The Voice, June 16 2021

Boy's egg cart returned

page 2

Former Councillor Accursi dies

page 7

Twelve Mile Creek funding finally approved

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Fergus of Fenwick tops Pelham Library reading challenge honest, he didn't read any more than usual, which is between two and ten books a day. We just started keeping track, and soon realized how it was adding up. We stopped keeping track at a thousand, because Beanstack kind of bumps you off at that point.”

Fergus usually reads kids’ fiction books, but he's starting to enjoy chapter books that are read aloud to him.

“He’s a beginner-level reader, and can do sight words. But he understands everything that you read to him,” said his mother.

Fergus is the youngest of three, and his older brother and sister are big readers as well.

Fergus is allowed to play video games on weekends, and his mom says he likes to play Skylanders, “a game about a magical dragon. And he loves to play outside, and he loves to swim. He's pretty active. He’s got a puppy, too.”

Veronica MacDonald had nothing but praise for the Town’s librarians.

“Jennifer [Bennett] has always been so supportive of families and children at the library…and all the librarians at the Fonthill and Fenwick branches are great.

Children can enroll in the Thousand Book Challenge through pelhamlibrary. beanstack.org.

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road noise from adjacent housing developments.

“I can't guarantee you that this is going to keep the residents quiet,” said Lymburner in a presumably unintended Freudian slip, “but I think that, working with the owners, this measure is going to solve the problem.”

HE SON: On a good many days with my father, he couldn’t have looked forward to playing golf with me. The fault was all mine.

I so hated playing poorly that if I began a round with a few bad holes I would quickly turn miserable— anywhere from slamming clubs, to cursing as much as I could get away with, to just plain sulking. It became so bad that when we’d leave the house, my mom would take me aside and tell me to try and not to ruin things. But I usually did anyway.

My dad must have known what was happening. I cared about playing well, and I cared even more about showing him that I could play well. When this didn’t happen, my frustration spiralled out of control. He would have known what I was doing because he was the exact same way when he was young. Hyper-competitive, ultra-intense, very hard on himself when things weren’t going right.

But even if I still hate three-putting in front of him, happily that phase of life is over for both of us.

Golf continues to give a lot

See VARIANCE Page 12

See COLUMN SIX back page

Fergus MacDonald is the first to meet Pelham Library's 1000 picture book milestone.

VERONICA MAC DONALD

Car wash variance approved Hurricane residents still not sold on sound barrier

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent A zoning variance for a 160-foot-long, 15-foot-high fence — perhaps better described as a noise barrier — has been approved by Pelham Town Council for 151 Highway 20 East, the site of an automated car wash that

abuts Hurricane Road, which has been a focus of local ire of late owing to what some nearby residents say is its excessive noise.

Fire Chief Bob Lymburner described the steel and concrete structure, planned for the north side of the car wash, as akin to industrial-standard walls typically seen on highways to block

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Column Six

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Fergus MacDonald, of Fenwick, has yet to reach his sixth birthday, but he has already achieved a milestone—the first to meet the Pelham Library’s reading challenge of a thousand picture books.

Jennifer Bennett, the library’s Children and Youth Coordinator, said that the competition is open to kids up to age six, with the goal that all children can be ready to read by Grade 1.

“They can enroll any time, and do not have to read the books independently…a parent can read to them as well,” said Bennett.”

Fergus’ mom, dad, and grandma all read aloud to him.

Fergus’ family members have been avid library users for over ten years, according to Bennett, and Fergus just started in the book program in November 2020.

“All of the reading is done at home, and the number of books is logged online through a tracker app called Beanstack,” said Bennett.

She noted that Fergus’ favourite book is “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” and that, in addition to reading, he also loves to splash in puddles, climb trees, and ride his bike.

Veronica MacDonald, Fergus’ mother, has homeschooled her son this past year, and said that, “To be

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The Voice

A June 16 2021

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NRPS impaired driving charges ~

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

A sad loss: The passing of former Pelham Town Councillor Gary Accursi last week at the comparatively young age of 72 came as a shock to many. On council from 2010 to 2018, Accursi’s influence on Town affairs was significant, as we hear on page 7 from his former colleagues. It’s no secret that Accursi was not the biggest fan of our reporting on issues related to the Town’s adventures in East Fonthill development, and on the community centre project. But in person he was always cordial with me, and with our writers.

He and I sat down for an in-depth interview in the summer of 2018, when he ran for mayor. I appreciated his candour, and he agreed to go off the record a few times to clarify some points of contention, expressing as he did so that he was trusting me to keep his remarks in confidence. I did so, and will continue to do so. Without in any way diminishing the accomplishments of our current office-holder, a Mayor Accursi would not have been a bad thing either, and a significant step up from the previous administration. Over the last year and a half or so, I was happy to present Accursi’s commentary on the present council’s performance, which by and large he found wanting, particularly in its lack of cohesion. Hard to disagree with that. I last heard from him on April 8, after I’d inquired about a mysterious asterisk that had turned up on Town planning documents going on a decade old. That’s a story which remains to be told. RIP, Councillor...Power of the press or just a coincidence: Either way, it's a success for the safe passage of pedestrians on Nursery Lane, where the Young Family identified a locust tree that was rudely dropping branches on the sidewalk, much to the Town’s inattention. Shortly after their letter to the editor appeared last week, a Town crew showed up and took care of the issue...You’ll be able to see it from space: Last week Town Council approved what one nearby resident has already dubbed the Great Wall of Pelham, namely an intended sound barrier next to a car wash that some neighbours say is overly noisy. Letters to the editor have been strongly on the side of the neighbours, despite my personally inviting car wash supporters online to get their opinions in as well. Crickets. We can’t run what we don’t receive!...Speaking of letters: Lots this week, and some left over. If badly renamed schools are a concern for you, don’t miss Vilma Moretti’s and Paul Bryant's letters on page 14— there’s a June 18 deadline to tell the DSBN what you think...

Personal Pride: Another in our Pride Month series of stories appears this week, page 3. So far we've heard from men in their early 50s and mid 40s, with a near-octogenarian male on deck. It would also be good to hear from some female and trans folks. Send your growing-up-LGBTQ+ stories to editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca...Patios are open: Our Tuesday routine can't wait, Mr. P!...As ever: Stay safe out there. ◆

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to seven calls for assistance from Friday, June 4 to Friday, June 11.

Tuesday, June 8 Arcing hydro lines, Beamer St. Short Hills Medical assistance, Fonthill Wednesday, June 9 Detector activation, Sumbler Rd., Fenwick

Luke Braun is back in the freshly laid eggs business.

Remote alarm, Pelham St., Fonthill, Fenwick, Short Hills

DON RICKERS

Thursday, June 10 Motor vehicle accident, Pelham St. Fonthill

Egg cart reappears

Burning complaint, Concession 4, Short Hills

A misunderstanding made right

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Luke Braun doesn’t hold any grudges. But don’t ask him to explain what a grudge is. After all, he’s only five years old.

He’s happy to see the return of his egg cart, though, which was, it appears, taken by mistake a couple of weeks back. A man driving

Voice

Friday, June 11 Medical assistance, Fonthill

a black pickup truck, referred to in the Voice headline as the “naughty man,” scooped it at the curb, apparently thinking that it had been left out for anyone to take, as is often the case.

He returned the cart to its Effingham Street address last week, with a note saying “Sorry for the misunderstanding, The Naughty Man.”

Luke’s dad got him started in the hen-raising and egg-selling business to teach him responsibility, and impart some life lessons. It looks like the missing egg cart provided an important one: when you make a mistake, make it right. Thanks for the example, Naughty Man.

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Column Six

Growing up British

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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 NATE SMELLE PHOTO Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3.

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

BY VOICE STAFF

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

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-

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.

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

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

Cell 905.933.3049

T

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.

Office 905.892.1702

Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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Request made of community still peeved at name change

See DSBN Page 9

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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick.

Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues.

Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students.

“The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated.

The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

825 Canboro Road, Fenwick

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Xavier Walker getting his first shot—he's 12 and said it was painless!

In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region.

None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.

Santiago CARDENAS PARRA, 39, Niagara Falls Patrick KORTRIGHT, 43, Syracuse NY Madison A. DUCK, 21, West Lincoln Lucas A. BLAZEK, 26, Fort Erie Joann M. CLOCHERTY, 61, St. Catharines Curtis A. LEBLANC, 48, St. Catharines Kathleen R. BROOKS, 47, Niagara Falls Cory W. FINK, 29, Welland Nadir Y. GAZAHA, 36, St. Catharines Adriano GIORDANO, 37, Niagara Falls Donavin C. CAREY, 36, Welland

“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained.

“I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.”

Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn.

Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly.

The hues of Autumn are outstanding.

A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour.

Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River.

If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills.

If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K

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The Voice

Page 3

A June 16 2021

PRIDE MONTH 2021 | GROWING UP LGBTQ+ I remember the words, the patterns of hate, the sharpness, and how they have the power to wound

A boy lost, then found

BY TYLER COOK Special to the Voice

I

thought long and hard about how to approach this autobiographical examination of a gay kid in the ‘80s and ‘90s growing up in a pastoral, rural, farming and bedroom community. As I sat down to write this opus — having a background in media relations, interacting with bureau chiefs and beat reporters alike at all of Canada’s majors on everything from the events of September 11 to lifestyle-based product launches— with degrees in public relations, history/art history and certificates in human resources and journalism, I have written for CEOs and the most senior leaders of a variety of domestic and global companies and NGO/As. My words and speeches have been said by, and my press releases attributed to, many people in business, government and national publications. I thought this would be easy. It was not.

It was not for a variety of reasons, the least of which being the feelings of inadequacy and shame that this notion of coming clean, publicly, would mean. To be clear, it’s not the shame of being a gay man, it is shame based on the lengths I took to cover it up. The lies I told myself and others—everything from unwanted teenage pregnancy to everything I said about myself for many years, were lies. I created a narrative of what I thought it took to be liked by someone, anyone—when the truth was revealed I paid the price, overwhelming loneliness.

This is on me. When you are different, intrinsically you feel as though you need to be someone else to fit in. For me this came with the complete disregard for the line between fantasy and reality. I didn’t care, as long as I wasn’t the gay kid.

If I was someone else and had all the material things that made people popular on the teen TV shows of the day, I could negotiate my way into at least one birthday party, to which everyone in my class was invited except me. Another strike against me: A deep sense of self-loathing that only further festered my self-hatred and being discovered deepening my humiliation…I own it, it is much a part of my past as learning to drive, or how to ride a bike.

I often wonder if things would have been different if I felt able to be my authentic self, instead of burying the real me behind a disingenuous presumption of who I thought I had to be. It wasn’t until my midto-late-20s, and multiple failed relationships, that I was really able to put these toxic behaviours and acts of self-sabotage to bed, once and for all. I am worthy of friendship. Just me. No lies, no exaggerations, no filter. I deserve to be accepted. Just like the lyrics in my favourite song, by my favourite band, The Smiths’ "How Soon is Now?" I am human, and I deserve to be loved. Just like everybody else does.

Ironically, what I am most ashamed of are not the lies. They just represent my deeply flawed attempts at self-preservation. It is not standing up for myself when it really mattered. Instead, I hid. I accepted that my life would always be dodging punches and punchlines.

Both of which I endured, telling no one. I knew three things for certain: I was unlikeable; I was unlovable; and, being a pariah, talking to me could be the death of one’s standing in one’s clique. But I was smart.

I was a gifted writer, photographer, horticulturist, musician and designer. I was fast with my words. I used my laugh, wit and self-dep-

recation as defense mechanisms. I was loud, disruptive and never let the opportunity for double entendre to slide. That said, my verbal retaliations rarely landed as I hoped. Not because they were without wit, but because they were incomprehensible for a 12-year-old bully to understand, frequently leading to a worse beating than I probably would have received if I’d said nothing.

What I endured was relentless bullying from Grade 1 straight through graduation. There was no one to turn to, no one to act in my defense. Sadly, these experiences were not confined to other students, but also teachers.

