Jazzmaster in demand
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Vol.26 No.2
JANUARY 19 2022
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Column Six
Words Words are all I have, to take your heart away —The Bee Gees BY SHIRLEY LAZARETH Special to the Voice
M
Looks like it's
WINTER AFTER ALL!
IT WASN'T THE BLIZZARD OF '77, BUT IT WAS BIG ENOUGH Marco Vukovic, of Philmori Boulevard in Fonthill, had the whole family out clearing snow Monday morning, as Mother Nature dumped some 50 cm on Niagara. Classes were cancelled by local school boards, Brock University, and Niagara College, public transport was suspended, and many roadways were impassable until late in the day. The Blizzard of '22 created hazardous conditions with heavy snow, strong winds, and widespread near-zero visibility. The storm brought the highest accumulation to the GTA since 2008. DON RICKERS
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS NRC REALTY, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
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any people do not realize the power words have over all of us. The words of politicians, religious leaders, businessmen and women, lawyers, scientists, medical personnel, and news commentators, to mention a few. So many use words every day to pitch a point, to seal a deal, to drive home an idea, to infiltrate our minds with gangrene like garbage. Words have been an important part of my life for decades, but most significant was the lack of words not uttered, barely muttered, on May 28, 1952. I had just begun my teaching career in Stamford, now Niagara Falls, at a school to be built in the spring of ‘53. It would be named after James Morden. I was sharing a small bedsit with another beginning teacher from Lindsay, Ontario. I had met the boy of my dreams. Life was good! That evening when Don came from Welland to visit we sat silently, watching the softly playing TV, See COLUMN SIX back page
Page 2
The Voice
Anonymous donor ponies up for Pride bench
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Solutions at the top: Right, then. From the handful of folks who took a stab at the mini-Puzzler in our Dec. 22 edition, we have a winner: Carolyn Botari, she of Pelham Historical Society renown, came closest to a perfect answer. As you probably don’t recall, there were hints in that edition that a Puzzler lurked somewhere in the paper. It didn’t take long for puzzle-minded folks to spot the unusual Word Search, whose ostensible topic was “North Pole,” yet whose words appeared to have zip to do with said polar region. Reader Rosie Culos, possibly not tuned-in that this was the Puzzler, helpfully alerted us to the fact that one of the words, “penguin,” was misplaced, in that penguins are found at the South Pole, not the North. In fact, the referenced penguin in this case actually appeared on page 11 of that edition (and now on this page, below our Carrier of the Week), the lovely handiwork of Hailey, age 8, one of the entries in the Town of Pelham’s Christmas Card contest. The Word Search was also a Word Jumble, containing, in alphabetical order, “and, at, blue, bright, brown, but, drew, eyes, hat, his, looking, nor, not, on, penguin, red, seagull, sled, so, the, walrus, who, with, you.” Botari came closest to decoding it with her entry: “Who drew the walrus and penguin with red hat, eyes so bright blue, on his brown sled looking at you,” and was able to provide the correct answer (Hailey, page 11), despite not using all of the words to solve the puzzle. The fullest correct answer would have been, “Who drew not walrus nor seagull but the penguin on brown sled with his hat so red and eyes bright blue looking at you.” Given that it may well have taken an Enigma machine to solve that to 100 percent, the Puzzlemeister has declared Botari's entry close enough. Congratulations, Carolyn! Gift card is on the way!...Reader kindness that warms the heart: First came the generous offer to the Town, back in December, to pay for the replacement of two stolen Pride benches (story this page), and now an offer from a reader to make a contribution to the Voice equal to the amount of revenue lost from the anti-vaxx landscaping contractor who pulled their ads last week over a Covid-related editorial cartoon they didn’t like. We’ve also seen a handful of new voluntary subscriptions. Thank you, folks, it means a lot...Dairy Queen Blizzards are easier on the knees: After last year’s relatively mild winter, Monday’s snowpocalypse came as a rude reminder of the season. I can tell you that clearing our drive this time really took it out of me. Blame any typos this week on the blizzard. At least we got a gorgeous sunset out of it…Don't let the door hit you on the way out, mate: Djokovic, booted down under from Down Under. Made our month...“Everybody’s wobbly”: When I mentioned the topic of John Swart’s wellness column this week (p.14) to my spouse—ways to improve reaction time when we start to lose our balance—she said, “That’s good. Everybody’s wobbly right now, one way or the other.” Too true. Here's to more stability as the year unfolds. See you next week. ◆
Voice
Donation made in response to theft of two benches last month BY VOICE STAFF When two rainbowpainted Pride benches were stolen over the weekend of Dec. 11-12, from Peace Park and from near the Meridian Community Centre, both in Fonthill, a good samaritan approached the Voice and asked the newspaper to convey their offer to Pelham Town Hall to pay for replacements. That was on the Monday. On Wednesday morning, Dec. 15, the benches reappeared, left hanging from fencing near the stormwater management pond at Rice Road and Highway 20. Ryan Cook, Pelham’s Manager of Public Works, told the Voice that the two benches were undamaged, and within days they had been reinstalled in their original locations. The good samaritan, however, was still on board, and offered to donate funds sufficient to underwrite a fourth bench. (A third bench is located at the intersection of Pelham St. and Hwy 20.) Advised that the cost, complete with installation,
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was $2500, the individual mailed a cheque for this amount to the Voice, and the Voice delivered it into the hands of Treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy before Christmas. “It is always nice when a private citizen comes forward to make a donation to the Town,” Mayor Marvin Junkin said. “This particular donation is even more appreciated as it not only provides a much needed bench for our walking community, but is a shout-out of support to our gay community.” Pelham CAO David Cribbs said that the new bench was already ordered and would be heading to Fenwick, adding that due to a backlog for this type of bench that delivery wasn’t anticipated until as late as March. Installation is set to occur immediately, weather-permitting, on an existing concrete pad in front of the Maple Acre Library. Cribbs, who upon the earlier theft had said that, “Hate does not get to triumph in Pelham,
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NRPS impaired driving charges ~
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SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls
The Pelham Fire department responded to eight calls for assistance from Friday, January 7 to Friday, January 14. Monday, January 10 Medical assistance, Station 3 Tuesday, January 11 Odour investigation, Kevin Dr., Station 1 Wednesday, January 12 Vehicle fire, Victoria Rd., Station 2 Medical assistance, Station 2 Thursday, January 13 Carbon monoxide alarm, Cherrywood Ave., Station 1 Motor vehicle collision, Effingham, Station 3 Friday, January 14 Medical assistance, Station 1 Vehicle fire, Stella St., Station 1
Ontario,” welcomed the gesture. “The Town is thrilled with this generous donation and the accompanying opportunity to celebrate community diversity in Fenwick.”
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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
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Ihor O. BRODA, 44, Welland Brian M. SNYDER, 45, Kenmore, NY James. W. CARRIER, 66, Niagara Falls Robert A. HARDER, 56, Lincoln Adebis T. ADEOYE, 34, Niagara Falls Brandon DONNELLY, 31, Niagara Falls Brittany I. WHITE, 30, Thorold
The
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OF THE WEEK!
Lois Lacroix visited her sister in Duncan, B.C. In 1986, Duncan was designated the City of Totems. The poles reflect peoples’ lives, businesses and families, with two cultures coming together.
In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.
Indulgence Bakery Domenic's on 20 Pelham Street Grille Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K Type your pithy letter to the Voice right
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Hailey, age 8
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The Voice
Page 3
A January 19 2022
Jazzmaster a hit with nostalgic audiences
Geoff Bowden at home, with the laptop computer and speaker he uses for his music and history presentations at the Community of Lookout Ridge on Highway 20.
