Ottaway case update
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Seems winter wasn't quite done A trio of Odocoileus virginianus, better known by their stage name white-tailed deer, make a break for it across Wessel Road. A light snowfall started early Saturday evening and ended Sunday morning, leaving two to three inches as a reminder that Mother Nature, not the calendar, decides when winter ends. Temperatures are expected to rise to seasonal by next week. DON RICKERS
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TRUST, COMPASSION, AFFORDABILITY. Today is a good day to plan for tomorrow. If it is important to you, it’s important to us.
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The Voice
by Dave Burket
Voice
NRPS impaired driving charges ~
BY VOICE STAFF The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) has featured a recent Voice editorial in its March newsletter. Headlined, “Kore tries to pull an Augustyn, It’s deja vu all over again,” the commentary ran in the newspaper’s February 22 edition. It called out Pelham Town Councillor Ron Kore’s attempt—aided by Councillor Marianne Stewart—to break off relations with the Voice. “The Kore motion attempts to do indirectly what would clearly be illegal if done directly — it’s an effort to silence fair-minded journalism that actually follows and discusses the decisions of this council,” read the editorial in part. “It’s always gratifying to be recognized by your peers,” said Contributing News Editor Don Rickers. ISWNE was founded in 1955 at Southern Illinois University, and has members in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Ottaway case update BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Former Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway had a court date in Cochrane last week, to answer to four criminal charges, some of which are alleged to have occurred in Fonthill. Ottaway is charged with two assault charges (Statute 266 of the Canadian Criminal Code), a sexual interference charge (S.151, C.C.C.), and a sexual assault charge (S.271, C.C.C.). He was granted bail at his initial court appearance on January 24. Ottaway did not appear in court via Zoom last week before Justice Michel LaBelle. However, lawyer Khalil Bheriani was present on behalf of Ottaway’s de-
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ISWNE features Voice editorial
PUBLISHER’S CORNER Corrections at the top: Last week we mentioned that the Pelham Fire Department had a whack of free hand sanitizer to give away, noting in a headline that they were channeling Rodney Dangerfield with, “Take my sanitizer...please!” Well the joke’s on me because as our much, much older and wiser Contributing Editor Don Rickers points out, it was Henny Youngman, not Dangerfield, who popularized the one-liner, “Take my wife...please!” Oops!...So much hand-wringing: Silly talk of “power grab” is in the air, spoken by people—including some journalists—who should really know better. This related to the Liberal-NDP agreement that will see Trudeau remain comfortably in office until 2025. (Good job “freedom convoy.” You drove to Ottawa to overthrow the government and ended up guaranteeing ol’ Justin another three years in office. Another “oops”?) Anyway, point is, Civics 101 reminds us that we elect parliamentarians, we do not elect governments. Parliament forms government, with the consent of the Governor General. Brock Emeritus Professor of Political Science David Siegel gives us the skinny this week, p.8...Do you or your kid need some healthy exercise? We’re looking to fill two carrier routes. See the ad, p. 13...Mr. El Camino, we told you so: Our neighbour around the corner was running out the gas in his snowblower last week, preparing it for storage. “You’re going to jinx it,” we warned. Even worse, we also tempted fate by swapping out our snow tires for all-seasons last Wednesday. Sure enough, boom! Old Man Winter’s bony hands grasped once again. The only plus side is that we got to use Don Rickers’ deer-in-the-road photo this week, which he actually took a few weeks ago. As the snow melted I was resigned to keeping it on the shelf for a surprise summer cool-down or something, but voila, here we are...The hilarious story that won’t be told: For the last year I’ve also been sitting on what I intended to be a yuk-fest Column Six about our experience replacing a Sears dishwasher (that I inadvertently murdered) with a new one. Once we got it home, however, the Bosch model we bought in St. Kitts proved to be alarmingly short of interior space compared