley to meet some other members, swim, or sit at the snack bar to chat with my mother. And then they would decide whether to become annual members, or to come occasionally and pay the daily or weekend fee. In those days it was generally not permitted for a single man to come alone. This was to head off any kind of "singles bar" atmosphere. There were a few exceptions: one fellow from Toronto had been coming since before my parents bought the place, so he was grandfathered in and was a mem-

ber until he was in his 90s. And there were a couple of others over the years. Some were men who had originally come with their girlfriends, and when they split up, they or sometimes the girlfriend would be allowed to keep attending. Later on, in the late ‘70s and the early ‘80s, that all loosened up quite a bit. By the late ‘60s some families even lived there full time, but most were either weekend visitors if local, or stayed for two- or three-week vacations in the summer, with many families coming back for ten years or more, with semi-permanent trailer locations or summer-only cottages. Sometimes the children became members in their own right when they grew up, many of whom I still know. The place was always very well represented with kids of all ages, although there was often an awkward stage at puberty, when

some kids would stop coming with their parents for a little while, or they'd even stop attending altogether. But mostly the kids got through that experience as well. I mean, there were certainly no secrets about what was happening to their bodies—they could see the adult version all around them. The fact that no one made a big deal of it to them was, I think, a very healthy thing for their self-image. I’m often asked by friends when they discover how I grew up, “What was that like?” Well, it felt perfectly normal, to be honest. The stranger thing for me was when I first went to school and had to understand that it was expected that people always wear clothes, even in nice weather. Seemed a bit ridiculous, but that’s where I learned that cultural norms are all relative. See GROWING UP Page 14

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A January 27, 2021

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These streetwise libraries never close BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent The little library movement is spreading in Pelham. You’ll see them on the front lawn as you pass by, a cabinet intended for the free and anonymous storage and exchange of books, with none of the formalities associated with public libraries. Though most of the little library boxes in Fonthill appear to be ad-hoc, standalone projects, there is actually a worldwide association of such street-level library activity, with cabinets of books, along with CD and DVD collections, spawned by the good intentions of neighbours. Littlefreelibrary.org is a non-profit organization based in Wisconsin, founded in 2009. Some 90,000 of the pop-up book exchanges are registered in 91 countries (though most are in the US), providing millions of book exchanges annually to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The group’s website contains a world map with locations and GPS coordinates of library boxes, along with free designs and blueprints for book-sharing cabinets. The founder, Todd Bol, designed a wooden container to look like a one-room schoolhouse, and was built

FOLIOS IN FONTHILL Left, Joe Van Bolderen with his little library at 17 Fallingbrook Drive. Right, Michael Andrus with his book box at 4 Emmett Street. Lower right, book box at 9 Brock Street DON RICKERS as a tribute to his late mother, a teacher and book-lover. His goal was to build 2,510 of the little libraries across the midwestern United States, surpassing the number of public libraries endowed by famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Michael and Rosemary Andrus, at 4 Emmett Street in Fonthill, put out their little free library box a couple days before Christmas. “Our daughter, who’s in

Ottawa, prompted us to do it,” said Rosemary, who has lived on the street with her husband for almost 30 years. “Michael was installing the library box when a woman pulled up in her car and said, ‘Do you want some books?,’ and she returned with about 30.” Use of the box has been at a low ebb to date, which Rosemary attributes to the winter weather. She is confident that as

word spreads, the library box will get more use. “It's just something to do during the pandemic, just to keep people reading,” she said. Retiree Joe Van Bolderen, of 17 Fallingbrook Drive in Fonthill, said that a former business contact in Vancouver introduced him to the little library concept. “When my grandchildren came along, I thought it might be time to set up a

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little library with books for the kids, to encourage reading,” he said. Scrap lumber and a few redundant materials from his garage were crafted into his book exchange, which sees regular traffic from both adults and children in the neighbourhood. Some people drop off books four or five at a time, and take a couple, said Van Bolderen. “It’s been quite the conversation piece.” Amy Guilmette, acting CEO of the Pelham Public Libraries in Fonthill and Fenwick, which are currently only offering curbside service during the pandemic lockdown, said that her system has no connection with the little free library move-

ment, but added, “I think they are fantastic.” She noted that a Pelham library staff member, who has since retired, had the first little free library in Welland, and continues to stock it with books and other materials.

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A January 27, 2021

New legal mind in Pelham Town Hall Jennifer Stirton joins staff as shared solicitor BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Most people wouldn’t want to answer to three bosses, but that is the reporting structure Jennifer Stirton has accepted in her new role as shared in-house solicitor for Pelham, Fort Erie, and Wainfleet. It is likely the first such arrangement in municipal history in Ontario, and represents a creative approach towards cost-sharing and financial sustainability by the three municipalities. Pelham CAO David Cribbs, himself a lawyer, said that he was impressed by Stirton’s breadth of municipal experience during the Town’s search for candidates, which started last March. “Jennifer has defended and done work for many municipalities, and has been exposed to best (and worst) practices from small, medium, and large municipalities,” told The Voice. “These experiences enable her to add value in many situations. She has a number of reported decisions, which means that she has represented municipalities in novel or unique situations, which has clearly taught her much.” Stirton grew up in Mississauga and earned a science degree at McMaster, before getting the bug for jurisprudence. She attended Osgoode Hall in Toronto, graduating in 2002. Thereafter, she articled

