The Voice, March 2 2022

Kore backs down

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Column Six

Capture the flag Post-siege, the Maple Leaf looks different

BY COLIN BREZICKI Special to the Voice

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From left, Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson and Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin raise the Ukrainian flag—provided by the Niagara chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress— at Pelham Town Hall last Friday in a gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their battle against invading Russian forces.

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hile politicians, economists and journalists continue to gauge the fallout from the so-called Freedom Convoy that laid siege to Ottawa for three weeks I think about one victim of the occupation that might take some time to recover.

Our flag.

Ironically, while the Maple Leaf was draping the giant rigs parked outside Parliament and various border crossings and being worn as a cape by the protestors in the streets, our Olympians in Beijing were raising it a near record number of times.

Like many of us I suppose I’m a little confused by what it stands for right now. Yes, it still means Canada, our home and native land, but what is Canada now? And what exactly is “true patriot love” supposed to mean now that the patriots who invaded our nation’s capital have adopted the flag as an emblem of their own? It’s a symbol of freedom, they declared, while holding hostage the residents and businesses of Ottawa for 23 days.

See COLUMN SIX back page

Page 2

The Voice

A March 2 2022

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NRPS impaired driving charges ~

IN THE NEWS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Corrections at the top: Well, more of a clarification, really.

We have heard indirectly that some readers interpreted last week’s story about new Town of Pelham hires to mean that the staff grew by seven. In fact, as pointed out by the Mayor in his column, these were replacements for staff who had moved on to greener pastures. Percentage-wise, says CAO David Cribbs, Town staff has grown less in recent years than the Town population, which according to the 2021 census is a nibble over 18,000...We’re taking it to the bank: A very heartfelt thanks to the many new and renewing Voice member-subscribers, many of which cite our coverage of issues related to Covid-19 and vaccinations, and our calling out misinformation and disinformation when we see it. Particularly jaw-dropping was a $1000 donation sent by a major (non-political) Niagara name, who does not want to be identified. In an email exchange he wrote, “You have a great paper that strives to speak the truth and not through a right wing or left wing filter. Keep up the good work.” This really does sum it up. Reporting the truth, as far as we can determine it—but always subject to change as the facts change. This absolutely pisses people off on both sides. The far left think we’re fascists, the far right think we’re communists. Zealots want their zealotry affirmed.

Like extremists of all kinds they label as an enemy anyone who doesn’t show them sufficient deference. The rest of us just want to know what’s genuine and true in a world where the disingenuous and the false are increasingly difficult to detect...Speaking of local politics: Councillor Ron Kore was apparently given a stern talking-to by the Town’s lawyer at last Tuesday’s council meeting. By the time councillors came out of a closed session hastily called by Councillor John Wink to discuss Kore’s effectively anti-media motion—presumably to reduce the level of embarrassment for all— it was dead in the water. Whether this was transparency sacrificed for vanity, or a sensibly diplomatic way to handle ignorance is your call. See John Chick’s story on p.3...Luckily I’m not 40 years younger: Of all things, I found myself understanding over the weekend, as appalling events in Ukraine played out, the urge that prompted so many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans to volunteer in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, in which the fascist General Francisco Franco brutally subjugated Spain. “Freedom Convoy” hot-tub warriors, here’s your chance to fight an actual fascist for actual freedom—side bonus, the oppressed Ukrainians you’ll be fighting for are white! But here's the thing. A fair number of those Christian zealots we saw in Ottawa actually believe that Vladimir Putin is not a delusional war criminal, but a saviour of Christianity from modernism and mouthy women. Thankfully, nearly the entire world has come around—even neutral Switzerland as I write this—to condemn, isolate, and one fervently hopes politically destroy the madman. I believe this counts as ending on a positive note.

No nukes is good nukes. See you next week. ◆

Voice

GO-VAXX bus, Red Cross vaxx clinics coming to community centre

The Meridian Community Centre in Pelham will host three upcoming walk-in vaccination clinics.

The fully accessible GO-VAXX bus will be on site on Thursday, March 3 and Thursday, March 10, from 10 AM to 6 PM. First and second dose vaccines for age 5 and up and boosters for those age 12 and up will be offered. GO-VAXX mobile buses accept scheduled appointments through Ontario's booking portal, and walk-ins are also available.

The Canadian Red Cross will offer a walk-in indoor clinic on Saturday, March 5, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Moderna will be available from 10 AM to 11 AM, and the family clinic for Pfizer for adult and pediatric will run from 11 AM to 6 PM. No appointments are required.

The clinics are open to all Canadians and those visiting are reminded to bring their health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, status card or birth certificate.

The Town advises to dress for the weather in the event there is a lineup, especially those accessing the GO-VAXX bus. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm, such as a loose-fitting top or a T-shirt. Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth and chin. Do not visit the clinics if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Sec. 22 rescinded in Niagara

According to a Niagara Region statement issued on Monday, Feb. 28, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health has determined that the local Section 22 orders and letter of instructions in place for food premises, retail premises, as well as indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities are no longer likely to have significant effect with the removal of complementary provincial measures. Therefore, the determination was made to rescind the orders and letter of instructions in these premises effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1.

As of Tuesday, there were to be no additional local requirements for food premises, retail premises, or indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities in Niagara beyond the provincial regulations.

“As we enter a new phase of the pandemic on March 1 with far fewer measures in place by government to protect us and those we love,” said Hirji, “the responsibility for staying safe is shifting to each of us and our personal actions. Masking and vaccination, including booster doses, are now more critical than ever to prevent Covid-19. If you have not yet gotten all your Covid-19 vaccinations, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible.”

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SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to ten calls for assistance from Friday February 18 to Friday February 25 Friday, February 18 Medical assistance, Station 1 Medical assistance, Station 1 Saturday, February 19 Medical assistance, Station 3 Remote alarm, Line Ave., Station 1 Motor vehicle collision, Victoria Ave., Station 2 Monday, February 21 Medical assistance, Station 1 Tuesday, February 22 Medical assistance, Station 1 Thursday, February 24 Detector activation, Saddler St., Station 1 Detector activation, Saddler St., Station 1 Friday, February 25 Motor vehicle collision, Balfour St., Station 2

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Ivor and Rex Summersides on their trip to Washington DC while accompanying Rex’s dad and WWII veteran Jim Summersides, pictured on the Voice cover. They attended a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.

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Dean J. O’BRIEN, 48, Niagara Falls Susan J. WEBEL, 51, Port Colborne Peter MISEK, 27, St. Catharines Richard R. HOOGASIAN, 34, St. Catharines Danilo RAKOCEVIC, 47, Niagara Falls Paul K. SANOCKI, 25, St. Catharines Kevan S. QUINN, 35, St. Catharines David T. LESLIE, 36, Thorold Emery F. MINGLE, 57, North Tonawanda, NY Catherine F. WOODS, 33, Fort Erie 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.

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If your message to Pelham 825 Canboro Road, Fenwick isn’t in our Mon pages, - Fri, 8 AM-6 PM, Sat 8 AM-5 PM

Vacation Time Machine March 11 2015

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

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

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Page 3

A March 2 2022

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Councillor Ron Kore withdraws anti-media motion

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent Pelham Town Council was forced into a closed session during its Feb. 22 virtual meeting over Councillor Ron Kore’s motion that could have barred the municipality from allowing the Voice and other media democratic access, or doing business with this or other news organizations.

