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Draft budget comes in at $15.7 million Capital projects deferred to 2019, 5% tax increase proposed for 2018
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Column Six Getting some "me" time is worth the wait BY JANE BEDARD
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Councillor Catherine King silently takes in the numbers during the budget presentation on January 8.
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Kinsmen seek Citizen of the Year nominees 2018 marks 20th anniversary of community involvement award BY VOICE STAFF
The Fonthill and District Kinsmen have opened nominations for their 2018 Pelham Citizen of the Year award, with the submission period to close next Friday, January 26. “This is a benchmark year for the award,” said Kinsmen president and award chair Brian Iggulden. “We first started it back in 1998 because it seems as though every other community had such an award, and Pelham didn’t.” The prize’s rules are simple: the
recipient must either live or work in Pelham, and devote substantial time to volunteering in the community. (Sitting politicians are ineligible.) “Other than that, we’re really just looking for someone outstanding,” said Iggulden. “It could be someone who volunteers with many different things, or just coaches a lot.” Iggulden praised last year’s winner, Fonthill Sobeys owner Ron Kore,
as one to whom everyone in the community can approach. “We always hear that if you need something, go to Ron. But nominees can be behind the scenes too,” said Iggulden. Over the award’s 20 years of existence, Iggulden called the winners incredible, and pointed to the diversity in people honoured. The award’s first recipient, former Voice editor See KINSMEN Page 8
DEBBIE PINE
S THE MOTHER OF three boys, I don’t often indulge in luxurious pampering, so when I do, I feel I have to come clean about my absence, like I've missed confession: “Forgive me Esthetician, for I have sinned. It has been two years since my last facial.” Esthetician tries to look patient while I scan the spa menu, focusing first on cost. Prices range from what I would pay for dinner for five at McDonald’s to a weekend for five at Great Wolf Lodge. Yes, these are my points of reference when budgeting for extra-curricular activities, which may explain why it has been two years since my last facial. My eyes glaze over as I read the descriptions of each treatment. The number of options is overwhelming: hydrating, purifying, anti-aging, soothing, collagen, detoxing, microdermabrasion, brightening, refreshing, enhancing, not to mention a list of “sides” to accompany my main entrée, like eye treatments and brow waxing. I just want the one that See COLUMN SIX Page 6
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About face
BY VOICE STAFF Town Treasurer Teresa Quinlin presented a draft version of the 2018 budget to Council on January 8, her first budget as Treasurer. Quinlin’s budget is also the first during which the new Community Centre is expected to be operational, and the first since the auditing firm KPMG confirmed the rocky state of Pelham’s finances, as alleged by former Councillor Marvin Junkin when he resigned from Council last November. Quinlin was initially scheduled to present the budget draft in early December. This date was delayed until December 18, asserted the Town, due to uncertainty over KPMG’s findings and when they would be released. The budget presentation was delayed again after Council ran long during its December 18 meeting. The draft budget comes in at $15.7 million dollars, up $1.2 million from last year’s $14.5 million dollar budget, or an 8.27% increase. The Town asserts that approximately half of this increase will be financed by increased revenue and growth, with the remainder
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The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Mea culpa at the top: In last week’s story on the coming closure of Fenwick’s RBC branch, we managed to spectacularly mangle the name of Willowbrook Nurseries’ John Langendoen. While clearly unintentional, the error should just as clearly have been caught before ink hit paper. We apologize for the oversight… Getting the words right: Speaking of accuracy, we received an anonymous letter recently containing assertions about an attempted development deal in Fonthill. We’ve followed up as far as we can, and would request that whoever wrote the letter get in touch by email: pelhamvoicepublisher@gmail.com It’s an interesting story and we’d like to pursue it, but we need more information to do so… Nomination period open: There’s still plenty of time to nominate your candidate for Kinsmen Citizen of the Year 2017. See the story on page 1… One local hero: He grew up in Fenwick and now lives in Wainfleet, but he’ll share his findings with anyone. This would be Larry Fisher (page 3), who has compiled a checklist for estate planning that we would all benefit from having… Nature or nurture or neither: Brock professor Tony Bogaert’s research into the potential biology of male homosexuality makes for some fascinating reading (page 14)… We'll play it be ear: He's back this week, who knows about next! In Follow the Money, Jim Pitt has some potentially troubling news for Pelham real estate investors. Has word of our Town's financial shenanigans, and rampant development, started influencing prospective buyers?... We like your stories: Welcome new Column Six contributor Jane Bedard, a relatively recent Toronto refugee. We hope to hear more from Jane, and we’d like to hear your story too. We all have one or two! editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca… Or walk with us: We’re also looking for a few good pairs of legs. Three paper routes are available. It may be a brisk -15 C out there, but fresh air is fresh air! See the ad, here:
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Proposal to increase East Fonthill townhome density
At its meeting on January 8, Pelham Town Council heard a plan to change Low Density Residential land use policy, increasing the maximum presence of townhouse dwellings within a subdivision from 15 percent to 60 percent. Presented to Council by Senior Town Planner Shannon Larocque, the purpose of the proposed amendment was to “provide improved flexibility in meeting the overall density targets for the neighbourhoods in the Low Density Residential designation.” The accompanying report from the Planning Department stipulated that the change did not mean that all subdivisions would be mandated to contain 60 percent townhouse units, “but rather there is greater flexibility to achieve the population targets of each neighbourhood in the East Fonthill area.” Though Council was only to receive this information on Monday, Councillor Richard Rybiak signalled his support for the proposal, preemptive to any vote. “This is a housekeeping measure, since our vision in East Fonthill is for a variety of housing,” said Rybiak. Rybiak said that 15 percent coverage was “low for townhouses, given modern sensibilities as to what townhouses are supposed to look like.” L arocque also presented a proposal to change housing
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an accessory building by two hundred square feet.” According to the Mc C ol lu m s, their request was denied by the Town, and say they were told by then-Planning Director Craig Larmour that the area across from their property was to remain as green space. “He also stated that allowing us to increase the size of the accessory building would detract from the ‘estate’ aesthetic and that the building would not fit in to the plans the Town of Pelham proposed,” wrote the McCollums. “We hardly think that the building of townhouses and condominiums fits the ‘estate’ aesthetic.”
zoning for the Saffron Meadows subdivision. C u r r e n t plans for the proposed development, which will occupy a plot of land on the southwest corner of Rice and Port Robinson Roads, include 63 street townhouses and 51 block townhouses, for a total of 114 units. The zoning change would result in 48 street townhouses, and 70 block townhouses, for a total of 118 units. Larocque said that “no recommendations or decisions concerning this application have or will be made at this meeting.” Though Larocque’s presentation noted no objections to the change from Town staff or Regional authorities, the meeting’s agenda did include a letter from nearby residents expressing their concern. “We are very concerned over the proposed loss of green space across the road from our property,” wrote Doug and Celeste McCollum. “This land is home to an assortment of woodland animals and natural vegetation. The beauty of this area will be lost forever. The proposed subdivision will also infringe on our privacy and aesthetic we now enjoy.” The McCollums recounted their interaction with the Town in 2010, when they applied for a “minor variance to increase the size of
Soup serves up scholarships
The 16th Soup’s On luncheon will be held on Friday, January 26 at St. Kevin’s Parish Hall in Welland. The annual event, which raises money to support a scholarship fund, will feature soup samplings from secondary school and Niagara College culinary programs. Also contributing to the offerings will be The Lunch Lady, an organization that supplies hot lunches to schools, camps, senior centres, and workplaces. The Soup’s On scholarship fund is available to
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Column Six
Growing up British
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
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Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
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bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
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to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint
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While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
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and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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graduating students from area high schools active in social service programs who plan to go into community service fields. According to organizer Joe Barkovich, the $10 ticket price for an all-you-caneat, soup-and-bread meal has not changed since the event began. The luncheon will have three sittings: 11 AM, noon, and 1 PM, though the noon sitting is already sold out. The soup menu includes: • Turkey and wild rice by Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute • Smokey bacon, maple and butternut squash by Blessed Trinity High School in Grimsby • Traditional French-Canadian pea soup as well as leek and potato soup by Ecole Secondaire Confederation in Welland • Roasted tomato by Eastdale Secondary School in Welland • Butternut squash and pear by Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne • Vietnamese infused broth with braised pork by Notre Dame College School • Smoky bean-and-bacon chowder by the Lunch Lady. A booklet featuring recipes for all of the soups served will be available at the luncheon. In 2017, four students from Blessed Trinity, Lakeshore and Notre Dame were chosen for the scholarships. Application forms will be available in high school guidance offices this spring, and recipients will be announced at graduation ceremonies in June. Tickets for Soup’s On are on sale at St. Kevin’s Church office on Niagara Street in Welland, as well as by calling ticket convenor Bernie Barkovich at 905735-3562.
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Black Pearl Fish & Chips Bob’s Boys Antiques Moku’s Family Health Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Target Store Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Pelham Town Hall Pub on the Hill Zee Lube Express Care Lazy Loon Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Pelham Library Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K
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Region Audit Committee calls for OMB to investigate Pelham BY VOICE STAFF In front of nearly 40 Pelham residents on Monday, the Niagara Region Audit Committee voted to call on the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to conduct a full investigation of the Town of Pelham’s finances. The motion, authored by Councillor Selina Volpatti, cited December reports by the auditing firm KPMG as the reason for concern. KPMG wrote that it was “unsure” whether a Town credit scheme violated any by-law or municipal legislation, and that the Town “appears to be offside” on its end-of-year reserve fund balances. The Audit Committee’s motion, still to be approved by Regional Council, requests the Minister of Municipal Affairs “direct the Ontario Municipal Board to conduct an inquiry” into the matters referenced by KPMG, as well as “any other financial matters” under the OMB’s special municipal jurisdiction. Councillor David Barrick said that Pelham has repeatedly asserted that the Region has no jurisdiction to investigate Town finances, but that this referral to the OMB “puts the matter in a body that certainly has jurisdiction.” Despite being a member of the Audit Committee, Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn did not attend the meeting.