Geoff Bowden shares his love of music and history with seniors BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Geoff Bowden, 81 years young, started playing the piano at 75, and still takes a couple lessons each month. The Lookout Village resident doesn’t just study music, he shares it with others, including those at the seniors residence across the street. Ditto for local and global history stories. Taylor Cotnam, the Recreation and Volunteer Manager at the Community of Lookout Ridge retirement home, said that the residents look forward to Bowden’s regular visits. “Geoff is a passionate history and music buff, and involves the residents in conversations about ‘the good old days.’ He creates his own playlists and gives background information about each song and artist. The independent, assisted, and care centre residents all love him. Geoff even comes in to play background music for our events such as our summer fun fair and Halloween party,” said Cotnam. Bowden’s friend, Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson, told the Voice that “Geoff has completed studies of bootlegging and the dance halls of the north shore of Lake Erie. He makes entertaining presentations at museums and historical societies, as well as the seniors homes. I really admire his
uncomplicated and enthusiastic approach to serving others.” His own life story is an interesting one, too. “I was born in England and adopted in 1941 at an early age, so I never knew my biological parents,” said Bowden. “A Yorkshire couple raised me very well. I left school at age 15-and-a-half to work in the family business, which was delivering milk. Then I worked for a banana company and was a porter on the shipping docks, before joined the police force at age 19. I was a bobby for the Hampshire Constabulary on the Isle of Wight for five years, before emigrating to Canada with a friend in 1965. I drove a bus for the Toronto Transit Commission and led bus tours to places like Niagara Falls.” An opportunity to join a fledgling convenience store chain called Mac’s Milk presented itself, and Bowden switched careers yet again. “I was with them for almost 20 years,” he said. “I had one store, then five stores, which I gave up to become a supervisor looking after 30 stores, then a zone manager overseeing 150.” Bowden complained bitterly to the corporate office that no real training program was in place for Mac’s employees. “One day the company president had enough of my griping and told
me to get it done. So I created a training program for all Mac’s Milk Stores. I wrote the manuals, and ran a training centre from 1975 until about 1988. By then, we’d grown from 60 stores to 1300 stretched across the country. I did all of the management training as well.” Looking for a new challenge, Bowden became a consultant with a small company in St. Jacobs, near Kitchener, and at the same time commenced work as a part-time disc jockey, as an outlet for his passion for music. He maintained his DJ gig for many years. His next employment stint was with WSIB, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, as a corporate development consultant, responsible for management team training. Bowden’s wife passed away in 1998, and he left his consultant job and decided to purchase a bed and breakfast in Vineland, something to occupy his time in retirement. “I was a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, involved with tourism,” said Bowden. “That's what got me interested in all things Niagara, since being in the B&B business, you need to be able to talk to people about local culture and history.” He subsequently joined both the Wainfleet and Pelham Historical Societies, and started giving Powerpoint presentations about local history. As a teenager, he had attended many jazz festivals in Britain, and especially enjoyed Duke Ellington’s big band. With MP3 music files loaded on his laptop computer, and a portable speaker, he told audiences stories
and played his music, everything from jazz and big bands, through to rock and roll and ballads, up to about the mid-1980s era. “I played Bill Haley’s classic rock and roll song, Rock Around the Clock, and introduced it by telling the audience that one morning years ago, while work-
There's actually a World War One aircraft hangar still around in Vineland, part of a church that sticks out near the road
ing the shipping docks in Britain, I had a brief opportunity to meet the man himself, who was arriving on a tour of the UK for the first time. Back in the 1950s, everyone came across the Atlantic by boat, since airline travel hadn't become popular yet.” Bowden started off playing music at Lookout Ridge once a month in the care centre, and then twice a month, playing for an hour and a half just before dinner on Saturdays. He’d get many song requests from the residents in attendance, anywhere from one to two dozen people. “Many of them were wheelchair-bound. It was great to see them respond to the music. Even
DON RICKERS
those with dementia would perk up when they heard a familiar tune, and would be tapping their feet,” said Bowden. “I would throw on YMCA by the Village People and get audience participation. I even had them up in the care centre the other day doing the Chicken Dance.” Bowden also gives historical presentations to the assisted living group at Lookout Ridge. “I told them that perhaps we could get out of the residence and take in a trip to a museum, or Morningstar Mill, or Balls Falls. There’s actually a World War One aircraft hangar still around in Vineland, part of a church that sticks out near the road. I think some would enjoy that.” Many don’t realize that there was a prisoner-of-war camp in the Wainfleet Bog area during WWII, said Bowden. “Some of those German prisoners emigrated back here after the war. They were treated pretty well. They dug peat during the day, and often sneaked out on Saturday nights to travel into Port Colborne, where they would dance with the local girls, and then sneak back into the camp.” Bowden’s outgoing nature helped him find love for a second time. “I met my partner Sandra at a local mixer, a club for older people that offered golfing, movies, and game nights. It was centered here in Pelham, in Bailey's restaurant, the site of today’s Peter Piper's Pubhouse on Highway 20. Sandra showed up one night, and we hit it off. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Page 4
The Voice
A January 19 2022
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OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté
Growing government debt—a crisis in the making
O
ne of the perturbing outcomes from the Covid-19 pandemic is the rather worrisome increase in indebtedness for governments, businesses, families and individuals. Many of these entities and individuals face significant challenges to recover from these dire conditions. The number of bankruptcies will invariably be at an all-time high. The delinquency rate for rental housing payments became so high that the government imposed restrictions on property owners attempting to evict tenants behind in their rental payments. Obviously the costs associated with the pandemic have soared for governments at all levels. The debt numbers for the Canadian federal government are almost beyond discernment for many. Likely, few people can write this figure with enough zeros to accurately record such an amount. These numbers are much and beyond the arithmetic learned in elementary school. In recent times no federal government, regardless of party affiliation, has produced a balanced budget and consequently deficits are
added to the debts incurred in previous years. To establish the gravity of federal government’s current indebtedness, one can begin with a brief summary of that liability. These numbers should alarm every Ca-
It appears many prefer to ignore such near calamitous premises
nadian but it appears many prefer to ignore such near calamitous premises. Ignorance is bliss, so it is said. The federal government’s recent budget estimates as of April of 2021 revealed some astounding numbers. One of the estimates indicated that Canada’s debt as of that date exceeded the $1 trillion dollar mark and was estimated to reach the $1.4 trillion level over the next several fiscal periods.