in Toronto before joining a small litigation firm in London, Ontario. Stirton represented a heavy load of municipal clients in the courts, and her work earned her a partnership. “I really enjoyed working with the municipalities, and when the opportunity arose to be the inhouse counsel here, I was very interested,” she said. “I have extended family members living close by in the GTA, so that was certainly an attraction. My own family has spent a fair bit of vacation time in Niagara over the last several years, so it just seemed like a wonderful opportunity and a great fit.” Stirton has purchased a home in north St. Catharines, and will be commuting to the three partnering municipalities. Her husband will make the drive to Hamilton for work, and their two children are planning to enroll in a French immersion school. Asked about impending challenges in the job, Stirton said, “I'm very eager to work with the municipalities in a proactive manner. From a risk management mitigation perspective, I want to address situations before they become significant problems.” Most of Stirton’s daily labour will involve routine legal matters for the municipalities, while major

Pelham’s shared solicitor, Jennifer Stirton, started work last week. litigation matters will continue to be handled by external legal counsel. Her workload will vary, but it is expected to result in a 40-40-20 split between Pelham, Fort Erie, and Wainfleet respectively.

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OBITUARY

Connell (Milne), Robert John 1948-2021 A sense of humour like no other. A lover of music, played piano and guitar, singer of songs. A friend to many. After a six-year battle with cancer, Bob passed away at home with his family by his side. Born to Robert and Gladys Milne in Merritton, Ontario, Bob was proud to be “A Merritton Kid.” His mother passed away when Bob was the tender age of 5. Bob was eventually adopted in 1960 by James and Dorothy Connell in Belleville, ON. Always proud of his Merritton roots, Bob moved back to the area around the age of 19. Best friend and husband to Barbara for 52 years. Honorary father of Randy and grandfather to Daniel (Kieryn), Lori (Jeff) and granddaughters Megan (Paul), Eban (Glen). Great grandfather to Dominic Jeffrey and Nicholas Robert. Teddy and grandson Dwight, great-granddaughters Zonta, Daytoya and Nevayah. Wendy and grandsons Cole and Devon and great-grandsons Gauge and Harley. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Peter (Milne) Houghton and sister Patricia (Milne) Dopko, sister-in-law Florence (McKernan) Cox and brotherin-laws Alfred Groombridge, Wayne (Bushee) Bushnell (2020), “special friend” and brother-in-law Robert Schofield (1980). Survived by brothers Daniel, Gerry and Geoffry Milne, sister-in-law Dorothy (Schofield) Bushnell, brother-in-law Douglas (Linda) Groombridge. Bob was employed at Tallman Transport in Welland for 40 years, where he made many longtime friends. Bob, along with Barbara, enjoyed 35 years of membership and volunteering at Branch 613 Fonthill Legion. Special thanks to Toni at the Fonthill Legion for all the hot meals provided during these difficult months. Special thanks to Dr. Hanna at Hamilton Juravinski Clinic and Dr. Yelamanchili and staff at the Walker Cancer Clinic. Also, St. Elizabeth Palliative Home Care team. At Bob’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place at the Fonthill Legion when COVID guidelines permit. In lieu of flowers Bob has requested donations to be made to Branch 613 Fonthill Legion or the charity of your choice. Please share your condolences, photos and memories at www. pleasantviewcemetery.ca

The Voice

OBITUARY

HAGGARTY, Melba Fern (nee Crowe) 1929-2021 Passed away peacefully at Rapelje Lodge on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by her beloved husband Edgar (1996). Dear and loving mother of Sheila Ayres and predeceased by her son Sheldon (2005) Merilou. Cherished grandmother of Graham (Cindy), Shawn, Ashley, Aaron (Amber), Mallory (Patrick), Keri (Jason) and Jamie. Great Grandmother of Justin, Logan, Amron, Berron, Jackson, Marissa, Isabelle, Theodore, Jeffrey and Joey. Dear sister of Wesley (the late Eileen), Carson (Shirley), Ken (Ina), Allen (the late Joan) and sisters-in-law Doreen and Pearl. Predeceased by her brothers Leo, Roger, Glen and sister Dorothy. Melba will also be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Rapelje Lodge for the care and kindness that Melba received. A private funeral will take place at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, Fonthill with interment to follow at Pleasantview Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Rapelje Lodge 277 Plymouth Road, Welland L3B6E3 or a charity of ones choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 18 even pretending to be an athlete are long past, yet I still have a training plan to keep me motivated and on track. Intuitively I just know whether it’s walking our kid’s Golden on those lucky days they trust its care to us, running around with the grandkids, golfing or playing tennis on a hot summer day when that little bit of extra stamina helps, even staying mentally awake for an extra hour in the evening to enjoy a gripping novel or movie—being more fit is an advantage, and it’s much more likely to happen if one adopts a training plan, modest or demanding as it might be. To get started, knowing your baseline for flexibility, aerobic capacity and muscle strength will help you develop a suitable plan. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following simple tests, and there’s no equipment needed. Although most of us have an idea where our fitness level is at any time, let’s put the “see your doctor” warning in here to be safe. We’re not suggesting starting off with Warrior Woman or Ironman