to the Kenmore. Turns out that European standards are indeed smaller. The store wouldn’t take it back, so I bought a second new dishwasher from IKEA, a rebranded Kitchen-Aid pleasingly North American in girth. Yet during the time it took for the IKEA one to be delivered, an annoying thing happened. The Bosch turned out to be fantastically good at its job. Best dishwasher ever. We gradually became accustomed to the weird German tine design, and the third rack for silverware. Now, IKEA has a 365-day return policy. So, you guessed it, that second dishwasher sat unopened in our garage for 361 days, until a buddy helped me load it into the car last Friday and my wife and I boogied off to Burlington to return it. Then, predictably, we turned around and spent most of the credited $699 on various household goodies. I highly recommend Skamstrup rugs, Torvfly oven mitts, and Sakkunnig tea. Until next week: Pas på dig selv! ◆
A March 30 2022
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fense counsel, Paul Bragagnolo. Bragagnolo had requested early trial dates from the trial coordinator, and had voiced concern that the trial date initially offered — May 17 — was too far in the future. Justice LaBelle noted that earlier options had been presented, but that Bragagnolo had not provided feedback on these dates. The matter was adjourned until April 26. Ottaway is currently on leave from his position as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Cochrane, a community of 5000 located south of Moosonee in northeastern Ontario. He was hired as Pelham’s CAO in 2012, and was fired in 2019.
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The Pelham Fire Department responded to seven calls for assistance from Friday, March 18 to Friday, March 25 Sunday, March 20 Medical assistance, Station 1 Tuesday, March 22 Medical assistance, Station 2 Burning complaint, Webber Rd., Station 1 Wednesday, March 23 Motor vehicle collision, Chantler Rd., Station 1 Alarms bells ringing, Canboro Rd., Stations 2 & 1 Thursday, March 24 Burning complaint, Webber Rd., Station 1
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Jeffrey A. BARDEN, 50, Pelham Diana M. ZATORSKI, 60, Welland July C. POLANCO, 34, Welland Christopher W. GURCZENSKI, 39, St. Catharines Mark A. BLISS-VALDEZ, 21, Niagara Falls Amanda M. MCKINNON, 33, Niagara Falls James P. FREEMAN-GUY, 32, Niagara Falls Chad J. SMIT, 32, Lincoln Jason R. CAMPBELL, 46, St. Catharines Lorne J. ROBINSON, 37, West Lincoln 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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Celebrating that handsome devil Jay Stanley's 50th birthday in Punta Cana! Sun and fun with family!
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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A March 30 2022
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Short meeting ends masking BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent A high-speed, 30-minute Pelham Town Council meeting was highlighted March 21 by the Town modifying its two-yearlong masking mandate to conform with new Ontario regulations. With the province dropping Covid-19 mask mandates with the exception of hospitals, care facilities, and public transit the same day, council unanimously approved a staff report that essentially replaced the verbiage of the municipal regulation from “requirement” of masking to “strongly encouraged.” Pelham will continue to provide staff members with masks if they are needed. “We have plenty of PPE,” Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner said.
“If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask by all means, that’s your right to do it,” Mayor Marvin Junkin said. “And if you choose not to wear a mask in most cases, that’s your right.” Pelham had 158 active cases of Covid-19 as of March 21, with 1,151 active cases in Niagara as of the same day. For several weeks, health experts have cautioned that the true number of infections in Ontario is likely significantly higher than the official number due to limited testing.
Town wins finance reporting award again
For the second year in a row, the Town of Pelham has captured the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, given out to municipalities by the Government Finance Officers Associa-
Pelham Town Council meets virtually on March 21 2022. tion of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This award is for 2020 finances submitted in 2021. “We’re very pleased to have that recognition,” Treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy said.
