The Voice, March 16 2022

New criticism of Allison over Covid

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The Voice

by Dave Burket

Voice

BY VOICE STAFF At the time of Clapp’s One of two defendants death, MacInnes was arrested by police for the on recognizance—or 2020 murder of Fenwick court-imposed resident and conditions—for business owner these previous Earl Clapp has charges, one reached a plea condition bedeal with the ing that MaCrown. cInnes was to In a lengthy remain at home hearing held in at night. a St. Catharines MacInnes courtroom last also pleadWednesday, a ed guilty to a lawyer for Matcharge of atthew MacInnes tempted theft and Crown Matthew MacInnes. of property prosecutors FACEBOOK worth more hammered out than $5000— an agreement the incident in Fenwick on that saw MacInnes walk October 2. The Crown then free later that day. dropped its charge of secAn agreed statement of facts was read out before ond-degree murder.

Using a complex formuJustice Deborah Calderla agreed to by all parties, wood. These details are Justice Calderwood then subject to a publication ban. MacInnes affi rmed sentenced MacInnes for his past crimes and the atthat the statement was tempted theft to a jail term correct. equivalent to the time he MacInnes then entered had already served since guilty pleas to weapons being arrested for Clapp’s and drug possession for murder—the 515 days bethe purpose of trafficktween October 10, 2020 and ing charges laid prior to last Wednesday.

Clapp’s death, which ocIt is anticipated that Macurred on October 2, 2020, cInnes’s testimony will after Clapp apparently interrupted MacInnes and now be used in the prosecution of Jason Lusted Jason Lusted attempting to steal a trailer from Clapp’s during the latter’s preliminary hearing, which beproperty. The 74-year-old gins Monday, March 21 at was struck by a vehicle and 10 AM at the St. Catharines dragged 1.5 km to where he courthouse. It is open to was found on Highway 20, the public. west of Cream Street.

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Plea deal in Clapp murder case

PUBLISHER’S CORNER Corrections at the top: You know how the last two, going on three years have sort of blended together? True enough, but it’s not actually 2020, which is what we claimed last week via a Kinsmen ad for their upcoming home and garden show. Oops!

At least half the sponsorship was correct, though—Darcy Richardson, with Revel Realty, onboard again from 2020.

We do apologize to the Kinsmen and to this year’s additional sponsor, Salumatics, for the mix-up. The absolutely correct ad is on page 3 this week, and be sure to check out the show at the MCC on April 9 and 10...Wait, we’re not done: Our contributing news editor Don Rickers is a man of many talents and is outstanding in his field. Unfortunately, last week he was out standing in the wrong field. John and Joyce Sonneveld, who live on River Road in south Pelham, where they farm and rent out acreage, contacted the Voice to point out that the photo accompanying the article about developer Montemurro and builder Bettiol was in error. In fact, the photo was of land owned by the Sonnevelds. The Mariman Estates development is further south, at Farr and River Road. “We're really against that subdivision,” said Joyce. “I don't want people to get the impression it's happening on our field, that we're taking good agricultural land out of production to build houses, or that we even condone it.” John added that there is no drainage plan for the site, and lamented the loss of so much agricultural acreage every day across the province to development. You’ll get no argument from us on that one...The tipping point: Over the weekend, my wife and I watched a documentary about Lyndon Johnson, the US President of considerable accomplishment who unfortunately oversaw the Vietnam War debacle, and whose legacy has been tainted as a result. When the CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite came back from an assignment to Vietnam and pronounced the war at best a stalemate, Johnson famously lamented that if he’d lost Cronkite then he’d lost the war. I was reminded of this when reading Vilma Moretti’s letter to the editor this week, p.5, in which the former owner of Keith’s Restaurant and longtime community fixture has a suggestion for the so-called “freedom convoy” folks. I opined to my much better half that if a cause has lost Vilma Moretti, who notably steers a neutral course, then that cause is lost...

So much support: This week’s issue carries ample evidence of local support for Ukrainians in their fight for survival against an actual fascist tyrant. Now a Leger poll confirms what’s been clear on social media: Putin has his supporters among various zealots. Among Conservatives, 5 percent favour Putin.

Among People’s Party of Canada members, 12 percent. Almost equally nauseating? Some 19 percent—nearly 1 in 5—Green Party members favour neither side. How is this morally possible?...Ending with a hot tip: Note to self—stop parking next to Dodge Journeys (p.20)...Hold on, soothing bonus tip: All Carina Organics hair and skin products now on sale at PharmaChoice (ad, p.7). See you next week. ◆

A March 16 2022

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SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

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

Friday, March 4 Medical assistance, Station 1 Saturday, March 5 Motor vehicle collision, Twenty Rd., Station 3 Monday, March 7 Motor vehicle collision, Twenty Rd., Station 3 Medical assistance, Station 1 Tuesday, March 8 Motor vehicle collision, Canboro Rd., Station 2 Smoke in the building, Berkhout Ter., Station 1 Odour investigation, Emmett St., Station 1 Wednesday, March 9 Detector activation, Marlene Stewart Dr., Station 1 Thursday, March 10 Odour Investigation, Effingham St., Station 1 Vehicle fire, Victoria Ave., Station 3 Friday, March 11 Vehicle fire, Highway 20 E, Station 1

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Devin J. ATACK, 19, Welland Christopher R. BOIVIN, 31, Niagara Falls Rebecca J. JOHNSTON, 33, St. Catharines Gerald J. WHITE, 76, Niagara Falls Taylor P. MENGER, 28, Welland John N. RUSSELL, 60, Welland Thomas R. COBURN, 32, St. Catharines Kayla P. ROSE, 30, Niagara Falls Mary E. HICKS, 39, St. Catharines Adekunle O. ADEBOWALE, 39, Lincoln Sibusiso T. MTSHEDE, 36, Fort Erie Varinder K. MASIH, 61, St. Catharines Scott D. PARSON, 42, St. Catharines 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.

OF THE WEEK!

Vacation Time Machine April 22 2015

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.

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The Voice

Page 3

A March 16 2022

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Water, Covid, gypsy moths on agenda

municipalities on masking and corporate vaccination policies, and have a report returned to council April 4. There has been criticism in some quarters of the province’s plan to lift most masking mandates as of March 21.

Despite decreasing hospitalization and ICU numbers across the country, Pelham recorded 192 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the 28 days preceding March 7. Eighty-four percent of Niagara residents have received at least two vaccination doses, which is slightly behind the provincial percentage but ahead of the national number.

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent Pelham Town Council approved a Trout Unlimited-led project to redesign an outflow of the East Fonthill storm water drainage pond at its March 7 meeting. Last year council approved up to $70,000 for the project, but had trouble attracting contractors. By giving Trout Unlimited, a non-profit group, design say over the matter, it is hoped environmental impacts will be properly addressed.

Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun wanted two questions answered before lending her support — whether full design drawings would be provided, and an assurance more money wouldn’t be asked for later. While the first question was answered affirmatively, Trout Unlimited’s Brian Green said that “it remains to be seen” where the final budget lands.

Haun said she would not support any more Town money going

Spray plan approved

Pelham Town Council meets virtually on March 7. towards the project, but gave her endorsement in a unanimous vote.

Also related to storm water drainage, council dealt with a resident request regarding amending a structure bylaw in the Lookout neighbourhood. Various homes on Philmori Boulevard currently bar backyard structures because they could add pressure on the slope.

The resident was asking for an amendment to change the current limit of structures from being built 15 metres from the rear lot line to 7.5 metres. Ward 3 Councillor Bob

Hildebrandt asked if such construction changes could withstand “100-year rainfall events,” some of which have already happened in Niagara over the last few years.

According to Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has expressed no concern over the changes.

Covid-19 update

CAO David Cribbs said that Town staff believes it is at the point in the pandemic where it

YOU TUBE

can stop convening weekly Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meetings.

“It’s appropriate at this point in time to stop calling the EOC for its weekly meeting,” the CAO said. “Rather our Control Group, which is [made up of] five staff, will continue meeting in its place on Monday mornings.”

Cribbs said the EOC can always be reactivated if necessary.

Ward 2 Councillor John Wink moved a successful motion to have staff survey neighbouring

The 2022 gypsy moth spray program was approved by council, at a cost of just under $150,000.

Most of this is budgeted for the aerial spray component, again coordinated by contractor Zimmer Air. This year’s spray blocks are heavily centred on the Town’s rural zone, and Wink asked why a specific area in northeast Fenwick wasn’t included. Public Works Manager Ryan Cook said the plan came down to budget restrictions.

“Unfortunately we’re just not able to spray all of them,” Cook said. “We really wanted to concentrate on areas we hadn’t sprayed previously.”

Allison faces sharp criticism over latest petition move After appearing to support use of livestock dewormer last year, Niagara West MP endorses call for banning Covid vaccinations

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent Niagara West MP Dean Allison has once again found himself ensnared in controversy after the Conservative presented a citizen’s petition in the House of Commons on March 2 that aims to outright suspend Covid-19 vaccinations for all Canadian “pregnant women, children, youth, and adults of child-bearing age.”

The petition, created by University of British Columbia neurology professor and vaccine opponent Dr. Steven Pelech, was signed by some 33,000 Canadians between December and January. It calls for the banning of vaccinations “until the ongoing shortand long-term safety trials are fully completed and published in peer-reviewed journals.”

However, several peer-reviewed articles on mRNA vaccine safety al-

ready exist, and have been widely available for more than a year.

In addition to his tenured position as a UBC professor, Pelech is also president of Kinexus, a Vancouver-based biotech firm.

