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Vol.24 No.26
July 1, 2020
Published every Wednesday
Happy (virtual) Canada Day 2020
F O O R P
MAINTAINING TRADITION Twelve years ago, Tara Young and her family moved into their home on Haist Street in Fonthill—on the day before Canada Day. Ever since, they’ve decorated for the occasion. This year, says Tara, they went with a hockey theme, with the help of some Halloween skeletons. When live humans get to put pucks back in play still remains to be seen. BOB LOBLAW
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Page 2
The Voice, July 1, 2020
THE VOICE POLL RESULTS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
by Dave Burket
About that penalty levied by Pelham Town Council on Mayor Marv Junkin
4% About right
88% Excessive 8% Too little
Well, that was unexpected: Two anonymous letters arrived at our office last week. The first complained about comments being made online by some Voice readers, and included the line, “It’s always easy to say or write things about someone without facing them.” Without a trace of irony, the letter was signed, “Name withheld.” Bitchy anonymous letters are par for the course in the news biz. What’s considerably less common—in fact, this was first—are envelopes full of cash. (Remind me, incidentally, to tell one of my Philly mob stories sometime.) Along with a short message of support were five, crisp, practically-still-warm-from-the-press, one hundred dollar bills. First, thank you for the gesture, whoever you are. I won’t pretend not to be a little flattered. Second, ethically speaking, I can’t keep the dough. As much as baby could use a new pair of shoes (jeez, this space is sounding more archaic by the week—what’s next, flappers, flivvers, and Valentino jokes?), it’s not the right thing to do. So instead I’m asking for reader suggestions for five worthy recipients of a $100 donation each. Email your suggestions, anonymously or otherwise, to editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca...Still on the topic of cold hard cash: There’s persistent talk around town of a Go Fund Me page in the works, aimed at restoring the $4000 in salary that Pelham Town Council recently dinged the Mayor. Ethically speaking, he couldn’t keep it either, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t go to charity—maybe even, with considerable irony, the Bandshell Committee…Happy 50th anniversary! Don’t tell those young lovebirds Jim and Karol Williams, but their kids have surprised them on page 14... And Happy Birthday Canada: No one currently old enough to write out their name is likely ever to forget this particular Canada Day and the year when it arrived. Enjoy the day, and let’s all hope we’ll be back at the parade, and party at Harold Black Park, this time next year. Stay safe out there. ♦
Voice
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•Insufficient. He should have been docked more pay. •About right. •Excessive. He should not have been docked any pay. RESULTS An overwhelming majority of respondents—nearly 9 in 10—answered that the penalty was excessive. Four percent thought that it was about right. Eight percent thought that the penalty should have been stiffer. A total of 92 responses were tallied. ADVISORY: While safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling firm.
CELEBRATING SENIORS MONTH Last Monday, members of the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee gathered to raise a flag in recognition of Seniors Month across Ontario. From left, Sharon Cook, chair; Del Leney, vice chair; Mayor Marvin Junkin; member Anne Villalta and her husband, Bruno. SUPPLIED
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on vacation!
At their last regular meeting, on June 15, Pelham Town Council debated what punishment Mayor Marvin Junkin should receive after the municipal Integrity Commissioner determined that he had made a number of technical violations of the Town's Code of Conduct. Finding that the Mayor had not acted with "nefarious" intent, the Integrity Commissioner recommended the lowest sanction possible, a letter of reprimand. Instead, at Councillor Lisa Haun's suggestion, council opted to add a 45-day salary penalty, costing Junkin roughly $4000. LAST WEEK WE ASKED What's your opinion of Junkin's penalty? Town Council’s decision to reprimand the Mayor and dock approximately $4000 in salary was:
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
Page 3
FACT CHECK
Pelham Town Council plays loose with the facts—and the rules BY DAVE BURKET
Special to the VOICE
Voice readers have continued to raise questions about certain assertions made by Pelham Town Councillors Marianne Stewart and Lisa Haun, as well as conduct engaged in by Councillors Bob Hildbrandt and Ron Kore, at council’s regular meeting on June 15.
Assertion that CannTrust is “suing” the Town
On various occasions, both Stewart and Haun have stated that the cannabis producer CannTrust, located in Fenwick, is “suing the Town.” This is false. CannTrust is appealing the Town’s Development Charge (DC) assessment, in front of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), regarding their planned expansion in Fenwick. This is not a lawsuit. CannTrust’s action is analogous to a Pelham homeowner appealing their home’s assessed value in front of the tax tribunal, in hopes of lowering their property tax bill. The homeowner doesn’t “sue” the tribunal. CannTrust isn’t suing LPAT or the Town. Such appeals are standard corporate maneuvers, aimed at lowering taxes and fees. Large corporations, such as Walmart or Canadian Tire, arrive in a new town and decide that the DCs which the local municipality wants to charge them are excessive, so they appeal. It’s a calculated gamble that their request will be granted, or partly granted, potentially saving the business hundred of thousands of dollars. Pelham CAO David Cribbs told the Voice that while LPAT hear-
ings have now resumed over video-conference, there is a considerable backlog and that it may be October or later before CannTrust’s appeal is heard. “It is likely that the Town will learn of a new date in relatively short order,” said Cribbs.
Staff does not have the jurisdictional authority to intervene in a procedural breach such as this
“Why didn’t someone stop them”
In response to news that Councillors Kore and Hildebrandt appeared to directly violate the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act during the June 15 meeting, readers asked on social media why no one tried to stop them. The apparent violation came near the end of the meeting, when it was time for council to debate what sort of penalty should be imposed on Mayor Marvin Junkin, for various technical violations of the Town’s Code of Conduct. Before debate started, Kore said that he would not participate due to a conflict of interest. (Kore has not responded to a Voice request that he explain the nature of the conflict.) Given that it was Kore himself who instigated the investigations, this was unexpected by itself. However, after Kore exited, and before debate did get underway, Hildebrandt announced that he would read a prepared statement given to him by Kore, which he proceeded to do— thus apparently violating the Act, which forbids a council member from attempting “in any way whether before during or after the meeting to influence the voting” on the issue being debated. The reason that neither Pelham CAO David Cribbs nor Town Clerk
Nancy Bozzato flagged this endrun around the rules is that neither has the power to do so. “Because staff have no actual standing, they cannot object to real or perceived violations of the rules,” Cribbs told the Voice. “When questioned or consulted [by councillors], the Clerk or CAO can and should provide their position on a procedural question, such as a Point of Order. However, challenging an action or statement requires standing that staff do not have.” By “standing,” Cribbs is referring to elected office, that is, being a member of council. Bozzato concurred. “Staff does not have the jurisdictional authority to intervene in a procedural breach such as this. The role of staff would be to provide procedural advice, when and if asked by the presiding officer…. The appropriate mechanism under parliamentary rules is through the calling of a Point of Order by one of the voting members. Under parliamentary rules, only [a councillor] may raise a Point of Order and the ruling on the point is made by the
Pelham Town Council, 2018-2022 term. presiding officer.” The presiding officer in this case—the person running the meeting—was Hildebrandt, since the Mayor had left the meeting before debate began. Hildebrandt did not respond to a Voice request for comment on why he agreed to read Kore’s statement after Kore had declared a conflict of interest. Over the weekend the Voice reached out to all members of council for comment on why none of them raised a Point of Order challenging the Kore-Hildebrandt maneuver. No one acknowledged the request.
SUPPLIED
Recalling councillors
Readers have also asked whether it is possible to recall councillors. The answer is no. While several nations around the world allow recall referendums, Canada does not have a recall mechanism at the federal level, and only the Province of British Columbia allows recalls of members of the provincial Legislative Assembly. Over the years there have been several calls across Canada for the introduction of recall legislation. For the time being, though, you vote them in, you’re stuck with them, until the next election.
Pelham Facilities Reopening
July 6, 2020 Town of Pelham facilities, including Town Hall, the Meridian Community Centre, and the pool at Marlene Stewart Streit Park, will reopen to the general public on Monday, July 6, 2020. Town Hall services are by appointment only. This phased opening ensures the health and safety of Town staff and the public.
When visiting Town facilities, the public will be asked to submit to a standardized screening test including having their temperature taken. Face coverings, when unable to physically distance, are required.
