Parents fight to keep Fenwick EarlyON page 3 Mossimo's at 25 page 11 Woodcutters get sawing page 14 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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How would Caravaggio get on in the 21st century BY COLIN BREZICKI
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S A N A DMIRER of that irredeemably wicked genius Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, I sometimes wonder how he would be received in an age that assumes a loftier morality. The guy had trouble enough fitting into his own time and place—17th Century Rome—and seems to have divided his short life between painting masterpieces and languishing in prison. It wasn’t only that he acquired a reputation of bedding just about anyone with a pulse, regardless of gender or youth; in any case, his own patrons included here and there a wealthy noble, or influential cardinal, who wasn’t above doing the same thing. Caravaggio also had a habit of picking fights in the street, insulting the cops, bashing people on the head for not acknowledging his gentlemanly status, and on one occasion actually killing a hated rival in an illegal duel. See COLUMN SIX back page
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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
A reader and longtime Fonthill resident writes: “Larry Coté's recent commentary on doctor shortages was spot-on. We seem to be increasing our population and decreasing our medical services. I went to a doctor's office recently to place my name on a waiting list. I was told they were not presently taking new patients, and was then told they were overwhelmed with the current patients—this latter portion was whispered to me. Not only do we have a doctor shortage and doctors who are verging on or past retirement age, but we are placing a lot of pressure on our current doctors. What does that lead to? Burnout? Poor medical care? Not enough time to deal with patients?” Increasingly; probably; and definitely...Speaking of burnout: Our writer Jennifer Chornley is off to better hours at a new job. This means we’re once again looking to over-work and under-pay a new reporter! Depending on experience, we max-out at $38,000 (told you), but it sure beats a whole lot of other jobs. If you fancy writing for a living, or know someone who might, see the ad on this page. Act fast! I have only so much more wick to go before my own candle is out...Tasty times: One of the pleasures of this job is an occasional merchandise sample. This week it was Indulgence Bakery’s cranberry walnut sourdough loaf. Paul the baker wasn’t sure whether to go with his outstanding raisin bread (Fridays and Saturdays only!) or the sourdough, which won in the end. Off went a loaf home with me, where, on Saturday under a photographically ideal gray winter sky, it posed for the camera, on the deck (well, on a cutting board, on the deck), looking every bit as tasty as it is. See the evidence, page 9. Word to the wise: it’s a pretty dense texture. One slice is a meal in itself...Silver Stick success: The big tournament has come and gone, the parking seemed to take care of itself (saving the Town an immediate $80,000, give or take), and a good time was had by all. Mayor Junkin dropped the puck—and also a salty start to the festivities. Ending his welcoming speech, he apologized to the several dozen teams from out of province and from the U.S. by saying, and pardon an inexact quote, “I’m sorry you had to come all this way just to get your asses kicked by our hometown teams.” A joke, of course, and one with a boomerang punchline. Junkin says that as the ceremony ended a coach from Philadelphia came up and introduced himself, saying, “Mr. Mayor, we played a Pelham team this morning, and it was us who kicked their ass, 3-0.” He proceeded to give Junkin a Philly pin. “We both had a good laugh and I wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament”...No shortage of opinion: We see an unusually high number of commentaries this week, on a variety of issues. Patrick LaMontagne’s disappointment with social media (page 4) is a sentiment that surely many of us increasingly share. On page 5, Councillor Diana Huson offers support for the EarlyON program; and on page 6, former Regional Councillor David Barrick wonders why the Region is looking to increase taxes in the face of what he says is a budget surplus…No photos for you: By the way, we went looking for an official Regional photo to accompany Huson’s piece, only to find 32 missing faces on the Region’s website. Asked about the absence, Huson replied that while official council photos were in fact taken on inauguration day, shortly afterward the photographer was among those whose positions were terminated in the Big Shakeup. Oops…Writing not your thing? Willowbrook Nurseries is also hiring (pages 5 and 11). Ah, flowers. Let’s end on that image. Merely 62 days until spring...
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Town of Pelham 2019 budget input meeting Delegates, residents submit requests for money and suggestions as to how (or not) to spend it The Town of Pelham held its annual budget input meeting on Monday, January 7 in council chambers. The meeting gave residents, community groups and Town-operated organizations an opportunity to provide public input for the town’s 2019 budget. Treasurer’s presentation Town Treasurer Teresa Quinlin made a presentation to council regarding Town budgets and how the Town receives its revenue. The Town has three budgets it must prepare yearly— an operating levy budget, an operating budget, and a capital budget. “The Town’s budget is a financial plan that outlines the money the Town will raise and spend within one year,” Quinlin said. “It aligns the Town’s strategic priorities with the services that are delivered daily to the residents and directs what infrastructure will be purchased, constructed and repaired.” The operating levy budget is funded by residential and business taxes that pays for the daily business of the Town. This includes all programs and services, including staff to deliver these services, supplies and
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BY VOICE STAFF repayment of debt for major projects. The operating rate budget pays for based services such as water and waste water treatment. Costs for these services are charged to residents based on usage only not by property taxes. The capital budget is used for long-term investments such as infrastructure and facilities, which are paid off over time. Road repairs and machinery purchases are examples of capital projects. Quinlin said that in 2018, the average assessment value of homes in Pelham was $338,645, with $4,321 per household in property taxes paid. Councillor Ron Kore wondered whether the average assessment was “a little low.” Quinlin responded that the assessment comes from the province, which takes out the outliers— homes of very high and very low value. Library budget Acting Pelham Public Library CEO Amy Guilmette and Chair Tim Wright presented a proposed 2019 operating budget of $984,315. 2018 library operations
totalled $945,315. Wright explained that building maintenance and repairs were increasing due to the library’s cleaning contractor retiring and that new bids were much higher. He also said that carpet and window cleaning were more costly with two buildings. Councillor Marianne Stuart questioned the increase in the cleaning costs and inquired if it had been put out for public tender. Guilmette said that four public companies were sent requests. Included was a funding request of $222,000 for Fonthill branch renovations. The current facility is 31 years old. There are public spaces that do not meet accessibility standards, there’s no dedicated quiet space, hallways are overcrowded, there is unused basement space and cramped staff work spaces. A big portion of this figure includes the installation of an elevator to meet accessibility requirements that need to be implemented by 2025. Guilmette and Wright cited challenges beyond 2019, including the sustainSee BUDGET Page 9
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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. Jason R. ABRA, 40, Port Colborne Bryan J. COX, 34, Hamilton James D. LLERA, 35, Danbury CT Brandon E. BAJDAS, 25, Cheektowaga NY Blair A. JECKELL, 33, Welland Carlletto FABIANO, 46, Niagara Falls Nathan D. GRANITTO, 25, Thorold Julian A. SOLARTE ARANGO, 38, St. Catharines James M. BANDOBLU, 37, East Aurora NY Mario S. TRAPASSO, 28, Niagara Falls Terry A. PAQUETTE, 56, Welland Kyra N. HARLEY, 22, St. Catharines
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Fenwick EarlyON users lobby Region BY JENNIFER CHORNLEY
The VOICE
