Caslin is in the running page 3 Spend a day with Henry page 9 No shortage of cherries to pick page 18 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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The Class of 2018—E. L. Crossley grads celebrate
Column Six Blame it on the baby BY EMILY BOSS
Special to the VOICE
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way, high school helped each and every one of us find our passion. When we began Grade 9, most of us didn’t have a clue what we wanted to do with our lives. The only thing we knew was how to get to our classes. Since those days, we have learned many new skills. Like what to say if Mr. Hughes asks you
ALWAYS THOUGHT OF myself as an emotionally stable person. And then I had a baby. The fierceness of parental emotions first struck when my child was less than a week old. Do you know about the medical community's time-honoured tradition of the three-day-old check up? First, they find a new mother who is swimming in unfamiliar hormones. If she can barely walk upright, all the better. They tell this hormonal being that it's imperative she take her brand new, helpless, tiny human—the one she's not quite familiar with transporting yet—to a place where sick people congregate. I’ve heard they’re awarded bonus points if the woman is required to lug her baby in a bulky carrier up a flight of stairs. Conscripted into the game, I sat, tired, sore, and nervous, in the unfamiliar doctor's office with my daughter, as perfect as she was beautiful. I was contemplating the unbelievably obedient, kind-hearted and well-mannered nature of
See SPEECH Page 15
See COLUMN SIX back page
FREE TO FLY E. L. Crossley Secondary School’s Class of 2018 was officially graduated last Wednesday evening at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls. From left, Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient Ben Takacs, DSBN Excellence in Education Award recipient Julia Labricciosa, Principal Karen Simpson, Ontario Principal’s Council Student Recognition Award recipient Maren Brandt-Riesebosch, and Valedictorian Jeff Hostetter. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Valedictory speech, E. L. Crossley Secondary School, 2018 BY JEFF HOSTETTER
Special to the VOICE
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HEN I WAS TOLD THAT I would be the E. L. Crossley valedictorian, I knew that the stakes were so high. This is such an incredible honour. People told me to picture everyone naked to feel less nervous before my speech, but it definitely does not help. One look at Mr. Anderson and I immediately regretted it. Before I begin, a shout-out
to my mom. She has helped me throughout my life and has always been there to support me, and I just want to say thank you for all that you’ve done. Now onto the speech. Good evening students, faculty, families and friends. Today we are celebrating the achievements of E. L. Crossley’s Class of 2018. I often hear, “High school is the best time of your life,” and though
it may be cliché, I agree with it. The past four years helped shape the people we are today. Remember Maren Brandt-Riesebosch in Grade 9? She was super shy and never even thought about joining an extracurricular. This year she helped start a club while being our school’s Prime Minister! Even if you had a rough time throughout high school, and there are some of you that feel that
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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IN THE NEWS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Corrections at the top: In a letter last week regarding total debt taken on for the Town's new community centre, a reader wrote that it was $20,000 per resident, adding an extra zero. In fact, the per-capita number is rather closer to $2,000...Online hit: Our story on Michael Jacques—Fonthill Sobeys employee and autobiographer—has proved to be one of our more popular pieces so far this year, garnering 4017 hits through Facebook since June 21. Michael's story about growing up with a learning disability is available at the store...Hot and bothered: After some excoriating online comments were made about the decision not to open the pool at Marlene Stewart Streit Park over the blazing hot holiday weekend, forecast days in advance, the Town reversed course last Saturday, first announcing that the pool would be open on Canada Day, then later that it would also be open on Monday. Never underestimate the power of a sufficient number of aggrieved residents...Patience will be tested: Speaking of grievances, businesses near Peace Park and the Bandshell have legitimately griped for years about Thursday night concert-goers (and Farmers' Market-goers, and Supper Market-goers) gobbling up parking spaces. While additional parking is available in various church parking lots, and the Pelham Arena on Haist, this week's act at the Bandshell will likely prove to be the biggest draw yet—surpassing even last year's Abbamania mania. The Blushing Brides, a Rolling Stones tribute group, is set to take the stage at 7 PM tomorrow, likely drawing crowds from as far as New York. The Bandshell Committee has tried for years to book the group, said to be one of the best Stones tributes going. Expect Peace Park to resemble Woodstock. (As ever, avoid the brown acid.)...Choices are mounting: Incumbent Alan Caslin and former Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne both announced their intentions last week to run for Regional Chair. Caslin tells us why he should stay in the job, page 3, and we'll bring Goulbourne's rationale for replacing him in a coming issue...Stay hydrated: It's hot out there!
Support your local service clubs
Gypsy moths
in the new Progressive Conservative government of Doug Ford. “I am honoured and humbled to accept the responsibility of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education,” said Oosterhoff. “I look forward to working with Minister Thompson and to deliver the positive change in education that the people of Ontario want and deserve.” Ford and his Executive Council of 21 ministers were sworn in last Friday at Queen’s Park. Ford also announced the appointment of 26 Parliamentary Assistants. Parliamentary Assistants support ministers with legislative and committee matters, and work with community partners and industry groups.
The Town of Pelham says that despite being aware of a current gypsy moth infestation, it has no plans to continue spray treatments in 2018. Instead, according to a statement posted online, the Town asks that residents fill out a form letting the Town know where the moths are active. “The forms will be assembled and presented to Council for consideration of expanding the spray area and budget in 2019,” according the statement. There was no indication of how residents may obtain the form except through the Town’s website. The Voice has simplified the URL for convenience: https://bit.ly/2lL6VP5
Regional Road 24 closure
Critical burn injury in Wainfleet
Anyone missing a trailer?
Regional Road 24 (Vineland Townline Road/Victoria Avenue) will see temporary closures between Twenty Road and Sixteen Road from July 3 through July 10, 6 AM to 6 PM, weather-permitting, for road resurfacing.
Police are looking for the owner of a trailer that was discovered in Welland during routine patrol. In mid-May, officers were in the area of Atlas Avenue and Centre Street when they discovered a trailer with a vehicle nearby. When officers investigated further, the vehicle fled the area, however the trailer was recovered containing various items, including a red ATV helmet, a black duffle bag containing a hacksaw, wrench, and tie down straps, bolt cutters, a blue tarp and a black duffle bag containing a hooded sweatshirt. An investigation has not revealed the owner of the trailer. Officers are appealing to anyone who may have information on the trailer, or who may have had a trailer stolen with those contents, to contact police at (905) 688-4111.
Wainfleet market delayed
Wainfleet won’t be running a Farmers Market after all—at least not until late July or early August. After announcing the imminent partnership with Meridian Credit Union, the Township followed-up last week with a second news release, reading, “The opening of the Wainfleet Farmers Market is currently being postponed to allow organizers to better schedule vendors in consideration of other local market opportunities to obtain an ideal mixture of agricultural producers, craftspersons and rural vendors for customers.”
Sex abuse arrest update
Police say that investigators from the Sexual Assault Unit, Child Abuse Unit and Domestic Violence Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding historic sexual assaults that occurred over a 20-year period in Port Colborne. Detectives have re-
Oosterhoff named Parliamentary Assistant
Sam Oosterhoff, the newly re-elected MPP for Niagara West, will serve as the Parliamentary Assistant to Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Education,
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ceived numerous tips from members of the community via an established hotline—(289) 248-1035—and the information provided by the public has assisted officers as the investigation unfolds. As a result, a second arrest has been made. Last Thursday, 52-year-old Gerald 'Butchy' Fleming of Port Colborne was arrested and charged with the alleged offences of sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability. Police reiterate their request that anyone with information pertinent to their investigation contact them through the hotline at 289-248-1035, or by e-mail at matthew.hodges@niagarapolice.ca
On Saturday, June 23, Wainfleet Fire was dispatched to a possible residential fire on Regional Road 27, based on information received from the Welland deputy fire chief, who became aware of a patient with a serious burn injury at Welland Hospital. Wainfleet Fire attended the scene and found that a kitchen fire had occurred but had been extinguished prior to firefighters’ arrival. According to a Township statement, an investigation has revealed that a male resident was deep-frying food, the cooking oil started to burn, and the resident attempted to carry the burning pot out of the home. The burning oil spilled onto the resident, who was seriously injured. The resident was transported directly to hospital by another occupant of the home. The resident was initially treated at the Welland Hospital, until he could be evacuated by air ambulance to the burn unit at the Hamilton General Hospital. Wainfleet Fire, Niagara Regional Police and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal have investigated the scene and returned custody of the residence back to the family.