The committee heard two presentations, the first from Pelham residents Nancy Beamer and Bernie Law, the second from former Town Councillor Marvin Junkin. Junkin resigned his seat on November 6, alleging that Council had been made aware of the Town’s dire financial situation and decided to keep this information secret. His allegations were largely confirmed by KPMG’s December reports. On Monday, Junkin said that he was present before the Audit Committee to dispel any ideas that he is confused. “In a perfect world, I wouldn’t be here,” began Junkin, before expressing his disappointment that Mayor Augustyn and Pelham Town Council continued to assert that all is well. “KPMG confirmed that Town cash reserves had been depleted, that the Town was basically broke,” said Junkin. “In her presentation [at E.L. Crossley], the Treasurer pointed out that the Town is not legally required to keep cash balances on hand. She said, basically, ‘Though we are broke, we have the legal right to do it this way.’ It didn’t make people feel any better.” Junkin said that the most damning aspect of KPMG’s reports is the Town’s financial scorecard. “If you’re running the Town the way it should be run, you should have six [low risk scores] in a
row,” said Junkin. “If you ended up with two moderates, then that would be enough to instigate an investigation from the province. Pelham ended up with two moderates and a high. Yet the Mayor tells us that the Town’s finances are in good hands.” Junkin also spoke about the implications of the Town’s financial position. “Two roads in town are currently closed due to infrastructure failure,” he said, referring to Poth Street and Sulphur Springs Drive. “If Poth Street is fixed in 2019, it will have been closed for two and half years. Sulphur Springs has been deferred to 2020—if it’s fixed then, it will have been closed for four years because there’s no infrastructure money to fix it. These are public roads.” Barrick asked Junkin why he thought that the Town had continued to refuse to release a copy of the KMPG report presented to Council during a closed-door meeting on September 5. “[For] the same reason that we talked about Town finances in camera,” answered Junkin. “They’re probably embarrassed.” The Voice has filed an appeal with the province against the Town’s decision not to release this report through a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act request. Councillor Bob Gale asked Junkin why he thought that other
Pelham councillors had not been supportive of him. Junkin replied that he had not spoken with any members of Council since his resignation, but said that he had brought the matter up beforehand. “I said, ‘Guys, this isn’t right.’ One of them said, ‘We’d like to do the right thing, but it’ll make the Community Centre look bad.’ Another Councillor said that if we dug too deep, we’d find even more problems. He wanted the next Council to deal with it. Obviously, I couldn’t live with that.” Nancy Beamer, representing the Pelham DEBT advocacy group, expressed her displeasure that Pelham Council is refusing to answer further questions about its finances. “Council broke their promise and deemed a second meeting unnecessary,” she said. Though Beamer said that representatives from Pelham DEBT had met with Town staff last Friday, she said that this meeting had not answered all of their questions. According to Beamer, Mayor Augustyn agreed to attend the meeting, but did not show up, claiming a last-minute engagement of greater priority. (Based on posts made to his Facebook page, it appears that Augustyn instead met with Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, who has praised Augustyn as a “politician of great integrity.”)
Beamer listed several questions that she said remain unanswered. “There have been innuendos that there something else going on,” said Beamer, apparently referring to Augustyn’s cryptic comments before Town Council on December 18. She disputed this. “We are not into politics,” she said. “We are into truth.” (Augustyn has repeatedly declined opportunities to explain his remarks before Council.) After the meeting, many Pelham residents who had been in attendance stood in the lobby discussing the results. Former Councillor Sharon Cook praised the move to involve the OMB, saying that it’s “starting to make headway” into providing a full picture of the Town’s finances. Responding by email late Monday afternoon, Mayor Augustyn declined to comment specifically on the call for an OMB investigation, saying, “Instead of bickering and bullying, people are looking for political leaders to work together and support each other for the benefit of the entire Niagara Peninsula.” Marvin Junkin, who was repeatedly applauded by the gallery during his presentation, said that he was pleased with the motion. “I’m still hoping that someone, at some level of government, will take a proper look at the finances of the Town,” he said, adding that he hoped that someone inside Town Hall would eventually take responsibility for the situation.
Local man provides free estate guidance Larry Fisher's time as his brother's executor led to checklist creation BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
The VOICE
Larry Fisher, with some of the documents he's compiled.
VOICE PHOTO
In 2010, Larry Fisher’s brother died unexpectedly at age 63. Prior to his death, Fisher’s brother had arranged his will and asked Fisher to be the executor. “I felt kind of honoured that he asked me,” says Fisher. “I also [believed] that it would be many more years into the future that I would deal with this issue, and I’d have lots of time to learn.” But Fisher did not have lots of time. Shortly after his brother’s death, he went to his brother’s bank in Fenwick to retrieve account information so that he could begin to make the necessary arrangements. “I was told that they would let me pay one month of my brother’s utility bills, but that the rest of the estate was going to be frozen.” The bank manager contacted their Toronto office and decided to “probate”
the will, meaning that it had to be legally verified. “The next day, I got a phone called from the bank’s office. They said, ‘We’re very sorry for your loss, Mr. Fisher, but would you like us to take over your responsibilities as executor?’ And when I realized that the minimum cost was going to be over five thousand dollars, I decided to do it all myself.” Fisher, who grew up in Fenwick and now lives in Wainfleet, did do it all himself, and since doing so has devoted hundreds of hours to helping others do the same. He developed a seven-page “Estate Planning Checklist” of 144 items, which he has since presented in more than a dozen seminars, and provides freely to anyone interested. “I don’t charge for my time,” says Fisher, who is 69 and retired. “It’s just my way of helping the community.”
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As Fisher sees it, the death of a loved one brings such emotional turmoil that executors often don’t know what to do. In addition to the checklist, he has also written a booklet called, “Understanding the Role of an Executor.” In it, he writes of the importance of knowing the degree of responsibility of an executor. “I don’t believe [most people] will be so honoured or excited about this unknown territory they will have to enter into. Most people take no action to try and learn the duties and requirements of an executor. Many people assume that it’s easy, that you read the Will and do what it says.” He explains that the checklist “is so that people can have all of their affairs in order before they die, making sure that their executor has all the information that is needed. See CHECKLIST Page 15
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
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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 GPS: The voice that won't be silenced
J
UST A FEW Y E A RS back, among the many hazards of driving there was an annoyance known as the back seat driver. For those unfamiliar with the genesis of this term, it referred to a car passenger who assumed the driver to be the most incompetent operator ever to be seated behind a steering wheel. Based on that appraisal such persons would continuously give unwanted and unsolicited advice on how to better navigate and drive the vehicle. Such advice would readily fall within the definition of nagging. To make matters worse, these irritating critics were often unlicensed drivers. However, just as the number of back seat drivers seemed to wane, our wizards of gadgetry replaced that vexation with an equally confounding annoyance. Included among the gizmos found in the newest vehicles, most of which many drivers will never figure out, is a device called a GPS. Drivers began to enjoy the near-absence of in-car criticisms of their driving skills when along comes the global positioning satellite to add to the miseries of driving.
This unseen voice must be hiding somewhere behind the dashboard that now resembles the console from the Starship Enterprise. Just when drivers began to appreciate that silence was golden they now have to contend with a vicarious big brother, or sister, in the car. These robots are so cursed smart that they are programmed to treat drivers as a brainless saps. For instance, if the driver misses an exit on the turnpike a condescending voice suggest the driver do a u-turn when it is safe to do. Think about it! Doing a u-turn on the QEW in twelve lanes of traffic doing 120 K is going to require a whole lot more driving skills than a NASCAR driver in the Indianapolis 500. Annoyingly, this so-’n’so voice repeats the directive until the next cloverleaf which is 47 kilometers up the road. And if the driver chooses to ignore a directive, it flashes a text message that reads ‘recalculating.’ If one dares ignore the missive, command central psychoanalyzes that behavior and will probably
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1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca NEWS WRITER Samuel Piccolo ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Larry Coté, Nick Saltarelli, John Swart, Kirk Weaver
alert the highway patrol about a rebellious driver on the highway. She who must be obeyed will continue to reprimand the driver until the poor soul admits defeat and sheepishly concedes to being under the control of command central. There are a number of other annoyances that this confounded device delights in inflicting on the drivers under its command. We will leave that listing of irritants for another time. In the meantime, accept that you are just an innocuous pawn kneeling before the altar of the advancements in technology. You can be comforted, or maybe discomforted, by the knowledge that Big Brother is watching your every driving move. And if you verbally abuse the GPS voice, it responds in an ever- maddening tone of voice, “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Would you please repeat that command.” Your response? “May the force be with you!” Larry Coté is a retired college professor. He has been awarded the Governor General’s Medal for his community contributions.
Letters Thank you, Pelham! As we enter our 35th year of serving the community of Pelham, we would like to express our gratitude to this generous community! Throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, the donations of food, personal care items, household products, toys, and money, grants, contributions of many volunteers, and the support of local media, allow us to continue to assist families in our community. The need in our commu-
nity continues, often due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, job loss, utility bills, or a car repair that stretches already limited resources. Our ability to assist families in putting food on their table during these times is met with a great deal of gratitude. Our Youth Services program helps families in keeping their children active and engaged with their peers in sports, recreational and educational
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. 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.