Advocacy to keep the Fenwick EarlyON program location open has been brought to the attention of Niagara Regional Councillors sitting on the Public Health and Social Services Standing Committee. On Tuesday, January 8, Jennifer Ziraldo and Paul Bryant were delegates at the committee meeting. As they had missed the delegate application deadline, the committee voted to allow Bryant and Ziraldo to present their case. Ziraldo’s children— three-year old son Alexander and 11-month old daughter Charlotte use the Fenwick location on a regular basis. Ziraldo said that after the Fenwick location closes on February 1, the fiveday program will be down shifted to a “meager” two hours every Friday morning from 10 AM until noon in a small room at the Fonthill library, and two hours per week on random days at the community centre. “This is more expensive than the daily cost at the current Fenwick church,” Ziraldo said. “[FACS] plan to have the two EarlyON staff members keep the facility items in their personal cars to set up and tear down. This is time taken away from the two hours and our children’s development. The Fenwick location has one of the lowest rent costs compared to the other facilities at approximately $8,000 a year.” Paul Bryant explained that the Fenwick lease dates back to 2004 and was for $600 a month, plus an additional $300 for air conditioning in the summer, totaling $7,500 yearly. The
original lease entitled program use of 1,000 square feet of the church hall plus a large fenced area outside. Usage was for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Since the initial agreement, usage significantly increased to five days Monday to Friday and entitled usage of the entire hall covering 4,000 square feet, the outside fenced area, plus the use of 1,000 square feet in an adjacent hall on an occasional mutually convenient basis. EarlyON uses this attached hall for video presentations, lectures, information sessions, and other group-oriented programs The present lease is $8,000 yearly. The leased area is fully accessible for those with disabilities. In addition, Bryant said that to ensure an inclusive, neutral environment in the hall, there are no church symbols of any kind. Bryant described how the Fenwick space is well used. With all of the toys and interactive activity centres the location has, “It’s an extensive system which cannot be provided by a mobile unit unless it’s in a massive tractor trailer.” Ziraldo cited the four hours of programming in Pelham, compared to the 167.5 hours at the Welland location is “clear discrimination between urban and rural residents in this decision.” Adding, “The only rationale I can make for this decision is that there is an interest to privatize this program and it is being restructured to make it more enticing for a third-party provider.”
Jennifer Ziraldo with her 11-month-old daughter, Charlotte, and Paul Bryant. JENNIFER CHORNLEY PHOTO Ziraldo added that statistics provided to support the closures are “woefully inaccurate and contradict the high volume attendance the Fenwick site enjoys. I know this because I have seen the actual statistics myself from the centre.” FACS reported that there were only 20 families serviced at the Pelham sites, while Ziraldo asserted to the committee that in fact 200 families were serviced last quarter, with those families visiting over 1,000 times. Niagara Falls Regional Councillor Peter Nicholson commented on the difference in numbers and inquired if people were making use of the centre. Ziraldo said she saw the stats personally and, “I can’t make that up.” She added that the issue with the mobile sites is that they don’t work for the parents who work shifts or work part-time, plus the random days at the community centre were all that were available to accommodate the program due to prior usage bookings. Bryant has two grandsons ages four and six, both of whom participated in the Fenwick EarlyON Child and Family Centre until they attended junior kindergarten full time. Bryant said
the program taught them how to socialize and interact with other children in a safe and secure facility through “excellent leadership” from the two EarlyON staff. “Providing a broad spectrum of interaction for all who are attending, my grandchildren learned about self confidence by singing and reading in front of others during the ‘circle time’ lead by EarlyON staff,” he said. “They experienced the enjoyment of reading books, the meaning of sharing and respect of other children’s rights through group play, empathy from experiencing theirs and others’ maturing behaviour.” Bryant described to the committee the activities and resources the program provided children and their caregivers, who range in age from parent to grand-
parent. “The drop-in aspect of EarlyON is perfect for families,” Bryant said. “Like batteries on charge, some require most of the day and some are recharged in a few hours.” “From nursing moms to exhausted grandparents, this is an important break for parents of all ages,” he said. “It provides an opportunity for them to interact with staff and fellow caregivers, ask questions, get feedback during play and learn from approved published resources in the facility.” Bryant also highlighted why rural communities such as Fenwick require programs such as EarlyON. As rural communities are more compact, they offer a healthier place where people can walk, thus reducing carbon footprint. Also, “[residents] get to know others in their community,” he said. “[This] helps develop a common bond that leads to a strong safe place to raise children, which cannot be overstated.” Bryant also added the EarlyON Centre are important in the early stages of child’s development, especially in terms of mental well-being in all forms, including addictions. “I was listening to a speaker from the Australian Institute of Family Studies on the radio recently who said, “The opposite of addiction is ‘connectedness and relationship.’” Bryant also cited a Canadian Press article written by Sara Austin, lead
director of Children First, that said, “The report found the number of mental health-related hospitalizations among people aged five to 24 had soared 66 percent over the last decade, while the number of hospitalizations jumped 55 percent over the same period.” Bryant said that drugs, alcohol and cannabis addictions [plus] mental health issues like depression threaten their lives, especially when they are judged by their peers all day long, even into their safe space at home through their electronic devices.” “Our strongest defense to support our children is through education, which also helps the generations either side of them,” Bryant said. “Children don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. I cannot stress enough the importance of the EarlyON Children and Family Centres in the growth and development of our children. We should be opening more EarlyON Centres not closing them.” After Bryant and Ziraldo made their presentations, there was discussion by committee members. Since this is the first time the committee has heard of the situation, clarification was needed on how the program is funded, costs to participants and whether or not they were being asked to provide a replacement program in the area or to speak with FACS. See EARLY ON Page 8
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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 Patrick LaMontagne Opting out of a Nasty New Year
W
E’VE GOT TWO significant elections this year in Canada, both of which will impact the entire country. The provincial election in Alberta will happen sometime in the spring, the federal one in the fall. Both sides of the aisle are revving their engines, and, as confrontational and divisive as our politicians can be, we the people have become so much worse. One of the best decisions I made last year was to leave Facebook and Twitter. I did it because I could no longer ignore how people were talking to one another. I wasn’t able to make the separation from a nasty thing somebody posted and their smiling greeting in the grocery store. We’re not even trying to hide our hatred. We pretend it’s all legitimate outrage, but action speaks louder than words. Outrage is an addiction. We’re salivating at the feast. We’re pretending it’s because we’re righteous in our beliefs and opinions, but in reality we’re just kids in the schoolyard. If we’re not actually throwing punches, then we’re standing on the
sidelines, yelling “Fight! Fight! Fight!” And we’re enjoying it, otherwise we’d walk away. Three years ago, a friend shared on Facebook a false story about Syrian immigrants. It was easy to find
This isn't our politicians. This is us. We've chosen to behave this way, and it's getting worse. the truth and I told him it was fake. I didn’t call him names, or swear, or attempt to humiliate him. He hasn’t spoken to me in real life since. I’ve said hi when I’ve run into him, but I just get a short response or nothing at all. I’ve avoided gatherings of mutual friends now because I don’t want to make it awkward for them. This is happening everywhere. The things we share