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DSBN wants portion of Town park
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Column Six
Growing up British
Vol.20 No.32
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
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Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint
See COLUMN SIX Page 14
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While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
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and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
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The Comfort Maple myth
Request made of community still peeved at name change The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
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Page 3
Caslin makes it official Incumbent Regional Chair files to run for re-election, says he wants to build on progress made by current Council
Niagara has seen unprecedented growth in this term of Regional Council
Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin announced his re-election bid last Thursday. BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
“Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” has been a familiar mantra for Regional Chair Alan Caslin. It was a theme he quoted often in his previous role as a senior manager at a local GM plant. He hopes to continue driving Niagara’s economic engine forward, accelerator to the floor, and accordingly has filed papers to run for re-election as Regional Chair in the municipal election on October 22. Thus far, he has two competitors for his seat—John Ringo Beam, of Niagara Falls, and Damian Goulbourne, of Welland — but Caslin is confident that the voters of Niagara will give him the opportunity to finish what he says he has started. “Niagara has seen unprecedented growth in this term of Regional Council. With the positive change that’s taking place in Niagara, I want to make sure those foundations we have put in place are built on...that we continue the momentum,” said Caslin. Caslin was elected Chair by his colleagues on council in December 2014. Following a provincial mandate that such positions be directly chosen by the electorate at large, this will be Niagara voters’ first opportunity to do so. Caslin previously served as a Regional Councillor for St. Catharines from 2010-2014. He is quick to point out that four years ago, when council was choosing a chair, he received 17 of 30 votes on the first ballot, a majority never before achieved at Regional Council. “The 2018 vote for Regional Chair will be the largest election of any level of government in Niagara history, encompassing not just 12 municipalities, but four federal and provincial ridings. All for one position. The magnitude is huge,” said Caslin. Prior to his foray into Regional politics, Caslin was Facilities Manager with General Motors in St. Catharines. He was with GM in various capacities for 20 years. Be-
fore GM, he worked for 15 years as a project manager for Acres International in Niagara Falls, a large consulting firm. Proud of his local roots, Caslin was born in Merritton 57 years ago, and grew up in the north end of St. Catharines. He attended high school at Lakeport and Governor Simcoe, and enrolled in college technology programs at Niagara and Fanshawe before heading south of the border to earn a business degree in New York state, followed by a masters degree in operations management at Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) in Flint, Michigan. Caslin has served on a number of local committees and boards (including the YMCA, United Way, and Meridian Credit Union) and has been active as a coach and volunteer for youth sports. “We have found our stride in Niagara,” he said, touting a long list of recent accomplishments: 5% unemployment (the lowest in 18 years), a record $1.34 billion in business construction permits, 12,700 new jobs, billions of dollars in new investment, a commitment from the provincial government for GO Train service to Niagara Falls by 2023, putting in motion the framework for an inter-municipal transit system for Niagara that will mesh with the GO network, and successfully landing the 2021 Canada Games. “I am especially proud of the fact that our Regional property tax increases have been below inflation at an annual average of 1.47 percent over the last four years,” said Caslin. “In many years prior, we had double-digit increases.” With massive waiting lists for affordable housing, the Region is planning to invest more than $46 million in new social housing units by 2026. Attracting the new General Electric manufacturing facility in Welland (recently sold to Advent International) Caslin cited as proof of how the current Regional Council has aggressively pursued new investment and development with
a business-friendly attitude. “The Welland plant will immediately generate 300 jobs, which can easily be doubled with anticipated expansion. And the spin-off effect is that, exponentially, jobs can be created in peripheral support industries,” said Caslin. “$25 million in industrial and tax relief grants have created more than 1,600 new high-paying jobs in the region.” Caslin also spoke to reduced Regional government complacency, and greater transparency in their operations. All councillor expenses are now viewable online, for example. “We have done things smarter, more efficiently. Services have been maintained and even increased in some areas. We scrub the books annually, going through the budgets line by line to see what we can improve or eliminate.” Communication with constituents, keeping them informed, is important, he maintained. “Taxpayers need to understand what the Regional government provides. We deliver a huge variety of services —police, ambulance, garbage and recycling, public health, children’s and senior’s care, and roads to name but some — and over a huge area. When I talk about Niagara, it’s 450,000 people, but also 450,000 acres. Until you’ve actually driven across Niagara, you don’t have an appreciation for how big it is.” Another priority is maintaining the “Under 35” demographic in Niagara. “Once we educate our young people at Brock and Niagara College, we want them to stay in the area, and to do that we need to provide a full spectrum of employment opportunities,” said Caslin. Niagara received Foreign Trade Zone designation in April 2016, which Caslin considers a game-changer for local business, and a significant reason that General Electric picked Niagara for its new plant. “In basic terms, if you are a manufacturer in Niagara, import-
DAVE BURKET PHOTO
ing parts from Germany or the US, for use in a product that you are exporting, you can avoid paying taxes, duties and tariffs. Prior to this, you would bring in parts and pay duties and taxes on them. This new designation streamlines the process and dramatically reduces red tape.” Caslin is an advocate of the Mid-Peninsula Corridor, a proposed highway linking Fort Erie with Hamilton on a route south of the Niagara Escarpment. The project has been discussed for decades, but needs to be an action item, he says. “[The QEW] is probably the most heavily-travelled stretch of roadway in Canada, and we cannot allow it to slow economic activity. When I was with GM, we had an eight-hour window from when engines were completed and loaded in St. Catharines, to when they were installed in trucks in Oshawa. To keep inventories low, that’s what we had to manage. And if traffic accidents slow passage on the QEW, it creates expensive problems for industry.” Despite the accolades and achievements, the current Regional Council term has seen its share of controversy. The Burgoyne Bridge project in St. Catharines had massive expenditure overruns— essentially doubling in cost to over $91 million dollars. Caslin pointed out that this project was actually inherited from the previous council. Gaps in the procurement and construction process were identified, which have been addressed, he said. Councillor Andy Petrowski was often a sore point for Council. The self-appointed “watchdog of the public purse” was accused of sending crude emails and inflammatory Tweets, bullying staff, and wracking up significant expenses (despite taking two leaves from Council). Mounting code of conduct complaints against Petrowski led to the hiring of an integrity commissioner, and was, Caslin admits, a “huge distraction.” At one point, Caslin reportedly char-
acterized Petrowski as “reprehensible.” Caslin noted that Petrowski has indicated he won’t seek re-election to council. “But it’s Andy, so you never know.” Caslin said that with Petrowsky off on leave from Council, "We have gotten a lot more traction, and as a Council been able to get through business without being distracted as much as we had been in the past." The Region’s Integrity Commissioner will be delivering a report to the new council. Caslin is hoping that reasonable recommendations will address the sometimes frivolous complaints launched by residents (often “serial complainers,” in Caslin’s words) against Regional Councillors, “which cost the taxpayer $5,000 to $10,000 a pop,” said Caslin. He himself was the focus of one complaint, which was dismissed by the Integrity Commissioner. A review of the past council would not be complete without discussion of “the case of the confiscated computer.” To recap, at the December 7, 2017 council meeting, Regional staff seized the notes and computer of St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk, who was falsely accused of secretly recording a closed (“in-camera”) session of council. Sawchuk left his notes and computer on the media table and waited in the lobby for the open session to resume. Local blogger Preston Haskell left his digital recorder on the media table as well. Fort Erie Councillor Sandy Annunziata asserted that he found Haskell's recorder hidden under his hat on the media table. Haskell says the recorder was never hidden. Councillor Dave Augustyn suggested that the police be contacted. Shortly afterward, a regional manager, accompanied by two Niagara Regional Police officers, ejected Sawchuk from the building. Sawchuk's equipment was returned several hours later. Haskell's recorder was also seized by the Region, which then turned it over to the NRP. To date, police have not laid charges against Haskell. Caslin said in December 2017 that the Region has no legal authority to seize a journalist's property, and called Sawchuk to apologize for the incident. Sawchuk said he accepted the apologies on a personal level. “I don’t want to speculate on the outcome of the Ombudsman’s report on this issue,” said Caslin, “but the reality is that we had 60 seconds of pandemonium that has resulted in six months of investigation at substantial cost. What happened outside the Council chamber doors, I wasn’t privy to,” said Caslin, who asserted that the incident prompted improvements in how closed meetings are handled. “We now have a checklist for when we go in-camera,” said Caslin. “It’s sensible stuff, not rocket science.”
