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Vol.25 No.11
Cops put the cuffs on hunger NRPS brings in tons of non-perishables for Niagara food banks
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Column Six
Adventures in language On the road, lost in translation BY BRIAN GREEN Special to the Voice
F
Constables Jason McCarthy and Jeff Dam collect food donations at Food Basics in Fonthill last Tuesday morning. BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Constables Jay McCarthy and Jeff Dam were an imposing pair, stationed outside the sliding doors of Food Basics in Fonthill at 130 Highway 20 East last Tuesday. Even for cops, these guys were big—both well over six feet tall and north of 200 pounds. They attended the Ontario Police College in Aylmer together, and have served on the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) for ten years. Both are Pelham residents. Their presence in Fonthill that day was not to deter crime, but to
encourage charity and community support. The NRPS had officers in all 12 municipalities across Niagara during its inaugural run of the NRPS Spring Food Drive last week. Two or three constables were at each of a dozen grocery stores to greet customers and accept food and cash donations, in support of nine locally registered food banks. All officers were wearing masks and practising physical distancing. “We typically work in Niagara schools, but are also part of the NRPS’s Community Engagement Unit,” said McCarthy. “We know
DON RICKERS
COVID-19 has been hard on a lot of local families, and there has been a real need for food to supplement what folks can afford. This drive will help the food banks replenish their shelves.” The food drive was an initiative put into play by McCarthy, who told the Voice that the Food Basics site had a very successful day. Nearly 1800 pounds of food was collected, along with $882 in cash donations. In addition, management at Food Basics has offered to match the donations from the community, and will be donating approximately $1500 in cash gift cards. All
proceeds were directed to Pelham Cares. McCarthy and Dam are part of a team of seven dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs) within the Niagara Regional Police Service, who work with 30 high schools throughout the Region. They liaise with students, parents, school staff, and local businesses to promote positive relations between youth, the police, and the school’s neighbours. SROs serve as a resource for various social needs, assist front-line officers with investigations, and develop proactive crime prevention initiatives.
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Pelham Funeral Home wants to ensure your safety. If you are not comfortable with coming in the we gladly offer all arrangements funeralfuneral so theyhome, won’t have to. to be done by phone and email.
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Plan your own Call today and ask how we can help. As always we are here for you should you need us. Tina Tina and Staff
or more than 30 years, my wife, Valerie, and I have owned camper vans that we keep in Europe. This all began when we bought a VW Westfalia in St. Catharines and took delivery of the vehicle in Belgium as part of a now-defunct European delivery program that VW and other manufacturers offered. We traveled in the van for eight months and shipped it home, where we enjoyed it for many years, traveling coast-to-coast over time. We found the camper experience in Europe so appealing, though, that we soon bought a used vehicle in Germany that we stored with friends in France to use when we vacationed there. When that one wore out, we bought another and stored it at a campsite just outside of Marseille, in the south of France. The proprietor would pick us up at the airport and drive us the 15 minutes to his camp, where the van would be ready to go. Having our accommodation and transportation waiting for us meant that whenever we could take See COLUMN SIX Page 10
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NRPS impaired driving charges ~
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BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Pelham’s municipal government has earned another accolade. The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, established by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), to encourage municipal governments t hroughout Canada Pelham Treasurer to produce Teresa Quinlin. quality fiSUPPLIED nancial reports, along with peer recognition and technical guidance for officials, was bestowed on the Town Pelham earlier this month. GFOA based the award on Pelham’s submission of its 2019 Annual Report. The organization provides professional development and practical research in government finance for some 21,000 members. Its review committee judged Pelham’s report to “meet the program's high standards, including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure, designed to clearly communicate the municipality's financial
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PUBLISHER’S CORNER Tumbleweeds and crickets: While appointments at some Niagara mass vaccination sites have been going like Dua Lipa (or, for the over-50s, Springsteen) tickets, uptake at Pelham’s own community centre has been relatively slow. Of 1,900 appointments available, 500 were still open as of Monday. Asked why, Niagara Public Health spokesperson Kerri Stoakley told the Voice that numerically Pelham has fewer over-80s than the larger Niagara municipalities, and that those booking appointments favour speed over location— i.e., sooner is better. “We’ve also seen the earlier clinic locations be more popular than later ones, as many Niagara residents live within 15 minutes of multiple locations, and seem willing to travel a few extra minutes to get to an earlier appointment,” said Stoakley. “Meridian Community Centre on April 8 is going to be one of our largest clinic locations, and there are still over 500 spots that remain available for that clinic. This will be an excellent location for persons aged 7579 to schedule when the provincial registration portal opens to them Monday morning.” Also now open for registration are vaccinations for Ontarians who will be 60 or older in 2021, though this is currently limited to the AstraZeneca vaccine, administered through selected pharmacies. Unfortunately, that selection does not so far extend to Niagara. According to the registration website on Monday, the closest AstraZeneca providing pharmacy was in Etobicoke...Patience, please: It’s a race between the coronavirus variants taking broader hold and the population being sufficiently vaccinated to stop them. There’s no guaranteed happy ending here, as Niagara’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, makes clear on page 5. Keep wearing masks, keep social distancing, keep those hands washed. Personally, I think talk of backto-normal Canada Day barbecues is premature. As humans have demonstrated time and again, left to our own devices selfishness and rationalizing dumb decisions is in our nature (cf. Miami Beach)...Some good reading this week: Don Rickers bravely takes us down the rabbit hole into the bizarre practice of attempting to create a housing development out of slivers of dead people’s bequests—you may want to brew extra coffee to help get a handle on it (p. 8). Brian Green (Column Six) takes us across Europe, and I don’t want to give anything away, except that these days translation problems are almost nonexistent with the advent of smartphones. Even my decidedly low-end Android phone functions like a Star Trek communicator, almost instantly translating speech back and forth in a couple of dozen languages. Finally, John Swart takes us vicariously to the far north (p.18), another fine read. We may yet be stuck at home, but at least we can do a little globetrotting on paper...Batter 'em up: Starting Good Friday, Fenwick Lions' Fish Fries are back every other week at Centennial Park (ad, p.10). Extra tartar sauce, please! ◆
A March 24, 2021
The Pelham Fire department responded to seven calls for assistance from Friday, March 12 to Friday, March 19. Saturday, Mar. 13 Remote alarm, Cherry Ridge, Fenwick Structure fire, Concession 4, Short Hills, Fenwick, Fonthill Monday, Mar. 15, Medical assistance, Fonthill Grass fire, Boyle Rd., Fenwick Tuesday, Mar. 16 Medical assistance, Fenwick Wednesday, Mar. 17 Remote alarm, Hwy 20 W, Fonthill
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story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report,” according to a press release. Mayor Marvin Junkin said, “I believe the value of this report is that everything is laid out in an easy to read format, so that all interested citizens can see at a glance the true financial status of the Town.” Treasurer and Corporate Services Director Teresa Quinlin said that Pelham’s 2019 Annual Report was the first one the Town has ever issued. She noted that it is “good practice” for a municipality to issue such a report, since it provides not only audited consolidated financial statements, but also the council members and organizational structure for the Town, strategic goals achieved in the year, and detailed statistical information and financial overview. Highlights from the 2019 report include updating financial policies regarding reserves, debt, and cash management, the establishment of an audit committee and a utility sustainability committee, and the development of a capital
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Growing up British
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BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
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bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14
BY VOICE STAFF
While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
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and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
The
Vacation Time Machine
Elena Grande of Fenwick, with friends and family, visited Indonesia and Malaysia. Here they are after climbing the 272 stairs of Batu Caves, in Malaysia, a limestone hill and series of caves containing various Hindu temples and shrines.