A January 27, 2021

GROWING UP

continued from Page 11 We never concealed where we lived, so it was the subject of a lot of curiosity among the other kids. But most of my friends, male or female, were permitted to come visit me — another benefit of the “open house” policy, because their parents had presumably visited. I had another large group of friends at Sun Valley Gardens as well, who would be there either on weekends or for two or three weeks at a time, and I would see them every summer. I also get asked, “Do you have to be nude all the time?” No, it’s just expected that if the weather permits, you don’t walk around dressed when everyone else is not. Raining or cold? Wear something waterproof, or a sweater if you’re cold. Women on their period? They’d wear a bikini bottom or shorts. But otherwise you’d just naturally choose to be nude. So, finally, some corrections, or a least, an alternate perspective. An oft-cited book on nudism in Ontario, Au Naturel: The History of Nudism in Canada, perpetuates some pretty

programs, and basic Health Canada guidelines recommend two and a half hours of moderate to vigorous activity each week, so getting started on your own is a reasonable option. To get a sense of your cardiorespiratory capacity, check your pulse rate before and immediately after a one or two kilometre walk. You can use a fitness watch, or count the pulsations in your carotid artery by pressing your fingers lightly on your neck for ten seconds, then multiply by six. Sixty to eighty beats per minute is considered normal, and lower is generally considered to represent a healthier heart than higher. Count how many regular or modified push-ups you can do without excessive strain, and how far forward you can stretch with your legs in front of you when seated on the floor. The push-ups will give you a sense of your strength— between five and twelve is normal for women, six to sixteen for men. The most basic measure of flexibility is being able to touch your toes sitting and standing. Measure your waist circumference (don’t believe your pant size —manufacturers lie to make us feel good), height, and weight, then find a body mass index calculator or chart on the web to find and interpret your number. Save all this information for comparison as you progress. Measurable improvement is wonderful motivation. Now that you know your baseline in a very general sense, take a few minutes to decide what your fitness goals, or needs, are. Achieving general health and wellbeing goals will require cardiorespiratory training (endurance) core strengthening and balance training (resistance), flexibility (joint mobility and range of motion, posture alignment, body tension) and perhaps quickness training (control of motor skills). A good training plan will contain all these elements in a balanced routine that begins at your current base and progresses to what’s necessary to achieve your desired goals. Begin at a low level, be cautious, progress slow-

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harsh criticisms of my father. I am the first to admit that he was a strongwilled curmudgeon and had a temper. People thought he could be dictatorial at times (me too), but the book seems to rely too heavily on the statements of some folks who left Sun Valley Gardens on bad terms, and there are of course two sides. Yes, he was pretty strict, partly because he knew if anything bad happened there, the local authorities would stop being so friendly. And he did not appreciate things like littering or having members step barefoot in someone's dog poop (which ultimately led to a dog ban, because people would not keep their dogs curbed). It was said in the book that he didn’t allow people to rearrange the outdoor furniture. Not at all true — what he didn’t appreciate was it being dragged away from the public valley area to a personal campsite, or rearranged and left somewhere for him to put back himself later. And I never saw him limit people playing any of the sports. He had no interest in imposing any kind of activity schedule for others. Maybe someone was hogging the horseshoe pitch or shuffleboard court all day and

ly, and if you feel dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath, rest and consider consulting a professional. Here’s a very basic plan, mine for winter, which can be used as an example and make this discussion less generic. This plan is designed to maintain overall strength and fitness, skewed somewhat to cycling endurance, and has components of flexibility. The end goal is simple: to reduce morbidity and be able to cycle off into the sunset.

We're not suggesting starting off with Warrior Woman or Ironman programs

Monday – Rest Day. Recovery is key to any exercise program, especially as we age, and definitely when starting out. A rest day doesn’t necessarily mean sitting around. Gardening, hiking, home maintenance or watching sports all qualify — whatever feels right, and isn’t too strenuous. Tuesday - Exercise, Weights, Ride 40k. Exercise is a wide open term that allows the choice of various activities. Pilates and yoga provide core strength, stretching and flexibility, and aerobic training. Vigorous floor exercises such as Zumba or Salsa would be more aerobic, and some of these routines like the old Twenty Minute Workout include push-ups and sit-ups for strength. By simply stating exercise, this plan allows lots of room for creativity and change as required. If you’re new to aerobic fitness routines, a lot of jumping, dancing and bouncing may inflame your joints, and put you off continuing, so stick with low impact exercise until you are comfortable with additional stress on your joints. Weights are weights, be they static, equip-