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté The juice we're all addicted to
R
ECENT INCREASES in the posted prices at gas stations has caught the eyes of drivers everywhere. It has also caught them in the pocketbook. That is especially the case for those who drive gas guzzling musclebound vehicles. Some drivers question the validity of these upward-trending prices. Others wonder how it is that competing gas outlets regularly change their prices in unison. Does this not appear to be collusive? Is there not legislation to deter such practices? Weren’t some grocery chains recently convicted for fixing the price of a loaf of bread? Ah ha! There is such legislation in Canada. It is called the Competition Act. This federal legislation specifically prohibits collusion in the setting of prices, as these food retailers discovered. However, in the scheme of things, the global pricing of petroleum products is a complicated matter. Too complex to be itemized here. Where crude is extracted, the type of crude, and transportation and refinery costs are just a few of the components in setting the price of refined oil products. One of the greatest influences on the pricing of oil is
the cartel known as OPEC — the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. This cartel is comprised of 14 member nations that control more than 40% of the world’s oil production and hold 82% of the world’s known oil reserves. This collusive oligopoly takes in more than $500 billion in annual revenues. In a free economy, cartels are considered to be anti-consumer and anti-competitive. That is the reason that such a consortium is thought to be illegal. Cartels are agreements among entities to fix prices and dictate other rules, such as controlling supply. Such practices contravene the conventions of a free market economy. The legality of OPEC has been challenged occasionally, but to no avail. The US National Economic Council proclaimed that if OPEC were declared illegal that this would “encourage retaliation against American businesses, discourage job creating investments in the US economy and injure relations with other countries.” In 1979, a US District Court declared pricing decisions by OPEC were essentially “governmental acts” as opposed to “commercial acts” and thus beyond the Court’s juris-
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diction. Likely the OPEC members have a powerful lobby to defend against allegations of impropriety. The cartel commands and controls almost half of the world’s oil supply. That advantageous positioning has resulted in bounteous fortunes for the member countries. While the legality issue of the OPEC cartel might be suspended, analogically speaking, petroleum is as important to the world as the air we breathe. In recent times there have been desperate efforts to reduce the world’s dependence on oil. However, this has proven to be a painfully difficult challenge. Economists predict that the upward trend in the price of gasoline is unlikely to reverse itself. This expense consumes an ever-increasing percentage of most household budgets. Will this encroachment be noticeable enough to curtail unwarranted vehicle usage and downsize motor displacements? Traffic volumes on the roads and byways suggest that is not a likely prospect. Larry Coté is a retired professor of business. He was awarded the Governor General’s Medal for his community involvements.
Letters Scholarship winners, and a reunion draws ever closer Pelham District High School— many of you reading this have no idea what I’m writing about. So here is a little bit of the Town of Pelham’s history. In 1926, the cornerstone for a “Continuation School” was laid at the corner of Canboro Road and Balfour Street in Fenwick. In September 1927, on opening day, the new school had 72 students and four staff: F.H. Hicks, Principal, Miss. J Ball, Miss. M. Metler and Miss. De La Mater. Initially, the basics—English, Math, History, Geography, Latin, etc.— were taught. The first extra-curricular activity was the school orchestra, led by Percy Beckett. Commercial and agricultural classes were added soon after. By 1931, a complete “Up-
per School” was offered at Pelham Continuation School and students could now complete a senior matriculation and head on to Normal School (Teacher’s College) or university. E.L. Crossley arrived in 1932 to become the new principal. He introduced the name ”Pnyx” for the school’s newspaper and yearbook. In 1939, the Cadet Corps was formed and many graduates went to war. In 1949, the school was renamed Pelham District High School, as now it brought students from Fenwick, Fonthill, Welland, See PDHS next page
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council
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Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
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Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599 Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528
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REGIONAL ROUND-UP
OPINION Letters
Goulbourne enters race for Regional Chair
continued
PDHS continued from previous page Wainfleet and West Lincoln. After the war and during the 1950s and early ‘60s, new portions were built. There were four shops, more commercial rooms, and two new gyms to accommodate all the students. By 1957, there were 1200 students at P.D.H.S. in classes from Grade 9 to 13—general, commercial and technical. In 1958, the first Boomers hit high school and with so many students the Board decided to build a new school in Fonthill—Thorold Fonthill High School. This school reached its 400-student capacity in 1962, so another decision was made for a totally new school to be built on Highway 20. E.L. Crossley opened in 1963. Thorold Fonthill closed and then with everyone going to Crossley, P.D.H.S. closed in 1974. Ten years went by, and a group of former P.D.H.S. students were itching to have a Reunion. The building was now privately owned, but permission was given to use the old and girl’s gyms and the classrooms on the bottom floor. For two days in the summer of 1984, some 3000plus former students, staff and support staff came “home.” We had people come who had not seen each other for 50 years. We talked, cried,
laughed, sang and danced and basically had a wonderful time. After the Reunion and all the bills were paid we had $10,000 left! What to do with this money? WE decided to invest it, set up a fund and give scholarships to students at E. L. Crossley. Our fund has kept growing over the years and when we have reunions, if there is money left, we put it in the Fund. From 1985, we have been able to give out over $50,000 and we will have enough for three more years. Students have to apply for the Pelham High Alumni Memorial Scholarship. When we read their letters and see how hard they have worked to get good marks, what their dreams are and how they plan to achieve those dreams, we know our future is in good hands. These are great young people! The recipients for our $2000 scholarships for 2018 are: Shaela Frado, who is going to Brock University for a four-year co-op program in Geography. After she graduates she wants to go to Niagara College to obtain a certificate in Geographic Information System Programming. Brock Deba is going to Fleming College to take the Earth Resource Technician Program. These two students fit our criteria for being
William Hall
“all-rounded” students. They got good marks, participated in sports and clubs, and contributed to school life. We wish them well in their future studies and endeavors. As we look to the future, here is a reunion reminder. Our next scheduled one will be held on Saturday, September 22, from 1-5 PM at Lipa Park, North Pelham. In 2016 we had over 300 people out on that beautiful and “what felt like summer” day. We keep losing “us” as the years go by. So, please, mark your calendars and plan on coming, as who knows how many more reunions there will be. Let us know your intentions by email: pelhamhighreunion8@cogeco.ca, or call (905) 892-7090. We also have a group on Facebook. You might see some people you know. Go to Facebook, groups, Pelham District High School, Fenwick. Hope to see you in September. Vilma Moretti Welland
Niagara educator, business person, parent and former mayor, Damian Goulborne, filed last week to run for Regional Chair of Niagara. The election will be held in October. The former Mayor of Welland and current Niagara College staffer made his announcement as he filed his nomination papers at the Region’s office. Goulbourne said he enjoyed serving in the past as mayor and was motivated to seek election to the Region for a number of reasons. “I believe the role of government is to help communities achieve their full potential,” he said. “As this is the first time citizens can vote for Regional Chair, this is our opportunity to achieve our shared aspiration to enhance the quality of life here.” Goulbourne is a life-long resident of the Niagara region and resides in Welland with his wife and three children. The Voice will carry an extended interview with the candidate in an upcoming issue.
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of the Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit and the Niagara Regional Police Morality Unit executed a criminal code search warrant at a St. Catharines residence. As a result of the warrant, police say they seized 60 illegal rifles and shotguns along with a quantity of ammunition. Charged with one count of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized and Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a court order is 71-year-old John Emmett of St. Catharines. During the course of the investigation it was found that the firearms had been previously
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seized by police in 2013. The original seizure followed the execution of Public Safety Warrant at the same residence where over 100 firearms, ammunition and explosives were seized. At that time the firearms were transferred into the hands of a lawful firearm owner who was to sell them to individuals who also possessed the proper licensing. Police will continue the investigation into the illegal trafficking of the 60 firearms back into the hands of Mr. Emmett, who was not legally allowed to possess them. Police ask that anyone with information concerning this incident contact them. Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara. To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
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Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari? Do you know where Hoffa’s buried? Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
2018 Bandshell Series
The Blushing Brides BY JIM CASSON
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
St. Kevin's Social Justice Scholarship winners
Special to the VOICE
BY WAYNE CAMPBELL
It becomes abundantly clear, early in the performance, that the Blushing Brides are something exceedingly special and excessively unique in an industry of rampant mediocrity, permeated with bands aspiring to harness the excitement only the Rolling Stones could previously deliver. The phenomenon and mystique that are the Blushing Brides members. SUPPLIED PHOTO Brides is solely attributable to their lead frontman Maurice’s perseverance and longevity. In a business where showmanship should be paramount, he has no rival and is in a class all his own. The potency of the Brides’ combined stage presence, persona, and musical interpretations transform each performance into a memorable concert spectacle. Although the comparisons are undeniable, the seemingly prototyped Blushing Brides have distinguished themselves from the original Stones with a very distinctive sound and delivery. All cover versions clearly have the Brides’ improvisational signature stamped on them, and are performed at an energy level that is immeasurable. The spontaneity and passion of the music allows the audience to participate and in effect create the entire event. The show, sponsored by Boggio Family Pharmacy, starts at 7 PM and goes until 9 PM. There is no cover charge but donations are greatly appreciated to allow the Bandshell Committee to continue to bring you great concerts each week. For more information visit www.fonthillbandshell.com
Four high school students have received $1,000 scholarships for exceptional social service in their schools and communities. During graduation ceremonies, St. Kevin’s Social Justice Committee members congratulated the 2018 recipients: Zoe Bertrand – Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School; Ian Hauber – Ecole secondaire catholique Jean-Vanier; Jane Jarrett – Notre Dame College School; and Julia Labricciosa – E.L. Crossley Secondary School. The scholarship is for those students who envision not a perfect world, but a better one, said Joe Barkovich, chair of the committee. "There are graduation awards for students who are proficient in English, history, mathematics and the like," Barkovich said. "We put the focus on social justice leadership, commitment and involvement in the school and community." By how these students lead their daily lives, they link faith and justice as taught in Catholic social teaching, he said. "They walk the talk by doing what they say." Recipients were selected through an interview pro-
Special to the VOICE
St Kevin's Social Justice Scholarship winners, 2018, clockwise from top left: Jane Jarrett, Ian Hauber, Julia Labricciosa, and Zoe Bertrand. SUPPLIED PHOTOS
cess that considers academic achievement, school and community social justice activities, and the students’ future pursuits. The four will enter post-secondary programs in life sciences, nursing science, or health sciences at McGill University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, or McMaster University. Each January for 16 years, the social justice committee raises money for the scholarship during its Soup’s On luncheon at St. Kevin’s Par-
The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. Thomas Jefferson
ish Hall. High school culinary programs from Notre Dame, Eastdale, Confederation, Lakeshore and Blessed Trinity, along with Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute and caterer Stephanie The Lunch Lady, provide samplings of soup varieties. It is an all-you-can-eat luncheon on the last Friday of January. Tickets go on sale in November. During its 16 years, the St. Kevin’s social justice scholarship committee has
They walk the talk by doing what they say
given out $45,900 to 49 recipients. The scholarship amount has increased from $300 to $500, and most recently, to $1,000.