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. Michelle TETU, 23, no fixed abode Tammy LANGILLE, 46, Welland Bonnie NADJIWAN, 22, Thorold Milan CLETEUS PIOUS, 22, St. Catharines Giulio Rocco CIFANI, 24, Welland Trevor JOHNSTON, 32, Niagara Falls Catherine MCMILLAN, 22, St. Catharines
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K
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P D S A W A N M L R O J O J
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every year. stroys thousands of lives deaths in Canada and deleading cause of criminal Impaired driving is still the ment programs like RIDE. offenders through enforceand the apprehension of offences through education reducing impaired driving lice Service is committed to The Niagara Regional Po-
Pelham David M. GEORGIEV, 36, St. Catharines Andrew DEGRAVE, 22, Welland Allan G. HIPPSLEY, 32, Niagara Falls Michael P. VANHELVERT, 33, Lincoln Richard W. PARRY, 48, Orchard Park NY Jamie HIDALGO, 39, Oakville Justin D. GODDERIS, 33, blood sample. refusing to provide a breath / alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or centration above 80 mgs of with a blood alcohol conby alcohol or drugs, driving nally with impaired driving have been charged crimiThe following individuals vention of the suspension. who are driving in contraStoppers to report those fic Safety Hotline or Crime gional Police Service Trafto contact the Niagara ReThe public is encouraged motor vehicle on a roadway. prohibited from operating a cense Suspension and are Administrative Driver’s Litry of Transportation 90-Day areNow alsothat’s bound by a Miniscruising, charged, Club these individuals Azamara Cruises Book now before this disappears. In addition to being proved in court. all seven continents lowing charges haveimmerse been yourself in No lines, no hurry, the Region. None of the folon smaller ship’s. Extended stays offence in port, some overnight impaired driving in with an alleged criminal people included. who are charged tuities Selectlast spirits, wines, Int’l Beers & Grayear! reports the names of those tique hotel at Police sea. Service one cruise at a time araExplore Regional thetime world onboard your bouThis Pelham St., Fonthill 2019—a year to explore the world, alcohol or1400 drugs, the NiagPAST www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com driving while impairedoffi byce@thevoiceofpelham.ca http://www.hooahhvideos.ca/ select voyages Enjoy a and veranda an interior price onyourSanta Raidy Manso (center), attention deterrence toreaders! and we’ll share it for with our Email photoCayo, with aCuba! brief description to BLAST FROM THE DOUBLE UPGRADE EarlyON's Fenwick United Church location. In an effort to bring further Send us Sue your Lough picture withholding daughter The Tamara, Voice, of whether Fenwick, across with new townCuban or abroad friend
toEarlyON go chargesCentres closing driving planners 83 days instead, sayRESULTS Fenwick and South Pelham NRPS impaired Peace on Earth Existing community facilities toand beAirbnbs used in Pelham At Hoo-Ahh Aerial of theHome Week qr 905.892.7900 THE VOICE POLL: Hotels
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A March 24, 2021
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April 2 - 5 Easter Bunny Deliveries! Virtual Magic Show! Jocelyn Baker surveys some of the erosion and debris that are threatening Twelve Mile Creek. She has been hired to update the Watershed Action Plan for the stream to guide restoration and preservation efforts. COURTESY JOCELYN BAKER
Twelve Mile Creek gets some TLC from TUC
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Ten-year action plan to guide preservation and restoration of Niagara’s last spring-fed coldwater stream BY BRIAN GREEN Special to the Voice “Twelve Mile Creek is in real trouble.” These are the words of Dennis Edell, President of the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC). His organization has been at the forefront of efforts to make the stream’s dire situation known to landowners in the watershed, the general public, and to politicians and municipal staff along the waterway. The Niagara Chapter has hosted information sessions to bring attention to the plight of the creek and to suggest solutions. A “Healthy Twelve Mile Creek” landowner meeting in November of last year was attended by some 120 people; a “stakeholder meeting” in September drew 45 planners, councillors and mayors; and most recently a workshop on Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure had some 120 participants from across the Region as well as across Canada. Now the Niagara Chapter has launched a Ten-Year Action Plan for the Twelve Mile Creek watershed. While the Region has taken responsibility for a Niagara-wide Water Resource Systems Plan, the unique nature of the Twelve, as the only spring-fed coldwater system in Niagara, requires its own “sub-watershed” plan, according to Edell. Partnering with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), the Niagara Chapter has retained the services of Jocelyn Baker to research and write the Action Plan.
Baker is a conservation professional with 25 years’ experience, a project manager, and part-time professor in Niagara College’s Ecosystem Restoration Program. Baker calls the upper Twelve Mile Creek “one of the most unique watersheds in southern Ontario,” thanks to the continuous supply of groundwater supplied by the Fonthill Kame. “Even in the extreme hot days of summer, the creek has a constant flow of cool, fresh water,” says Baker. “What this means from a biological perspective is the creek supports species not found anywhere else in Niagara.” However, she sees the creek deteriorating due to increased storm frequency and intensity causing flooding that is reaching disastrous proportions. “Since our human-made infrastructures —buildings, roads, parking lots—are not permeable, water will quickly ‘runoff’ to the nearest low point. In urban settings such as Fonthill, that runoff flows to storm drains, and those drains directly discharge into upper Twelve Mile Creek.” Each average-size home, she says, generates approximately 2,000 litres of runoff during one typical storm event. That runoff carries debris, sediment and poisons like salt covering the spawning and nesting beds of the organisms that live in the creek. See ACTION PLAN Page 12
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The Voice
A March 24, 2021
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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
PSWs—Worth their weight in gold
T
here are a few occupations that do not get the laurels they deserve and consequently are paid just marginally above or at the minimum wage level. One of those occupations goes by the title of personal support worker, or more commonly “PSW.” Somehow or another that word, “worker,” seems to demean the position to the level of a mere job and does not sufficiently reflect it as a true calling. Such a connotation is reflected in the meagre compensation level awarded those engaged in delivering the indispensable services they provide. Why a society would undervalue the crucial services provided by these experts is a mystery. Throughout the normal course of daily life, one rarely gives a thought to these precious service providers until their much-needed capabilities are called upon. These practitioners provide much welcomed assistance, comfort and relief to those encountering the burden of caring for frail part-
ners, parents, and other cherished persons in their lives. Once engaged with their clientele, a PSW almost assumes the status of being a member of a close-knit family unit. It is difficult to reconcile the value these persons deliver and the fact that the occupation is among the most marginally compensated ones. Perhaps largely due to the low compensation, the vocation has difficulty enticing the numbers needed to overcome the shortage of their kind within the healthcare system. That shortage is the reason that the Ontario government introduced tuition-free entry into a college level program to train persons for this occupational group. There is no doubt graduates of the program will have little difficulty gaining entry into the practice of providing compassionate care giving in both the private and public sectors. A notable discrepancy has crept into the compensation system within this occupation. Those who choose to practice in
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
long term care facilities (LTCs) earn four to five dollars more per hour than those who provide service to clients who choose to continue to live in their homes. This is contrary to the reality that it is more economical, and perhaps healthier, to provide health care support, whenever possible, to people living in their homes. Such a practice avoids the higher costs associated with institutional care given in both the private and public sectors. The people who have made use of this facet of the healthcare system praise the excellent care provided by those engaged in this occupation. However, there remains the misgiving that this particular facet of the system may be undervalued for the contribution rendered whenever called upon to do so. Imagine the chaos and impairment that would occur should these essential practitioners in the system abandon their compassionate care services. Is the compensation for those See PSWs next page
Letters Surviving COVID—“a weakness like I've never known” I’d like to begin this by saying that I’m both thankful and full of thanks. I have just spent the last four weeks battling a COVID-19 variant strand. I can’t recall ever feeling so sick in my life! So sick that I couldn’t eat, had a fever, aches all over, chesty coughing fits, and a weakness like I’ve never known. What kept me going—kindness. Kindness from my family— both in my home, who monitored my health and delivered fluids and food as needed, and my outside family, who brought groceries, deliv-
ered cookies, called each day and always sent me good thoughts. Kindness from my workplace, with folks checking in, sending treats, flowers and a reassurance that things were being taken care of during my absence. Kindness from neighbors and friends, who called and offered help, delivered meals and flowers to brighten our days. Recovery has been slow, but steady. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of those who were there for me. See THANKFUL 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
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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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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication. The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at (905) 892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www. thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics
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Page 5
A March 24, 2021
OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji
Not time to let up against COVID—We're almost there
T
his month marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared and upended our lives. And we have successfully saved hundreds if not thousands of lives in Niagara thanks to our shared sacrifices. However, as we grow exhausted of these constraints in our lives, the virus has not gotten tired, and is actually surging for a third time, having mutated into variants that spread even more easily. This month also marks the scaling-up of Canada’s vaccination program. Beginning this week, Canada’s shipments of COVID-19 vaccine are increasing several fold, enabling the launch of large clinics by Niagara Region Public Health and the opening of vaccination to the general public on an age-based sequence: those oldest are being vaccinated first, and progressively younger ages will get their opportunity soon. At this one-year mark in the pandemic then, we find ourselves faced with both a threat and an opportunity: a renewed surge of infection that could lead to many more hospitalized and potentially passing away, and a pathway to better days through vaccination. The next two months will determine which of these will win. The threat of the virus should not be underestimated. COVID-19 cases in Niagara are back to the levels we saw at the start of
PSWs
continued from previous page devoted to keeping people comfortable in their frailties and alive in their sunset years commensurate
the second wave in late December. While we have not yet seen a surge of people hospitalized or needing intensive care, other parts of the province are not so lucky: Sunnybrook Hospital is building a temporary field hospital to house the surge of patients; Hamilton Health Science has begun preparatory work to do the same; Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington and London Health Sciences continue to have their field hospitals ready after establishing them in January for the second wave. Our hospitals see what is coming and are bracing for it. If these field hospitals start to fill up, though, a third lockdown will likely become necessary. On the vaccination front, we see over half of the 80-and-older population already vaccinated. With almost all others already registered for their shot in Niagara, those 75-79 years of age are now invited to book appointments as well. As we keep vaccinating younger and younger age cohorts, the vaccines will hold infections down and render field hospitals unnecessary. But we need to get to that point first— when a much larger proportion of our population has been vaccinated. As we get closer to that point, we will also get closer to summer where heat, humidity, and outdoor See STAY THE COURSE next page
PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin
Starting Monday, those 75-plus may book appointments
W
hile addressing a public forum this past Friday afternoon, the Region’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, stated that 48 percent of the 80-year-old-plus segment of Niagara’s population have now been vaccinated. Of course the majority of these are located in the Region’s senior and long-term-care homes. It can be assumed that the remaining 52 percent of this group live in their own homes. It is the group that has for the past week been able to book appointments on the province’s health line. A fair number of Pelham seniors have used the assistance offered by the Pelham Library to make these bookings. If you require some help, the Library phone number is (905) 892-6443. Once you have booked an
appointment, the website niagararegion.ca provides information on such things as when to arrive, what to bring, and what to expect at the clinic. Starting this Monday, those who will turn 75 or older in 2021 may also now book appointments. The fi rst vaccination clinic will be held at the MacBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls, and its fi rst three days are fully booked. In Pelham, the Meridian Community Centre will be the Town’s vaccination clinic location, and it will be open April 8. Niagara Regional Transit is providing free transportation to the clinic and their customer service telephone number is (289) 302-2172. When using this service, you must show the driver proof of your appointment. With the United States shipping 1.5 million doses of vaccine north to Cana-
da, this should ultimately speed up the process here in Niagara. As of Sunday, there were 14 people with COVID in Region hospitals. On Friday the Ford Government increased the customer limit from 10 to 50 percent of capacity in restaurants and bars at any one time (not to exceed 50 patrons), as long as physical distancing between tables can be maintained. At last, spring is here and this week’s forecast is for very spring-like temperatures. Please get outside for some fresh air and sunshine, maybe a walk, and if it ends at an outdoor patio, so be it! Until next time… ◆
with the true value of their contribution? Hopefully the system will soon reconcile the value PSWs deliver and the level of compensation they receive. ◆
Cabinetry Showroom & Design Centre 7-200 Hwy 20 East, Fonthill ON L0S 1E6 Open: Mon - Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm Sat 10:00am to 4:00pm
THANKFUL
continued from previous page
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I’m also thankful to live in an area that values healthcare above all else. Niagara Region Public Health called regularly to monitor and check to ensure my health wasn’t worsening. They tracked my health and extended isolation as needed. Today, I’m thankful to be able to go out and dig in my garden, walk down the street and smile at people I pass. My request to you is to please continue to listen to the health system’s recommendations. We are not out of these woods yet. Please get vaccinated when you get the chance. Trust me, you don’t want this virus, as it depletes your health in a matter of days. Finally, BE KIND to those around you. Don’t let fear and anger lead your way, but rather look for ways to support and help. Shellee Niznik Fonthill
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The Voice
A March 24, 2021
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Letters continued STAY THE COURSE
continued from previous page living will also give us a big assist against COVID-19. I therefore believe that, as long as we hold COVID-19 back, in two months we could return to something that closely resembles last summer: the reopening of much of society and resumption of many of our routines. Some less onerous preventive measures will continue for a time (e.g., keeping distance, wearing masks), but will eventually fade away as well once more progress is made with vaccination. Nonetheless, by late May, we will be past a point when many businesses must remain closed, our elderly neighbours must hide indoors for fear of the virus, and our children can’t enjoy normal schooling. If, instead, the virus wins over these next two months, we will see our hospitals overwhelmed, many more in our community pass away, and when we get to late May, we could be still be at the peak of a third wave, delaying the chance to start returning to normal. We need to play our part to keep this pandemic under control for just a little longer. First and foremost, we need to find the resolve again to limit our social contacts to just our immediate household and one or two exceptions to support someone else, or receive support ourselves. This is hard after a year of curtailing our lives. But I hope we can find the motivation to do so for just a couple more months—we can see the light
very soon. Second, if and when our turn comes to get vaccinated, we should seize it. Vaccination is our path out of this pandemic, but vaccination only works when everyone gets it. In particular, since vaccines are not yet approved for children under 16 years of age, we need to get vaccinated ourselves to create a circle of protection around our children. We are blessed to have four excellent vaccines approved in Canada. While there was some recent concern around the effectiveness of AstraZeneca vaccine in the elderly, and its safety, the latest research largely puts those concerns to bed. In particular, in the UK where 11 million people have received the vaccine, it is working very well for the elderly, and we are not seeing serious side-effects. And third, recognizing how hard the pandemic continues to be for some in our community, let’s all continue to support them through these last couple months of hardship. In particular, let’s help each other keep our motivation up for this last push. When I compare Niagara to other parts of the world, we have weathered COVID-19 better than our peers in the US and Europe with far fewer deaths. That is thanks in large part to our resolve over this past year, and our maintaining unity—we are all “in this together.” Having come so far, as long as we don’t lose our nerve now at this final critical point, I’m confident that we will all be at better days very soon. ◆
Appreciates vaccination care
TD decision typical in modern era
There has been a considerable amount of criticism and confusion about the province’s COVID-19 response and the vaccination program. And, no doubt, some of it might be justified. However, I would like to commend the Niagara Health System for the amazing organization at the SeymourHannah site in St. Catharines, where my wife and I (80-years-plus) received our first Pfizer shot on March 16. We were given very clear instructions to follow. Everybody we encountered was extremely pleasant, helpful and professional. We felt cared for and the process was very smooth from beginning to end. Thanks to all the staff there who made it so stress-free. Bill McInerney Fonthill
The article “Pelham fumes at TD Bank departure” [March 10, p.15], provided interesting information about the earnings of banks in Canada and implied that the major banks are not like other corporations, whose main objective is to obtain the maximum income for their shareholders. Indeed, banks are public service institutions obliged to offer citizens of Canada financial services according to provincial and federal bank acts. That is the reason why the federal government has allocated taxpayer money to secure deposits in bank accounts in the event of a bank failure. Banks benefit from this support as it encourages Canadian citizens to use banking services with confidence. Banks are sometimes delinquent in their duties and we have all heard of horror stories concerning individuals. Unfortunately, there are matters in which we have all been compromised. For example, we have been encouraged to start a TFSA (tax free savings account), which was advertised to pay a tax free income on interest that the banks must pay us for leaving our TFSA money with them. The banks have now arbitrarily reduced the annual interest to about 0.05 percent, or about $29 dollars per year on a $60,000 TFSA deposit, while they continue to lend out our money at high interest rates. Since inflation is well over 2 percent, we actually lose well over $1,200 on a TFSA deposit. The banks need our deposits to make to make their large earnings. That is the reason why they have arbitrarily imposed a $75 fee on those of us who might like to transfer our TFSAs to another institution—to keep us in harness even if they close their local bank. Such arbitrary fees might be in violation of their obligations under the bank acts. When the TD Bank closes in Fonthill, we will have to pay-up or to drive ten miles, back and forth, to Welland, paying for gasoline, for wear and tear on our car, and also wasting an hour of our valuable time. The above is an example of a minor irritant, however it shows how some corporations have employed psychology and have used methods to manipulate people for their benefits. It is no wonder that people “fume” at such manipulation. People of Pelham, stop fuming and instead devise methods to defend ourselves against manipulators. Dr. Joseph Kos Fonthill
The Last Walrus The "Last Walrus" documentary, depicting MarineLand Niagara Falls, which aired Friday, March 12, on CBC, was a revealing shocker exposing just how heartless the business is. Phil Demers, a previous MarineLand employee, developed an unbelievably unique relationship with a walrus called Smooshi. Phil explained the walrus had imprinted on him and regarded him as her mom thereafter. He and Smooshi brought much good publicity to MarineLand on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and worldwide. Certainly benefitting from the good publicity, MarineLand, instead of appreciating what Phil had done and respecting it, chose to sue him. And what is Smooshi’s reward? She is stuck in isolation in a small cement enclosure with no companionship of other walruses. MarineLand today does not have any heart whatsoever to allow Phil a chance to visit his beloved walrus. Instead, Phil is left to be mentally tormented wondering if Smooshi is going to survive or even if she is alive today. Mammals ended up with chemical burns unSee WALRUS Page 9
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT S
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(289) 650-1775 | SAFETREE.CA
Protecting and Maintaining Our Valuable Urban Forests The Niagara Region is known for many things - quality wine, innovative culinary experiences and a quick retreat from the city. Each of these experiences that give Niagara its exceptional flair are nestled underneath a canopy of trees and natural wonders. The preservation of this magnificent urban forest is at the heart of what professional tree care company Safe Tree stands for. In their overarching approach
to tree maintenance and plant health care, Safe Tree actively performs their services with both tree and property owner in mind. Safe Tree specializes in low-impact tree removal in addition to providing disease and pest control, trimming and pruning, stump removal, cabling and bracing and even planting and plant health care services.
Ivan Fredette, Team Leader and Certified Utility Arborist at Safe Tree, knows that his team assesses each tree with longevity in mind, ensuring that plant health care is at the forefront of each diagnosis. “Plant healthcare helps to deal with any stressors, issues or pests that trees may have. At Safe Tree, we want to get the trees back to where they were and help preserve the wonderful heritage that they may hold.” As Team Leader, Fredette strives to educate Safe Tree clients on how professional tree maintenance benefits not only the value of their property now, but for generations to come. “We strategically assess each tree and landscape we encounter to ensure that they are treated with a full scaled approach. It is easy to start from scratch, but to preserve these ancient trees that contribute to our canopy is truly amazing.” The educated and trained arborists at Safe Tree take a comprehensive approach to assessing
all factors of tree maintenance, ensuring that their customers’ minds are put at ease. From types of soil that surround a tree to what species may be impacted by their removal, customers
Tree, we are actively doing everything we can everyday to protect and maintain the urban forest, and that is important to me both personally and professionally.”
Tree maintenance benefits not only the value of their property now, but for generations to come. trust that Safe Tree considers all environmental elements. Performing with a sense of stewardship to the Niagara canopy, the Safe Tree team leans into their strong moral compass and ensures that their clients are educated about their trees. One of our team players at Safe Tree, Plant Healthcare Specialist Kaitlyn Simpson, believes in creating a stronger greener urban forest for our community. “In Southern Ontario, urban forests are not only crucial for wildlife, but also us as humans. At Safe
As municipalities expand and the economy continues to grow, Safe Tree strives to maintain the beautiful green heritage of Niagara. Safe Tree is further fuelling their meaningful approach to tree maintenance through Simpson who is passionate about her new journey. “To me, Safe Tree hits every beneficial factor for the urban forest. From maintenance to plant healthcare to removal, we strategically look at the entire tree life cycle to ensure we are helping make the urban forest bigger and better and the future, much greener.”