In an identical statement provided to other media outlets, Allison did not directly clarify to the Voice why he supported a petition that would suspend vaccinations after 81 percent of the country’s total population has already received at least two doses.

“The goal of all Canadians during this very difficult pandemic has been to save lives. I am certain of this,” the statement read.

“Whether it’s through vaccines, antivirals, therapeutics, or other methods, my goal and top priority has and will always be to advocate for the best, the

safest and the most effective ways to save lives.

“This also means having honest and sometimes difficult conversations about all possible avenues to get there. It also means asking tough questions about these avenues to ensure that all bases are covered, and Canadians continue to receive accurate, and most up-to-date information possible regarding the government’s methods of handling this pandemic.

Whether the data is showing none, mild or severe side effects from inoculation, or kids faring poorly or well when infected, and even Omicron’s strength compared to other strains, these are conversations that must be had, and tough questions must be asked.”

Allison has been participating in parliamentary business remotely, and has apparently received a vaccination medical exemption. He was criticized during last year’s election cycle for promoting the use of Ivermectin — a livestock medication with limited recommended human use against parasitic worms — to treat Covid-19.

St. Catharines Liberal MP Chris Bittle called the petition Allison submitted

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“scientifically inaccurate and easily disprovable,” and criticized his neighbouring MP’s behaviour throughout the pandemic.

“It’s all part of a continued narrative from Dean in terms of being on the

The Voice asked Bittle if he believed Allison was playing politics in a Niagara West riding where the far-right People’s Party of Canada (PPC) captured more than seven percent of the vote in the last federal elec-

"If you're going down a dangerous wormhole where you're chasing conspiracy theories, what are you doing as a party or a politician?"

wrong side of information during the pandemic,” Bittle told the Voice. “And it’s disappointing when lives are on the line.”

Allison’s social media channels have waded into polemical territory of late, including blanket support for the Ottawa trucker convoy, heavy criticism of both law enforcement and media, and a March 4 retweet of a right-wing news website article hinting at a conspiracy theory involving the Canadian government and the World Economic Forum.

tion.

“Perhaps, but if you’re going down a dangerous wormhole where you’re chasing conspiracy theories, what are you doing as a party or a politician?” Bittle said. “But it’s also troubling, the silence from the leaders of the Conservative Party, whether it was Erin O’Toole or Candice Bergen.

The Conservative Party is a major political party in this country, and lending legitimacy to dangerous conspiracy theories gives these theories credit. And

even having to have [Niagara Medical Officer of Health] Dr. Hirji come out and criticize it, elevates the conspiracy theories.”

Bittle was referring to Hirji being asked repeatedly about Allison’s petition last week.

“The safety of mRNA vaccines was carefully studied through multi-phased clinical trials before being licensed for use in children over the age of 12,” Hirji told the Voice in a statement. “That safety has been confirmed through the experience of tens of millions of children around the world who are vaccinated. Public Health Ontario has published a comprehensive summary of all the research on fertility which has identified no link between mRNA vaccinations and infertility. This is research from peer-reviewed journals as the petition requests.”

Bittle says Allison is helping create a “dangerous” situation.

“Dean has a platform, as we all do as elected officials, and we have to be responsible in using that,” the MP said. “And if facts are absent and conspiracy theories are prevalent, it is creating a dangerous place in our society.”

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The Voice

A March 16 2022

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OPINION

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

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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

On the brighter side of Niagara

T

here are a number of private and public entities that are the backbone of the Niagara Region’s prosperity and image. This area of the province shines much brighter by their presence and contributions. Two of these institutions from the educational sector have established reputations as being among the best, if not the very best, in a number of categories.

We are referring here to the two post-secondary institutions of Niagara College and Brock University.

Too often one of the shortcomings as citizens of the peninsula is that we take some of our greatest assets for granted. Assets such as Brock University and Niagara College are the envy of many communities across the province and even wider.

Unfortunately, in the brievity of this column I can only tip my hat to the presence of the College. To be certain, I greatly admire the contributions and accomplishments of Brock University. The Niagara Region is fortunate to have both of these educational facilities that are interconnected in some academic program-

ming.

In the interests of full disclosure, I had the honour of being among the first academic staff hired by Niagara College when it was established in Welland in 1967. Clearly, I admit to a bias when recognizing the efficacy of this genuinely dynamic institution. I was a member of the College’s faculty for many years and truly enjoyed that experience. I will try my best to be objective.

When the College opened in 1967 there were about 450 students and maybe a total of fewer than 50 academic and administrative staff. The initial small metal building was situated on the outskirts of Welland and attracted students from across the Region and some few from further distances. I got to know a high percentage of that first student population and greatly admired their tenacity to enroll in one of the new colleges of applied arts and technology (CAATs). After all these years since my retirement I am aware of many successful career achievements among the many thousands of graduates of the College.

Each and every year since

NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre Distress and crisis.

24-hour help line: 905-688-3711 Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting.

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Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-811-3887.

Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth.

416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca

Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll-free) Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text - 274637 (CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR Don Rickers

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger

CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Michael Coren, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

it’s opening the College has grown dramatically and has achieved many milestones and instituted many innovations. It’s growth has been led by six capable presidents and devoted academic and administrative staff.

From that modest beginning in Welland, the College has grown dramatically in size, offerings and achievements. It has grown to be housed on two large campuses—the original site in Welland and the newer, beautiful Glenridge campus in St. Catherines. The student population has grown to be more than 10,500 full- time students enrolled in some 130 programs of study that address the present and future needs of a large number of sectors of the economy. Additionally, there 6,000-plus parttime students. Notably, and due to the reputations of its programs, a large percentage of the students are from of countries throughout the world.

The people of the Niagara Region should be very proud of Niagara College (Go, Knights, Go!) and Brock University (Go, Badgers, Go!). ◆

Letters Don't just reward the vaccinated I’m writing in response to Dr Hirji’s recent suggestion that “Providing rebates of OHIP premiums would actually be a way to give money back to people, and would probably do a lot more social good,” and, “It just makes logical sense in order to keep hospitalizations and the health burden down. So give people a reward for having done their part for community health [by being vaccinated against Covid 19].” [“Hirji: Give fully vaccinated Ontarians an OHIP tax rebate,” March 2, p.10.]

This is a fantastic idea, and maybe his

next suggestion could be that residents who aren’t obese also get a rebate because they aren’t burdening our health care system with extra risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, joint complications and other risks associated with obesity.

Maybe non-smokers can get rebates because they are at less risk of various cancers, heart disease, lung disease, and preterm labour.

See REBATE next page

7

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033

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Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805 Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

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The Voice

Page 5

A March 16 2022

OPINION Paralympics lesson for “freedom convoy” I remember watching the news in the ‘60s and seeing images of the war in Vietnam. Those pictures came from perhaps a day before or a week before, Now, I am watching the war in Ukraine in real time.

Then, as now, I am horrified with what I see and feel so powerless.

What helps me out of the desperation that I feel is watching the Paralympics in Beijing. We have followed many mandates, but I believe that “Watch the Paralympics for an hour a day” should have been one of them.

By watching these athletes, from whatever country and in whatever event, is indeed uplifting. Just to realize what they have overcome gives me hope. Our Canadians have proven that they have surely overcome

by doing exceptionally well. At the close of the games, Canada stood third in gold and overall medal counts (Ukraine was second).

They have shown all of us what our flag stands for—true sportsmanship.

I may be out of line by writing this, but since I am old and just a little cynical, I have an idea for the “freedom convoy” participants: I’m sure if you asked, you would be able to raise enough money from your sources to put you on a plane and fly you to Ukraine. There, you would really be “fighting for freedom” by driving a truck full of humanitarian aid to the people who are under siege and starving—just a thought.

Vilma Moretti Fonthill

Canadian flag stronger than its exploiters Two flag-related themes appeared in the March 9 issue of the Voice. In his excellent letter to the editor, Chris Patterson declares his disgust with the “backwoods-bearded man-children” who think they are freedom fighters, and says that he will never look at the Canadian flag the same way again.

I would suggest to Mr. Patterson that he not allow these insurgents to get on his nerves with the tainting of our flag. Their use of the flag as a prop in their “cause” is maddening, but all we can do about it is express our disgust and move on. The flag

hasn’t been permanently tainted.

Next there was a picture of “Mr. Freedom,” who draped himself in the Red Ensign, the unofficial flag of Canada until our Maple Leaf flag was officially adopted in 1965. By some stretch of his imagination “Mr. Freedom” thinks that the Red Ensign will represent his “cause.” However, to me the picture shouts out, “Look at me! I’m living 57 years in the past!”

David Fowler Wainfleet

Councillor Haun correct to worry about slippery slope As a Pelham citizen and taxpayer I was deeply disturbed when watching the live feed of the Town of Pelham’s March 7th council meeting.

The reason for my discomfort was the presentation from Trout Unlimited Niagara, where they asked the Town for $70,000 to complete a study of the erosion problem that has been an issue at Rice Rd. and Highway 20.

I was aware that a motion was passed some time ago in which council approved $70,000 to remediate and fi x this erosion problem.

When a tender was let out by the Town which came in at a substantially higher price, the job was not awarded. This is why I was surprised to see another motion put forth to give $70,000 to Trout Unlimited.

This money would not include any remediation work or permits, and I am not sure why the Town of Pelham is giving Trout Unlimited the authority to act on their behalf when we have a very capable Engineering Department that usually carries out this work.

I am not sure how Trout Unlimited got in the position of becoming a delegation to ask for this money but after watching their

presentation I feel that they were misleading the council members. I also believe that if special interest groups can start to do the Town’s “bidding” for them then this will only result in the advancement of this group’s own agenda which may not align with the best interests for the Town.