In council’s previous regular meeting, on Feb. 7, Kore had given notice of a coming motion to have council endorse a St. Catharines City Council measure condemning the harassment of politicians, citing criminal incidents targeting that city’s mayor and a councillor by anti-Covid-mandate activists.

However, in the motion Kore presented to council last Tuesday, the councillor included verbiage that stated, “the Town of Pelham will not support or conduct business with individuals, organizations, companies, news media, or tabloid outlets that discriminate, spread misinformation, spread hate through the community, [and] bully individuals.”

The Voice has learned that senior Town staff repeatedly advised Kore ahead of time that including this language in his motion would be problematic. Councillors, howev-

Commissioner—regarding Mayor Junkin acting as a fundraiser for the all-volunteer Fonthill Bandshell Committee. Those investigations cost the Town $18,430.

Covid-19 update

Councillors Wink and Kore participating in Pelham Town Council's Feb. 22 virtual meeting. er, have the ultimate say as to what does or does not appear in their motions.

Inclusion of the news media in the motion could easily be construed as an attempt to cut off press access to Town Hall, while also banning the municipality from providing communications messaging to, or advertising with, media outlets.

In council's previous session, on Feb. 7, Kore lamented “the bullies with the pen who target certain councillors and belittle them on a regular basis.” The Ward 2 councillor did not reply to repeated Voice requests to elaborate further. (Kore has not acknowledged any request for comment from the newspaper since June 2020.)

During last Monday’s meeting, Councillor John Wink moved an alternative measure to support the text of St. Catharines’ original motion, while at the same

time requesting council meet in closed session to receive legal advice. Ward 1’s Wayne Olson was the only member to vote against turning the cameras off and removing the debate from public view.

When council emerged from the closed session, members unanimously voted to back Wink’s motion.

At the end of the meeting, a visibly chastened Kore officially withdrew his motion.

“Disappointed and disgusted”

In another matter, Kore received the precise costs of a pair of recent Integrity Commissioner reports, information he had earlier requested. According to CAO David Cribbs, the two investigations spurred by unnamed citizen complaints cost the Town $16,977. No finding of fault was made, and so the details of the

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complaints remain sealed, as is required by law.

“That means the residents of our community will never know who filed these Integrity Commissioner reports?”

Kore asked the CAO. “That is correct,” Cribbs replied.

“And why?” Kore retorted.

“That is our system,” Cribbs said, referring to the Municipal Act. “It is imperfect, but it does comply with the statutory requirements of the Province of Ontario.”

Kore then asked aloud how much $16,000 would buy in flowers for the “Year of the Garden.”

When Mayor Marvin Junkin asked members for final remarks on the matter, Kore said he was “disappointed and disgusted” with the integrity investigation price tag. In 2020, Kore filed two complaints—one with the Ombudsman of Ontario, the other with the Integrity

Cribbs told members he met with Niagara Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji prior to the council meeting, and passed along his opinion that mandatory municipal employee vaccination policies may be around for a while.

“In [Hirji’s] view, corporate vaccination policies, first they need to be maintained,” said Cribbs, “and secondly are likely to be needed for some number of years to come. What we’re going to have to watch is where the health trends go … essentially his advice is that to go from a pandemic to an endemic is not an onoff switch.”

While the Omicron wave appears to be subsiding, a new variant has arisen in northern Europe and elsewhere, and Hong Kong reported its highest daily case count ever over the weekend.

Canada had reported some 36,000 deaths from Covid-19 as of Feb. 24, just short of two years into the pandemic. Almost 80 percent of the total population of the country was vaccinated with two doses as of the same date.

Pelham-Lincoln Library merger set

Council unanimously voted to pave the way for the merger of the Pelham and Lincoln Public Libraries. In a presentation including representatives from both bodies, it was stated that financial savings will come about from the elimination of one of the CEO positions, with that money reinvested in staff and operations.

“You’ve laid some excellent groundwork,” Junkin told the presenters, calling it an “historic event.”

Odds and ends

 Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens announced that she expected to have the Town’s long-awaited parking study in her hands this Monday, March 1. During discussion about the need for more parking at the MCC, Councillor Marianne Stewart pointed out that even adding 200 new spaces at the community centre will still leave it short of the average parking allotment of comparable facilities.  The Pelham Fire Department will be donating a decommissioned fire truck to the volunteer brigade in the tiny coastal hamlet of Little Burnt Bay, Newfoundland.

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MONDAY Homemade Burger $5 (dine-in only) TUESDAY Quesadilla $5 (dine-in only) WEDNESDAY 1 lb Wings $10, 2 lbs Wings $20 THURSDAY Perogies $5 (dine-in only) FRIDAY 1-Piece Fish & Chips $12, 2-Piece Fish & Chips $16 SATURDAY Ribs & Chicken Dinner $20 (dine-in only) SUNDAY

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Page 4

The Voice

A March 2 2022

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OPINION

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

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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

Some relief from world events

I

t is getting more and more difficult for the media to report good news. The same scarcity of pleasant topics occurs when people gather for coffee or meet acquaintances in informal social gatherings.

There are so many disconcerting events happening both domestically and internationally that these misfortunes frequently overwhelm any prospect for spreading joy or entertainment just for the fun of it.

However, in spite of all that discouragement I am extremely fortunate, as a parent, to have discovered a method to temporarily dismiss such feelings and experience a delightedness that overtakes the discomfiture of worldly concerns.

Having recently celebrated Family Day has prompted this writing of that prescription.

It may be seen by some as braggadocio on my part but I hope to avoid such accusations among those who care to read this column through. To the best of my ability it is my intention to share the joys and feelings of elation even if such emotions can be fleeting.

It is my distinct hon-

our and pleasure with my wife to be parents, grandparents and more recently great-grandparents. We had three children, have three grandchildren and three great-grandkids.

Surely many readers will recall becoming a parent and, at the time, the measure of joy was nearly limitless.

Certainly, there are some concerns while raising children but I would venture that they provided many more periods of pure joy. If you intentionally take some time to reflect on some of those joyous occasions then the joy in your heart presumably displaces some of your worldly concerns. One should take the time to initiate such moments on a regular basis and change a wrinkly frown to a happy face.

While entertaining the joys of parenthood can definitely obliterate the weight of more worldly concerns, becoming a grandparent is ever more therapeutic in creating great joy and maybe even some shameless pride. To our good fortune our grandchildren continually keep in touch with their grandparents

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and so we regularly celebrate our pride and joy.

Their parents, our children, raised them to value family and they learned that lesson well. Grandma and Grandpa are very grateful for the joys they bring and how such joys help to relieve some of our worldly concerns.

Now for the icing on the cake. We have three greatgrandchildren who have added so much joy and wonderment to our lives and their grandparents.

Thankfully, the technology that exists provides us with regular virtual visits in addition to the joys of face-to-face encounters.

We are so happy to be a part of their lives and the joys they bring us are priceless.

The smiles on our faces are much and beyond mere grins with every encounter.

Factually, it takes more energy to frown than to smile.

And so, there you have it. The joys of parenting, the delights of being a grandparent and the near delirium of being a greatgrandparent is my personal prescription to being temporarily relieved from disparagement about world events. ◆

Letters Disagrees with Coren’s take on the far right The propaganda and inflammatory comments made in Rev. Michael Coren’s column were upsetting to say the least [Common Decency, “Once again the far right spins Christianity to suit,” Feb. 23, p.6]. I am vaccinated so am not anti-vaxx.