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR Don Rickers
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger
CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Canada currently has a population of approximately 38 million. So when that debt number is divided by that population figure each and every resident’s share of that debt is $37,000 or more. That number does not include provincial or personal debt and so each individual’s total debt load is much higher. That translates that the debt load for a family of four exceeds well over the $150,000 dollar mark even before including mortgages, credit card and other household debts. According to figures provided by the Department of Finance, the federal government paid over $24 billion in interest expense in 2020. It is expected that increases in government spending and loss of revenue due to the pandemic dramatically increased indebtedness and interest expense in 2021 and will continue to do so in the coming years. On a positive note, the interest rate on borrowed funds is comparatively low at this time. Interest costs on borrowed funds are paid from current tax revenues and thus reduce the monies See DEBT next page
Letters Ravings, meet Facts Two pages in the January 12 issue of the Voice led me to despair. The fi rst was on page 5: the letter from the landscaping contractor. The owners of this business are so bent out of shape by an editorial cartoon that they are going to cancel future advertising. So there. Their assertion that Covid vaccinations cause injury and death to healthy people cannot be supported by any facts, unless we count ravings in social media as “facts.” Your printing of their letter with all of its unsubstantiated nonsense fol-
lowed by your calm presentation of facts in response shows the best that truly balanced journalism can give to us. The second irritation was on page 9, where we were presented with a display of ignorance and stupidity in the form of “protesters” taking their inanities to the home of Dr. Hirji. Signs shouting that Covid control equates to “communism” would be amusing if the pandemic weren’t so serious. We have benefited from Dr. See RAVINGS next page
7
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033
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The Voice
Page 5
A January 19 2022
OPINION RAVINGS
continued from previous page Hirji’s decades of education and experience, and he has done an extraordinary job of reducing the severity of Covid in
Niagara. I am grateful to him for this, and if you are blind to this, please take your futile protests far from his home. David Fowler Wainfleet
Appreciates resolutions I was reading the Publisher’s Corner last week [“Time’s up for anti-vaxxers, the willfully ignorant, and greedy grinders—a few New Year’s resolutions,” Jan. 12, p.2]. Such a great article. I like the no-nonsense way you tell it like it is. We are all sick and tired of doing the right thing, so when you get comments from those people that say they will no longer be advertising in your paper because, I quote, “this paper is not balanced,” I wonder where they have been hibernating. They say the vaccine is useless and the virus has a 99 percent survival rate. Methinks they have fallen down the rabbit hole called the internet. All the above untruths are generated information from so-called Google doctors and Google scientists, ignoring real data and science professionals. Thank you
for your blunt honesty that is sometimes needed in these days we all fi nd ourselves in. By looking out for each other and doing the right thing we show our children what teamwork and humanity looks like. Sheri Robinson Welland EDITOR’S NOTE In response to last week’s editorial comments about anti-vaxxers, the Voice received the letters printed above. In addition we also received: a response from the business involved, informing us that they were lodging a complaint with our press council; a handful of both negative and supportive comments, as well as a respectfully neutral email not for publication; plus emails from four anti-vaxxers, which cited, in no particular order, various conspiracy theories that featured microchipping, “NaziMarxist” plots, and false
claims that mRNA vaccines “alter” DNA; compared Ontario and Premier Ford to the Soviet Union, alleged that “medical professionals” were trying to “vaccinate unborn children” (with a reference to Thalidomide), asserted that mRNA technology was new and rushed (it’s not and wasn’t — research into mRNA cell delivery started in the 1970s); and, in a 2053-word manifesto that included “Phizer,” “Madarna,” and “cast dispersions,” came an assertion that the World Economic Forum was attempting to eliminate private property by 2030, and a threat that “bullets” would be needed to regain the freedom lost to the tyranny of vaccine passports imposed by Canada’s “communist” federal government, run by the dictatorial Justin Trudeau, who “pays off the CBC to pedal his propaganda,” and who has “grouped women.” There was also one obscene voicemail, left by a youthfulsounding female.
Anti-vaxxer also Niagara’s “affordable housing” myth Whilst there may be a comed by planners at all identifies winter levels of government. Perfew local affordable houstire conspiracy haps they view all these ing projects here in NiagI refuse to put on winter tires because: It’s my car, my choice, my freedom. The effectiveness of winter tires is not proven, except by studies carried out by the manufacturers (like I’m supposed to trust them). My neighbor Bob had an accident even after putting on winter tires. Some drivers are already on their third set of tires, which proves their ineffectiveness. I do not know what the tires are made of. The tire manufacturers scare us with winter just to enrich themselves. In fact, I read on the internet that the tire giants invented snow and spread it at night when you sleep. If I have winter tires, the government can track me in the snow. Educate yourself, open your eyes, stop being sheep!!! With tongue-in-cheek Fonthill
ara, they are very few and far between, and the actual cost of purchasing or renting “affordable housing” continues to rise, driven by the insatiable demands of planners for more agricultural and rural land being overrun as new, urban expansion lands. This is driven by a growing and influential development lobby who would rather have clean agricultural and rural land to develop than “brownfield” lands, within existing urban areas, which often require costly environmental cleansing before being declared fit for development. Somehow the fact that it was previous developers who created these now potentially contaminated lands never seems to reflect negatively on the planners who recommended them after consulting with the developers, then persuaded their politicians to approve them. And little has changed in recent years. In fact, the present housing boom has apparently been wel-
DEBT
continued from previous page available for government-sponsored programs. Clearly, to get control over the continually increasing debt load, all levels of government need to be very innovative and inventive to avoid continuing the trend to rely on deficits to underwrite government-sponsored programming. It is hoped that Canadians can look forward to responsible fiscal management by those elected to govern this country of near- infinite potential. The challenge will be a significant one and the rewards will significantly improve the lives of Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. ◆
prospective, new high-end
PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin
Severe cold, the gypsy moth’s enemy, is our friend
A
s I write this on Saturday morning the temperature for the day is a high of -12, with mostly cloudy conditions. This will be the coldest day so far, in what could be called a mild winter. Last week the grape farmers were able to harvest their ice wine grapes, as the night temperatures were well below the required -8 degrees. For the past ten or so years I have been keeping an eye on our winter temperatures due to a prediction from biologists that if an area receives three straight nights of -18 degrees, this would be cold enough to injure the gypsy moth eggs deposited on our trees, thereby decreasing the hatch rate in the coming spring. Of all the municipalities in the Region, I believe Pelham spends the most on a spray programme to control this pest, with most not spending any mon-
ies on control. Two things got me thinking of this: the pest and tree services ad in last week’s Voice, and emails
Thankfully outside walking conditions have, for the most part, been free of ice
received from the southwest part of Pelham, asking if the Town could move our spring programme south a tad. These residents were disappointed that the Town had not increased the budget for the spray programme, but unfortunately, tough decisions had to be made,
and neither council nor staff could find the money to increase the spray area. When the company that is hired by the Town to do an egg survey releases the data that will show the areas of thickest infestation, hopefully the area to be sprayed could be adjusted. s the Omicron variant continues to infect large numbers of Canadians, many expect the numbers to start showing a decrease, if in fact this hasn’t already started, by the end of this week. Of course we in Pelham, as everywhere else, would love to get our facilities opened for our resident use. Thankfully outside walking conditions have, for the most part, been free of ice, although there seems to be more wind blowing across the land. Dress warm, keep walking, lend a hand to a neighbour—it’s what we’re all about. ◆
A
If Nova Scotia can do it, why can't we In Nova Scotia, leadership is demonstrated with access to free rapid antigen tests. It normalized making getting tests a common experience. Why isn't Premier Ford supporting the taxpayers by providing readily available free tests? The residents need to let our representatives at all levels of government know that taxpayers want these tests. Roughly 20 million tests are somewhere sitting idle. Get them out to communities ASAP. L. Morgan Fonthill
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A January 19 2022
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continued from previous page developments as an additional property tax revenue streams for their regions/ municipalities? It’s more difficult to understand why so many elected politicians find it impossible to refuse or question any proposed development once their own planner has brought it before them in council, with a recommendation to approve. There are many ordinary residents and property owners who, once upon a time, believed our elected councillors chose to be on council with their first and foremost priority being to serve the best overall interests of their municipality and their communities. Did any municipal or regional politician campaign last time on promises to support poor planning and over-development? I’m sure some may have alluded to “affordable housing,” but if they did it, it’s a broken one. With developers being an integral part of the whole problem, and now actually consulting directly with local planning staff before their councils even hear about a particular planning application, particularly contentious ones, it’s easy to lay the blame on them. However, I see them as just being motivated by pure greed and the ability to increase their profit line. After all, if they can get away with submitting a planning application that they know conflicts with provincial