Their slide show depicted volunteers on various sites although not one photo was of the Rice Rd. site that is in question. Trout Unlimited is not a fi rm that can carry out any type of investigative or assessment measures and by their own admission would have to hire another fi rm to do so.

It is interesting to note that later on in the meeting Trout Unlimited stated that the Rice Rd. pond was a poor design. In the same breath, however, they said that they are not wanting to point fingers at anyone.

I believe that Lisa Haun and Bob Hildebrandt had it right (in a previous council meeting) that whoever is responsible for this should be held accountable.

Councillor Haun also expressed some concern regarding the fact that if passed this motion would result in the Town giving a special interest group mon-

REBATE

continued from previous page Or maybe people who don’t drive under the influence will be rebated because they are at less risk of causing car accidents and injuring other people or themselves, and thus adding to ER visits.

While he’s at it, he might just want to give everyone a rebate, stop OHIP all together, and only charge residents who actually use the healthcare system.

That way no one is being an excessive burden on our system, people are being rewarded for doing their part, and the only people paying would be those who are using the services. Much more logical sense in rewarding those who do their part and don’t burden our healthcare system.

Kelly Slingerland Welland

ey to hire a fi rm to conduct design work on the Town’s behalf. I believe that Councillor Haun was wondering why the Town just doesn’t hire this fi rm themselves.

She also asked what that this so-called “seed money” of $70,000 would get the Town in terms of deliverables and also made it clear that she would not be supporting any further amounts of money in this

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Mayors set to rescind emergency pandemic order

T

his Monday, the 14th, the 12 mayors of the Region were to hold a meeting and agree to rescind the emergency order related to the pandemic, which was put in place over two years ago. This action mirrors the steps other Regions have taken throughout the province. It also aligns with the province ending mask mandates on March 21 for most public indoor situations and all schools. Anyone who does not want to stop wearing masks at this time is free to continue to do so. It is quite obvious to me from the emails I receive that there is a wide range of feelings about the elimination of the mask, with most looking forward to unmasking. Others apparently need more time to make this adjustment to life without them. Hopefully wherever one stands on this issue we will respect each other’s choice to mask or not.

Last month, Canada’s employment numbers went

up by some 337,000 new jobs. I have no doubt that with the elimination of all Covid protocols the employment numbers will continue

case. I am not sure exactly what the promised deliverables are here but one thing that can be noted is that Trout Unlimited said that they cannot guarantee that they will not be asking for more money nor can they guarantee the funding that they are hoping to raise through private and pub-

lic donations will actually come through.

All in all I get the feeling that Town Council members got mislead into believing that Trout Unlimited has some professional insight into this very serious and critical erosion issue. I would have expected the Trout Unlimited pre-

"We must all keep our wits about us and be on the lookout for these scams"

to climb as Canadians adjust to normality. With this normality comes the ability to travel to not only the grocery stores but, dare we think it, travel to another country, perhaps a warmer destination?

The month of March has been designated National Fraud Prevention Month.

The Niagara Regional Police Service will be using this opportunity to share enhanced safety messaging with all residents in Niagara.

In the past month of February there were 44 documented incidents of scams targeting seniors in our communities.

In ten of these incidents the scammers were able to rob some $120,000 dollars from their victims. These thieves were however unsuccessful in their attempts for another $200,000 from the vulnerable. I personally get two or three text messages a week attempting to get me to take various actions related to banking. We must all keep our wits about us and be on the lookout for these scams.

If in doubt call the police.

They are more than willing to advise at all times.

I noticed some daffodils popping their heads up through the earth the other day at least an inch in height. It is amazing what the sight of new life does for the soul, especially after a long winter! ◆

sentation to come prepared with an initial assessment of the issues at hand and also a few ideas of ways to combat these problems.

During their entire presentation there was not any reference to the established facts of the erosion issue.

See SLIPPERY next page

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

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Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 4000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Page 6

The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION COMMON DECENCY Rev. Michael Coren

This time around, no free pass for Leslyn Lewis

H

aldimand–Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis has announced that she’s running for leadership of the Conservative Party.

It’s not the first time, and back in 2020 she did surprisingly well, and rather shocked the party establishment.

Partly because she’s a black woman, but also because she’s a committed social conservative.

It’s a fierce challenge, for party as well as country. For the former, because most Canadians are fairly progressive on issues of life and sexuality and, as Peter MacKay said last week, “When you open the door to a crack of daylight on these social issues, it becomes very, very difficult to win the country, to present the party as modern, inclusive, as a party that is committed to focusing more on the economy than debating the past.”

For the latter, because it would mean that subjects of profound personal sensitivity might suddenly be reopened. Lewis has handled herself with great decorum around these themes but it must be said that she’s also received quite gentler questioning from the media. Whether that will change now is open for debate.

In March 2020, when discussing LGBTQ issues, she said, “I didn’t march in the parade before I became a politician, and I would feel that it’s very disingenuous for me to use a particular vulnerable group to advance my political career.”

That’s a much better crafted response than the bluster of former leader Andrew Scheer, but it’s also disingenuous — if not misleading. What does it actually say about her commitment to Canadians who are LGBTQ and her support for equal marriage? In the same CBC interview, she said that,

“If you are ready to treat every Canadian with equal dignity and respect, it doesn’t matter whether or not you march in a parade. That’s a personal choice.”

But here’s the point. That answer assumes a pre-existing, level playing field of rights, and that’s simply not the case. Participating in Pride is, in itself, a public statement that you indeed believe that every Canadian should be treated equally, precisely because the gay community has been treated so badly and still faces enormous discrimination.

It’s not insignificant that Lewis is a member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, one of the more conservative denominations in the country.

Her religious freedom and choice are sacrosanct, but her church believes that “marriage is a provision of God wherein one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others enter into a lifelong relationship through a marriage ceremony that is recognized by the church and legally sanctioned by the state.” Surely, the electorate has a right to know whether she concurs.

On the subject of so-called conversion therapy — the wholly discredited and dangerous idea that LGBTQ children can be “made straight” — she opposed the federal government’s legislation prohibiting it, even though jurisdictions throughout the Western world have introduced bans and agree with the World Health Organization that the procedure is a “serious threat to the health and well-being” of its victims. Opponents of such restrictions are invariably Christian conservatives. We know from a mass of evidence that the approach is unscientific, had led to self-harm and suicide, and — of course — rests on the prem-

Neighbours rally around Sandra ise that homosexuality is undesirable.

Lewis describes herself as “pro-life, no hidden agenda,” although that’s a misnomer that actually means anti-abortion. She has said she believes in banning sex-selective abortions, would increase funding for pregnancy centres that counsel women about their alternatives to abortion, and would end Canadian funding for international abortions. Gender-based abortions are certainly an issue, but they are also a common first step toward a critique of abortion itself. The “pregnancy centres” are vehemently anti-abortion, and funding abortion in developing countries is about saving the lives of women who live in extreme conditions of oppression and inequality.

Lewis also wants to restrict access to medical aid in dying, yet a well-regulated and strictly monitored policy that allows those close to death and in great pain to end their lives on their own terms, surrounded by their loves ones, seems only compassionate. The alternative to dying in dignity in such cases is not living, but dying alone and in pain.

A healthy democracy requires diversity of opinion and open debate. But it should also, responsibly and within reason, expand and not limit citizens’ rights. Lewis wants to be Tory leader and, by extension, Prime Minister of Canada. Of all Canadians. Let’s hope that this time round she’s held, with respect and courtesy, to account for her views. It’s a basic democratic and journalistic right. ◆ Rev. Michael Coren is an award-winning Toronto-based columnist and author of 18 books, appears regularly on TV and radio, Ad Size:10.25" and is also an Anglican priest.

Safety:9.75"

Over a year ago, our neighbour Sandra was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and now the cancer is widespread. The neighborhood has rallied around and have placed orange ribbons in their yards to support her. Orange is the colour of the Netherlands, from where she immigrated to Canada. She loves her community, which is a veterans neighbourhood, one of the few remaining in Canada.

The area is Montgomery Rd., Summerlea, Topham, and Crerar, where you will see a lot of ribbons.

Sandra was on the board of directors for the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood has an ice rink, which the residents and outlying neighbours enjoy. There is also the yearly community yard sale which hundreds attend. Sandra was instrumental in starting the chili cook-off on Family Day, in which everyone vies for the coveted wooden spoon trophies which Sandra carved every year. It’s a blessing, as neighbours have

SLIPPERY

continued from previous page Only once was there a comment that the pond was “not a good design” but Trout refused to elaborate on this. To my mind, Trout

brought food, driven her to the hospital, taken care of the dog, bought and picked up groceries, and just have stopped in for a chat or have

"She couldn't have picked a better neighbourhood to live in"

inquired about her health.

She couldn’t have picked a better neighbourhood to live in.

The small acts of orange ribbons for this special neighbour pay tribute to a very special and integral part of our neighbourhood.

Thank you, Sandra.

Susan Duskoff Fonthill

Unlimited are asking to broker the Town’s business and I agree with Councillor Haun when she stated that this could be a “slippery slope.” (Pun intended!)

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The Voice

Page 7

A March 16 2022

Trout Unlimited to conduct study of Twelve Mile Creek erosion Runoff from stormwater pond has affected properties north of Hwy 20

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Pelham Town Council has taken a progressive step towards addressing the soil erosion issue in the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek, focusing on the culvert and stormwater management pond on Highway 20 at Rice Road.

With $70,000 in funding from the Town, the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada will take on the responsibility for delivering a solution, working with engineers at Waters Edge Environmental Solutions, based in Cambridge.

Oversight will be conducted by a working group of local stakeholders.