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The Voice
A March 24, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Land of the loophole—lawsuit to decide fate of south Pelham acreage Using the dead to skirt Ontario's Planning Act BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent
ity of Montemurro’s development. On September 19, 2019, Daniel and Partners lawyer Callum Shedden responded to the legal filing, essentially repeating the Town's argument. Montemurro has played the “testamentary devise” card before in Niagara, in the late 1980s into the early ‘90s. Using what Montemurro himself called a "loophole," according to reporting by the Buffalo News in 1993, he performed an end-run on the Ontario Planning Act, which prohibits any parceling out of land not considered a registered subdivision, and won in the Ontario Court of Appeal—despite Associate Chief Justice John Morden saying at the time that Montemurro’s scheme had some "highly distasteful" features. The testamentary devise loophole was closed in 1990 by the provincial government. Montemurro’s modus operandi was to
sell tracts of land to terminally ill people, generally of low income, according to the Buffalo News’ reporting, and have them bequeath small portions of that land to various people in wills provided to them by Montemurro, mostly to beneficiaries designated by Montemurro. Because the law at the time did not ban subdividing land through a will, Montemurro was able to circumvent the normal planning process, which likely would not have approved subSee LOOPHOLE Page 13
DON RICKERS/VOICE ILLUSTRATION
The Town of Pelham has lawyered-up to fight a developer in court. On October 9, 2020, Bay Street law firm Ecclestone, Hamer, Poisson, Neuwald, and Freeman filed documents with the Superior Court of Justice, representing Niagara Falls developer Carlo Montemurro in an action against the Town of Pelham, which is represented by Terence Hill, a solicitor with the St. Catharines firm Daniel and Partners LLP. The issue dates back to September 6, 2019, when Mike Zimmer, chief building official for Pelham, denied Montemurro building permits, explaining that his was
not a bona fide land development, but rather a “testamentary devise.” Zimmer also told him that all lots required frontage on an improved street, which didn't exist in his development, and thus didn’t meet municipal bylaw requirements. (Montemurro’s lawsuit inexplicably names a Town administrative assistant as the responsible party, an error that the Voice understands the municipality has repeatedly brought to the attention of Montemurro’s lawyers, to no avail.) Montemurro, 87, owns what he maintains is a 37-lot residential development, known as Wendy Estates, in south Pelham, abutted by River Road, Farr Street, and Webber Road. He wants to sell to a builder, and requires building permits for all 37 lots. The trouble is, you can’t build houses where there aren’t any streets, and the Town won’t authorize the street construction because it doesn’t recognize the valid-
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A March 24, 2021
T:5"
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Pelham CAO earns peer award David Cribbs' handling of pandemic lauded by fellow Ontario administrators
Le Soleil
BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent
I'm resting in the sunshine On my couch, my chaise, my chair, I'm basking in the sunshine Its warmth is everywhere.
Pelham Chief Administrative Officer David Cribbs has received a deserved pat on the back. Gayle Jackson, president of the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA) informed Town Council by letter earlier this month that Cribbs has been recognized by his peers with
I'm on my porch or on the lawn Or even on my deck Captivated by the sunshine In the sky, a tiny speck. A glowing sphere so far away A star so large it could... Hold inside a million Earths But never ever should. For temperatures within our sun Can reach...15 million C° So we are wise to give it space I'm certain you'll agree.
WALRUS
continued from Page 6
I love the sun, its energy The promise that it brings It feeds our Earth, it welcomes back Another joyous Spring!
S.M.Lazareth
der MarineLand's failing to change pool water and flush it clean properly. The red raw skin on mammals was shown in the documentary. Personally I reported to the humane society in the 1970s a bear dragging its hindquarters. The society spokesperson revealed no surprise saying there had been other calls regarding animals at MarineLand. Phil has brought much light to shine on the abuse
a special OMAA Achievement Award, for demonstrating exceptional leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, including an award-winning municipal re-opening plan. OMAA has been in existence for some 60 years, and is devoted to enhancing good governance, leadership excellence, and See CRIBBS Page 15
allowed at MarineLand along with tireless protesters, especially ones from the Niagara Action for Animals organization. Please let MarineLand know your feelings on its hardnosed stand of not allowing a miracle of a compassionate young man and an innocent walrus to resume an outstanding relationship. Surely the pair after many years deserve a chance to once again gaze into each other’s eyes and believe the world does hold a trace of good. Faye Suthons Wainfleet
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The Voice
COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 advantage of a cheap flight to Europe, we could enjoy a vagabond vacation, preparing our own food and traveling at our own pace while staying at Europe’s lavish and convenient campsites. Camping in Europe is an unexpectedly luxurious experience. We have stayed at campgrounds that have fine restaurants, multiple pools, spas, shopping malls, hair salons, and discos. Many feature live entertainment in the evening, and all of them have takeaway food, access to local baked goods, and spotlessly clean and beautifully appointed washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. There are destinations for all tastes and itineraries, from beachfront locations to city centres, from remote getaways to kid-friendly resorts. Our travels in our campers over the years have taken us from England to Turkey, from Portugal to Slovenia, with stops at just about everywhere in between. One of the main deterrents for people we have talked with about our camper travel has always been language. “How do you manage without speaking the language?” “What if you need something or get lost and don’t speak Greek or Slovenian or German or Portuguese?” Frankly, we’ve never found it a problem. If you’re willing to make an effort with whatever few words you have in another tongue, or have some ability with cha-
rades, most people will meet you at least halfway and try to communicate. We always carry bikes on the back of the van to make it easy to get from the campground to the local markets or sights. We enjoyed an hour-long conversation with a bike enthusiast in Croatia that took the form of pointing at various bicycle components and pantomiming our satisfaction or displeasure with each. When we ran out of steam on that theme, the conversation descended into naming rock groups we enjoyed in common. He’d say, “Beatles!” with a big grin and thumbs up, and I’d say, “Grateful Dead!” to which he would hum a few bars of Truckin’ while thrashing an air guitar. Our interchange will not bring world peace, but it was hugely satisfying to be able to reach each other even in this ridiculous way without being able to speak a word of each other’s language. I have had other memorable moments with language. Back when Steve Bauer was the pride of Canadian cycling and competing near the front of the Tour de France, we were in Italy where we avidly watched his thrilling rides whenever we were near a television. Our enthusiasm was noted by some Italian cycling fans in a campground outside of Sienna, and when they discovered we were Canadian, became animated in their interest in Steve Bauer. I don’t know Steve, though I’ve met him as he grew up down the street from
A March 24, 2021
me, and I wanted to convey this to the Italians in order to share a little of his glory. But the concept was far too complex for my pathetic Italian vocabulary and all I could think of was to say that he was my friend. As it
He and his buddies all nodded sagely at my explanation and indicated that it was just as they thought
turned out I told the Italian cycling fans that he was my lover. Luckily, after much hilarity, they managed to explain my mistake and bought me a birra. Perhaps my finest linguistic moment was in the lovely little southern French village of Frontignan. Valerie and I had ridden into town from one of our favorite campsites on the Mediterranean beach at Frontignan Plage to enjoy the lively weekly market. After wandering through the glorious produce section and fragrant cheese stalls, filling our bike paniers with all manner of good food, Valerie spotted an artisanal woodworker selling little toy trains with detachable carriages. Just the thing for a nephew back home. So while she negotiated the purchase
Great food, Great people
of an engine and several freight cars, I strolled to the next door stall of a man repairing shoes. He was evidently an institution at the market, because his stall was surrounded by gossiping men smoking cigarettes and chattering like squirrels. My French is not bad, so long as I confine myself to ordering meals in a restaurant or simple conversations about the weather. One of the gathered men beckoned me over and in English far worse than my French asked if I spoke English. My standard reply is, “a little” and that seemed to satisfy him because he then asked if I could translate something for him. His favorite music group was an English band called “Throbbing Gristle” and could I tell him what it meant in French. I won’t go into how I managed to convey the essentials to him, but he and his buddies all nodded sagely at my explanation and indicated that it was just as they thought. While I take pride in my efforts on that occasion, I have had the odd disaster. We celebrated Val’s 40th birthday with a three-hour lunch in a three-star Michelin restaurant near Lyon called Troisgros. Staggering from the excesses of that meal and glowing from the incredible dining experience, we drove our camper into the countryside to a beautiful rural campsite on the banks of the upper Seine River, where it is not much more than a stream. After parking the van and setting up our campsite, I produced a bottle of champagne to continue the celebration. Our array of glassware in
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Belgium by way of St. Kitts, the van that started it all. the camper was pretty utilitarian and the champagne deserved better, so I headed up to the campground café to borrow proper champagne flutes. The place was lively at that time of day, and when I made my request to the woman behind the bar, she got everyone’s attention by asking in a very loud voice, “Mais oui, monsieur… but what is the occasion?” Knowing that my French vocabulary could handle this, I said with great confidence, “It is my wife’s 14th birthday!” The bar erupted in cheers and congratulations and wishes for good luck. I bowed sheepishly and, clutching my champagne flutes, fled. Travel
GREEN FAMILY
teaches you many things, but not least among them is humility. We’ve bought tires in Greek, fished with a guide in Czech, had my bike repaired in Slovenian, had a haircut and shave in Croatian, bought shoes in Spanish, and reported a theft in French… not to mention ordering meals, buying groceries and gas, negotiating campsites, and enjoying the odd simple conversation about sports, music, and life. Language can be a barrier, but with willingness, a sense of humour, and the ability to put your self-consciousness on the shelf, communication, in spite of that barrier, can be surprisingly rewarding. ◆
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Page 11
A March 24, 2021
DSBN Technology Skills Challenge is blooming BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) celebrated the talent of students enrolled in its technological education courses, as well as those in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, with its annual Technology Skills Challenge which ran March 1 through 12. The Voice spoke with DSBN technology consultants Roy Smith and Jill Russell regarding the competition, involving all 17 of DSBN’s secondary schools. The event is in its 23rd year, but this was the first time it was presented and judged virtually, due to the pandemic. Normally, the event is featured on Niagara College’s campuses. “Events are being evaluated in different ways this year,” said Russell. “Some are being judged via Zoom videoconferencing, and others via electronic file submission. In some categories, entries are judged by teachers in the classroom, and then those files are sent to other professionals.” There were 21 different challenge categories. Some —hairstyling, preci-
sion machining, carpentry, welding, electrical wiring, and culinary arts, for example— were trades-based, while others— video production and photography, graphic design, computer coding, architectural CAD (computer-assisted design), and robotics —were techbased. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded in each category, with winners advancing to provincial competition, which is also being conducted virtually this year, from April 22 to May 7. Smith said that a number of event partners, such as Rona and the Niagara Industrial Association, donated materials and agreed to serve as judges. “Many of our competing students are enrolled in our DSBN technology classes, and have completed co-op placements in these areas for extra experience outside the classroom,” said Smith, adding that Niagara College offers $1,000 scholarships for students who are SHSM graduates entering one of their tech programs. Russell and Smith both underscored the million-dollar investment that the DSBN has made over the past two years in sup-
E.L. Crossley floristry competitors, from left, Natalie Anderson, Deanna Ramaker, and Mackenna Belding. port of skilled-trade programs, which they said has allowed the purchase of industry-standard equipment and software for students to train on, the same equipment that they would be using in the workplace. “It all helps our students prepare for their future careers,” said Smith, who noted that success in the annual Technology Skills Challenge is closely observed by many employers, who recognize the students’ skills and potential. For Mackenna Belding of
Fonthill, an E.L. Crossley Grade 11 student and floristry event competitor, flowers are a family affair. “My aunt and uncle used to own a perennial farm, so they always had flowers that I was able to pick, and I’d make arrangements with them. And my dad is a horticulture teacher at E.L. Crossley, so he was an influence. Gardens have just always been part of my life.” Belding said that she wants to study elementary school concurrent education at university, and has nar-
rowed her choices to Brock, Queen’s, and Nipissing. Natalie Anderson, in Grade 11 at Crossley, also had an entry in the floristry competition. “We were judged in part on symmetrical arrangement, so I was trying to think of balance and depth by creating different layers with the flowers and greenery. I worked on creating a focal point and different artistic styles,” she said. Although she said she has limited gardening experience, Anderson considered
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the competition a worthwhile endeavour. “Crossley’s horticulture teacher, Mr. Belding, demonstrated some techniques, and I did some online research prior to the competition,” she said. Anderson is contemplating a combination of visual art and biological sciences for her university studies. “Combining the artistic visual appeal of flower arrangements, along with working with plants….that’s really exciting for me. It's kind of a combination of my passions.”