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Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip
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online are dividing us in real life. Families, friends, and neighbours. Close relationships are being irreparably broken because of differing political and cultural opinions. We don’t talk any more about our differences and we certainly don’t want to hear another’s perspective. If you don’t agree with my opinion, you’re a stupid idiot. When did we collectively accept this? This isn’t our politicians. This is us. We’ve chosen to behave this way, and it’s getting worse. You can’t change other people. You are entitled to your opinion, just like everybody else. Angry arguments on social media or news site comment sections, these don’t change opinions. Nobody will be reconsidering their vote because you called them stupid, or a libtard, or a redneck. Please consider the impact of your words. Everybody is going through something and is hurting in some way. Most of the time, you won’t even see it. Anger is most often a mask for pain. If somebody says something See THIS IS US Page 6
Letters Baby, bathwater, watch where it's tossed Congratulations to the new members of council and the apparent fiscally responsible vote on the larger parking lot at the Meridian Centre. I understand your position but I have to disagree. Having read the article about council priorities [New council makes priorities clear, Jan. 2, p. 1], I think voting down a larger parking lot is almost like shooting yourselves in the foot. The Meridian centre is there… it won’t go away. It is a part of Pelham. I have to admit that it is a beautiful facility and in their haste to get it built the former council gave little consideration to parking. I was part of a social media group prior to the election and mentioned there
that we will have a 750 seat arena and 250 parking spaces. Members of the group said it was par for the course for the former council. If the Junior B team ever becomes a contender, the community centre parking will become more of a parking nightmare than it already is. Looking at the make-up of our new council, it looks like you are all empty-nesters like me. You have no reason to attend the community centre on a regular basis. Based on this, I need to let you know that trying to find a parking spot at the centre during peak periods is almost imSee PARKING Page 6
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council
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Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciofi mciofi@pelham.ca 905-892-2607
Pelham Citizen of the Year Award, 2018
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840
The guidelines are... you cannot be a sitting politician, and must live or work in Pelham.
Electoral District: Niagara West
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 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
Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-892-5684 Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-2607
Our 21st Award Anniversary Year
The Citizen of the Year should exemplify volunteerism, and positive community activism. Submissions must be in writing, and postmarked no later than Friday, January 25, 2019
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OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Diana Huson, Regional Councillor Before closing EarlyOn Centres, make sure the facts are right
T
HE ANNOUNCEMENT of the closure of the EarlyOn Centres in Fenwick and South Pelham was very disheartening. The community has clearly expressed their disappointment and anger with the decision, knowing how valued these services have been to Pelham families. Over the past few months I’ve been in discussion with a number of stakeholders including community members, the Region, our MPP and the Mayor as to what, if anything can be done. The Region has indicated that a program review will be taking place over the next three-to-six
months to determine how best to offer this programming in consideration of child population numbers. I’ve been assured that such a review will also take into account the needs of Niagara’s rural communities. If we have reliable data that informs a decision to change the location based on the needs of families in our community, then I would understand making such a decision. However, there is conflicting information about how much and how often the sites are being used. We need a clear answer on this. Additionally the location at the
Seaway Mall has been used as a comparator. It would be unfair to compare a mall location with a site that is based within a community residential area. A mall site would undoubted see a higher degree of traffic, but would also be utilized in a different manner, with a number of people using the services as a drop in centre as opposed to a family integrated educational resource. These sentiments were echoed by concerned citizens at the Region’s most recent Public Health and Social Services standing committee last week. Their efforts have been instrumental in bring-
ing this issue forward publicly and garnering support from the community. While Mayor Junkin and I are not on this committee, I did discuss the matter with a few of its members and was pleased to know that the committee directed staff to issue a letter advising against the closure to Family and Children Services (FACS), who made the decision to close the sites. In consideration of an imminent review, these closures are poorly timed. The families were given very short notice and there was a lack of communication about what was happening and why. As the program funder and service manager,
the Region should take a greater role in the decision-making process with regards to the services and programs we fund. Hopefully this will take place once the review is complete. But also, improved communication with our community, on matters that directly impact Pelham families, is also needed. We are still waiting to hear if there has been a reconsideration. In the meantime I wholeheartedly support the community action taking place and look forward to attending an organized drop-in for public officials at the Fenwick site prior to its closure at the end of the month. ♦
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Dean Allison, MP The year in review—a look back at 2018
W
ELCOME TO 2019! At this time of year most people often take the time to reflect on the past year and look to the year ahead with anticipation. As politicians, we do the same albeit from a specific viewpoint. When looking back at 2018 there were quite a few significant happenings. Some of these brought us
together as a nation, like the outstanding performance of our athletes at the winter Olympics in PyeongChang bringing home 29 medals or the sad story of the of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. There were definitely highs and lows and hopefully there were more of the latter. Here are a few of the key events that touched our country in 2018: the Win-
ter Olympics in China, the historic flooding in new Brunswick and the worst forest fire season on record in British Columbia, the terrible van attack and shooting attacks in Toronto, the massive layoffs in the oil and gas sector in Alberta and the recent announcement of the closure of the GM plant in Oshawa, and of course the legalization of marijuana.
When it comes to the Canadian federal political scene there were quite a few happenings that also affected our country: Justin Trudeau’s disastrous trip to India, the liberal government’s decision to burden taxpayers with the multibillion dollar purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline, their unacceptable restrictions placed on organization who wanted to
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apply for a Canada Summer Jobs Grant for students. There was also the Prime Minister’s crumbling relationship with the United States, the burdensome tariffs placed on the steel and aluminum industry, and the bad handling of the NAFTA re-negotiation that has hurt our country in so many ways. And let’s not forget about the government’s ineptitude when it
comes to dealing with illegal border crossing. There were a few good things that happened politically though – the successful ratification and implementation of the Canada Europe Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – See ALLISON Page 8
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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
Letters
COMMENTARY / OP-ED David Barrick
continued
With projected surplus in the millions, why does Region want to raise taxes?