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With March— Fraud Prevention Month — wrapping up, Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart said that the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee will host a fraud prevention seminar on May
11 at the MCC. It is expected that demand for the event may allow it to become a hybrid seminar where interested participants can also log-in from home. The Town passed a bylaw to rename the newly merged
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A March 30 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
COMMON DECENCY Rev. Michael Coren
Selective truth serves no one
A
bortion has once again become a political issue in Canada as the various candidates for leadership of the Conservative Party are questioned about where they stand — on a subject that really has been decided. But those on the Canadian right tend to follow their allies to the south, and the US Supreme Court, with its six conservative judges, has been hearing oral arguments about the issue, based on a case that would never have been considered just a few years ago. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization concerns a Mississippi law banning abortion at 15 weeks. Under Roe v. Wade and the less well-known Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, the Mississippi law is unconstitutional. But that has never stopped the anti-choice movement. Thing is, abortion rates have been shown to decline if contraceptives are freely available, modern sex education provided in schools, public day-care guaranteed, healthcare socialized, minimum wage increased, and paid maternity leave extended. Yet most Chris-
tian conservatives oppose all of these policies, making it difficult not to conclude that they’re more interested in controlling women than protecting what they define as life. That definition, howev-
"Thing is, abortion rates have been shown to decline if contraception is freely available"
er, is not rooted in the very Christianity they proclaim. The Christian position is that life begins with the first breath. The abortion obsession is a recent phenomenon. As for scripture, it’s vague at best and at one point even demands abortion. That’s in The Book of Numbers, where if a husband thinks that his wife is pregnant due to a relationship with another man, she is to drink an abortion-inducing poison.
NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre Distress and crisis. 24-hour help line: 905-688-3711 Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140
Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-811-3887. Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca
Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll-free) Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text - 274637 (CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR Don Rickers
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger
CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Michael Coren, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Exodus says that, “When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman’s husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine. If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” So, a miscarriage caused by violence leads to a fine but if there is harm to the woman, of if she dies, the wrongdoer could be executed. These texts are, strangely enough, ignored by anti-abortionists. They instead point to the Genesis reference to the sin of murder. But the Hebrew used in Genesis refers to adults, not unborn children. They counter with Psalm 139: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your See SELECTIVE Page 8
Letters My heartfelt thanks Anyone who was driving down Haist Street on March 11 and past A.K. Wigg would have thought the worst, seeing the whole school on the front lawn along with fire trucks with lights flashing. But no, it was unbelievably for me, the crossing guard Violet, who was retiring after 22 years. May I take the time and space to thank the staff and parents and Fire Department—and especially all the children of the school for an “epic” send off. As a friend mentioned after seeing my picture on the front page of the Voice, this could
only happen in a small town like Fonthill. This was the ultimate compliment for this town, as on that day it truly felt like the old village of Fonthill that I remember when we first moved here 30-odd years ago. Thanks to Don Rickers for a well-written article. It was an absolute pleasure to serve this town. You have no idea how full my heart is after being sent off like this, and I will remember my children that I crossed forever. Violet Steingart Fonthill
7
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
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
Cabinetry Showroom & Design Centre 7-200 Hwy 20 East, Fonthill ON L0S 1E6 Open: Mon - Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Call (905) 932-7069 to schedule an appointment for a design consultation.
Jill C. Anthony Law Office
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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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The Voice
Page 5
A March 30 2022
OPINION Never judge a donkey as it may be a miracle bearer Thank you for publishing the enlightening letter to the editor titled, “Flag Tainted by backwoods-bearded man-children” [March 9, p.5]. Brilliant in expressiveness, thought and keen insights, this letter definitely needs to be acknowledged as it very well represents the views of a fraction of the population that is supportive of the Covid mandates and whose sentiments have been recently diverted from domestic to international issues. We cannot forget, however, that no matter what happens in the world, our daily lives are first and foremost devoted to our beautiful Canada and our families and fellow citizens. Why does the letter writer think there is a need for the long-retired Honourable Brian Peckford, one of the fathers of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to re-enter the public scene and stand as the lead plaintiff in a federal court case challenging the validity of the federal government’s ban on travel for unvaccinated people? Why was there a need for fellow citizens to stand together for hours in bitter cold in peaceful protests around the country? Did the letter writer see some of the many pictures posted all over the social media of young fami-
lies and folks from all walks of life participating? Did he actually see who attended the rally in his local park? The people who stand out may not well represent the multitude of diverse individuals participating in weekly protests and rallies across the country.