he asked them to make it available for others? I do know we had a lot of fun: huge bonfires, campfire sing-alongs, “luau”-style pig roasts and lamb roasts, Halloween and other impromptu parades, dance parties with DJs and treasure hunts for the kids. One of the main sources of discord was alcohol. Alcohol was a pet peeve for my father, and although he wasn't anti-alcohol as such, he was mainly concerned that just one bad situation due to excess drinking would cause him a lot of trouble. It was only quite late, in the mid-’70s I think, that he finally started to allow people to drink alcohol at the clubhouse and elsewhere. Until then it was only permitted at your own campsite, trailer or cottage. So if you discreetly had a drink in your own place, that was okay, but loud, late-night drinking parties would get you warned, or summarily expelled. Some of the folks who couldn’t tolerate these alcohol rules went off to start their own very different style of nudist camps, for example near Hamilton. The focus of the book is on my fa-

ment-based, or your own body weight, and not a part of the routine I relish. Calling it resistance training might sound more 2021, but it’s still hard work that is essential to long term muscular and joint health. Forget the bulging biceps, I just want to know that there’s enough muscle around my joints to protect ligaments from sudden twists and jolts, and that I have the strength to recover my balance from an unexpected slip or loss of footing. The 40 kilometre ride provides cardiorespriatory training, develops specific muscle groups, and improves balance—all goal-specific in my case. If you’ve already spent 40 to 60 minutes on some iteration of the exercise and weights portion of your own training plan, you’ve done lot for the day, and adding more may be over the top, or unnecessary. Substitute golf, tennis, horseback riding, gardening, ballroom dancing, anything with movement, for the third, activity-specific component of this training plan. Wednesday – Exercise, Weights. Repeat the above to stay the course, but change it up as you wish to maintain interest or try something new. Thursday – Exercise, Weights, Ride 40k. This is a general repeat of Tuesday, with the ride part allowing flexibility. If this happens to be the day insurrectionists are storming Congress, an hour on the indoor trainer glued to CNN is perfect. If I want to concentrate on aerobics, a spinning DVD will shorten the ride time and increase the effort. Perhaps it’s a hike through Shorthills or brisk walk on the Gerry Berkhout Trail. The beauty of a training plan is that you schedule yourself to do something for a specific duration, so you have to do it— yet any aerobic activity will do. There’s few things more refreshing than a brisk walk at lunch hour when you’re working, and that might fit your plan just fine. Friday – Run 5K. Significant fitness and strength increases come for stressing body systems, and running on my short, stubby legs provides a definite opportunity to push the intensity

See GROWING UP next page

level. For your plan, anything that’s fun and elevates the heart rate significantly will work once you’re ready for it. Saturday/Sunday – Optional/Exercise, Weights, Ride 90k. Weekends are, or used to be, busy, and staying on plan can be a challenge. This written plan tells me that during the two days I have to do the three elements, exercise, weights and a distance ride, but that I can move them around to fit my schedule. Remember, your new training plan is a balance between commitment and flexibility, and only works if you actually do it. What equipment to use, and whether to employ professional assistance or coaching are very personal choices, and not decisions that have to be made before devising a basic plan. Scheduling flexibility has always been important to me, hence I prefer to train at home. I began using only my body weight for resistance, and have since graduated to garage sale weights and a Kijiji-sourced home gym. Splurging for an unused floor exercise mat seemed the right thing to do though. In-home spinning bikes, treadmills and cross-trainers are all the rage. An excellent way to see if any of them are for you before pulling out your credit card is to join a gym or the YMCA and try them. A fitness tracker such as a watch or app on your phone is also something to consider early on. If you chose to adopt a training plan to improve your heart health, it is literally life affirming to watch your resting heart rate drop, your maximum heart rate rise, and your recovery times reduce. Beginning an exercise program is an important decision that needn’t be overwhelming. By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can safely establish a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. If you put your plan on paper, put that piece of paper in a place that you can’t help but see it many times each day, and think of all the benefits that will come your way if you stick to it. Piece of cake, right? ◆

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A January 27, 2021

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FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomping grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in GROWING UPQuebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. traditional continued from previous page