Page 4
The Voice, July 1, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté The world of work for women
A
mong the many societal changes taking place in recent times is the increased number of women in the workforce. This particular change from when men dominated workplaces has brought about some unresolved anxieties. Unfortunately, the resolutions to these issues have been slow to emerge and remain stumbling blocks to society’s best intentions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these issues and brought these matters to the forefront of society’s awareness. Women in many households are frequently the lower wage earner. Therefore, it is she who has left the workforce to provide full-time care for her children during the pandemic. Regrettably, one of the potential outcomes from the pandemic may be a reversal of the economic and social progress made in recent times to improving the lives of working mothers. One of these anxieties has been the matter of unequal pay for equal work. Women have been victimized by this unbalanced treatment for decades. According to those who study this issue,
Canadian women earned 87 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2018. There is no substantive rationale for this blatant patriarchy and misogyny by the predominately male employers. Excuses that have prevented raising such lower wages to the level of the males’ make little moral, ethical or economic sense. How is it right that saving costs should come at the expense of women workers? Another equally important issue is the matter of childcare for mothers who choose to, or must, join the workforce to contribute to a household’s living wage. It matters not whether a women is with or without a partner. However, the single mother may have more compelling reasons to be a member of the workforce. There is a growing consensus that the ultimate solution to this issue is a universal childcare system akin to the healthcare and educational systems. In addition to child care responsibilities, it is noteworthy that many of these women are the primary caregivers for others such as elderly parents, developmentally challenged persons, and others. As well,
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these same women are often the mainstays behind many volunteer organizations and other unpaid outside-thehome activities. Such roles are customarily carried out mostly by women. But all too often, costs become the major obstacle to initiatives that advance women’s equality. The enormous cost of this current pandemic will contribute to further delay in resolving these issues which so dramatically affect women. For instance, former Premier Wynne of Ontario advanced the notion of universal childcare in this province. Subsequently, Premier Ford nixed the proposal, asserting that reducing the provincial deficit was a higher priority. Kate Bezanson, of Brock University, an advocate for daycare programing, advises that, “federal and provincial leaders need to take a deep breath and realize how important to the economy it is to have a reliable and accessible childcare system.” A basic tenet of a truly just society demands equal treatment of all of its constituents. The women of this country are much deserving of such treatment. ♦
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Jenica Hrysko, Maeve Keating, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Doesn’t like bad apple cop cartoon I can't begin to imagine why on earth you thought it appropriate to use last week’s editorial cartoon. What an affront to police officers and union members. You don't think police officers and union members live in this community and read (past tense) your paper? How offensive and unfair not to mention misleading. I'd like to offer you some advice: try being just a small-town pa-
per because that's all you are. Stop with the divisive, biased approach to reporting the news. You're way out of your league and it's not at all what our town needs William Rutherford Fenwick
Editor’s note: Of all places in North America, it was in Niagara Region, in 2018, that one police officer shot an-
other. One of those officers, a 28-year-veteran of the NRPS, had faced multiple instances of internal Police Services Act discipline, which included determinations of discreditable conduct and unnecessary use of force. What role did the police union play in keeping him on the job? We don’t know the answer. That’s the question the editorial cartoon was posing, and one to which the public deserves an answer.
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1
Electoral District: Niagara West
The Voice
Letters
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
Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840
Today's forgotten business stopped advertising yesterday
Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805
Specializing in
Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475
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Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877
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Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
Page 5
OPINION IS IT YOURS? A reader found this Craftsman garage door remote on her curb. Contact the Voice if you know the initials on the other side. 905-892-8690
Empathy for non-white renter In regard to the letter on racism in Pelham [“Tenant says Pelham is home to racism too,” Letters, June 24, p. 8], in reading it I was filled with sadness to think this happens in the town I love. My heart goes out to this woman and her son. Who are these people and who is the landlord who are so hateful? I would be proud to have her as a friend. No doubt these neighbours call themselves Christian. Well, they should question their behaviour in the light of Christ’s teaching to, “Love your neighbour.” I also hope that many will write letters of protest. Sibyl Bergenstein Fonthill
Yes, he does care As a local post-secondary educator, researcher and author for 25 years, I’ve rarely read such an economically well-written, focused and challenging piece of English writing anywhere—bravo. [Column Six, “Blasts 35 years ago echo today,” June 24, p. 1.] More importantly, John Chick calls us to task for not noticing what “white privilege” actually means here in Fonthill, and in our True North strong and free. Why are the streets of America and many parts of the world filled with angry protesters, and why does it matter to those of us in a colonized nation framed by the Indian Act (1876)? No, this Act isn’t about the folks you remembered murdered while flying to India, but the original inhabitants right here, who embraced traders, explorers, and “settlers” with open arms. Why do our children not know, promote or understand the Niagara Treaty? This regional history was presided over in the summer of 1764 by England’s first “Indian Agent” at the French/English fort in Lewiston, across from NOTL, as one example of this benevolence. Thank you for reminding us there is so much history “we never knew we didn’t know,” to quote from Albertan Indigenous artists in The Making of Treaty 7. As citizens, we in this little space of privilege do not know our own history, as John so clearly pointed out in his article, but we need to acknowledge our well-being is built on this lack of knowledge—ignorance is my business. Thank you for pulling back this sad curtain during an inter-generational moment of change. Do we care? Richard Mitchell Fonthill
PELHAM AND COVID-19
As Niagara reopens, economic realities set in
O
n Friday, Ontario reported 111 new instances of COVID-19, which is the lowest number in any 24-hour period since March 25. This is a remarkable number when one considers that provincial testing is at an all-time high, with 30,780 tests being administered on Thursday alone. In Niagara, on Friday, one new case was registered, only three the day before. At present, there is one active case in Pelham. With these great numbers, and the Niagara Region in Phase 2, businesses continue to open. Much to everyone’s relief, I was able to get my first haircut in three months. At Regional Council’s Zoom meeting on Thursday evening, several councillors commented on how different I looked. When I noted that they were saying “different,” not “good,” there
After reading the Voice and Niagara This Week it would seem that there are some council members who have never grown up. As for Ron Kore, what can you say that hasn't been said. He appears to have two sides to him. As for Lisa Haun and Marianne Stewart, making statements that are unfounded is very misleading to the taxpayers. It says very little for their character. The man the taxpayers voted in for mayor—by a landslide— was an honorable man with high standards and morals. Anybody can make a mistake, it takes a bigger man to admit it. That is just what Marv Junkin has done in
print for all to read, including council. He has taken his reprimand and that should have ended it right there. Anyone who goes behind one’s back the way some of these council members have proven themselves to be unworthy and mistrusting. Mayor Junkin has proven himself on more than one occasion. I sincerely hope he runs for mayor in the next election. Perhaps we, the voters, should vote on how council members should pay us back the $18,000 they wasted unnecessarily. How about a cut in their pay. Wouldn't we hear the howling then.
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On a more somber note, the Economic Rapid Response Team recently completed its second survey of Niagara businesses. The results are very sobering. Seven hundred and forty-five respondents reported a combined loss of some $425 million dollars. Extrapolated across the entire Niagara region economy, the revenue loss is estimated to be $7.8 billion. Fully one third of Niagara businesses are either at risk of imminent permanent closure, or vulnerable to closure. Our two levels of government, municipal and Regional, must be aware of these numbers and cut spending to the bone. Tax increases at all levels must be kept to a minimum. I encourage all citizens to contact your local government representative and make them aware of your thoughts on this matter. ♦
Council members were voted in to work with Mayor Junkin not against him. Remember the mess that the last mayor and council got us into financially. This council can work together and accomplish good things for Pelham. Forget this petty squabbling amongst yourselves and trying to put down the Mayor. Get on with your work and do the job you so eagerly wanted to do. Don't waste everyone's time and money. I hope some names are brought to mind next voting day. Merelle and Marlene Stirtzinger Fenwick
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safety and health checks, and a plan for physical distancing. This document will not only apply to Town Hall, but also the MCC, Fire Station #1, Tice Road operations, and the libraries. Other town openings are as follows: The community centre will be open for ice rentals as of next Wednesday, July 8. Children’s summer camps start up July 6 with a 4-to-1 child-to-staff ratio. And of course, adhering to health unit regulations. The Town swimming pool opens July 6t. See the Town website for details, and you must book your swimming time online in advance. The town’s restaurants and pubs have, by and large, taken advantage of the Town’s/ province’s relaxed rules for outdoor patios and it is great to see that the patios are doing a brisk business.