The overarching mission of the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada is to restore and preserve the cold-water habitat in the Niagara Region, with a primary focus on Twelve Mile Creek, the region’s only watershed with an existing population of brook trout. Twelve Mile Creek runs from its headwaters near Fonthill through the Short Hills Provincial Park, and into Lake Ontario at Port Dalhousie. Since its formation in 2012, the chapter has developed environmental partnerships with regional agencies and landowners, and carried out stream bank restoration and mapping.

Brian Green, a Trout Unlimited board member who, along with president Denis Edell, gave a presentation to council last week,

told the Voice that the stormwater management pond at Rice Road and Highway 20 is one of two branches of the source of Twelve Mile Creek (the other one starts in Marlene Stewart Streit Park).

“Having a stormwater pond as the source is not ideal, since the pond warms the water,” said Green. “We noticed a tremendous amount of erosion coming out of that pond under and through the culvert under Highway 20. Landowners downstream alerted us that they were getting sediment that was piling up so deep, the stream was meandering into new channels and doing tremendous damage. It’s literally tons of sediment being washed downstream, and it’s not good for the aquatic life.”

Pelham Councillor Lisa Haun voted in support of the $70,000 allocation (council voted unanimously to approve) despite voicing concerns about taxpayer dollars being used to repair soil erosion on private land, and a storm water pond that is under the Region’s jurisdiction. She told council that she would not favour further financial support for the project.

Pelham Councillor Wayne Olson commented that it was the right way forward.

“I’m not sure that $70,000 will do the trick, but I'm pretty confident that Trout Unlimited has

111 Hwy 20 East FONTHILL

Storm water retention pond near the corner of Highway 20 and Rice Road. enough backing from industry, and organizations like the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to get the project done,” said Olson. “The Pelham Cares building has lost one deck, and it's likely going to lose another one, due to the erosion. I believe that there is a plan for volunteers from E.L. Crossley to rebuild the deck, and that's just one of the projects for beautification. A memorial park and some trees are going in there, and the Lions Club is going to put in a nature trail.”

Green said that when Trout Unlimited alerted Pelham Council and staff about the problem, they agreed that something had to be done. Initial responses to an RFP (request for proposal) suggested that to complete the job, an outlay well in excess of $200,000 would be necessary.

“We connected with Water’s Edge, who came down to review

DAILY SPECIALS!

the scope of erosion damage,” said Green. “We asked if they could provide a design that would alleviate the problem, and they responded that they could handle it for under $70,000, allowing us to bypass all of the various procurement problems.”

Trout Unlimited is a registered charitable organization, said Green, which has developed positive partnerships with industries and businesses.

“Our thinking is that once we get a design and an estimate, and some idea of the scope of the job, we can put together a way of getting it done, without assigning blame or going the liability route.

Whether we can do that or not, I don't know. But at least we’ve now got permission from the Town to spend their money on a design.”

Green was candid about his response to Haun during the proposal to Council.

DON RICKERS

“Councillor Haun raised a very good question, asking if we would be coming back to council for more money when we get to the construction phase. My response was that I can't guarantee that we won't. She supported the motion, but said she would not vote in favour of more funding. Fair enough. We're going to do our best not to come back to them.”

Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin was pleased that council supported the funding, and stressed that the intent is to find solutions, not affix blame.

“We appreciate Trout Unlimited’s involvement in getting this study done. The purpose going forward is strictly to repair the problem, not criticize a storm pond that some people might think is a bad design. We’re not really concerned with that. We just want it fixed.”

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The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

New Business FOCUS

Advanced vision technology meets patient-centred care

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A new optometry practice has opened in Fonthill, located at 155 Hwy 20 West, inside the Log Cabin and next to Boggio Pharmacy.

“It’s been said that the eye is the window to the soul, and for me, it’s something that I’ve had a passion for my entire life,” said Dr. Brandon Marlatt, who has been practicing optometry in Niagara for a decade, but only recently cast his gaze upon Pelham.

With a primary practice already established in his hometown of Ridgeway, Marlatt’s focus is on advanced technology and patient-centred care, which extends beyond simply fitting prescription lenses.

He is 36 years old, but has been working in the vision industry for two decades. Marlatt started on his career path at age 16, working part-time with a Fort Erie-based optometrist while he was in high school.

Marlatt’s undergraduate studies in science at the University of Guelph were followed up with medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He interned at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in South Carolina, and worked with Indigenous peoples at a reservation in Wyoming.

Marlatt has co-managed patients undergoing refractive surgery for the last eight years, and is happy to discuss LASIK and PRK options with those who prefer to avoid eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Brandon Marlatt brings advanced tech to his new optometry practice in Fonthill.

“In terms of my general experience, I've seen pretty much everything in the industry, from making the glasses to post-operative management,” said Marlatt. “We are bringing in like-minded doctors to up-level the care. It won’t be just about eyeglasses. We will focus on ocular health and proper management, especially for those who have significant health issues, like glaucoma and diabetes. My goal is to change the way

people perceive eye care. I’m not preoccupied with the name on the side of the glasses.”

Marlatt has seven employees between his two clinics, with a minimum of three staff to accommodate each patient, currently by appointment only. He prefers a collaborative and inter-disciplinary approach to vision health.

“Having the pharmacy in the same building, and family physicians in the adjacent units, just

DON RICKERS

makes for a better team approach,” he said. “My vision of healthcare in the future is a one-stop shop.”

One component of the new technology is optical coherence tomography, which measures the density of tissue, and detects early signs of disease, making treatment more manageable. Marlatt said that he can pick up macular degeneration five years before it typically shows up on a standard retinal photo.

“In our industry, if you require high-tech equipment, that's where the ophthalmologist usually has to take over,” said Marlatt.

“But we will be able to manage and detect most issues in primary care, thus decreasing the workload for the ophthalmologist. And if we send you to a surgeon, it's for a procedure, and we can manage post-surgical r ecovery thereafter. We have a great collaboration with all ophthalmologists in the region.”

Marlatt said that his clinics have hundreds of frames available, starting at about $90. He offers only the highest-quality lenses made by Zeiss, complete with a two-year warranty. All OHIP patients are accepted.

He and his wife, Jennie, have four children, and they reside on a 44-acre hobby farm outside of Ridgeway, working towards a sustainable homestead as their ultimate goal.

“Conservation is very important to my family,” said Marlatt.

“We’re part of the Bert Miller Nature Club out of Fort Erie, and are very enthusiastic about nature and the outdoors. We have goats and ducks on our farm, and do some beekeeping as well. We have a greenhouse that's fully irrigated, and a seven-acre wetland developed with Ducks Unlimited. My plan is to take half of the acreage and convert it into conservation and trails.”

Dr. Marlatt’s Fonthill clinic may be reached at (905) 993-1234.

Notice of Sale of Land by Public Tender SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PELHAM Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the lands described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on March 23, 2022, at the Pelham Municipal Building, 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill Ontario.

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This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www.pelham.ca Or you may contact Zain Elias, Taxation Clerk, The Corporation of the Town of Pelham, 20 Pelham Town Square, P.O. Box 400, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0, Phone: 905-980-6678 zelias@pelham.ca

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The Voice

Page 9

A March 16 2022

Fundraising efforts underway for Ukraine Visual Artists of Welland create paintings and prints

Young entrepreneur designs T-shirts

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Sunflowers have appeared early at the Seaway Mall.

The national flower of Ukraine, sunflowers are the dominant theme in original paintings and prints created by local members of the Visual Artists of Welland, offered for sale in the Gallery Shop at the Welland mall.

Organizers say all proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Relief Fund.

The Gallery Shop has been open since October 2020, funded by all the artists collectively, who volunteer hours to staff the space each month.

“We have 15 artists who are currently showing,” said organization co-president Deedee Alexandre. “The art includes photography, watercolors, mixed media, and acrylic oils. All of the money raised through the art sales will be matched

by the federal government until March 15, and Mike Belcastro, the president of the Seaway Mall, will match funds on March 16, 17, and 18. We will also have works on display in the mall foyer.”

No formal fundraising target has been set, but Alexandre said that $1700 had been raised through sales as of last week, which when matched totals $3400.

“Some people are also dropping in to offer donations to the Ukraine relief effort, without a purchase,” she said.

Alexandre told the Voice that the turmoil in the Ukraine is very much in her thoughts, given that her mother was Russian, and lived for years before World War II in Ukraine.

One of the many striking paintings on display, de-

Deedee Alexandre.

DON RICKERS

picting Ukrainian refugees, is called “Collateral Damage.” It was painted by Pam Duncan, another co-director of the Visual artists of Welland.

For further information available online, go to https://bit.ly/3pZYd0L

Great food, Great people

Carys Topa is a girl with a big heart.

Early in the pandemic, the 11-year-old, Grade 6 student at Wellington Heights Public School, and her cousin, a Brock student, started a small business making custom shirts, bags, signs, and other products with Carys’ Cricut machine. Cricut is a brand of cutting plotters, or computer-controlled cutting machines, designed for home crafters. The machines are used for cutting paper, fabric, vinyl, and leather. Connected to a computer or smart phone via Bluetooth, the machine can create and download unique designs, which can then be heat transferred onto various items.

From the very beginning, the cousins donated ten percent of their profits to various charities like wildlife organizations, the local Humane Society, and the Pelham Fire Company toy drive. When the pandemic lockdowns ended and schools started up again in-person, Carys’ cousin was forced to bow out due to other commitments, so Carys persevered on her own. She expanded the business to include T-shirts with messages directing awareness of autism, anti-bullying, cerebral palsy, and Indigenous causes. She's done custom designs as well, including shirts, zippered bags, and wedding favours.