See THANKS! 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 David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Councillor James Lane jlane@pelham.ca 905-892-2607
Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty brian.baty@niagararegion.ca 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599
Nick’s Cleaners WELLAND Mon-Fri, 8am-5:30pm Sat, 9am-1pm FONTHILL New hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm except Wed, 8am-1pm Sat, 9am-1pm
Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008
Paul V. D’Amico PAU L @ N I C K S C L E A N E R S . C O M
Community Centre project updates: www.pelham.ca/pcc
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pursuits. And on the other end of the spectrum, our volunteer drivers provide much-needed transportation for residents, mostly seniors, to medical appointments, when other means are not available or viable. Thank you to the individuals, businesses large and small, social clubs, schools, and churches for your on-going support and for putting your faith in our organization. Thank you to
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Page 5
OPINION Letters
FOLLOW THE MONEY By Jim Pitt
continued
No need to alter the Bible to be inclusive I am writing in response to Mr. Oblak’s comments [“Giving King James a rewrite,” Jan. 10, p. 4], which were directed towards my letter of January 3 [“What if God was one of us... just a a stranger on a bus,” p. 4]. Mr. Oblak takes exception to my suggestion that MPP Sam Oosterhoff was not being inclusive when he wrote, “Glory to God on the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”I would have preferred, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all.” He suggests that Sam Oosterhoff would have difficulty in being inclusive because he would have to, “alter the original words of the text in order to fit all of the perceived whims of See HOLY WORDS Page 8
Two views of Dr. Pelser's license loss This guy needs a ribbon tied around his finger to remind him to pay up his licenses [Fonthill doctor’s battle goes on, Jan. 10, p. 15]. My husband is an engineer, and it is up to him to make sure all his memberships are paid up in order he keep his designation as a practicing engineer. Because of this doctor's incompetence to know what he needs to do to keep practising in Ontario, he has let his patients down. He's fortunate they are all still supporting him. I don't think the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has any diabolical plan to bring this doctor down, but I don't doubt they are using him as an example to other doctors—look what happens when you don't tow the line when it comes to paying-up for their licenses. Pamela Robb Via Facebook
Many thanks for the excellent article in the January 10 edition on the plight of Dr. Pelser and his loyal patients, and also for publishing Robert Lampman’s letter to the editor. I find it very difficult to understand how a governing body such as the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons can be so punitive with the late payment of a registration fee and yet allow another doctor who has abused prescribing privileges for a second time as outlined in an article in the Toronto Star to continue his practice. I am thankful that I was a member of a professional College that had the foresight to automatically withdraw annual fees for their members so that time could be spent on dealing with issues that were of greater See SUPPORT PELSER Page 8
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have been lifted directly from the MLS Niagara website. I will be looking at the Region as a whole and the Towns of Pelham, Port Colborne and N.O.T.L., because these towns have about the same population sizes. Overall prices in the Region continue to rise. From December 2016 to April 2017 (the peak), average prices went from $321K to $453K and have since fallen back to $386K. That's a 41% increase to April followed by a 14% retreat to December. Still, a large price rise yearover-year. In N.O.T.L, prices began the year at an average $624K in December 2016, peaked at $829K in April and have since fallen back to $723K in December 2017. Prices went up 32% to April and have since retreated 12% for a year- over-year return of 20%. In Port Colborne, prices began the year at a modest, by Niagara standards, $264K and climbed to $283K by April. But by December the prices had reached $372K, for an annual return
A N Y OF THE letters to the editor in the Voice begin with a similar refrain: When we moved here, or, when we were growing up here, Pelham was a great place to live. It had a small town charm and it was friendly. The letters then expound on the many reasons that this may no longer be the case. This small town charm was the major factor many used to decide whether to buy a home and raise a family here. Pelham, meaning Fenwick and Fonthill primarily, was a much sought-after destination in the Niagara Region, second only to Niagara-on-the-Lake in property values. In fact, as recently as December 2014, Pelham had the highest average home prices in the Region. This has changed rather dramatically. The latest MLS Niagara statistics, for December 2017, show a few trends that are continuing and a couple of interesting take-aways. The following statistics
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of 41%. Port Colborne is the one of two exceptions to the overall price rebalancing that is occurring Regionwide . Lincoln is the other.
House values in Pelham have erased all of the gains made in 2017 In Pelham prices began the year at $461K and climbed to $553K by April, a return of 20% in just four months. By December, prices had rebalanced to $433K, a drop of 21%. Wait, how can that be. House values in Pelham have erased all of the gains made in 2017. Indeed, if you look at December 2015, the average price of a house was
$426K, meaning that average house values in Pelham have risen just 1.6% over the last two years. But if you go back one more year to December 2014, average prices were $486K. That means there has been an average loss of $60K since this Mayor and Council took charge. Ouch. How can this be? Of course, a lot of factors are involved in the price of houses. More expensive homes are becoming increasingly difficult to finance, with all of the rule changes now in place. Spending $500K and more to live in Niagara will allow for many choices of locales. The cost of ownership and the ability to cover those costs with the income a family has at hand is certainly a major factor. Towns like N.O.T.L. are not often places in which young families can start out because of the high costs associated with living in a charming small town like N.O.T.L. Wealthy Boomers See FOLLOW THE MONEY Page 6
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Fonthill and District Kinsmen are accepting submissions for our annual
Mon, Wed, Fri • 8am - 5:30pm Tue • 8 am - 7pm Thu • 8:45am - 7pm 1405 South Pelham, Fonthill • 905.892.5191
Pelham Citizen of the Year Award, 2017 Our 20th Award Anniversary Year The guidelines are... you cannot be a sitting politician, and must live or work in Pelham.
NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!
The Citizen of the Year should exemplify volunteerism, and positive community activism.
Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.
Submissions must be in writing, and postmarked no later than Friday, January 26, 2018
Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari? Do you know where Hoffa’s buried?
Send submissions to:
The Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District P.O. Box 906, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
Page 6
The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
FOLLOW THE MONEY continued from Page 5 from the GTA have migrated to that area and the prices there reflect that demand. Port Colborne also has much to offer. In exchange for a considerably smaller amount of money, a buyer can live in a small town with plenty of facilities, including an indoor pool, markets, lots of free parking, and a real downtown that is accessible and inviting. In other words, the old saying that real estate is about three factors, location, location and location, is very true as the numbers seem to indicate. Then we come to Pelham. One can speculate about why prices here have not really budged for two years. One possible explanation could be that Pelham has lost the desirable location label that drew so many
COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 will return my skin to the soft and wrinkle-free state that my neighbour’s eightmonth-old daughter has. Which one is that? I look helplessly at Esthetician, and ask her what she thinks. She pretends to scrutinize my face from many angles and distances, but her reply still comes way too quickly. She del-
here to stay. As a prospective home buyer in the Region or coming from outside the Region to purchase, a drive through Pelham can be a daunting task. Traffic is slow and frustrated by the proliferation of traffic lights. The downtown lacks parking and has some empty store fronts. The shopping area has been shifted down Highway 20 to largely open fields of grass and mud, so, visually, prospective buyers are less than overwhelmed with positive images of their new home. The overall discount, franchise nature of the new shopping mall— bargain groceries and a Dollarama—doesn't exactly convey small-town coziness, either. Transit Road, Buffalo, closer to the mark. Prospective buyers, upon educating themselves about this new place, may have looked into what the
future holds for the town and decided that living in a town that has a rather ambitious growth plan is
icately recommends the Anti-Aging Facial. Ugh. Memories of last year, when I found my first grey hair and was given my first prescription for reading glasses on the same day. Yes, I’m aging. I get it. Give me the Anti-Aging Facial. Then, to add insult to injury, she recommends a side of brow wax. For some reason, she believes I should have two eyebrows.
What will these crazy millennials think up next? The next thing I know, I’m on my back while an onslaught of stuff is smeared on my face— layer upon layer of creams and ointments, intermixed with steam. At one point Esthetician actually puts a large piece of gauze over my entire face, mummifying me, then tops it with what I can only assume is sweet
As a prospective home buyer... a drive through Pelham can be a daunting task not for them; after all, they were looking for smalltown charm. Other factors that could be in play involve this town’s governance and finances. Much has been written about arenas and land deals.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Much more has been written about a local government that is uncommunicative, secretive, probably incompetent, or even potentially corrupt. To a prospective buyer, looking for the rural idyll they so much desire, Pelham may have lost its charm and become just another place where one can buy a McMansion set three meters away from another McMansion. If this is the case, then home prices will continue to rebalance until they find their true value. It’s anyone's guess what that might be. Ask yourself this question: Based on what you now know of this town and its growth and governance, if you were moving within the Region, or into the Region, where would you place Pelham on your list of places to spend a half million or more?