"Peace begins by opening our loving heart to our neighbour"
Yes, donkeys do bray but there was also one that carried Mary on her sacred journey yielding a miracle, so we have to be very careful about a blanket judgment. Inspired by our own Prime Minister, we have done a lot of judging and labelling recently. It is time to start understanding each other, to listen and act with compassion for those who might have different points of view but who are still contributing in our beautiful mosaic
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of everyday life. It is utterly extreme to segregate individuals for simply making different health choices. I would recommend that the letter writer find such a person and spend some time with them listening with compassion and open heart and mind. There might be deep reasons for these choices and careful considerate evaluation is needed in each and every case. After all, did our own Prime Minister not say in the December 2021 Mandate Letter to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship that “we must work toward a better future where everyone has a real and fair chance at success and no one is left behind”? Should this not apply to our own Canadian peoples? Peace begins by opening our loving heart to our neighbour and only then expands into true empathy towards people in crisis in faraway lands. Otherwise, we remain shallow and ineffective on both fronts, no matter what we think or say. Eva Cabaca Beamsville
PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin
Getting accustomed to going maskless; April events
W
e as a province are one week into our n o n-m a n d atory mask protocol and I personally am enjoying it. Even after almost two years of having to wear a mask I can’t count the number of times I had my hand on the store’s door ready to enter, only to remember that I forgot to mask-up. Back to the car I trot to grab the forgotten face covering off of the rearview mirror, where they were kept for easy access and to remind me not to forget. Many businesses in town have told their staff to do whatever makes them feel comfortable whether to mask or not to mask. There are still a few that are requiring their staff to mask up. There are a rising number of cases of Covid in many parts of the world, mostly caused by yet another new variant referred to as BA.2.
Across the pond in the UK, England and Wales were experiencing increasing numbers whereas Northern
"All provinces in Canada are also experiencing an uptick in cases, again caused by the BA.2 variant"
Ireland’s numbers were already in decline. England’s chief medical officer stated that the high rates of infection were fortunately not translating into intensive care cases. All provinces in Canada are also experiencing an uptick in cases, again
caused by the BA.2 variant—so far hospitalization numbers remain low. On March 29, Mayor Jim Bradley is set to give a State of the Region address to a sold out audience but if you wish this address can be accessed online. I am optimistic that Mr. Bradley will address our business community and their need to move forward with increased hiring opportunities in the months ahead. In Pelham the Town has lined up many fun and interesting events for the month of April. One of these being a tree artist display at the MCC this Saturday from 1-3 PM. We are looking forward to the attendance of our own world-renowned explorer Adam Shoalts. Also attending will be members of Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH) to promote environmental See JUNKIN Page 11
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Everyone has a story. Tell us yours! NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 4000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
Page 6
The Voice
A March 30 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Notice of Open House and Public Meeting PROPOSED NIAGARA OFFICIAL PLAN Niagara Region has prepared a new proposed Niagara Official Plan, and will hold an open house and public meeting, pursuant to subsection 17.5 and 17.6 of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
OPEN HOUSE Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. It will be held virtually. The purpose of the open house is to present the new proposed Niagara Official Plan and give an opportunity to ask questions.
PUBLIC MEETING Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. It will be held virtually as part of a Special Regional Council Meeting. The purpose of the public meeting is to present the new proposed Niagara Official Plan and give an opportunity for the public to provide input.
PURPOSE OF THE NIAGARA OFFICIAL PLAN The proposed Niagara Official Plan will shape the physical, economic and social development of the region over the next 30 years. It sets out objectives and policies that will, among other matters: •
Identify how and where growth will happen
•
Help protect Niagara’s natural environment and address our changing climate
•
Ensure Niagara has an adequate and diverse supply of housing
•
Plan for our future infrastructure needs and ensure they’re properly funded
•
Create the right conditions to attract and retain jobs in Niagara
As the proposed Niagara Official Plan will apply to the entire Niagara Region planning area, a location map has not been provided. Consultation has taken place on background work and draft policy. A final proposed Niagara Official Plan will be available for review and comment at niagararegion.ca/official-plan from the date of this notice.