When the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces commenced, Carys shifted her charitable focus. She designed a T-shirt in honour of the Ukrainian struggle, and is donating 100 percent of the profits to the Ukrainian Church relief efforts.

Her parents, Rebecca and Phil, pitch in to assist when needed. Phil, a St. Catharines-based firefighter, has been selling

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the T-shirts at fire stations in Niagara, and shirts have also been donated to Ukrainian churches for sale.

“I’ve raised $200 thus far, based on $30 per shirt,” said Carys. “I’m hoping that the Voice will spread the word about my shirts, so that I can make a significant contribution to the people of Ukraine.”

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Page 10

The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

After 22 years, Violet Steingart bid

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor March 11 was the last day on the job for a Pelham safety icon.

For 22 years, Violet Steingart has been ever-present as the crossing guard on Haist Street in Fonthill, directly across from A.K. Wigg Public School. Rain or shine,

she was always there to greet students, parents, and grandparents.

Best wishes were offered by dozens in the school community on Facebook.

“You will be so very missed by the children, parents, and grandparents of the A.K. Wigg community. Enjoy the next chapter of your life,” wrote one.

“I will miss my morning wave.

Thank you for caring for every student you helped across the street,” said another.

“We will miss seeing your smiling face in the morning. You’ve made our days brighter that’s for sure,” commented another.

Last Friday afternoon, the A.K. Wigg community held a spe-

cial tribute for Violet on the front lawn of the school, with all 350 students and teachers lined up to wave goodbye and present her with parting gifts. Even the Pelham Fire Department joined in the celebration, as Bob Lymburner and his staff presented Steingart with a bouquet of flowers.

A.K. Wigg kindergarten teach-

er Candace Feletar said that some of the girls that Steingart directed at the crosswalk many years ago, now have their own children who Steingart ushers across Haist Street.

Steingart said that there was never an occasion during her career when she felt a need to raise her voice or scold a child for rude be-

The entire A. K. Wigg student body and staff turned out last Friday to send off crossing guard Violet Steingart as she retired from two decades-plus on the job.

Under-15 Pelham Panthers win tourney

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A Pelham hockey team travelled to Lefroy, Ontario (located south of Barrie) in February and came away with the tourney title. The three wins and two ties were especially gratifying, given that the Local League Under 15 Pelham Panthers had only nine skaters and a goalie.

Claire Kurek, the team manager, said that the Lefroy Lucky Puck Tournament included house league teams from Ontario.

“We were the underdogs, for sure,” said Kurek. “We have three U15 house league teams in Pelham this year, and usually we would have 11 skaters and plus our goalie.”

Kurek said that solid coaching was part of the recipe for success.

“The kids just love Kevin,” said Kurek. “He’s got a pretty strong background in hockey, having played in Europe. He’s a gentle giant, who’s really good with the players.”

She said that the team is a mix of Grade 8 and Grade 9 boys, who attend local schools such as E.L. Crossley, St. Alexander, A.K. Wigg, and Glynn A. Green.

“They all played great, but our goalie, Jovan Bobic, was fantastic in the tight games, and was definitely a massive part of the team’s success,” said Kurek.

“It was a great weekend for our players and parents to be together,” said coach Kevin Bolibruck. “Initially, we were unsure if we were going to be able to play

at all, given that we were missing players. Everyone got a ton of ice time, and they were able to stay disciplined and give their best performances of the year to

win the tournament. The victory was exciting, but the most rewarding part was seeing the players connect with each other, and play with tenacity and heart.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 11

A March 16 2022

ds farewell to her A.K. Wigg family haviour, which she attributes to respectful values in the children, instilled through positive parenting.

Asked what wisdom she would pass on to her replacement, Steingart smiled and said “Just love the job. I relished every shift.”

Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, she emigrated to Canada some 40 years ago. Prior to her two-decade

stint as a crossing guard, Steingart worked in retail sales at Marks and Spencer at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines.

Steingart is a committed walker, and can be seen on Fonthill’s streets daily with her husband, Ken. “We put in lots of kilometres every day,” she said, “and use the

indoor track at the Meridian Community Centre during the winter months.”

All that walking has taken its toll on Steingart’s knee, which is scheduled for replacement surgery.

She and Ken plan to do some international travel in their retirement, with the Caribbean on their

wish list, paid for with her nest egg she has accumulated as a Pelham employee.

“St. Lucia is my favorite island,” she said. “I just I love the people, and the island is beautiful. We stay at an all-inclusive resort, but often venture into town as well, to really get to know some of the local folks.”

The Voice’s parting question was to ask Steingart how her husband will be able to make her feel special in retirement, after the fashion in which she was pampered and adored by the school kids on her final day.

“He's going to have to really work at it,” she said with a laugh.

DON RICKERS

Serenity Place becomes River House

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor One venerable social service is leaving Welland, but another equally-committed health provider is taking its place.

“Serenity Place,” which had been operating since 1996 as a Women’s Place shelter at 102 River Road, has become Pathstone Mental Health’s newest centre, “River House.” It will be a smaller facility than their main, St. Catharines-based location, Branscombe Centre.

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization, supported by donors and volunteers, and the primary accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara. The organization’s Director of Philanthropy and PR, Kim Rossi, was jubilant in sharing the news.

“We're really excited about the new site,” she said. “It's a great spot on the river, 300 metres from Main Street East in Welland, with a bus stop close by, improving the accessibility.”

It was no secret that youth mental health client numbers had been climbing about ten percent annually even before the pandemic, said Rossi.

“When Covid struck, there was a spike of 35 percent for us. We're at

CEO of Pathstone Mental Health Shaun Baylis, Executive Director of Women’s Place Jennifer Gauthier, Welland Mayor Frank Campion, Women’s Place Director of Development and Stewardship Amanda Braet, and Pathstone Foundation Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations Kim Rossi.

SUPPLIED 9500 this year from across the region, with 427 kids on a wait list.

About 40 percent of our kids are from South Niagara. Some people optimistically believe that when the pandemic simmers down, everything will be fine. But that’s not really how mental health works.”

Rossi said that she had been talking with a donor about expansion of Pathstone’s mental health services throughout the region.

“They contacted me a couple weeks later and mentioned that there was a site for sale in Welland on River Road, listed at about $1 million, and that if we were interested, they would fund the purchase. And that’s what happened.”

Pathstone and Women's Place are

community partners, said Rossi, stressing that thousands of youth will be using River House.

“Mental health issues are not like a dentist appointment, where you have a checkup every six months,” she said. “Our youth clients use our services regularly. If you live in Fort Erie, the commute is over 40 minutes to our site in St. Catharines. A youth in an intensive therapy program can be with us for up to 50 sessions. They are struggling, so you can appreciate the commitment necessary. Our goal is always to reduce barriers to care.”

A new capital campaign is in place, with a goal of raising $750,000, which will fund renovations to the River House building, and allow for

the hiring and training of new staff.

Every dollar donated up to $250,000 will be matched by Mountainview Homes, whose owner, Mark Basciano, has championed many projects for Pathstone. Gifts of $5,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall at River House, and donations of $25,000 will provide naming rights for rooms inside River House.

“We'll never get rid of our wait list if we don't hire more staff,” said Rossi. “This will be a hybrid campaign, targeting capital renovations on site, and addressing our expanding needs for trained staff.

We’ll offer a walk-in clinic, oneon-one sessions, group sessions for parents, and childcare for those parents who are attending group

sessions.”

In a news release, Women’s Place Executive Director Jennifer Gauthier emphasized that women and children will continue to have access to critical domestic violence services in Welland. Serenity Place previously provided ten beds in its shelter.

“All of our safe beds — 25 in total — will now be located at our Niagara Falls shelter, Nova House, which is undergoing a $3.6 million expansion,” said Gautier. “We will also be opening an outreach office at the Hope Centre in Welland in April, which will offer counselling for families, including housing advice and legal support, plus other critical services.”

Page 12

The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Memorial fundraiser for beloved Pelham-born nurse

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Her husband told friends and family at his wife’s funeral service on February 4 that, “Shannon will be remembered for her commitment to family, honesty, abundance of generosity, and unparalleled sense of humour.”

A group of Shannon Adams’ closest friends from her high school days at E. L. Crossley intend to keep her memory alive by adding to her legacy with a scholarship fund.

Surrounded by her family, Shannon passed away

on January 28. She was the loving wife of Brad, devoted and loving mother of Abby and Emma, and beloved daughter of Hugh and Donna MacPherson. Shannon was a dedicated nurse at Norfolk General Hospital, who fought a battle against Plasma Cell Leukemia Multiple Myeloma for over a year. During her treatment, she raised both awareness and money for stem-cell registrations, blood donations, and the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton.

Jodi Wainwright is one of the lead organizers for Shannon's scholarship, and told the Voice that an eve-

ning fundraiser has been scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at Peter Piper's Pubhouse on Highway 20. Tickets are $10, and should be pre-purchased by e-transfer at sh a n non ada m ss c hola rship@gmail.com.

“We're hoping to provide scholarships for one or two Crossley seniors who are planning to study health sciences at college or university,” said Wainwright, who met Shannon in Grade 9. The two were part of a group of eight girls who became best friends, and have sustained the close bond ever since.

Peter Piper's was the logical venue, said Wainwright, given that pub owner Peter Moore was a Crossley con-

Shannon Adams.

SUPPLIED

temporary of the girls, and attracts a loyal following of Crossley alumni to his establishment.

The standard pub menu will be available the evening of the fundraiser, with a couple special offerings.