Being goosed, and having my ears played with in front of the class by a teacher in seventh grade; having another teacher constantly telling me to “be a man” and stop swinging the bat “like a girl” in gym class.

Being so afraid to use the washroom at school for fear of being beat up, that I would hold in my urine the entire day until I got home. This is what my day-to-day school life was like. I should have said something, but who would have listened to the weird kid that didn’t really fit in?

Instead, I became an asshole — to myself, and to everyone around me.

As a “walking student,” I lived in fear every day as I walked back and forth to school from Grade 5 to Grade 8. Getting to school was easy, getting home was a different story.

I learned to be sneaky. Hiding in supply closets and classrooms until the bus students left, many of whom were my biggest tormentors. Things got so bad I no longer went home for lunch, not even when I could make the trip on my bike in 15 minutes.

The walk to the isolated bike rack provided ample opportunity to be verbally tormented, punched, or worse.

I vividly remember being caught walking with my best friend in grade school, being approached by two of the cool kids on their bikes, and me trying to protect his reputation, blurting out after a sleepover at my house, “We’re just collecting things for a church sale.” It was also the moment I understood true friendship, possibly for the first time, when after they rode away he said, “You didn’t have to do that, you’re my friend.” It was the same friend that guaranteed me safe passage to school every day. I used to walk to his house and wait for him to walk, or ride our bikes, the remainder of the way… until things changed, when he left for another school in Grade 8. I was on my own.

Once entering high school, things didn’t change that much. Again I hid, sometimes in the library, sometimes in the far corners of the school, where I knew I wouldn’t be found. I read incessantly, periodicals primarily. In the first three years of high school, I read every issue of National Geographic, Punch and The New Yorker. I developed a love for words, differing opinions, tonguein-cheek humour, and at times irreverent sarcasm. It was also where I first read about Gay Related Immune Deficiency (GRID), later renamed HIV/AIDS. As the world was waking up to ravages of the AIDS epidemic in the gay community, it became additional fuel to the bullying fodder.

A girl in my Grade 11 geography class, hell-bent on putting me in my place, announced loudly, “You’re such a fag, I hope you get AIDS and die.” I cried, whether or not anyone saw the tears, I cried. Again, no response from the teacher in the mo-

Tyler Cook, age 11, Grade 6, 1986. COOK FAMILY ment, but she did ask me after class if I was okay. I ended up crying in the department head’s office during the break, mortified that I’d have to cross the campus, tear-soaked. The student’s mother was a teacher at the school, likely leaving her protected from any culpability. In fact, it’s probably long forgotten, with no recollection of the event itself, but not by me. I remember the words, the patterns of hate, the sharpness, and how they have the power to wound, like a serpent’s fangs. Some cuts take longer to heal than others, some stay open for nearly 30 years.

I wanted to know everything there was to know about AIDS. If it was trying to kill me, I would do what I could to stop it. At the advice of a friend, whose mother I believe was its Executive Director, I became the biggest and youngest volunteer at AIDS Niagara. Anytime they needed anyone even to answer the phones I was there, learning how to avoid what was most certainly my fate, while supporting those who were suffering from the disease in any way I could. This included starting a group at E. L. Crossley — the Association for Futures at Risk (AFAR)— with a like-minded friend (who, in the years since has done amazing work internationally related to HIV/AIDs education), to share the risks related to AIDS with the broader high school community through speakers and action.

When AIDS Niagara asked for volunteers to work their booth at Gay Pride in Toronto in 1993, I leapt at the opportunity. For the first time I realized it was okay to be who I was, that I wasn’t alone. I had hope. So much so that I came out as bisexual to my OAC Sociology class later that year. The elation was short lived. I was officially “the fag of the class of ’94,” the target of jokes and receiver of slanders — including having Tyler Cook sucks Moose Cocks spray-painted across the entrance and exit of the school parking lot. Few people said anything to me that day, but those who did probably saved my life. I never thanked them for these acts of kindness until recently. hen I left for university, I purposefully chose Mount Allison, a small liberal arts university with some of the strictest admissions standards in the country, located in the marsh between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. As a polymath, and chronic over-achiever, it was a great fit. While my parents were proud that I was accepted, they expressed dismay that it was the only school of the 12 post-secondary institutions to which I was accepted that did not offer me a full or partial schol-

W

arship. My decision-making criteria were clear. I chose Mount A for the sole reason that no one I knew was aware that it existed, let alone would apply to go there. At no time was this more evident than during the Crossley graduation proceedings, when the head of guidance announced, “Tyler Cook, Ontario Scholar, will be attending Mount, Dal, someplace out east.” Initially I considered it nothing more than another slap from the school designed to educate me but lacking the ability to support and protect me. Only later was I able to interpret this moment as a victory. I had found my freedom.

Growing up is hard. Growing up as a member of the LGBTQ2+ community in the ‘80s and ‘90s in Fonthill was nothing short of a nightmare. You learn a lot of things, a lot of things that are really tough for any kid to process. Each thing you learn, while it hurts so badly at the time, benefits you later.  You learn first and foremost never to trust anyone; then you build self-reliance and inner strength to keep moving and eventually you learn to trust people again.  You learn, and begin to think that you’re the issue; then you realize it’s not you, it’s them, and you forgive, and feel sorry for your tormentors.  You learn to be ashamed of yourself and everything about you; then you find your truth, you grow, and you leave that version of yourself behind.  You learn how easy it is to commit suicide, you try several times and you fail (only because your mom calls at just the right time; or dad comes home from work earlier than usual and finds you with empty prescription pill containers and alcohol); then you realize, once you leave the town, life is actually worth living.  You learn what it feels like to have your Grade 8 teacher ask your friend, another student, if “Tyler is gay,” then your friend tells that it’s okay if you are.  You learn what it’s like to be slandered in your high school yearbook, you learn that hate speech is a hate crime; then you don’t make an official or public complaint because you know what it is like to have your name dragged through the mud. I quote directly, “Flamers, like Tyler Cook.” This does not mean that even 28 years later personal apologies from the school board, the school, the yearbook’s faculty advisor, and the individual(s) are not due, because they are.  You learn that running away

to avoid any possibility of running into someone from your home town is your only option for a fresh start; then you find yourself, and a group of friends you never had growing up that don’t care about your past, and they become your family.  You learn to lie, and tell stories, so you make telling other peoples’ stories your career and you become successful (using a variety of pseudonyms) to allow you to neglect your own; until you become comfortable in clearly articulating your past.  You learn what it’s like to be talked about; then you fight back with humour, sarcasm and words, written, spoken or otherwise.  You learn that who you are has the propensity to impact others in your family who also experienced bullying; then they stand up for you and you understand the value of family.  You learn what it’s like to have no one to protect you and feel that you will never be loved; then you meet the love of your life, you marry him and you finally feel safe (I love you Jason). promised myself that unlike in my usual writings, I wouldn’t name names. That doesn’t seem fair. My name is someone’s pet peeve in a yearbook. My picture, the only one with a “special” orientation, mimicking my own. I am not naming names, but I will leave breadcrumbs, just enough so you know who you are, and so you can think about how your words and actions nearly killed me, not just once, but many times— that is if you choose to care. And I do believe that is your choice.

Growing up gay in Fonthill was hell, or the closest possible thing to it — to this day I only go back out of familial obligation and for no other reason. What it taught me was how to survive on my own, and to love myself when no one else would. It also taught me to be a better person. A kinder person with boundless empathy for the hurt and the marginalized, with a profound sense of social justice. I am not sure that I should be grateful for the experience, but I’m sure I would be a lessor human without it.

What I am grateful for is that at the end of it all, as hard as it was on my brothers, my family didn’t care I was gay; I am grateful that my marriage has outlasted those of my tormentors—and I now know what being loved is really like; and I am grateful that those LGBTQ2+ kids growing up today are more accepted and that many don’t have to face what I did every day for 18 years.

This is why we need Pride. It’s not about the corporate monetization of diversity and inclusion efforts— although those symbols of acceptance would have greatly helped 15-year-old me walking around the Pen Centre, downtown St. Catharines, or Welland. Pride enables me to focus on the fact I survived. I survived when many times my survival appeared untenable to me—it was going to be AIDS, some drunk high school student who thought it would be fun to beat up the gay kid, or me just not being able to make it through another day. I am a proud husband and son; uncle and brother. I have pride and no one will ever take that from me again. ◆

I

Share your story of growing up LGBTQ+ in Niagara.

Email editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Page 4

The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Tom Purcell

The dying art of conversation

T

exting is replacing talking as the preferred form of communication?

According to a recent survey by OpenMarket, 75 percent of millennials chose texting over talking when given the choice between being able only to text versus call on their mobile phone.

To be sure, the powerful digital devices almost everyone is carrying around these days have changed the art of human conversation and the way we relate to each other — and not for the better.

When I was in high school many years ago, my mother encouraged me to take a typewriting course, thinking it would benefit me in my working life — and, boy, did it benefit me as a writer!

I don’t know how many words I can type per minute, but I’m able to put my thoughts onto the screen rapidly by using almost all my fingers on the keyboard.

The arrangement of the keys on a computer keypad is a legacy of the typewriter, which was invented in the 1870s.

The typewriter eventu-

ally replaced messy quill pens and paper pads and greatly improved the efficiency of the businesspeople and writers who learned how to use it.

Now we are abandoning an 1870s invention to revert to text messages that we

Humans use texting to bastardize the human language with abbreviated statements that would embarrass a Neanderthal awkwardly compose with opposable thumbs.

Mark Twain used his typewriter to create long, eloquent sentences in his memoir “Life on the Mississippi,” but now humans use texting to bastardize the human language with abbreviated statements that would embarrass a Neanderthal.

“Thag no like text. LOL. :)” Psychologists say texting

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can cause “infomania,” which Dictionary.com. defines as “an obsessive need to constantly check emails, social media, online news, etc.”

Because it causes individuals to “lose concentration as their minds remain fi xed in an almost permanent state of readiness to react to technology,” infomania can actually cause you to temporarily lose twice as many IQ points as smoking marijuana.

When I was growing up, the telephone that hung on our kitchen wall was the source of many long conversations.

When it rang everyone in the house was excited to pick it up to chat with whomever was calling.

Now, many people prefer to not answer their mobile phones because they don’t want to be burdened by conversing with another human being.

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco talks about how excited his family used to get 20 years ago when the doorbell rang, and how different our reaction is now.

Like Maniscalco’s family, my siblings and I loved See CONVERSATION Page 16

Letters Hurray for the jabbed I just want to shout out to all the Fonthill and surrounding area residents. I am so proud to be among all of you (us) who are getting our vaccinations.

I check daily on the vaccine website to see how many shots are available and how many are being utilized, and I go "Yes" and pump my fists.

We are all doing our part and basically saying to hell with the protesters who think they're safe without the shot. There will always be stupids among us and, as my friend says, you can't fi x stupid.

But when they get sick they will be the first to say, give me a shot. Just like the Mennonite lady who got sick a month ago and then all of a sudden she is the biggest advocate of vaccines.

I just wanted to say, Yay us.

J. Vlym Fonthill

7

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

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The Voice

Page 5

A June 16 2021

OPINION Car wash variance discussion all wet It’s worse than it looks.

At first glance, item 10.2.6 on the Pelham Town Council meeting agenda of June 7, looks benign: a resolution to pass a fence variance.

After review of the accompanying documents and paying careful attention to the exchange among councillors and Town officials, I believe that the Town has taken this as an opportunity to state its position on this matter—its legal line in the sand so to speak, a message.

For seven months community residents have written to Town officials and councillors with impact statements and complaints about the noise from the car wash at 151 Highway

20 E., myself included. What I got back was nothing, and what I saw of what other residents got back urged patience and tolerance.

Imagine my surprise upon reading the accompanying documents addressing virtually all the issues and questions that I and other residents had been posing. What I heard the Town saying was, “Complaining residents, take note, this is our legal position.” But before I tell you what I believe that is, I would like to describe my general observations about the meeting.