But it was disturbing to see the typical Liberal spin by Mr. Coren about the Conservative party and the truckers convoy. He has this idea that we are inundated with American-style politics as that gets people’s attention.

The Conservatives are still progressive,

7

not far right, and are more like moderate Democrats if we are talking about America here. I am not sure why certain people have to defame the opposition to get support rather than write the truth and let people make an educated decision. This is why we have leaders with ethics violations, conflicts of interest, dishonest intentions and narcissistic tendencies in power.

We need accurate reporting and sensible government as our future hangs in the balance.

David Norton Welland

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

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

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

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Page 5

A March 2 2022

OPINION REGIONAL COUNCIL UPDATE Diana Huson, Regional Councillor for Pelham

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Can we please let Dr. Hirji do his job?

F

rom time to time, Regional Council is subjected to letter campaigns where someone has circulated a specific message and encourages their contacts to email this message to council. As a result, we end up getting the exact same email (word-for-word) from a variety of people. Recently we have seen some of these campaigns targeting our Medical Officer of Health, either critical of policy or, more alarmingly, attacking him personally.

In response to these emails, I’d like to provide some clarification about the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and the role of council with respect to Public Health in response to the circulation of misinformation.

The role of our local public health unit and our local MOH is to apply a regional lens to the overall health of Niagara's population. If there are circumstances that warrant a separate and distinct set of recommendations or directives, the MOH is empowered by the Health Protection and Promotion Act to take that action.

Actions such as these are taken in consultation with a variety of stakeholders including the Science Table, other public health units or MOHs, affected parties (such as school boards) and the local board of health (Regional Council). These actions are always informed by data and science. These tools have been implemented across different regions during the entire pandemic. It is not unique to Niagara.

Regional Council does not direct the Medical Officer of Health. He is an indepen-

dent medical doctor that has the capacity to make decisions for the health of the Region.

Regional Council acts as an advisory board only. I would be very concerned if Regional Council had this power as not one member of council is a medical doctor, nor do we have the specialized knowledge or expertise with respect to epidemiology that would qualify someone to make these types of decisions. Politics should not factor in to the science of public health decisions, especially partisan politics. This is why autonomy was built into the legislation that governs public health and the MOH position.

We know changes were to come on March 1 from the Province. The specifics of what that means has not been communicated yet.

Once the regulatory language is shared by the Province, Public Health can better determine what, if any, recommendations or directives are necessary. However, once that is determined, Regional Council does not have the ability to override those decisions despite information that has been circulating.

I know it's been a very long two years. It certainly seems like the end of the pandemic is near. This was always a marathon, not a sprint! I like many of you will welcome some normalcy in our lives. For the many people out there that have been diligently following public health advice, thank you for your patience and your diligence! Thank you for getting vaccinated! Your efforts have helped us get closer to a finish line and hopefully will lead to a spring that is filled with friends, families, and long overdue in-person celebrations! ◆

Relaxation of protocols on the near horizon

A

s the Covid pandemic continues to morph into an endemic, the vast majority of humans worldwide are seeing virus protocols reduced by their governments, and in some countries totally eliminated. Our own government was set to follow suit with the elimination of our various passports this Monday, March 1. I have visited many of our restaurants this past week and all of the owners are looking forward to not having to check everyone’s status at the door.

It is great to see the vaccination rate among Pelham residents edging close to the 90 percent mark, with 87 percent of us having had two doses. In the 70 and older group almost 100 percent have also had their booster.

There is no word yet on when our government will reduce our indoor mask protocols, although south of the border the Center for Disease Control has stated that most Americans can take off their masks.

Agrees with Coren’s take on the far right Very well said.

The far right live in an echo chamber.

Lorne Richardson Via Voice website

Response to editorial on Kore motion Congratulations on your awards for outstanding journalism. I think you and your team have worked very hard to keep the residents of Pelham informed on important issues and you need to keep up the good work.

I read with interest the editorial on Councillor Kore last evening, and it is clear that he has only his interests in mind. The Voice needs to be able to report all of the news surrounding council and members.

Councillor Kore lost his credibility during the onset of Covid-19 and has continued to hide behind his

computer screen in his bedroom. The staff at the Town cringe when he rolls in and he is not well-liked.

I supported him completely during the last election including a sign on my lawn. Never again!

I’m sure that Sobeys corporate has had enough of his shenanigans and are growing weary of his behaviour We can only hope the people of Pelham send him packing in the next election.

It can’t come soon enough.

Scott Wallace Fonthill

Municipal elections unfortunately have a lower turnout than federal or provincial. There’s always the risk that the town gets governance no one wants (such as the previous regime). If a person doesn’t have the stamina to take criticism or an ability to tolerate watchful eyes, he/she should be tossed at the first opportunity. Oh yes, I don’t shop at the store, given the manager’s behaviour.

Barry B. Via Voice website

ents pleading for Dr. Hirji to please end his mandatory mask policy for junior and senior kindergarten pupils. Dr. Hirji has received the same request from Ontario’s top doctor, Dr. Kieran Moore. ast Friday, Councillor Wayne Olson and I, on behalf of the rest of council and Town staff, raised the Ukrainian fag at Town Hall.

This action was also taken by the vast majority of municipalities within the region to show our Ukrainian community members that we stand with them during this horrific time in their history.

To fi nish on a lighter note, a user of the Steve Bauer trail sent a note to Town Hall, pointing out a spelling mistake on a trail sign. The Town has no record of purchasing or installing these signs.

“Trail” was spelled “trial.”

Perhaps whoever designed the sign had just walked the complete length of the trail and indeed did fi nd it to be somewhat of a trial….

Well, it could have happened that way! ◆

L

Oops.

SUPPLIED

live within areas that have these favourable numbers.

This recommendation not only applies to public areas but also to all schools within these areas. As of last Friday, 49 states had announced plans to end their indoor mask mandates.

As a Regional Councillor, I continue to receive email on a daily basis from par-

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Page 6

T:5"

The Voice

A March 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Letters continued More proof that the urge to help runs deep in Pelham On a recent visit to Service Ontario in Fonthill, I had the misfortune of taking a tumble in the parking lot. But the most wonderful thing happened! Four women rushed out from behind their desks to help me. Also assisting was an off-duty police officer and the strongest young man, who picked me up and put me in a chair.

But really, I shouldn’t be surprised because the residents of Pelham help one another. I honestly believe it is in their

DNA to help, not only seniors, but everyone.

It was my honour to serve as mayor of the Town of Pelham for several years. I was always proud of Pelham and its citizens and still am to this day! It is a great place to live and raise a family.

Many thanks again to my wonderful helpers!

Ralph Beamer Fonthill

Tip of the toque to Public Works Many folks in my area use Merritt Road to access Rice Road from Line Avenue. On Tuesday evening that route threatened to swallow a car whole! There were dozens of potholes cannily disguised as innocent puddles. After negotiating that trip I vowed to go around in the future. However, I promptly forgot that pledge and the very

next day took the exact same route. To my amazement each and every hole had been patched over. Now that is great service.

Lord knows we complain when things are bad, it is only right to cheer when things are done right.

Heather Muir Fonthill

Open letter to Doug Ford on sticker fees The folks of Ontario should thank you for eliminating the license sticker fees; after all, we know better than government how to spend our money.

However, I was thinking about the billion bucks that’s about to disappear from tax revenue that’s been axed. I figured that would have to be replaced by raising other fees somewhere, by cutting monies to other areas like education and healthcare, by borrowing, or by all three.