ther, PELHAM but I should also say that my mother LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP was very much responsible for the success Make sixGardens. cards with themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials of Sun Valley I stillfall meet or speak with are people who knew her and were strongprovided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. ly impressed by her ability to keep everyTues., thing going. Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamThere was definitely decline in member- for more details. library.on.ca or acall 905-892-6443 ship starting in the mid- ‘70s, but this was true of almost all nudist camps at that time, oftenFABULOUS because peopleFENWICK had started to combine LIONS FISH FRY their nudism with going south for a vacation Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, (which wasn’t so common before) or looking for a french more party-like SoRuns they Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. fries andatmosphere. much more. stopped coming to the campground-style nudist resorts. Many of the nudist resorts HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE then PELHAM went downMINOR a more commercial route to increase revenue, with big parties every Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide weekend, a real emphasis on alcohol sales cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from and even open-to-the-public judged "naked women" events — I call it that because it re9-12 in the morning. ally got away from the nudist philosophy and into marketing nakedness. This was never my father’s style.MUDFEST PELHAM The end of the Sun Valley Gardens era women will besplit back the mud as the second run on the year is reallyMen cameand when my parents up. in My Michael Ruehle today. SUPPLIED father was left to run the camp, but it was held at Bissil’s Hideaway. pretty clear that he was not a people-person and had relied on my mother to do most of go topless, men are causing women to not that, NIAGARA so it didn’t go so well. And his heart REGIONAL EXHIBITION take advantage of this legal freedom. (It’s a wasn’t in it anyway, so he closed it. He would lose-lose situation, guys! Wise up.) event. It Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting be very sad to see how the place looks now, It has also caused me to be very accepting but he wouldn’t have compromised to keep it runs from Sept. 11-14 at the WellandofFairgrounds. a wide range of ways of living. I’ve lived going either. in many places in the world, feel comfortAm I still a nudist today? able with the idea that "the way we do things BIGlong MOVE In the run, ICANCER haven’t keptRIDE up “being a here" is not “the best” and certainly not the nudist,” i.e., attending a nudist campground. The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride place on only way to live, andtaking I am adamant thatSept. peoI’ve moved around the world too much, and ple should be able to choose their preferred 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famit’s just not been a priority. I’ve gone on holway to live, as long as it doesn’t directly idaysily to Cancer nude resorts in the Caribbean, and Centre. harm or restrict the freedoms of others. Be visited nude beaches on my travels. The gay, straight, bi, poly, asexual or whatever; main thing I think I carry with me from that choose your expressed gender according to upbringing is to understand WALKING CLUB that nudity per how you perceive yourself and how you feel se is not sexual. All this weirdness about comfortable in your skin; practice any reliInterested in walking in of Pelham? whether some particular part the bodyJoin them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena gion you choose or none, but don’t force your is visible not, am or the idea that a manat(orFonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There fromor9-10 and Thursdays beliefs on others; treat people from all races woman) “can’t control themselves” if they and cultures equally and value them.jcook@ is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact see too much skin, is just ludicrous to me. I This is more than mere “tolerance”—it is applaud that toplessness legal in Ontario,ext 329. pelham.ca or call is905 892-2607, affirmative acceptance—and nudism (and but also recognize that by harassing, ogling Canadian multiculturalism) was my gateand cat-calling women if they do choose to way. �

HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

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Page 16

The Voice

A January 27, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

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Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham

Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com

Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca

Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com

Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com

Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19 bernetically (yes, that’s a word; I checked). Recently my home church had a Zoom church service for the first time in 175 years. It was history in the making! (Impressive, eh?) Here’s how it worked. We encouraged the church family to view a YouTube video that our pastor had recorded the day before. Then we sent them a Zoom invitation link for the one-hour program/service set for Sunday afternoon. After an opening welcome and video praise song, we answered three questions related to the pastor’s message: “What was the main idea?” “What were the main points?” and “How does this apply practically to my dai-

ly life?” I especially like the last question. It reminds me of what Dwight Moody once said — “The purpose of Bible study is not to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.” After our interactive discussion, we looked at a video “Prayercast” so we could pray for one country in the world and widen our mission’s vision. We chose the island nation of Dominica, and a friend of mine (who was born and raised there) prayed for his homeland. We then spent a few minutes sharing and praying for each other. We concluded with a final praise video song and bid everyone farewell and God’s blessing until we meet again this Sunday. The apostle Paul wrote, “I have become all things to all

people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22) I think Paul would be pleased with this new means of communication and (if alive today) would be using it to the full. This is all very new, however, to our church family but is helping some of our people stay connected. Overall, I was very encouraged with our first experience and have to say that the one hour just “zoomed” by. One year ago, no one in our assembly would have “remotely” guessed how this “virtually” untapped resource could have been used for God’s Kingdom. Now we do. Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who admits to a weakness for lame puns.

UPDATE

continued from Page 2 staff at long-term care homes have had their injections delayed, perhaps for several weeks. Due to a vaccine distribution issue for Pfizer, there is now a pause in vaccinating all Niagara Health staff and physicians. Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley has announced the formation of a Community Coordination Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccination, chaired by Dr. David Dec, the current president of the Greater Niagara Medical Society and Assistant Clinical Professor for the Department of Family Practice at McMaster University. Dr. Robin Williams, former Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario and former Niagara Medical Officer of Health, will act as a special advisor to the task force. The other 20 task force members have been drawn from the ranks of local professionals, representing a diverse range of backgrounds, and include municipal CAOs, medical directors, and community leaders. Key undertakings include coordinating the

strategic delivery of vaccinations, ensuring high vaccination rates by building public trust, and providing updates to politicians, the medical community, and general public regarding progress and milestones achieved. Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner told The Voice last week that Pelham bylaw officers have not issued a single fine or warning to local residents for violation of social distancing or lockdown protocols during the pandemic. “Most calls we have received are about groups congregating,” said Lymburner. “We get reports about house parties, which prove to be false. People drive through a subdivision and see four or five cars in a driveway and they phone us, thinking it’s a breach of the stay-at-home rules. But some homes have large families with adult children, and they might each have a car. Some people are just making assumptions. We probably averaged about one call a day, so it's not a huge problem. Some of it is malicious...neighbours don't always like each other. Our businesses around town have done very, very well following the rules.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 17