Letters
smelling formaldehyde to preserve what is left of my 40-plus skin. I can’t really turn my head or see very well, but when I hear Esthetician moving about, I imagine she has left the room to borrow a hand sander from the maintenance room to exfoliate my decrepit cells. After the embalming, she protects my mouth and eyes with cool pads, then applies a thick layer of what feels like Elmer’s White glue all over my face. Thoughts of how my kids would paint my mask would have made me giggle if I were able to smile without breaking the setting plaster. Would they create an evening (or late afternoon) post-chardonnay, happy mommy or an early morning, pre-coffee,
scary mommy? While the miracle glue tingles and rejuvenates my dehydrated epidermis, my weary body relaxes into the table. My eyelids grow heavy. The room gets darker. Mmm. Suddenly, Esthetician interrupts my bliss by asking if she can massage my neck and shoulders. It is shocking to me that she has to ask, however, she explains that some people don’t like to be touched, other than on their face. This baffles me. Who are these people? Throughout the day I caress, massage, shampoo, and gently clean off the dirt of the day from my children’s bodies. I rub antibiotic ointment onto cuts, tape up injuries, wet down
continued
Getting answers like pulling teeth Wow... Councillor Accursi—You should be ashamed of yourself. You were responsible for the ridiculous lack of planning oversight where hockey bags didn't fit in the arena corridors, and now you think there are no questions... [Lingering questions, post-KPMG, Jan. 10, p.3] SERIOUSLY! I hope the people of Fenwick vote you (along with the rest of Council) ......OUT! Jessica Srivastava Via Facebook
THANKS! continued from Page 4 our amazing volunteers who logged upwards of 4,000 hours and drove over 25,000 kilometers to make it all happen! As they say, “It takes a village,” which is so true in this situation! On behalf of the Board of Directors of Pelham Cares, staff, volunteers and clients; a heartfelt thank you goes out to the Pelham community for your support again this year! Tracy Holmwood, President Board of Directors Pelham Cares
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horn-like clumps of hair. I cut finger and toenails, wipe away snot and tears, often without a tissue. I am committed to countless tactile acts throughout the day, and now, someone is asking for permission to massage me? It doesn’t bother me that she is being paid to do it, I am still almost moved to tears. “Yes.” I answer. “You may massage my neck and shoulders.” A little later she startles me again by asking if she can massage my feet while a vitamin C mask sets. I am compelled to say, “Listen, without trying to be suggestive of anything inappropriate, not one part of my body would be offended if you tried to rub it, so next time, don’t ask, just surprise me.” Off I go again to that puffy, cloudy, floaty place filled with harp-playing angels wearing lavender and eucalyptus filled amulets. That is, until she surprises me and I bolt upright because Esthetician has lit my forehead on fire. She swiftly dabs at the freckles of blood oozing from my freshly waxed eyebrows, plucks at a few stray hairs which have avoided the brushfire, then extinguishes the whole area with an après burn ointment. She performs the assault as efficiently as a trained assassin and before I know it, I’m lying supine again, wondering if those last few moments were real or just a fleeting nightmare. And then I close my eyes, try to relax what’s left of my eyebrows, and go on a quick trip to my happy place–on a surfboard in the warm Caribbean Sea, my feet dangling off the board, while underwater scuba spa staff polish them with a ticklish loofah. I almost have a happy ending right then and there, which, for a busy mom, means that I almost fall asleep. Mmm. Jane Bedard is a freelance writer who fled urban Toronto in search of quiet spaces and free parking. She hasn't looked back.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
Page 7
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The Voice rating Citizen of the Year fense. He managed 7 up 6 rebounds. Jack shot 15-footers, 12-footpoints including a rare Randall, septuagenarian ers, layups, drives and trey. Tony Croce, was of all septuagenarians, a three-pointer to end driving through the paint continued with his exup with a game-high 23 every time you looked at perimental shots and did points. Wherever he was him. He did score four score on two of them for onwww.thevoiceofpelham.ca the hardwood or in the THE of Pelham Wednesday, March 201517 The Pelham, points fromVoice theVOICE foulof line, 4 points.January Jack’s11,black eye 2018 air, the basketball always but there were more shots didn’t seem to affect his seemed to find its way than that. He had six scoring touch. The othinto basket. Howard forthedesign from region points on the night and er septuagenarian, Dave Myers, known as Region design Town of better Pelham has won a Niagara had 3 steals. Dick ran around more award for had its planning of thegame East Fonthill commercial Howie, a great than usual as he tried to and housing development. using the long ball to score As what has become It received the 2014 Niagara Community Design Award keep the rebounds out of his season-high 19 points. norm, the Signature in Urban Design and Architecture for thethe East Fonthill enemy hands. He scored Secondary Plan and Urban Design Guidelines. Howie always seemed to Sign & Image boys startPelham received top honours in the Policy & Plans 2 points in the first quarbeCategory. taking a 3-point shot ed the game with a flurter and grabbed onto to The town’s planning detailed orpolicies one from thedocuments top ofoutline ryitsof points, thirteen in and guidelines for growth and development in NINE rebounds. the He area scored threeRoad all compared with only the key. East Fonthill at Regional 20 along Rice Road to south of and Merritt Road. 3-pointers pulled seventeen for the Clas“It’s gratifying to receive this recognition on behalf down 8 rebounds. Har-and the sics. The sexagenarian of council, town staff, the region, consulting
B
on behalf of MP Howard in 1999. The rest of DEBBIE PINE Dean Allison and Sandra’s children, Robert, John, Vol.20 No.53 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Mike Krkljus on Steven, Karey and Jacquelyn behalf of MPP were in presence. Page 3 www.thevoiceofpelham.ca Town plans win Tim prize Hudak. Sandra also thanked her friends Cheers for Chambers as top citizens Hastily called “There’s a and colleagues, “too numerous board meeting reason I’m the to mention individually” who greeted with skepticism treasurer, I don’t wrote letters supporting her like speaking,” nomination. said Sandra “I’m humbled by your words,” in response she said. to hollers of Explaining her desire to help team led by the Planning Partnership,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn in a news release Monday. others, Sandra said she truly “speech.” “The development of the 450 acres in the East Fonthill area has the potential to improve and change Pelham for the better. This award recognizes our efforts to balSandra began tries to live by the Golden Rule ance growth as we maintain our small town feel.” Some of the goals of the East Fonthill Secondary Plan by thanking the and believes helping others is include: Fred Disher, 2012.* Ensuring a well-designed,David Rosemary and Gary Cham- John Wink, 2015. Ron Kore, 2016. attractive, Swan, pedestrian- 2013. life on First earth. Kinsmen for her role in thisration friendly community with a mixture of housing types; of Pelham’s World War cenotaph and presbers, 2014. *FILE encouraging significant retail/commercial developWAYNE CAMPBELL ervation of a capture mortar at the Old Town Hall site. PHOTO FILEBYPHOTO FILE PHOTO FILE PHOTO ment while at the same time protecting the existing The couple are known for dressing up in period VOICE youcostume very much creating such for the“Thank Fonthill Downtown; for such events as Canada Day, Fenwick an FILE PHOTO * providing a “Greenlands System” that protects exFor Rosemay Chambers, it was “a bit overwhelming.” niversaries, cemetery historic walks and this year Gary a integrates with prestigious for attending tonight’s isting environmental features and the She and her husband Gary Chambers share the 2014 as Santa Claus. Steve Bauer Trail system; and The mayor said they even lent him a bearskin coatOnce again, it's Oosterhoff by a mile Citizen of the Year award, receiving it from the Kins* developing a pedestrian/cyclist-friendly and transit- men Club of Fonthill and and beaver felt top hat for awords Fenwick Lions Groundhog ceremonies, kind award. District at an award banquet your ready road network. Day. last week. Young MPP beats off internal As part of the secondary planning process, the town Sarah Whitaker, assistant to MPP Tim Hudak, said she For the 17th year, the club gavemost out the prize importantly to recand for your “I was council approved the East Fonthill Site Master Plan for ognize and encourage volunteerism. was pleased to fill in for the MPP on this occasion bechallenge for nomination the northern part of the East Fonthill area. cause it is a “well deserved honour” for the Chambers. Gary, in an acceptance speech, thanked the Kinsmen This plan contains concept drawings for sixp distinct The former Voice of Pelham editor said she got to s u r r i s e d , for the award and saidfriendship.” it took many to make projects blocks. know the Chambers during the Fenwick 150th anniRE/MAX® Garden City
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BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
A faction of some 50 concerned citizens gathered outside Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) headquarters in Welland last Wednesday to draw attention to the board’s decision not to accept the Ontario Auditor General’s offer to conduct an independent review of the conservation authority. When the special board meeting began at 10 AM, the demonstrators moved inside to listen to the NPCA’s rationale for not accepting the help from the Province they were apparently seeking. Held in a small room in the