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present and future. Your voices need to be heard. Call / write / email/ politicians. Call for public meetings. MPP Oosterhoff must represent his base. Another Walkerton anywhere in Ontario is unacceptable. Louise Morgan Fonthill
PARKING
allow community centre participants to park there. Somehow the parking lot needs to be expanded, whether it’s using land owned by the Town that could come off the market, or the site of the future plaza. My personal choice is use the land you already own… there’s lots of room there. I’m sure the financing is what is making everyone gun-shy, but it is a necessary evil. Parking is a serious problem at the centre. If the situation isn’t improved, people will stop using the facility because of how hard it is to park there. Then we will really have a white elephant on our hands. Guido Mueller Fonthill
continued from Page 4 possible. When the three basketball gyms and two ice pads are in full operation, not to mention non-sporting activities occurring at the same time, the parking lot is overflowing. As the next shift of ice rentals or basketball rentals come in, they have nowhere to park. It becomes absolute anarchy trying to find parking. The nearby plaza is not really an option and should not be considered, as the businesses who pay to rent their commercial space also pay for the parking lot for their patrons. They should not be expected to
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HE REGION OF Niagara has experienced four years of sound financial management, providing the communities within Niagara with quality municipal services without significantly raising property taxes. As former Chair of the Corporate Services Committee and Chair of the Budget Committee, I had the pleasure of leading a dedicated group of councillors to achieve this sound financial strategy in order to achieve successful financial results, of which taxpayers are seeing the dividends now. The record is clear. Over the past four years, regional taxes were raised as per the following: 2015: 1.9% 2016: -.02% 2017: 2% 2018: 2% It should also be noted that during the past term of council, a 1% increase (called a capital levy) was implemented in 2017 to pay for escalating infrastructure costs (roads, buildings, fleet, etc.) and a new Development Charge (DC) by-law was introduced in 2018 to raise revenue for infrastructure relating to new development. To put this into perspective, in 2019, the 1% increase equates to $3.7 million and the DC
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Regional staff have a very poor record of completing tasks on time and on budget
ated a balanced budget of approximately $1 billion, with modest surpluses—not deficits as evident in other jurisdictions. What does this surplus mean? It means that with low tax increases over four years, Niagara Region has consistently produced surplus budgets, while at the same time increased service levels, infrastructure, capital and special projects (such as GO Train and the Canada Summer Games). It is my understanding that Regional staff are going to present a record 2019 tax increase to Regional Council of about 6%, which is more than the last four years combined! They will assert that the sky is falling and that the infrastructure deficit and service level demands (including transit) are too
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equates to $57 million, and collectively, this $60 million will reduce pressure on increasing property taxes. As a responsible financial management strategy, property taxes paid for increased demand in services levels, such as police services, ambulance services, public transit, and housing services. Development charges are contributing to the costs of existing and new development, such as water treatment plants, sewers, roads and bridges. And overall, this conservative financial management has resulted in Niagara Region achieving record and sustainable development and growth. In addition to providing quality municipal services, Niagara Region has also invested in special programs leading to the success of the Region. This includes conducting planning, assessments and constructing interchange improvements to align the Region with the GO Train arrival in Grimsby, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. This also includes operating and capital investments to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games across the Region of Niagara. Recently, the Region released its 2018 Third Quarter Financial report, which described a surplus of $4.8 million, with about $1 million in an operating budget surplus. When the final numbers are calculated, it is projected that this 2018 year-end surplus will be approximately $6 million.
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high. This is not necessarily accurate. The fact of the matter is that Regional staff have a very poor record of completing tasks on time and on budget. Cases in point: the ongoing and two-year delay of the Niagara-on-the-Lake sewage treatment plant, the appalling Chippawa pumping station project (which resulted in the Region paying a lawsuit of over over $2 million), and the Burgoyne Bridge debacle (where staff concealed from council the ballooning costs of an additional $30 million). These examples are in addition to many projects that Public Works staff have recommended in the collection of taxes, but have not even started or completed the capital projects on time. Further, millions of dollars sit waiting in reserves for projects that were approved years ago that haven't been initiated. In other words, money is being approved faster than projects can even be started. Interestingly, certain journalists in Niagara would like to downplay the financial success of the past term of Regional Council in order to present sensational stories and sell papers. There is absolutely no editorial oversight or balanced reporting at these publications. This is not to suggest that all local media outlets follow this negative style of journalism, but it should be noted that there are some See REGION Page 8
party that you oppose? Do you expect you will change their mind with an angry insulting comment? Somebody once said, “How you spend your days is how you spend your life.” How much of your time would you spend having angry arguments online with strangers about politics if you knew you only had a month left to live? How do you know you don’t? This year will be challenging because it’s going to get nastier, at home and abroad. You won’t agree with everybody on everything. That’s impossible because we're all living a different experience. Please exercise a little compassion for your fellow human beings. Kindness is a choice and it's worth the effort. ♦ Patrick LaMontagne is a syndicated editorial cartoonist whose work often appears in the Voice, including this week.
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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
EARLY ON
continued from Page 3 During the discussion amongst the committee members, Commissioner of Community Services Adrienne Jugley said the province funds the EarlyON program, however, in 2017, the province transferred the responsibilities of service management to the Niagara Region, which became effective January 1, 2018. To maintain the services, the Region “entered into temporary contracts with existing providers exactly where they were with the funding that was received from the province,” she said. Contracts were between 18 to 24 months, but now have to be replaced. Once the procurement process is completed, request for proposals (RFP) will be extended to current and potential service providers. Because the EarlyON program “was not the business of the Region prior to 2018,” the Region has been meeting with stakeholders to grasp a better understanding. The Region will be going through a procurement process and reports will be brought forward over the next few months on how to move forward in providing these services to both the rural and urban communities, said Jugley. Jugley noted that the Region does “flow the provincial dollars” for the EarlyON program to be funded, however they “must work with the expectations set by the
REGION
continued from Page 6 reporters who are following a specific political agenda and ideology.
province.” She also noted that it was not the Region’s decision to close down certain locations but rather the managing agency’s decision, which in this case is FACS. Port Colborne Regional Councillor Brenda Butters asked Jugley, “What is Fenwick supposed to do going forward?” Jugley said she understood the issue with contracts and leases, but once “Fenwick is out of the picture, chances are, they may not come back into the picture for an EarlyON Centre.” Butters asked whether if in a few months time it can be brought back to Fenwick. “It seems to me, first of all, when [Ziraldo] talks about stats...20 families to 200, if that's if that's actually the case that's a lot of people being served,” Butters said. “For myself, I would hate to think that they're kind of pooched out of the system when their kids matter just as much as a kids matter in Welland, Port Colborne or any other place.” Jugley responded that it was a “unique challenge” to balance services such as these in Niagara’s rural and urban areas, especially since there is only $4 million available for the entire Region to fund the program. In addition, when the Region works with future contracts, Jugley said they would see which organizations will step up and how they propose to serve each of the communities and the funds they
As an example, the negative reporter will send an organization an email describing an issue involving human resources, yet does so with the full knowledge that the organization cannot dis-
require to do so. The existing budget of $4 million will “include expectations of serving the smaller communities.” St. Catharine Mayor Walter Sendzik inquired if a motion could be passed to ensure facilities like Fenwick don’t close until input is provided by communities and reports are brought forward that will better inform council. Jugley said they “have to be cautious” as the Region does not hold the building leases nor the staff contracts and because of this FACS didn’t want to renew the lease agreements. “To compel them to renew the leases is very difficult.” She added that she was “concerned [the Region] would be exceeding our authority.” Also because of the transition, there is nothing stating in the agreement they cannot exit a lease with the Region’s permission. Jugley also added the South Pelham Road location was within three and a half and six kilometres of four other sites, while the Fenwick Location is seven to 14 kilometres away from four other sites. Earlier in her presentation, Ziraldo told the committee that Welland has four EarlyON Centres with an additional two outreach sites with the Welland Main Street site only a two-minute car ride from the Welland Wellness Centre location, both of which have the same operating hours. “This is a blatant duplication of services,” she said.