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Plant a tree, get a poem
Pelham-born historian receives award
BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
Plaques were presented last Monday to teachers and students at three Pelham schools —A.K. Wigg, and Glynn A. Green in Fonthill, and St. Ann in Fenwick — which have been involved with the Canada 150 School Board Project initiated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its Foundation. One hundred schools from Niagara, Haldimand, and Halton regions, located within the Welland River Watershed area, participated in the tree-planting initiative. A.K. Wigg students in Grades 2 and 3, part of the school’s Eco-Team under the direction of teacher Sheryl Hotham, took part in one of the dedication ceremonies. Regional Councillor and retired educator Brian Baty addressed the children, explaining how in his role as chair with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Foundation, he worked with resident Shirley Lazareth to develop the tree-planting program, and included a poem she wrote as
BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
A. K. Wigg students receive their plaque. From left, Regional Councillor Brian Baty, Principal Mary Zwolak, and poet Shirley Lazareth. DON RICKERS PHOTO part of the “Canada 150” sesquicentennial celebrations. The Foundation provides funds for restoration projects, education, conservation area enhancements, and community events. Lazareth, 86, is a former learning resource teacher with the Niagara Board of Education, and retired in 1989. She originally wrote her poem “The Comfort Maple” as a tribute to Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The poem had local inspiration, as the Comfort Maple is a well-known Pelham landmark. The 80-foot-high tree is estimated to be almost 500
I have always loved trees, and decided that the majestic maple should be the focus of my poem years old, and is often said to be the oldest such maple in Canada. The tree, located off Metler Road in North Pelham, is named after the Comfort family,
which acquired the land in 1816. “My mother was six years old when she arrived in Canada from England on the transatlantic ocean liner Olympic in 1919. She passed away at age 104 as a proud Canadian, and her love of this country inspired me to write my poem,” said Lazareth. “I have always loved trees, and decided that the majestic maple should be the focus of my poem, which speaks to the enduring love we feel for Canada.” The photo of the Comfort Maple featured in the framed plaque was taken by local photographer Anthony Gallaccio.
The International Council for Canadian Studies (ICCS) in Ottawa has honoured a Pelham native, R. Douglas Francis, with a prestigious award. The Governor General’s International Award for Canadian Studies is presented annually to a researcher who has made an outstanding contribution to scholarship and the development of Canadian Studies internationally. Francis grew up on the family farm in Fenwick, one of four siblings. He attended E.W. Farr Public School and Pelham High School. Francis earned a Masters degree at the University of Toronto, and completed a PhD at York before commencing a teaching career at the University of Calgary that spanned 40 years. His research and teaching focused primarily on Canadian intellectual history, and on written and visual images relating to technology. He has a special interest in the history of Canada’s western prairies. See AWARD Page 18
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Passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Tabor Manor in St. Catharines in her 93rd year. Predeceased by her beloved husband James William Withrow (2001). Only daughter of the late Sanford and Marguerite Parker of New Brunswick. Born in St. John New Brunswick in 1925. She received her teaching degree in Moncton and taught elementary school for 8 years before moving to Fonthill in 1957 where she continued teaching Grade 1 at A.K. Wigg Elementary School until retiring in 1985. Florence was a long time member of Fenwick United Church, Lookout Point Golf & Country Club and the Woman’s Teacher Federation. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Tabor Manor for their excellent care and compassion while Florence was in their care. Friends and family are invited to the JAMES L. PEDLAR FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill for a celebration of life service on Thursday, July 5th beginning at 11:30 a.m., refreshments to follow. Anyone wishing may make a donation in Florence’s memory can do so to the Salvation Army or the Welland Humane Society. Online condolences can be placed at www. pedlafuneralhome.ca
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
Page 9
A Day in the Life: Henry Bieda, his lake, and his very large dog Plus cigars, tenant troubles, and vandals BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
A
Special to the VOICE
T THE END OF FOSS Road, near where it meets Victoria Avenue, there is an empty storefront at the beginning of a long strip of land. From the street, you can see the edge of a great pond— more like a lake—that stretches back down the property and out of sight. On one of the first warm days of spring, the place’s owner, Henry Bieda, pulled up to the side of the building in an orange Kubota. He dismounted, squinted into the sun, pulled a soggy cigar from his mouth, produced a blue Bic lighter, held it to the ashy end in his hand, and flicked his thumb. Bieda was in, for him, a bad mood. In the parking lot in front of the building, which used to be where his business sold farm equipment, ski-doos, snowmobiles, and other motor vehicles, was a truck being loaded with furniture and clothes and all other bits of odds and ends. After a riotous month, his tenants were moving out. Bieda, who is 78, walked inside the vast, empty garage where he used to store
Henry Bieda plays a tune by memory. equipment. He mounted some stairs and opened the door to his apartment. An enormous Great Dane raised its head off the couch where it was splayed. Seeing it was
Bieda, the dog stepped down onto the floor, sending a tremor through the room, and padded over to his owner. A garbage can full of kibble stood near the door.
“This is Fabian,” said Bieda, patting him. “But I call him by his Polish name, Fabic. He weighs two hundred pounds. Two hundred and four actually.”
Bieda sat on one of the burgundy leather couches arranged around the room. A powerful odour of humidor hung in the air. Bieda lit his cigar again.
VOICE PHOTO
“I spent five hours in jail on Easter weekend,” he said. “I was here with some friends of mine, and we were See BIEDA Page 12
The Community of Lookout Ridge hopes you enjoyed your Canada Day, and wishes you a safe and happy summer.
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1505 Lookout Street, Fonthill / (905) 892-9218 www.lookoutridge.ca / Check us out on Facebook!
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
Pelham celebrates Canada Day BY DON RICKERS
G
Special to the VOICE
orgeous sunny weather with temperatures in the low 30s reflected the upbeat tone for Canada Day celebrations in Pelham this past Sunday. The parade route along Haist Street featured several homes festively decorated in tribute to Canada’s 151st birthday. A small audience was present at the Peace Park early in the afternoon, but Harold Black Park on attracted several hundred for games, entertainment, and a slice of Canada Day cake, donated by Fonthill Sobeys. The day was capped-off by a display of fireworks that ended at least twice, and maybe three times.
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Current and would-be politicians were out in force as well. Top left, Pelham mayoral candidate Marvin Junkin rides to a fire. Far left, Niagara Region Chair candidate Damian Goulbourne with son Alexander. Center, Niagara West MP Dean Allison. Left, Pelham Mayor Augustyn.
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
Page 11
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
BIEDA continued from Page 9 having some drinks with the tenant and his girlfriend. He was pretty smashed. We were joking around—I said that he was kind of a fat slob. But I was kidding. And he went nuts—he kicked me off my stool and I fell down, hit my head, got a big bruise on my side.” One of Bieda’s friends present said that she was going to phone the police the next morning. “But what she didn’t know is that [the tenant] was already on the phone with the police, and he told them that I had come in with a handgun and threatened to kill him,” said Bieda. “So that brought them out here.” Bieda stopped his story and sighed, shaking his head. Then he continued. “When I got back from jail, they’d taken my dog into their apartment, and the door was locked,” he said. According to Bieda, he asked them to let his dog out.