Thre to cou the Fonthill Kinsmen: Nominate your choice for Citizen of the Yearbylaw. 14 Citizens of Year their n Sandra Warden is the 14th Citizen of the Year recognized by the Fonthill and District Kinsmen. negati Past Citizens of the Year are: Carolyn Mullen, 1998 and Tony Finamore, 1999 Jake Dilts, 2000 norma Eric Bergenstein, 2001 Letters continued George Kowalski, 2002 DEBBIE PINE Anne Robbins, 2003 Thei Catherine Kuckyt, 2004 Soccer and poop don't mix 905.892.0222 Gerry Berkhout, 2005 impac Paul Ryan, 2006 NIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON Gayle Baltjes-Chataway, 2007 “Their mottos of do your is just opening a door.” face” volunteer who Augustyn. BY minut Rick Lowes, 2008 Sandra Warden (centre), surrounded by her children, Robert (back, It builds a better commubest, be prepared and serworks with persistence to Swan thanked his fellow Gail Hilyer, 2009 John Karey, celebrated her recognition with colleagues, friends NE and CAMPBELL volunteers, urged every- vice to others have guided nity. vision. Gord Klager, 2012 8 at the annual Kinsmen Citizenachieve of the Yeara Dinner. closed r the VOICE Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo Brian Iggulden of the one to contribute to the me into my adult life.” He recalled Swan comIt included inspiring Kinsmen Club said from the t d Swan, an “in your ing to town council in community and praised volunteer, officially 2008 with a 140-name young people as future him and his daughter to award program was creWhe organize a scout group ated to inspire more vole the 2013 Pelham petition to get a stretch of volunteers. Point the young in the for children with special unteers by celebrating the built along from SUPPORT PELSER n of the Year last sidewalk Hairstyling... asked best examples. Oakridge to Vinemont right direction, he said, needs in 1981. Year for 2012, Fred Disher, with is wife Bernice, surrounded by some of Past winners are: Carolyn and they will do wonders It continues today with Kinsmen Club of along Canboro Road. to CA Tony Finamore, his volunteer work in Pel- Mullin, for the Fonthill community. and District After that, he “expanded and family District members, dll other during the Kinsmen’s Annual Jake Dilts, Eric BergenHe used an example of ham. d out its 16th an- his vision” through the out t Swan saluted the Kins- stein, George Kowalski, a bikecommunity. rodeo at Glynn A. transportation te volunteerism in our wardthe at a spirit presenta- ofactive men for their community Anne Robbins, Catherine nner in Old Pelham committee encourage the Green public school. by n Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo Gerry Berkhout, the volunteers Kuckyt, Last year, the active service and Hall for more than town to build 12 kilometres of sidewalks to im- transportation commit- he works with on active Paul Ryan, Gayle Baltjessts. consid HOLY she WORDS has marshalled. family, Newblatt said always transportation, bandshell Chataway, Rick Lowes, tee organized it and ran prove walking in the town is known for his AH bike lanes for cyclist, it, he said. This year the concerts, Pelham Cares Gail Hilyer, Gord Klager, under eer work with the and knew her brother was special, Krkljus said the parade Sandra Warden and Fred committee will assist the and other groups. said the mayor. m Active TransportaPIPER ERthe TAt “I can only say thank you Disher. Fonthill bandshell school but the students ELL be exe S Fonthill Bandshell Eand it was nice to know the marshalling jobto bemust beA Fonthill one ofand District for allowing me part concerts, Swan became will organize and run it. t series, Pelham l itaparkof this grand dealing adventure.” with Kinsmen Club plaque Swanthinks said his so volunteer “the self appointed zy Digof and Pelham Staff frustration, all of community Pelham CoSeniors x o b to spirit began in his Niagara Swan urged everyone to listing their names hangs ing attendant” to ry committee. lace ukeclear J p e r i F in the Pelham Municipal dopeople something for someto ensure drop off Falls home with Scouts the who are late or out as well. r Dave Augustyn cars old a large one every day “even if it Building. Swan an “in your access for people, said Canada. Disher, who told the crowd of place. FITNESS-911 community PETER PIPERS he was “overwhelmed, grateful “Something Tim and Training Iandhave Consulting ers that Join she’s Us for Live Entertainment guiltySouth of on occasion,” hesponsorship honoured,” be enhancements chosen forbeen youthshadow programs Mayor Dave library Big Sisters Niagara; Tickets and Saturdayand afternoon jazz is Augustyn to the Oggie Radulovich Retire YourPublic Way!dasher boards and equip- are now available ceive up to $5,000TIRPKO announced the recipients Glynn A. Green said the GEORGE & JIM SMOLINKSI Retire Yourwas Way! added. as the Citizen of the Year, nhat support the selectednight by at a 8committee School; a camping trailer ment for Pelham Minor mayor. shefrom lives Every Wednesday it’s nual Mayor’s Gala at aRUN town council meeting for Fonthill Scouts Group; Hockey Association; and After reading in the Voice the subject of several glowing y 24, following the Monday. after school programs in youth sponsorship subsiPlann Now every Tuesday: a Day weekend. The projects with include: many Pelham by Big Brothers dies forand Pelham speeches, sincere Disher hisCares. wife of 47 years d quote but1 LB of MUSSELS is no just $6! thanks for his dedication to Bernice have raised nine children Town ere. $5.00 BURGERS EVERY MONDAY the community and numerous and opened their home to Larm king of Fred PINT NIGHT THURSDAYS FISH FRY FRIDAYS laughs as well. dozens of foster children, Krkljus Feb. 012 Citizen PS: We make no promises on the pickled peppers spoke Mike Krkljus, representing said it’s no wonder Disher takes men dinner few da ng Disher’s MPP Tim Hudak, said he got on the parade marshal job. Some previous winners: Sandra Warden, 2011. FILE PHOTO
Hockey for Haiti
See NPCA Page 10
HAPPY TEARS An emotional Ron Kore accepts his Kinsmen Citizen of the Year award. Page 9.
BY ZACH JUNKIN
Special to The VOICE
continued from Page 1
Carolyn Mullin, was relatively young when she received the prize, whereas some other winners have been retirees. “We’ve even had joint
It was a packed house at the West Lincoln Agricultural Centre Tuesday night a week ago as Progressive Conservative party members from across the newly formed Niagara West riding came out ed the Liberal government’s management of the to elect MPP Sam Oosterhoff as their nominee for province over the last 13 years. versary and for many projects after as they came into the 2018 provincial election. It was a message that resonated with the her office seeking publicity. More than 800 party members cast their ballots many younger voters on hand, who expressed Whitaker called Rosemary a “warm, caring and in the contentious nomination race between Oostheir hope that a younger candidate will better wonderfulPictured person” and, with a smile, Gary as “a little terhoff and his challenger, Regional Councillor relate to the issues they face. from left to right: Kristen Leigh, John Wink and Sue Holmes-Wink. Tony Quirk. The vote was nearly 2-to-1 in favour scary.” “I think it is important to have young voices in Oosterhoff our government,” remarked a young man named MP Dean Allison said the Chambers told of him they . 19-year-old Oosterhoff, who won the par- Alex, who said he was down from Toronto to were surprised by the award because they wereThe simply ty nomination and subsequent by-election for show support for Sam. “We have a lot of peodoing what they loved to do. Niagara West-Glanbrook after Tim Hudak left the ple in government who are not connected to our “Doesn’t that speak volumes about the people up ran a youthful campaign that derid- generation, and don’t understand our needs, and seat in 2016,
possible. He and Rosemary did what they did to give They show various possible permitted land uses, in- back to the wonderful community they lived in. cluding institutional-medical, retail, retirement, comAcknowledging his persistent style, he said it is odd munity centre, mixed-use commercial, townhomes, for the nominators to honour people “who come to single-detached residential, mixed-use residential and offend them.” parks and trails. Rosemary encouraged everyone to volunteer to make The Site Master Plan incorporates details about friends, and, for young people to get to know their On March 1, John Wink was officially recognized as Pelham’s Citizen of the Year streetscapes that include roundabouts, trails, parks community and open doors to the future. and public squares that complement the town’s urban by the Fonthill and District Kinsmen at an awards ceremony in his honour. The She called volunteering the “ultimate exercise in dedesign guidelines. mocracy because you vote for your community every evening included speeches from MP Dean Allison, Mayor Dave Augustyn, as well The Town of Pelham owns 32 acres of land in the East day”, to a cheering full house. here,” he said beside them at the head table. Fonthill area. as members of the Fonthill Kinsmen and volunteer community. Brian Iggulden, who co-ordinates the top citizen The Chambers are known for their heritage work. It In that area, a medical centre, retirement facility and includes a role with the Pelham Heritage Committee in program and acted as master of ceremonies, said the Wellspring Niagara headquarters will be built. went “outside box” when it gave the A number ofthe Wink’s family and friends were in attendance, including his wife Sue restoring the Old Pelham Town Hall, where the dinner Kinsmen club Town council, with the help of an architectural de- was held, said Mayor Dave Augustyn in his congratula- award to a couple for the first time. Holmes-Wink Kristen sign advisory committee, is exploring the potential tions to the Fenwick couple. “It was well worth it,” he said daughter about the winners, the Leigh. inclusion of a multi-faceted community centre, which They stirred the organization of Fenwick’s 150th response to them and a large turnout for the event dur“Seeing my Dad win Citizen of the Year was an extremely proud moment for me,” would include an arena. and 160th anniversary celebrations, a bid to make the ing an icy evening. A hotel feasibility study is underway to determine village’s flag pole a heritage site, the preservation of Past citizens of Kristen. the year are:“It Carolyn Mullinhow (1998), said is clear much he cares about his community which is why he whether a hotel would benefit to the community in the the Maple Arce Library branch and the sale of 195 com- Tony Finamore (1999), Jake Dilts (2000), Eric Bergenwillingly gives his time to Pelham through coaching, the PBA, United Way, and area. memorative bricks as part of the downtown Fenwick stein (2001), George Kowalski (2002), Anne Robbins For more information about East Fonthill, visit pel- reconstruction. (2003), Catherine Kuckyt (2004), Gerry Berkhout Summerfest. My brother and I are so lucky to have our Dad as such a positive role ham.ca/east-fonthill. Rosemay, Augustyn said, gave a passionate presen- (2005), Paul Ryan (2006), Gayle Baltjes-Chataway Students at Niagara A.K. Wigg held their 2nd Award Annual Ball Hockey Tournament last week in their crowded model and inspiration in our lives.” The 2014 Community Design is Charity Pel- tation to town council about retaining the flag pole. (2007), Rick Lowes (2008), Gail Hilyer (2009), Gord and noisy school will go to help build a classroom for ham’s second. Thegymnasium. town receivedProceeds honours infrom 2013 the for tournament Klager (2010), Sandra Warden (2011), Fred Disher Gary, for his part kept a close eye on the Fenwick reschool children in Haiti. Pictured: TheinNew Jersey a Junior the Town of Pelham Downtown Arches the in the Grinders, (2012) and David Swan (2013). construction project.Division team. Public Realm Improvement Category. A plaque listing their names hangs in Town Hall. More recently the Chambers are involved in the resto-
winners,” said Iggulden, referring to “Mayor of Fenwick” Gary Chambers and his wife, Rosemary, who shared the 2014 award. “It was suggested to give it to a couple, and we thought, ‘sure!’ We’re willing to look at anything.”