close the information due to provincial privacy laws. The reporter will then provide a two-hour (or less) arbitrary time limit to respond to the email. The actual purpose of the reporter’s charade is to
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca “How does this programming model make any sense and how does it benefit residents west of Welland,” Ziraldo questioned. “It doesn’t.” Jugley said in a survey amongst residents who were and weren’t using the services, some were willing to travel 10 to 15 minutes to get a “full scope of services.” “I actually agree with [Ziraldo] that we want to be careful, that we don't have too many services that are within five minutes or two minutes of each other. That's not a good system design,” Jugley added. “The commute to Welland is massive barrier for those who attend the Fenwick site,” Ziraldo said. “The Fenwick site provides all the developmental benefits to support our children while being affordable and accessible.” Sendzik said that he was “uncomfortable” about removing the service from Fenwick and considers the location proximities, including those less than five kilometres, as being “poor management.” “There has to be some kind of check and balance,” he said. “There’s got to be a way that the committee can do something to at least provide the service for now until we have a more fulsome understanding on the impact it’s going to have on a community like Fenwick.” Jugley said the Region will speak with FACS to see what “alternative supports” can continue
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to be provided for the families. “We just don't want them creating even other kinds of things until our planning is done so we are trying to work with them,” she said. “I will admit they're a little bit ahead of us on this than we would have liked but we will continue to work with them to try to find some safe space.” Sendzik made a motion to send correspondence from the committee chair that would “articulate how strong we are in keeping this site open until all the evidence is on the table and any decision matrix that would be made would be fully understood by the community and by council.” “I think that sends a strong message to FACS and we will be keeping an eye on their numbers as they come forward,” Sendzik added. Organizers left a petition at the Fenwick Avondale which has gathered some 200 signatures, and there is an online petition at change.org. The Fenwick EarlyON location is one of two that serviced Pelham residents. The location on South Pelham Road serviced both Welland and Pelham and closed on December 19 last year. A rally in support of the Fenwick EarlyON centre will be held starting at 10 AM on Monday January 21, at Fenwick United Church, with the families who use the site. Organizers have invited elected officials and media to attend.
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ance. Don’t be swayed by ill-informed and sensational journalism. Niagara Region has achieved incredible growth and success by increasing service levels, and in tandem, kept property taxes low. It is too easy to be lured by increasing taxes at the start of a council term and then artificially keeping taxes low in an election year. Be responsible fiscal managers and resist the temptation to increase property taxes early in the term. The Region's total annual spend is well over $1 billion, having been around the horseshoe myself, nobody can tell me that the Region is already 100% optimized, and now require so much more money via a 6% increase. Require staff to operate within the taxpayer-funded budget envelope, which is already more than adequate. At the end of the day, that's the kind of public financial oversight a 32-person council should be providing. ♦ David Barrick was Regional Budget Chair, 2014-2018, and contributes this commentary as a private citizen.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
BUDGET
continued from Page 2 ability of revenue sources, balancing rising expenditures, updating the Fonthill branch, and maintaining customer service. Fonthill Bandshell Concerts Fonthill Bandshell Concerts Chair Gayle Baltjes-Bazinet made a presentation to council regarding the 2019 Bandshell Concert Series. In addition to the group’s standard “in kind request,” Baltjes-Bazinet asked for considerations that would improve the event experience for patrons. Due to the hilly nature of the bandshell location, they have requested that the park be graded to make level seating possible. “The park requires more lighting, the trees need to be trimmed, and perimeter pavers surrounding the bandshell need to be lifted, levelled and re-installed as it is urgently needed for
ALLISON
continued from Page 5 it should be noted however that both of these agreement were actually negotiated by the Conservative Government under Stephen Harper. All in all 2018 was somewhat turbulent. And the liberal government did not do much to help the average Canadian get ahead. And now as the saying goes, it’s a new year and time for a new beginning. While sitting as opposition in Ottawa, it is my (our) duty to represent you and to hold the government to account. The Conservatives under the smart leadership of Andrew Scheer will continue to do just that. We will not sit back while Justin Trudeau and his government continue to create an environment that is bad for all Canadians, bad for businesses and bad for the future of this country. Over the next number of months, and leading up to the next federal election in October of this year, we will challenge the government on bad legislation and practices. We will also be presenting alternatives so that we can put more tax dollars back into your pocket where they belong, better legislation and processes so that businesses of all sizes can grow and succeed, better justice reforms that protect the innocent, better immigration reform that strengthens what it means to be Canadian, and
The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019 the safety of our volunteers and taxpaying attendees,” Baltjes-Bazinet said. More parking for disabled patrons was requested. Baltjes-Bazinet also requested that the liquor area fencing be moved back. “We had a lot of complaints this summer,” said Baltjes-Bazinet. “Our job as volunteers is not to have to deal with complaints about somebody else’s drinking.” Baltjes-Bazinet asked if there could be communication and collaboration between the Bandshell Concert Series committee and the Town, as they are “trying to make it a collective experience.” Traffic calming Fonthill Resident John Abbott submitted his concerns via email to Town Council regarding traffic calming on Pancake Lane between Haist and Pelham Streets, the traffic light at the junction of Pancake Lane and Pelham Street, and Pickwick Place median lighting. “The speed [on Pancake]
we will start the repair work that needs to be done with the international community so that Canada will once again be considered a strong and preferred partner. As I attend the multitude of events throughout all of the communities in Niagara West, I look forward as I always do, to meeting as many residents as possible
is quite surprisingly fast, it’s a bit of a race track, particularly during peak hours,” Abbott said. Abbott cited the reason for a stop light at Pancake Lane and Pelham Street is the challenge of attempting to turn left. “It's a fine judgment as you're really trying to dash between cars that are coming north and going south and occasionally there's one coming at you [from across the street],” Abbott said. “The pedestrian light that's there is really quite confusing. You're really not sure what to do if you're in a car on Pancake because you can’t see a light and you can only judge what’s going on by having the traffic stop.” “I think there is going to be a serious accident there sooner than later,” Abbott said. Abbott has been wrestling with the Town on the issue of Pickwick Place median lighting. “The reason we had an issue in the first place is that somehow, for some reason, the Town felt that
Page 9
the lights on Pickwick Place were perhaps too expensive.”