A January 27, 2021

COLUMN SIX

I had my revenge on the rules, though, when it came to mouthguards. Neurologists or dentists or some have believed that the arena cabal of the two had decided was barely 25 years old when that all junior hockey players I started using it. It seemed had to wear mouthguards. to be dismantling itself even Skaters hit each other, afthen. ter all, so the law seemed Still, though, we played fair enough for them. But hockey in that barn, and I couldn’t stand that they we loved it. Competition for made goalies wear them too, convenient ice time meant which made as much sense to that junior teams practised me as forcing skaters to wear early—and what must have a goalie’s helmet would have. felt even earlier for our parI hated mouthguards. I hated ents. The Thursday 6 AM how they would both provoke slot is the one I remember saliva and create reservoirs most, my father shaking for it. I hated how the rubber me awake in the dark, me flaked off and made its way wolfing down cereal while into the back of my throat. he warmed up the car outMost of all, I hated that the side. I was a goalie and took rule was for junior players longer putting my pads on only. than most and so had to be After a reprimand from there even earlier. Some parsome referee for failing to ents would save time by havwear mine, I came up with a ing their kids get completely compromise. At home, I took ready at home, then drive to a pair of kitchen scissors and the rink in full uniform save cut my mouthguard down in for their skates and helmet. size until it barely covered When we practiced I would my front two teeth. The next forget how early it was, even time a referee asked to see if I remembered later, when it, I bared my lips and fooled trying to stay awake in class. him. It occurs to me now that On weekends, or in the I was probably introducing evenings, we played games. a choking hazard into the Was there anything more sport, one of the few dangers glorious than this? I could it was otherwise without. But pretend that the bleachers the headline “Goalie suffowere full of paying spectacates on mouthguard” may tors, rather than occasionhave eliminated the rule. It ally disturbingly enthusiwas a cause willing to die for. astic parents. As a goalie, All of these humiliations especially when playing bad could be forgotten during a teams, I had a lot of time to game if only those operating daydream on the ice. I was the clock played music during never good enough to truly warm-ups and at whistles. think that hockey was ever Nothing felt more profesgoing to be something more sional than those 15 seconds than my childhood passion, of Coldplay after an icing, or though never bad enough to perhaps a few bars of Blur accept (at least for a while) between periods. Later, when that this was all it would be. I was old enough to take on Only a few things got in my this job myself, I would stay way. For one, the buzzer that on at the rink on Saturday screeched when the arena’s mornings after a practise, ancient clock hit zero was too when the day’s games began. grating and dissonant to be If the teams didn’t have their confused for the more subown operators, I would step dued horns on TV. Worse still, in. if we were really hammering Two of us in the box, five a team, or getting hammered dollars an hour each. Workourselves, the referees would ing the clock itself, as opinstruct the clock operators posed to filling in the game to stop marking the score sheet, meant being able to on the board, so as not to play music myself, a thrill embarrass anyone. Did they I was happy to pass along think we didn’t know how to those playing. But it also bad we were losing? meant wrestling with the Nothing angered me more prehistoric console that conthan that—except maybe trolled the big external disthe other little rules that play. POUND NUMBER NUMwere insidiously designed BER? Or NUMBER NUMBER to remind me how small I POUND? Oh no, here comes was. With two goalies on the ref. When in doubt, pound the team, I only played evthe POUND. ery other game, and spent The resident refs all had my nights off either sitting their distinct reputations. on the bench or in the penI will not name names, out alty box. No matter how high of respect for the living, the the protective glass ran, the dead, and the living dead, referees always forced me but we all knew who was atto keep my helmet on while tentive, who was asleep, and riding the bench all game who could barely skate. They long. No NHL back-up had had their own little changeto endure such an indignity! room at the end of the hall. And neither did our coachDuring tryout season, at es, standing on the benches the beginning of the year, without any protection at all. this space often doubled as If anything, they were bigger the cut room. Some coachtargets to get hit. es handed out letters, to be 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt continued from Page 1

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The author, age 6. opened in the privacy of the car on the way home, while others preferred speaking to their charges face-to-face and either welcoming them to the team or wishing them better next time. I’m not sure which was more merciful in the end, but it was merciful when, having been cut, I was allowed out the back door, free to go without passing by the rest of the team while crying harder than after any injury on the ice. Is there anything worse than being cut from playing A hockey, to A/E? Or from A/E to house league? At the time, I didn’t think so. I’m sure I wasn’t alone. The arena wasn’t only hockey on the ice. The upper tier was the site of many card sales, a few parties, and even a memorable ballroom dance class. (Don’t ask.) Many times I saw figure skaters out before us, and while we com-