The Kinsmen prefer to receive the nominees in written form, and encourage residents to re-submit unsuccessful nominees from past years. “People shouldn’t be afraid to re-nominate,” said Iggulden. “It doesn’t mean
that they weren’t a good choice—it just means that it wasn’t their year.” According to Iggulden, who has been chair of the award for the past 12 years, the Kinsmen are occasionally worried that few nominations will come in, but
then a whole number arrive during the last week. The Kinsmen’s main goal, in any case, is to encourage community involvement. “It seems harder and harder to get people to volunteer,” said Iggulden. “We’re all so busy, and life
what our concerns are, so it’s very impor us to have someone who understand tho cerns.” He cited housing affordability and in provincial debt as issues he would like Oosterhoof take on. “The Liberal party has been very happ into debt,” he said. “Our generation unde that that’s not a good investment for that we will be the ones who actually pay that off.” Quirk, on the other hand, focused on perience both as a business owner, and a itician, having served the public as a mu councillor in Grimsby, and currently as a R Councillor in Niagara.
has a way of overpowering things. But community involvement is still so important.” For details on how and where to send a nomination, see the Kinsmen’s advertisment on page 5.
run their dogs in the field. It’s a great space and most of the owners take advantage of the weekends, evenings and summertime that children are not playing on the field. I know as a taxpay-
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er-funded area people are inclined to use it as their own. I personally cut through the field to walk in to town. However, I’ve cleaned up multiple dog piles that have been left in the schoolyard where children play. A neighbor and I have
continued from Page 5
import. A petition and many letters to the OCPS from patients whose loyalty is derived from being treated with respect, compassion and professionalism have
ES T
his many constituents.” This is not what I am suggesting. Instead of tailored messages to all his many constituents, I would like to see You’re Invited a single message to all his constituents that is inclu-
built a box and supply dog baggies at the Stella Street entrance for owners who forget their own pickup bags. We don’t mind doing it. But that box was put up after having to pick up several piles ourselves so students wouldn’t step in them. Then we had to
put a note on it that people shouldn’t leave the full baggies in the box (yes, people were leaving their dog poop in the box!). I go out every spring and clean up trash in the area over the fence by the soccer fields I find bags and bags of poop that owners pick up then throw over
the fence. Glynn A Green is an elementary school. If dog owners want to run their dogs and get fresh air and exercise so be it, but clean up after them and take the poop to your own trashcan! Erin Lyttle Fonthill
fallen on deaf ears. When Dr. Pelser was no longer at the McMaster clinic I asked where he had gone and they told me that they did not know what he was doing. I needed to see my newly assigned doctor at the McMaster clinic last spring and was told she was booked up
for a month. If I needed to see her sooner, I could call every day in the morning to see if I could secure a walkin appointment. It was later that day that I saw Dr. Pelser’s sign at his new location. I was able to call and get in the next day. Tests were booked immediately. It is very obvious to many
of us that there is a doctor shortage in the area with Fonthill’s new developments and incoming population. It would be wise for the local politicians as well as anyone without a doctor to support the reinstatement of Dr. Pelser. Karen Saylor Fonthill
sive of all, and acknowledges our common humanity. “Peace to all” does that. Sam Oosterfoff is the MPP for the riding of Niagara West-Glanbrook and was elected to represent all constituents regardless of their beliefs. Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, etc., should be treated with all due respect. Respect requires that
all groups receive adequate attention, are listened to and are not excluded by language that is non-inclusive. Sam appears to be a bright, personable young man. I am fairly confident that he has the smarts to acquire the knowledge, skills and empathy required to represent the interests of all his many and varied constituents.
Non-inclusive language results from a mindset that divides people into them and us. We only have to look south of the border to recognize how divisive non-inclusive language can become. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” —St. Mathew. Alan Bown Fonthill
OCT 2016 © 2016 EDWARD JONES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
RS PE
MKD-1296-C-FL
PET E
You’re Invited
MKD-1296-C-FL
17 .20
PETER PI
IPERS P RP
continued from Page 5
OCT 2016 © 2016 EDWARD JONES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Page 9
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The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
Is the library trendy? BY KIRK WEAVER
CEO Pelham Library
In the last article I highlighted the Library Board’s primary strategic objectives for 2018. These initiatives are in addition to fulfilling our traditional role of making current and relevant collection materials easily accessible to the community. Part of the reason we have chosen these objectives is to ensure that we are well positioned to respond to trends in the library world. Some of those trends were highlighted in a recent article. First, libraries need to actively engage the community. As the use of technology continues to grow, it has become easier for people to connect without face to face interaction. However, as humans, we need face to face interaction to be healthy. The Library is a great place for the learning and knowledge that comes from active conversation with each other. Libraries need to find creative ways to make their communities aware of that. In Pelham, we have been intentionally reaching out with this message and seem to be seeing some positive results through increased attendance and new cards issued. Second, libraries are beginning to understand that they need to focus on all segments of the community. Historically libraries have had a strong core group of active users and supporters and have served their needs very well. In order to be sustainable we need to bet-
ter understand the needs of everyone in the community, particularly those who are not current users. In Pelham, this is something we will focus on in 2018. It can be a huge challenge to try and be all things to all people, but without making an effort to understand the entire community we will never be in a position to fulfill that challenge. Finally, once we have a good understanding of the community, it is important that we actively respond. This has led some libraries to reinvent their library services. This may sound radical, but it doesn’t need to be. In Pelham, it means reviewing our programs and services objectively. We need to consider if our delivery methods need to changes to better reach others or if there are new areas we need to add to our collection. Libraries are often considered traditional, foundational, and unchanging institutions. A look back at history will show that to be a false perception. Libraries have remained a focal point in communities because of their ability to respond to changes in the society. For the past two years, The Voice has allowed me to contribute articles. The topics to date have been chosen by me or by our staff and hopefully have been informative. To help us to better understand our community needs I would like to invite you to submit suggested topics for future columns. If there are things you would like to know about the Pelham Library, or libraries in general, please feel free to email me at kweaver@pelhamlibrary.on.ca
STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT INVESTING IN 2018
Niagara EcoNomic Forum Tuesday, January 23rd • 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Pelham Library What do rising interest rates, Kim Jong Un, U.S. tax reform, changes in NAFTA, Brexit negotiations, record household debt, and “pot stocks” have in common? They could all affect your retirement savings. STRAIGHT TALK FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW Jennifer Radman, CFA -VP, Caldwell Investment Management
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Morningstar Analysts’ Choice Steward of the Year inaugural award winning team, 2016 Lipper Award for 5-year performance (Global Equity Balanced), FundGrade A+ Winner 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Chris Currie, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Goodwood Inc.
At Alternative IQ’s 2017 Canadian Hedge Fund of the Year Awards hosted by KPMG LLP, Goodwood was recognized for the 5th year, winning two first place awards, including “Best 5-Year Credit Focused Annualized Return Category” with a net 5-Year annualized net return of 9.82% In this very unique forum, each guest speaker will be given 15 minutes to discuss how they view opportunities and potential trouble spots in 2018 and beyond, and then they will form an expert panel to answer questions from you, the investing public. Event sponsored by your host, George Biggar, CDFA, of Allied Capital Partners, Inc. Limited seating – Please email us at gbiggar@alignedcp.com to ensure a spot! ACPI is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (www.IIROC.ca) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (ww.CIPF.ca).
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Trainer Oggie Radulovich gets active BY VOICE STAFF Fitness and strength coach Oggie Radulovich is now offering fitness training in Fonthill, working at his FITNESS-911 studio with all ages, fitness levels, and sport-specific athletes. “I've always been drawn to help guide individuals to improve their health and fitness,” says Radulovich, who has been a trainer for about a decade. “I would read additional textbooks front to back on overall health, fitness, and the science of performance just for fun." He offers specialized classes in weight management, strength and conditioning, general improved fitness and lifestyle, injury rehab, body building, and sport specific training for golf, hockey, basketball, soccer, and others. Radulovich has based his training service in Fonthill for the past two years, before which he worked out of Beamsville. “I lost quite a few clients when I moved, but a lot of new people have come since,” he says. Before working in Beamsville, Radulovich trained sprinters and wrestlers at Brock University. “I wrestled for Brock prior to that,” he says, adding
Fitness coach Oggie Radulovich. that he also played soccer and rugby when younger. To Radulovich, it’s always possible to improve health or performance regardless age or level, as long as a detailed, research-based program is followed. “There must be a specific reason for what you are doing in the gym. In many cases, certain exercises can actually hinder your performance without you even knowing it,” he says. He believes that advanced training programs are not merely for pro-
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fessional athletes, saying that, “if you are a recreational golfer, you still deserve the best program to ensure you can improve your game.”
I've always been drawn to help guide individuals to improve their health and fitness Anyone can benefit from improving their power, strength, and agility, says Radulovich, adding that it isn’t difficult to do once a personalized program has been developed. “Training smart is key to preventing injury and taking your fitness to the next level whether it's weight loss or to improve your stats as a cyclist or hockey player,” he says. Radulovich says that he’s a proponent of living an active lifestyle, something that can be done even outside of the gym. “I’m big into dogs, so playing with them and hiking a lot is great exercise,” he says. Radulovich’s love for health and athletics led him to complete a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education followed by a Master of Science degree. He recently acquired a certificate from the Ontario Brain Injury Association, and hopes to provide training programs to individuals with brain injuries, including mild concussions.