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was a noticeable silence. (Sigh.) At Pelham Town Hall, steps continue to be taken Marvin Junkin for our July 6 reopening to the public. Regular services will resume, albeit by appointment only for the foreseeable future. Town staff have produced a reopening document entitled “Moving Forward.” Contained within are operating guidelines/ best practises for employees returning to Town Hall, after working almost exclusively at home for the last three months. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to employees when a minimum of two metres of separation between workers is not possible. Other areas covered are cleaning and disinfecting schedules and procedures, protocols for
Maybe Town councillors should foot the $18,000 investigation bill
Haun and Stewart need to move on I must state my displeasure concerning the action undertaken by the Town Council at the June 15 meeting. As well as being petty and mean-spirited, it also demonstrates how divided this council is, especially when it is over a minor issue that was dismissed as trivial by both the Integrity Commissioner and the Ontario Ombudsman. Apologies have been made by the Mayor to the residents of Pelham for any presumed errors, which should have been the end of the story. Why do Councillors Lisa Haun and Marianne Stewart continue to pursue this issue which has been concluded by higher authorities? If all councillors conducted themselves with the same integrity and demeanour that Mayor Junkin has, the Town of Pelham would be better for it. T. A. Campbell Pelham
Mayor Marvin Junkin
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Page 6
Letters
The Voice, July 1, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
continued
Mayor’s conduct
Council needs to stop playing personal games
Sensible sidewalk etiquette
The main fact gleaned from the reports is this: the Mayor was serving in the best interests of Pelham and not for the benefit of himself, period. The Mayor’s intentions were honourable. The reports also discredit slanderous-sounding accusations and noted that mediation was questionably turned down. Were they bogus complaints or doesn’t mediation inflict enough pain and notoriety? Then Town Council, disregarding the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendation for “the least severe penalty possible, a reprimand,” decided for a reprimand plus 45 days pay loss—almost the most severe (max is reprimand and 90 days salary). It’s obvious this is meant to be harshly punitive for the benefit of a few councillors’ egos, and certainly did nothing for our community and most likely hurt us. The reaction from Professor Emeritus David Siegel, the Bandshell Committee, and CAO David Cribbs is most revealing, with the CAO stating, “The conclusions of each investigation find only modest, technical violations, so with hindsight the complaints can be accurately characterized as ‘slim.’” I admire people that serve for the benefit of our community but have distaste for those that tear it down and especially those that require personal gain, self-gratification, or power. I am ashamed and disgusted. Richard Palkowski Fonthill
I am deeply angered by the actions of this council against the Mayor as well as other recent council decisions. Council needs to remember this Mayor was duly elected by the taxpayers and was not appointed by this council, who appears to be acting like a pseudo board of directors. Gagging free speech is illegal in this country so their attempt to ban the Mayor from speaking is incredibly short-sighted. Council’s lack of compliance with committee rulings and recommendations reveals a lack of integrity when they choose to make decisions without seemingly caring what the committees that they have created are telling them. The latest decision to fine the Mayor, excessively, is unreasonable and contrary to the recommendations. Council was in breach of the Municipal Act regarding the declaration of conflicts. By accepting a statement from Ron Kore, who had removed himself from the discussion on the penalty against the Mayor, the council ignored the Act— this is wrong in so many ways. The false statements offered up by Stewart and Haun were disgraceful behavior. If you have misspoken, apologize. Equally despicable is Kore’s seemingly back-room deal with Hildebrandt to get revenge on the Mayor by influencing the council vote against the Mayor with his statement. This is sheer manipulation. Hit-and-run tactics. Have someone else do your dirty work. I am also surprised at Wink’s vote, agreeing to the excessive punishment, as he had complained recently that committee recommendations aren’t taken seriously. Is fining excessively not against the recommendations regarding the Mayor? Yet this council continues to support the antics of Ron Kore, who was too obtuse to think he might have COVID and in so doing continued at his business and
I am not aware as to whether or not there is such a thing as sidewalk etiquette, but I would think that common sense would play a big part. My wife has complained from time to time that while out for a walk she has come upon teenagers on bicycles on the sidewalk. Although she has stated that some of them would move to the road, there are still those one or two who won’t, and that she has to move off the sidewalk to allow to pass. I for one have always said that I would prefer to see children ride their bikes on the sidewalk instead of the road (even though there are bike lanes) because it is much safer for them. It would be nice to see everyone at least stop their bike and let the walkers pass. Sharing is something we learnt as children. The icing on the cake was when my daughter-in-law told me today of a recent incident. She frequently goes out for a run while pushing her 1-1/2-year-old daughter (my granddaughter) in a special buggy for running, and taking along their large gentle black dog. While running on the sidewalk along Pancake Lane around 10:30 in the morning, they approached a woman and a teenager coming towards them. Again I don't know the etiquette in this case but you would think that the two people walking would maybe consider moving over to let a jogger, with a baby and a dog pass. We do it all the time. Anyway my daughter-in-law said that it was apparent that they were not going to move so she decided to move off of the sidewalk so that they could pass. The momentum of buggy and the dog, along with the uneven ground, proceeded to cause the dog to stumble and the buggy along with my little granddaughter to tumble to the ground. After picking themselves up, comforting my granddaughter from her tears because of the bump on her head, my daughter-in-law noted that the woman and teenager didn't even stop to see if they were okay or needed help. Shameful! My wife and I have lived here for the past eight years and always said how friendly most people are in Fonthill. This incident sure doesn't sit well with me. Whether you think you have the right-of-way on a sidewalk or not, you sure don't ignore a mother in distress with her small daughter and their dog without checking to see if they are okay. Shame on you. I am glad that they were not seriously injured and sure hope that they will continue to get out there for exercise and fresh air. Larry Robertson Fonthill
council while in his most infectious period. How can one justify spending over $18,000 on Kore’s frivolous complaints, when there are so many projects that need funding. How can councillors vote away a grant to pave a trail? I think that Mayor Junkin has accepted that he misstepped. He has made a public apology. Nothing more should be required or expected. Clearly council members are equally lacking knowledge of Municipal Act procedure as seen by their actions on the penalty. What are the taxpayers supposed to think about a council who refuses to work towards the good of its people and would rather participate in the crucifixion of the Mayor's reputation, a man whose only flaw to date was a lack of municipal guidance? And in so doing the councilors have breached the Municipal Act themselves. How we forget that this town is back in the black under Mayor Junkin's tenure. Are we to expect further strife and vindictiveness from this council or will they wake up and deal with the real business of running a Town Council. Will we continue to see committee decisions ignored? Will the councillors ever represent the needs of the taxpayer —especially in this pandemic—or will they just continue with their personal political agendas? In the end, the Town Council has created a climate of distrust and deceit. I am disappointed with the lack of professionalism. If a vote was held about the town council today. I would stand with the Mayor. I am ashamed of this council. Pelham taxpayers need to stand up to the bullying tactics and power struggle and encourage our council to get on with business. Sophie Zaworski Ridgeville
Stands by mistreated renter My husband and I definitely stand by this woman who has been bullied and mistreated by her landlord and neighbours. [“Tenant says Pelham is home to racism too,” Letters, June 24, p. 8.] We have lived in Fonthill for almost seven years and only on a few occasions have heard racist comments, and we nip them in the bud. Our grandsons are Canadian/Jamaican and we will not put up with any kind of discrimination. We tell these people right away so they can keep their comments to themselves if they desire to be so hateful. Why is it that there are people so unhappy with their own lives (what else can it be?) that they spew hate and negative comments to others they don’t even know that well, if at all. If only people in general would put the shoe on the other foot and think how they would feel—being afraid
to go outside or walk to a store and worry about their children and not allow them to go out alone. These types of instances are much too common in our society and we must strive to educate and change this systemic racism now. Lets face it, we are all created the same way; we all bleed red and we all start out equally. People live in Canada to be free and have what most of us take for granted; a good life with family and home, food on the table & good education for our children. Please stop and think before you utter hatred. Think how you would feel. Turn the table and help people you see being bullied— step up for them, speak up for them. See how much better you will feel about yourself! Roberta and Paul Obelnycki Fonthill
Open letter to MPP Oosterhoff on hydro rates I have been wondering what was really afoot in the magnanimous decision by the Premier to provide relief on electricity bills. The results of my research follows. It should be understood that this applies to my hydro bill and may not be reflected equally in other households. The last bill that was fully Time-of-Use is the one paid in April. The price manipulations apply only to the
electricity used, not the delivery portion or other charges. During the billing period Feb11 to Mar 12, we consumed 442 kWh billed at $55.54. Today, at the “special” rate offered by Mr. Ford, $0.128 per kWh, we would have been charged $56.58 An increase! What’s next? David Jarman Fenwick
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Letters
The Voice, July 1, 2020
Page 7
continued
Should Pelham follow NOTL example with tree bylaw? Recently I visited a friend who lives in a third-floor downtown apartment overlooking Fonthill. From her balcony I was surprised that the view was so spectacular. From this elevated position, as far as the eye can see there is a beautiful canopy of mature trees, with very few houses visible. On reflection, without a doubt when our family moved to Fonthill 30 years ago, it was because of the feeling of community and beautiful tree-lined streets. There are many benefits of trees—they have a calming effect on residents, cool and clean the air, provide shade and protect us from harmful UV light, reduce noise, provide an eye-soothing canopy of natural green, and even increase our property
values. These are all good reasons why we should protecting these valuable community assets. I recently learned that Niagara-on-the-Lake passed a bylaw that protects trees in their community. Before any tree of a certain size can be cut down, property owners must make an application and be granted approval to do so. Obviously sick and damaged tress come down but healthy trees stay in the community and are not sacrificed based on a developer’s needs. I think this is a wonderful idea for the residents of Pelham. Peter Scott Fonthill
Halfway spray measures are useless E. W. Farr controversy—five years on It has been five years since the District School Board of Niagara chose to change the name of E. W. Farr Memorial School in Fenwick to Wellington Heights. I believe if this renaming had been attempted now it would never have happened. If our students research the names of the public schools in the town of Pelham this is what they will find: E. L. Crossley Secondary School is named after Dr. E. L. Crossley, who was our principal at Pelham High School in Fenwick, and supervising principal at Thorold Fonthill High School, in Fonthill. He was
an esteemed educator in our town. Glynn A Green Elementary School, in Fonthill, is named after Glynn A Green QC, who was a lawyer, a school board trustee and a prominent citizen. He set up the Dawn Patrol, picking boys up to go and play hockey. He was partly responsible for building the swimming pool. He and his family were incredibly involved and generously contributed to our town. A. K. Wigg Elementary School, in Fonthill, was named after A. K. Wigg, who was principal at Fonthill Public School for many years. He also was an esteemed educator in our
town. Wellington Heights Elementary School, in Fenwick, as noted by students that were on the naming committee, is named after the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. I am writing this as an excerpt from published information found through research done by Dr. Kevin Ker and presented to D.S.B.N. in 2016. “Wellington Heights, named after the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, perpetuates a largely elite, white male, war-centric version of history, imperial colonialism and the disregard and marginalization of First
The Gypsy moth problem is acute in our area. We have a huge oak tree that is completely stripped of leaves, and many other trees in our area. Our taxes have gone up over 5 percent this year. When I spoke to the Town earlier this year, I was assured that the survey that was completed showed only a small gypsy moth issue. A spray program
Nations peoples. He discriminated against Jews and opposed the Jewish Civil Liberties act, our First Nations peoples and even his own men, calling them the scum of the earth. He was a senior member of the British Government that denied the fulfilment of agreements made with our Indigenous First Nations peoples with respect
that is not complete is an absolute waste of taxpayer money. I offered to pay for spray and was turned down. Unless something is done this issue will spread rapidly. I have attached before and after pictures of the effect on one of our trees. Bill Heemskerk Fenwick
to land treaties as part of obtaining their support for British Troops in the War of 1812-14. Ironically, it appears he was no friend of Canada in time of need during 1814 as he openly declared that it was an “unwinnable war” and suggested he stay in Europe as he had better things to do.” I found this when looking for more info: He had
little interest in education, and in order to find something for “poor Arthur” to do, his parents purchased a commission for him in the British army in 1787. This is a quote from the Guardian: “The Duke was the hero of Waterloo. Yet he was the most ardently pro-slavery politician of the 19th century and See FIVE YEARS Page 12
Happy Canada Day!