I think there is going to be a serious accident there sooner or later
There are seven light standards that are not giving enough light out at night time, Abbott said. “The citizens of Pickwick Place then wrestled with the Town on occasion because the proposed lighting was to be 25 feet high as opposed to what's there now, which is 12. We felt that it was really too intrusive and quite unnecessary because the initial cost
was was tabled as $130,000 which seems a very large amount for replacing seven light standards.” Abbott said the residents of the street are “quite happy” with the current lighting configuration and the brightness of the current lighting. If it is deemed necessary by the Town to improve the brightness on this lightly travelled cul de sac, then LED bulbs could be installed to replace the existing lights. Other budget considerations Fonthill resident Bill Heska suggested that light standards be standardized. He said that the Town has “light standards of every make, model and vintage.” Transitioning to LED lightning would also see a cost reduction by about 30 to 50 percent. Chair of the Pelham Community Preservation Coalition Jim Jeffs asked council to set aside funding for enforcement relating to cannabis production facilities, including smell and
light pollution issues, plus devaluing of properties around the cannabis production areas. The Coalition seeks to change the zoning of cannabis production facilities from agricultural to industrial. “Since agricultural designated business only pays one-tenth of the taxes, you can’t make them [cannabis production facilities] move, but at least they can pay reasonable taxes,” Jeffs said. “I can’t think of anything else that has more impact on the place we live than by having all these cannabis grow-ops.” Fenwick Lions Club president Ken Suthons asked that council approve replacing the club’s electronic billboard. The sign sustained water damage and has been fully inoperable since last September, with replacement parts no longer available. Suthons requested the cost to replace the sign be included in the budget and to obtain See BUDGET Page 12
and to hearing firsthand how I, as your representative in Ottawa can better share your voice. And as always, you are always welcome to email, call or write to me at my office and follow me on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Let’s work together to make 2019 a great year! ♦
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Page 10
The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
Mossimo's saucy success BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
Massimo Citrigno, owner of Mossimo’s Pizza, in Fonthill, attributes his business philosophy and one of the keys to his success to the designers of Ferrari and Lamborghini, who believe customers recognize value, and will pay for a top-quality product, whether it’s fancy cars or pizza. In November, Mossimo’s marked 25 years in business, which included a move to their current location, on Highway 20, one more elaborate and spacious than their original spot in downtown Fonthill. Simply put, Citrigno likes its “casual” atmosphere, and says it appeals to many. The silver anniversary celebration included live music, and giveaways of T-shirts and hats, as well as bottles of wine and Amoretto lacquers to his patrons. “It was kind of low-key,” but the milestone occasion was held to show customers his appreciation, which coincidentally happened to be the weekend of the Thanksgiving holiday. “We like to keep things under the radar.” Citrigno is clearly pleased with his customer base, which has grown from mostly locals to people throughout Niagara. “We get people from all over now, and particularly since we are more visibly located on Highway 20.” When Mossimo’s moved four years ago, on the persuasive advice of his brother Gaetano (Guy) Citrigno, it resulted in a 200-seat restaurant and patio, as well as a
delivery service that was dialed-up a notch. “We even delivered to Hamilton, last week,” he says. Citrigno says in effect he has two businesses running at once. Mossimo’s sells pizzas to Lococo’s, and Big Red Markets in Thorold. The “Take’n’Bake” frozen pizza line is popular. He manages to cater to special events and does school “pizza days,” as well. Better known as “Moss” to family, friends and customers, Citrigno says all of his cuisine receives “tender, loving care.” Mossimo’s management purchases only Canadian chicken, which is steroid-free, and aged cheese that has a relatively higher milk fat content, so it’s richer in taste. By comparison, most restaurants buy processed cheese, he asserts. “We’ve never strayed from
our standards, or switched cheeses or sauces to save two dollars. What do you think you’re eating, when you’re eating a pizza for five dollars? What do you think you’re putting into your body?” Citrigno’s concerns are not surprising, considering his wife, Kelly, is a registered dietician. His wife’s family, the Robertos, also owned The Half Moon, an Italian restaurant that existed on King Street in Welland for decades. He cites his managers and staff, which now totals 95, as further keys to his success. Citrigno says is grateful for all their hard work. Over the years, he has employed hundreds of students. Believing that experience is the best teacher, Citrigno offers constructive criticism to direct his students, which he hopes has assisted them in career building. While advice from a boss, often like parental advice, can be unwanted, and may seem harsh at the time, he believes his “tough but
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Page 11
fair” approach has helped students get through school and life.
We like to keep things under the radar
The business supports hockey, soccer and basketball leagues in Pelham and Welland. Citrigno also makes donations to certain charities, but says it’s difficult to support all the re-
quests he gets. Citrgino says he often gets comments from business owners near his previous location on Pelham Street who tell him, “business just isn’t the same since you left.” He says that parking was definitely a problem for his customers when he was in downtown Fonthill. While Citrigno’s parents were immigrants from Calabria, Italy, they were never in the restaurant business. He got involved in pizzerias through a friend of his, who owned one in a strip mall in Dundas. Not long after, he purchased it, but his goal was to return to the Niagara area and Pelham. The Pizza Villa on the corner of Highway 20 and Pelham Street soon became available, and he took it over. As a hard-working, selfmade man, Citrigno always preferred the idea of owning
an “independent” business. At times, business can be tough, but overall, he says he has a great management team, which allows him to get a break, and maintain a good work-life balance. He describes his kitchen staff and smoothly run system like “a finely oiled machine.” What’s next? After 26 years and at 52, he is pondering retirement in five or six years, and happily looking forward to management handling the restaurant. He is not sure yet if his son or daughter is interested in continuing the family business. Citrigno says he’s not afraid of the competition and remains steadfast in believing in his product. He says to this day he still hears his father’s voice reminding him that quality and integrity will always bring customers back to his door.