I think you should go after the teachers and the nurses. Since it’s hard to cut their exorbitant salaries because of their “powerful” unions, simply cut their numbers instead. Why can’t teachers have 50 kids in a class? When I went to school there were at least that many in the class, and all eight

T:15"

Ontario is getting stronger

grades had to be taught in the same room.

That taught us resilience and fortitude. And we don’t need as many nurses in our hospitals either—families should be expected to come in and do some of the care for their sick loved ones. We didn’t run to the hospital for every cut or bruise; we sucked it up and we need to return to that kind of toughness of the good old days. Oh, and liberries—we don’t need liberries any more. We can get all the info we need from Google. Closing all the liberries in the province will balance some of the vehicle registration losses.

I’ll thank you at the ballot box in June, and you can expect a significant monetary donation towards your campaign.

David Fowler Wainfleet

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The Voice

A March 2 2022

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Page 8

The Voice

A March 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Exasperation on Emmett Street Resident frustrated with Town response to water issues

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Living in a mature part of town has its charm, and also its pitfalls.

Just ask Tim Frado.

Frado has been living on Emmett Street for the past 20 years.

It’s an old neighbourhood, one of the earliest in Fonthill, as reflected in its towering trees and smaller, pre- and post-war homes. The street has a steep grade running east from Pelham Street toward Station Street, which can cause problems, especially when winter storms bring snow, rain, and high winds.

“The sidewalks have heaved, so that water flows down our driveway like crazy,” said Frado. “It’s caused our driveway to crack in countless places. I have reached out to the Town of Pelham many times to have the issue resolved, yet nobody has come to do anything.”

He said that the old sidewalk on Emmett has had sections replaced recently, but the Town staffer supervising the repair told him there was no money in the budget to address the pavement flooding which specifically affects his property.

“The sidewalk poses a tripping hazard,” said Frado. “An old woman, now deceased, who lived

at the end of College Street, used to walk by here every day. One day she tripped, fell to the pavement, broke her nose and got a concussion.”

"The sidewalks have heaved, so that water flows down our driveway like crazy"

Frado pointed to sections of scarred lawn adjacent the pavement, caused by Town contractors who remove the sidewalk snow with mini-tractors. “The plow blade is too wide for the pavement, so it eats up the grass,” he said.

Recently, Frado noticed that the water that used to flood the ditches in front of his home has stopped abruptly, causing him to ponder the reason. Perhaps Mother Na-

Water flows from the sidewalk into Tim Frado's driveway. ture had cut him a break?

“All of a sudden there's no water coming down the ditches. It used to flood like crazy, the street was underwater,” said Frado. Then a Town worker told me that the water had been re-routed to the sewer system.”

TIM FRADO

Frado isn’t pleased, because he sees this move as causing more dollars to flow from his wallet.

“The local wastewater treatment plant is now charging Fonthill for rainwater,” he asserts.

“It’s costing the taxpayers. Have you looked at your water bill late-

ly? It's tripled.”

Emmett Street has been slated for repairs for 15 years, claims Frado, but he fears that a municipal focus on new builds in East Fonthill and elsewhere in Pelham See EMMETT Page 11

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

Description of Lands: 1. Roll No. 27 32 020 009 01300 0000; 220 Luffman Dr., Ridgeville; PIN 64039-0037 (LT); File No. 19-06; Minimum Tender Amount: $16,287.75 2. Roll No. 27 32 010 018 13450 0000; Webber Rd. SS; PIN 64399-0099 (LT); File No. 19-07; Minimum Tender Amount: $21,356.63 Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

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

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The Voice

Page 9

A March 2 2022

Condo battle zone Peace remains elusive between feuding factions at Lookout Village

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Abraham Lincoln’s famous statement “a house divided against itself cannot stand” was delivered in 1858, a few years prior to the start of the American Civil War. But it has modern-day application to the two Lookout Village condominium towers, located on Highway 20 in Fonthill.

Anxious residents of the complex of 103 units approached the Voice regarding a recent court decision, rendered by Justice Meredith Donohue of Ontario’s Supreme Court of Justice, on December 30, 2021. In Her Honour’s analysis, the defendants, condo residents John Kore and Patrick Leblanc, “made themselves unpopular and irritating to the condominium board, the employees, and other owners with their behaviour.” Justice Donohue further commented that their actions “escalated to threatening and harassing behaviours early in 2021,” which led the board to pursue legal action “to ensure the peace of the condominium community.”

The ongoing issues regarding Lookout Village have been circulating around Pelham for the past couple of years, according to a current resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

“Some real estate agents were advising their clients not to purchase units here, and consequent-

ly prices are not in keeping with the market,” said the resident.

She insisted that a small group at the condo complex “have affected all the residents, their safety, the enjoyment of their homes, and of course financially.”

"You're a nobody" John Kore allegedly posted these stylized depictions of Guy Fawkes in the condo buildings' public spaces. They are drawn from the film V for Vendetta, in which a violent vigilante uses terrorist tactics.

SUPPLIED As a result of Justice Donohue’s decision, Lookout Village (formally known as Niagara South Condominium Corporation No. 12) was awarded reimbursement of its legal costs, totaling $44,980, which are payable by Kore and Leblanc.

The court’s decision and all pertinent documents are a matter of public record.

The misconduct began in 2018, according to court documents, and allegedly involved both verbal and physical altercations with condo residents. Evidence presented to the court included accusations of Kore “bumping his chest” against another resident, which was contested by Kore. However, testimony that Kore stated, “I will crush you like a fucking ant,” and

“You’re a nobody,” were not disputed by Kore.

The misconduct increased, and included following individuals on site, and the placement of a hunting camera in the direction of common elements and units on the condominium property. Other disturbances ensued, resulting in multiple police attendances at the complex.

Leblanc was also accused of aggressive behaviour, particularly involving the complex’s superintendent, Doug Evans, who said he felt threatened by Leblanc, and that the alleged harassment “significantly affected his emotional wellbeing.” Leblanc had installed the outdoor camera, ostensibly to capture images of local wildlife, but which was pointed in a

direction towards the side of the condominium building. The board told the superintendent to remove the camera, which prompted further confrontation and police involvement.

Kore proceeded to post images of a character from the film V for Vendetta (in which a violent vigilante uses terrorist tactics) on the condominium’s bulletin board, in protest of the governance of the condominium. The character was a stylised depiction of Guy Fawkes, a well-recognized conspirator involved with a failed attempt to blow up England’s House of Lords in 1605. Fawkes’ image is currently associated with the hacktivist movement called Anonymous, which engages in cyberattacks against various institutions.

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Kore and Leblanc claimed that their behaviour was justified as a demonstration of their dissent and displeasure with the governance of the condominium. The court, however, found their actions to be “intimidating, harassing, disrespectful, and a clear violation of section 117 of the Condominium Act of 1998.”

Justice Donohue ordered Kore and Leblanc to comply with their obligations under the Act, to stop disturbing the comfort and quiet enjoyment of others, and to cease harassing and intimidating the other owners, the Board, and the condominium’s employees. Donohue succinctly summarized that “condominium living comes down See HARASSING next page

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The Voice

A March 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Hirji: Give fully vaccinated Ontarians an OHIP tax rebate Data shows new Omicron BA.2 variant not prevalent in Niagara

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A new variant of the Omicron coronavirus has been prevalent in the news recently, but Niagara’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, is not sounding any alarms.