“He called the police again. He said that I had come into his apartment and threatened him with a knife. I didn’t even enter the apartment. He was lying through his teeth.” This time, Bieda said, the police discounted the story of his tenants. A short while later, Bieda was at the top of the stairs leading up to the two apartments with the tenant’s girlfriend, while the tenant was at the bottom of the steps. The two exchanged words. “Then he took a boot and was charging up at me,” said Bieda. “His girlfriend grabbed my arms from behind me and held them. Then he put his hands on my throat. I couldn’t move my arms, but I had a lit cigar in my mouth. I poked it forward right into his mouth.” While recounting the story, Bieda jerked his head forward with his cigar between his teeth. (Bieda’s former tenant, who moved out shortly afterward, did not respond to a request for comment.)
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( Back outside, Bieda’s mind turned to the other matter weighing heavy upon it: vandals. He climbed into his Kubota and closed the door. “I’ve got a few cabins out back in the woods,” he said as he drove down a dirt road alongside the lake, which covers some 12 acres. “Sometime last weekend a group of dirt-bikers came out and tore up all the trails. Then they smashed all the windows.” He pulled the Kubota up a dirt ramp and down the other side, and then turned into the woods. Two cabins stood in a small clearing. Bieda walked up to the first one. He stepped gingerly on to its porch, which was strewn with glass. “Broken window here, broken window here, destroyed screen here,” he said. “They even broke the lightbulbs.” Inside the cabin, which had more of the aura of a trailer, there were bits of glass all over the floor.
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Henry Bieda takes in the damage caused by vandals at his Foss Road property. “I know it hasn’t been used much in a while. But I’m still really hurt about all this,” he said. The other cabin was in better condition, and looked to have been better kept in recent years. Its porch was coated in mud, and a leather couch on the stoop was smeared in dirt. “They got inside this one too—got in through the window. Thankfully they didn’t do any damage,” he said. Bieda said that in the 20 years he’s had the cabins in the woods, he has had a persistent problem with vandals. “They stole my generator, and they’re always riding their bikes through the fields. I grow soy there, and they destroy it,” he said. “I can’t do anything about it—I can’t chase them down in this.” He gestured to the Kubota. “I’m tired of calling the police. They don’t do anything. What's wrong with people, that they’d be coming and doing this on private property?” Dejected, he returned to his Kubota and drove back by the lake. Where the bank
flattened out, he turned the wheel sharply into the water, and drove in several feet. “Don’t panic,” he said. “I’m just cleaning off the tires.” When Bieda’s business still sold ski-doos, prospective buyers could use the lake to test drive a new machine. Bieda also used it as a training ground for driving snowmobiles—in the summer. “I rode a snowmobile across Lake Ontario,” he said. “In June.” In 1988, Bieda indeed rode a snowmobile, slightly modified, from St. Catharines to Toronto in 42 minutes. The practice is called “watercross,” or “snowmobile skipping.” The machine’s large track and skis can keep it afloat as long as the driver doesn’t let up on the throttle. Typically, the snowmobile must enter the water with a little bit of speed, but Bieda said that this isn’t always necessary. “As long as I had a good surface under me, and not gravel or something, I could start with the tips of the skis in the water,” he said proudly.
VOICE PHOTO
Though Bieda was the first to cross a Great Lake using a snowmobile during the summer, the crossing was not officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records. In a letter sent to him at the time, Guinness said, “We do not anticipate opening up a new category in respect of snowmobiles. The only record we currently publish is for an endurance distance.” The next summer, Bieda tried doing just that. At the 1989 Welland Rose Festival, he did laps of the old canal for nearly two hours, going a total of 162 kilometres, a record at the time. “I sank when I ran out of gas,” he said. In 2007 he tried to set a new record, though high winds and waves on the canal sunk his snowmobile before he could really get going. His original machine from the late 1980s, on which his most successful runs occurred, still sits in storage near the entrance to his apartment. Plaqued news clippings hang on one wall. Bieda’s walls are also dotSee BIEDA next page
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
Page 13
Bieda, his dog Fabic, and his 1999 Corvette.
BIEDA continued from previous page ted with pictures of old pets, ones no less extraordinary than Fabic. “That was a cougar,” he said, pointing to a picture of a leonine cat wearing a purple collar. “I called him Belmar, like the security company. He was a great pet. I had to have his claws removed and always keep him tied up outside. If not he’d scare people too much. One woman saw him and got so scared that she drove her car off the road into the ditch.” Belmar, Bieda said, died in an accident. “He strangled himself. He
wrapped his rope around the tree so it got really short. And then he jumped over a branch, and the rope wasn't long enough to reach the ground. He died before I got to him.” Twenty years on, Bieda still sounded distraught. Next to the pictures of Belmar were ones of Bieda handling a raccoon. “I found him all alone on the road when he was a baby,” he said. “Somehow he got under the wheel of my car. When I backed out…” Bieda also had an African grey parrot. “This thing knew a hundred and fifty words. It talked in complete sentences. It would say something
and you’d think, ‘How the hell did he say that?’” The parrot, too, met an unfortunate end. “The cougar got ahold of him,” said Bieda. “He lived for a day after, but something was wrong inside.” Fabic has demonstrated more staying power. A friend of Bieda’s paid $3000 dollars for him as a puppy, and then had to give him away. “The bloodlines of Great Danes go back thousands of years. The Greeks bred them for hunting,” said Bieda, chewing on his cigar. Fabic looked up at him and shook his great head. His ears slapped against his jowls with the sound of a
towel smacking the surface of a pool. When Fabic had again laid down on his couch, Bieda picked up an accordion resting on a nearby table. He undid the clasp and, putting a hand on either end, slowly pulled the bellows apart. “I don’t read music. It’s one hundred percent by ear,” he said. “I play the mouth organ too—I’ve been playing that since I was seven or eight. I started the accordion later. My father had an accordion, but I lost that in the fire.” Bieda started playing a folksy Eastern European tune, rocking from side to side on the couch.
VOICE PHOTO
“When I have a few drinks, people come down and I play it. It’s a button accordion. Not like one with piano keys.” Bieda put aside the accordion and pointed to a picture on the wall, in which he was seated beside former Polish President and Nobel Peace Price winner Lech Walesa. “He sat right on this couch,” said Bieda, patting the leather. “That’s another story.”
( Hearing his tenant thumping about in the other apartment, Bieda went down the stairs to see how
the moving was going. Fabic padded along behind him. In the empty front of the building, which was at one point the main entrance to the store, junk was strewn all over, racks of clothes, lines of shoes, boxes of books, a bike, tables, furniture. “They were running a little flea market with the stuff here. And I was letting them use the space for free,” said Bieda, shaking his head again at the injustice of his situation. But he kept walking past all of the things, and through glass doors at the end of the room, through which a silver convertible could be seen. “This is my 1999 Corvette. It used to belong to Dale Earnhardt,” said Bieda proudly. “It’s for sale. I’m firm on twenty thousand.” He opened one of the doors and eased himself down into the driver’s seat. Fabic went over to the other door. His head reached the mirror. He was at eye level with Bieda. Bieda turned the key and the engine growled, filling up the small room. “I just don’t drive it much anymore,” he said. “I have other cars.” When he had clambered out of the seat, Bieda patted his dog on the head and went back from where he came, past all of his tenant’s junk, and into the sunlight. He pulled his cigar, now only a stub, from his teeth and peered into the back of the half-full moving truck and then turned away, his brow furrowed. “They have two days to have everything out. It doesn’t look like that’ll happen,” said Bieda, replacing the cigar to his mouth and chomping down. He looked troubled as he walked around the corner of his building that was empty of his stuff but full of someone else’s that he wanted gone, perhaps anticipating another fight ahead. But there was no conflict. Two days later the tenant was gone. All of his things too. ◆
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The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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SPORTS Lacrosse goalie focuses on the next shot
OBITUARY
Pelham resident is key player with Junior A lacrosse team BY BILL POTRECZ
BPSPORTSNIAGARA.CA
Nick Damude tries to live most of his time as a goaltender in the future. The 19-year-old Pelham resident has adopted the outlook to help him deal with the reality of the position by quickly being able put failure behind and turn the page. “I think since I was little the next shot has always been the most important shot, that’s always been my mentality,” Damude said. “Even if you’ve let in the last three, you’ve got to focus on the next shot and the next thing. “You have to focus and rebound and come back even better. You look at the best goalies in the NLL and they have bad games — everyone has bad games — but it’s always about the next one and coming out harder and better and learning from what you did wrong.” Damude’s level-headed approach has helped him become a key component for the St. Catharines Athletics this season. “Nick is a character kid who all the boys gravitate to,” Athletics general manager Jeff Chcoski said. “He is great in the dressing room and is always working on his craft. “I can already tell he is a big game goalie.” Damude is in his third season
REGION continued from Page 5 Ontario Court of Justice Friday, June 22, for Ontario Fire Code violations at his rental property at 43 Dundee Street. The property owner failed to install a working carbon monoxide alarm in the area of the second-floor bedrooms. The smoke alarm in the basement of the home was not maintained in working order. St. Catharines Fire and Emergency Management Services identified the violations during a post-fire investigation at the property last November. The court imposed fines of $2500 fine plus court costs for each charge. Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and
with the A’s after beginning his junior career at the junior B level with the St. Catharines Spartans. “I think that’s one of the main reason I went to B was to gain that experience and get used to the bigger nets,” he said. “It was easy to transition to A after that year. I had a good goalie coach [Mickey Calder] and that really helped me out and taught me a lot.” Like many goalkeepers, Damude stumbled upon the position almost by accident. “I was at a novice tryout and I was trying out as a player and I don’t think I had a chance as a player,” he laughed. “Sean Allen said we needed a second goalie and I always wanted to play goalie so I shot my hand up. “I told my dad and he just rolled his eyes at me!” Damude immediately loved being the centre of attention on the floor, even if it meant having balls whiz by his head. “I think I always loved it as a kid. I loved stopping the ball,” he said. “I love playing full games and getting lots of shots and being kind of the quarterback on the team.” Damude played the first three games of the season for the A’s and has fashioned a solid 6.57 goalsagainst average.