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BUDGET continued from Page 1 to be funded by a tax increase of 5%. A major portion of the spending increase is a result of adding to the Town’s payroll. Compared to 2017, the budget proposes 17 new Town employees, the majority of which fall under the Public Works department. Two of these employees will be permanent full-time, seven will be permanent part-time, seven are to be fixed-term part-time, with a single fixed-term fulltime position to be added. Town Director of Human Resources Paula Gilbert said that this isn’t the entire staffing request for the Community Centre, and that there will be more requested next year to set up chairs and serve other needs in the building. “There’s a whole other part that you’re not being shown,” she told Council. "Changes were made in order to make sure that this was an appropriate staffing request to bring forward to Council tonight.” Quinlin’s budget also includes minimal capital spending of $3.2 million, with substantial deferrals of previously planned captial projects to 2019 and later. Deferrals include repairs to Poth Street and Sulphur Springs Drive, both of which have been closed for almost a year. The draft budget does not include requests to take out new loans, neither banks loans nor debentures through the Region and province. KPMG’s recent report on Pelham’s financial situation revealed that the Town spent reserve funds on projects that were supposed to have been funded by previous loans, meaning that the Town must repay this loan debt in order to replenish the reserve funds. In total, the Town plans to allocate $17.7 million dollars to restock the reserves. In
her remarks to Council at E. L. Crossley on November 29, the Treasurer asserted that $7.8 million of this amount will be received from developers, but has not provided details in the interim as to how and when this money will arrive. This leaves $9.9 million to be returned to the reserves through loans. On November 29, Quinlin suggested that these loans would be acquired in 2019, though she also said that the final amount of debt taken on could be less than $9.9 million. In her draft budget presentation, Quinlin wrote of a “possible debt issuance in 2019,” i.e., the Town would take out more loans, for projects already completed. Most of the 17 new employees seem to be related to the Community Centre. Councillors Richard Rybiak and Peter Papp both asked staff to clearly outline how much running the centre will cost. “The presentation combined all positions across the Town,” said Rybiak. “It’s very difficult for me to differentiate between positions earmarked for the Community Centre.” Gilbert said that the budget presentation had combined positions because some new employees will not be working solely for the Community Centre. Papp, who has expressed worries about how much the centre will cost to operate, stressed that Council needed a clearer presentation of its costs. “This is the largest operating project we’ve ever taken on,” he said. “What’s it going to cost us to run this place, with everything included?” “I think we need to see that,” Papp said of a staffing and cost breakdown. In her presentation, the Treasurer presented a revised expected financial picture of the Community Centre, one that predicted a nearly $50,000 surplus in its first six months of op-
Announcing our new fAmily dentAl prActice:
The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018 eration, before losing about $100,000 annually in subsequent years. An accounting expert consulted by the Voice called the estimate “a joke,” and pointed out that it “removes current budgeted salaries, and includes summer camp revenues,” without apparently including the camp’s costs among expenses, which would artificially inflate profits. “Revenues look over-optimistic, which is always the case when these first open,” the expert said. “[The estimate shows] insurance only slightly increasing for such an expensive building, utilities likely understated—the bills will be higher and the arena will be fired up before it gets used. Staff will likely be brought on before it is completed to get trained and up and running. They don’t just start right before it opens. I can't believe Quinlin is going along with these projections.” Speaking more generally about the budget, Councillor Gary Accursi expressed interest in reducing the 8.27% increase over 2017. “I would much prefer to see an increase in the three to three-and-half percent range,” said Accursi. “Inflation is at two or two-anda-half percent, and a reasonable increase would be keeping up with inflation.” Accursi said that he wasn’t “trying to pick on anyone, but we’re adding bodies,” and wondered if reducing the number of hires could do a lot to reduce the budget increase. In response, CAO Darren Ottaway said that the real question was, “Does Council want to see current levels of service? Or does Council want to see a reduction.” Ottaway explained that the requests made in the budget are what staff believe to be required to maintain current service levels. “If you want to reduce, then, for instance, you could
take away sidewalk clearance,” said Ottaway. Though Ottaway said that this was just an example, Councillor James Lane jumped on Ottaway’s mention of the snow removal. “Is this something that the Town wants to continue?” asked Lane rhetorically. “There are more subdivisions and more sidewalks being built—is this the best use of dollars for the Town? People probably have to the clean the driveway to get to the sidewalk. I think that it’s a luxury, and we’re paying close to $300,000 for it.” Following discussion of the operating budget, Quinlin fielded questions on the capital portion of the budget, which called for the use of $3.2 million from the operating budget to be used towards capital work. Roads work made up half of this projected figure, with the largest investment looking to be $1.2 million on the reconstructing of part of Pelham Street. The budget also anticipated the Town receiving $2.3 million in grants for various projects, including $1.2 million for the remaining cost of Pelham Street, and $414,000 for various road repairs around town. More alarmingly for Rybiak and Lane, it also called for the deferral of repairs to Poth Street and Sulphur Springs Drive, meaning that these roads will continue to be closed at least until 2019. “[It looks like we are] going to continue to keep Sulphur Springs closed for the foreseeable future,”
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“Poth bothers me,” continued Rybiak. “There are very few people living there, traffic is light, but on one brief occasion when Poth was locked off on both ends…Poth isn’t a road that we’re ever going to abandon. I’d like to have it open minimally, at least for emergency access, if nothing else.” The repair of a failed culvert on Poth Street is currently estimated to cost $1 million, and is deferred to the 2019 budget. Director of Public Works, Andrea Clemencio, did not offer Rybiak much consolation. “I’m not sure what else I can offer,” she said. “Sulphur Springs cannot be reopened safely. Opening for light-duty traffic, or anything on those lines, we still assume liability. How
do we police that?” Clemencio said that the Town’s consultants have found no options to open the road temporarily, and referenced legislation. At this, David Macfarlane, a Fenwick resident in the audience who later identified himself as an engineer, called out. “What’s the legislation?” Macfarlane shouted. “It should cost one hundred thousand to replace the culverts [on Poth Street].” Papp, who chaired the meeting, asked him to be quiet. “’FOI,’ yeah, I know. It’s horseshit,” Macfarlane added. After he had stopped speaking, the discussion continued, though Clemencio was no less hesitant to suggest that a fix in 2018 would be possible. “I struggle with this one,” she said when asked if a partial repair to allow for Poth’s re-opening was possible. “It might be asking for a repair not within provincial or federal legislation. It would be unfamiliar territory.” After some cajoling, Council seemed to agree to request that Clemencio return with a report outlining any possible action that would allow for Poth Street to be included in the 2018 budget. After nearly three hours of budget discussion that bumped up to its 10 PM curfew, Council suspended the meeting and was scheduled to resume discussion of the budget on Monday, January 15.
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said Rybiak. “I’m not sure that’s acceptable…It might be worth looking at how the road might be kept open at some minimal level of operation.”
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The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
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Pelham Garden Club Meeting, Jan 22, 7 PM at Pelham Public Library. Speaker: Linda Crago from Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm. Subject: Growing Unusual Vegetables. All welcome.
Summer Employment Opportunity. Applications are now being accepted for summer students in the RCW Department with the Town of Pelham. Application deadline is January 26 before 4:30 p.m. www.pelham.ca/careers for more information.
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Crossley drama students create show on Pelham development; performance set for January 23 BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
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Monologues vs. subdivisions Jennifer Benson’s senior drama class at E.L. Crossley Secondary School rehearsing last Friday.
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Last Friday morning, Jennifer Benson’s senior drama class at E.L. Crossley Secondary School was rehearsing for an upcoming performance. Benson, who has taught drama for many years, was preparing her students for, “The Greatest Show From the Smallest Town,” a mishmash of monologues on the subject of development that will be on stage January 23. (The performance will be open to the public, and take place at the high school.) “At the beginning of the year, we had a class where we wrote down all of our fears,” said Rachelle Tunikaitis, a Grade 12 student. “One of the biggest things was change. So we all went out and interviewed someone in the community to get their thoughts on the change and development that’s happening in See DRAMA Page 16
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The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
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OBITUARY
BYBERG, Signe (nee Olson) Passed away peacefully at Port Colborne Hospital on January 9, 2018 in her 104th year. Signe was born in Haileybury, Ontario on August 19, 1914. Predeceased by her parents August and Anna Olson and her husband of 60 years, Andrew. She is survived by her children Wayne (Nancy) of Port Perry, Ken (Beverly) of Fonthill, Terry (Theresa) of Niagara Falls, Bonnie (Paul) Mercer of Cobourg, 9 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great Great Grandchildren. Signe was the sole remaining survivor of her 7 siblings. Friends were received by the family at the JAMES L. PEDLAR FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill on January 13, 2018 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. The funeral service to honour Signe’s life took place at the funeral home at 2:00pm on January 13, 2018. Interment will take place at Kincardine Cemetery at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Gideon’s International in Canada.
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Brock University professor Tony Bogaert.