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Page 12
The Voice
A March 24, 2021
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ACTION PLAN
OBITUARY
continued from Page 3 “Unfortunately, because of our collective actions, we are losing the very attributes that make our Twelve Mile Creek so special.” Dennis Edell adds, “A walk along Twelve Mile Creek downstream of Fonthill and into Short Hills Provincial Park quickly shows erosion and sedimentation, indicating a disaster in the making. Not surprisingly it is population growth and climate change that are to blame.” To develop an Action Plan to mitigate the damage and prevent further deterioration, Baker intends to contact people from every aspect of the watershed’s reach: politicians, municipal staff, landowners, developers, NGOs, and interested citizens. She has already begun the process with mailed out surveys to a preliminary group, but her ambition is to reach everyone who might have an interest in or opinion about the Twelve in order to reflect all points of view in the Action Plan. She can be reached through the TUC Niagara website. Says Edell, “The success of the Action Plan will depend on the willingness of the stakeholders adjoining the watershed: Pelham, Thorold, St. Catharines, the Region, landowners, and developers to adopt new stormwater management practices.” Speaking for the NPCA, Senior Manager of Integrated Planning, Geoff Verkade, says that “the Action Plan will build upon the legacy of previous Twelve Mile Creek Watershed strategies and plans by addressing outstanding action items, and identifying additional priorities based on current watershed conditions and environmental issues. For instance, increasing erosion is plaguing the watershed due to its
NEWELL, Geraldine May (nee Woroniuk)
Hailed as a unique watershed, one of the most significant in southern Ontario, Twelve Mile Creek has its source in Fonthill (it’s the “Font” in the village’s name) and is the only spring-fed cold water system in Niagara with a resident population of native Brook Trout. Above, Terrace Falls, in Short Hills Provincial Park. BRIAN GREEN disturbed water balance that is altering stream flow and structure, and warming water temperatures.” Verkade is enthusiastic about the Conservation Authority’s partnership with the volunteer group. “With community-driven watershed resilience as the goal,” he says, “the NPCA is proud to stand with the TUC Niagara Chapter as they recognize communication and coordination are key. Collaboration will help the community of watershed stakeholders implement solutions such as extensive ecological
restoration, and recommendations for better development practices and associated policies within this precious watershed, through a sense of shared responsibility.” Dennis Edell concurs. “We’re hoping that with the help of the NPCA, the Niagara Chapter of TUC can be the catalyst for change needed to restore this unique watershed." At 7 PM on March 30 via Zoom, the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada will host a short presentation on "The Hard Life of
Brook Trout in Twelve Mile Creek," followed by a discussion on what needs to be done to restore the Brook Trout population in Niagara's most significant watershed. Anyone living in or around the Twelve Mile Creek watershed has an opportunity to understand what is impacting it and to provide input into the tenyear plan to restore the health of the watershed. To register for this public information session go to thevoiceofpelham.ca/twelve-mile-creek or to Niagara Chapter TUC’s Facebook page.
Passed away peacefully at Royal Rose Place in Welland on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the age of 84 years. Beloved wife and best friend of 63 years to Fred. Forever missed by her best friends Bertha and Jack. Geraldine worked as a secretary for Ontario Paper in Thorold for over ten years. At one time Geraldine was the executive secretary to the president at Niagara College. Her passions included golfing and going on cruises with Fred to the Caribbean, and in winter they enjoyed their time in Destin, Florida. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Fonthill cemetery on a later date. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Alzheimer Society or to Fonthill United Church. Online condolences may be shared at pelhamfuneralhome.ca
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Page 13
A March 24, 2021 ro had to obtain residential home building permits for each of the 37 lots. The unnamed home builder agreed that all of the parcels of land be registered with four individuals, namely Montemurro himself; his wife, Anna Montemurro; his daughter Emmy Montemurro-Baxter; and his son-in-law Steve Baxter (known in court document as the “vendors”). Once these registrations were complete, the home builder would purchase the parcels owned by the quartet. Montemurro’s lawyers referenced in their documents a 2003 action called the Pedwell case, in which the Town of Pelham turned down an application for a building permit that was based on a testamentary devise. The presiding judge found for the plaintiffs, and indicated in his ruling that Pelham had “acted in bad faith.” The judge directed the chief building official to issue a building permit, and damages of $3 million were awarded against Pelham. The Town’s lawyers appealed the ruling but lost. The Voice understands that the $3 million dollar damage award was paid by the Town’s insurance carrier of the time. If Montemurro wins, the potential implications for Town Hall and the community in general are dire, said a Niagara lawyer with extensive municipal experience and knowledge of the Planning Act. Given the lawyer’s unique position, the Voice has agreed not to name them. “If Mr. Montemurro is
correct, then ultimately he will be able to force the Town of Pelham to pay for a development that it has not approved, and that current law would prohibit it from approving. The two prime reasons the law would not let this happen is that it’s bad
Pelham has shown a calculated disregard of the appellant's right to make the best use of his property
for the environment to build an entire subdivision on septic tanks, and it’s bad for society to build on prime agricultural land, which is the greenest of greenfields. It seems wrong that a developer can try to force a community to accept a subdivision on agricultural lands when it has not budgeted for the costs associated with street lights, curbs, sidewalks and the roads. This flies in the face of all modern planning principles.” Reached by the Voice, Montemurro declined to comment for this story on his lawyers' advice. In the Wendy Estates action, Montemurro’s lawyers assert that the Town refuses to recognize lots that were legally formed under the provisions of testamentary devises. They argue that tes-
tamentary devise lots satisfy provisions of the Planning Act, since they were included in the will of Douglas Franklin Gross, a former solicitor of the City of Welland. Gross signed his will on March 2, 1990, and died April 18, 1990. July 26, 1990 was the date the Ontario government closed the testamentary devise loophole in the Planning Act. The suit alleges that the Town of Pelham is acting in bad faith, in a similar fashion to the Pedwell case. “Pelham has shown a calculated disregard of the appellant’s right to make the best use of his property in accordance with existing bylaws,” states the filing. In summary, Montemurro’ lawyers assert they have shown that the necessary requirements have been satisfied, and are asking the court that an order for a building permits be issued. CAO Cribbs confirmed that litigation is underway, and accordingly could not comment on the court proceedings. He did advise that the matter is set for a hearing this Thursday, March 25, in Welland. Barb Wiens, Pelham’s Director of Community Planning and Development, confirmed that no building permits have been authorized to date for any of the 37 lots in question. Montemurro, who lives in Niagara Falls, original filed his suit in Milton, not Niagara. Daniel and Partners successfully petitioned the court to move the case back to the proximal jurisdiction, namely the Welland courthouse.
Excerpt from an August 4 1980 Maclean's article on the Astra Trust collapse. Carlo Montemurro,
then 46, appears top right.