outside all sleeping areas. The law also requires working carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas in all units where a fuel-burning appliance is installed or shares a common wall or floor with a service room containing such an appliance or an attached garage.
Caslin recognizes young parents
Clients and staff of the Learning Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP) were joined last Wednesday at their 2018 graduation event by Regional Chair Alan Caslin and Commissioner of Community Services Adrienne Jugley to congratulate some 30 young parents on their successful completion of the LEAP program. LEAP
COSGROVE, Kenneth Euen
Nick Damude.
SUPPLIED PHOTO
“We tried to focus on one [goal] in five shots,” he said. “Anything below eight [goals against] you should be able to win. With the defence we have now, I think six is the goal this year.” Damude loves what he sees of the A’s so far. “I think we’re coming together more as a team. We’re trying to get the camaraderie going. We know we missed the playoffs last year and had a bad year.” Damude, who has aspirations of playing at the pro level, has one more season of junior eligibility re-
encourages young parents receiving social assistance to prioritize their education while developing parenting and employment skills for their future. Participants of the LEAP program are provided support with child care, transportation, counselling, tutoring and more. "Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood, employment and school would be difficult for anyone in our community,” said Caslin. “I am delighted to be able to celebrate their personal achievements at the 2018 graduation ceremony.”
Welland Skateboard and BMX Park opens
The Welland Skateboard & BMX Park is now open at its new location South of Lincoln Street, on the west
maining and has some pretty big goals in mind. “I think right now a championship, a Minto Cup, would be the ultimate dream, but I’m going to put my name in the draft and see what happens,” he said. For that to happen, Damude is well aware he needs to at the top of his game. “I definitely put a little but of weight on my shoulders [this year]. It comes down to just play well and be consistent every game.” Damude is studying electrical engineering at Mohawk College.
side of the Recreational Canal. According to a Welland news release, the city and Niagara Regional Police worked together to select the site in order to provide a location that was visible and safe. The park is open daily dawn until dusk.
New NRH director
The Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of their newest Community Director, Betty Lou Souter. Souter is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Care, St. Catharines and Thorold and has some 40 years’ of experience in the voluntary sector. "We are excited to welcome Betty Lou Souter to NRH’s board," said Board Chair Henry D'Angela. "Her extensive volunteer involvement has enabled her to develop a large network in all sectors and gain an understanding of the issues that affect Niagara communities.” This appointment completes the board, which is comprised of five Regional Councillors and four Community Directors
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A nthony Martuccio, P. Eng. Took over as Director of Construction, Energy and Facilities Management as of June 18. Martuccio joins the Region from the City of St. Catharines, where he spent the past 15 years in the Facilities and Energy division, most recently as Manager of Facilities and Energy and as a Design and Construction Engineer prior to that. Martuccio holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University, and has some than 19 years’ experience in construction, project management and facilities operations within the geo-technical, manufacturing, industrial and municipal sectors. "I’m very happy to welcome Anthony to the team here at the Region,” said Chris Carter, General Manager, Administration and Corporate Services. “He is a natural leader who will make an excellent addition to the Region."
Passed away peacefully at the Welland Hospital on Tuesday, June 26. Lifelong best friend and husband for fifty joyous years of Margaret (nee Meek). Amazing father of Kenneth and Patricia, proud father-in-law of Bart Stone and Kathi Dymek and dedicated grandfather of crazy grandkids Connor, Bennett, Kaius and Katia. Ken was a teacher who founded the Graphic Arts & Design program at Niagara College and who influenced hundreds of future artists through his disciplined teaching and technical ability. Ken will always be remembered as an artist whose creativity was unlimited and whose style spanned paint, mixed media and intricate printmaking. Ken was a ferociously loyal friend who never waivered in his support and defence of those he loved. Keenly intelligent with an encyclopaedic knowledge base, he loved to debate, educate and illuminate the minds of anyone he connected with. A true Glaswegian, born and raised in Scotland, he was proud of his heritage and an aficionado of the colourful vocabulary of the Glesga patter in all its glory. A nature lover who was forever in awe of the riches of the Niagara region and spent endless time in his studio crafting dedicated masterpieces to it’s vineyards, forests, rivers and more. Having had won his own personal battle with alcohol he also spent countless hours helping others deal with their own struggles. The Cosgrove family would like to thank the many health care professionals – the PSW’s, the Welland Hospital Emergency department and the Cardiac Care Unit at Hamilton Hospital – who cared for Ken and helped his family throughout this time. Family and friends were invited to celebrate Ken’s life at the JAMES L. PEDLAR FUNERAL HOME on Saturday, June 30. As an expression of sympathy donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to ALS Niagara or Sick Kids. Online condolences may be shared at pedlarfuneralhome.com
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Yard & Shed MOVING Page 15 Burke’s Masonry SALE, Large collection FONTHILL Keith’s Restaura Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christmas and holiday E. L. Crossley Place your ad by email or phone Churchill Natural Meats Target Store office@thevoiceofpelham.ca decorations and household step repair, granite Hours:Shoppers Mon-Thurs, 8Drug AM - 2Mart PM (905) 892-8690 Pennzoil Quick L coatings, brick slices items, SAT. AUG. 30, 8AM- Fonthill Library Lazy Loon 1PM 625 METLER RD, P18-28 905-682-7061. Town of Pelham Pharmasave FLOORING NORTH PELHAM P18-23 Cafe on Main Avondale Store
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For informationAt contact community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi aremore provided. timeyour of local registration, please enquire about toolsed.org needed. Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamANNOUNCEMENTS MORTGAGES library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. 28th Annual Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow Wow. July 14 & 15 - 9 a.m. onward. Just south of Montreal, Kahnawake Mohawk Territor, FABULOUS LIONS FISH FRY Routes 132 & 138 FENWICK (off the Mercier Bridge). Adults: $8; 60+: $4; 5& under: FREE. Tel. 450Tasty treats with funds heading straight back 632-8667. www.kahnawakepowwow.com.
into the community. Haddock, frenchEMPLOYMENT fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. OPPS.
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home posiPELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE tions available. Get online training you need LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS fromBuy, an employer-trusted program. Visit: at the sell or trade used equipment Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start AND cheaper for career players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from training for youroptions work-at-home today!