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New research further suggests biological link to sexual orientation A new study published with substantial involvement from Brock University scholars argues that male sexual orientation is likely determined in utero. Brock Psychology Professor Tony Bogaert, the work’s primary author, called the result a culmination of 20 years of work on the “older brother effect.” This effect, which Bogaert first identified in the 1996, suggests that men with older brothers are more likely to identify as homosexual. The existence of the older brother effect was supported by independent studies across cultures, leading Bogaert to believe that biological causes were at play. Having found this line of research, he and a rotating team pursued it for many years. “We first found this link a long time ago, but this most recent study dug more into why exactly this link exists,” said Bogaert. Essentially, the team’s analysis of the mothers of gay sons showed that those with male children born before the homosexual son had higher levels of particular antibodies. The team tested 16 women with no sons, 72 mothers with heterosexual sons, 31 mothers of gay sons with no
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Brock professor leads research group looking at male homosexuality BY VOICE STAFF older brothers, 23 mothers of gay sons with older brothers, and a control group of 12 men. The women’s antibody reactivity was measured to two proteins found only in males, both of which are expressed in the male fetal brain. The team found that mothers of gay sons, especially those with older brothers, had significantly higher antibody levels to one protein than did the control samples of women, including mothers of heterosexual sons. “It seems that some women during their first male pregnancy, or just after their first male birth, begin to detect this foreign substance and start to develop an immune response,” said Bogaert. The results of the study suggest that this immune response changes the brain development in later born males, since these particular antibodies are found only in men. “Presumably, this alters the way male nerve cells communicate with each other,” said Bogaert. “This is why the results are so interesting, because they get right at the question of how and why sexual attraction occurs in all people.” However, the Bogaert cautions that the effects are modest and the likelihood of a male child being born gay is still small — even if they have multiple male siblings. “The vast majority of men with older brothers are still heterosexual, but it says something very broad about sex and gender development.” Bogaert acknowledged that discussion of homosexuality is fraught with polit-
ical and philosophic questions, but emphasized that an alteration does not mean unnatural. “Logically speaking, there are all sort of ways in which biological processes lead to atypical results, but this does not mean that it is a disorder.” According to Bogaert, much of the early research into homosexuality in the 1950s, ‘60s, and the early ‘70s was related to trying to find a “cure.” More recent work, on the other hand, seeks instead to understand the causes of homosexuality without any interest in therapy or alteration. Bogaert, who is 54, has also spent part of his career studying asexual individuals—those who profess to be sexually attracted to no one at all. “A lot of my work is labbased, but with the study of asexuality I’ve done work trying to understand it through lived experience,” explained Bogaert. “Trying to identify what is and what isn’t a disorder, and I have a pretty high bar for what constitutes a disorder.” In Bogaert’s eyes, to be considered a disorder a condition must be causing stress upon an individual—and a particular kind of stress, at that. “Once you deconstruct a lot of the stress, you see that it’s not the individual that has a disorder, it’s the general society that has the problem.” Bogaert acknowledged that there are “diverse reactions” to the kind of work that his team does, but said that he believed that on average proponents of the gay rights movement are “positive to neutral” on the work that argues that sexual orientation is not a conscious
choice. Cynthia Nixon, an actor who appeared in Sex and the City, made headlines in 2012 when she said that being homosexual was a choice for her. “I understand that for many people it’s not, but for me it’s a choice, and you don’t get to define my gayness for me,” she told the New York Times. “Defining gayness” is another tricky problem, the difficulty of which Bogaert fully realizes. “In our study, the homosexual men were all identified by the mothers that were part of the group,” he said. “We did this partly because it was convenient, but also because these mothers probably have good reason for saying that their sons are gay.” Some gender scholars, including Jane Ward of the University of California, Riverside, argue that “desires are oriented and re-oriented based on our experiences throughout our lives.” According to Ward, gay activists initially treated sexuality more like a religion, the perspective that she is more in agreement with. “People aren’t born with their religions,” she writes. “They’re born into religious cultures, and they can convert if they’d like.” But Ward says that activists came to believe that this approach wasn’t the most politically effective, and changed the gay rights movement’s tack. “There was a shift, and the leaders of the movement chose to jump on board with a less nuanced argument that people already understood: just like race, people are born with their homosexuality,” she argues. Bogaert’s research certainly puts him in opposition to Ward and others like her, at least to some degree, though he is quick to mention that human sexuality is complicated. In his unSee RESEARCH Page 16
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CHECKLIST continued from Page 3 Executors have a right to know about what their job entails, and they shouldn’t be left with such a heavy burden.” Fisher’s position on this is echoed by most experts on the matter. The author of the “Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning,” Douglas Gray, says that being an executor is "probably the most stressful experience you'll ever have." The list’s 144 items vary widely, from the obvious items, including date of birth and Social Insurance Number, to others that most wouldn’t think of. Many of these obscure responsibilities have been added by Fisher in the years since his brother’s death, though some came directly from his experience. “Some time after my brother died, I got a call from an old friend of his. She asked me if I knew that she had stored some things with him—an old telephone and three brass portholes. I had no idea, and was actually just about to have those things valued at about a thousand bucks each,” says Fisher, adding that such seemingly little things can become a major headache. Fisher has spent countless hours researching and compiling this information, a daunting task for
someone who is not legally trained. “I’m always for the little person,” says Fisher. “And I don’t like to see people spending money on lawyers when they don’t need to.” But despite this lack of legal training, Fisher was an experienced researcher before taking on estate planning. For years, he worked for the United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union, mostly representing employees in arbitration cases on disciplinary action. “I had a good record, too,” says Fisher. “The lawyers would have to take on three, four, maybe five cases a day, whereas I took on about one a week. I would spend a long time reading up and researching past cases beforehand.” Though Fisher may have spent much of his career (and retirement) taking away work from lawyers, he says that he generally got along with them. “For the most part, I respected them, and they respected me. There were some who didn’t like dealing with ‘laypeople.’ One time, a lawyer was giving me a hard time in an arbitration case. After we were out of the session, I went up to him and said, ‘Hey Frank, how long did it take for you to become a lawyer?’ And he said, ‘Oh, about five years of training.’ And I said, ‘that’s
The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018 funny, because I only took a five-day arbitration course in 1983.’ I started walking away. Then I turned back and said, ‘Actually, we got out at noon on the Friday. So it was only a four-anda-half day course.’” Since his brother’s death, Fisher has put together 19 documents —some 400 pages—to inform people of the legal significance at difficult times of their lives. “What You Should Know Before and After You Get Married and Separation and Divorce” is 50 pages that Fisher compiled, full of checklists and advice. “When it comes to separation, one partner tends to keep the other in the dark until they’re in a really good position,” says Fisher. “They’ll have hidden money away, or done something else that will make things difficult for other partner.” To Fisher, the emotional turmoil of such times inevitably makes it more difficult to navigate the legal labyrinth that follows a divorce or death. “I’ve run several free seminars in Port Colborne,” says Fisher, “and I’d be happy to run one in Pelham too. I often have open sessions where people can ask me any questions that are on their minds. If enough people email me at larryfisher17@gmail.com, then we can arrange something in town.”
Page 15
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The Voice of Pelham, January 17 2018
RESEARCH
“We discuss the social influences on sexual behaviours,” he said. “Not only are there different expressions in different cultures, there are different expressions from one house to the next.” The broader question, according to Bogaert, and the one which he poses to his classes, is: why are we attracted to people in the first place? The point of the work is trying to find out “who we are and why we develop,” said Bogaert. “It’s an effort to try and understand. And understanding is better than not understanding.”
continued from Page 14 dergraduate lecture courses, he devotes part of the semester to discussing sexuality, and said that students generally find the topic engaging. “Most people understand that there’s a basic biology, and that we have basic motivations,” said Bogaert, adding that students are generally open to discussion and not “put off by the science-y perspective.” After these basic motivations are examined, Bogaert talks to his classes about the broader social implications of sexuality.
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DRAMA continued from Page 13 town, and then wrote scenes and monologues partly on what we heard.” Evidently, the students heard a great deal of hostility to development, and just as much to the politicians who have been proponents of it. The first to perform for the class talked about how the town’s “perfect complexity” had been destroyed, “just because you needed to build a few more houses.” “What’s with all these chain restaurants?” asked Kira Neuman, the second to present. “We have three different Tim Hortons on the same road. Does this town need to be more caffeinated?” One by one, the students volunteered, were cajoled, or were forced to leave their chairs and speak standing in front of dark curtains on a black sheet of material covering the room’s parquet floor. The students had left their shoes piled by the entrance, and walked around in their socks. Benson offered words of encouragement as the kids steadied themselves. “Know what you need to say, and say it with commitment,” she said. “No one else is here—pretend that you’re just facing your imaginary acting partner.” “Does that mean that we can face the wall?” called out one girl. The class laughed. “No, no,” said Benson. “Plant your feet, relax, and step into it.” The class clapped enthusiastically, even when the performance had not gone as planned. Part way through her monologue, which was told from the point of view of someone too distracted to notice the town changing around her, Rachael Tunikaitis forgot the words. Her eyes began to well up, and she had to leave the room. “Well, I cry all the time,” said Tunikaitis later. “But I'm more comfortable crying
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca here. We’re not as worried about embarrassing ourselves in this class.” Benson concurred. “We try and make this a safe and caring place,” she said. “During public performances, that safe space isn’t there—it takes real courage, and that’s the true joy and excitement.” Some of the students were visibly confident. Abigail Shatford breezed through her piece without stumbling, despite the cold she claimed to be nursing. Her character confessed to living in the past. “It was a time when we didn’t have much knowledge, but we had a lot of wisdom…Now, enough is never enough,” she said. When Shatford finished, Benson directed her to go behind the curtain and sit at the piano. “Abigail wrote a song-alogue too,” she announced. “Now go behind there and practise it.” Shatford put up a meagre resistance and then moved behind the curtain, from where faint tappings on a silenced keyboard could be heard while the others finished up. Alex Sykes, a member of the school’s improv team, rolled through his speech with only a few brief pauses. “All cities share a feeling of loneliness,” he mused. “People walking up and down with earbuds in, listening to music…We need to say hi to that random stranger.” Suspicion of cities was a common sentiment in the students’ monologues, though it was not universal. One, professing having no problem with development, but objecting to the possible increase of taxes, sounding convincingly like a grown-up. Other monologues sounded curiously like the character speaking was a teenager. “I don’t really care [what happens to the town],” concluded one. “I’m moving away. My future is too big for this town.” And some were fatalistic.
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“Development is going to happen anyway,” one girl said. “So let’s look at the bigger picture. Things are going to change, and you’re going to have to deal with it.” At various points in their speeches, nearly every student called out “line,” prompting someone following along with a copy of the text to give them the next word. Sometimes this one word was not enough, and the students would again say “line” and strain their faces, trying to remember. Benson gave them a few shots at this before suggesting that they read from their papers. “Sorry,” the students would say meekly, to which Benson invariably replied, “Don’t be sorry, it’s all right.” John Avery, who is six foot seven and likes to make jokes, apologized to the class in advance for the content of his monologue. “Sorry, there’s two swear words in it,” he said. “Well, we’ll have to cut that out for the performance night,” said Benson, who intends to have the class splice bits from each monologue next week in preparation for the January 23 show. “We won’t be able to present that to the parents.” Avery smiled sheepishly and agreed. After the final student had been squeezed from her seat, Benson pulled back one of the stage curtains to reveal Abigail Shatford seated at the keyboard. “Okay Abigail—you’ve got three minutes before the bell. Go ahead.” Shatford put up another brief bout of resistance before resigning herself to playing. She said later that she had written the song before the development assignment, though the sentiment expressed in the lyrics was similar to that of her monologue. “This town, it means everything to me,” she sang forcefully. And then, more as a lament, she repeated a refrain. “What happened to my town?”
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3435 King Street Vineland, Ontario WINDOWS & SIDING SINce 1966 • WWW.lOuWeS.ca
WELLNESS PACKAGE 110 Ramsey Dr., Dunnville, ON N1A 1K8 Phone: (905) 774-7642 1-800-263-6496 vets@dunnvillevetclinic.com Mon - Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM • Closed Sunday
www.dunnvillevetclinic.com