HOW TO REGISTER TO ATTEND AND PROVIDE INPUT Register to attend the April 7 open house at niagararegion.ca/ official-plan. To provide input orally at the April 28 public meeting, please pre-register with the Regional Clerk at clerk@niagararegion.ca before 9 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022. For more information, visit niagararegion.ca/government/council/speakingatcouncil. Due to efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect all individuals, Council Chamber at Regional Headquarters will not be open to the public to attend meetings until further notice. To view a live-stream meeting proceeding, without the ability to provide oral submissions, please visit niagararegion.ca/government/council. To provide written input, please either mail your comments to the Office of the Regional Clerk, Niagara Region, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Ontario, L2V 4T7 or email clerk@niagararegion.ca by 9 a.m. on Friday April 22, 2022. If you are not able to attend, or would like more information, including information on appeal rights, you can provide input or ask questions by emailing makingourmark@niagararegion.ca. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara on the proposed official plan, you must make a written request to the Clerk c/o Regional Clerk, Niagara Region, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, P.O. Box 1042, Thorold, Ontario, L2V 4T7, or email clerk@niagararegion.ca. Such requests must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent. If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Special accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats can be arranged by contacting Niagara Region’s Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-685-4225 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca. Any personal information is collected under the authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13 and may be used in an appendix of a staff report, published in the meeting agenda, delegation list and/or the minutes of the public meeting and made part of the public record. Niagara Region collects this information for the purposes of making informed decisions on the relevant issues and to notify interested parties of Council’s decisions. It may also be used to serve notice of an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. Information collected, used and disclosed is in accordance the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Questions about this collection and disclosure should be directed to the Access & Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca. Notice first issued in the newspaper on March 31, 2022
niagararegion.ca/official-plan makingourmark@niagararegion.ca
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
Page 7
A March 30 2022
"She made me a better person" Jeff Fee reflects on his wife, Mary Ann, who lost her battle with cancer on March 2 BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Jeff Fee has many warm memories of his wife, Mary Ann, but few photos of the two of them together. “We tended to live in the moment,” said Jeff. “We weren't big on selfies. It was just about enjoying each other’s company, and our shared interests. We used to go camping in Algonquin Park, and I would take a picture of her, and she’d take one of me, but we'd never have one together,” he said, gazing at their wedding photo. Mary Ann died on March 2, at age 65. She had retired from teaching in 2018 after 34 years in the profession. “She was the math head at E.L. Crossley, and also worked with special needs students,” said Jeff. “She was the school’s swim coach for many years. The students — both the strong ones, and those who struggled with mathematics — loved her. Over the years, we had many knocks on our door from her former students, who simply dropped by to offer their thanks for her compassion and dedication.” She was an honours student during her high school years at Pelham High and Crossley, graduating in 1975, before earning degrees at Western and Brock, and
joining the teaching ranks. Mary Ann Daniels grew up in Ridgeville, on Canboro Road, with her sisters Sharon and Tracy, and never lost her local roots. “She was a very determined woman, having grown up in a hard-working family,” said Jeff. Mary Ann’s father was a sheet metal mechanic for E.S. Fox for 40 years, and her mother worked at the local Bell office as a switchboard operator, and also at Keith's Restaurant in Fonthill. “Mary Ann put herself through university, earning money through picking tender fruit,” said Jeff. “Babysitting, sometimes. Teaching accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She worked in Dunnville at a pickle plant, and also in an industry that made wiring harnesses for Ford and Chrysler.” Mary Ann taught at Albert College, a private school in Belleville, after graduating from Brock’s Teachers College. She returned to Niagara, and was hired on by the local board, working at Thorold High, and Stamford in Niagara Falls, before settling at Crossley. “We met through a mutual friend,” said Jeff. “I was working in the facilities department at the