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
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IN THE NEWS
NEW CURBSIDE HOURS! WED-SAT, 9 AM - 2 PM + FRIDAY 9 AM - 8 PM!
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TOASTED WESTERN BLT REUBEN
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Aftermath of collision at Canboro and Haist, on June 23. CAM BERNARD
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Pelham Transit returns to regular rates beginning Thursday, July 2 Pelham Transit is still operating as a Dial-a-Ride service. Dial-a-ride service is available 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Beginning Thursday, July 2, Pelham Transit rates will return to their normal fare of $3 per ride. The uPass, used by university and college students, will no longer be accepted as a form of payment. All riders are encouraged to wear face coverings when using public transit. All rides can be pre-booked by calling Karen Blake at 905-892-2607 x347. Phone calls will be answered Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. If you are booking a ride for Mondays or Tuesdays, please call the Friday before. Rides must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
www.pelham.ca/transit
On Tuesday June 23, at about 5:30 PM, two cars collided at the intersection of Canboro Road and Haist Street, in Fonthill. According to a police statement, a Nissan Murano travelling north on Haist Street, being driven by a 17-year-old female from Welland, entered the intersection and collided with a Nissan Versa travelling westbound on Canboro Road, being driven by a 23-year-old female from Pelham. Police say that no injuries were reported at the time of the collision. Front end damage to both cars was estimated at $5000 each, and the vehicles were towed from the scene. The 17-year-old driver was been issued a provincial offence notice for Disobey Stop Sign, Fail to Stop. The Pelham Fire Department was also called to the scene, and ended up doing double duty.
Fire Prevention Officer Jason Longhurst told the Voice that the initial callout was for the traffic accident, and four Fire Department vehicles responded. “The Fire Department command officer cleared two Fire Department vehicles from See IN THE NEWS Page 16
H
appy Canada Day!
As proud Canadians we do everything we can to help one another and keep each other safe. This year, I’m asking you to do the same by practicing physical distancing and taking the necessary precautions to keep yourself, family, and friends safe this Canada Day. Though we can’t parade down Haist Street and watch the fireworks at Harold Black Park, we can still enjoy the holiday and share our pride with those close to us. On behalf of Pelham Council and and Town Staff, I wish you all a happy and safe Canada Day! Stay healthy. Marvin Junkin | Mayor
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
As more businesses and services reopen, and with social gatherings increased to 10 people, we all must continue our efforts to protect each other. 2m
Practice physical distancing, stay two metres apart. Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge. Continue to wash hands frequently. Get tested if you are worried you may have COVID-19, or have been exposed to the virus.
Inside or out, stay safe. Save lives. Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
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Two E. L. Crossley grads receive Niagara Principal’s Scholarships BY HELEN TRAN
Special to the VOICE
Recipients Grace Teal and William Guitard.
HELEN TRAN
For E. L. Crossley graduates Grace Teal and William Guitard, receiving the Niagara Principal’s Scholarship is not only welcome good news during pandemic, but also recognition of their academic achievements and community involvement. Since 2015, the Niagara Principal’s Scholarship has been given each year by Brock University to two students from each private, Catholic, and public high school in the Niagara region. Students are nominated by secondary school principals, with two candidates selected out of a pool of up to five candidates. Each award is worth $2,500 and goes to students who have chosen Brock as their post-secondary destination. When Teal found out that she had won the award, she was excited because she felt it was the culmination of years of volunteering and being part of the community. Teal had been volunteering in the community and through her church for years, but was especially inspired to help others after a mission trip to Guatemala in 2018. Since then, she has been a Link Crew leader at E. L.Crossley, part of the Interact Club, volunteered for Halloween for Hunger, Christmas Cheer, Veg-Fest, the Welland Food Drive, Out of the Cold, Camp Crossroads, and Camp Wumba. Teal has also started a non-profit called “Life Beads,” which raises funds to support mental health (each purchase of a bracelet with an inspiring message is a donation to Pathstone Mental Health). “I’m so honoured to have been selected,” said Teal, “so thankful to my
Dean Allison Member of Parliament for Niagara West
! a d a n a C e t a Celebr Happy Birthday Canada!
Contact Dean’s office for Inquiries & assistance with: Federal Programs Legislation and Regulations Immigration and Citizenship Veteran’s Affairs Income Security Programs CPP, OAS, GIC Canada Revenue Agency Commemorative Certificates Constituency Office: 4994 King Street, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0
1.877.563.7900 | www.deanallison.ca | @DeanAllisonMP
Crossley family who has been super supportive over the past four years and pushed me to reach my full potential. I’m honoured to be recognized academically and personally.”
Make your high school experience more than just about school—try to join lots of clubs
She will be entering Brock in the fall for a degree in Business Communications. Guitard also felt that the award came with welcome recognition. “I’m really happy about it,” he said, “because I feel like I’ve put in a lot of work and the money really helps as well — it feels good to be recognized for something that only a few students get.” The award came at a good time, because he is one of four brothers, all of whom are in or entering post-secondary education. He will be attending Brock University’s Kinesiology program in the fall and is happy to attend a school that is close to home. Guitard aimed for a balanced high school experience that prioritized high grades and extracurricular achieve-
ment and involved him “in the life of the school.” He took leadership classes and applied what he learned to become an active member of the wrestling team, swim team, rowing team, intramural hockey, chess, and weightlifting. He was also part of Pelham minor hockey, Link Crew, and helped with weight room orientations. While there is normally a spring ceremony to honour the award recipients, this year’s ceremony, will take place virtually due to COVID-19 safety precautions and physical distancing measures. Recipients received a package in the mail with their award and Brock memorabilia. When asked whether they had any advice for aspiring students and future graduates of high school, both Teal and Guitard emphasized that while grades were very important, it was also useful to have a well-rounded high school experience. “Get involved and put yourself out there,” said Teal, “and don’t be afraid to do what you are passionate about because it does get you places. I’m so excited to continue to volunteer around my community.” Guitard had similar sentiments: “Make your high school experience more than just about school — try to join lots of clubs. That’s how you have fun and make social connections, learn leadership and how to collaborate with people. Grades are important but extra-curriculars are important too.” Both are thrilled to be part of the Brock University community in the fall and they look forward to the opportunities that the future holds.
Happy Birthday,
CANADA! 153 years young
From the Pelham Seniors’ Advisory Committee
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
Page 11
Former utility board member says power outages have decreased in recent years BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
The irony of locals complaining about seemingly frequent blackouts is that during the most famous power outage of the last 40 years, Pelham mostly kept the lights on. During the great northeast blackout of August 2003, the town was somehow spared because it was getting its electricity directly from the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station on the Niagara River. “That was a funny one,” said former Pelham Town Councillor and Niagara Peninsula Energy (NPEI) board member Brian Walker. “We had power through the whole thing. All around us we were blacked out.” Walker believes the system is in better shape that it used to be, thanks in part to upgrades made some 15 years ago — that included an underground backup line between Merritt and Port Robinson Roads. He adds that the power supply for Pelham today comes from the Hydro One transfer station on Barron Road in Allanburg. While Hydro One covers the vast majority of Pelham, the old village of Fonthill is the domain of NPEI — which took over the old Pelham Hydro system in 2008. Walker says Hydro One has been working on improving the station in recent years, something a company spokesperson echoed. “Our crews have completed upgrades at our Allanburg Transmission Station in recent years to improve reliability and increase capacity as this area continues to grow,” Tiziana Baccega Rosa told the Voice. Yet while load capacity is one thing, a power grid anywhere is still prone to unpredictable issues. A possibly apocryphal story about the origin of the 2003 blackout centres around a wayward squirrel in Ohio. However, while wildlife can certainly create problems for power lines, a bigger issue is tree branches and limbs. “Trees are a sensitive issue, they always have been,” said Walker. “You try and keep the branches away from the wires — but if we had to adhere [strictly] to the guidelines, Fonthill would be desecrated. You’re ideally supposed to keep them three metres [away]. I can’t
Happy
“We work closely with Hydro One’s forestry department and speaking with them in the past, we were told that they try to trim back approximately five years growth, as their goal is to prune their lines every fiveto-seven years,” Cook said. “The actual amount would depend on the tree species and its speed of growth. Hydro One is currently performing tree pruning in the Town of Pelham to protect their infrastructure. This includes private trees Brian Walker, and a soldier’s row of utility poles in the and trees found within the road allowance.” village of Fonthill. DAVE BURKET Compounding the issue of older tree limbs is southern Ontario’s imagine what the trees would look like often-volatile summer weather — now in this town.” A stroll through any Ontario commu- likely intensified by climate change. “I might be getting old, but I’ve lived nity will indicate many tree branches are less than three metres from power in this house for 39 years,” Walker said. lines, which is why the matter of prun- “I think we get more high winds than we used to.” ing is important. Of course, exposed power lines in While a Town of Pelham Public an urban area are mostly a product of Works staffer asserted two weeks ago a bygone era. While the older parts of that NPEI does not provide forestry Pelham and even big cities like Toronto services, they actually do — through feature a maze of wires criss-crossing outside contractors. the sky, most construction over the last “At NPEI, vegetation management is executed by third-party utility arbor- half century has placed utilities underground. Unfortunately, it’s not that ists,” NPEI’s Sue Forcier told the Voice. simple to just switch over a residential “Using their specialized knowledge of growth rates of various vegetation, ar- neighbourhood to buried cables. “It’s very, very costly,” Walker said. borists may trim back more growth in specific areas to account for the differ- “The other thing people would have to watch is if you have an older home, ent growth rates. NPEI service territory is divided into nine zones for vegeta- and you had to switch over to underground, then your whole house would tion management.” have to be subject to inspection. That This appears to be news to the Town might be a bit of a shock, no pun inof Pelham. “To my knowledge [NPEI] has not tended.” One upside to exposed lines, howevreached out to inform the Town of any er, is easier access for general mainline-clearing operation in the same way as Hydro One provides as a regu- tenance. But as the large Fonthill subdivisions that were constructed lar annual maintenance program,” said Town Communications and Public Re- beginning in the 1970s continue to age, Walker foresees more work — and diglations Specialist Marc MacDonald. ging — ahead. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook “Those are closing in on the 50-year only mentioned Hydro One’s trimming mark,” he said. services when reached last week.