LOOPHOLE
continued from Page 8 dividing agricultural land into residential lots. Land development schemes are not the only business ventures that have brought Montemurro to court in the past. As the chief executive officer of Niagara Falls-based Re-Mor Investment Management Corp. and Astra Trust Co., he was sentenced to six years in prison for defrauding clients of close to $7 million in the early 1980s. Montemurro, his wife, and six others connected with Re-Mor were arrested and charged with conspiracy, fraud, and theft of $35 million from the public, following a 16-month investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police anti-rackets branch and the Niagara Regional Police. At the time, federal officials called it the first outright collapse of a federally chartered financial institution since the Home Bank in 1923. On July 23, 2019, Montemurro wrote to Pelham CAO David Cribbs, stating his intention to apply for building permits and describing how he would satisfy the bylaw requirement. Montemurro arranged it such that all lots had a 1/37 fractional interest in the Wendy Estate's roadways. He maintained that all the lots are provided with frontage on Farr Road, which is a public
MACLEAN'S MAGAZINE
road maintained by Pelham. The local home builder to whom Montemurro wants to sell is not named in the filed documents. Montemurro entered into an agreement
for the sale of the development during the summer 2019, for a bit more than $4.2 million dollars. One of the conditions of the sale was that Montemur-
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Page 14
The Voice
A March 24, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Sledding across Eclipse Sound between Pond Inlet and Bylot Island in Nunavut Territory, Canadian Arctic. BARB ANDERSON
BALANCED LIFE
continued from Page 18 sled dogs. “They are practicing for the big race from Arctic Bay to Igloolik.” The race is called the Nunavut Quest, and the route passes through the communities of Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Igloolik. Mushers and their dog teams race approximately 80 kilometres per day for a week, sleeping in tents while between the communities. Donna explains to Anderson as they make their rounds, “Our teams have to leave soon so they can go slowly over land and ice [to the start of the race] so the dogs are not too tired to
race.” Anderson is gaining an understanding of the intricate relationship between the Inuit and Arctic wildlife in real time, not from PETA or National Geographic videos. She explains, “Jay and his friends hunted caribou in January. It was his first time without his uncle and older brother. He had some amazing pictures of the three men with head flashlights butchering and packing the meat and skins onto the sleds to head back to town. Jay shared the food with all his extended family and the skins went to his grandmother to finish and sew into clothing.” Another day she was invited to the community col-
You Deserve Great Service
lege to watch elders teach young adults two different techniques for preparing seal skin to make clothing. “One keeps the seal fur on and the other removes it for a smooth surface. A lot more work than it looks to remove the fat layers without puncturing the skin. So much fun and good-natured teasing and laughter.” One day Anderson’s crew received a number of huge, freshly caught, Arctic Char from the community as a gift. Her job for the feast was, “Photographer and clean-up duty, as well as the remover of any errant bones with my forceps.” Yet when Anderson arrived at Pond Inlet, many Inuit from town were traveling a full day by snowmobile to participate in a protest demonstration undertaken to protect the Narwhal of Kaluktoo Bay, and their breeding grounds. The Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, partly owned by
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ArcelorMittal, of Oakville, move 20,000 tons of highgrade iron ore through their red, iron-dust-covered port at Milne Inlet each day. The mine owners are seeking to increase production from their Mary River mine and expand into nearby lands, which protestors claim will increase sea and land traffic to the detriment of the Baffin Island environment. The joy and wonder Anderson experiences by being so intimately involved with, and graciously accepted by, the people of Pond Inlet bubbles through her every story. Anderson signed off her most recent email with this tale, which she describes as the highlight of her stay—so far. “We started walking out over the ice of the Sound towards the dogs in the far distance. A bit frosty at -25 C, but we were dressed for it. Then we saw the owner of the 12-dog sled team, Phanuel, coming for us on his
Is the rustling of a Bermuda palm one of the wonders of sound?
snowmobile. Once he had harnessed all the dogs in their proper place, we were off. We travelled across the ice to the peak in the far distance for over an hour. Bylot Island with its gorgeous snow-covered mountains was on our left and Baffin Island on our right. It was so very quiet and mystical out there. We stopped for a walkabout when we got to the peak and warmed up our feet while Phanuel poured us some hot coffee. He introduced us to all the dogs by name, and now that they had had a run we were allowed to pet and talk with them. So affectionate! Most of the dogs were related to each other, from the oldest mother to her son, a sixmonth-old in his first season. He was hilarious and always getting into the other dogs’ way.” Anderson continued, “We then packed up and headed back. A lot colder on the way back. For added excitement, Phanuel reached for his keys that dropped, and he rolled
off the sleigh. The dogs did not stop. Christine and Maria in the front went for the metal claw that he uses as a brake and managed to stop the dogs. We got off the sleigh, and then boom, the dogs took off again. Maria was closest and swan-dived onto the sleigh. Christine and I ran after them. Phanuel was still far behind yelling at the dogs. Christine did catch up and they did manage to stop the sled and we were all laughing hysterically when he caught up. We were no longer cold!” I will personally be hardpressed to complain about my COVID-created lack of travel adventures in the future. Anderson has proven that if you’re willing to share your talents, shed the comforts of southern Ontario for unknown challenges 3300 frigid kilometres due north of Pelham, and open your eyes and heart to a community and culture you’ve never before experienced, there is no limit to your opportunities. ◆
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Wainfleet expands water testing program BY VOICE STAFF
PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Starting last cards week, with Wainfleet residents pandemic, the of statement said Materials that GibMake six fall themes, learning a variety techniques. began taking part in the Township’s ex- son recognized the need for a reliable way are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. panded water testing program, which al- to monitor and assess water safety. In his lowsTues., both pick-up and10 dropoff of$10. water role register on Regional Council and on the Public Sept. 16 – 12:30. Please ahead. Visit www.pelhamsamples for testing within the Township. Health and Social Services Committee, Giblibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. According to a Township statement re- son advocated for reactivating the existing
leased March 17, the first water sample bot- “pick-up only” program and expanding it tles were retrieved by Wainfleet residents allow sample drop-offs in the Township. FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISHtoFRY within minutes of opening the display at The testing program is the first of its Tasty into thesaid community. Haddock, Town Hall. treats with funds heading straight kindback in Wainfleet, the Township. In the “There has been a lot of excitement and past, residents could pick up bottles but had french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. public interest in this kind of service,” said to either drop off at locations outside WainMayor Kevin Gibson, about the long-await- fleet or engage with a private lab at their ed program. “InMINOR a small rural settingEQUIPMENT with own expense. PELHAM HOCKEY SALE no municipal water services, the ability to “Wainfleet’s new partnership with the Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Aimed to provide test water quality is essential.” Niagara Region Arena. is a great value-added serWith water testing in the cheaper options for Niagara playersRegion in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from See WATER next page being shut down for over a year due to the
9-12 in the morning.
PELHAM MUDFEST CRIBBS
times a week, but now oc- spotlight. twiceinathe week. Although “It is run of course Menfrom andPage women will becurback mud as the second on thegratifyyear is continued 9 all team members brought ing and complimentary to held at Bissil’s Hideaway. exceptional talents to the be recognized,” he told the professional management table, like Voice. “That being said, alin municipal administration all great most 100 percent of a CAO’s throughout the province. NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITIONt e a m s , job is teamwork. If perfor“This has been a partichas to this mance been worthy Rodeo, games and live entertainmentthere headline yearshasexciting event.ofIt ularly challenging time for be a leader recognition/award, then it the runs municipal sector 11-14 and at the WellandtoFairgrounds. from Sept. focus the was earned by a large numchief administrative ofenergies ber of people. The CAO may ficers in Ontario,” wrote and ideas be the administrative head BIG“It MOVE CANCER Jackson. is a delight to RIDE g e n e r a t - of the corporation, but the Pelham CAO congratulate David for his worktaking done during the Sept. panThe Big Move Cancer Ride a non-competitive place on David is Cribbs . ed by the ride commitment to excellence group into demic was most certainSUPPLIED 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famin municipal management.” an action ly the effort of a combined Mayor Marvin Junkin paid ily Cancer Centre. plan. With his extensive ex- team of dedicated public tribute to his CAO, noting perience in municipal poli- servants. I’m proud to be that “During the last year, tics, David had the knowl- part of this team, and look I satWALKING in on the vast major- edge and ability to be this forward to future opportuCLUB ity of Emergency Opera- leader.” nitiesattothe serve the commuinmeetings walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays Pelham Arena tionsInterested Centre (EOC) Cribbs was humble in the nity.” that from were held firstand three 9-10atam Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There
is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.
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A March 24, 2021
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PLACES OF WORSHIP
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Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com
Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca
Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca
Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com
Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com
Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc
St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com
WATER
continued from previous page vice for Wainfleet that increases both convenience and public safety,” said Gibson. The Township said that the process is a safe and simple touchless approach, where bottles can be picked up in the front vestibule just inside the
front doors at Town Hall and full samples dropped off to the same place. Empty sample bottles can be picked up or dropped off at any time that Town Hall is open. Bottles containing sample water can be returned during normal office hours Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and no later than 9:00 AM on Friday.
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asset strategic policy. CAO David Cribbs told the Voice that the information in the report was already in the public realm, but that an interested resident would have had to read through copious documents and government files, and still wouldn’t have the value-added commentary, charts and graphs that the annual report presented. “The significance of the document is that it reflects a philosophical emphasis, making it easy for residents to see accurate financial information about the Town — both the good news and the bad news — in one place,” said Cribbs. “For the Town administration and elected officials to serve the community well, trust is necessary. Making all the key information easily accessible should help build that trust. We hope the community agrees.”
of modern fantasy literature. His best-known works are his fantasy novels (Phantastes, The Princess and the Goblin, At the Back of the North Wind, and Lilith) and his fairy tales (The Light Princess, The Golden Key, and The Wise Woman). Some of his works have been renamed in more recent printings. Altogether, he wrote 12 books of fantasy, 30 volumes of fiction, 14 works of poetry and 13 books of nonfiction (including several on Christian theology and collections of his sermons). Describing his writing, MacDonald penned, "I write, not for children, but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or fifty, or seventy-five." His use of fantasy as a means of exploring the human condition greatly influenced a generation of notable authors. One was
continued from Page 2
continued from Page 19
G.K. Chesterton, who enthused that one of MacDonald’s works “made a difference to my whole existence.” His most famous admirer, however, was C.S. Lewis, who regarded him as his “master.” Lewis’ fame would eventually surpass his mentor’s as he became the most read and quoted Christian author in recent history. Writing of MacDonald’s influence, Lewis affirmed, “I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.” And of MacDonald’s faith and character, Lewis wrote, “I know hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or more continually close, to the Spirit of Christ Himself.” George MacDonald was indeed a mentor to giants. And that is not fantasy or fiction. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who hated reading as a youth but has loved it since.