Jeff Fee holds a photo taken on the day he married Mary Ann Daniels. University of Waterloo at the time, and used to come down to Niagara to visit my friend Doug, who taught music at Stamford Collegiate. One weekend, Mary Ann was there at Doug’s apartment, and we kind of hit it off.” A long-distance courtship ensued, with Jeff making the drive to Niagara from Waterloo most weekends. They married in 1992. “Her job had better benefits than mine, and she had a little more seniority,” said Jeff. “So I left my job. It was the best summer ever. We were at the beach every day. I found work on the night shift at a chemical company, but ended up at Ridley College in the maintenance department, where I’ve been for 30
years.” When they married, Jeff moved into Mary Ann’s little house on Effingham. “The property has an acre of land that her dad had bought on a handshake as he was driving home from work one day,” said Jeff. “I built an addition on to the house, plus the workshop in the backyard. We never had a lot of money. But we made it work.” Even after she retired in 2018, Mary Ann tutored kids at the Pelham library, said Jeff. “She loved to keep her mind active. Mary Ann used to complete a sudoku puzzle during her morning coffee, which always amazed me,” said Jeff. “She was also a magnifi-
DON RICKERS
cent seamstress. She made all her own dresses. We both enjoyed vegetable gardening, and Mary Ann loved her flowers.” She was diagnosed last April with lung cancer. “Mary Ann was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, but a CT scan detected a tumour,” said Jeff. “The cancer had metastasized, migrating to her brain. She had to undergo what's called whole brain radiation, which affected her ability to write, to do crossword puzzles. She also lost a lot of her mobility, and got to the point where she was dependent on a walker.” The Monday before she passed See FEE Page 11
Earth Week April 17-25 2022
TREE Art Exhibit by artist Krista McMillan, on display for the month of April at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC). Don't miss the artist reception on April 2 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
Scan the QR code with your camera for more.
Community Clean Up Kick-Off! April 23! 3! Round up the family and come down to the e MCC to pick up supplies and help clean up around Town. Register your clean-up team m online. Composters are available for sale and can be pre-ordered via phone.
Earth Week k From April 18-25 complete environmentally friendly missions in Pelham and win prizes! Game code: D7JWP7
www.pelham.ca/earthweek For more information contact: Stephanie Yole 905-732-7888 syole@pelham.ca
WHAT I KNOW In Loving Memory and in Celebration on your 1st Angelversary — Ethan Mergl you made this world a brighter and better place. March 26, 2001 - April 3, 2021
We would like all our friends and family and Ethan’s friends to join us with an open house on April 3rd to celebrate and honour Ethan between 1-7pm. Lanterns will be released from the North Pelham Cemetery (E’s place of rest) at 7:30ish pm.
I know you soar with angels now. And that your heart has wings. I know you're watching over me. Whatever this world brings. I know you were a gift from God. And that you are safe above. I know I will see you again. And once more to feel your love. I know you live in heaven now. And that I must go on. I know my heart will ache for you until my time is done. Love you so much, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Jenna ox
Page 8
The Voice
A March 30 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
PEOPLE AND POLITICS
by David Siegel
What does the Liberal-NDP agreement mean?
T
he Liberal-NDP confidence and budget agreement has attracted a great deal of attention and some heavy rhetoric. We need to take the time to consider what this agreement is, and what it’s not. Let’s begin with some recent history, and work toward casting some light on the meaning of this agreement. In the 2019 election, the Liberal Party won 157 of 338 seats in the House of Commons and lost the majority status it had won in the
previous election. The 2021 election produced a similar result with the Liberals winning 159 seats. At that time, I wrote in this publication that Canadians should become accustomed to the idea of minority government. There are four credible parties, each of which has a fairly strong regional base, and the Green Party will likely become stronger over time, adding a fifth party. The math dictates that it will be difficult for any party to command a majority until something
happens to upset this balance. Minority governments are not necessarily bad, but they do suffer from instability. A government can escape defeat by bringing in status quo budgets and avoiding difficult issues or new initiatives. This works if the minority situation is a temporary aberration which will change in the next election. However, when it seems that the situation will persist in the longer term, a government will need to find a more stable way of governing.