Y A D DA
A N A C
Support your local
service clubs
l Wishing al of Pelham happy veonry a made behalf of
ANADA C Thank you our proud nation.
! AY Dfor your
service!
DIANA HUSON
Regional Councilor | Town of Pelham diana.huson@niagararegion.ca
Happy Canada Day
May your family enjoy a safe and happy holiday
Councillor
JOHN WINK
AND FAMILY Ward 2 ◆ Town of Pelham
a d a n a C y p p a H Day!
Steven
Sam Oosterhoff
SOOS CANDIDATE PELHAM WARD 1 COUNCILLOR
MPP NIAGARA WEST
This Canada Day, enjoy your time with family and friends, and let’s celebrate and honour the extraordinary people and organizations that make Canada great!
Best wishes for Canada
289-312-4463 stevensoos2018@outlook.com PAID FOR BY THE STEVEN SOOS CAMPAIGN.
Day from
MAYOR MARV JUNKIN with grandkids Charlotte, Felicity, and Jack
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OBITUARY
ANOTHER ROUND
by JOHN PICCOLO
All things considered, maybe spending on golf isn’t the wisest financial move at the moment
T
hought I’d give you a little update on how the golf industry is doing after our little hiatus. The hiatus was because of this thing called the coronavirus. If you haven’t heard about it, try Google. As of 8:37 last Friday night you would have had 8,190,000,000 hits. Eight billion, one hundred and ninety million. Not a typo. If you read most of them and have a PhD in epidemiology you still likely have no idea about how all this is going to play out. Unless, of course, you are a golfer. Golf course owners who have spent the last 13 years bemoaning the death of the industry and wondering what they need to do to grow the game are all of a sudden business gurus. All they needed to fill their tees sheets was a pandemic
which made virtually every other sport or social activity off limits. If you are sick of the pandemic and are looking for a dose of normality, head on out to a golf course. Yes, most seem to be following, or trying to, the COVID rules about social distancing and such, but for the most part it is business as usual. The unemployment rate for 15-25-year-olds in Niagara was 32% at the beginning of June. The overall unemployment rate was nearly 14%. You would think if golf participation has been diminishing for years during strong economic growth that during the highest unemployment numbers since the Great Depression they would be even worse. That would be rational behavior, and what the neoliberal economists still fail to accept is we are not rational
beings. In fact, our whole economic system relies on us spending money irrationally, and for that, all of us in the golf industry thank you immensely. Why should the real estate agents and sellers of vehicles too large to fit into the garages of said real estate purchases reap all the rewards of this ideology? I really don’t want to be a party pooper, but I grew up believing irrationality at some point comes back to bite you in the bum. I just finished teaching my Niagara College course last week. The management is working triple time trying to figure out what will be possible in the fall. How many programs can run in person with how many people? How many international students will attend online? Meetings every day dealing with new situations erupting around the world. Our region more than any other in the country relies on the masses of our friends from America to cross the great divide during the summer months and drop gobs of money in our midst. All best estimates are there will be few if any international students arriving this fall, which is a huge hit to our real estate market, vehicle market, and restaurant in-
dustry, among others. As long as President Dum-Dum remains in power to the south there is little chance that the border is opening any time soon—nor, for the sake of our health, do many of us want it to. This leaves me very worried about our region’s economic future, and, it could be just my upbringing, but makes me wish people might spend their money a little more judiciously. Interest rates are low but sooner or later you still have to pay that money back. CERB is great but can’t last forever, and have you put enough aside to pay the taxes you will owe on it next year? And, by the way, there is still this COVID thing. Look at how it is playing out in all the locales who start thinking it is over— that’s what we face if we don’t stay vigilant. Look at all the precautions taken for athletes. With all these precautions look how many college football teams in the US have had massive outbreaks. Baseball, basketball players, hockey players. Of course the game of golf, which is supposed to be the easiest to social distance, had a half dozen players or caddies test positive in the last 10 days. So far it has not seemed to
have taken a huge toll equally on all segments of society but it has affected all of us to at least some extent. There will be a lot of trial-anderror moves as we get this operation going again but we still have to be patient. I don’t want to be patient either, but short-term pain, long-term gain is real here. When this first started I had some very smart medical friends who thought it might be a good idea to go out and expose yourself to it right away to get it over with. I don’t hear too many saying that anymore. There are just too many unknowns. If I have totally misread the people spending all this money, and you have lots to spare and all the free time in the world in which to spend it, carry on. You know where I work—come on down and say hello. If money is or will soon be an issue, pace yourselves. There are many incredible things to do in this region for free. Get outside, be with friends at a safe distance and with masks when possible, and be rational. It’s fun for the whole family. ♦
FIVE YEARS
West India interest to keep slavery there.’” Kevin also found that a fort, that the Duke was supposed to build, where
Lookout Point Golf Course is now located, never developed into anything, with only a small piece of farmland (identified by the government as the “Short Hills Farm”) purchased then sold back to local citizens. In any case, the proposed fort was to have been located far away—Lookout is in Fonthill, not Fenwick! The Duke of Wellington never set foot in Canada, much less had anything to do with Fenwick. We cannot change history and there is absolutely no reason to celebrate and memorialize a person who embodied discrimination and racism. I know that the DSBN does not accept calls for a name change from the community. We certainly found that out when we took petitions with almost 1000 names on them and gave presentations with reasons why this change should not have happened. Perhaps now, with all the unveiling of racism in our society, the DSBN will rethink their position and accept the facts. I sent this letter to Mayor Marvin, Councillor Marianne Stewart, and of course, Nancy Beamer, our representative on the school board. I did receive a response from them. I also sent it to Warren Hoshizaki, Director of Education, and Sue Barnett, DSBN chair. They have not replied. Vilma Moretti Fonthill
continued from Page 7 historians know he stood ‘four square behind the
JORDEN NICOLE MATTISON We are all proud of you for being in the 2020 Class at Notre Dame College School. Jorden your accomplishments have paid off as you have accepted a NCAA Division 1 scholarship to the University of Maine to play hockey. UMAINE will be proud to have you as a goaltender. Jorden your accomplishments in the past couple of years have made your family very proud of you. A 4 year lacrosse player at Notre Dame, with a tenacious playing ability has lead your team to many wins. Your achievements playing Junior hockey for the Etobicoke Dolphins in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League earned you the top ranking in the province with a save percentage of .942% with a GAA of 1.18, leading your team to a 1st place overall. Your position between the pipes brought the Notre Dame boys hockey team to an exciting end this year. An avid equestrian rider and a competitor in the Miniature horse shows in Ontario, we are all excited for you and the future that awaits you. ALWAYS PROUD OF YOU! Love your Dad, Brothers - Christopher and Brandon and family.
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John Piccolo is a golf instructor and runs Piccolo’s Custom Golf Shop, at Eagle Valley Golf Club, in Niagara Falls.
GULLETT, Douglas Alexander It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Alexander Gullett on June 11, 2020 in his 74th year. Son of the late Robert and Christina Gullett (Thorold). Doug is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Betty (Hicks), his daughters Kristen (Donna Douglas) and Rebecca and his son Jason. He has four grandchildren who were deeply cherished, Brynn and Cameron Varcoe and Douglas and Alexandra Gullett. Doug was a construction manager for Consumers Gas, and while working full time completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University in 1980. He and his family were transferred to Barrie in 1981 and he was Construction Manager over Georgian Bay area. Doug was owner and operator of a construction company from 1985 until 2000 and completed international projects in United States and Iceland as well as multiple projects in Ontario. During that time, he won national and local awards for his commercial construction projects. He served as President of the Canadian Farm Builders Association 1997/ 1998 and President of the Barrie Construction Association in 1998. Doug was invited to join Jean Chretien in 1997 and 1999 on Team Canada Trade Missions to Korea, Philippines and Thailand and Japan respectively. He supported his community through work with The Rotary Club of Barrie and the Shriners. Doug was still very active owning and operating Northwinds Farm in Dalston and prided himself on producing and selling farm fresh produce at his Farm Gate Store located on the farm. The family would like to thank the Doctors and staff in the I.C.U and the Royal Victoria Hospital. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. We will come together to celebrate his life with family and friends at a later date.