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The Voice
Page 17
A March 24, 2021
Business FOCUS
“Limited time, maximum gain”
Done, recoup, recover, come back the next week, repeat
Frank Adamson's Kwik Fit routine caters to busy people BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Ask Frank Adamson what effect COVID grey-lockdown had on his personal fitness business on Highway 20, and he’ll answer in one word. “Devastating.” Kwik Fit Niagara has been closed for all of January and February, and just opened up again when Niagara went to the red zone on March 1. He received $10,000 in provincial business grants during the pandemic, he said, which has “kept my head above water.” Thankfully, his bookings are filling up. He had 65 clients prior to the lockdown, and said, “Pretty much everybody that I had onboard has been coming back, so that’s a good thing.” His clients train once a week using MedX resistance machines under Adamson’s strict instruction. The foundation of Kwik Fit is the “Body by Science” program developed in 2009 by American doctor Doug McGuff, based on strength training principles popularized in the 1970s by Arthur Jones, the
founder of Nautilus. The program involves high-intensity exercise using heavy weight, and very slow motion. “They're in for about 15 minutes on six machines. Done, recoup, recover, come back the next week, repeat. That's it, essentially,” said Adamson. A single session is $40, but most clients sign up for packages of 15 sessions for $450. Adamson has a special offer for new potential clients of three free orientation sessions/workouts. His client base includes surgeons, crown attorneys, lawyers, small business owners—busy people who can’t spend an hour and a half in the gym three times a week, but still want to keep fit. A career paramedic and hospital administrator with no formal background in kinesiology, Adamson started the business ten years ago in his retirement. A long-time member of the YMCA, he had taken personal training courses they offered. He later discovered the Body by Science program, and was hooked. He also has a stake in a
Frank Adamson on the MedX chest press machine. Kingston Kwik Fit gym which his nephew operates. All workouts are by appointment, and most clients come weekly on the same day, at the same time. “I have a lot of golfers, some tennis players, a few basketball types. They are keen to build their muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, so they can do the things they enjoy,” said Adamson. The biggest issue we face as we age is the inevitable wasting and loss of muscle, said Adamson, and
DON RICKERS
inactive adults can add a pound of fat annually. Compounded over the years, this can lead to a significant loss in functional ability, and a host of serious health issues. By using what he asserts are the scientifically proven techniques of Body by Science, Adamson says his clients achieve a more efficient metabolism, a reduction in body fat, increased strength, enhanced cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, increased bone density, improved flexibility, and resistance to injury.
A veteran of the Boston Marathon, Adamson professes to be more of a long-distance runner than a cyclist, but on his bike he has logged tens of thousands of kilometres, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity. Four years ago, he and pal Larry Boggio cycled from Toronto to Miami, Florida, and raised some $30,000 for Wellspring Niagara. Adamson and his fellow Rotarians also cycled around Lake Ontario three times for Wellspring, raising $230,000. In addition to his charitable work with Wellspring and the Rotary Club, Adamson has been involved with Heart Niagara, the United Way, Niagara Community Foundation, and was a founder of Niagara Mudfest, which raises money for Pelham Cares. His legendary volunteerism earned Adamson the Fonthill Kinsmen’s 2018 Citizen of the Year award.
Be wary of phone scammers Criminals able to manipulate caller ID, make it seem as if friend or family is calling BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent One of the unfortunate byproducts of a pandemic is increased presence of scammers, those devious individuals that would prey on the old or naive to take advantage of them financially, and gain access to their homes or credit card information. Retired realtor Ann Gledhill told the Voice that she recently received a telephone call from a “Good Samaritan” Fonthill resident who said that she doesn’t answer her telephone unless she recognizes the display of a name or number known to her. “On her phone’s call display was my name, and so knowing me from many years as a realtor, who she trusted, she answered the call. It was a man who said that he would come around to check on her furnace,” said Glenhill. The Good Samaritan hung up and called Gledhill directly to inform her of this breach of privacy and identity fraud. “I am most concerned that some scammer would use my reputation to gain access to an unsuspecting household for criminal means,” said Gledhill. She called Cogeco, her phone service provider, and also the Niagara Regional Police fraud unit, but they were unable to ascertain how the man obtained access to her name for caller display purposes over the telephone. Gledhill also contacted the Voice in the hope that people would recognize the need to be wary of scammers operating in the area. Constable Jesse Vujasic of NRP’s media relations department told the Voice that these scams are quite common, since the technology exists for scammers to manipulate phone numbers. “If a person has any doubt about the caller, they should hang up and call the true number or find an alternative proven way to contact the true person,” said Vijasic. The NRP website includes a detailed section on protection from fraud, and provides a link to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The Centre indicates that in 2019, telephone calls were the main contact method used by scammers. Automated dialing involves a device or software that automatically dials telephone numbers. Scammers may use lists of phone numbers, or set up
If a person has any doubt about the caller, they should hang up
the dialer to call all possible configurations of phone numbers in a given region. Robocalls utilize an auto-dialer to deliver a pre-recorded message. The recorded message may use a computerized voice, or that of a real person. Spoofing occurs when caller ID or call display are manipulated to show trusted phone numbers. This tricks people into answering the call and believing they are speaking with a trusted source. Another scam involves “delayed disconnect,” and applies only to landlines. To make themselves seem real, scammers pretending to be from a bank will sometimes ask you to verify their identity by ending your current call and immediately calling the number of your bank. When you call that number, the previous scammer will answer again because the original call was never disconnected. Those seriously worried about scammers over the phone should consider registering their phone numbers with Canada’s national “do not call” list at https://lnnte-dncl. gc.ca/en. Consumers may list their home or mobile numbers to reduce telemarketing calls. Registration is free.
FUNDS FOR EMMETT As part of the Gervason family’s ongoing effort to raise funds for their son Emmett’s ear surgery in the US, the Fonthill Lioness and Fonthill Lions have donated $200 and $500 respectively to the family. Top, from left, Aaron, Emmett, and Amanda Gervason, and Fonthill Lioness President Pat Norton. Bottom, the Gervasons, with Fonthill Lions 1st Vice President Pat O’Hara. SUPPLIED
Page 18
The Voice
A March 24, 2021
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE BALANCED LIFE
BARB ANDERSON
by John Swart
Pond Inlet, Nunavut—a nurse’s tale
T
hey call it seriously north,” says Barb Anderson, a kayak-tripping friend and career nurse from Whitby, Ontario. She’s describing Pond Inlet, or Mittimatalik, on Baffin Island in Nunavut Territory, where she is currently working as a casual Public Health Nurse for three months. Anderson’s the first one at the campfire to say yes when someone pitches a paddling or hiking adventure for the next day. She’s first to the summit on a mountain hike, and when everyone else is exhausted and resting with a glass of wine after dinner, she’ll be the one to suggest a
midnight paddle. Anderson sensed a chance to combine her passion for adventure travel with an opportunity to contribute to the health and welfare of this predominantly Inuit community during the COVID pandemic, so she applied to the Government of Nunavut for a nursing license. She was granted a license that allows her to practice anywhere in the North West Territories and Nunavut. She then requested a three-month leave of absence from her position at St. Michael’s Department of Family and Community Medicine’s Family Practice
Unit, which was granted. As she boarded her flight to Pond Inlet, located on the north end of Baffin Island, Anderson was fulfilling a dream she’d nurtured since becoming a nurse many years ago. Three days later, upon departing her re-routed and weather-delayed flight in Pond Inlet, her enthusiasm remained intact. “I love it so far. So much to learn!” said Anderson, in a February 21 email. “I am responsible for a number of programs. Well babies and keeping track of every child’s immunizations in the full community. Tuberculosis, STIs [sexually transmitted infections], and of course COVID testing and contact tracing, as well as setting up the mass COVID clinic whenever we get it.” Anderson’s email contained photos of the view
across 20 barren kilometres of frozen Eclipse Sound toward Bylot Island and Angilaaq Mountain, part of Sirmilik National Park. To my eye there is nothing in the photo but snow-covered ice and frigid grey rock. Winter temperatures range between -30 C and -50 C in Pond Inlet, and the community of 1607 sees at most seven hours of sunlight per day in the depth of winter. Yet Sirmilik, Inuktitut for “Place of the Glaciers,” is a diverse ecological treasure abutting the famed Northwest Passage, which includes Bylot Island, a bird sanctuary, Baillarge Bay, a seabird colony, and the wildlife-rich waters of Lancaster Sound— an ecotourist’s fantasy come true. Anderson is not in Pond Inlet as a tourist. She’s there to deliver medical services to the community,
yet with each interaction and experience, she is living the scenes we watch on our Canadian news broadcasts each evening in the most dramatic way possible. On March 10, Anderson shared that her focus is now setting up the mass vaccine clinic. “We now know it will be arriving in Pond Inlet on April 19th and then we will be rolling it out on April 21, 22, 23. The RCMP are going to escort the vaccine from the airport to the clinic with all the bells and flashing lights! There are still so many details, protocols, procedures and logistics to sort out. Cold chain of this vaccine due to its fragile nature once thawed is paramount. I am setting up the clinic in the high school gym and we hope to vaccinate 1000 people in the three days.”