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Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
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Creative Director Contact Name Tarja Barton Taryn Wilton ON 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, 1C0 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ONL0S L0S 1C0 email 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 l Driveways, Patio & Walkways CERAMIC TILE • LUXURY VINYL PLANKS •graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca LAMINATE • HARDWOOD l Landscape Design l Landscape Construction Contact Phone Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects PORCELAIN TILE • BACKSPLASHES • COUNTERTOPS Natural Stone 905.401.5748 Retaining Walls Outdoor Wood Projects l Water Features l Outdoor Lighting Water Features Outdoor Lighting Marketing Director Contact email Dave Burket THE Steven & Ryan Ryan Van Lochem Steven & Van Lochem 155 HIGHWAY 20 E. • FONTHILL, ON info@fonthillelectric.ca Owners/Operators email Owners/Operators 905-892-5756 • STARTILECENTRE.COM Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca l
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CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
BUDGET
continued from Page 9 additional quotes in addition to the $12,189 from the current sign company. Rotary Club of Fonthill past president Frank Adamson proposed the establishment of a Rotary Fitness Trail. The Rotary committee is looking to install some 20 different pieces of fitness equipment and have
committed $25,000 towards the initiative. With the Town’s support, Adamson said the Rotary Club would apply for a $75,000 grant from the Trillium Foundation to complete the project. The path would be wheelchair accessible. Requests and suggestions were submitted through OurBudget@ pelham.ca and included eliminating sidewalk snow clearing, reviewing staffing levels and com-
pensation, a zero percent Increase in taxes for 2019, reviewing operating costs of community centre, and a request for gypsy moth spraying. Future budget discussion On Monday, January 21, there will be a budget impact meeting informing council of items affecting the 2019 budget, along with a draft capital budget available for council review. On Monday, February 4, the capital budget will be
presented, and Tuesday, February 19, it will be up for council’s approval. The draft operating and water and wastewater budgets will be made available to council, with a presentation at the general committee meeting on Monday March 4. The final operating and water and wastewater budgets for council’s consideration for approval will be on Monday, March 18.
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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
Page 13
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WANTED CAR COLLECTOR SEARCHING ... I want your old car! Porsche 356/911/912, Jaguar E-Type or XKE. Tell me what you have, I love old classics especially German and British. Whether it's been in the barn for 25 years, or your pride and joy that is fully restored. I'll pay CASH. Call David 416-802-9999. WA N T E D : O L D T U B E A U D I O EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519-853-2157
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905-892-8690 CUSTOM MILL
Portable sawmill service. I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948, riverwood@primus.ca
GARDEN CLUB MEETING
Pelham Garden Club, Jan 21, 2019 Speaker: John Bergener. Subject: Dynamic Daylillies. Time: 7 PM. Place: Fonthill Public Library. Refreshments to follow All are welcome.
CAR KEY FOUND
Found in the Lookout subdivision area, key for Toyota Corolla. Contact 905-359-1078
FREE BONE HEALTH WORKSHOP BONE HEALTH WORKSHOP AND EXERCISE SERIES Wednesdays, January 30 - February 20, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Goodwill Niagara, 1 Churchill Ave, Welland.
Register: Welland McMaster Family Health Team 905-734-9699, ext. 3. NO COST.
27, 2
Services
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7 SPRU FONTH items, clothes sonable 30, 8AM
Yard SALE, Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Chr decora step repair, granite coatings, brick slices items, 1PM 6 P18-28 905-682-7061. FLOORING NORTH
Burke’s Masonry
ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in CARenergy KEY LOST traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. FRUIT FARM/GENERAL Lost: One GMC key fob, in Fonthill. If found, please call (289) 897-8962.
FARM LABOURER
PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Looking for seasonal/ time help. Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of full techniques. Materials FITNESS Applicant must be able toabout work min. 40-60 are provided. At time of registration, please tools needed. Beautiful Mind Personal Training for Women and Girls enquirehours/week in any Tues., Sept. 16 10Happier!, – 12:30.Healthier! $10. Please register ahead. Visitconditions www.pelhamweather and Stronger!, weekends.Lifting 50 lbs library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. Starter Packages available! comfortably is required.
Jobs included pruning, Planting trees, thinning FABULOUS LIONS FISH FRY and harvesting fruit, TextFENWICK or call - 905-701-2460 and sorting Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the packing community. Haddock, Email - beautifulmindtraining@gmail.com fruit. No Experience required. No Education french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. Web- www.beautifulmindpersonaltraining.com required, Must have own transportation. Min $14.00/hour. PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE wage Please drop resume off at 825 Canboro Rd, Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide Fenwick Ontario L0S cheaper options for playersOCNA in thisNetwork upcoming season. Classifi ed Ads 1C0Runs Sept. 6 from
Contact Sarah Rose Personal Training Specialist
9-12 in the morning.
(AD CENTRAL)
Week of OLD PAPERS PELHAM MUDFEST January 14 Do you run have on old the issues of the Men and women will be back in the mud as the second year is Voice published from 1997 to held at Bissil’s Hideaway. Posted 2007? How about the Pelham January 10
Herald (any year). We'd love to add them to our archive. Contact: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”
We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood
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NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION Central Rodeo, games and live entertainment Region Ads headline included this years exciting event. It runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.
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Support your local service clubs
This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers
BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE TIME FOR SOUP! from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There Rachel’s Housekeeping Service Fenwick Lioness Soup’s On is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ Regular upkeep to event cleaning. Jan 20, 2019, 11:15-1:30pm pelham.ca orContact call 905me892-2607, ext 329. today. Cost $10, children under 10 $3 Email: rackclean16@gmail.com
Fenwick Lions Hall, 999 Church St, Fenwick
Phone: 905-328-2833 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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The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Hudson McLachlin of the Pelham Panthers and Adan Chagollan of the California Wave represented Canada and United States for the ceremonial puck drop. Mayor Marvin Junkin, center, is flanked by Dave Kirkness, Silver Stick Tournament director for 17 years, and local businessman Tim Nohara. VOICE PHOTO
Pelham Minor Hockey celebrates 20th International Silver Stick Tournament Pelham Minor Hockey Association hosted its final Silver Stick tournament event of the 2018-19 season with the International Silver Stick Finals. From January 10 to 13, Pelham and surrounding communities throughout Niagara hosted 99 participating teams from Canada and the United States. To kick-off the association’s
20th annual event, this year’s opening ceremonies were held on January 10 at the community centre. The celebrations commenced with a Parade of Champions of the 99 teams, a welcoming speech from Mayor Marvin Junkin on behalf of the Town. “It’s a lot of work to put this whole tournament on and tour-
BY VOICE STAFF naments like these strengthen our local and international communities,” Junkin said. “It brings everyone together in fun, competition and teamwork.” Junkin extended best wishes and “happy memories” to the teams and their families who participated in the event.
Left, Brandon Mead of Forestville, New York chips away at the standing block chop portion of the show. Below, crosscut saw versus chainsaw, John Pellow and Brandon Mead. Right, event organizer Bill Deba and competitor John Pellow. VOICE PHOTOS
Participating Niagara teams were the Atom/Squirt Alternate Entry Pelham Panthers, Atom/ Squirt-Local League/House League Welland Tigers, Bantam Alternate Entry Pelham Panthers, two Pelham Panthers teams from Midget Local League division, Novice A Lincoln Blades, Peewee Alternate Entry Pelham Panthers and Peewee
Alternate Entry Merritton Bulldogs. U.S. teams came from Colorado, California, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland. To assist in accommodating the tournament play, games were also played in Niagara Falls, Welland, St. Catharines and Port Colborne.