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
Page 13
Annual guide dog fundraiser goes virtual BY MEGAN METLER
Special to the VOICE
On May 31, the biggest fundraiser for the Lions Foundation of Canada took place online due to COVID-19. The Pet Valu Walk for Guide Dogs has been going on for 34 years to help the Foundation provide guide dogs to Canadians with physical or medical disabilities at no cost. Some three hundred communities across the country participate every year. To be a part of this event, you didn’t need to be a dog owner—it was open to everyone to walk, run, bike or do any other activity they wanted. Photos and videos were sent in from all over Canada of adults, kids and families participating in the event. Speaking with the Voice, Greg Clarke, head trainer for the Lions Foundation of Canada, said that the event was a success considering that it was the first time doing the walk virtually. “As of right now, it’s raised over $231,000. Our goal was $350,000, but we are still accepting donations until the end of the month,” he said. The collected funds go to operation costs and training to ensure that clients receive dogs free of charge. In a May news release, the Foundation shared that they have some 328 foster families, 120 dog guides in training, and more than 1000 graduates around Canada. The Foundation has many types of training programs, such as for vision dogs, hearing dogs, service, medic alert, seizure response, autism assistance, and diabetic alert. When asked about the effect that COVID-19 has had on the organization, Clarke said, “Fundraising teams had to come up with good
Pet Valu Walk for Guide Dogs participants from around Canada. LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA ideas. I’m not involved with that part, but they have been working very hard to come up with some amazing ideas for how to continue public and corporate sponsors to support the Lions Foundation of Canada.” During the nationwide closures, the training school has been temporarily closed. “We are continued to be open, all staff are working from home so we are still continuing with contacting our clients through phone calls, emails or zoom calls,” said Clarke. “So physically we can’t be at the school as of now. It’s been challenging but it’s been interesting too.” According to Clarke, all dogs that are in training right now or being raised by foster families are currently staying with volunteers and
foster families for the time being. “I can’t thank them enough for taking the dogs and keeping them in their homes and continuing with some of their training,” Clarke said. He adds that he wants to thank everyone involved in the Pet Valu Virtual Walk and for the continuing support. Canine vision graduate and walk participant, Leeann told the Voice that the event went really well and that she made a video of her walk to put online. “The importance is that it helps others like myself who want their independence to gain independence,” she said. Leeann got her second guide dog, Kanyon, a Black Labrador Retriever, in 2019
from the Lions Foundation of Canada after her first one retired. “I’ve been afraid to cross streets and I have a little bit of anxiety. So having a dog has really boosted my confidence to cross streets safely,” said Leeann. She added that the Foundation has done wonders for her and helped her greatly. Leeann has had to de-
pend on those around her to physically distance from her when she and Kanyon go out for essential trips. She can’t judge how close she is to others and Kanyon wasn’t taught how to do that. “They’re a new team but they are doing well,” said Clarke, “I’m very pleased considering everything going on around us.”
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The Voice, July 1, 2020
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AND...ACTION! Back on June 17, Mayor Marvin Junkin was called on to play a part in “Canada Day the Niagara Way,” a virtual celebration consisting in part of a video featuring appearances by each Niagara mayor, as well a local celebrities. Streaming starts at 11 AM on July 1. For details, visit www.pelham.ca/canada-day BOB LOBLAW
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$1 million injected into Niagara tourism marketing “I recognize you guys are struggling” BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
A recent Zoom video conference session was the forum for an announcement of special government funding for the beleaguered Niagara tourism industry. A small group of journalists and local politicians were online to hear Niagara West MPP Sam Osterhoof and Lisa MacLeod, the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, detail $1 million in support for Niagara through a new $12 million funding partnership between Destination Ontario and Destination Canada. The intention, they said, is to reinvigorate local tourism marketing, as the province permits more businesses and services to open in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Some $500,000 will go towards tourism, specifically in Niagara Falls, and another $500,000 will be directed to the region’s tourism promotion organization, VistNiagara.com, to enhance marketing efforts. Niagara is one of only three jurisdictions in Ontario to get the million-dollar funding package. In addition, the ministry recently announced the conversion
of the Tourism Development Fund into the Tourism Recovery and Development Fund, and the tripling of its disbursements from $500,000 to $1.5 million dollars. Oosterhoof emphasized Niagara’s heavy dependence on tourism, and described the economic injection as part of an effort by both provincial and federal governments to encourage homegrown tourism and talent. MacLeod spoke of her fondness for the Niagara region, although she erroneously made reference at least twice—“three times,” said Oosterhoff with a laugh—to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission when she meant the Niagara Parks Commission. “Look, I recognize you guys are struggling,” said MacLeod, referring to COVID-19 as “SARS on steroids.” With the border remaining closed for the foreseeable future, MacLeod said that it will be up to Niagara residents to take the lead in supporting local businesses with a “buy local” effort, especially with reference to the wineries for which the region is famous. MacLeod said that COVID-19 has lasted “far longer than ex-
Early into the lockdown, an empty Niagara Falls in late March. pected,” that it has affected the entire province, and that it will take a lot longer to recover. “We have learned some lessons, but this is an entirely new beast. And so we need to feed it a different way,” she said. MacLeod said that tourism, culture, sport, and heritage events generate about $75 billion in economic activity in the province each year. Since the pandemic, she said, the drop in revenue has been about $20 billion. MacLeod
RIC GRETSINGER
conceded that Niagara lost “probably about 40,000 jobs” in March. She was candid in her assessment of the public’s mood, based on data collected by the government. “It is going to take a long time for people to go back to their old behaviors. The consumer sentiments out there indicate that it will be a long time before they want to attend an attraction like a major sporting event or live music venue, stay overnight in a hotel,
or even go to a farmers market,” she said. The minister described government’s challenge in the pandemic as dealing with what she called a “triple threat”: a healthcare crisis, an economic crisis, and a social crisis. “This money is so important because it is going to deal with the social crisis,” said MacLeod. Asked if wineries would soon be able to open with full service, MacLeod said that curbside pickup and delivery are already an option, “but in terms of people visiting and having wine there, no, that would not be available.” MacLeod added that she viewed the current situation as a “tremendous opportunity to modernize our craft winery industry.” She also announced the creation of a new website called Ontario.live, as a way to reconnect Ontarians with each other through the arts, culture, tourism and sport. MacLeod noted that it was great to see her “old friend” Jim Bradley’s face on Zoom, the latter being a former Liberal MPP who segued into the top chair at Niagara Region after his Queen’s Park days concluded. Bradley held the same ministry role as MacLeod almost 20 years ago, when his government was dealing with the aftermath of the SARS epidemic.
Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30. Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 hour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. Page 16
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FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have Place these ads for 30 words + photo been exploring andfree! performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp• Birth announcements • 50th and greater wedding anniversaries • 90,ing 95, 100-plus birthday announcements grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.
Yard & Shed MOVING Burke’s Masonry SALE, Large collection FONTHILL PLACE AD BY EMAIL OR PHONE E.YOUR L. Crossley Keith’s Restau Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christmas and holiday office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Churchill Natural Meats Target Store decorations and householdHours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690 step repair, granite Shoppers Drug Mart Pennzoil Quick coatings, brick slices items, SAT. AUG. 30, 8AM- Fonthill Library Lazy Loon 1PM 625 METLER RD, P18-28 905-682-7061. Town ofMILL Pelham Pharmasave FLOORING CUSTOM NORTH PELHAM P18-23 Cafe on Main Avondale Stor
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PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make YOUR six cards with- fall themes,PROVINCIALLY learning a variety of techniques. Materials EXTEND REACH ADVERTISE OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For informationAt contact community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi aremore provided. timeyour of local registration, please enquire about tools ed.org needed. Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamBUSINESS OPPS. MORTGAGES library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. PELHAM MINORINVENTORS!! HOCKEY EQUIPMENT DECLINED SALE BY YOUR BANK? ATTN: ONTARIO WE CAN HELP! Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide Need Inventing Help? Call Davison!! , 2 , 3 MORTGAGES cheaper options for players in this upcoming1 season. Runs Sept. 6 from Debt Consolidation Ideas Wanted! 9-12 in the morning. Renovations, Tax Arrears st
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NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION FREE APPRAISALS ADVERTISING Rodeo, games and live entertainment headlineCALL thisUS years exciting event. It FIRST FOR A FREE CONSULTATION runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. 1-800-282-1169
www.mortgageontario.com BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive(Licence ride taking place on Sept. #10969) 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Family Cancer Centre. REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL! OLDWANTED PAPERS FIREARMS WANTED FOR JUNE 13th, 2020 Your Classified AdCLUB or Display Ad would appear WALKING Do &you have AUCTION: old issues Rifles, of theShotguns, Voice LIVE ONLINE in weekly newspapers each week across published from 1997 at to the 2007? How about Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Ontario in urban, areas. Join Interested insuburban walkingand in rural Pelham? them Tuesdays Pelham Arena the Pelham Herald (any year). We'd love to Collections, Estates, Individual Items. For9-10 more information Call Today at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There from am and Thursdays add them to ourSwitzer’s archive. Contact: publisher@ Contact Paul, Auction: Toll-Free 647-350-2558. thevoiceofpelham.ca 1-800-694-2609, is no fee for this program. For more information,sales@switzersauction.com please contact jcook@ or www.switzersauction.com. pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.
HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES of Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring aPlaces non-perishable Classifi foodBethany itemOCNA to fill Network the hampers at eds the Ads Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4. Christian Reformed Church First Presbyterian Church
Portable sawmill service. Beamer’s Pro Hardware I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber alsoSobey’s available. Call Rob Patterson, FENWICK McDonald’s 905-401-4948, Avondale Stor riverwood@primus.ca Fonthill Legion
Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”
We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood
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COMMUNITY Events April 13
Posted Event Submissions Standards April 8United Church Fenwick
If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, www.fenwickunited.com www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com www.pelham.cc you may submit Centralan events profile by sending your community events information to editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet Region Ads included the acceptability standards of TheHANDLEBARS Voice of Pelham will then be posted until the date your decision? Will today’s pandemic exFAITH LIFT perience This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers of your Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide linger in our minds, and stop us continued fromevent. Page 17The Community Events continued from Page 18 from taking normal risks we thought acas much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description ceptable a year ago? tament. The prophet begins by haps even carelessly so. He responded, of your event. The Voice of Pelham reserves the right to edit for space. Will this be the concern that tips the describing God as the eternal Cre“I know my capabilities, and I’m good at ator whose power and wisdom are unlimited (verse 28). This God is able to strengthen those who are weary and weak (verse 29). In contrast, Isaiah then reminds us that humanity is frail and even youths grow tired (verse 30). We then read the climatic conclusion… “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31 That’s my prayer for myself and for you— that regardless of what happens in our society (politically, economically and socially), this decade will be one in which we will soar spiritually as we put our trust and hope in eternal God who never crashes, never wearies, never gets sick, and never dies. ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who is still learning to soar.
risk management.” We all make our own decisions about risk based on the facts as we see them, and each of us embraces or avoids risk as suits our situation and personality. COVID-19 is different. Our knowledge is uncertain and evolving, and our capabilities to resist the disease are unknown and vary widely. For scientists and doctors, facts are a moving target, so we must rely on our own intuition and assessments before we act, or we can withdraw, wait, and search for more certainty. This may be prudent in the case of COVID-19, but if this abundance of caution becomes engrained in how we view other risks, and changes our decision-making baseline by increasing risk aversion, I’m concerned we may miss out. You’ve dreamed of following Bogart and Bergman to Casablanca, perhaps with a side trip to exotic Marrakesh, but have worried about the safety and stability of your destination. As you consider booking your trip for 2022, will risk of potential exposure to an as yet unknown virus or bacteria on the airplane, in your hotel, or even in a foreign hospital enter
scales and causes us to not take that trip? I genuinely hope this is not a lasting result of COVID-19, that this doesn’t stop us from embracing the calculated risks that add so much to our lives. It is important that we continue to assume risk, and we require vigilance and care to evaluate our motives for NOT doing something, to ensure they are not fear based. Taking risks benefits us. Daring to sneak out on that first date with the boy or girl our parents forbade us to see, riding our bicycle with no hands, starting our own business, choosing Borneo over Barbados for our next trip. Every time we take a risk, be it in travel, business, relationships, life in general, our confidence grows and we trust ourselves more. Embracing risk opens doors to our creativity and unanticipated opportunities. Through risk we learn new skills, we fail and then overcome. Our swagger radiates more brightly, and we can more clearly define our wants and goals. Let us hope that long after the concerns of COVID-19 are diminished, we haven’t lost any of our self-assurance, and that we resist becoming unduly risk averse. ♦
IN THE NEWS
continued from Page 8 the scene when the scene was made safe by the Fire Department,” said Longhurst, while two vehicles remained on scene to block the accident until police arrived. “During this time while awaiting NRP to arrive and take over the scene, an individual approached one of the Fire Department personnel and informed them that a person had fallen on the sidewalk approximately three houses away from the scene.” Chief Bob Lymburner said that an intoxicated male was walking along the sidewalk and passed out, without sustaining injuries. Longhurst said that the Fire Department command officer asked one of the released vehicles to return to the scene to assess the patient. By the time the vehicle arrived, however, so had an ambulance, allowing the Fire Department to clear the scene.
Ridgeville incident
Also on Tuesday, June 23, shortly before midnight, Niagara Regional Police officers attended a residence in the area of Highway 20 and Effingham Street for a report of a family disturbance that had become physical, according to an NRPS statement. During the course of the investigation a person was briefly arrested for obstructing the police investigation. They were later released without charges. Police say that officers cleared the scene after investigating the matter and determining that grounds did not exist for any further arrests or for criminal charges.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, July 1, 2020
Voice
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
CROSSWORD
W
The Roaring 1920s
In France they call that decade “the crazy years” (les annees folles). We call them “The Roaring ‘20s.” Why? There are lots of good reasons. Following World War I (1914-1918) in the previous decade, the 1920s was a period of peace, economic prosperity and rapid industrial growth in the west (Europe and North America). The middle class began to bulge as more people enjoyed the mass production of cars, telephones, radios and electrical appliances. Aviation literally “took off” as a business. Along with mass production came mass marketing, fuelling increasing demand for consumer goods. The wonders of “modern” technology seemed to be the answer to mankind’s problems. The economic optimism affected other fields. A new spirit of openness to new ideas prevailed. New styles in music (e.g., jazz), dancing (e.g., the Charleston), and art (e.g., Art Deco) emerged and blossomed. The world of entertainment (sports and Hollywood movies) thrived. Politically, women finally won the right to vote. America gained world dominance in finance and emerged as a growing super-power. It’s been described as a time of “social, artistic and cultural dyna-
mism.” But by the end of the decade, it came crashing down. The Wall Street crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression of the 1930s. The “roar” of the ‘20s was replaced with the “groan” of the ‘30s.
So what about the 2020s?
Now here we are one century later and it’s a very different world. Just as the 1920s ended with a crash, it seems certain that the 2020s are beginning with one. So will this decade be roaring? The only thing roaring so far is the deadly coronavirus which knows
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The 2020s: Roaring, Boring, or Soaring?
hat will this decade be known for? I’m not a prophet but I’m pretty sure I know what this first year of this new decade will be known for. But what about the whole decade? Let’s look back one century for some inspiration…
Page 17
no boundaries. Will it be boring? Well, with the social isolation imposed on much of the world right now, that word sounds pretty accurate. Or will it be soaring? Without the prophetic gift, I confess I have no clue what this decade will eventually be called or known for. But (more importantly) I do know someone who can help us in our present dilemma. One of my favourite passages of Scripture is the last four verses of Isaiah Chapter 40 in the Old TesSee FAITH LIFT Page 16
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Weekly Word Search
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. AIR BIOAEROSOLS BLADES CENTRAL COIL COMFORT
COMPRESSOR CONDENSER COOLING DAMPER DUCTWORK EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EVAPORATOR FURNACE HANDLER HUMIDIFIER PARTICLES
REFRIGERANT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM THERMOSTAT ZONE ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
Page 18
The Voice, July 1, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
FROM THE HANDLEBARS
We have now spent 100 or more days being bombarded with consistently stressful worldwide pandemic messaging
by John Swart
Let’s not be afraid to assume some risk
N
ational Public Radio recently interviewed a research doctor about Toxic Stress Syndrome in adults, and its relation to COVID-19, which caused me to investigate further. Stress is part of our daily lives, and can be positive or negative, demanding a flight-or-fight response from our bodies. According to a peer-reviewed 2014 MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Journal) article, “general adaptation syndrome (flight-or-fight) comprises the physiologic changes that occur with any encounter of stress or perceived stress to the individ-
ual. This stress response is a result of stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in a cascade of neuro-endocrine-immune responses.” The MDPI article continues to explain Toxic Stress Syndrome. “In most situations, the physiologic changes associated with the stress response are transient, with the body returning to its baseline state when the stressor is removed. Toxic stress responses include a prolonged or permanent abnormal physiologic response to a stressor with risk of end organ dysfunction.” Whoa. We have now spent
100 or more days being bombarded with consistently stressful worldwide pandemic messaging, be it news reporting or the 24/7 sense of high alert as we focus on health indicators amongst our families, friends and loved ones. Many of us have observed these same people dramatically reduce the scope of activities they will or can participate in because of fear. We may call it caution or social responsibility or common sense, but many, especially those who are seniors or in highrisk categories, are withdrawing. This piece is not about choosing a personal course of action based on the ridiculous utterings and terrible advice a Trump or DeSantis might spout, or the overtly cautious and safety oriented recommendations of Dr. Theresa Tam.