policies and Regional and municipal Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws why shouldn’t they? It is our own planners who submit the projects to council and our own politicians who just blindly approve them. And if planning staff from upper tiers of government have no problem with planning staff from lower tier government totally ignor-
It is our own planners who submit the projects to council and our own politicians who just blindly approve them
ing policies put in place to protect the environment to safeguard against harm to property owners and their properties, and to ignore any and every concern submitted by the local existing communities and property owners, then who cares? Planning staff certainly do not! As property values continue to spiral any myth of affordable housing finally becomes that, just a myth. There have been one or two recent instances of developers having to walk away from proposed “affordable housing” projects. The rationale for doing so makes for interesting reading and begs the question
what does “affordable” actually mean to planners? The biggest complaint from the developer(s) seems to be that the local council has not given them enough in tax breaks (reduction or elimination of development charges). Another, on revisiting their costings, discovered they were not going to make a profit and might even lose money. Developers just can’t afford to build “affordable housing” any more! So, what is “affordable” to a developer? Perhaps a $4 million (Port Colborne) and a $3 million (St. Catharines) tax exemption over the next few years for high-end condo developments, which apparently the particular planners and councils approve of. I wonder if either ever considered asking their constituents what they thought? In one of the cases where the condos are being sold for up to $1 million each, and which will not be completed for two years, one condo, already sold, is back on the market just to be flipped in the hope of a quick profit. It would be interesting to know just how many others have been sold for the same purpose. One thing is certain. There won’t be any folks out there waiting and hoping for the “affordable housing” their politicians keep promising, or who can afford to even dream of flipping houses to make a quick profit! Andrew Watts Wainfleet
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A January 19 2022
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SO MANY PUPS! At the Fabulous Fenwick Lions dinner meeting on December 1, Lions President Jeff Pickup presented a $10,000 cheque to Kelly Russell, Fundraising Coordinator & Lions Club Liaison from the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs (LFOC). Due to a LFOC benefactor matching the Lions’ donation, the club was able to sponsor two Hearing and two Vision Guide dogs in 2021, bringing the club’s total to 26 sponsored dogs in the last 18 years. The dogs cost about $36,000 to train from puppy to being partnered, says the club. There is no cost to the recipient. After the Lions made their presentation, the Fenwick Lionettes presented Russell with another cheque, this time for $6,000, and as it was matched as well they were able to sponsor an Autism Guide Dog. Above, Jeff Pickup and Kelly Russell, with guide dog Yukon. Below, Lionettes Joyce O'Neil and Joan Ballantyne, with Russell and Yukon. SUPPLIED
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The Voice
A January 19 2022
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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
“Vision Zero” cameras set for Niagara but possibly not Pelham BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent A Jan. 10 Pelham Town Council virtual gathering in which Mayor Marvin Junkin concluded, “It’s amazing how fast the meeting went,” was highlighted by a Regional staff appeal for approval of its Vision Zero road safety proposal. Council ultimately voted unanimously to endorse the plan, which will see automated speed enforcement and red-light cameras deployed across Niagara as part of a province-wide measure to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths. Although it is expected the project will launch later this year, no location in Pelham is identified as one of the Region’s 13 initial designated “community safety zones.” While vehicular speed limits are naturally reduced around schools, the project aims to install the cameras and other safety measures at those and other strategic locations, with the intent of gradually expanding them around the Region. Vision Zero was adopted by the province in 2019 and has been in effect in larger population centres such as Toronto, Peel and Hamilton since then. Some 522,000 tickets have been issued to date.
Regional Director of Transportation Services Carolyn Ryall told council that 32,500 tickets would need to be issued from Niagara cameras to pass a break-even point financially. After that, monies would be split between the Region and its municipalities, income that would need to be dedicated to road safety measures. While the Regional presentation assumed that some $300,000 would not be recouped either through delinquency, legal appeal or court costs, Ward 3 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt asked specifically how much money Hamilton has lost on the project. The Region’s team said they would look to provide the information. Ward 2’s Ron Kore asked if the project would impact the police budget. Ryall said the project is designed to be in partnership with the NRP, but did not have specifics on existing police budgets.
Water budget Jan. 24
Council passed an updated list of user fees, but Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun took issue with why water and wastewater fees were listed before said budget is scheduled to be passed at the next meeting. Citing the ongoing pandemic and 2022’s “Year of the Garden,” Haun wondered aloud why the Town
would recommend residents “go plant a garden, and then we’re going to charge you a fee for watering that garden.” Treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy agreed, and said the specific fee should not have been in the package. It will be updated with the Jan. 24 water and wastewater budget.
Covid update
Pelham had 184 active cases of Covid-19 as of Jan. 10, as the Omicron variant continues to run rampant globally. Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner reported that 33 percent of current cases in Niagara were due to omicron. The MCC remains closed per provincial regulations, with Town Hall open via appointment only. CAO David Cribbs said seven Town employees have been laid off as a result.
Park Place North
Kore recused himself from the latest discussion around the proposed Park Place North development. Town Clerk Holly Willford told the Voice that Kore “advised myself and council just prior to the recording / streaming being turned on that his conflict is that the proposed development is ad-
jacent to his business.” Yet how proximity to a franchise supermarket that he manages, located on land that he doesn’t own, would result in a conflict of interest wasn’t immediately apparent. Kore did not respond to a request for comment, and as of seven days after the council meeting he had yet to provide the Clerk with the required written declaration stating his reason for recusing himself. The developer of the land has submitted three proposals: one features two apartment buildings and a retirement residence, one has two apartment buildings and 58 townhouses, and another a retirement home and 43 townhouses. Director of Community Development and Planning Barb Wiens said the developer would finalize their plans before the next step in the process.
Bauer Trail needs section names
Ward 2 Councillor John Wink moved a motion on a recommendation from the Active Transportation Committee that the Town add descriptive nomenclature for the separate portions of the Steve Bauer Trail. Because the trail system is 22 kilometres long and bro-
ken up into sections, there is concern that emergency responders cannot easily locate people if they suffer an injury or emergency on the trail.
A cycle in the park?
Hildebrandt half-jokingly took aim at the Canada Games’ planned cycling route through Pelham this coming summer, saying that the chosen path “seems pretty tame” and that local cycling clubs exert themselves more. “It’s a pretty easy route,” the biking enthusiast said. According to a map provided by the Canada Games, the route runs up Church Hill, down Canboro Road to Effingham, where it elevates uphill to Tice — avoiding the steep Effingham hill altogether — before heading west on Tice, north on Cream, and east on Metler before re-entering Fonthill. “Perhaps they’re not in quite as good a shape as Councillor Hildebrandt,” Junkin said. Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay said the route was determined by the Canada Games, but offered that Church Hill does provide some uphill exertion. “It’s not nearly a challenge,” Hildebrandt surmised. “I think they probably rode it in their car.”
"People helping people" Wellington Heights students put compassion into practice BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Sheryl Bench loves her job, even in pandemic times. As the teacher of a mixed Grade 5 and 6 class of 25 students at Wellington Heights Public School in Fenwick, she has plenty of activities — both in class and online — to instill teamwork and collaboration. “I have a group of very talented kids who have great respect for each other,” said Bench. “In December, we had a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our teamwork in an initiative with Habitat for Humanity.” Bench’s class read The Carpenter’s Gift, a Christmas story about the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree in New York City. Based on a true story, the tree gets donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes after the Christmas season. Jackson, a student in the class, said that the book “was about a boy named Henry who lived with his family in a shack. One day he went to cut down some trees with his dad, then they took them to New York City to sell. They gave the biggest tree to the workers who helped them, as a thank you. And then on Christmas Day, the workers came and they offered to build them a nice house, using the lumber from the tree.” Kevin, another student in Bench’s class, said that the book “was very inspiring, and it had a very important message.” Christy Guttin, Community Engagement Officer with Habitat Niagara, connected with Bench and her students, and they partnered in a fundraising campaign with a local bakery, Cravings by Jayne, involving the purchase of handmade gingerbread man kits. Jayne Inouye, a Niagara-based French pastry chef, donated five dollars from every gingerbread kit sold up to December 24 to Habitat Niagara’s home building program.