“We’ve seen it take off in some countries around the world, like Denmark and India,” said Hirji, “but not so much in Canada. There has been a bit of growth in BA.2 in Ontario, but it’s still pretty minor

HARASSING

continued from previous page to respect — respect for the rules, respect for employees, the Board, and one’s neighbours, and respect for the common and shared space of others.”

When contacted by the voice, Kore offered a terse “no comment.” Leblanc, however, was agreeable to discussing the situation from his perspective.

A five-year resident of Lookout, Leblanc told the Voice that “all these charges were baseless, they were lies. John [Kore] and I provided 400 pages of evidence against those charges that were ignored by the court.

at under five percent, and in Niagara is trending at just over one percent. BA.2 probably does spread more easily than the BA.1 variant, but not so much that it's going to outcompete the BA.1 sub-lineage.”

Hirji credits Niagara’s high vaccination rate with keeping the virus in check, and stresses that greater immunity is provided with three doses, including a booster shot.

Personally, I believe [Justice Donohue] didn't even look at our evidence in making her decision. She gave the reasons for the decision that she made, but she didn't get the facts correct.”

Leblanc accused condo residents of offering perjured testimony during the court proceedings.

“I've been accused of threatening my neighbours with physical violence,” said Leblanc. “Doug Evans, the superintendent, told the court he was afraid of me, and it caused him not to be able to do his job. Now you have to realize I'm a fivefoot, four-inch, 150-pound French Canadian, 66 years old. I'm not a threat to anybody. But his complaint was

“It’s the impact of vaccination,” he said, “keeping people out of the intensive care unit, and preventing severe outcomes.”

New cases of infection are declining in Niagara, as are Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths. Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna are both working on vaccines to specifically combat the Omicron virus and its sub-variants.

Public Health Ontario, in a risk assessment briefing on February 9, noted that evidence continues to demonstrate that three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine provide greater protection from Omicron variant infection compared to two doses, but the duration of protection

that I have a very stern stare, that I have an aggressive stance. Evans is 50 pounds heavier than me. We never had any physical altercation or nothing. I've never raised my voice at somebody on this board or him. It’s just not my thing.”

The genesis of the strife was when he and Kore raised questions about condo corporation finances, insists Leblanc.

“There was a lot of very fishy stuff that went on, with large amounts of money paid. The condo board refused to let us see invoices, or to specify who got paid for what. At the time, one sitting board member was getting contracts from the condo corporation. That was

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from a third dose remains unclear. Omicron variants have been shown to cause less severe disease than the Delta variant, although Omicron infections can still be perilous in older age groups.

The current risk of Omicron transmission in Ontario is high, with a low degree of uncertainty, according to Public Health Ontario.

Most pandemic restrictions in the province, aside from use of masks indoors, were to be curtailed on March 1. Many doctors are cautioning against dropping mask mandates too soon, suggesting that masking represents a minor inconvenience that can substantially reduce viral transmission.

a clear conflict of interest.”

On another occasion, Leblanc said that a resigning board member was improperly replaced with someone chosen by the board, rather than appointing the candidate with the next highest votes.

“They chose someone illegally, against their own rules. There's a procedure in place, and they didn't follow it,” said Leblanc.

Does Leblanc contemplate leaving Lookout Village in the aftermath, to avoid further potential conflict?

“I’ve been thinking about it,” he said. “But now with these huge costs from the lawsuit, and all the housing prices that have gone up, I can't afford to move.

Between the board’s legal fees, and our fees to defend ourselves from their lies, we're looking at $65,000 plus. There was so much evidence that we provided….

Close to 80 percent of Niagara’s population is fully vaccinated, and almost 60 percent of adults have received their booster shots. As of February 24, there were 1463 active cases of coronavirus infection in the region (239 in Pelham) with 87 persons hospitalized in the past 28 days. During the course of the pandemic, the deaths of 511 Niagara residents have been officially attributed to Covid.

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we thought this was a slam dunk. We couldn't believe it when the decision was made against us.”

Leblanc offered a warning to residents at Lookout Village.

“We want all the owners here to know that what happened to us, they could be next.”

Lookout Village condo board president Bev Eldridge has been a part of the community for nine years, and felt vindicated by the court decision.

“We have such a lovely complex, we're so lucky to sit on seven and a half acres of wonderful grounds,” she said. “We have a saltwater pool, outdoor barbecues, and even garden plots for people who want to plant their own vegetables. We have a duly elected board, with the current members elected last November with the support of a significant majority of the residents.”

See REBATE Page 12

Some of the Lookout Village residents have been on the property for 40 years, said Eldridge, and this is the first time incidents of this nature have arisen.

“We have a large number of retirees, hoping to reside quietly in their golden years,” she said. “They don't need this aggravation.”

Another resident who requested anonymity said that the “Kore group” of dissenting residents numbered about 20.

“They want to get rid of the board and take over everything,” he said. “We seem to have our condo back now, but previously we had people scared to walk around outside, people that wouldn't go to the pool because of intimidation, and the generally toxic environment. We’re adults, mainly retired folks, living in a community that was very peaceful. We just want to enjoy life.”

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Dutch buyer for CannTrust

Page 11

A March 2 2022

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

SMITH, Arthur Russell

STAYZER, Anne Louise (nee Davis)

KOZUB, Donna Lynn

It is with heavy hearts the family of Louise Stayzer (Davis) announces her passing after a brief illness on Sunday February 20th in her 86th year. Predeceased by husband Bruce (2020). Loving mom to Karen McIntee and Janet Zwierschke (Robert). Will be fondly missed by son in law Mike McIntee. Grandma to Courtney (Ian), Ryan and Holli. GG to Tristan. Will be missed by Rick Zwierschke. Survived by her brother Ed Davis (the late Marilyn) and sisters in law Jean, Cheryl, Glenna Miller and Carol Stayzer. Predeceased by her parents Milly and Clifford Davis, brothers Doug, Alex and Laurie. Louise was a faithful member of the Fonthill United Church, a volunteer of the Niagara Health System and an active member of the Fonthill Lionettes. Her niece referred to her as the backbone of the Davis family, this truly reflects her character in her way of life always willing to help family, friends and the community. Thanks to the ICU staff at the Welland hospital for the outstanding care and support. The family will receive friends at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill on Thursday, February 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Fonthill Lionettes will conduct a service at 6:30 pm.

The memorial service to honour Louise will take place at the Funeral Home on Friday, February 25th at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Fonthill Cemetery. The funeral may also be viewed via livestream by going to the Funeral Home’s FaceBook page the day of the service.

As per the current regulations capacity limits are now greater, social distancing is still required and masks must still be worn. If so desired donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Fonthill United Church or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

Peacefully surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home Donna passed on Thursday, February 24, 2022, 73 years of age. Beloved wife of Ron Kozub for 52 years.

Loving mother of Kelly (Alex) Bronn, Kimberley Gostick.

Scott (Julie) Kozub and her princess Maggie. Cherished Nana of MacKenzie, Hailey, Wilson and Jesse.

Predeceased by her parents Jack and Dorothy McCarthy and her brother Bill McCarthy.

Donna enjoyed travelling, spending time with her grandchildren, spending time with her dog park friends, tracing her genealogy and cheering on the Toronto Raptors. Donna was proud to have been an Ontario record holder for Archery. In honouring Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private gathering will be held.

Memorial donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House if you wish. Please share your condolences, memories and photos at www. pleasantviewcemetery.ca.

Pleasantview Funeral Home 905-892-1699.