The author on a past adventure in Chile, managing risk. It is about personal assumption of risk, and how our future actions may be changed by this pandemic. Few argue that brash disregard of scientifically based precautions is wise. However, will this pandemic shift our baseline, instill an underlying fear of making “risky” decisions, and even subconsciously bias how we
munication from them was an email telling us they’d rented a car and were developing a plan of action. In the meantime, we shouldn’t worry. They were sleeping on the street in their rental car, but only in good neighbourhoods. Fifteen years ago, my son and I were relaxing on a motel balcony in Utah with a local brew, recovering from careening through the hard red rocks of Moab’s famously challenging trails on mountain bikes. I suggested that his approach to riding was daring, per-
SUPPLIED
make these decisions in the future? Toxic Stress Syndrome research says it may, for prolonged periods, or permanently. A decade ago, my daughter and her female friend had arrived in Australia to spend the summer experiencing Oz while working intermittently to support their trip. Our first com-
See HANDLEBARS Page 16
x
Voice
HOROSCOPE
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your finances will be hard to corral until you get a firm grasp of your spending and saving patterns. It is easy to find yourself into financial quicksand, so act soon. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Career concerns have been on your mind lately, Taurus. It may seem like the opportunities you thought were out there have vanished. Opportunity is there if you look. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 The desire to make big changes in your life may not be possible right now, Gemini. Rather, focus on small things you can change immediately and easily. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Insecurity about the future could put a bit of a damper on daily life, Cancer. No one really knows what is around the corner, so try to take things one day at a time. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 It may be time to have a heartto-heart conversation with someone you deeply care about, Leo. You may need to surround this person with positivity right now. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a shock will hit you midweek. An event unfolds in a way you did not anticipate, and you must go with the flow. Things will settle down soon enough. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Hitting a creative wall can certainly derail your plans, Libra. But only if you let it. Instead, enlist the help of others for some creative inspiration that can put you back on track. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You may find it very challenging to
see eye-to-eye with someone close to you. It’s easy to let things escalate. Agree to disagree and recognize you each have a point. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, professional matters may require further investigation this week. If you desire stability, it may be time to find a different career path. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Finding time to do something for yourself can be tough when everyone seems to be relying on you. But you have to set aside moments for personal pampering, Capricorn. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, count your blessings in the days ahead. Doing so will help you look at things through a new perspective that will help you in the short- and long-term. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may reevaluate your plans when a bit of shocking news comes your way, Pisces. The nature of this news is positive, so look forward to it. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JUNE 28 Elon Musk, Entrepreneur (49) JUNE 29 Nicole Scherzinger, Singer (42) JUNE 30 Mike Tyson, Boxer (54) JULY 1 Missy Elliott, Rapper (49) Canada (153) JULY 2 Margot Robbie, Actress (30) JULY 3 Elle King, Singer (31) JULY 4 Mike Sorrentino, Reality Star (39)
34. Seral
36. Dada
32. Olives
33. Escape
30. Neuss
31. Rabies
28. Lid
29. OTC
26. Lys
27. Marina
24. Ban
25. Valises
20. Tag
23. Parades
17. Mac
19. Specimen
14. Are
15. CIR
12. Mesoderm
9. Ardeb
10. Conduit
6. Resid
7. Excec
5. Adored
3. Lounge
4. Portend
2. Enough
DOWN
1. Ballet
SOLUTIONS
42. Alas
43. SSE
41. Seep
39. Siva
40. Danes
37. Cubic
38. Arisen
35. Teals
36. Derided
Monroe
34. Salamis
26. Lar
27. Marilyn
24. Bet
25. Vac
22. Did
23. Peg
around
21. PAC
18. The best
16. Egger
17. Misdeed
13. Lunda
15. Centric
11. Lour
12. Morose
8. Anoa
10. Codex
1. Bel
4. Pare
ACROSS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
SOLUTIONS
Enjoy out Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
“Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball.” Tom Hanks
The Voice, July 1, 2020
Sporting Green The Niagara
Page 19
Swart says that to live is to risk, so let’s live a little 18
The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | July 1, 2020
COVID-19 CLOSEUP:
Michelle Gibson BY BILL POTRECZ
BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM
Michelle Gibson.
SUPPLIED
LETTER FROM MERRITTVILLE:
Speedway reopens Last Saturday finally marked the start of our 69th consecutive season at Merrittville Speedway. It was an eerie feeling working in the pit area, safe distancing and following COVID-19 precautions as set by the Ontario government, and seeing no fans at all in the grandstand. This is probably the first time in the track’s rich history this has occurred. Here we are in challenging times and auto racing is one of the few sports that can function, to some degree. The reason our opening event happened at all was due to the event being live-streamed on GForce TV, which will then become part of the new programming for REV TV Canada. The night was a huge success on the track as we were able to feature three divisions of racing. Our Sportsman class, Winged "Action” Sprint cars, and of course the 4 cylinder mini class heavy with VWs. Once 7 PM came, the action on the track heated up with close to 90 cars in the pit area. Local St. Catharines modified driver Mike Bowman would try his skill at racing a sprint car. While the Feature event was won by Jacob Dykstra from the Welland/Pt. Colborne area, Mike Bowman finished a strong third. Young Steven Beckett from Pelham had a solid night,
winning his heat race and finishing a solid eighth in the feature event. The 4 cylinder class survived a few cautions and in the end it was St. Catharines driver Jay Moulton winning the feature with his VW Golf. The final feature event was the Sportsman class and it was Jay Mallory and Brad Rouse leading off the feature, and while the event was extremely competitive from second through fifth place, Brad Rouse from St. Catharines safe-distanced the field and took home the big feature victory. Third-generation driver Brent Begolo, grandson to former Pelham residents Jeno and Shirley Begolo, had a solid result, bringing home the Semenuk's Esso-sponsored Bug #16 in fourth place. Look for the broadcast of the event on Rev TV in the near future, with one more event tak-
ing place on July 11, again with free live streaming on GForce TV. That event will feature the Modifieds, Hoosier stocks, and 360 Sprint cars. All in all, it was a successful event and it couldn't have been done without permission from the Ontario government and sponsors. We can't wait until there is a return to some sort of normalcy, when we have “Crushed the COVID-19 Curve” and can say once again, “Live from Merrittville Speedway, it's Saturday Night,” for our upcoming 70th season as the oldest continuous dirt track in Canada, with fans in the grandstands—right here in Pelham/ Thorold's back yard. Richard Kavanagh Chairman of the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee Fenwick
Subject: Michelle Gibson, teacher/coach, E.L. Crossley Secondary School. What would you be doing at school now if the pandemic hadn’t hit? If the pandemic hadn’t hit, I would have returned after March Break and started to coach a little co-ed volleyball with Jessica Kropac. We have been coaching since September, the boys season first and our girls season had just ended. We were both ready to enjoy a bit of a break and just have fun with the co-ed season. Normally at school as well, I would have been involved in some leadership development with students with our Link Crew Program; training new senior leaders to help welcome our incoming Grade 9 students. I would also be working in guidance and helping students day to day. What are you doing now? Now I am working in my role as guidance counsellor from home. This includes supporting students as they navigate this new learning platform and all of its challenges. As a team, we try to connect with students as often as we can. We are also busy planning in and around graduation and preparing for next year. I am also getting to spend more time with my own boys — a much slower pace from running to their daily sporting events. What is the biggest obstacle to doing your job during the pandemic? The biggest obstacle is not getting to connect face-to-face with students. I really miss those interactions whether it is from the guidance office, the gym or the hallways. As teachers, we all love kids, so it is really hard to be away from them. Connecting by phone or email just isn’t the same. What do you miss the most about the pre-pandemic world of high school sports? Simple. I miss the interactions with the students and athletes the most. I miss coaching volleyball and spending time helping them to challenge themselves to become better. I miss competition. I miss seeing my colleagues and our daily laughs! I also miss getting to see my own children compete in their activities such as basketball, kickboxing, soccer and hockey. What do you miss the least about the pre-pandemic world of high school sports? I would have to say that the thing I miss the least would be those early morning practices as well as that panic feeling when you can’t remember if you picked up the ref fees or where you left the volleyballs. What is the biggest thing wrong with high school sports that you can reveal without getting fired or demoted for your honesty? A lot of athletes come to us with outside experience already and this can deter other athletes from trying out. Jessica and I are always so grateful to have such a wonderful talent pool, but we are also always looking for athletes in general. We have been know to turn some Grade 12 hockey players into some pretty decent volleyball players in their last year. It is never too late to start learning a new sport. Is there an easy way to fix the problem? Encourage students, especially Grade 9s, to try out for everything. Is there a hard way to fix the problem? Yes, getting those Grade 9s to try out. What would be one suggestion to make high school sports better? What we all want — more practice time/gym availability. Has the pandemic changed how you will approach your work with the team? No, I think as a coach, I have always believed that sports is about a bigger picture. So many valuable lessons to learn with winning and losing, resiliency, hard work, determination and never giving up. Skills and values that are particularly important when faced with this pandemic. To come out the other side of it, having learned something, having persevered through a challenging time and become a better person. To work as a team, make sacrifices for others, to reach common goals. What is the first thing you are going to do when life returns to normal? Hug people. And then go to any type of live sporting event, preferably an NHL game. What daily activity do you miss the most? I miss coaching and working with students in guidance. What guilty pleasure do you miss the most? I miss going to any type of live sporting event (Raptors, Leafs, Jays). What is your favourite outfit to wear around the house if you are working from home? Comfort first, always athletic gear. We won’t talk about the time I tried to put my jeans on. What do you do to replace the time spent working with the kids? Eat and then work out and then eat again. I have also watched a few series on Netflix (generally I am not a TV person). Again, I have also enjoyed some time with my kids at a much slower and quieter pace. Are you mostly likely to be a hunk, chunk, drunk or Sasquatch when the pandemic ends? All of the above. Just kidding. My plan is to have a Glow Up but time will tell. What is the worst habit you have picked up during the pandemic? Eating chips right before bed. What is the best habit you have picked up during the pandemic? I would say exercising more. I have been enjoying lots of bike rides, running, and lifting weights. What is something good about yourself you have discovered during the pandemic? That I can eat when I’m not even hungry. I have also discovered that I can grow my own vegetables. What is something bad about yourself you have discovered during the pandemic? That I can eat when I’m not even hungry. ♦
Page 20
The Voice, July 1, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
CLASS OF 2020 The town was awash last week with signs congratulating this year’s crop of graduating seniors, possibly none as striking as this Fonthill flamingo, wishing lucky Ella the best.
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