Sheryl and her students are the stars of this piece,” said Guttin. “They helped us shine a light on youth philanthropy, and engaging our future leaders in community activities.” Bench said her class would put together a small treat for the staff on Tuesdays, something like cocoa and gingersnaps, as a way of saying thanks for all the hard work under difficult conditions during Covid times. “The staff made donations, and we used the money to purchase the gingerbread kits,” said Kevin. “Mrs. Bench called it ‘people helping people.’ We helped the staff, the staff helped us with donations to buy the gingerbread kits, Cravings by Jayne donated to Habitat Niagara, and Habitat gave stuff to people in need.” “The students really felt the magic of Christmas when Mrs. Guttin pulled up to the school parking lot on December 22 to drop off the gingerbread kits,” said Bench. “We were outside with our masks and our Santa hats. The students just wanted to feel connected to our community, given that these days we've all felt a little isolated.” Bench’s class even interviewed her 101-year-old grandmother in Toronto via their Microsoft Teams teleconferencing platform, asking questions about the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree, which has been a national tradition since 1933, and whose lighting has been broadcast live to millions on NBC since 1997. “They wanted to find out what life was like back in 1933, as a child during the Great Depression,” said Bench. “My grandma has always loved connecting with our class, and receiving annual Christmas cards from students.” Claire, another student in Bench’s class, summarized her experience. “It felt really good, knowing that we were doing an act of kindness. One act of kindness inspires another.
Wellington Heights Grade 6 student Kevin Stewart assembles his gingerbread man.
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The Voice
Page 9
A January 19 2022
High-speed internet coming to rural Niagara Some 5000 homes, farms, and businesses to be connected BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The Ford government asserts it is making good on its commitment to connect every Niagara community to broadband internet. Joined by a small group of local politicians, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff was at Accipiter Radar Technologies on Highway 20 West before Christmas, announcing a $17.9 million initiative to build three new infrastructure networks in Niagara. The construction will provide rural farms and businesses in the region with high-speed, fibre-optic internet connections, helping them to grow their operations and access services online. The installation will also allow rurally located youth to complete school homework assignments and do web-based research from home. The work that is now underway to connect some 4,800 rural addresses in Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Pelham, and Wainfleet should be completed by the
end of 2022. Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), a not-for-profit corporation, has been awarded the contract for the installation, and will work with local internet providers such as Bell, Cogeco, and Niagara Regional Broadband. Ottawa and Queen’s Park are each contributing $3.5 million. To date, some $255 million has been invested by the federal and provincial governments, along with the private sector, to bring high-speed internet to 58,000 households and businesses in southwestern Ontario through SWIFT. “By drawing on the collective voice of municipalities, fast, reliable internet service will be brought to communities across southwestern Ontario,” said Regional Councillor and SWIFT board member Robert Foster. “I am proud of this legacy. This is a great start, and I thank the Ontario government and MPP Oosterhoff for advocating for the expansion of rural broadband. I look forward,
From left, Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson, Mayor Marv Junkin, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Regional Councillor for Lincoln Rob Foster, and Accipiter Radar Technologies president and CEO Tim Nohara welcome the news of SWIFT broadband internet coming to rural Pelham. DON RICKERS both as a SWIFT board member and as a Regional Councillor, to the next steps to bring improvements across Niagara.” Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin said that, “the expansion of high-speed internet to Fenwick is great news for our local families, farms, and businesses. I am glad there will be shovels in
the ground on this project very soon.” Dr. Tim Nohara, President and CEO of Accipiter Radar Technologies, said that, “over a decade ago, Accipiter invested in expanding the Niagara Regional Broadband Network fibre infrastructure from E.L. Crossley Secondary School to its facility here on Highway 20 in Fenwick. I
am pleased that this investment is now being leveraged to bring service to residents to our immediate north and west. That's what shared infrastructure is all about. Thanks to MPP Oosterhoff and all levels of government for working to improve our local infrastructure.” The Ontario government has proclaimed its intention
to invest nearly $4 billion in broadband infrastructure, in order to connect every region of the province with access to high-speed internet by the end of 2025. The Province says that this move represents the largest single investment in high-speed internet by any government in Canadian history.
Injured hiker extracted from St. Johns Conservation Pelham Fire Dept assists with ATV rescue unit BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A man in his 50s who ventured off the main pathway at St. Johns Conservation Area in Pelham required emergency services to treat his injuries last Monday night. Constable Phil Gavin of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) told the Voice that on January 10 at 4:50 PM, Niagara EMS received a call about a man who had become injured while hiking at St. John’s. NRPS officers arrived on site and observed the rescue being addressed by EMS and the local fire services. Bryce Brunarski, superintendent of public relations for the Niagara EMS, acknowledged that paramedics and a supervisor responded to the call for assistance, as did the Pelham Fire Department and their Thorold counterparts. “The male complained of a lower extremity injury, believing he dislocated his knee,” said Brunarski. “Upon assessment, paramedics found swelling around the knee and provided treatment and medication. The man was transported to urgent care at a local hospital.” Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner said that the Thorold Fire Department got the initial call to respond, and Pelham was asked to assist with its RTV (rescue all-terrain-vehicle), which is based at Station 3. Thorold Fire Chief Terry Dixon said he was appreciative of the help.
Niagara EMS, Thorold and Pelham firefighters on scene at St. Johns, as the injured hiker arrives atop Pelham's all-terrain rescue vehicle.
KEN TERMORSHUIZEN
Page 10
The Voice
OBITUARY
A January 19 2022
OBITUARY
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Lusted and MacInnes trials set for March
Men charged in death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp in 2020 BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor
HOWELL, Norm
BALL, John Rae April 22, 1931 – January 11, 2022 Passed away at Lookout Ridge Retirement Home in Fonthill on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the age of 90 years. Predeceased by Gladys (nee Trimble 2018), his beloved wife of 61 years. Survived by his recent partner Marjorie Doddridge. Lovingly remembered by his sons Philip (Kerry McKee), Brent (Holly Meyer) and his daughter, Jennifer (William Cooper). Proud grandfather of Brian Ball (Amy), Michelle Ball, Shannon Cooper, Kyle Ball, Emma Fernandes (Adam), Eric Cooper and Bradley Ball. Great grandfather of Kaylee and Madison Ball. He is survived by his sister Evelyn Walker. Rae was born in Uxbridge, Ontario and moved to Fonthill in 1956 to teach at Pelham High School. He remained in Fonthill for the rest of his life and served as a vice-principal at several schools in the region. An avid reader, Rae was fortunate to be in good health until recently, which allowed him to tend to his beautiful iris garden. Family genealogy was another of his interests during retirement with trips to the national archives and entering extensive family records in Wikitree. Rae enjoyed dining at Keith’s or other local restaurants with his extended family and friends. A man of faith, he offered many hours of support to the Free Methodist Church in St. Catharine’s, being the driving force to open the childcare center there, now widely used by the community. Dad was the most loving, generous and supportive father, grandfather and great-grandfather that you could ask for and we will miss him dearly. We would sincerely like to thank the caregivers at Lookout Ridge for their compassionate care of our father. A celebration of Rae’s life will be held at a later date. To plant a tree in memory of Rae Ball, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
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After a lengthy battle with many health issues, Norm Howell has found his final rest and peace on January 12, 2022. Norman leaves behind his wife Betty (Elizabeth Howell) nee Milne of Fonthill (Riverside); daughters Wendy Ann of Brampton, Peggy of Port Robinson; grandsons Joey, Tyler, Ryan and Paul; great grandson Christopher. In honouring Norman’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the celebration of his life service will be determined for a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to Welland Hospital or Port Colborne Urgent Care Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Pleasantview Funeral Home.
Two men linked to the death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp over a year ago will be back in court preceding their trial date. Defense attorney Andrew Burton appeared in a St. Catharines court via Zoom last Friday before Justice Patricia Lavallee, on behalf of his client Matthew MacInnes, who is currently being held at the Maplehurst Detention Facility in Milton. MacInnes has a bail hearing scheduled for February 28. Burton told the court last Friday that he planned to confer in person with MacInnes on January 27, in preparation for a confirmation hearing on February 8 at 10 AM in courtroom six via Zoom. Jason Lusted has been represented by Toronto attorneys Cara Barbisan and Andrew
Furgiele. A judicial pre-trial (JPT) had taken place for Lusted, but outstanding disclosure items from the JPT are still in the process of review. Lusted’s case has been remanded until January 28 at 11 AM. Pelham resident Earl Clapp, age 74, died October 2, 2020 after being dragged by a vehicle nearly two kilometres from his Centre Street property to Highway 20, east of Balfour Street. Authorities allege Lusted and MacInnes were attempting to steal a trailer from Clapp’s property, and caused Clapp’s death. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin March 21, with the trial to continue for three weeks. Details of the court proceedings are subject to a publication ban.