Let me start at the end. Upon completion See ALL WET Page 17

Appreciates Crick’s story Well done, Trent Crick, for sharing your courageous story of growing up gay [A traumatic childhood over, but not forgotten, June 9, p.1]. As a mother of two young boys in 2021, I am committed to accept them in any shape or form they grow into, with unwavering support, and it’s stories like yours which helps me to do this. I would never want them to suffer in the way that you did, trying to keep this all a secret, although I understand that times were very different then.

I’m so sorry you went through this. I’m so glad you found your peaceful path in life, loving yourself and your choices without needing validation. After all that you went through, you’re a true hero. Your experience is so very important for the young kids (or older!) who are struggling to find the strength in their own voices so that they, too, can tell others their stories.

I’m sure it wasn’t easy for your mother when you came out, as being openly gay wasn’t acceptable, as tragic

as this was. I’m hoping the only response she receives as a result of your article is pure support! You’ve got at least one family here in Pelham who supports you.

As for the Town, hanging the Pride flag, installing the Pride benches, these are all encouraging steps in the right direction to help our residents (and visitors) know that “love is love” and we openly welcome and celebrate this.

Vanessa Atkinson Fonthill

I could have been a tormentor, too Heartfelt congratulations to Trent Crick for a moving and revealing piece in last week’s Voice. Anyone who read that reminiscence and still objects to such small acknowledgments as rainbow-coloured flags and benches just doesn’t get it and never will. What is so sadly ironic is that so many of those who object do so from the point of view of religions that espouse love and equality and acceptance.

I was not one of those who tormented Trent through his public and high school years, but I could have been. All that I lacked was the opportunity. There is no stronger influence on people growing up into adulthood than peer pressure, and when all your peers demand ridicule at best and hatred at worst of anyone who is or could be a “faggot” or a “queer” you follow their lead. I didn’t even know what “gay” meant when I learned to detest everything about anyone who might be gay. It took me until my late teens to question this rigid belief. Since then, the scales have truly fallen from my eyes and I am now proud to have many close gay friends whose affection and regard I treasure.

I truly want Trent to know that his suffering was not in vain, that his strength and bravery influenced the attitudes of those who grew up with him. I am convinced that many of those who made his life miserable have had the same epiphany that I had and are now both ashamed of their previous attitude and regretful of the stupidity that made them act as they did toward him.

Brian Green Fenwick

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

It’s patio time—but same households only

F

inally! Our Covid numbers have declined to the point where the Ontario government feels safe to start the reopening of our economy.

Among other things, outdoor patios can open, with up to ten people at a table. But! Not in Niagara. Last October our acting medical of health officer, Dr Hirji, enacted Section 22, which allows only members of the same household to dine together in Niagara, with exceptions if one person is the primary caregiver, or if the two people are in a relationship but living apart.

The 12 mayors of Niagara unanimously asked the doctor to rescind this measure, feeling that these extra rules are confusing and unwarranted given the number of vaccinations that have been administered in the Region.

The doctor refused, stating that he was not comfortable doing so until more residents received their second shots.

His concerns are based on a variant from India that one

shot of the vaccine provides only 30 percent protection against. So far, as of last Friday, only three confirmed cases of this variant have turned up in Niagara.

It’s great to see the roadside stands, big and small, starting to pop up in Pelham

Daily new cases have declined by more than 80 percent right across the country from mid-April highs with daily deaths and hospitalizations falling by the same amount.

In Niagara, our daily new cases have been continually below 40 for the past week, sometimes dropping into the teens.

On the vaccination front,

63 percent of Niagara residents have now had their first shot, with 8.4 percent being fully vaccinated. This week Canada was to receive another 5.3 million doses. n Town news, council voted to allow the City of St. Catharines to spend $250,000 on a yet-to-be approved conservation project in Pelham aimed at protecting the Twelve Mile Creek.

St. Catharines had been ordered by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to spend this amount due to some disruptive lakeshore work they are doing on Lake Ontario.

It’s great to see the roadside stands, big and small, starting to pop up in Pelham with early seasonal treats such as rhubarb, asparagus, green onions, and most everyone’s favourite, strawberries. Remember to help the local economy/farmers when you buy local.

Now, to find the little woman and go find a local patio to support!

Until next time… ◆

I

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The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Letters continued Fear of the unknown feeds bullying

A postscript

Pelham Art Festival says thank you

The fear of the unknown is no excuse for bullying and harassment. If only the children that tormented, brutalized, demeaned and did their best to destroy Trent Crick had been educated on the subject of sexuality they may have been respectful, friendly, caring and compassionate, but instead they acted in ways to demoralize and affect the life of an innocent boy.

Trent is to be commended for having the courage all these years later to publish his story as to how he was forced to leave our town. Likewise, his mother, who I have known, gave him the strength, courage, support, and above all else the love and encouragement to become his own person. Without it he would have succumbed to the abuse and been unable to share the plight of his young years.

Sexual orientation is not a choice...it is a biological factor.

A few of the most flamboyant, attractive, creative men I've encountered through work and life have been gay. They have brought artistry, understanding, comedy into my life, and given me friendship, which I may not otherwise have known. For all of that, I'm grateful.

Coming out is like breathing a breath of fresh air...a sense of freedom...the ability to be the person you are...with personality!

The freedom to remove the shackles and live life to the fullest.

Good for Trent and good for his mother! They've been there for each other since birth and now, at the age of 50, Trent can let Pelham know how it let him down but that was years ago and times have changed. He has beaten the odds and overcome his obstacles. Just look at him now...a survivor, an adult, a success!

Susan Harwood Fonthill

I would like to add something to my recollections of growing up in Fonthill that was published in the Voice last week. I wanted to clarify that not all of my childhood was bad. I was very fortunate to have a supportive family and a few close friends that made my childhood fun and memorable. It was just outside of the home that things were not good. I really wanted to stress that it was so incredibly important to me to feel safe, loved and supported by my family and friends. I don’t think I would have made it without them.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that has reached out to my mom and me. We have received nothing but positive feedback. I really appreciate the kind words and support.

Trent Crick Ottawa

We are so pleased to let you know that the first Pelham Art Festival Online show was a successful event!

About 60 artists provided unique original fine artwork in a wide variety of mediums and styles. The Youth Art Challenge and Poster Contest submissions provided extra interest to engage future artists.

May 31 marked the end of the official Pelham Art Festival for 2021. Although we are still sorting out statistics, we are so impressed with how customers came from all over Ontario, from as far as BC, and even an international sale was made!

It is clear that going forward, this new online platform will continue to be very useful. As with anything new, we have learned from this venture and anticipate introducing new ideas for further online experiences to supplement the next in-person for May 2022.

As in other years, 15 percent of artist sales go toward fundraising efforts to donate to the Pelham Libraries, fine arts scholarships, and to community art endeavours. That said, the first fundraising focus will be for the Pelham Library this year, since we were not able to make

a Library donation last year as the 2020 festival needed to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

We want to express sincere appreciation to the artists and to the professional curators. Thank you to all who visited the website.

Thank you to the sponsors and donors who helped to cover expenses and to the Fonthill Rotary for providing prizes for the Youth Watershed Poster entries to go along with the environmental theme for this year. We are thankful for recent news about a grant from the Town of Pelham towards the expense of the new website.

Last but not least, the Pelham Art Festival Committee volunteers have done an incredible job in meeting the challenge of finding a new way of bring the Pelham Art Festival to you when it became clear the Covid restrictions would once again prevent holding the large art show and sale at the Meridian Community Centre this year, and their work is greatly appreciated.

Heidi TeBrake Chair, Pelham Art Festival

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The Voice

Page 7

A June 16 2021

Former Pelham Town Councillor Gary Accursi dies

BY DAVE BURKET The Voice In a statement released Wednesday, June 9, the Town of Pelham announced that it was was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Councillor Gary Accursi," who died on Monday, June 7.

A retired dentist, Accursi, 72, spent the last 47 years in Pelham, including as a member of Pelham Town Council from 2010-2018.

Before joining council, Accursi volunteered on various Town committees and community organizations, including chairing his church board, chairing Big Brothers of Welland County, serving as a board member with Pelham Minor Baseball, coaching hockey and lacrosse, and being one of the Pelham Business Association’s founding members.

He leaves behind his wife, Mall, three sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren.

“I had the pleasure of sitting beside Gary for three years when we were both councillors,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “We shared our day-to-day living experiences, and his favourite stories involved his grandchildren coming out to help their grandpa on his farm.

Gary will be remembered for many things, for all of his contributions to the Town and for being a proud family man. His impact as a Pelham resident who cared deeply about his community and its future will be felt for a very long time. I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s passing, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Accursi family.”

At nearly 1900 sq. ft., the largest community room at the Meridian Community Centre is named after the Accursi family, who donated $300,000 to the Town during its fundraising effort for the new facility.

Speaking to the Voice in 2018, when he ran for mayor, Accursi recalled supporting the previous Pelham Arena fundraising as well, in 1974-75.

“At that time I was just starting my career and my wife was a stay-at-home mom.

We didn't have much. I think we gave like a hundred bucks. When they came knocking on our door and we said, ‘Man, we just had our first child,’ so we did what we could.”

Decades later, having retired from his dental practice and running a construction company, Accursi decided he could make a bigger impact.

“We felt like we're in a financial position where we could contribute to the project, and so we gave our money. We put our money where our mouth is. We felt we were paying back and paying forward. If we could do something to provide for our community of the future and our kids of the future, we wanted to do that. I have nine grandchildren that are coming up. They'll use it intermittently because they live all around the area.”

While on council, Accursi was known for his attention to detail—especially on matters of spending.

“I am not a member of a political party,” he told the Voice. “In terms of where would I

Then-Councillor Gary Accursi, during his 2018 bid for Pelham mayor.

DAVE BURKET fall, I would say I'm fiscally conservative, but I'm socially responsible. I think it's important for us to be cognizant of the least fortunate in our community and do what we can to help them. But I think it's also important that we as financial managers or asset managers for our community need to do the best we can do to operate as efficiently as we can with that money and use that money as carefully as we can.”

Accursi reflected on his arrival in Pelham.

“When I first moved into this community, it had just amalgamated [in 1970], they had just joined all the five little communities.

There was a great deal of angst around that.

When I moved here, Pelham was very much an agricultural-based community. Fruit farms abounded, we had, I think, three canning factories in our community at that point in time. As you well know, all of that has fallen off. Not through nothing that council had any control of, it was the vagaries of the economies, the marketplace. ‘What is a small town feel?’ Neighbors knowing neighbors, and engaging with their neighbors, and feeling safe, and all of those sort of things are important and we need to be aware of them, we need to work very hard to preserve.”

After time away from public comment, Accursi made a series of editorial contributions to the Voice over the last several months in which he offered his perspective on various aspects of current events.

“2020 will undoubtedly go down as an historically difficult year for all,” he wrote last December, “but like the dawn of a new day we can see a brightness emerging with the approval of the Pfizer vaccine, with several others in the offing. Keep the faith, stay strong, continue to follow Covid-19 guidelines, and we will all emerge from these dark days.”

Flags at Town facilities were lowered to half mast last week in Accursi’s honour.

The Voice invited Gary Accursi's former Town Council colleagues, and the Pelham senior staffer who likely knew him the best, to share their thoughts on his passing.

Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay

P

rior to Gary becoming a councillor he sat on the Downtown Beautification Committee. This committee was established during the reconstruction of downtown Fonthill. The construction was delayed and took a very long time to complete. This committee was determined to have a reopening celebration to assist the businesses. Gary was involved with Summerfest from the beginning. He was passionate about the community and being involved.

He devoted many, many hours to Summerfest.

Gary’s main task was to book all of the entertainment for the festival. This included overseeing the main stage. He was in his zone! Gary had endless amount of energy—many of us would say, if we only had Gary’s energy! He was an amazing generous man to give as much time and energy to the community. What an example, and he will definitely be missed by all.