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent CannTrust announced last week that a Netherlands-based holding company will take majority control of the beleaguered cannabis producer. Marshall Fields International BV—along with a group of individual investors — will acquire 90 percent of CannTrust Equity, which is a new subsidiary of CannTrust Holdings.

“We are delighted to have found great partners who share our vision for the future of the company. This is the culmination of twoand-a-half years of hard work from the entire CannTrust team,” CannTrust CEO Greg Guyatt said in a statement. “We have remediated and improved our operations, restored our cannabis licenses, relaunched our business, settled all class action litigation against the company and others, and now secured the right strategic partner.”

Marshall Fields BV is a subsidiary of Kenzoll BV, an Amsterdam-based private equity company that specializes in cannabis firms, as well as troubled assets.

CannTrust paid $50 million into a trust in January to help settle a class-action lawsuit by former shareholders. The company was delisted from both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges in 2020, less than a year after a former employee blew the whistle to the Voice and other news organizations on illegal growing operations at their Fenwick facility.

October 31, 1928 - February 17, 2022 Arthur passed away peacefully at Portal Village Retirement Home in Port Colborne on Thursday, February 17, 2022, in his 94th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret in 2011 and by his eldest daughter Deborah Jovan in 1984. He was a devoted son of his parents, the late Ernest and Mildred Smith, and predeceased by brothers Donald (Aileen) Smith, Harold Smith, and Gordon (Dolly) Smith. Survived by his loving sister Reta (Gordon) Young. Devoted and loving father of Sharon Smith, St. Catharines and Barbara Kellock, Nanaimo, BC. Arthur was a kind and cherished grandfather to Michael Jovan (Jaime Mills), Deborah White (William Seifried), Dean (Erin) White, Kalven Kellock, Karson Kellock and 4 great-grandchildren. Sadly missed by his son-in-law Rodney Jovan (Leigh Beal) of Dwight, ON. Arthur was well known for his love of family and many friends, his beloved pets, his gentle manner and patience, his eager willingness to lend a helping hand, and by his inherent generosity of spirit. He was a true and honest gentleman, an upstanding man who will be greatly missed by many in his community.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Portal Village for the kindness, care and compassion that was shown to Arthur all throughout his stay. He had nothing but praise and admiration for the staff and caregivers during his final years of care.

A private internment will take place at Pleasantview Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be announced for a later date this summer. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Arthur’s memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

EMMETT

continued from Page 8 has put his street on the back-burner.

“They started all this building over here,” he said, pointing towards developments east of Station Street and along Port Robinson Road. “It’s been building, building, building. All the attention is over there. They redid all the electrical on Station Street, and now I see signs advertising a public meeting for even more projects.”

Frado voiced frustration that Emmett Street is being neglected.

“We’re part of Fonthill too. All of the rest of the town was built around this.

The town’s reputation of ‘beautiful lit-

tle Fonthill’ comes from people walking down streets like Emmett, with all the beautiful big trees.”

He clearly has a love-hate relationship with the majestic tree canopy overhead.

“Branches smashed my utility trailer, and broke my daughter's windshield,” he asserted. “I called the Town, and they told me to put in a claim for damages. Then the Town’s insurance company called me up, and said ‘We're not paying for nothing.

That's an act of God.’ And I said, ‘Are you serious?’”

The Voice asked Mayor Marvin Junkin to respond to Frado’s complaints, interrupting his viewing of the Leaf game last Thursday night in

the process. (A mayor’s job is never done.)

“I was down on Emmett Street to talk with Mr. Frado personally during the summer,” said Junkin. “Public Works has spoken to him as well, and was down to check on the flooding problem this morning. As far as the trees are concerned, the Town did some tree branch trimming on Emmett this past fall, based on complaints from Mr. Frado’s neighbours.”

Junkin said that the good news is that once the road and sewer construction work on Pelham Street is completed, Emmett Street will get the same treatment, including rainwater sewers. The bad news is that it could take a year or two.

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The Voice

A March 2 2022

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Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

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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 pccweb.ca/kirkonthehill

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

FAITH LIFT

REBATE

tell them about this God that was unknown to them. He continued to describe the one, universal God of all creation (v.24-25). He then presented the sweep of human history in one verse (v.26). Why did God do it this way? Because He desired to have a relationship with His human creation.

Paul even quoted one of their poets to buttress his point (v.28).

He then concluded with a challenge for them to leave their “ignorance” (ouch!), forsake their man-made idols (ouch again), repent of their sins, and believe in the true God who raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead!

For the Athenians, these were new and strange ideas indeed. What was their reaction? Some sneered, some wanted to learn more (v.32) and some believed (v.34). Interestingly, those are the same reactions to the Gospel today. Some reject it outright, some listen but don’t commit, and some take the message to heart and become Christ-followers.

Let me leave you with this thought-provoking question — if you had been listening to Paul on Mars Hill that day, how would you have responded? ◆

provincial roadways. Hirji saw this as an opportunity to suggest another worthwhile financial break for overburdened taxpayers.

“The Premier is giving a refund to people who pay for vehicle registration, and I thought that providing rebates of OHIP premiums would actually be a way to give money back to people, and would probably do a lot more social good, and help us move out of the pandemic a bit more quickly,” said Hirji.

Hirji told the Voice that this is actually an idea he passed on to the province late summer last year, when vaccination rates were starting to plateau.

“There was a lot of talk at the time about starting vaccine mandates,” he said. “My argument was that before we go down the road of forced vaccinations, let's create more reasons for

continued from Page 10

continued from Page 15

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Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who has never been to Mars or Mars Hill.

people to get vaccinated. I thought one really powerful incentive is that you give people a tax break. Everybody loves a tax break.”

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) premiums help fund healthcare services in the province. The premium is usually deducted automatically from an employee’s pay, otherwise it is due when filing a personal income tax return. Those earning under $20,000 pay nothing towards the plan, while those earning more pay in increments. Those earning $35,000 have a $300 premium, while $45,000 earners pay $450, $70,000 earners $600, and $100,000 earners $750. High-income earners over $200,000 pay $900 OHIP premiums.

“Vaccinations are already linked to our OHIP numbers, so I expect it would be relatively easy to administer,” said Hirji. “It just makes logical sense in order to keep hospitalizations and the health burden down. So give people a reward, for having done their part for community health.”

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A March 2 2022

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overall at the 4800-km Tour Divide race from Banff to Mexico. During that race she suffered so badly from bronchial-induced asthma that she was forced to cycle off course to an emergency room for medical attention, then ride back to the course and win the race. Myth exploded.

"Of 1006 cyclists faced with a red signal, 796 went through it"

Myth: Cycling makes your thighs bulk up. Yes and no, but what’s the point? Strong, muscled legs, male or female, at any age, are better than the alternative. A Harvard University study that monitored 18,000 women for 16 years to discover the relationship between changes in physical activity and weight found those that cycled at least four hours per week were 26 percent less likely to gain any weight. The women who practiced less strenuous activities gained more than 20 pounds over the same period. Muscu-

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to-handlebar-height relationship. Raising your handlebars will reduce the pressure on your hands, arms, and neck. Understand that by doing so, you will increase your drag co-efficient and forfeit all the performance gained from shaving your legs.

Body parts further south going numb?

This one isn’t a myth. For guys it’s the perineum nerve and sit bones that can go numb, for women substitute soft tissue and pubic bone for the perineum.