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The Voice
Page 11
A January 19 2022
Cat rescuer in search of volunteers, financial support Abandoned felines need medical attention, food, homes BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Raina Ercegovich is something of a reluctant rescuer. She used to run a cat rescue in Cambridge about ten years ago, but shuttered her operation when she moved to Niagara in 2015, choosing to focus on her family. However, a desperate need to help local cats has brought her out of retirement. As the administrator for the Facebook page, “The Heart and Hope of Lost and Found Pets in Niagara Region,” she has witnessed a great deal of animal pain and suffering, and has assembled a team of volunteers to help save feral cats at various locations in the peninsula. At Sherkston Shores Resort, located on Lake Erie, Ercegovich said she rescued over 50 cats in 2021, abandoned by displaced trailer owners when Pleasant Beach Campground was sold. “The cats are roaming and breeding in the park. I can tell that they are related because a lot of them look the same. I use baited raccoon traps to capture them, and then set to work feeding and caring
Raina Ercegovich with one of her rescued cats. SUPPLIED for them, with the hope of re-homing them,” said Ercegovich. “They need to be caged, quarantined, and taken to a vet. Having lived in the wild, many of these cats are unsocial, and that can be a problem. Established rescue programs often don’t want them, and the Humane Society is so full that it would likely put them all down.” Her main impediment is lack of funding. Vet care, like deworming and basic vaccinations, is about $300 per cat, said
Ercegovich. “That’s before any surgeries that might be necessary, and food. I don't have a GoFundMe account. I've been doing it all on the Lost and Found Pets page, and having the money directly sent to the veterinarian, because I'm not set up as a non-profit organization. We do get a rescue discount and a good deal at the spay and neuter clinic in Windsor, so I try to make the trip with a dozen cats every couple of weeks. Volunteer drivers bring them back to Niagara, where I try to put them all in foster homes.” Ercegovich reached out to Sherkston Shores to explain the scope of the problem, and request support. “They told me that they couldn't fi nancially help with any of it, other than provide a raffle prize if we organized some sort of fundraising event. But I was allowed to continue through the winter trapping cats in the park.” Derek Stevenson, the General Manager at Sherkston Shores, told the Voice that his office responded to an email asking for assistance with the cat issue, but has received no further response. “We're more than happy to help out if we can. I would encourage her to reach out again, so that we have a better understanding of the situation,” he said.
Sherkston Shores is owned by Sun Communities Inc. of Southfield, Michigan, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The company has some 3000 employees, and registered total assets of over $7 billion U.S. in 2019, according to Wikipedia. Ercegovich jokes that she has unintentionally become the feral cat lady of Niagara. “I've just pulled nine cats out of Jordan, where there's a massive problem. Same thing in Welland. How are these cats going to survive through the winter? The reality is if they're not rescued, they're go-
ing to starve. The cats are fighting for food, and as they fight, they're passing around leukemia, which is deadly. If your house cat goes out there and it fights with one of these leukemia cats, your cat has a death sentence right there.” Feline leukemia is a disease that only affects cats. It cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals, and is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent, urine and feces. Kittens can contract the disease in utero or through an infected mother’s milk. The disease is often spread by cats that appear
healthy. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society have developed feral cat support programs, in an effort to address an overpopulation problem across the province. “A ‘trap, neuter, vaccinate, return’ approach is the only economically viable and truly humane approach to feral cat population stabilization,” according to the organization’s website. Information on Ercegovich’s cat rescue program are available at w w w.facebo ok .com/ groups/151834051528598
SIZZLER ON STELLA The Pelham Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire call on Stella St. in Fonthill last Friday, Jan. 14, just before 6 AM. On arrival they found a GMC Yukon with a heavy interior fire. The fire was extinguished and the scene was turned over to police. Eight firefighters and two trucks were on scene. KEN TERMORSHUIZEN
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A January 19 2022
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First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com
Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca
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St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca
Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com
Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com
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FAITH LIFT
continued from Page 15 another is severe depression. But it does say clearly that God can bring something good out of something bad. Joni Eareckson Tada (who was paralyzed as a youth in a diving accident) has said, “God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves.” Allan experienced this firsthand. Allan gradually experienced the healing of his whole body (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) with a balance of helpful medication and healthy thinking. He summarizes it well when he writes, “Jesus and the right meds are a great combination.” He began to realize as he shared his experience with others that the need was huge. He discovered that many of his fellow believers suffered silently from their mental challenges because of the stigma and shame attached to them.
As Allan spoke to various groups, God birthed a new ministry called “Agora” (Google “Agora Network Ministries” for the website). This Greek word refers to a gathering place in ancient Greece where people came together to discuss, share and learn. Allan is very thankful that he can again communicate well, although a bit more slowly and with a slightly different tone. Someone thought they detected a French accent and started conversing “en francais” (Allan doesn’t “parler le francais”). They all had a good laugh. I commend my friend for his courage and I recommend his honest book to anyone who needs help and better understanding of this vital issue. Our recent two-year struggle with Covid has shown all of us how important it is. So, what is the answer to the question in my title? Allan would say the answer is, “YES… and God can bring something good out of that too.” ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
EARS TO THE GROUND January is Crime Stopper’s Month, and Crime Stoppers of Niagara has announced three 2022 initiatives for the region: raising awareness of human trafficking (“modern day slavery”), combating shoplifting, and highlighting concerns around elder abuse. Crime Stoppers of Niagara relies on donations from the business community and individual citizens to promote the program and pay rewards to callers who provide the information that helps solve crime across the region. At a flag-raising event earlier this month at Pelham Town Hall, from left, Town Councillor Wayne Olson, Regional Councillor Diana Huson, and Town Councillor John Wink. SUPPLIED
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A January 19 2022
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wear safety harnesses and elasticized support cables to cushion and/or prevent dangerous falls, and are wired to electronic equipment that monitors their body’s stabilizing activities. This equipment is available to very few of us, and the costs are huge. There are, however, ways in which we can relatively safely engage in PBT exercises. Maintaining our balance involves the inner ear, which provides our brains with positional information (vestibular sense), our vision, reflexes, and kinesthesia, our body’s ability to sense where our limbs are in space and how much force they’ll need to generate for a given movement. Anything that perturbs or disrupts these systems and causes us to lose our balance and begin to fall—then forces us to catch ourselves— may be a perturbation balance training technique. Walking on a two-byfour, inches above your basement floor, heel-to-toe to replicate a balance beam or tightrope, is an example of PBT, as is balancing on a BOSU half-ball, or standing on one leg while brushing your teeth. For technology and equipment lovers, a Core-Tex Reactive Trainer with safety bar, to name just one example, also provides PBT. The nature of the exercise you attempt should vary depending on your current physical and mental capabilities, and whether you will attempt them alone or with a
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manner or trying to grasp a railing in the bathroom as you’re heading to the floor, but to improve the speed and stability-inducing reactions of your involuntary movements. PBT stresses the speed of reaction rather than muscular strength. Moderate levels of muscular force applied very rapidly are now understood to be more successful in balance recovery than the slower voluntary reactions that BT emphasizes. A University of Montana Trial states, “It has been demonstrated that with only a few PBT sessions, older adults make rapid and dramatic improvements in balance recovery performance, retain the skills long-term and potentially suffer fewer falls over extended periods.” This is all good in theory, but how do we practice PTB in a safe manner? The “Find a piece of ice and ask someone to knock you on your ass” strategy outlined in the first two paragraphs of this column holds limited appeal for most of us. [Editor’s note: Please do not find a piece of ice and ask someone to knock you on your ass.] For the purpose of trials and studies, subjects use specifically designed treadmills containing surfaces and obstacles mimicking those situations in our normal environments that cause slips and trips. Participants
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IN PERSON (Gift cards not included for non-Niagara residents.) COMPUTER CLINIC Our offiPELHAM ce is locatedLIBRARY’S at “One-to-One Help” with a volunteer tech tutor. Get help with web browsing, 1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill, webmail account across from Beamer’s Hardware. set-up, e-books, social media, editing and sharing your photos and more. Includes use of laptop or BYOG (bring your own gadget). Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30. Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 of Pelham and Central Niagara THE VOICEhour. IS 100 PERCENT Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.