Former Mayor David Augustyn

G

ary cared deeply about the Town and actively worked for many years to improve it. Through his involvement with the Pelham Business Association, he led the efforts for the Town to develop design guidelines for downtown improvements and for the revitalization of Downtown Fonthill. Once on council, he led the Pelham Summerfest Committee and

worked tirelessly to improve the annual event — so much so that it became one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario. He also worked to revitalize downtown Fenwick. Gary actively served on the oversight committee to ensure the community centre opened on time and under budget and with the business community for major gift fundraising.

Gary was very generous and caring. He was always professional and was “all in” with his commitments. Serving as a councillor, he was always well-researched and thoughtful and worked hard to represent the views and interests of people and businesses across the town. While Gary often brought his extensive business experience to our council discussions, he also actively promoted culture and ways to increase community spirit.

Gary was a dear friend whom I greatly miss. Carol and I offer deep condolences to Mall and family.

Former Councillor John Durley

I

t was truly an honour to serve the citizens of Pelham with Gary Accursi as a fellow member of council. He served with honesty, thoroughly researching every matter that came before council for debate, and did so with the utmost dedicated and ethical approach. His service to Pelham, not only as a councillor, but also as a devoted volunteer made See THOUGHTS next page

In Memorium Harold Abell Julian Adamcryck William Baker Lloyd Banford Alden Barron Charles Barron Kenneth Barteaux Kenneth Bedard Rev. Victor O. Boyle Alan Brown Fred Chappell Joe Chiavaroli Harold Coons Roy Coons Fred Cooper Nelson Denyes Donald Dixon Robert Dodd Raymond Drake Kenneth Gaylor Leo Giles Robert Giles Gibson Gordon Glynn Green Watson Helm Dwight Hodgkins Bert House

Burton Howell Harry Jenkins Donald Johnston George Kaufman Albert Kelly Raymond Kelly Fred Klager Gordon Klager Laverne Klager Fred Kyle Art Lafleur Clair Lampman George Leppard George Lowe Bert Mallion William Matthews Nelles McCann Fred McIniss Auston Minor Herbert Minor Wilfred Minor Clifford Moffatt Lawrence Moote Harry Mosley Earl O’Brine Brian Page Charles Page Wilfred Page

Jim Phelps Wilfred Poole William Prosser Leaming Reid Robert N. Reid Robert W. Reid Robert Reeves Harry Rogers Clair Romp Harry Saunders Ross Schwoob Bryon Seeber Doug Sharpe Bruce Slater Alvie Smith Ralph Smith Layman Stallwood Ralph Stallwood Bruce Stayzer Harold Stewart John Stubbings Norm Teasdale Blake Vaughan Jack Wade Fred Wardell Gary Wardell William Watson Fred White

Page 8

The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THOUGHTS

supported him and his family. Even at times when there was disagreement amongst us during our time on council, we mutually respected each other. As I look back and into the future, the impact of Dr. Gary Accursi will be everlasting and will be an extraordinary model for our young and old in the town of Pelham. On a more personal reflection, I shall never forget Gary and Mall’s kindness and compassion for me during some difficult times over the past few years. When the opportunity arises, I shall nominate “my brother” Dr. Gary Accursi as the Pelham Citizen of the year for 2020, if not for the past decade. As a good rabbi friend told me a few years ago: “Sorrow no more, because the departed is no longer in pain but in the eternal comfort, perpetual light and care of God.” Even though it will be difficult that he is no longer around, we shall never forget him!

continued from previous page this town a much better place. To Mall and the Accursi family, my sincere condolences. Gary will be missed but his memory will live on forever. Proud to have known and served with him, more proud to call him a true friend.

Former Councillor Catherine King

D

r. Gary Accursi fought his final battle with the same tactic he used throughout his life and that method made the great man we knew.

Gary approached everything he did with a zealous attitude and a determination to look at challenges as an educational opportunity. He was a professional with vision and drive, suiting the acronym “MGR,” for he Managed, Guided, and Reinforced by coaching and mentoring people from cradle to grave with passion and enthusiasm.

We, the residents of Pelham, who have known, worked or volunteered alongside Gary know what a truly great loss his untimely passing is to the community. Gary contributed in so many ways to Pelham and various other communities within the region and beyond. He was an astute businessman and left us with a legacy that will forever remind us of his generosity and love of life.

Former Councillor Peter Papp

I

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t is with deep sorrow that I bid adieu to a dear friend, political colleague, astute businessman, world traveler, community leader, philanthropist, dentist, and most importantly a devoted family man who embraced and overwhelmingly loved his wife Mall and his incredible family. I had known and worked with Gary for decades before he entered the political arena regarding the development of affordable housing; contributing to local and regional charities; supporting local youth sporting activities, especially lacrosse; promoting and championing local Pelham businesses; leading and supporting the initiatives of our local festivities, especially Summerfest, which became and still is one of the top 100 local festivals in Ontario. As a fellow councillor with whom I had the distinct and extreme pleasure working next to me for ten years, he carried out and fulfilled his responsibilities with vigor, focus, without prejudice, intensity, humility, conviction and commitment to the overall good of our Pelham community. His family’s personal gift of $300,000 to the Meridian Community Centre was and still is the largest individual personal donation. His quest as a mayoralty candidate in 2018 was truly admirable and inspirational. Even though unsuccessful, he continued to work behind the scenes on strengthening, supporting, and enhancing the growth and spirit of our town. He faced his health challenge with strength and hope. As past council members, we bonded together and when Gary was faced with medical issues, we rallied and

Former Councillor Richard Rybiak

T

hank you for the opportunity to talk about my friend and council colleague, Gary Accursi.

I had the privilege of working with Gary on Pelham Town council. He brought a huge reservoir of experience, knowledge, and logic to council table, particularly in the municipally central field of community development, along with very strong personal and professional ethics, values and principles.

He was brilliant: he could —and would—read, understand, analyze every report brought to council, and ask smart and important questions that inevitably led to better outcomes for the Town. He believed that anything worth doing needed to be done well and deserved his full attention and effort if he were to be involved —ask anyone who worked with him on the Library Board or on Summerfest Committee, or on Meridian Community Centre Oversight. He was fiscally very careful and hated waste, but he was also very aware of the need to invest in value and not be dissuaded by cost. I know that my fellow councillors and I agree that Gary's clear thinking and strong commitment contributed immensely to the many successes of our term.

Beyond and outside of council I came to know Gary as a loving and devoted husband and father, a successful professional, a person of science, and of arts, culture, and travel. He was a warm and caring human being who connected with everyone and made friends everywhere. And though he could be sharp, did not suffer fools, and cared about keeping the record straight and accurate, he was never mean, petty, or spiteful. He valued a discussion of views that differed from his own, and even though we diverged somewhat in our political views and in our understanding of what made people tick, issues of intense discussion between us, we could always finish the drink, part as friends, and look forward to the next time we would do the same.

I deeply regret that there will not be a next time.

Along with so many others, I will miss him a lot. But I will always be grateful that I had come to know him for the time that I did. My deepest condolences to Mall and all the Accursis. ◆

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The Voice

A June 16 2021

Flag raising kicks off Seniors Month

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent On Tuesday June 8, Pelham proudly raised a flag celebrating Ontario Seniors Month, and unveiled a seniors garden at the Meridian Community Centre.

“Pelham has a large seniors population, myself included,” Mayor Marvin Junkin said at the flag raising ceremony at Town Hall.

“I am continuously amazed at the work our seniors do in the community, volunteering and spearheading so many great activities.”

Junkin also acknowledged the efforts of Sharon Cook, the chair of the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee.

Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson told those in attendance that “seniors serve on a number of Town committees and give their time and dedication, their passion and expertise, to making our community a better place to live.”

She added that this year is especially important because seniors are facing isolation as a result of the pandemic, “and need a little more support and encouragement.”

The original inspiration for the seniors garden was to provide a place for outdoor gatherings and activities during unpredictable times.

Brittany MacLean, Active Living Programmer for the Town, said in a press release that “the Seniors Advisory Committee felt that an out-

From left, Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson, Seniors Advisory Committee Chair Sharon Cook, Pelham Town Councillors Wayne Olson, John Wink, Marianne Stewart, and Mayor Marvin Junkin.

DON RICKERS door garden to enjoy would be a great way to celebrate the seniors of Pelham,” and added that Pelham hopes to offer outdoor programs, socials, and events where the garden can be enjoyed when restrictions allow.

The garden is located in the Pelham Minor Hockey Courtyard, at the north side of the community centre, and a shade structure is to be installed soon to allow seniors to beat the heat during the summer months.

At the garden unveiling ceremony, Sharon Cook noted that “almost 20 percent of the population of this community is made up of seniors. That gives us a tremendous amount of power and influence…and we need to be using it! We have Town

councillors here…so take heed!” she said to applause.

Cook couldn’t resist pointing out that “some men were involved [in the garden’s creation], but it was the women who did the work.” She underscored the involvement of the greyhaired cohort in Pelham, asking, “Where would we be without seniors in this community, to volunteers for the Legion, the Kinsmen, the Lions Club? It's the seniors that are there holding it together.”

A calendar of events and available programs for local seniors can be found at w w w.p e l h a m.c a/55-programs. Additional information is available by calling 905-892-2607, extension 372.

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Page 9

Page 10

The Voice

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Twelve Mile Creek funding approved

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent After a three-week delay and continued obstructionist tactics

by Ward 3 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt, at their June 7 virtual meeting Pelham Town Council finally approved allowing the City of St. Catharines to spend $250,000 of its own money inside Pelham’s borders on a Twelve Mile Creek remediation undertaking.

While giving the green light for similar projects is generally considered a technicality, Hildebrandt had led the stalling of the approval — asking for a detailed report on the matter during council’s May 17 meeting.

While St. Catharines—who is spending the money at the behest of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)—was waiting for Pelham’s simple okay, Hildebrandt continued his objections last Monday.

“I have to make sure I am making the right decision,” the councillor said, despite CAO David Cribbs stressing at both meetings that Pelham has no authority whatsoever over the project, aside from giving the courtesy of an approval for its funding.

“What is the rush?” Hildebrandt asked.

Trout Unlimited’s Brian Green was on hand with a presentation to answer this. He explained that

any delay into July would force the project to next year, given that a great deal of groundwork has to be done first.

“If St. Catharines can’t get this done, the DFO won’t let them do construction they need to do on Lake Ontario,” Green said.

Essentially, Twelve Mile Creek has been gradually warming over the years —bad news given that coldwater streams are environmentally sensitive, not exclusively because of their role as a fish habitat. The project in question, off Pelham Street near the intersection of Hurricane Road, focuses on a pond that dates back at least a century, when the site was home to a cannery. Trout Unlimited and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) believe that re-engineering the pond can help cool the creek as it flows north into St. Catharines.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to make a real difference to Twelve Mile Creek,” Green said.

One stumbling block—and possibly an explanation for Hildebrandt’s interference —came in a letter to councillors from Brock University professor and former Town Councillor Uwe Brand (nicknamed “Dr. No” during his term of office), who wrote that a higher-priority pond for cooling exists further north, at St. Johns Conservation Area. Green ad-

A June 16 2021

dressed this assertion in his remarks to council, saying Brand’s evidence “is not very robust.”

Still, the fact remains that the project will take place on private property, at no cost to the Town of Pelham, with the approval of the land owner, and overseen by agencies from three levels of government—all of which are higher than Pelham.

Green acknowledged that the non-profit advocacy group Trout Unlimited was in competition to be the project manager, something he highlighted as a plus.

“There is a very real possibility that Trout Unlimited Canada would be chosen as the project manager for this proposed project,” Green said. “If that should happen … you have the added reassurance that a non-profit conservation organization will be in charge of this project. Not a developer, not a contractor, not a for-profit organization.”

Hildebrandt ally Lisa Haun, who joined bloc members Marianne Stewart and Ron Kore— as well as John Wink — in obstructing the approval in May, had earlier suggested using St. Catharines’ money to instead address erosion issues at Highway 20 and Hurricane Road, but this idea was shot down for multiple reasons, including the fact that some of that work includes Town of Pelham land. On the topic, Green agreed with Haun’s assertion that the $70,000 that Pelham budgeted for this erosion mitigation project will likely not be sufficient.