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If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, FOR an SALE you may submit events profile by sending your community events information to WANTED SAWMILLS from only $4,397 -Some MAKE editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own FIREARMS WANTED FOR AUGUST 25th, LIVE &will ONLINE Shotbandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. the acceptability standards of The Voice 2018 of Pelham then AUCTION: be postedRifles, until the date guns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or PurIn stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. PleaseItems. provide chase: Collections, Estates, Individual www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-567Contact Paul, the Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 0404 asExt:400OT. much notice and information as possible including date, time and description 1-800-694-2609, info@switzersauction.com or of your event. Voice of Pelham reserves the right to edit for space. www.switzersauction.com. STEELThe BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDING CLEARANCE ... “SUMMER OVERSTOCK SALE - BLAZING HOT DEALS!” 20X21 $5,845. 25X27 $6,588. 30X31 $9,564. 33X35 $9,833. 35X35 $11,955. End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036
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into the school, and there she had been my best friend since Grade 3. During the are even more things that we’ve learned on our adsummer of Grade 8 we beventures. Now, we have began to drift. It seemed like to join chess or Mr. Ruscitti come much more wise and I didn’t have people to hang asks you to join rowing for knowledgeable, we are fiout with at school. I was the hundredth time, and nally prepared to step out extremely lucky, however, what side of the hallway to OCNA Network Classifi eds Ads of these halls. But all of to befriend two guys during walk on. In Grade 9 we rethat is pretty general, and the first week, David and (AD CENTRAL) ally didn’t have a plan for we didn't have a generNoah. They’re still my best the future, but it felt like we al experience at Crossley. I friends to this day. needed to. We already had Week of could ask each Cyclone inBesides those three peosome big decisions July 2 to make. dividually what their story ple, I didn’t make close At just 14 years old we had is, and each response would friends in Grade 9. I kept to to decide if we were going be completely different. We myself, and felt extremely Posted to take Applied or Academic June the 27 stage all had very specific expe- out of place, but that feeling courses, setting riences and I'd like to talk a didn’t last. for our future. This was just bit about mine. As my high school years the beginning. Central When I began high went by I found that CrossNow we’ve made it to Region Ads included school, I only really had ley was a place where I beGrade 12. By this point, one good friend going in. longed. I found my place in we’re definitely settled Her name was Andrea andOntario activities such as Student This ad is to be printed by all participating papers continued from Page 1
FENWICK Avondale Store Fenwick Sub Sh Golden Grill Devries Fruit Fa Ridderikhoff Mea
As my high school years went by I found that Crossley was a place where I belonged
Council, Link Crew, Drama and Wellness Club. I have always wanted to send a positive message to everyone I meet. I want everyone to know that they matter.
At Crossley there is a sense of community that is lacking in other schools. Each student graduating today has made their own
memories found somewhere where they felt included, and meaningful. Whether you joined discussions in class, joined a lunch table, or maybe you got involved in athletics or clubs, you joined Crossley. Beyond this point, we are all going off in separate directions, however we will always have the memories and experiences we made together. Whether you are coming back, going on to college, going on to university, going on to a trade, going on to work or going or on to travel, as cheesy as it sounds, we all have a bright future ahead. Stay Classy Crossley.
Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
Power off and play this summer The Healthy Kids Community Challenge, the Town of Pelham, and Pelham Public Library are partnering this summer on a number of programs under the Power Off and Play banner. This is the fourth theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge and is supported financially by the Town and Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Ontario. The overall goal of the program is
BY KIRK WEAVER
CEO Pelham Library
to help kids make healthy choices. The Power off and Play theme is intended to help kids find a healthy balance between screen time and other healthy activities. All Niagara area libraries are participating; each offering a unique set of programs and services
as part of their summer children’s programming. The Pelham Public Library is building on our strong foundation of summer programs with a few unique activities. First, we are planning weekly storywalks. Storywalks provide an opportunity for children to experience the joy See LIBRARY Page 18
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
Page 17
Ribbon cut at Pelham’s largest pot plant Mayor Augustyn says that site “provides hope to our community” Billed as the world’s largest perpetual harvest cannabis greenhouse facility, CannTrust officials and local government dignitaries launched the 500,000-square- foot site with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Balfour Street location in Fenwick last Tuesday. Michael Caplin, now General Manager of CannTrust, owned the greenhouse business prior to selling it to CannTrust. He went from growing flowers to flowering cannabis. “I spent my entire career in the greenhouse industry and we have implemented the best of the best,” sais Caplin. Approximately 200 employees work on site, and CannTrust has said it intends to hire some 50 more employees within the next year. Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn offered well-wishes to the operation, which is the largest of six cannabis growing facilities in Pelham. “We appreciate your investment into the community, and it’s wonderful to see the transformation in our workforce. This provides hope to our community.” Dr. Michael Ravensdale commented on the efficiency of the climate-controlled technology. In the perpetual system, cannabis is grown in moveable shelves in a sanitary environment. The result is a higher yield over shorter growing periods, with bountiful crops every few months, 12 months of the year. CannTrust uses 15 megawatts of lighting power annually, as well as natural gas, co-generation heating
BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
during the cooler months. “We have a lot of technology around efficiency,” Ravensdale said. The inside of the operation has an opaque lining in every room to prevent light from leaking out. Large white, clinical-looking rooms filled with cannabis sat in movable shelves, in different growing stages. Caplin said they were conscientious over contaminants, including bugs and insects. The operation also integrated natural pest control, namely the use of bugs that eat other bugs that destroy cannabis plants. Large fans every 10,000 feet circulate the air. Hydroponic systems are water-based, and the cannabis is grown in fibreglas porous casings sitting on shelves as water-filled nutrients flow through the plants. Rainwater is collected, with a reservoir on site, used in the computerized irrigation system. The water is de-contaminated and recycled, so it can be used again. “You have to be a very good grower to be in hydroponics,” Caplin said. With the perpetual harvesting system, CannTrust can harvest an entire greenhouse at a time. Caplin showed his visitors a large crop of the blend “Catatonic” that was flowering, which is 24 percent C.B.D and two percent T.H.C., which means it’s used for pain management, not recreation. A new outdoor greenhouse will be added as a part of CannTrust’s expansion. The company is already operating 600,000 square feet of space, and is planning to harvest eight more acres on
Balfour Street. Brad Rogers, President of CannTrust, told reporters prior to the ribbon-cutting that product planning is divided for many different uses. He said that he was hoping to keep costs for cannabis to 75 cents per gram and later 50 cents per gram, which he said may not be “internationally competitive,” but reasonable, considering that many may grow marijuana in their homes. Among new product lines will be performance enhancing sports drinks that include vitamins and nutrients, a product that Rogers said he expects to be popular with athletes and sports enthusiasts. Rogers acknowledges that not everyone is on board with marijuana. “We have an incredible education system,” he said, asserting that CannTrust works with doctors and researchers, who can have “conversations,” with other medical professionals about product development. He noted there are also prescription drugs that have negative side effects. When asked how much CannTrust spends in research and development, Rogers replied, “millions of dollars,” and later said the new products for pets alone could be a worldwide, five billion dollar industry. Niagara Region’s Public Health department is also amped-up for the recent status change for marijuana. It was an “anticipated rush,” explained Amy Fishleigh, Health Promoter for the Niagara Region, adding that Public Health views the issue from a large population standpoint, and its message is cautionary.
Mayor Augustyn, centre, with CannTrust officials. Augustyn declared that the company's marijuna operation "provides hope to our community." GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO The Region is planning “a wide-reaching campaign,” and educational materials will be distributed to school boards and public health centers. The Health Department also has volunteers doing educational outreach specifically targeting youth. “People are entitled to know the truth. Just because it’s legal, we can’t say it’s for every individual,” said Dr. Andrea Feller, Associate Medical Officer of Niagara Regional Public Health. She asserted that studies show that the brain is still developing until 25 years of age, and that high potency and frequent use of marijuana will cause cognitive issues. “The earlier they start, the more at risk they are for dependency,” said Feller. She also fears that get-
ting high will lead to higher accident rates. She warns anyone under legal age not to use cannabis. For those that have a history of mental health or addiction in their families, marijuana may create reactions that are detrimental to their well-being. Anyone with respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma, may find that smoking or vaping marijuana irritates the lungs. “Breathing anything into your lungs in a recreational manner is not healthy,” she said, adding, “We know that just saying, ‘No’ doesn’t work,” which is why more education is needed, particularly among youth.” Research from states in the U.S. where pot is legal indicates that cyclical vomiting, sometimes referred to as “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome” by health
practitioners, is increasing. For some people smoking pot irritates the receptors in the stomach and intestinal lining. “It can mess you up,” Feller said. Young children may suffer from poisoning if they accidentally consume marijuana. Expectant mothers should not imbibe pot, which could affect the baby’s health. As for any couple trying to get pregnant, research shows that marijuana alters and reduces sperm count. Feller was enthusiastic about the upcoming weeks, as the public health department is expected to receive more federal policy guidelines regarding building educational campaigns, and targeting different sectors of the population. “We’re going to hit the ground running,” she said.
ROW YOUR WAY TO FUN The South Niagara Rowing Club hosted its annual Open House/BBQ at the shellhouse on Colbourne Street in Welland on Saturday. Interested families enjoyed boathouse tours and information sessions, and were able to try out rowing ergometers on the land, and rowing shells on the water. The club offers learn-to-row programs for children and adults in July and August. Left, coaches Nick Holmes, with keys, and Pat McNally. DON RICKERS PHOTOS
OPEN!