By immersing herself in the community, Anderson’s experiences are enriched, and her stories are authentic. There are no crowded tour buses pursuing harried polar bears and their young along rock beaches glistening with broken pack ice in Pond Inlet. That’s in Churchill. Anderson’s assistant, Donna, drives her throughout the community to administer COVID tests to those with mobility problems, and has educated her where the polar bears of Pond Inlet reside. “Do not go in that direction because that is where the polar bears might be,” says Donna, pointing toward the town dump. After six weeks in Pond Inlet, Anderson now knows those tiny specks far out on the ice of Eclipse Sound are See BALANCED LIFE Page 14
V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Don’t shy away from the issues that keep cropping up this week, Aries. They may cause a few headaches, but they also are making the days much more exciting. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, many people like to live by the mantra “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but many times appearances matter. Don’t regret picking out a nice outf it or a trendy restaurant. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Change may take you in unexpected directions this week, Gemini. The good news is that things are finally turning around for you. Enjoy this exciting time. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may be drawn to people who appeal to your analytical side this week. You could be interested in some intellectual debate and need a worthy sparring partner. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you see a chance to get ahead this week, jump on it. No matter what is involved or how inconvenient, you do not want to let this opportunity pass you by. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 There is much more clarity in your life this week, Virgo. It’s almost as if a veil has been lifted or if your eyeglasses prescription has been fine-tuned. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, there might be a lot of activity going around you over the course of the week. Whether it’s good or bad, you won’t be directly involved in any of it. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Exercise caution when sharing your secrets, Scorpio. Make sure
others can be tight-lipped, as some people cannot resist passing on a little gossip here and there. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 There is great harmony in your life right now and it’s due mostly to the fact that you are working together with people both at home and at work. Keep up the collaborations. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Listen to people around you to get a fresh perspective on various components of life that you share. People may have good ideas and be willing to share their advice. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, if you have been trying to become better acquainted with someone in your personal life or even at the office, pay attention to their body language. It can say a lot. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, trust your heart this week and be honest with how you feel about situations. Not every decision has to be based on analysis. Trust your gut. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MARCH 21 Matthew Broderick, Actor (59) MARCH 22 22 JJ Watt, Athlete (32) MARCH 23 Brett Young, Singer (40) MARCH 24 Tommy Hilfiger, Designer (70) MARCH 25 Elton John, Singer (74) MARCH 26 Jonathan Groff, Actor (36) MARCH 27 Jessie J, Singer (33)
SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. TACCA 2. SKUAS 3. HATCHERY 4. ORDERINGS 5. LEAD 6. LEV 7. AVE 8. SERER 9. BIBOS 10. ACETIC 11. HERETO 12. TNT 13. SIS 19. OMA 21. HULA 24. PAPAL 25. ACADEME 26. IRATE 27. CEDES 31. STOSS 32. ARETE 34. RASES 35. ET 36. SENSELESS 40. RA 41. URETHANE 45. AUNT 47. UPDATE 48. BARREN 52. RILLS 53. ANI 54. TAELS 56. RESET 57. YALTA 59. ASHE 60. CRO 61. HAM 62. RAH 63. OTO
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. TSH 4. OLLAS 9. BAHTS 14. AKA 15. REEVE 16. ICENI 17. CUT 18. DAVE ROBERTS 20. CACHED 22. EMOTE 23. ASHUR 24. PARASITIC 28. ELI 29. AC 30. CORE 31. SARAN 33. PARES 37. AD 38. TRY 39. GRADATE 41. UTE 42. OE 43. SALES 44. NARES 46. STUB 49. ME 50. SUE 51. SEPARATES 55. ENTRY 58. DRINA 59. ALTHEA 60. CHARLIE ROSE 64. ASL 65. RATEL 66. LATHS 67. NET 68. OMENS 69. SHOES 70. ETA
Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe
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The Voice
Page 19
A March 24, 2021
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
George MacDonald, mentor to giants
T
his Scottish pastor, author and poet may not be familiar to you unless you’re a fan of 19th century Christian fantasy and children’s literature. However, George MacDonald had a huge influence on several authors whom you are probably very familiar with, such as C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), Mark Twain (Huckleberry Finn), G.K. Chesterton (Father Brown stories) and J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings). So, who was this man who cast such a long shadow of inspiration on so many other literary giants?
His career
MacDonald served in two Congregational churches, where his preaching stressed God’s universal love. He believed that everyone could be saved. One commentator felt his theology “celebrated the rediscovery of God as Father.” He then taught at the University of London and edited a Christian magazine. When he was 39, his first novel, David Elginbrod, was published in 1863, followed by many more. His literary success led to a very successful lecture tour in America in 1872, where he became friends
with American authors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Walt Whitman. In 1879, MacDonald (now 55) moved with his wife to the Italian Riviera for health reasons. There they lived for the next 20 years and there he wrote half of his works. MacDonald eventually returned to live his final years in England, where he died in 1905 at the age of 80. Although trained as a pastor, his fame and enduring influence came from his writing.
His legacy
MacDonald is considered the “founding father” See FAITH LIFT Page 16
His training
MacDonald was born into a farming family and rich literary heritage in 1824 in Scotland. Both of his parents were readers, especially his mother, who had a classical education and mastered several languages. Some of his relatives were noted scholars and poets. Young MacDonald grew up attending a Congregational Church with his family. He often suffered from lung problems, which seemed to be hereditary. Several members of his family would die of tuberculosis, including his oldest child, Lilia, which affected him greatly. Given his literary gifts, it is surprising that MacDonald first studied chemistry and physics at the University of Aberdeen. He briefly considered a career in medicine. But after struggling with faith issues for several years, he finally decided to prepare for the Christian ministry at age 24. Three years later, he married Louisa Powell and together they raised 11 children (six boys and five girls). One wonders how he had time to write anything at all!
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: Automotive
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ADAPTIVE AIR BAG AUTOMATIC BATTERY BELT BRAKING
BUMPERS CARGO CERTIFIED COMPRESSOR ENGINE FILTER
FLUIDS HEADLIGHTS MANUAL PEDALS PROTECTION PUMP
REMOTE SKID STRUCTURE SUPPORT SUSPENSION TRANSMISSION
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
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Page 20
The Voice
A March 24, 2021
Artist rendering of seniors' building with east-facing balconies.
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SUPPLIED
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
4 Pasta Primavera
Summer start for East Fonthill seniors' building BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent In line with Pelham’s Strategic Plan, a seniors-focused, multi-phase development will be rising from the soil this summer in front of the Meridian Community
Centre, in East Fonthill. Developer Samer El-Fashny, of Better Life Developments, purchased the 8.56 acres of land in 2019, when it was listed for sale at $4.7 million. El-Fashny owns long-term care facilities in
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Bracebridge, Burlington, and Welland. In a 2019 press release, Mayor Marvin Junkin said, “This is the type of development our community requires, so that our loved ones have the ability to age-in-place. As a council, we’re focused on bringing in the right people and the right projects, and I think we’ve hit the bullseye on both with this development.” Project Manager Dustin Gibson told the Voice that the development will have three phases, with the first involving construction of a five storey, 132-suite retirement residence encompassing both independent and assisted living. The second phase includes a long-term care facility, with 192 beds, pending Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care approvals. The final phase, down the road, would feature a seniors’ apartment/condominium building. The developer and Town assert that some 200 healthcare and administrative professionals will be employed on site when the development’s three phases have reached completion. Gibson said that the project’s architects and devel-
opment team met last week to review the building and its features. He anticipates a two-year construction period. The building will have a combination of studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom accommodations. Half of the units will have balconies, facing east. Gibson said that price points are expected to start at approximately $3300 per month for a 400-square foot studio, inclusive of dining room meals, housekeeping, utilities excluding phone and cable, and 24/7 nursing services. Residents would have access to all amenity spaces in the building, including outdoor patios, lounges, a billiards and games room, cafe and bar, private dining room, a fitness studio, chapel, theatre, and a hair and nail salon. All residential units would have kitchenettes. The anticipated cost of two-bedroom suite of over 1000 square feet would be in the neighbourhood of $4500 per month. Gibson said that Better Life Developments is in the process of creating a website where building plans and amenities will be listed. It should be available early in the summer.
Warm weather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh meal-making. Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights for lighter fare. Recipes like “Pasta Primavera” from “Seasoned America” (William Morrow and Company, Inc.) by Chef Paul Prudhomme can be brought out in spring and enjoyed throughout the warmer seasons. In Italian, “primavera” means “spring,” making this classic, vegetable-infused pasta dish a favorite this time of year. The vegetable inclusions below can be switched out for your own favorite produce as well. Pasta Primavera Makes about 8 cups Seasoning Mix: 21⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves 11⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 3⁄4 teaspoon white pepper 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder 2 1 2 2 1⁄2 2 6 1 1 1 2 9
teaspoon olive oil cup thin strips prosciutto cups cauliflower florets cups sliced fresh mushrooms cup sliced carrots (cut on the diagonal) cups sliced zucchini tablespoons unsalted butter teaspoon minced fresh garlic cup asparagus tips or 3⁄4 cups snow peas cup chopped green onions cups heavy cream ounces of your favorite pasta
Combine the seasoning mix ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. When oil is very hot, add the prosciutto, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. Add the butter and, as it melts, stir in the garlic and the seasoning mix. Stir in asparagus tips or snow peas and green onions. Stir well and cook just until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss well and remove from the heat. Serve immediately.
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