Back to the issue at hand, however, Green summarized it succinctly.

“I think what you’re being asked is to acknowledge that St. Catharines wants to spend $250,000 in Pelham,” he said.

“Period. Full stop.”

Mayor Marvin Junkin again

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca urged council to approve the matter.

“I just think this council is overthinking this decision,” the Mayor said.

However, when the matter went to a vote, Hildebrandt again made a last-ditch attempt to delay— asking for “more data” from Trout Unlimited and the NPCA. Cribbs again tried to explain the chain of command for the project.

“If someone was going to make changes to [E.L. Crossley high school], we don’t get to make these inquiries because there’s a competent order of government, which is to say a school board, that makes those decisions,” the CAO said. “If this application were to occur on Town-owned land … we would still not be the approval authority because we are not deemed competent to make this decision. This is not within our skill set or mandate.”

While Cribbs did say that Hildebrandt had a right to demand information, it was “certainly outside the norm.”

After Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson suggested that the data was widely available, Hildebrandt replied, “I expect people to give me the information.”

In the end, the approval passed 5-2, with Hildebrandt joined only by political ally Marianne Stewart in voting no.

In something of a departure, Kore sided with Junkin.

“I agree with you, Mr. Mayor,” Kore said. “The biggest checkmark is the owner of that pond.

He has the right to say yes or no.”

Variance for car wash sound barrier

Council voted 6-1 to permit the owner of the car wash at 151 Highway 20 East to construct a 15-foot-high sound barrier behind its facility. The issue has become a hot-button one in recent weeks,

with residents on nearby Hurricane Road and Stonegate Place complaining about dryer noise emanating from the car wash.

“I can’t guarantee this is going to keep the residents quiet, but I think working with the owners and taking this measure, is going to solve the problem,” Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner said.

The only dissenting vote came from Olson, who worried that the sound barrier would affect “the aesthetic of the community,” and suggested that between planting trees and having the car wash adjust its blow dryers, it could reduce the noise.

Wink disagreed, pointing out that deciduous trees would defoliate in the winter months anyway.

Kore came to the defence of the car wash owner.

“She went through hell last week, and I don’t think that was fair to her,” the Ward 2 councillor said. “She’s an upstanding businessperson in our community and she’s trying to solve the problem to the best of her ability. I guarantee you that fence will be in all specs, and will help in some of the noise. It’s never going to go away.”

Wink then attempted to insert an amendment that would have required the car wash to open an hour later and close an hour earlier, but the CAO urged a staff report on the idea given its potential legal ramifications. Lymburner noted that it was good time to update the Town’s noise bylaw in general, something that Cribbs agreed with.

“I’d be very happy to write those as separate reports,” the CAO said, saying the car wash noise barrier matter was far more See COUNCIL Page 12

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The Voice

Page 11

A June 16 2021

Man with a plan: Make the arches portable Grant request denial means a more cost-effective solution needed, says Bill Gibson

The Concept Wood Laminated Arches 6” x 6” x 12’-0” Span – 4 per module

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent A government grant request by the Fonthill Rotary Club, for funds to rebuild the briefly iconic Pelham Town Square arches, has been declined. Retired industrial designer Bill Gibson saw that rejection as an opportunity to brainstorm a more cost-effective option.

Describing himself as a “consistent optimist,” Gibson forwarded his new design — “in memory of my late friend, Bill Sheldon” — to Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, Director of Public Works Jason Marr, and CAO David Cribbs.

Gibson’s arches would be temporary and portable, and installed for festivals such as the annual Summerfest and Christmas Market, plus holiday celebrations and special events. They would have canvas awnings or “sails” to provide shade from the sun.

Marr had told Gibson that he would require any permanent structure to meet Ontario building code standards, which would mean a height in excess of

2.

19 feet in the centre, to allow passage of fire department emergency vehicles and commercial transport trucks. With a short-term, removable structure, the height restriction would not be as much of an issue.

“This is just a concept to get people talking,” said Gibson, and added that the portable arches could conceivably be used for other events in Fenwick, or the Meridian Community Centre, as long as the appropriate foundation was installed to support the arches’ framework.

“Ballast blocks would be needed for the foundation, with a steel column in the centre,” said Gibson, “and the Sunbrella arches frame would then socket down around the post.”

A network of support wires would prevent the arches from swinging in the wind, he said.

The next step is feedback from Pelham staff, councillors, and the general public.

“Before I start the final drawing, I want to make sure everybody's happy

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Design detail from Bill Gibson's submission to the Town of Pelham. COURTESY BILL GIBSON with it,” said Gibson. He is anticipating a Zoom meeting with local officials in the near future to discuss his concept.

Gibson said that the arches fund currently stands at around $100,000.

The disassembled arches could be stored in a rel-

overly complex.

“I could probably build the thing in my garage, but if I attempted that, I think my wife would divorce me,” he said, laughing.

An artist’s rendering is critical to the acceptance of his design, insisted Gibson.

“People respond best to

visual stimuli. It will make it easier to conceptualize, and achieve consensus.”

With the Canada Games coming to Niagara next summer, Gibson sees the arches as dressing-up the starting point for the cycling road races to take place in Pelham.

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Page 12

The Voice

VARIANCE

A June 16 2021

cillor Marianne Stewart asked if it specified a standard in decibels at which the sound became objectionable. Lymburner responded that “It's at the point of reception, and it's whatever the complainant perceives is annoying or disturbing.” He added that “the owners of this property have done everything we've asked them to do…they've dealt with us in good faith.”

Lymburner said he was confident that the wall will be properly engineered and installed, and added that, “This is a good opportunity for us to amend the overall noise bylaw, because there are a few other things that we need to fix in it.”

Cribbs explained that revising the bylaw was a half-year proposition, and would require significant public consultation.

A motion was ultimately passed that council direct staff to provide a report providing options and implications with respect to the carwash operating hours, and that council receive a staff report regarding amendments to the Town's noise bylaw

by December 2021. The variance allowing the oversized fence was also passed, with Olson being the lone dissenting vote.

Pat Gray, who lives on Hurricane Road and is a spokesperson for the residents, told the Voice that the proposed wall’s dimensions make it three feet taller than the average height of the Berlin Wall.

“Chief Lymburner has a clear bias towards commercial when speaking of the barrier fence,” said Gray. “The barrier is to keep the car wash quiet, not simply pacify the residents to shut them up.”

Gray insists that the barrier wall was never the residents’ idea. “All we’ve ever wanted was a sane look at what’s causing the noise, namely the old, worn-out dryers. Many residents believe Mr. Lymburner needs to give his head a shake and apologize for that insulting statement,” said Gray.

Mike Gallagher, who is an engineer with Rankin Construction, and also Gail Levay's son-in-law, is the point-person on the wall construction job. Given the green-light by council, he said in a telephone interview that they were “in the process of getting locates, and getting ready to get going.”

Gallagher asked if the Voice reporter was an “ambassador for the residents,” which prompted a reply that the newspaper’s intent was to objectively report on a matter of community interest. Asked if he felt that the Voice’s reporting had been biased, he answered, “Oh, absolutely. Yeah.”

But, as Gallagher added as the conversation concluded, “I guess you'll never please everybody.”

continued from Page 1 Councillor John Hildebrand cautioned council that in his experience, such fences, despite their height, do not necessarily block sound effectively, and that “noise is going to go over top of the fence.”

Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens was asked by Councillor Wayne Olson if a building permit was required for such a large barrier. Wiens responded that the wall is not a designated structure under the Ontario building code, and accordingly no permit is required.

Olson acknowledged and voiced appreciation for car wash owner Gail Levay’s 50 years of business in Pelham, and her long service as a founding member of the local Rotary Club. “Our bylaw enforcement is based on tolerance, compromise, patience, and eventually compliance,” he said, and suggested that the appropriate solution was to modify or refurbish the dryer-blowers within the car wash machinery.

“The fence that's being proposed is doing something totally different than what we're expecting here,” said Olson, who suggested that rows of trees at the property boundary would better serve the “community aesthetic.”

Councillor John Wink rebutted some of Olson’s comments. He said that Town staff have been working diligently to find a solution to the noise problem, and that the car wash owner has changed the traffic flow of the car wash such that the blowers are now at the front of the building, facing away from Hurricane. He didn’t see deciduous trees as being an appropriate screen for a facility that operates throughout all four seasons.

“I look at that the fence as an opportunity,” said Wink, who put forward a motion that perhaps slightly reducing the hours of operation of the car wash could mitigate the situation. CAO David Cribbs suggested that staff prepare a report on the matter. “We can provide you with some analysis of options and implications that are worth exploring,” said Cribbs.

Councillor Ron Kore said that car wash owner Levay “went through hell last week, and I don't think it was fair to her. She's trying to do her best and solve this problem to the best of her abilities.

She has hired probably the best contractor in the region, Tom Rankin. I think it will help with some of the noise, but it's never going to disappear.”

Inquiring about the Pelham noise bylaw, Coun-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COUNCIL

continued from Page 7 timely. “There’s an issue bothering people right now, and I don’t think we’d do them any justice by waiting six months and wrapping it into the longer-term fi x.”

Staff will return a report on the other issues in the first quarter of 2022.

Tree maintenance policy goes to public input

Council pushed back accepting a staff report on a Town tree maintenance policy until July 26 in order to solicit public input.

Ward 3 Councillor Haun suggested that work be done in “understanding the trees we are planting,” given that, for example, oak trees are a prime target of gypsy moths. As such, oaks may not be ideal for future planting due to potential infestation.

“When it comes to tree selection, part of the policy and mandate is to pick different species,” Public Works Director Jason Marr said, conceding that one never knows what a future infestation target could be.

The top objectives of the report state that there be no net loss of trees on Town of Pelham land, and that

efforts be made to increase trees. Species native to the Niagara peninsula are recommended to be planted wherever possible on public land. The policy also strives to enforce the rule that two trees be planted for every tree removed.

Outstanding property taxes

Council voted to commence the registration process for property taxes in arrears for two years or more, with only Mayor Junkin voting against.

This process has been suspended for most of the Covid-19 pandemic. Treasurer Teresa Quinlin explained that the registration process means just that, and that any overdue tax collection attempts wouldn’t begin until January. She said that six Niagara municipalities have started this registration process, while two are continuing to wait until pandemic restrictions are completely lifted.

Odds and ends

Hildebrandt attempted to table a motion that Pelham request adopting a 50 percent intensification target related to Niagara Region’s official plan, rather than 56 percent. Cribbs recommended he wait until receiving a report expected at the next meeting to do so.

“There’s another shoe to drop, which is information you’ve specifically requested and we’ve worked on,” the CAO said. Hildebrandt agreed. With the Town re-assuming responsibility for advertising at the MCC, Wink questioned why the advertisements on the ice are at a cheaper price point than the ads on the boards at the hockey rink, given that the former would be more visible.

Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay explained that it’s because ice is only in the arena for eight months per year, while the boards are year-round. The staff report on advertising recommends charging $750 per season for onice ads, and $1,000 per year on boards. There were 12 active cases of Covid-19 in Pelham as of June 7. Cribbs said that 18 picnic tables were sent out to local businesses last week as part of the Town initiative to provide the tables freeof-charge for outdoor seating areas. Junkin began the meeting by paying tribute to Town staffers Marc MacDonald and Leah Letford for their recognition by Niagara’s “40 under Forty” business achievement awards.

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The Voice

Page 13

A June 16 2021

OBITUARY

STENKOWYI, Maria (nee Silkiewycz) 1924 - 2021 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Maria Stenkowyi announce her passing at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in her 97th year.

Predeceased by her beloved husband John Stenkowyi (2011). Dear mother of Raisa Culliford and husband Keith and Valentina Robbins and husband Colin.