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Gilberts Flowers FLOWERS FOR ANY OCCASION We offer a large variety of fresh flowers and gifts. Enjoy the convenience of safe and secure ordering online 24 hours a day. 754 Welland Rd, Fenwick www.gilbertsflowers.ca 905-892-2433
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required for the Pelham Art Festival. The Volunteer will monitor, add to and update website and pages with information provided by the Board. Pelhamartfestival.com is hosted by Weebly. The position can be started as soon as possible. Please submit your application to the PAF, elsswartpaintings@gmail.com.
Page 18
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
It’s a cherry time at Weiland’s and Duffin’s—pick-your-own season is here Oscar Weiland has worked his 15-acre fruit farm on Haist Street since 1955. Rich Weiland, 44, toils daily alongside his dad, continuing the family tradition of providing cherries, plums, peaches, and apples for local residents. And not just the locals. “During cherry season in July, we get busloads of people from Toronto — especially during the long weekend —who make the trip to our farm just to pick cherries,” said Rich. “The Cavaliers are ready now, and the Bings and Hedelfin-
LIBRARY continued from Page 16 of reading while walking
gen varieties will be ripe in a week or so, with this heat.” The sweet cherries ripen first, followed by sour cherries, then plums later in July, followed by peaches in August, and apples after Labour Day. “We let folks do the pick-theirown cherries for three weeks in July, but that’s it. We pick the rest ourselves. The cherry crop is good this year. They love the heat, those cherries,” said Oscar. Meanwhile, most of Bill Duffin’s 100-acre fruit farm off Rice Road
through a local park, trail, or neighbourhood. They also foster parental involvement in the learning and literacy of their child
BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
consists of apples, with a significant number of peach, pear, and plum trees as well. Only six acres are dedicated to sweet cherries. But a parade of vehicles pulls onto his property, occupants ready to pick their own. Duffin carries insurance in case people fall off the aluminum ladders he provides. “You can’t beat the taste of ripe fruit right off the tree,” said Bill. He has the traditional cherries like
while enjoying an outdoor activity together. Check our website for a new location every week through July and August.
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Bing, but has expanded into new varietals like Summit and Regina. Some of the newer cherries are more crack-resistant and flavorful, he said. “All our fruit is hand-picked…. no harvesting machinery involved. And the pruning in the winter, that’s all done by hand as well,” said Bill. Fruit farming isn’t a get-richquick game. “A guy needs to have his wife and kids working for no wages, 14 hours a day for most of the
Second, we will continue our tradition of participating at Thursday night events in Peace Park. This year visitors to our tent will be able to pick up Grab and Go activity kits, participate in creating sessions and take part in storywalks. Third, we have produced a Summer Playbook. The Playbook has a number of fun activities at various
year to make a go of it,” remarked Bill with a laugh. Luckily, he has his wife Kim and daughter Sara to lend a hand. Sara enjoys working on the family farm, but isn’t prepared to run the operation when her dad retires. She is studying to be an architect. Top left, Richard and Oscar Weiland with some of their bounty. Top right, Bill and Kim Duffin distract a canine guest while daughter Sara stands carefully on a ladder.
locations throughout Pelham. We encourage children to pick up a Playbook and complete as many of the activities as they can. Return the Playbook to the Library at the end of the summer to be eligible for some prizes. We hope that these creative activities along with our traditional summer programming will con-
AWARD continued from Page 8 Francis produced numerous prize-winning books and scholarly articles, and was a sought-after speaker at many conferences both across Canada and abroad. His career highlights included Visiting Professor of Canadian Studies at Tsukuba University, Japan from 1991-1993. While in Japan, he gave speeches and contributed articles to scholarly journals relating to Canada. He also worked with the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo to bring visiting Canadian scholars to Japan, and served on a committee
R. Douglas Francis. SUPPLIED PHOTO adjudicating applicants of students wishing to study in Canada. Other international experiences followed. In 1995,
DON RICKERS PHOTOS
tribute to an active and fun summer for children in Pelham. We believe that linking literacy activity with more physical activity can help create the healthy balance kids need. Put down the screen for a while and come and join us at the Library this summer. Full program details can be found at w w w.pelhamlibrary.on.ca
he was invited to be the keynote Canadian speaker at a joint Canadian-American Studies Conference on the Canadian and American West in Tampere, Finland. This was followed by participation in Canadian Studies conferences in Stockholm, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia. In 2005, he served as Visiting Professor of Canadian Studies at Technical University, Dresden, Germany. Francis’ sister, Shirley Jackson, still resides in the Fenwick area, and was pleased to be able to travel to Ottawa along with other family members to be present at the June 16 award ceremony.
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Page 20
The Voice of Pelham, July 4 2018
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MYSTERY SOLVED In our March 21 issue we ran this photo alongside a story commemorating 1917’s Battle of Vimy Ridge, and asked whether anyone might be able to identify the girl pictured. The Pelham Historical Society’s Carolyn Botari has come through. “After some digging we found out the little girl in the old photo was Jean Savigny,” says Botari. “Her parents were Earl and Grace Savigny and they lived on Canboro Road just east of Haist Street.” Botari says that the photo was taken in summer 1922. “The trench mortar would have just been put on display, so maybe that was why the family chose to take this shot. In the background across the street is a view of the old Fonthill Inn and the old Church of God.” Botari credits Heather Moote for her sleuthing help. Jean Savigny would have been Heather's aunt, on her father's side. SUPPLIED PHOTO
COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 my own baby, when suddenly another couple’s inexcusably curious spawn began to approach. I watched in horror as this unfamiliar human, who looked suspiciously like a plague carrier, made his way unhindered to where we sat. I glared at his parents. Surely they would rein-in this terror. Instead, these moron parents were
smiling, actually encouraging their creation on its journey. “Be gentle,” they cooed, as if my baby gently catching smallpox would be any consolation. Thankfully, the little beast’s name was called before he could extend his chubby arm towards my darling, and he menacingly toddled off with the nurse, taking his presumed case of Ebola with him. It was then that the real-
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ization hit me: new mothers are only three, maybe four sleepless nights away from turning up on Canada's Most Wanted. I used to cringe at stories of parents getting way too involved in the outcomes of little league games, or parents who couldn’t let kids handle their own on the playground. I still cringe of course, but now it’s less, “How could they DO that!” and more, “That could be ME one day!” We are now five-anda-half years in, and baby number four is set to arrive in February. Yet still these tiny humans in the house are constantly extracting emotions and reactions I didn’t know I had.
While it’s a fact I no longer fear toddlers in the doctor’s office (was I too hard on the little guy earlier?) it’s also a fact that my kids keep finding new situations to test my commitment to not being a nut-job. It’s not pleasant to quietly observe from a distance while awful five-year-old girls refuse to take proper turns with my flesh and blood. Of course, sometimes she doesn’t either, but she’s only five, for heaven’s sake. And should I really set up another play date for my son with that two-year-old who is so clearly on the fasttrack to becoming a hardened criminal? Is that boy’s continued involvement in our lives really worth sul-
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lying the childhood of our great nation’s future Prime Minister? Things can get out of hand in a hurry. One day, you’re just telling the neighbour girl to stop being so bossy with your kid, and before long you’re screaming at the T-ball coach, getting kicked out of a game where they don’t even keep score. At least that’s what I tell myself will happen when the urge to get involved pops up. I’m well aware of the fact that the issues my kids face right now are not going to determine their chances of success. I know, too, that I don’t really want my kids to go through life having other people sorting everything out for them. It’s the working-out of issues that produces perseverance; it’s the perseverance that produces character. In the moment it’s easy to see only the short-term. It’s easy to focus on the “best hat” prize your daughter could win with a little design help from you, and ignore the longer-lasting satisfaction she could have of accomplishing something on her own.
RENOVATE
It’s tempting to want to forgo the effort involved in constantly encouraging a three-year-old boy to look people in the eye and say thank you to the nice lady at church who gave him a gift. And, for me, it can seem borderline impossible to force myself to be present with them, right now, when it’s eight in the evening and I’ve been with them all day and they just came out of bed for the 13th time and I just want some time alone for goodness’ sake. (Perseverance. Character.) We are all on the same character-building journey. And though I like to believe I’m at least a bit farther along than my five-yearold, since having kids I’ve realized I’m not near as far along as I thought. It’s easy to feel strong when there’s no resistance. But feeling strong and being strong are obviously quite different. So while it makes me uncomfortable to suppress my more over-zealous mothering instincts, I take solace in the fact that I’m building someone better. Someone stronger. And, hopefully, someone who won’t be ejected from the stands at T-ball. ◆
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