Wainwright said that Moore was well aware of Shannon’s love of dill pickles, so he is going to be selling Shannon’s Pickle Spears for a dollar each, with all proceeds to the scholarship fund. Another Crossley alum, Matt Dixon, of the Niagara Cider Company, is doing a special Shannon Cider for the event, with a dollar from every sale going to the fund.

There will be live music during the evening. The bands are playing free of charge, and Moore is donating the $500 that he would have normally paid

HERE TO HELP

the bands to the scholarship fund.

Wainwright’s husband, Paul, who plays in a live band with local musicians, said that a Johnny Cash country tribute would be offered, along with a jam session of Crossley grads currently performing with local bands.

“The plan is to make this an annual event, so that we can continually replenish the scholarship fund,” said Wainwright. “It would be great if people planning to attend could purchase tickets online ahead of time, just so that we have a sense of the numbers.”

The reason the event is being held on April 16 is that Shannon's birthday was April 15.

“We'd like to continue to do it on the same weekend every year,” said Wainwright.

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After two years of virtual children’s programming, join us on Sunday, March 27th at 11:00 am, as Fenwick United Church resumes in person for Children’s Church. We welcome children from the ages of 5-12 to come out and become a part of our Sunday school community, as we explore the Bible through fun games, engaging crafts, and inspirational songs! We are located at 1050 Church Street in Fenwick. Masks and proof of full vaccination will be required.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 13

A March 16 2022

Material goods to support Ukraine defense Pelham Fire Company donates used bunker gear

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Some of the essential items gathered to date by Fonthill Rotary.

SUPPLIED

Fonthill Rotary collecting urgently needed supplies

BY VOICE STAFF When crises occur globally you can count on Rotarians to jump in to assist, says Fonthill Rotary Public Image Director Dave Schulz. “The most recent crisis in Ukraine is no different. As soon as word came out that the invasion was occurring, Rotarians started asking, ‘How can I help?’”

Schulz says members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill have been answering the call for assistance throughout the past few weeks.

Many have made donations through various channels such as the Rotary Foundation, Canadian Red Cross, and the Canadian Ukrainian Foundation. They have also

been donating much-needed supplies to St John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, in St. Catharines, which is operating locally as a central hub for collections.

Fonthill Rotarian Mike Taylor, as well as President Ann Harrison and her husband Michael Hrycusko, have been making trips to the Church Hall to deliver items collected, says Schulz. Rotarian Janet Cripps is working with the E. L. Crossley school community to support a drive to collect items following the school break.

Anyone interested in contributing is asked to see www.rotarycluboffonthill.ca or www.stjohnuc.com/

Fonthill resident Phil Topa is a full-time firefighter in St. Catharines, who pitched in to help organize a relief effort for Ukrainians fighting a Russian incursion, and, along with it, fighting fires caused

by Russian bombardment.

“My captain, Bob Oleksiw, is the mastermind of the whole thing,” said Topa.

“He's Ukrainian, and has relatives over there. Bob got an urgent call for firefighting gear to protect civilians who are volunteering to battle the blazes.”

Topa said that decommissioned bunker gear — fire-resistant boots, coveralls, gloves, boots, helmets, and heavy jackets — were containerized for shipping by sea to Ukraine a couple weeks ago. “In total, I believe 102 sets were sent over,” he said.

Chief Bob Lymburner from Pelham Fire donated six sets of bunker gear, according to Topa, “which, for a volunteer department, was fantastic.”

Jason Longhurst.

SUPPLIED

Decade-old firefighting garb is considered outdated

by Canadian standards, but is still perfectly serviceable.

At almost $2000 a set for bunker gear, fire departments look for ways to gift the equipment to smaller communities on tight budgets. Lymburner has in the past donated used gear to volunteer departments in Atlantic Canada, said Topa.

Fire departments from around the world have responded to Ukraine’s call for firefighting equipment to deal with the current situation. But the need for modern firefighting gear has been an ongoing issue in Ukraine for many years, even before the Russian invasion.

A Canadian organization based in Edmonton, Firefighter Aid for Ukraine (FAU), has taken on the mission to collect used firefighter bunker gear and per-

sonal protective equipment (PPE), rescue apparatus, and medical supplies from fire departments and vendors across Canada. Face masks, protective eye wear, and latex gloves are all valuable in protecting first responders from dangerous exposure injuries.

Other items sought include hand, power, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools used in rescue operations, emergency services electronics like shortwave radios, donations-in-kind for cleaning, packing, and transportation assistance, shipping containers, and financial donations to assist with costs of travel, lodging, and meals.

Monetary and equipment donations can be directed to www.fi refighteraidukraine. com/donate. Receipts for tax deductions are issued by Amigo Relief Missions Incorporated.

Earth Week April 17-25 2022

Rain Barrel pre-orders are now SOLD OUT. Residents are still able to reserve composters for the Earth Week event. Pre-Orders will be available for pick up at the Earth Day event at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) on April 23, 2022.

Store Opening Join us as we Welcome you into our store ON THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022 AT 10 AM. Try your luck to win one of five $100.00 Gift Certificates from Brands like Tribal, Charlie B, Frank Lyman, Catherine Lillywhite, Hatley and more.

www.pelham.ca/earthweek For more information contact: Amanda Deschenes 905-732-7890 adeschenes@pelham.ca

We look forward helping you with your clothing selections!

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Page 14

The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Recognizing a freshened-up Fonthill Despite pandemic, work has continued on various downtown projects

BY CYNTHIA ROBERTS Special to the Voice Building facades along Highway 20 near Pelham Street are getting facelifts thanks to a number of businesses who saw the potential for a growing and thriving community. The Pelham Beautification Committee is recognizing six companies that have renovated, and continue to work on renovations and new builds, over the past year. Highway 20 is an important corridor connecting west and east Niagara, and as such gives a valuable first impression to visitors.

LaChe Beautification, previously the Ho Ho restaurant, has undergone lengthy renovations and is working toward a full-service beauty salon on the main floor, and apartments above. Rich VanderWier and Brad Martin undertook the extensive renovations on a part-time basis at the request of their wives, Chelsie and Laura respectively.

Laura explained, “We love the fact that our building is one of the oldest standing in Fonthill with it being the first general store back in the 1800s. Rich and Brad are proud that they have restored this building back to its original beauty and character and the residents of Pelham and the rest of Niagara region can enjoy. We are all so fortunate that hard work, support and our friendship made this happen.”

Across the street, Wesley Overbeeke has taken over the old Frontier Gun Shop, previously owned

by Frank and Janice Ryan, and is transforming it into a commercial-residential building. Overbeeke explains that his family has been friends with the Ryans for many years.

“We purchased the building from them three years ago and are currently doing renovations

From left, Brad and Laura Martin, and Chelsie and Rich VanderWier. on the main floor and basement to accept a commercial space,” says Overbeeke. Wesley’s father, Laurence, and brother Calvin worked on the building renovations at the corner of Highway 20 and Pelham Street a couple of years ago and were recognized by the Beautification Committee in July 2020.

The building now houses a cafe and construction firm.

Next door at 1 Highway 20 W, John and Michelle vanderWeyden are busy with a new build where the Scrapbook Nook, among other names, including the original Temperanceville Tavern, once stood. The building will include commercial space for Kwikfit Niagara on the main floor, and two floors of apartments.

John commented, “It has always been a dream of mine to build a

mixed-use commercial building especially in beautiful Fonthill.

It would not have been possible without the guidance from Town of Pelham Building Department, local contractors, Greenfield staff and the support of my wife Michelle.”

A few years ago, Dave Chambers turned what was formerly Keith’s Restaurant, at the intersection of Pelham Street and Highway 20, into his insurance office.

“I do feel a special duty to maintain the building,” said Chambers, “as we are trying to make the main corner in town as appealing as possible. It appears to be one of the original buildings in town that its history is still recognizable.”

Down the street, Storm Hair Group gave an old building a fresh new look. Owners Michael Depro-

CYNTHIA ROBERTS

phetis and Luca Crescia have been in business in Niagara for some 25 years.

Deprophetis explains, “Over the last few years we have been planning the idea of upgrading the facade of our building. We are in an industry that is ever-evolving and influenced with the trends of fashion and design. We chose this style to stand out and be noticed for taking a risk on the design and we are very pleased with the result.”

Revel Real Estate also made improvement to their office building.

Dean Serravalle, Broker of Record, commented, “We enjoy celebrating all of the character and beauty a place like Pelham has to offer.

We feel privileged to contribute our vision to a wonderful community of residents.”

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Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin is pleased with all of the construction taking place.

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The Voice

Page 15

A March 16 2022

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

Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com

Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

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Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church pccweb.ca/kirkonthehill

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FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 15 rush back to town to report.

The pig owners (and curious townsfolk) soon arrive and see both the dead herd and the former demoniac who is now “sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.”

Their reaction is surprising and telling. They were afraid and begged Jesus to leave.

What were they afraid of?

The demoniac was no longer a threat. Lucado’s answer?

“Fear of change. Change is hard work. It’s easier to follow the same old path than to move out into uncharted territory.” It also reveals their priorities. They were more concerned about their money which they just lost a lot of (unless they had pig

insurance) than a man who has just been released from years of spiritual oppression and bondage.

The story ends with the restored man asking Jesus if he can join his team. Jesus has a better idea — “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” The man obeyed and started to tell his story to the people who had previously feared him. “And all the people were amazed” (Mark 5:20). I’m not surprised.

So, there you have it. The first missionary Jesus commissioned had been a madman. There’s hope for us all.

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

Nod to local syrup producer

BY CYNTHIA ROBERTS Special to the Voice The Pelham Beautification Committee has recognized the Bering family, of White Meadows Farm on Effingham Street, for their community and tourism initiatives, as well as their environmental and conservation resourcefulness.