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associate professor of PhysBrick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs. ical PELHAM Therapy atLIBRARY University CARD MAKING Wet and damaged basement repairs. WORKSHOP of Toronto and a rehabilitaPhone Tom Deamude at 289-241-4767. sixwas cards tion Make scientist, thewith leadfall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials 35 years of construction experience. author a 2014 study areof provided. At that time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. found that one session of Tues., Sept. 16adults 10 – 12:30.CUSTOM $10. Please register ahead. Visit TO www.pelhamPBT involving healthy MILL PRAYER ST. JUDE age 65-plus reduced particilibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. Portable sawmill service. Prayer to St. Jude pants’ fall risk by half. I will come to your home or A more recent, 2020 May the sacred heart of Jesus farm and custom mill your peer-reviewed study pubFABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY be adored, glorified, loved and logs. Firewood & lumber also lished in BMC Geriatrics Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, preserved throughout the world, available. Call Rob Patterson, found that falls caused by 905-401-4948, now and forever. Oh sacred heart slipping amongst post-PBT french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. riverwoodportablesawmill@ participants were 72 percent of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, gmail.com less than a control group. worker of miracles, pray for us. The Washington Post rePELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Helper of the hopeless, pray for ported that in a similar 2020 Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide study, PBT played a signifius. Say this prayer nine times options oldfor players in this upcoming season. 6 day, from cant cheaper role in preventing a dayRuns and by Sept. the eighth er adults from experiencing 9-12 in the morning. your prayer will be answered. It major falls (as opposed to has never been known to fail. less serious falls) because Community Event Classifi ed ads are available it better-equipped those in Publication must be promised. PELHAM MUDFEST in blocks of 30 words for the process of falling to at THANK run YOU to sacred heart and recover womentheir will be back $10 in the mud as the second onthethe year is incl. HST. least Men partially of Jesus and St. Jude for prayers balance, in aHideaway. more office@thevoiceofpelham.ca heldresulting at Bissil’s and favours answered. AB controlled fall. For recreational athletes participating in ball sports, NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION the increased core muscle Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It responsiveness PBT generated runs was found reduce in- at the Welland Fairgrounds. fromtoSept. 11-14 jury rates by nearly 50 percent when used as part of a regular BIGwarm-up MOVEroutine. CANCER RIDE After researching the The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. benefits PBT offers when Proceeds for thetoBig Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famwe’re7.forced to respond unexpected balance loss ily Cancer Centre. while walking, jogging or participating in our favourite sport, there areCLUB definitely WALKING a few additional exercises I inevening’s walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena needInterested to add to this routine. ◆ from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There
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Page 14
The Voice
A January 19 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart
Pertubation Balance Training for everyone
C
onsider adding this to your exercise routine today. Slip into a set of wornout boots or running shoes, preferably ones with no discernible tread remaining. Find a compliant partner or a large dog that loves to attack squirrels to assist you. Select a convenient patch of slippery ice, ideally located on a slight incline like Fonthill’s Haist Street sidewalks or Sunset Drive in Fenwick. Stand on the ice or walk across it slowly with your eyes closed— and wait. Your partner’s role is to give you a firm, quick and unexpected shove, or an instantaneous jerk of their
leash in the case of the dog, while you’re on the ice. The milliseconds that you fight for balance just before a) falling backwards on your head, b) dropping like a stone on your butt, or c) shuffle-dancing like a Zaouli warrior and regaining your balance, are called Perturbation Balance Training (PBT). PBT is a fresh discipline in balance training, and very different than the common standbys, Fall Prevention and Balance Training (BT). Importantly, PBT offers benefits to recreational athletes as well seniors and those with various neurological conditions. Fall prevention strategies
are necessary, and potentially reduce the risk of unexpected falls. However, in an active demographic like Pelham with so many walkers, pickleballers, runners, tennis players —add your sports passion to the list — stressing fall prevention is only half the solution. Fall prevention is all the things we can do to reduce the risk of being in a situation where we’ll lose our balance, possibly resulting in a fall. Strategies are generally divided into two categories, maintaining good body health and making our personal environments safer. Body health includes being aware of all the possible side effects of any medications we might take, staying active to help maintain strong bones, ligaments and muscles, providing better control
of our movements, getting our eyes and ears checked regularly, and minimizing alcohol consumption. Environmental fall prevention activities include wearing sensible shoes, removing household trip hazards, minimizing slippery conditions in bathrooms and kitchens, and using assist devices when advised. Regardless of all these efforts, if we’re ambulatory, at some point we’re going to lose our balance. This is especially true for those of us who consider ourselves recreational athletes, and participate in activities that may reasonably be expected to frequently cause loss of balance. If we look to the American College of Sports Medicine for guidance, they still suggest simple balance training to prevent sports falls. Tra-
ditional BT involves slow, almost static exercises and drills primarily based on strength training designed to improve our body’s ability to re-establish equilibrium. A multi-authored study in the American Physical Therapy Association’s Rehabilitation Journal describes the act of falling in precise detail. “A specific fall event ultimately occurs when an individual fails to recover from a loss of balance or postural perturbation. Postural perturbations can occur in daily life for a variety of reasons, including failure to control weight shifting during voluntary movement or experiencing a slip or trip while walking.” PBT, a newly emerging training regimen based on coping with repeated rapid balance disruptions, is all about preventing the “fails
to recover” scenario, and goes a step further than simple PB. Interest in PBT is not limited to seniors, and is quickly becoming adopted by recreational athletes. The key to not falling every time we lose our balance lies in our immediate reaction, in how well and how quickly our body and brain reacts to stabilize us. Studies and trials now indicate that balance recovery training in which we’re repeatedly and unexpectedly thrown off balance can improve these reflexes by forcing our body’s involuntary reactions to adopt better neuromotor skill coordination strategies. The key is to avoid focusing your training on making voluntary recovery movements such as adjusting your foot position in a specific See BALANCED LIFE Page 13
V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may be tempted to overspend this week, as you have a mind to remodel or redecorate your home in a major way. Try not to get carried away. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You are ready to pour a huge investment of time and resources into a creative project that is dear to your heart, Taurus. Let the ideas flow organically instead of pushing too hard. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Phone calls and emails keep coming in, to the point where you may want to turn off your devices for the rest of the week. Find opportunities for peace and quiet. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may feel like you have all of the answers. But you can still heed advice from those who came before you — especially in the work sett ing. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you have high hopes for a productive week, but you may not check off everything on your to-do list. It’s fine to let one or two things slide. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, why make things diffi cult for yourself when others are willing to lend a helping hand? You don’t have to chart the course alone, so accept any offers of help that come along. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you are feeling immense pressure to make an important decision, take all the time you need to work through every scenario. This way you’re confident in your choice.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, this week will feel like a lot of hurrying up and waiting. For a go-getter like you, this can be very frustrating. Use the down time you have productively. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 This is a good week to pursue dreams that have been put on the back burner, Sagittarius. Don’t tell yourself things are impossible. Find ways to make things happen. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 It’s fine to be goofy and playful once in a while, Capricorn. This is the week to let loose and have fun for a while. Others may join in on your antics. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Intense dreams may crop up in the evenings this week, Aquarius. Jot down things as you remember the details so you can better reflect on their meaning. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Consider giving yourself a little rest from work, Pisces. You’ve been working hard and now you need to restore your energy levels. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 16 Lin-Manuel Miranda, Actor (42) JANUARY 18 Karan Brar, Actor (23) JANUARY 19 Dolly Parton, Singer (76) JANUARY 20 Rainn Wilson, Actor (56) JANUARY 21 Booboo Stewart, Actor (28) JANUARY 22 Guy Fieri, TV Chef (54)
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The Voice
Page 15
A January 19 2022
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
Do good Christians get depressed?