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Beginning in 2019, the Liberals functioned by working out a series of one-off deals with one party or another to get the necessary legislation through. The discussions among house leaders were not publicized, but there was nothing secret about the results. The votes in Parliament made it clear which party was supporting the Liberals. The current Liberal-NDP agreement codifies and makes public something which was previously being done quietly outside of public
SELECTIVE
continued from Page 4 book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.” It’s poetic but has nothing to do with the scientific definition of life’s beginning. The style of the Old Testament is often hyperbolic and metaphorical, and this passage is about God’s omnipotence, the deity’s intimate knowledge of all creatures. Jeremiah uses similar wording: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” But, again, consider what is being emphasized here. A “prophet to the nations”
view. Those who favour transparency should like the process that led to this agreement. The strength of this agreement is that it provides clear accountability. When the 2025 election rolls around, we will know that the Liberals (with their NDP partners) are responsible for where the country has gone in the previous three years. How you feel about that direction will guide your vote. See SIEGEL Page 11
leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Lyrical but hardly pertinent. Nobody disputes that there is movement in the womb and, as with Jeremiah, the phrasing is used because of the significance of who is being described. There really is little else said about the issue in the more than 700,000 words in the Bible. Odd, that. Then again, perhaps not. Selective truth has, alas, become all too common in certain circles, and that’s very worrying indeed. ◆
is not like other people, but chosen specifically by God for a holy purpose. The language describes the uniqueness of God’s prophet, not fetal development. Jeremiah also happens to write, “Cursed be the day, the day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed…. Why did I come forth from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?” The New Testament story usually quoted concerns Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, meeting Mary, the mother of Jesus. Luke’s Gospel: “In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child
Rev. Michael Coren is an award-winning Toronto-based columnist and author of 18 books, appears regularly on TV and radio, and is also an Anglican priest.
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
Page 9
A March 30 2022
PELHAM ART FESTIVAL PREVIEW
PAF returns Mother's Day weekend The 35th annual Pelham Art Festival Show and Sale, May 6 to 8, features 55 artists and artisans. The pandemic necessitated a virtual show last year, but 2022 marks the return to an in-person event on Mother's Day weekend. The venue is the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill. The Festival is also available on-line, May 5 to 15, at pelhamartfestival.com. Opening Night on Friday, May 6 runs 7 PM to 10 PM. Entry is $15, and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a cash wine bar. Saturday and Sunday, the event runs 10 AM to 5 PM. The entry fee is $7, with a la carte food available for purchase, a cash wine bar, and live music. Children under 12 have free admission. Proceeds from the festival benefit Pelham libraries, student art scholarships, and community arts projects. The Pelham Art Festival says it has proudly donated over $435,000 back to the community. Ahead of this year’s event, the Voice is highlighting winning artists from last year’s competition, starting with Cathy Cullis, who lives in Niagara on the Lake with
DON RICKERS
BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor
Cathy Cullis. her husband, who is also an artist. They relocated from Burlington about eight years ago. “I guess I started drawing when I was kid,” said Cullis. “Everybody likes to draw cartoons and that sort of stuff. But once I was working and looking after a family, I didn't really have the time to pay much attention to art. When I retired, I picked it up again. I just thought ‘now's my time.’ I'm pretty self-directed, since I didn't attend college or university for art. I did take a lot of workshops with professional artists from the United States and Canada in pastel, because that's what I work in. Pastels are my medium of choice. I have
SUPPLIED
dabbled a bit in oil, but I haven't gotten very far in it because I just love painting in pastel.” Cullis has paintings in this year’s show, including a number of landscapes. She seeks natural inspiration around Niagara-on-theLake, and also during her travels to places like Norway and Vancouver Island. “A lot of my work is based on reference photographs I've taken on vacations,” she said. Cullis’ work has earned her the title master pastelist with Pastel Artists Canada. She also holds signature and master member status with the organization. This is her second year with the Pelham Art Festival.