However, the myth that you have to be able to suffer to enjoy cycling is false, and an oxymoron. A properly fitting bike, a quality bike seat that matches your anatomy, and padded shorts that fit properly (one type of padding definitely doesn’t fit all) can help.

So can strengthening your core and leg muscles. Over time additional hours in the saddle will help your skin and tissue toughen and become less sensitive, also improving comfort.

Myth: Women cyclists aren’t as tough as men. This myth is simply nonsense.

Lael Wilcox is currently the top ultra-endurance cyclist in the world, having beaten all competitors, male and female, in the most recent 6700-km, self-supported Trans-America Bike Race.

That was after she won

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with being slimmer and Brick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs. more powerful overall.

Wet and damaged basement repairs.

Myth: Cyclist ignore CARD MAKING PELHAM LIBRARY WORKSHOP red lights and stop signs.

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Living Bed, Kitchenette FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY busy intersections to count logs. Firewood & lumber also and Bath, includes Haddock, Care, Comthe Tasty number of cyclists treats with funds heading straight back into the community. available. Call Rob Patterson, that failed to stop for a red panionship, Meals , Cleaning 905-401-4948, fries andfaced much more.

Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m.Laundry. $1,695. and light.french Of 1006 cyclists riverwoodportablesawmill@ with a red signal, 796 went gmail.com 905-515-6755, Fonthill. through it. Even your colPELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE umnist, who occasionally treats a stop as a yield Buy, sellsign or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena.

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Wanted: Mature, caring, one. That’s 79 percent of cyclists that the law!

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9-12 in broke the morning. sitter. Jack is a friendly cockMyth: Shifting a bike Can come over to your house with multiple gears is diffor cleaning and housekeeping. apoo. Flexible re times. Lorrie MUDFEST ficultPELHAM and confusing.

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905-348-4844 lorriedover1@ lecting a bigger gear on the me. as the second Men and women will be back Please in thetext mud run on the year is front and a smaller gear on 416-432-5845. Thanks. gmail.com held at Bissil’s Hideaway. the back makes me go faster, but takes more effort to pedal. Choosing a smaller EXHIBITION gear NIAGARA on the frontREGIONAL and bigger on the back is slowRodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It er but easier to pedal. My runs Sept.on11-14 phone hasfrom 41 icons it, at the Welland Fairgrounds. four ways to access the internet, 52 apps, and at least BIG things MOVEthat CANCER 107 other I have RIDE no idea yet I Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

Thewhat Big they Movedo,Cancer can successfully call, text 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famand search. Just suck it up and learn to shift.

It’s not ily Cancer Centre. that hard, and this myth is untrue.

WALKING Knowledge is aCLUB powerful thing—hope this helps you Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena get out there and enjoy your 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There bike.from ◆

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Page 14

The Voice

A March 2 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

Cycling myths—some denied, some confirmed

W

elcome to March.

For those of you who haven’t been riding outdoors this winter, it’s time to dig out your real bike, the one with two wheels that you don’t have to pay a subscription fee to ride, and get ready to pedal.

This column is dedicated to confirming or dispelling many cycling myths that stubbornly refuse to disappear, hopefully preventing them from becoming conspiracy theories and causing a bell-ringing blockade of Pelham Town Hall.

Myth: Lycra and Spandex aren’t attractive. This deep

philosophical question confronts cyclists every day as they prepare to ride. It has nothing to do with fashion.

Forget political correctness, let’s call this for what it is.

It is a sexist ploy designed to rip our progressive, egalitarian, and gender-diverse Canadian society apart.

This myth is aimed squarely at male cyclists, those that dare to ride with their bellies overflowing their tight spandex riding shorts, much like a Dairy Queen cone on a hot day or a loaf of bread baked with too much yeast.

It’s bad enough that we have to suffer the term Mamil, middle aged men in ly-

ing, and regardless of what old-time “no pain-no gain” coaches may say, it isn’t normal.

If this numbness happens in your hands within a minute or two of beginning your ride, you should just chill. It’s likely because you have a death grip on the handlebars and are squeezing the life out of your median and ulnar nerves. I get a similar instantaneous numbness while vacuuming, struggling to pilot the vacuum head gingerly between the endless pottery and family photos on our bookcases and end tables.

Just relax, know that it will all work out, and your numbness will subside.

If your hands go numb after a long ride, consider changing your bike seat-

aerodynamic efficiency of shaved legs provides a seven percent reduction in wind drag, worth 79 seconds in a 40 kilometre bike race. The shaved-leg myth is fact.

Myth: Cycling is dangerous. This myth cannot be proven or disproven, as the danger of cycling is an increasingly relative term.

Yes, you may crash your bike or get whacked by an SUV, but as we absorb the recent events of the world, being vaccinated and cycling in Pelham doesn’t really seem all that dangerous.

Myth: Cycling makes your body parts go numb.

Let’s work our way north to south while investigating this myth. It’s not uncommon for cyclists to feel numbness in their wrists, fingers or hands while rid-

time.

Myth: You must shave your legs to be a fast cyclist. Male bike racers have been shaving their legs for more than a hundred years because after a crash pulling bandages off bare legs hurts less than picking away at individual scabs clinging to undisciplined leg hairs. Then in 1917, the Gillette Safety Razor Company introduced Milady Decollete, the first women’s razor targeted specifically at underarm hair shaving. The Roaring ‘20s led to flappers, shorter skirts and task-specific leg-shaving razors for women, and razor-selection dilemmas for male racers.

Science has come to the rescue. Research in 2014 at Specialized’s (a bike manufacturer) California wind tunnel confirmed that the

cra. There is no excuse for a judgmental few to demoralize those of us with one, or perhaps more, tummy rolls too many.

How did venerable, sports-minded older men like my friends get branded with such a demeaning and ageist term? Is there a similarly derisive acronym for middle aged women in designer outfits swinging golf clubs or tennis racquets? It’s doubtful. Are women retaliating for being labelled jaguars, cougars, and pumas by insensitive males? That would be fair.

Say what you want, but this myth is untrue. Ask any cyclist, male or female, which position in the pace line is best. They’ll choose to pedal behind a rider in spandex rather than someone in baggy shorts and a sloppy cotton t-shirt every

See BALANCED LIFE Page 13

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, an exciting relationship may soon develop after you socialize with friends. If you already are involved romantically, someone you meet could be an important ally.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Unexpected changes are the name of the game this week, Taurus. This could mean anything from learning a new skill to having to train a new coworker.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, there’s potential to meet someone interesting on a trip you will be taking shortly. Strike up conversations with those around you, as you never know what will happen.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, do not be discouraged when something seems like an insurmountable task. You just have to find the right help and then you’ll quickly master the job.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 An unexpected phone call or text from someone in your past could come your way soon, Leo. Whatever the news, don’t let it scare you. You’ll do fine.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 A significant sum of money could be coming your way shortly, Virgo. It may be a bonus or some sort of repayment. Be pleased at the windfall and utilize it wisely.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, an exciting group activity involving a number of your friends is on the horizon. You may be wondering whether to go. Don’t pass up the opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Exciting prospects and fortunate events seem to be in your orbit, Scorpio. Enjoy this bit of good luck that garners much of your attention and could have further benefits.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, are you feeling adventurous lately? Now may be a good time to enter a race or try something daring, like sky diving.

Let your instincts guide your decision.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Your mind is att uned to learning new lessons. If time permits, enroll in some college courses or explore trade school offerings.