LUMBERJACK SHOW ADDS CANADIAN FLAIR Bill Deba organized the Lumberjack Show at the 20th Annual Silver Stick International Finals Tournament hosted by Pelham Minor Hockey Association on Thursday, January 10. This is the fourth Lumberjack show Deba has organized for the event, which adds a “very Canadian” flair to the tournament’s grand opening festivities. The chainsaws sputtered and smoked, while the sawdust and wood chunks flew as an enthusiastic crowd cheered on the American and Canadian participants. The contestants were John Pellow of Pelham, Jim McCollum of Pelham, Brandon Mead of Forestville, New York, and Dan Starowitz of Alba, New York. They worked with cross saws, various chainsaws and axes. An axe-throwing event was also in the show.
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Page 15
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COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 Add to all this his penchant for casting prostitutes he knew as the Virgin Mary, and other saints renowned for their immaculateness, like Catherine, Ursula and Lucy. Perhaps because he also “knew” his models in the Biblical sense he felt they qualified for the sanctified roles he gave them. The one who posed as Mary Magdalen, of course, was already qualified by profession. Unlike his contemporaries, however, he never painted a female nude; his women kept their clothes on. Male subjects on the other hand, including the Christ, were often painted in various stages of undress, down to semi-erotic portraits of a young John the Baptist and a beckoning Cupid, in full-frontal poses. His model for the latter was an adolescent boy who lived with the artist for a time. Speculation about what went on there remains understandably rife. So what would we make of this arrogant, unfiltered, pugnacious and lascivious man who became the foremost painter of his day? A possible agnostic who painted the most compelling and visceral religious art of his period, and achieved a lasting impact on artistic technique thereafter. He was certainly an iconoclast in the art world of 17th century Italy. ■ While the Counter-Reformation called for artists to elevate divine figures, saints and Biblical tableaux above the merely mortal, he painted subjects that were poorly (often minimally) clothed, with bare, dirty feet, in humble locations like hostelries and jails. Some of his commissioned work was rejected because it didn’t follow the code. ■ His revolutionary “chiaroscuro” method infused energy and drama into
The Voice of Pelham, January 16 2019 his paintings with a single light source that lit up faces, hands, gestures and reflections against darkness and shadow. ■ His scenes were dynamic, each catching a moment in a sequence of action at its most riveting point. ■ His natural and precise depictions of intense eyes, expressive faces, textured clothing and tapestry, down to beaded bubbles winking at the brim of wine decanters, made every divine painting a study in earthly realism. ■ He never sketched an outline, but painted from scratch.
who lived with her wicked stepmother in a house in the forest.” The imagined censor quickly goes to work on it— the girl can’t be poor because
Politicizing art can sometimes lead to pointless conclusions
M
any of Caravaggio’s paintings portray violent moments like the flagellation of Christ, the crucifixion of Peter, the beheading of St. John (Holofernes, St. Matthew, Goliath and Medusa), for the simple reason that the narratives themselves were often violent, like the times he lived in, when criminals and heretics were publicly beheaded most days of the week. But he also portrays a passion and a love for the sacred that instantly impress the viewer. And the eyes have it every time. Eyes intense with emotion, courage, self-denial and peace. Eyes that fix on someone across the room, or in a close encounter. Eyes that are never left to gaze into the middle distance, or upwards to a vague heaven. So, how might a Caravaggio be received today? How would he have responded to our own counter-reformation code of correctness, cultural appropriation and identity politics? One whose list of offending words, unacceptable views, and non-debatable pronouncements, grows by the day? Margaret Atwood once wrote a short story parodying the code of correctness. It’s a fairy tale that begins, “There was once a poor girl, as beautiful as she was good,
poverty is relative and, hey, she has a house; she can’t be beautiful because all description is a kind of hegemonic oppression; she can’t be white but must be ethnic; good and wicked are subjective moralistic epithets and therefore invalid; the stepmother was likely abused by her own father when she was young, and as “we all know what those twisted, repressed middle-aged men are like the villain should be a step-father; and please get rid of “girl”—if she’s going to be married in the end, then lose that condescending paternalistic terminology and call her a woman. The storyteller begins all over again with the corrections in place. “There was—” “So?” (our censor is still not happy). “So what?” “So why not here?” Atwood makes the point that some “warriors” might be less concerned to correct social injustice than to have the upper hand. Imagine such a critic observing, say, Caravaggio’s stunning portrayal of St. Paul’s conversion. Why is Paul forced to become a Christian, they might ask—why not a Sikh or a Muslim, and so what
if they’d been slaughtering each other for the past 500 years—and why are there no women in this painting? The sudden light from Heaven has scared the crap out of Paul’s horse, its wild eyes and violently torqued head and neck displaying clear signs of animal abuse. That fierce-looking soldier in the foreground might traumatize the sensitive viewer. And then there’s Caravaggio himself, the degenerate and unreformed reprobate. Where to begin with that? The London Times columnist Bernard Levin once responded to a letter writer who took issue with the paintings of John Constable. The renowned painter of The Haywain and The Cornfield “was firmly on the side of the ruling classes,” the correspondent declared. Constable never showed the downtrodden peasant burning ricks, for example, and his fixation with skies enabled him to “avert his eyes from the real social conditions” of the impoverished and oppressed farm labourer. Levin goes on to say, tongue firmly in cheek, that Constable wasn’t the only painter to ignore the class struggle: “Veronese frequently painted members of the aristocracy with pleasant expressions on their faces; van Ostade suggested that members of the working classes sometimes got drunk, without making it clear this was only because of the capitalists’ exploitation of their labour and constant misery; Renoir was a member of the National Front; Velasquez spoke lightly of the Socialist Workers’ Party; Rubens had a bank account in the Cayman Islands, Dürer rhymes with Führer; and Van Dyck was a male chauvinist pig.” When the offending statues have been removed from their plinths and Shakespeare from the curriculum, will our own great artists
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Caravaggio’s Madonna of Loretto or Pilgrim's Madonna, c. 1604-6, located in the Cavalletti Chapel of the church of Sant'Agostino, near the Piazza Navona in Rome. It depicts the barefoot Virgin and naked child to two peasants on a pilgrimage. WIKIPEDIA IMAGE become the next target? Artists who leave it to others to take on the burning issues of climate change, pipelines, Doug Ford, jury reform, recovering plastic from the oceans, and advancing the cause of universal veganism—all so essential for our survival, no question—while they fathom the meaning, rather than geopolitics, of life on earth. Artists who prefer to celebrate the vagaries of the human heart and the narrative of our mythologies, through
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the medium of words, paint, stone and music. I believe these have a worth that overrides politics. Politicizing art can sometimes lead to pointless conclusions, like Caravaggio once killed a man, therefore his art is bad. If we’re preoccupied with sitting in judgment of the artist instead of valuing the art, what does that say about us? I think Jesus answered that question a long time ago. ♦
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