I
recently read a very honest (and courageous) book by a pastor friend of mine. His name is Allan Gallant and he (and his wife, Bonnie) have served in various Baptist churches for about three decades. In the past few years, he went through a very painful experience. Instead of denying it (or covering it up), he felt strongly that he should write about it. His book, The Beautiful Strokes of God, is half autobiographical and half instructional. He told me the response has been a bit overwhelming and very encouraging. Obviously, he’s not the only believer who has struggled with mental health issues.
and slowly began to recover. But the root causes had not been fully understood and soon the panic attacks returned accompanied by depression and even suicidal thoughts. He was admitted to a mental health clinic. Some well-meaning friends advised him to simply pray more, read his Bible more, and trust God more. He did all those good things but the problem persisted. Finally, a Christian psychiatrist prescribed a medication that helped restore the chemical imbalance in his brain. He now understands that the root of his problem was physical, not spiritual.
Allan also began to study mental illness so he could understand it better. He discovered little Christian literature on the topic
His new passion
An often-quoted Bible verse says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) A careful reading tells us that this text does not say all things are good. We can all think of a long list of things which are definitely not good in this world. One of them is a major stroke and See FAITH LIFT Page 12
His story
Allan is from beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. He grew up in a Christian family and came to faith as a youth. He also felt God calling him into pastoral ministry. Since his childhood, however, he has experienced bouts of fear, anger, stress and anxiety, but he didn’t talk about them or seek counseling to deal with them. Like many Christians, he didn’t understand mental health issues very well and felt that believers should somehow be immune to them. Allan’s struggles came to a head while he was planting (starting) a new church in Thorold. My wife and I did church-planting in France for three years back in the 1980s and we know how challenging that ministry can be. For Allan, overwork and over-stress led to burnout and clinical depression. This in turn finally resulted in a major stroke in 2017. At first, Allan couldn’t speak and one side was paralyzed. Fortunately, he received medical help quickly
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COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 an anticipated show about to begin, a novelty for us in the ‘50s. The muted glow from the tiny screen, cast upon my sweetheart's face brought joy to my young heart. Suddenly Don withdrew a small, beautifully wrapped parcel from his pocket. “For me?” I asked. He nodded. I quickly scooped the treasure from his hand, ripping carefully to reveal a small black box. Once more I glanced at Don. Again he nodded so I opened the box slowly, my heart pounding wildly. There, nestled on black velvet sat a small, exquisite, diamond solitaire. Turning to face Don, I asked one last time, “For me?” “Yeah,” came his reply. “But it's a diamond...” “Yeah,” he mumbled. “Does it mean what I think it means?” my 19-year-old self asked. His head held down, he softly whispered, “Yeah.” We hugged. We kissed. I cried. Don laughed, in relief I am sure. We made plans, dates, people to tell, places to live...we were on a roll. Through it all, I chatted, Don listened. It has been that way for nearly 69 years. As I have always said, Don is a man of few words but that day they were...the right ones. Before, during and after our marriage in 1953, I taught school. Teaching was always one of my serious passions. As a beginning teacher in 1951 my ultimate goal was to share my love of reading with my students. Words and their eloquence were my absolute love. I vowed to teach my first class of 42 Grade 3 boys and girls the beauty and potential of words. I would demonstrate how their throats, jaws, tongues, teeth, and yes, their brain’s left hemisphere, could help with speech and the
formation of words. Then we would place our sounds on paper and read them back as words, phrases and sentences. How simple it sounded to me, an experienced, adult reader. I loved to teach reading skills. I think I just loved to teach. Soon I realized not all kids loved to read, couldn't read, wouldn't read, or feared reading and words as much as I loved them. It then became my daily task to find topics which interested each student. This eventual-
ly lured them, like birds to the feeder. From teaching regular grades I followed my instincts, took the necessary courses and became a Certified Specialist Special Ed teacher. I returned from my maternity leave to teaching in the mid ‘70s. It was in this new climate I became a Learning Resource teacher. Here, my love of reading and words in particular was of significant help to my many students at four different schools I visited. Reading establishes the groundwork for every single subject.
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Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
5-233 King St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Bosley Real Estate BrokerageON LtdL0S 1J0 Bosley Real Estate Brokerage Ltd
A January 19 2022
It is my fervent hope that during this long and endless siege our children are finding comfort in books, stories, articles jokes, cartoons, poems—everywhere you find words. Reading can be pleasurable alone, or online. With friends or curled on the couch with your mom, dad, brothers or sisters, or even your pets. Just read! While words can lift us up, elevate us, bring us peace and comfort, even heal, other words can do immeasurable harm. Once, long ago at a parent/ teacher interview, a distraught father brought his young son, my student, in with him for our meeting. Why? So that I, the teacher, could also tell the young lad how “stupid” he was. I looked deep into the father's eyes and said, “That is never a word I would use in school or anywhere. You have a wonderful child who tries his best every day.” I could barely spit the words out. I realized how little this father really knew about his son. His fears for the boy were a driving force, but his words were like daggers to his boy's gentle soul. I have never forgotten that father's words. So choose your words carefully. Once spoken they may never be erased. Words are only sounds strung together. It is their meaning which gives them significance. In closing I thank you for sharing my thoughts and words. During this battle that we all are fighting in our own way, words are more important than ever. They are essential to our wellbeing and a positive way of life. Our young people hear the War of Words waged every day on their cellphones, iPads, TVs, and in our streets and neighborhoods. Is this the dialogue and legacy we want to leave for future generations? Are these hateful, wanton words all we have to give? Or can we use our words to banish all our pain.◆
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RECIPE OF THE WEEK
4 Golden Harvest Pork Stew
Slow cookers can be unsung kitchen heroes any time of the year, but particularly during the colder seasons. That’s because slow cookers take on one-pot meals with ease. A person simply places all the ingredients inside the crock, then returns in 8 hours or so to a completely cooked meal. Certain recipes, including stews, lend themselves well to the slow-cooking method. While beef is often associated with stew, plenty of proteins can take the place of beef, including pork. This recipe for “Golden Harvest Pork Stew” from “Crock•Pot® 365 Year-Round Recipes” (Publications International, Ltd.) by the Crock•Pot Kitchens utilizes pork and combines it with potatoes, carrots and corn for a stew that some may even mistake for a chowder. Golden Harvest Pork Stew Makes 4 servings 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1⁄2 1 1 1 1⁄4 1⁄4
pound boneless pork cutlets, cut into 1-inch pieces tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided tablespoon vegetable oil medium Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes cup chopped carrots ear corn, broken into 4 pieces, or 1⁄2 cup corn cup chicken broth jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped clove garlic, minced teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper teaspoon dried thyme Chopped parsley
1. Toss pork pieces with 1 tablespoon flour; set aside. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add pork; cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to Crock•Pot® slow cooker. 2. Add remaining ingredients, except parsley and 1 tablespoon flour. Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. 3. Stir 1⁄4 cup cooking liquid into remaining 1 tablespoon flour in small bowl. Stir flour mixture into stew. Turn Crock•Pot slow cooker to high. Cook 10 minutes or until thickened. Adjust seasonings, if desired. To serve, sprinkle with parsley.
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