PICCOLO FAMILY

plained about the divots left by their toe picks with much bravado, I always watched them with the suspicion that they were better skaters than we. Good skaters and bad turned out on Friday nights for public skating. It was a time for hockey players to show off, zig-zagging dangerously, and to point to our misspelled names on the banners. Other things happened on Fridays: first requests for a date, first dates, first breakups. The sorts of adolescent moments that for a while afterwards, you would give anything to erase from history, but which later you appreciate having happened. The old Pelham Arena cost only $525,000 in 1975, which works out to about $2.4 million dollars today. Cinderblocks, steel beams, concrete, and not much more

besides wood for the benches. What will I remember of it? The smell of the fryers in the lobby, my mother insisting that I take some money so that I would not become a “mooch” off others. Her watching me play, trying to keep warm under those spotty heaters. My friends on the ice. My father opening the bench’s door. My palms sweating and stomach lurching on a Friday night. $2.4 million doesn’t seem like a lot to pay for a whole

town’s-worth of times like those. The cheapest of the coming homes in the arena’s footprint will apparently cost $600,000, or one quarter of the cost of the whole arena, adjusted for inflation. This fact alone makes it seem as though there’s something terribly wrong with what’s replacing the old barn, but seeing those photos last week reminded me that there was a lot terrifically right with what it was. ◆

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Page 18

The Voice

A January 27, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart

Finding balance requires a plan

A

nything special planned for the next 90 days? Seems the lives of almost everyone I meet now, whether walking or cycling or grocery shopping, is out of balance in some way. Young families are stressed, dealing with all their normal responsibilities, plus making the concessions and accommodations necessary to carry on during COVID. Kids of all ages are having their schedules disrupted, yet doing the best they can with less support than usual. Empty nesters and seniors, even the most self-motivated and enterprising, are

When you’re answering a text or phone call, how much cooler is it to say, “I’m just in the middle of training now,” than “I’m out walking the cat for the third time today.” Committing to a training plan gets you up in the morning with purpose and confidence, makes you feel well, and will energize you. For the next few months, that alone might be reason enough. COVID and winter are both with us for a while, and in my opinion, anything you can do to lessen the chance you’re going to see the inside of a hospital for the next year is a sound plan that benefits everyone. “In a world in which many important facets of life seem beyond our influence, our bodies — how we treat them and how we train them — are factors over which we do have control.” This is

finding that filling their days with exciting activities is becoming more difficult. No matter which demographic lump you’re in, perhaps it’s time to consider developing, and following, a physical training plan. Your immediate gut reaction is either, I’m in! What new data or routine will he share to improve my existing plan? Or you’re so far out you’ve already moistened your thumb and forefinger to turn the page. I’ve survived 57 or 68 or 14 years without a physical training plan, why would I possibly want to start one now? Here are the first five reasons that come to mind.

Follow your bliss. The exercise plan that's best is the one that works best for you.

self-esteem, easier weight maintenance, reduced risk of chronic disease, more strength and stamina? There’s no need to feel intimidated, and this isn’t a gender thing. My days of

we know that having control carries an implied responsibility. Which of the following don’t make sense at any age or health and fitness level? Improved flexibility, better coordination and balance, sounder sleep, enhanced

a quote from Ted Temertzoglou, a Brock University graduate and lead author of “Kinesiology: An introduction to Exercise Science,” an Ontario high school and university textbook published in 2014. His premise has never been more appropriate, and

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See BALANCED LIFE Page 14

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, it is not often that you feel compelled to be a people-pleaser, but you’ve been a lot more cautious about what you say or post online lately. That can be a good thing. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, certain things aren’t adding up and someone close to you is being rather evasive. You may want to do some investigative work and get to the bottom of the situation. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, even though you detest drama, unless you are careful this week you could put yourself right in the middle of some. Watch your words and actions carefully. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You are known for adding your personal touch to everything, Cancer. Just don’t push this so far as to have the final word on everything; otherwise, you could ruffle feathers. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you’re often focused on the bigger picture but don’t consider the small details. When financial issues become a concern, you have to learn to scrutinize data. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 You can’t resist helping other people who are close to you, Virgo. However, this week is a time when the roles are reversed. Don’t hesitate to accept help. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are normally upbeat and passive. However, you may have to be a little more forceful if you want to get your point across and be heard in the days ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You don’t mind defending your opinions or your ideals, Scorpio. In fact, you are highly skilled at constructive conversation. Your negotiation tactics may be put to the test. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, it is not your job to solve a group issue on your own. This needs to be a democratic process with all opinions included in the discussion. You may act as moderator. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Is there something going on in your life right now that could benefit from a little more investigation, Capricorn? Personal problems may involve delving a little deeper. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, it seems that for each step you take forward, you move two or three steps back. Break this cycle and develop a contingency plan so you don’t miss a beat. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 The distance between you and someone you love keeps widening, Pisces. Take the time to mend this fence. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 24 Michael Provost, Actor (23) JANUARY 25 Alicia Keys, Singer (40) JANUARY 26 Colin O’Donoghue, Actor (40) JANUARY 27 Noah Schnacky, Singer (24) JANUARY 28 Ariel Winter, Actress (23) JANUARY 29 Adam Lambert, Singer (39)