Cherished grandmother of Christopher Sawatsky (Renee), Natasha Sawatsky, Kristin Robbins, Lara Lenz (Derrick) and great grandmother of Johnny.Predeceased by her brothers Stephan, Ivan, her sister Anna and parents Isaac and Matrona Silkiewycz. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and care team at the Hotal Dieu Shaver for the care and compassion mom received while in their care. A special thanks to Sister Louise Dillon for her prayers and words of support.

A private funeral service has taken place on Tuesday, June 15th followed by rite of committal at Fonthill Cemetery. Those that wishing to watch a recording of the service please visit the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME Facebook page. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Hotal Dieu Shaver (541 Glenridge Avenue St. Catharines, ON L2T4C2). Online condolences may be shared at www. pelhamfuneralhome.ca

TO THE PATIOS! Sunshine and the cessation of stay-at-home instructions from the provincial government generated packed patios around Pelham last Friday. Ron and Marilyn made the trip from Jarvis, Ontario to enjoy a meal at Domenic’s on 20. “The food here is good, and the weather today spectacular,” said Ron. Wendy and Heather, from Welland, and kids Summer and Cooper had a shaded table for four at “one of our favorite eating spots in the area,” said Wendy. Phil, from Wainfleet, said he comes to Peter Piper’s Pub regularly, “primarily for the fish and chips, which are great." His friend John, from Fonthill, said that he “keeps returning for the chicken wings." Left, Phil and John at Peter Piper's. Right, Ron and Marilyn at Domenic's.

DON RICKERS

In provincial reporting, Pelham again FIRst

BY VOICE STAFF For the second year running, Pelham has beaten the rest of Niagara to the finish line in filing a provincially required financial statement.

The due date this year for 2020’s Financial Information Return (FIR) was May 31. The Town made its submission on May 19, the first of all Niagara municipalities.

“In world of municipal finance the Central Niagara mouse has roared again,” CAO David Cribbs told the Voice.

“Why should the reader care, beyond some base amount of civic pride? The answer is that not only has transparency been established in the Town’s financial documents, but there is objective proof

that staff have a good grasp of Pelham’s finances and can therefore provide accurate updates to council whenever required.”

Cribbs said that council in turn can make better decisions because staff can provide timely, accurate financial data.

“Kudos to staff, the volunteers on the Finance and Audit Committee and Town Council.”

Mayor Marvin Junkin was similarly pleased, telling the Voice that, “The finance department of the Town, lead by [Treasurer] Teresa Quinlin, continues to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and timeliness by this accomplishment. Their ‘get ’er done’ approach is very much appreciated by all of council.”

Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson, a retired Chartered Accountant,

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told the Voice that the FIR is an important element of the province’s Integrated Financial Information System (FIS).

“I have had quite a bit of experience with FIS as a contributor, a user and as an auditor,” said Olson. “FIS is an extremely disciplined and robust reporting process. It is not susceptible to manipulation because there are many internal controls. It takes skill and knowledge to operate the system and get the most out of it.”

Olson said that being able to rely upon the financial systems means that taxes are being properly recorded, the Town’s payroll is being accurately calculated, “and we are paying for what we have received and nothing more. That’s good for business and it is good for the taxpayer.”

Olson said that the Town’s treasury staff knows the municipality’s accounts inside out.

“It is pretty hard to stump them.

I am very happy to observe that the treasury staff is actively engaged in the pursuit of their professional accounting degrees. It is a point of pride for me that my profession, which has given me so much satisfaction, is being so capably represented by our staff and, indeed by the volunteers on our Finance and Audit Committee.”

Saying he supported a culture of continuous improvement, Olson asserted that this was “the true source of job satisfaction and job enrichment. As a Town owe at least this much to our staff. And we owe that much to each other.”

No other councillor responded to a request for comment.

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Page 14

The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Letters continued New DSBN policy on school naming The District School Board of Niagara is about to pass policy A-09, which says that, “Community members can refer their concern, share information or make a request to the School Council in question for consideration if they believe that a school in their community should be renamed.”

In other words, we as constituents cannot go to our elected DSBN trustee to voice our concerns about a name, so that the trustee can take this concern to the whole board. One of the responsibilities of a trustee is to bring

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 18 make a safe pass.

With so many adults returning to cycling because of Covid, I’ll grant that a bit of adult bike education is a good thing. Not everyone has the experience to negotiate busy intersections in the safest or most motorist-friendly manner, so tell us again. For the guys and girls in spandex, riding fancy bikes, obeying the Highway Traffic Act is a choice they will make or not make, just like the drivers they frequently scorn.

Children just beginning to ride, up to those aged

Open letter to DSBN trustees

to the board the concerns of the constituents. In this case, a school council will decide if the concern has “relevance” to their school, and, if so, then take it to the board.

DSBN will take away one basic responsibility from every trustee.

An unelected school council is not an appropriate body to govern such an important decision that will affect current, past, and future students, and also their families and our community.

A school name is extremely important and the whole board, who have the exper-

10 and older, are willing to learn about safe cycling, and the benefits will extend far beyond cycling. Being safe young cyclists demands they be aware of the environment they’re riding in, and those around them.

Cycling can teach kids the value of maintenance, equipment selection, and proper bike fitting.

They will learn to follow a few rules for everyone’s benefit and that they’re responsible for their actions and the consequences, all of which are good life skills.

The Young Cyclist's Guide is a downloadable, kid-friendly handbook of cycling safety tips and best practices for young riders

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tise in these matters, needs to see this and the only way is through our elected representative.

If you believe that our elected trustees should be allowed to hear our concerns and then relay them to the board, please email all the trustees at DSBN and let them know. The letters have to go in by this Friday, June 18.

To look up the whole policy, go to DSBN website and search “Report to the Policy Committee Policy A-09.”

Vilma Moretti Fonthill

provided at no charge by the Ontario Ministry of Transport on their website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/ english/safety/pdfs/youngcyclist-guide.pdf What may seem common sense to a parent, and important safety suggestions that may be overlooked because of their simplicity, are explained in a way that kids will get.

We all know that anyone under 18 must wear a helmet in Ontario, but do we know that ensuring this happens is a parent’s legal responsibility until the child is 16? Perhaps little Ruthie or Liam will be more inclined to wear a helmet if they understand not doing so might cost Mom or Dad $75.

The guide shows kids, and parents, that the “2-4-1 Helmet Salute” is the easiest way to make sure their helmet fits and is properly adjusted to protect them.

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My wife and I reviewed the revised policy A-09. When we read the section on “Initiating a School Renaming” it needs to be changed to include our elected school trustees! I believe this is a legal obligation of the DSBN. Otherwise this is a blatant attack not only on democracy but also our rights to an open and fair process.

An unelected school council is not an appropriate body to govern such an important decision that affects current students, past students, future students and all their families including parents, grandparents, businesses and the com-

should be two fingers above the eyebrows to protect the forehead; straps should meet in a V shape just below the ears; one finger should fit between the chin and the chin strap; it should not shift around more than an inch in any direction,” explains the guide.

Bikes on sidewalks is always a difficult issue.

As a parent, sidewalks appear safer than roads, yet sidewalks can be extremely hazardous for young cyclists. Cars pulling in and out of driveways require kids to be alert, intersections and crosswalks can be confusing, and uneven surfaces pose risks. Pedestrian interaction can be an issue if kids speed or lack courtesy, especially with older, less mobile walkers.

What age can kids safely leave the sidewalk to begin riding on select streets of Pelham?

The guide states, “Chil-

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munity as a whole. A school name is extremely important—you said it yourself in your policies. It can define the whole community by what and who the name represents. Your own naming criteria shouts the importance of this decision, so it only follows that the pinnacle of this decision lies in having the most accountable people included to decide the “relevancy” of the “renaming” in question.

Elected every four years, school board trustees bridge the gap between the community and the school board. Their job is to represent their community by bringing the community’s concerns to the attention of the board and to keep constituents informed of what the board is doing.

Paul Bryant Fenwick

dren under 10 years old should not ride their bicycles in traffic. To be safe onroad cyclists, good judgment and physical coordination is required. Children under 10 lack depth perception and the thinking skills required to negotiate traffic.”

Studies by Cycling UK suggest the age is 11, generally consistent with Ontario’s recommendation.

These are years of rapid cognitive development, and most kids are still anxious to learn new skills.

Basic skills like riding in a straight line while scanning over your shoulder for traffic, knowledge of simple hand signals, and changing gears to ride more efficiently can be confidence- builders for young cyclists while helping to make riding fun.

Applying the brakes in a safe manner on all road and trail surfaces may seem natural to parents, but it is another skill kids need to learn and practice.

Kids this age are open to conceptual understanding such as maintaining enough space around their bike to avoid hazards. Stay away from curbside debris, parked cars because doors can suddenly swing open, and signal turns and stops early so drivers know what you’re about to do. Getting trapped against the curb or cut off by a right-turning vehicle is a concept a 10-year-old can visualize.

Kids must know that when they’re on bikes, they’re considered to be vehicles. Anything they learn about rules of the road at 10 or 11 years old, such as entering intersections safely, riding to the right in traffic, pedestrian rights at crosswalks, will make them better drivers later, and certainly more conscious of sharing the road with cyclists. Watch their expression when they learn a 15-year-old cycling on the sidewalk can be charged with careless driving and fined between $400 and $1500 long before they ever have a drivers license.

I recently noticed a young male cyclist pedaling slowly up Nursery Lane. He wore his helmet like a beanie, bare forehead for all to see, and it was undone. I shouted out that he’d forgotten to fasten his helmet, but gave no lecture or suggestion of what to do. He stopped, fastened his helmet and positioned it properly on his head, thanking me before pedaling away. Four minutes later, helmet undone again and barely clinging to the back of his head, he was bombing back down the street beside a helmetless teenage girl piloting a shiny new mountain bike.

Strike when you can, Mom and Dad, the window to teach your kids to enjoy safe cycling may be narrower than we think. ◆

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Page 15

A June 16 2021

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IN THE NEWS Pitch In Week June 19-25

Pitch in Week is a weeklong community cleanup program that helps keep public places in Pelham neighbourhoods clean. This program provides all the tools needed to run a cleanup, including gloves, masks, recycling bags, and specially marked garbage bags.

The Town invites residents to work with their households to tackle parks, trails, streets or parking lots, removing debris and garbage and helping beautify these spaces. As a thank you to all volunteers for participating, the Fabulous Fenwick Lions have donated a $5-off coupon for their Friday Fish Frys. A limited quantity is available. The Town advises participants not to let children go off alone, not pick up dangerous items, watch for cars and be careful near roads, not carry heavy items alone, and observe Covid-19 safety measures.

Michael Bond trial adjourned until September

Legal proceedings against Michael Bond, a former Pelham resident who was behind the wheel when he allegedly struck and killed a 66-year-old Ridgeville woman walking along Effingham Street on November 30, 2019, has been adjourned until a judicial pre-trial hearing on September 3, in

Welland.

Judicial pre-trial appearances are not open to the public, being limited to the Crown, licensed defense representatives, and the accused person.

A new date will be scheduled thereafter to either receive a plea or set a trial date. Toronto-based Lawrence Ben-Eliezer is Bond’s legal aid lawyer. While Ben-Eliezer is in the process of reviewing disclosure documents and having experts prepare an accident reconstruction report, Bond is homeless, and living in shelters somewhere in Niagara.

Bond, 54, is charged under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act with careless driving causing death, driv-

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Golf lessons offered by World Golf Teachers Federation top 100 sanitary sewer laterals for teacher. All ages and all skill levels. Lessons held at Brock Golf SWAP program. To schedCourse. Call Doug at 905-327-1492. ule service residents are adPELHAM MUDFEST vised to call 905-735-1700— Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is Ext 3000.

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held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

Attention!

On Haist Street. Change Purse. Phone 905-892-4721.

NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION FOUND Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It Found: a pair of prescription sunglasses in black case. These runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. were found on grass boulevard at corner of Haist and Canboro on

Thursday, June 10th. Call 289-897-9398 to claim.