According to a committee media statement, Richard and Amanda Bering are the fourth generation of Berings to work the farm. Initially started as mixed-farming business with dairy cows, grapes and cash crops in the 1930s, the farm has evolved into manufacturing pure maple syrup.

Richard explained that dairy farming was the primary use of the 200-acre farm until his great-grandfather Adam, being bored one winter and looking for something to do, boiled up a few buckets of maple syrup from the abundance of sugar maple trees on the property “just for fun, and the rest is history.”

The couple have owned the property since 2019 and have turned the farm into a full-scale maple syrup manufacturing business. Since creating maple syrup is energy inten-

Richard and Amanda Bering.

CYNTHIA ROBERTS

sive, the Berings say they are always looking for environmentally friendly ways of producing their product.

“Wood fires are used to cook the syrup, cardboard boxes are reused, and we are heavy on composting all of the refuse left over from the maple syrup and by-product production back into the soil,” says Richard.

Page 16

The Voice

A March 16 2022

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COMPUTER CLINIC Our offiPELHAM ce is locatedLIBRARY’S at “One-to-One Help” with a volunteer tech tutor. Get help with web browsing, 1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill, webmail account across from Beamer’s Hardware. set-up, e-books, social media, editing and sharing your photos and more. Includes use of laptop or BYOG (bring your own gadget).

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Pelham man charged in 2019 traffic fatality fails to appear

FIRE

continued from Page 20 fi refighters responded. The Journey was completely destroyed, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

In response to concerns expressed to the Voice by some commercial tenants in the Plaza about the potential for vehicle gas tanks to explode in such circumstances, Longhurst said that the odds of this happening are actually fairly low.

“But there is lots on a vehicle that will pop very loud, like the tires, struts and shocks. The compressed cylinders on hatches will get propelled a fair distance from the vehicle.”

Longhurst said that what gas tanks will do is leak, making it harder to extinguish fi res, and this was the case on Friday.

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A Pelham man who allegedly struck and killed a woman with his car in November of 2019 on Effingham Street, failed to appear in a Welland court last Wednesday for a judicial pre-trial hearing (JPT).

His defense counsel, whose identity is unknown at this time, also was absent, despite attempts by the Crown to contact them.

Michael Bond is charged under the Highway Traffic Act with careless driving causing death, driving while under suspension, driving with no vehicle license,

Services

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COMMUNITY Events

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Brick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs.

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Visit www.pelhamously, Bond told theTues., court that he 16 had10 deMILL ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER cided to represent library.on.ca himself in court, and or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

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Haddock, available. Call Rob Patterson, Roast Beef, $13.00/dinner journed until May 5Tasty to settreats a datewith for trial 905-401-4948, (tax included).Drive-thru, takeor JPT if counsel attends, to set date more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. frenchorfries anda much riverwoodportablesawmill@ out, dine-in, and pre-orders (call for trial in absentia if counsel or defengmail.com 905-892-6293) are available. dant do not attend.

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phalt.”

Longhurst said that the fi re’s cause is undetermined.

NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION In 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall for theRodeo, Journey,games model and yearslive entertainment headline this years exciting event. It 2011-2015, after three the vehicles in at the Welland Fairgrounds. runsoffrom Sept. 11-14 Chile spontaneously caught fi re. At the time, according to The Car Connection website, there wereBIG 43,679 affected Jour- RIDE MOVE CANCER neys on the road in Canada.

BigedMove Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

The automaker The identifi an engine cover as the culprit,7. saying that iffor it came Proceeds the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famloose and into contact with hot compoily Cancer Centre. nents a fi re could result.

A quick internet search turns up examples of Dodge Journeys on fi re or smokWALKING CLUB ing in Detroit (October 2021) and Kelowna (November 2018).

A later recall of the in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Interested in walking same model and model years was for airfrom 9-10 am and Thursdays Fonthillnext Bandshell for 9-10:30 An NRPSat constable to the burnt-out remnants. am. There bags that suddenly deployed on their own.

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OBITUARY

LAZARETH, Donald Franklin August 2, 1931 - March 7, 2022 “Laz”, or Donnie, or the Silver Fox, as he was called by many of his friends, began life by defying the odds. Delivered by a nursing friend of his mother’s in the friend’s home in Fenwick, Ontario, he weighed in at a scant 4 lbs. He never put on much extra weight but weighed enough to play hockey as a young teen, a sport he dearly loved. He was proud to be one of the infamous Welland Wurbs, circa 1946. Defying the odds once again, he learned to swim in the Welland Canal and was a fish in the water. In his working life, he continued to defy the odds, leaving Welland High after Grade 10 to work at the Imperial Bank of Commerce and Inco in Port Colborne, with the goal of helping his mother, Mayme, who, unheard of in the ‘30s and ‘40s, had separated from Don’s dad. Don and his younger sister Ann helped their mom all they could. In the 1950s Don met and married Shirley, who was his wife for 68 years. He became the proud dad of John (Peggy), Jayne and Tracey (Mark). He also was Papa to Jordan (Emily) and Destyn (Alex) and great-grandpa to Cecelia, Annie and baby boy-to-be. Don went to work at Niagara Marine, St. Catharines, in 1955 at age 24, and he defied all odds again, buying the business in 1973 at age 42. He ran a very successful boating business until 2000 with only a Grade 10 education, a beautiful brain, hard work and determination. Don passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, March 7, 2022, at St. Catharines General Hospital. He may have left this fragile world but his strengths are his legacy — his generosity, sports ability, quick wit, math skills, ready smile and well-told jokes will never be forgotten. His family in Fonthill and across Canada, the United States and England mourn their loss but are forever grateful to have had Papa Don in their lives.

Like Frank Sinatra, he did it “His Way.” Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you donate if you wish to JUMPSTART, https:// jumpstart.canadiantire.ca to help kids like Don participate in the joy of sports, or to The Kidney Foundation, https:// kidney.ca/. Arrangements in care of WELLAND CREMATION SERVICE 905-7357957.

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 17 blood type. CBS explains, “You belong to one of four types: O, A, B and AB. An additional factor —the ‘Rh factor’ — determines whether your type is positive or negative. Knowing your blood type is important not only because it determines who you can donate blood to, but also who you can receive blood from.”

Discovering that you have a rare blood type may allow you to assist someone in dire need of similar blood, and may save critical time in an emergency if you’re the one needing the transfusion. Knowing your blood type, and any rare blood conditions you may have, also provides re-assurance when travelling and adventuring.

“Giving blood is a way to engage in the immediate community and help people around you,” says Dr. Sarah Vossoughi, a Medical Director at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre. “People who do these types of things and engage in their community in this way tend to have better health and longer lives.”

Anyone with a television has seen the impact of physical trauma from accidents and conflict, and knows the ability of medical personnel to provide blood in an emergency can be lifesaving. The most common use of donated blood in Canada, however, is for those with medical conditions such as cancer or blood diseases like hemophilia—those whose lives depend on regular

transfusions and a steady stream of donors.

Our blood includes red cells, platelets and plasma, which are donated in different ways. Whole blood is typically collected via a needle piercing a vein. Your heart pumps approximately half a litre into a small collection bag in 15 to 30 minutes.

Aphaeresis, the method used to collect plasma and platelets, gathers then separates your blood via a machine which returns the unused components to you.

The donation process takes approximately two hours, and because much of your blood is returned to you, allows more frequent donations.

Your plasma may go directly to a patient needing a transfusion, or be used to manufacture specialized medicines which treat bleeding disorders, immunodeficiency, and burn victims.

The CBS website contains a wealth of information about its services, some of which you may not be aware.

CBS maintains a Canadian stem cell registry, and facilitates both peripheral blood stem cell (BPSC) and bone marrow stem cell donations and transplants.

PBSC donations are done via the aphaeresis method above, while collecting bone marrow stem cells is a surgical procedure.

CBS also facilitates organ donation, both living and deceased, by working with the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation community.

Is there a risk that you can donate too much blood, or develop health issues

Page 17

A March 16 2022

from donating blood?

Although Canada’s blood and blood products supply standards are recognized as among the safest in the world, some donors may have temporary side effects such as lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, or bruising where the needle is administered.

These will usually pass within 24 hours, and consuming certain foods and drinks post-donation may reduce these complications.

Adverse effects more likely to present in young or first-time donors and those with low body weight include low blood pressure, muscle contractions and breathing difficulties.

"Giving blood is a way to engage the immediate community and help people around you"

According to CBS, the chance of a more serious side effect is 1 in 10,000, and is almost always related to the needle puncture.

Extended pain or infection from the needle wound, or in extremely rare instances, the inadvertent puncture of an artery rather than vein may occur.

Blood donors do lose iron, so being careful to stay within frequency guidelines is important, twice annually for men, three times for women.

Young donors, menstruating women and those who may be concerned they are over-donating should talk with their doctors and check their ferritin (iron) level before considering donating again.

Pelham is an active community, full of people who thrive on their athletic pursuits. Our red blood cells attract and transport oxygen to our muscles and brain via our plasma, which also transports nutrients. During exercise, our heart rates increase and our vascular system delivers the extra oxygen and nutrients we need for endurance and performance. Our platelets are responsible for blood clotting should we suffer any abrasions or wounds.

Following a whole blood donation, sports doctors recommend a two week break from competition or extreme training, and to expect lower performance for approximately four weeks. It should be noted that these intervals may be less for those that participate in athletics below the competitive level.

Because platelet and plasma donation returns the red blood cells to our bodies, the impact on our ability to transport oxygen and nutrients is minimal, and abstinence from training need be only 24 to 48 hours.