This will enable you to expand your mind.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 This is a good week to travel or to make the arrangements for it, Aquarius. The journey promises to be an exciting time that you will remember for a while.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, bizarre dreams may invade your comfort levels. Don’t try to analyze their meaning too much, but be aware of symbolism.

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27. THAI

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26. NAE

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16. MID

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The Voice

Page 15

A March 2 2022

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

A Christian on Mars

N

ow that’s a strange title! Is this some futuristic piece about man landing on the “Red Planet”?

Or maybe it’s about a mission (both spatial and spiritual) to bring the Christian message there once it is colonized. Both are good guesses but sorry to disappoint.

An Earthly Mars

There was (and is) a famous outcropping of rock in ancient Athens, Greece, called “Mars Hill.”

When the Romans controlled Greece they named the hill after Mars, their god of war. The Greek name for it was “Areopagus,” which simply meant “big piece of rock” (logical but not too creative).

It was the site of judicial proceedings but also a place where Greek philosophers and intellectuals gathered to discuss and debate the latest issues and ideas of the day. As you read through the book of Acts in the New Testament, you see that the apostle Paul arrived in Athens in 51 AD after being chased out of other Greek cities for his preaching. Undeterred, Paul decided to preach the Christian message here too.

be talking about “foreign gods” (Jesus), deserved a serious hearing because he was bringing some new and “strange ideas” to them (see Acts 17:18-20).

So, they took Paul to Mars Hill where these lively debates took place regularly. The closest thing we may have today would be “Speaker’s Corner” in Hyde Park, London. I visited there many years ago and got a taste of the open-air speaking taking place on a variety of topics (political, spiritual and social). What an opportunity for Paul to reach the Athenian intelligentsia of that day!

An observation and a challenge

Paul began his speech with the observation that the Athenians were “very religious” (v.22). This shows that the apostle was a keen observer and student of the people he wished to reach.

Besides the plethora of Greek gods (e.g., Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, etc.) he had noticed an altar with the inscription “To An Unknown God.” The Greeks apparently wanted to cover their bases and not offend (or leave out) any god. Paul then proclaimed that he wanted to See FAITH LIFT Page 12

A foreign babbler?

Paul began his preaching in the Jewish synagogue but soon took his message into the open air at the local marketplace. His message provoked a reaction from two kinds of philosophers — Epicureans and Stoics.

These were polar opposites, as the former extolled worldly pleasures and the latter denied themselves of them (which ones do you think modern Canadians identify with?). One thing they agreed upon, however, was that this “babbler” (Paul) who seemed to

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Page 16

The Voice

A March 2 2022

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 Lester B. Pearson also saw our flag as a symbol of freedom when he raised it for the first time on Parliament Hill in 1965. “May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice…sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all,” he said.

Most likely he was thinking of a different kind of freedom than the anarchic version we observed last month in Ottawa.

The red maple leaf framed by red borders on a white background wasn’t everyone’s choice back then. I remember one commentator remarking that it looked like a nosebleed. Some wanted three maple leaves and blue borders, others a single leaf with one red border featuring the Union Jack, and on the opposite side three golden fleurs-de-lys on a blue background. But the nosebleed won out and was showcased to the world at Expo ’67 two years later.

It was stitched onto the backpacks of Canadians traveling in Europe largely because they didn’t want to be mistaken for Americans during the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the race riots.

I remember seeing footage of protestors on U.S. campuses burning the Stars and Stripes, while our Maple Leaf somehow managed to remain aloof from politics.

It came close in 1995, when demonstrators carried a flag the size of a football field through the streets of Montreal, expressing their affinity with Quebeckers, and their wish that Canada remain united.

When the Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series in the early ‘90s the flags were flying high because, well, we had beaten the Americans at their own game, eh? So what if the players were American or Dominican or whatever.

And how dare they raise our

flag upside down in Atlanta.

The nerve.

There were a lot of upside-down flags in Ottawa last month, along with signs that used the maple leaf in an expletive directed at the Prime Minister. Symbolism run amuck.

Some suggest that our flag first became politicized when Mr. Trudeau decreed that it be flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill until Indigenous leaders agreed to have it raised again. That motion collided head on with Remembrance Day, when the flag had to be raised to be lowered, before being raised again and then left that way.

All very confusing.

Now that the world has seen the Maple Leaf brandished by organizers intent on lawlessness and truckers led by a self-declared white supremacist, how do we get it back? And who exactly are “we”? Many believe Canadians are divided as never before, while others maintain such divisions only exist on social media. Mr. Trudeau, giving himself yet another pat on the shoulder, recently reminded us that throughout the pandemic Canadians had each other’s backs, that front-line medical workers, truckers and everyday shift workers in business and retail kept the rest of us going

while 80 percent of us got vaccinated. He said this is who Canada is, and not the “fringe group of racists and misogynists” that occupied Ottawa.

Well, according to CTV’s Joyce Napier, that so-called fringe group were the winners this time around. They confounded all levels of government for three weeks, while closing borders in Windsor, Coutts, Emerson, and Surrey, at inestimable cost to our economy. They wanted the world to take notice, and the world surely did.

They also captured the flag in the name of something that didn’t look anything like freedom or justice.

And they forced the first ever invocation of the Emergencies Act to restrain and remove them. After they left, the Act was debated and passed because the crisis remained; two days later the Act was rescinded because the crisis had suddenly evaporated.

As Bob Dylan sang half a century ago, “There’s something happening here, and you don’t know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones?” Was the protest really all about vaccine mandates? These are a provincial matter, so why did they go after the Prime Minister in his own backyard?

And when the mandates are removed, come spring, will this “fringe group” melt away with the snow? And why does the rhetoric of its Canada Unity leaders parrot Trump supporters who allegedly donated millions to its funding. And what of the stated aim of the organizers to topple the government and replace it with a coalition of themselves and select Conservatives? Did the truckers even know this when they set off for Ottawa and the border crossings?

Let’s remember they were law-abiding working people with families before all this happened. So why did it happen, and will it again?

Some say that with Covid, climate change measures that impact on our fossil-fuel based economy, inflation, redundancies, and the remote chance of owning a house, the future looks grim for a large group of Canadians who feel frustrated, helpless and unrepresented. As many of them said, they feel they have nothing to lose. For them to inconvenience the privileged residents of a “public service city” was no big deal, suggested Conservative Senator Denise Batters. Do we have class divisions right here in Canada? Yes we do. But for the ruling elite to characterize the truckers and their supporters countrywide as racists and misogynists while applying the Sledgehammer Act won’t mend them.

In the meantime, I look forward to the return of our Olympians, who all played for Canada and proudly carried our flag in Beijing. Maybe their stories will remind us of what we were and encourage us to be that again.

And I look forward to a Canada Day when the citizens of our nation can assemble peacefully in Ottawa to salute our flag in a spirit of healing, without the dark cloud of guilt, remorse and division.

At least until next time. ◆

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RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Korean Seafood Pancakes

It’s customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.

“Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a tasty dinner.

Seafood Pancakes Makes 4 to 5 pancakes 2 2 3-1⁄4 2 2-1⁄2 2 1⁄4 3 3-1⁄2 5 1 2

ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded ounces clams, cleaned ounces rice flour tablespoons cornflour ounces self-rising flour tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)* teaspoon ground black pepper large pinches of sea salt ounces brown shrimp spring onions, julienned teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle Vegetable oil for frying

In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s three-quarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.

In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the frying pan as needed.

Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce. *In order of preference, miso paste, anchovy paste, hoisin sauce, or black bean paste may be substituted.

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