55. TAI

51. SAID

50. AXON

47. ERGs

49. WAIN

45. ESOP

43. BURP

40. PLEB

42. RHINOS

38. PINEAL

35. ERIN

37. SACKING

34. PENALTY

30. KAKA

32. ELATES

28. EPICURES

24. ELON

26. PESETA

18. TIES

20. AZALEA

15. CINEMA

12. SENE

14. NSEC

11. LONESOME

9. METZ

10. ROES

8. INMOST

7. TRUISMS

5. LENA

6. OAST

3. LYS

4. MAID

1. CARIES

2. AGOUTIS

SOLUTIONS DOWN

59. DIGS

58. LYNN

56. PATIOS

57. PIANOS

54. BOATING

52. KIR

53. RELAXES

46. ACHE

48. UNAWARENESS

43. BIN

44. UTILE

41. ATAR

38. PEA

39. CARP

36. EKES

34. PENILE

31. LOPE

33. AMAs

29. SMOKES

26. PMT

27. SALE

25. CEES

22. SSE

23. SIZE

19. ZETA

21. SEINE

16. TIU

17. DESTINATION

15. CONSUME

11. LEARNS

13. EROSION

5. LOTI

9. MAGYAR

1. CALM

ACROSS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SOLUTIONS

Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 19

A January 27, 2021

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

Welcome to Zoom church

I

f you had asked me one year ago what “Zoom Church” was, you would have been greeted with a blank stare and a big question mark on my face. My first question would have been, “What is Zoom?” When informed that Zoom has been around for almost ten years already (it was started by Eric Yuan, in San Jose, California, in April 2011), my next question would have been, “Okay, but what does that have to do with church?” Well, a lot has changed in one year.

Zoom

I now have several Zoom meetings every week. I use it for meeting fellow believers for prayer twice a week (usually). I use it for an English circle with international students who come from all over the world and need to be functionally fluent in order to study at Brock University or Niagara College. Many of them need a little (okay, a lot of) help with their English. I use it for other meetings related to my local church (Fonthill Baptist) and my mission work with OM (Operation Mobilization). On one weekly call about 30 people are connected from across Canada. And, most enjoyably, my wife and I use it to chat with our six grandchildren who live in other parts of the province and country (we also say “Hi” to their parents). So, I’ve got the basics down but still have a lot to learn about its many features. I still marvel when I look at my laptop screen and see the faces of family and friends looking back at me. If that’s true of my generation (the Boomers), just think how my 94-year-old mother feels when she’s chatting with her great-grands. Zoom was the stuff of sci-fi comics when

she was growing up.

Zoom church

So, eventually the idea emerged to use this wonderful technology in God’s Kingdom work. The incentive, of course, came from the pandemic. Call it the

silver lining to an otherwise gloomy cloud. Although COVID has physically closed church doors for periods of time, this tool has in some ways actually extended the reach of some churches cySee FAITH LIFT Page 16

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

Word Search: Estate Planning

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ADMINISTRATOR ANCILLARY ANNUAL BENEFICIARY CHILDREN CODICIL

CONSERVATOR CONTEST CREDITOR DEED DISCLAIM ESTATE

EXCLUSION FIDUCIARY FUNDS GRANTOR HEIR INHERITANCE

PROBATE PROPERTY PROXY TAXES TRUST WILL

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Voice

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Page 20

The Voice

Voice

A January 27, 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Baked potato soup is a creamy soup that is reminiscent of a loaded baked potato. For those who are avoiding inflammatory foods, such as those in the nightshade variety, of which white potatoes are included, a potato soup may be harder to come by. This version of “Loaded Baked Potato Soup” from “Eat What You Love” (Ten Speed Press) by Danielle Walker is a delicious alternative that can satisfy potato soup cravings. Loaded Baked Potato Soup Serves 6 6 1 2 2 10 41⁄2 1 31⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄2 1⁄2

slices thick bacon, coarsely chopped yellow onion, diced cloves garlic, chopped pounds Hannah sweet potatoes, peeled and diced ounces cauliflower, cut into florets cups chicken bone broth cup cashew milk teaspoons fine sea salt teaspoon smoked paprika teaspoon apple cider vinegar teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Chopped fresh chives, for serving (optional) Dairy-free sour cream (optional)

Line a plate with paper towels. In a stockpot, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pot and set it on the prepared plate to drain. Pour off most of the grease, reserving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Return the pot to medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add half of the sweet potatoes and all of the cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the bone broth, bring it to a gentle boil, and cook for 10 minutes, until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Using an immersion blender, or working in batches in a blender, blend the soup until smooth. (If using a blender, remove the cap in the blender top and place a kitchen towel over the top to allow steam from the hot liquid to release while you blend.) Return the purée to the stockpot. Add the remaining sweet potatoes, the cashew milk, salt, paprika, vinegar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cashew milk has thickened the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon, chives, and dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days, or in the freezer for 6 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.

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CANDLES OF HOPE Dr. Louis Albanese is pictured in front of his home at 1351 Pelham St., in Fonthill. Lighted candles have been displayed in his windows day and night for some two decades. Albanese says the candles were first put in place to provide a feeling of warmth and welcome to his home, which was built in 1929. The Pelham Beautification Committee says that candles in windows date back to colonial times, and may have represented a welcome to weary travellers, friendship, and a sign of hope for better things to come. In a statement, the committee says, “The Pelham Beautification Committee would like to recognize the many homes throughout Pelham with candles burning in the window … a symbol of welcome to a new year, friendships new and old, and a sign of hope that we will overcome this most serious health crisis with renewed energy and commitment to a better life for all. Stay safe and stay healthy.” SUPPLIED

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