Check it out —you may be surprised at just how much being a blood donor creates a win-win situation. ◆

We can all shop local.

Every dollar spent locally helps a local business, helps a local employee, and gets spent again in the community.

The last two years have been tough for everyone.

Help keep your town’s future bright

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Page 18

The Voice

A March 16 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

The benefits—to you—of donating blood

H

ey, I learned something new yesterday: giving blood also has health benefits for the giver.”

The comment was meant to suggest a topic for this column, and I was immediately intrigued. As a blood donor, I’ve always assumed donating was about the benefit donors provided to others.

Sure, you get a free cookie and drink after you donate, and at some point during the process you realize that you may be helping to save or extend someone’s life. To learn there was something in it for me

directly, beyond food and a warm fuzzy feeling, was a surprise.

Donating blood regularly lowers the amount of iron and hemoglobin in the body, which can provide a healthier heart and lower the risk of a heart attack, improve circulation by strengthening blood vessels, and lower blood pressure.

Dr. Robert DeSimone, Director of Transfusion Medicine at New York-P r e s b y t e r i a n / We ill Cornell Medical Centre states, “If your hemoglobin is too high, blood donation helps lower the viscosity of the blood, [as higher vis-

cosity] has been associated with the formation of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke.” This benefit accrues more to men than menopausal women.

Regular blood donations are considered by some to be a benign way to improve blood vessel elasticity and reduce arterial blockages.

The American Journal of Epidemiology reports that regular donors are 88 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack than non-donors. Lifestyle choices of donors versus non-donors may influence this to some degree, but it is still a staggering statistic. Similar studies also indicate that blood donors are less likely to be hospitalized, and when they are, they have shorter stays.

Our bodies have no natural way to eliminate ex-

cess iron, and studies indicate that many of us take in more than we need. The excess iron is stored in joints and organs such as the liver, heart and pancreas, which damages them.

Iron stimulates our cells to release free radicals, those nasty molecules linked to cancer, diabetes in seniors, and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can present as hypertension, obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Regular blood donations reduce the amount of iron in our blood, and studies confi rm that older men, for example, were able to lower their cancer risk by donating blood.

We use the colloquialism of adding “fresh blood” to our clubs and organizations to describe a benefit.

Turns out our bodies benefit from newly produced, fresh blood too. A normal whole blood donation is approximately a pint, or half-litre in volume. Within two days of a donation, our bodies replace all the lost blood plasma, the most important component to returning to normal function. Red blood cell replenishment can take four to twelve weeks, but this doesn’t produce a health risk.

Regulations demand certain health and safety protocols be followed by Canadian Blood Services (CBS), the largest agency in our country. These protocols include a mini health check-up or screening, which provides multiple benefits to donors.

Pre-donation, a health professional must check

certain vitals, including pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin levels, which might lead to the detection of an underlying medical condition or risk factor like heart arrhythmia that a donor might otherwise be unaware existed.

It was by having my blood refused on one occasion that I learned my hemoglobin levels were low.

Post-donation but pre-distribution, your blood will be examined for diseases including Hepatitis B and C, HIV, West Nile virus, T-cell lymphotrophic virus (associated with lymphoma and leukemia), Chagas’ disease and others.

You will be notified of any such fi ndings.

Your will also learn your See BALANCED LIFE Page 17

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 This week you will have an opportunity to see things how they are and not necessarily as you imagine them to be, Aries.

This clarity could require some restructuring.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Long-term goals are nearing completion, Taurus. You have gained so much from your pursuits and you have made plenty of friends along the way. Take time to appreciate that.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Communication difficulties arise this week, Gemini. Someone can coach you into gett ing your point across with sufficient finesse. Seek a communication mentor.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, there may be some passionate discussions coming up this week with family members. Everyone wants his or her point of view to be heard.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you need to be flexible, especially over the next few days. People may put you to the test with a perceived unwillingness to compromise, but cooperate when possible.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, in order to reach your destination, you may have to rethink the route you’re taking. A direct course just may not be the way to go in this instance.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Always be honest with yourself and others, Libra. That means being true to you and never putt ing on masks just to hide others from how you are truly feeling.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you want to do things for others out of the goodness of your heart, and you will not need anything in return. Good deeds are their own reward.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, dining out too many days in a row may leave you feeling sluggish. Reassess your eating habits and commit to making more meals at home for a bit.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, recognize that not everyone has your best interests at heart. Others’ intentions may not be sinister, but your own interest and the interest of others may not align.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Sometimes you are a bit proud and do not like asking for or accepting others’ help, Aquarius. You deserve the breaks that others are willing to offer you, though.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 This is a good time of the month to nurture loved ones, Pisces. Play with your kids or sit and chat with an elderly relative who needs you.

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The Voice

Page 19

A March 16 2022

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

The madman turned missionary

N

o, this isn’t an autobiographical account of my calling to missions. I’ve been called a lot of things but never a madman. Actually, that’s not true. When I turned down law school many years ago to discern whether God was calling me into ministry, some of my not-yet-Christian friends thought I was crazy.

Most freshmen at Western wanted to get into a professional school like medicine, dentistry, business or law. So, if the door opened it was a no-brainer —you say “thanks a lot” and walk through. Eventually, I became a pastor and missionary so maybe the title does apply.

But I’m really referring to the arresting title of a chapter in Max Lucado’s book He Still Moves Stones. Lucado asks the question, “Who was the first missionary Jesus ever sent?” The answer may surprise you.

one could bind him, not even with chains. He cut himself with stones and his shrieks of agony echoed from the hills. Understandably, the people who lived nearby feared him.

However, spiritual forces were about to collide. The man full of unclean spirits was about to meet Jesus, a man full of God’s Spirit.

The Missionary

Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to leave. The man shrieked, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Wow. For a madman he certainly had good theology. You see, demons (or evil spirits) are

not atheists. They understand all too well the spirit world and which side they’re on. But then the demoniac continues his rant, “In God’s name, don’t torture me!”

Instead of striking fear into his hearers, now the demoniac is fearful. Jesus asked for his name. The possessed man answers “Legion for we are many.” When asked if they can be sent into a herd of pigs nearby, Jesus grants permission. The demonized swine go crazy, rush over a cliff into the lake and drown.

Meanwhile, the pig herders who witnessed all this See FAITH LIFT Page 15

The Madman

In the Gospel of Mark, we read about an extraordinary day in the life of Jesus. The day before had been very busy. He had taught large crowds (see Mark 4:1) and was probably very tired. Yes, Jesus was divine but he was also human and humans get tired. So, Jesus directed his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee (actually a lake) for a rest. The crossing turned out to be rather eventful (but that’s another story).

When they reached the other side, the unexpected happened. Instead of getting some much-needed rest and down-time, they were immediately confronted with a madman, a demoniac, a “man with an impure spirit” (Mark 5:2). This poor soul lived in a cemetery among the tombs. He had such extraordinary strength that no

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: Helping Hands

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

ASSISTANCE BLOOD COMPASSION CPR CRISIS CRITICAL

DISASTER DONATION EMERGENCY FIRE FIRST AID HEALTH

HUMANITARIAN LOST MISSION READINESS RELIEF SAFETY

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Page 20

The Voice

A March 16 2022

Vehicle bursts into flames at plaza

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Shepherd's Pie

Many families have their own ancestral recipes for Shepherd’s Pie, but for those looking to cook the dish for the first time, try “Shepherd’s Pie,” courtesy of Alton Brown, which appeared in Season 12 of his hit show “Good Eats.”

Shepherd’s Pie Yield: 8 servings 1-1⁄2 2 1 2

Dodge model was recalled for fire risk

Above, fully engulfed.

GLENNIA JORDANBART Centre, smoke seen from the south. DAVE SCHULZ DAVID BOLES Below, Pelham Fire on scene.

BY VOICE STAFF

2 1-1⁄2 1-3⁄4 3⁄4 2 2 1 1 1⁄4 4 1 1⁄2 1⁄2

pounds russet potatoes tablespoons canola oil cup chopped onion carrots, peeled and finely diced cloves garlic, minced pounds ground lamb teaspoons kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper teaspoons tomato paste teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary teaspoon chopped fresh thyme teaspoon Worcestershire sauce cup half-and-half tablespoons unsalted butter large egg yolk cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen cup English peas, fresh or frozen

1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1⁄2-inch dice. Put them in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set said pan over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, drop the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Heat the oil in an 11-inch saute pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the meat, salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the meat with the flour, toss to coat, and continue to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, combine the half-and-half and butter in a microwave-safe container and nuke until warmed through, about 35 seconds.

6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes (a masher is an excellent tool for this, though a hand mixer will do), then add the hot half-and-half mixture, as well as the salt and pepper. Mash to smoothness, then stir in the egg yolk.

7. Add the corn and peas to the meat mixture and spread evenly in a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling over, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Place on a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooking rack and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Last Friday, March 11, the journey came to an end for one unlucky vehicle parked in Fonthill’s Food Basics plaza. At approximately 9:15 AM, Niagara Regional Police officers arrived to fi nd a grey Dodge Journey fully engulfed in flames.

NRPS Constable Phil Gavin told the Voice that a Honda CRV parked next to the Dodge was damaged by the flames and heat. Both owners were located on scene.

“The cause of the fi re is believed to be electrical or mechanical in nature,” said Gavin. “There was no criminality believed to have been involved with this occurrence.”

The Pelham Fire Department was on scene shortly after 9 AM, where fi refighters found the vehicle fully in flames. Spokesperson Jason Longhurst said that three trucks and 11 See FIRE Page 16

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