Great for students, BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE children, seniors, CLEANINGride SERVICE Theadults, Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive taking place on Sept.

7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support theFonthill Walker and everyone who likes Cleaning lady looking to clean homes in the area.FamCall References are available.

Call Liliana 416-879-4932 ily Cancer Centre. or 905-920-6536.

(905) 892-8690 fresh air and exercise.

WALKING CLUB FOUND Interested in walking in Pelham?

Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham 1 Gold Earring, was found on Steve Bauer Trail. Arena from 9-10 am and Thursdays at FonthillPhone Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There 289-820-6848. is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

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Page 16

The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

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Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham

Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com

Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca

Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com

Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com

Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

three times in the New Testament. The apostle Paul quotes it first in his letter to Rome— “For in the Gospel (good news) a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17) Paul quotes it again in his letter to Galatia (northern Turkey today) —“Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Galatians 3:11) And finally, the author of Hebrews (possibly Paul) writes, “But my righteous one will live by faith.”

(Hebrews 10:38) God is stressing the vital truth that salvation comes from sincere faith in who He is and what He’s done for us on the cross (and not on our religious or moral deeds). And after we come to faith, God wants us to continue to live by faith and be faithful.

the sound of the doorbell ringing as friends and neighbors dropped in.

Our mom would break out the coffee cake she saved for visitors. Our home took on a festive spirit as storytelling and laughter broke out.

Now what happens if someone has the gall to ring your doorbell, asks Maniscalco?

People turn off the lights, pull down the blinds and pretend they’re not home.

Before email and texting became the default modes of communicating, there were multiple opportunities to greet and converse with our fellow human be-

continued from Page 4

The bottom line

After beginning his short book with lots of questions, Habakkuk concludes by realizing that even though life can be tough at times, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (ch.3 v.18).

The “prophet with the funny name” is willing to live by faith (without knowing all the answers) because he now knows that God is still in control, and that He will someday right the world’s wrongs and answer all our questions. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who has a few questions of his own.

ings face-to-face.

We’d cheerfully talk about the weather or sports or just “shoot the bull.” We’d use facial expressions and hand gestures to emphasize our points. The act of chatting in person was enriching.

Now the art of conversation is dying out because we’ve reduced it to a form of two-dimensional communication that only requires you to tap a dozen letters on your smartphone.

That’s a regrettable trend — or, if you prefer, nothing to “ROTFL” about.

For the text-averse, ROTFL means “roll on the floor laughing.” ◆

X

NOVAVAX

continued from Page 17 possible whenever I’m in crowded indoor public places even after Covid-19 is no longer considered a serious health threat. By doing these measures I won’t likely catch the common cold virus, and I will have added protection against catching influenza, Covid, and its variants.

In conclusion, Canada’s vaccine rollout may pick up more speed soon. The American company Novavax will seek approval from Health Canada for its vaccine. A fi fth vaccine will bring this pandemic to an end sooner and we can return to a normal life sooner. Hopefully, Novavax will be approved by July, but only time will tell.

Brendan Young Fonthill

To the person who stole my glasses: I will find you.

I have contacts.

RANDOM

CONVERSATION

continued from Page 19

YUKS

FAITH LIFT

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 17

A June 16 2021

Letters continued ALL WET

continued from Page 5 of the meeting I was distressed about how little the councillors, with the exception of Councillor Olson, knew about the issue, and how willing they were to pass a variance for the erecting of such an enormous structure without an environmental impact study or a permit from the Town. This is not an eight-foot-high privacy fence they were approving here.

This structure is made of steel and concrete, 15 feet high and 160 feet long. There were virtually no questions or apparent concerns about how a structure of that size would change the face of this neighbourhood forever, and which may act as a reflector and amplify the noise to the south across Highway 20, directly into the proposed retirement residences. This seemed very shortsighted of council.

It's disturbing to think that this is the level of thought that goes into Town decisions. I would welcome a sound barrier, which would probably work for us— but probably not work for the retirement residences. There are solutions simpler than altering the landscape, disrupting the airflow, producing water runoff and erosion, sound reflection, and so on, all so that Ms. Levay doesn’t have to quieten her blowers.

It was also interesting to hear that, “both Chief Lymburner and Solicitor Stirton have flagged the noise bylaw as something that needs work and attention and that there are things that need to be fixed in it.” No hint was given about what those things are or what needs work and attention.

How curious it was to hear the Town solicitor say that bylaws are typically passed for the benefit of the general public as a whole and not for the benefit of individual citizens and individual residents. I'm trying to imagine when a barking dog or loud music or whatever would apply to the general public as a whole and not individuals, and why the definition of “point of

reception” refers to the premises of a “person.” Sounds pretty individual to me, but, as they say, “Baloney baffles brains,” or something like that.

Although Ms. Levay was not present, and her record of service in Pelham and with Rotary had no apparent bearing on the passing of a variance for a fence, it was obvious that some councillors felt the need to get it on the record.

Councillor Kore pointed out the hell that Ms. Levay went through the previous week, what a great business person she is, and that she should be given credit for trying to solve the problem (short of actually stopping the noise of course). No mention was made of the hell residents have been through for seven months, or their efforts in trying to solve the problem. Then there was a question from Councillor Hildebrandt as to whether this fence will just be another thing the residents won’t be happy with, although he expressed his doubts about how effective it will be based on personal experience with highway sound barriers.

Mayor Junkin repeated CAO Cribbs’ go-to line that the Town is not in the business of putting businesses out of business, as if that is what the Town would be doing in this case—which it wouldn’t be — but perhaps they believe that repeating it often enough will convince some people that it’s the truth, and that if poor Ms. Levay were to shut down her dryers, she would be out on the street.

Chief Lymburner extolled the virtues of the proposed barrier as if it was actually going to be built, saying how professional it will be, and citing the impressive credentials of the proposed contractor. Mayor Junkin quickly jumped in to clarify that Ms. Levay doesn’t have to build it (emphasis his) lest the likely-listening Ms. Levay felt committed in any way. Just to be sure there would be no misunderstanding about Ms. Levay being able to do as she pleased, the Mayor confirmed that point with the

Town solicitor. He also ensured everyone that the proposed Great Wall of Pelham, 15 feet high on a five-foot embankment, looming a total of 20 feet over Hurricane Rd —eight feet higher than the Berlin Wall—will just blend in and be barely noticeable.

Solicitor Stirton reassured council that the Town has no legal relationship to protect individuals or groups under the bylaw so no need to worry about risk of harm claims—comforting for anyone who might feel the urge to act in good conscience or put the suffering of seniors over the profits of three car wash people. It was also pointed out that the Town has broad discretion in enforcing bylaws, thus making the bylaws little more than suggestions.

Councillor Wink recommended that the hours of operation for the car wash be modified from 7 AM to 11 PM to 8 AM to 10 PM, forgetting that the time allowed for residential disturbance according to the bylaw is zero. If such a resolution were passed it raises the question of whether that might effectively allow the car wash to legally make noise during that time. If so, that would negate residents’ complaints about non-enforcement. Not the kind of help we’re looking for.

The one, lonely dissenter to the variance was Councillor Olson, who sounded like he was interested in actually solving the problem. He felt that the solution may lie in problem-solving at the basic level. No one seemed to care about that as it appeared that this meeting was just to praise Gail Levay and pass the variance, not to look for solutions.

Now let’s talk about the message. In my opinion the most important part of it is that the Town take the legal position that it does not have to enforce the bylaw and it’s not going to unless we can prove that the Town is acting unreasonably and in bad faith.

Town officials know that not only is this a high bar to reach, but that such an action would involve a costly court challenge. Another piece of this is our claim that the

known negative health effects of noise create a risk of harm to residents. The Town’s position on this is that in order for Town to be held responsible there must be a special relationship between the Town and that group, which they claim does not exist. Again, a challenge would involve legal gymnastics and court.

So the bottom line message is that the Town is not going to enforce the noise bylaw and they can’t be made to without an expensive court battle. It’s the classic big corporation against the little guy. We’re big and powerful and you’re not. We don’t care about any harm or suffering unless you can prove it in court.

A second part of the message is that Ms. Levay can try to solve the problem, or not, her choice, nothing to do with the Town, and she can build the sound barrier or not, her choice. And remember she should be given credit for trying, even if it doesn’t work and the noise continues, because heaven forbid she should “go through” anything.

So I think that pretty much sums up their message as I hear it. As bad as it is, finally we have an answer. The Town officially is not helping us, and any help we get will have to come by way of Ms. Levay’s goodness and mercy.

Regardless of what side of this dispute you are on, make no mistake about it, this applies to you —you’re the little guy without the means to fight City Hall.

You’re not them, you’re us.

Lastly, this dispute has revealed that the Town now wants to amend the noise bylaw. The question is why? Maybe because it favours citizens? Again, that’s you. I suspect the troublesome definition “unwanted sound” will summarily make its way to the dust bin, perhaps along with those pesky high sounding words about “public health, safety, welfare and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the Town of Pelham.”

Retirement residence developer take note.

Robert Reinhart Fonthill

Novavax the future Canada’s vaccine rollout might accelerate even further. A Maryland-based company called Novavax is close to getting approval from Health Canada. The pharmaceutical giant is hoping to get their Covid-19 vaccine approved by the third quarter. This means that Canada could have a fi fth Covid vaccine approved

by July. Justin Trudeau has announced that Novavax along with the MRNA vaccines will be manufactured in Canada, but we will depend on the American vaccine plants to ship doses before it is manufactured domestically.

Novavax is a unique vaccine. Unlike the other four vaccines that have been granted emergency authorization Novavax contains a part of the coronavirus itself. Novavax contains a spike protein from the virus and it has shown to be 96 percent effective against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus in its clinical trials. Pfi zer and Moderna deliver a genetic code from Covid-19 to train white blood cells to create antibodies to recognize the virus. The AstraZeneca and Jansen Inc. vaccines are being studied further.

German researchers have come close to figuring out who is most at risk of developing blood clots from these viral vector serums. One shot of the vaccines almost guarantees no severe illness for healthier individuals. Keep in mind that the vaccine’s protection will take two weeks to become effective. I received a Pfi zer shot three weeks ago and the only side-effect that I got was a sore shoulder for one day.

A second shot is still important to reduce your chances of catching Covid-19.

You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second shot.

Other vaccines work differently than the Covid-19 vaccines. The influenza shot uses a dead version of the virus. I fi nd this interesting because the flu vaccine’s effectiveness varies each winter. One dose of the influenza vaccine is never zero percent effective therefore I feel it is important to receive this vaccine every October as it will still reduce your chances of getting severely sick.

It would be nice if scientists would fi nd a vaccine for the common cold. This virus is too hard to cure, but the good news is that the common cold is rarely fatal. Like Covid-19, colds can occur in any month of the year. I will continue to wear two masks and wash my hands as often as See NOVAVAX previous page

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Page 18

The Voice

A June 16 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

For Bike Month, let’s concentrate on the kids

T

he kids are barely visible beyond the rise on Nursery Lane. You hear their laughter and chatter before you see four boys and two girls on their bikes, three helmets between the six of them. They ride to meet up and have fun, to get around Fonthill, to be cool. Perhaps the two boys on well-worn BMX bikes consider themselves cycling mavericks.

Nursery Lane’s not a high hill, but these kids are flying.

There’s just enough slope that you’ll buy homeowner’s sewer back-up insurance and pass on flood insurance. Two of them are

on the sidewalk, two are weaving down their correct lane of the street, and two are blasting down the oncoming lane, yelling and looking backwards over their shoulders.

I loved the sight, yet it scared me to death.

This is the guy who’s still proud of the scars he got around a hundred years ago while attempting to set a no-hands personal best and chose to ride into a roadside garbage can rather than reach for the bars at the last second.

This guy is also the parent who crossed his fingers every time one of his kids set off on their bike to A. K. Wigg or E.L. Crossley.

June is Bike Month in Ontario, and every cycling constituency is using the opportunity to advance their position—environmentalists, healthy lifestyle proponents, competitive cyclists, bike tourism and many others. Let’s concentrate on the kids.

To kick off Bike Month, the Ontario Provincial Police issued a statement announcing, “We see an increase in cyclists on our roadways. There have been 34 total collisions, including two fatalities, involving a motor vehicle and cyclist this year to date,” and then they remind bicycle and vehicle drivers “to respect all road users by making safety a top priority.”

The notice offered tips to vehicle drivers: maintain at minimum a one-metre distance when passing a cyclist, watch for pass-

Lucas Irvine and Austin McLaughlin take a break from cruising the streets of Fonthill. Cool bikes with bells, reflectors, and properly inflated tires combined with snug-fitting helmets help ensure a safe ride.

JOHN SWART

ing cyclists when opening a door into traffic, slow down when overtaking a cyclist on a road.

Thanks for this, but most Niagara adults are past being reminded. A very high percentage of Pelham drivers are respectful of and patient with cyclists. I am

hard-pressed to believe those who run up our tails or don’t give an inch as they pass don’t show the same contempt to pedestrians and farm vehicles that stray into their path. It’s not education, it’s attitude.

Likewise the OPP offered tips to cyclists: check for

vehicles and cyclists with the right-of-way before entering the intersection, keep your place in the line of traffic when approaching an intersection, ride in single file and to the right side of the road to help vehicles See BALANCED LIFE Page 14

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You may be confused about a love interest’s seeming lack of communication this week, Aries.

What may seem like silence to you could be patience to him or her.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 It may be challenging to see the progress you are making when it comes in small quantities, Taurus. Rest assured you are gett ing things done and moving along.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, others have a lot of interest in you, and that can lift your spirits — especially if you are looking for a new job. Being in demand also can lead to new friendships.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, the praise you deserve finally arrives. After all of this waiting, the recognition can be a bit overwhelming. However, do your best to accept it with grace.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, someone you haven’t seen in a while reaches out to reconnect. It may come as a surprise to hear from this person, but welcome him or her with open arms.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 It seems as if your financial investments and working relationships are moving along smoothly, Virgo. If you have plans to pursue new ventures, now is the time to act.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you may start to feel at ease in situations that may have put you on edge in the past. This may mean that you’re learning the ropes or that you’ve gotten experience.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, with so much high energy, you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to this week. You might even polish off your entire to-do list.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Positive new influences may come in your life through a new relationship or a career change, Sagittarius. Embrace the changes and enjoy the results.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you have all the support in the world but you may not be ready to embrace it.

Accepting help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows you are self-confident.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 You can fix problems for others or yourself with ease, Aquarius. In fact, others may start coming to you for help more often.

It can be emotionally fulfilling to help others.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, with a steadier financial situation and improved self-esteem, you have less to worry about what the future will bring you.

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Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays!

From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 19

A June 16 2021

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

The prophet with the funny name

F

or those of you somewhat familiar with the Bible, you might be thinking, “Which one?” After all, a lot of the prophets have funny names (at least to our ears).

For example, would you name your kid Haggai or Zephaniah or Obadiah? (My apologies if that happens to be your name.)

My wife and I try to help international students improve their English at Niagara College and Brock University. Sometimes when we see their names written, we’re not even sure which gender they are. It’s a bit embarrassing to ask as it’s probably quite obvious to them. Anyhow, the prophet with the funny name I’m referring to here is Habakkuk.

familiar?

We could easily reword these queries today to read…  Why did God not answer my prayers for my sick family member or friend?  Why did God not save us from the Covid pandemic?  Why does God allow bad people and bad things today?

A lot has changed in our world since Habakkuk lived over 2500 years ago. But a lot of our basic questions in life remain the same.

God’s answer

As you continue reading through this short three-chapter book, you begin to understand God’s

answers to Habakkuk’s honest questions. God assures his prophet that He is still in control and will fulfill His purposes which are described as “amazing” and “unbelievable” (see ch.1 v.5).

When Habakkuk responds with a barrage of new questions, God replies that justice will prevail in the end and that he needs to wait patiently.

Then a key truth statement emerges— “The righteous will live by faith” (ch.2 v.4). Incredibly, this concise truth is referred to See FAITH LIFT Page 16

Haba-who?

Some of you probably didn’t know that this fellow even had a book in the Bible.

I want to introduce you to him so that when you meet him in heaven (hopefully), you won’t be totally embarrassed.

He’s been called “the doubting Thomas of the Old Testament.” Why? Because he asked a lot of questions.

Asking questions is a good thing as long as they are honest and truth-seeking.

I had a philosophy prof at Western who taught his class to be skeptical and question everything. I did what he said and began to question everything he taught.

Anyhow, back to Habakkuk. In the first three verses of his book, he asked three basic questions:  Why did God not listen to his prayers?  Why God did not save them from their enemies?  Why did God allow injustice and evil in the world?

Do these questions sound

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Word Search: Dairy Goods

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards.

AYRAN BUTTER BUTTERMILK CAMELS CHEESE CLOTTED CREAM

COTTAGE COW CULTURE FACTORY FERMENT GHEE

GOATS KEFIR MILK PRODUCTS QUARK SHEEP

SKYR SOUR SPREADABLE VIILI WATER BUFFALOES YOGURT

Voice

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18 Canborough Fonthill Fulton Niagara-on-the-lake Stevensville Wainfleet Waterford

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Page 20

The Voice

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake

There’s no denying the appeal of dairy in home cooking. Dairy helps make foods silky, creamy and more satisfying. Cheeses in particular can make meals more rich and more flavorful, so much so that they can be almost addictive.

Layering cheesy goodness can set any meal apart. That’s just what happens with “Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake” from “The Pampered Chef® Stoneware Inspirations” (The Pampered Chef® Ltd.) by The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens. Freshly cooked chicken and homemade tortellini can be used for this comforting casserole, but cubed, pre-cooked chicken and refrigerated tortellini also works.

Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake Serves 6 Pasta mixture 1⁄2 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 garlic clove, pressed 1 jar (16 ounces) white Alfredo pasta sauce 2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese-filled regular or spinach tortellini 11⁄2 cups cubed cooked chicken 1 cup milk 1 cup water 1 cup frozen peas 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves Crumb topping 1 ounce grated fresh Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 cup fresh bread crumbs Preheat oven to 400 F. For pasta mixture, chop onion. In a 4-quart casserole, heat oil over medium-high heat; add onion and garlic pressed with a garlic press. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until onion is tender.

Stir in pasta sauce, tortellini, chicken, milk, water, peas, and black pepper.

Heat until mixture just comes to a boil; remove from heat. Stir basil into pasta mixture.

Meanwhile, for crumb topping, grate Parmesan cheese. Place butter in a small microwave-safe dish, microwave on high 30-45 seconds or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and cheese; mix well.

Spoon pasta mixture into a baking dish; sprinkle with crumb topping.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Tip: Alfredo sauce in a jar can be found in the pasta sauce section of the supermarket. Do not substitute refrigerated Alfredo sauce; it may separate and curdle during baking.

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A June 16 2021

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 to our family, ever since my grandpa stepped off the ship from Italy and started a job on a grounds crew in Hamilton.

With Grandpa’s move to St. Catharines, the name “Piccolo” echoed like a yodel down the canyon of the Niagara golf industry. Whenever I played with my grandpa and my dad, one or both would invariably know the manager, greenskeeper, and half of the grounds crew at any given course.

At fi rst, I thought all these people liked and respected Grandpa because they had no reason not to. But then my dad explained to me how he had earned this admiration. As superintendent of one of the private clubs in the area, Grandpa had a budget and know-how that was the envy of other courses around. “He helped out the small courses,” my dad said. “He could have ignored them—he didn’t need their help. But he was always generous with his time. That’s why people all over treat him like they do now.”

Today I’m a washed-up, once-decent junior golfer, currently happy to be in reverse retirement—golfing a few times a month and working all the other days. So take it from me: worry less about your score. Or, at least, forget about the last hole’s score when you step on the next tee.

Pay more attention to the people you’re playing with, especially if it’s your father (or mother).

My maternal grandfather was a model for this. After his death, we had a memorial bench installed at his home course, with a plaque on it that reads: “Odds are, one of these putts will go in.”

What the plaque doesn’t mention is that for Grampsie these odds were always slim. Despite being great at most other sports, he was a dreadful golfer who kept coming back anyway.

What I remember most about playing with him isn’t any of his shots, much less good ones, but how he talked to people on the course: the group in front of us, the group behind, the starter, the marshal—anyone around.

Almost all my favourite golf memories involve my dad one way or another, with some of the best being those late summer evenings when he’d come out and walk nine holes with me, the course empty but for us two.

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At the top of the list is a club championship I played in a decade ago. A two-day event, I had played decently the fi rst day but was several strokes back of the leader. On the second day, a Sunday, his only day off in the summer, my dad made an unsolicited offer to caddy for me. I was so excited that as I packed some inround snacks I even peeled a peach for him—the only way he’ll eat the fruit.

I played wonderfully. My dad helped me pick every shot and read every putt. Even amid pouring rain and a delay, I had the day’s lowest score and nearly won the whole thing.

I was upset at losing, of course, especially having been so close.

But I knew subconsciously then, as I know consciously now, that I’d received something more important than a trophy that day: the knowledge that it was better to lose having spent the day my dad there than to win all alone.

HE FATHER: It is very interesting as we age with our children how you get a better understanding of how you perceived each other as they were growing up. As with most things in my life, I entered parenthood without a plan or an instruction manual. You knew how your parents acted and had brief snippets of how some friends’ parents acted in certain situations. Pick up a few tips from All in the Family, Happy Days, Family Ties, and off you go.

Sometimes when trying to figure out what to do you forget to look for the answer right in front of you. What would you have wanted your parents to be if you could do it over again?

This is in no way to disparage my mom or dad. They did the best they could in a very different time under difficult circumstances. But if you could choose your relationship with your dad what would it be?

Looking back now, I just wanted to spend time with him. He had a tough job with long hours. Some mornings when I was off school I would get up at 6:30, just to hang out upstairs in the living room in the hopes he would ask if I wanted to go to work with him. His job wasn’t exciting. I just wanted to be there.

Same thing in the winter, when he used to go hunting with his best buddy Ettore. Wait upstairs early in the morning, dressed for a day wandering the cold woods, in the off chance

T

I would get invited along. I loved animals and was not a big fan of any of them getting shot, but for the chance to hang with Dad some feathered and furry friends must die.

I have to say in 25 years of being a father it never occurred to me that my kids would feel the same way. I was the only one of the four of my siblings who, as far as I know, made these efforts to get close to my dad.

As my son Samuel started taking more of an interest in the game of golf and started to show signs of being pretty good at it, I kind of went in the opposite direction.

I made a conscious decision to keep away from him as much as possible and let him fi nd his own way. As he started to enter junior tournaments, my heart would wrench as I dropped him off. I had seen enough parents load their kids up with unmeetable expectations and the life it sucked out of the game for the children.

Most junior events have rules against parents getting involved with their children during tournaments. I am generally in total agreement with this policy, but I also recall the day I caddied for Samuel as one of the most enjoyable ever spent on a golf course.

There are some absolute nimrod parents out there who should be institutionalized. These parents ruin it for everyone when they infl ict their behaviour on their own children and all other participants in golf tournaments (and hockey games, and soccer, and…).

I have been very fortunate to have been able to coach Samuel and Lily in various sports and through this spend some incredible time learning of and from them. Our third child, Tessa, never showed any interest in activities I could get involved in. At music I am useless at anything but listening and, though I did a mean tarantella with the Club Roma junior dancers in my day, that is where my dancing abilities were put to rest. I took her cycling once but the “scenic” route I chose, full of Pelham hills, made her cry. Yet there is light on the horizon.

She has now played golf twice in the last two years, which is quadruple her usual output. Perhaps one day soon we will do so together.

I realize more each year how meaningful time is with your children. You don’t have to be or do anything that is special to the world. It will be special to them. Happy Father’s Day to all. ◆

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