' n i p p Ho r e t s a E
Fonthill Lions salute the farming industry BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The Fonthill Lions will host their 69th Agriculture Night on April 19 at their club house on Highway 20. The event has been a staple since 1945, when founding Lion Gord Klager introduced the concept. At 6:30, the evening commences with a symposium (that’s a fancy Greek word for drinks and conversation), followed by supper at 7 PM. Kevin Forbes is the guest speaker for this year’s Agricultural Night, having transitioned from commercial banking to family dairy farming. Kevin’s grandparents purchased Forbesvue Farms in Sarnia in the 1940s, and Forbes and his family now run the operation, tending to over 200 cows.
Organizer Robert Yungblut, ably assisted by fellow Lion Fred Arbour, expects about 120 to attend. A prize table with ticket draws will be available, with local merchants donating gifts. The event generally raises about $2000, with all proceeds funding local charities, including Pelham Cares. Pelham Funeral Home is the sponsor for the event. Tickets are $25 each, and can be obtained by calling Arbour 289-214-2616, or emailing fonthilllions@gmail.com. Alternatively, Fonthill Lions members have tickets for sale in person. Above, from left, Lions Fred Arbour and Robert Yungblut.
Outdoor Egg Hunt - Bring your basket! April 16 | 11:00am | Centennial Park Fabulous Fenwick Lions BBQ to follow Colouring Contest
Cotton & Bamboo Dresses are Available at the Village Boutique!
Easter Crafts
Unit 8 - 160 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 905-892-6262 Hours of Operation: Sun...............12pm -4pm www.pelham.ca/easter For more information contact: Amanda Deschenes 905-732-7890 adeschenes@pelham.ca
Mon.-Fri. .....10am - 6pm Sat...............10am - 5pm
Page 10
The Voice
A March 30 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Business FOCUS
PSWs in high demand Harmony Personal Care Services a local option BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor According to Statistics Canada, some 15 percent of Canada’s population is 65 and older, outnumbering children age 14-and-under for the first time. It is estimated that by 2036 the senior demographic will account for 25 percent of Canada’s total population. Currently, eight percent of Canadians receive some form of home-based healthcare, a number that will continue to grow. Personal support workers (PSWs) fill a critical need, providing assistance to patients who are elderly, physically disabled, and chronically ill, helping them to live their lives comfortably within a supportive environment. These professionals may work within a client’s home, at long-term care facilities and nursing homes, in hospitals, and elsewhere. Personal support workers are caring, compassionate, and hard-working professionals, and the quality services that they offer are essential in addressing the personal and health needs of the Canadian population. Harmony Personal Care Services launched last October, serving
Welland, Pelham, and the Niagara region. Business partners Tanya Dorvil and Njeri Mugwe were PSWs for many years in Toronto, with a combined experience of 37 years in the industry. They decided to escape the big-city environment and relocate with their families to Niagara. “We recognize that each individual has specific needs according to their health, living arrangements — at home or in long term care, hospital, or hospice — culture and religion, and basic personal preferences,” said Mugwe. “We have built a team of PSWs, screening them carefully, to ensure that they have the skills and compassion to serve their clients.” Hygiene (showering, bathing), grooming (oral care, hair care, dressing), toileting, light meal prep, and housekeeping are all services provided, as are in-home activities such as exercise and games, and recreational outings beyond the home. Medication management, monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure, palliative care, and Alzheimer/dementia care are provided by
Tanya Dorvil and Njeri Mugwe of Harmony Personal Care Services. PSW workers, who are also available for travel accompaniment to medical appointments, banking, and personal commitments. The phones at Harmony are on 24/7 in the event of emergency. “We currently have 15 to 20 private clients, but at the peak of the pandemic, we had 83 patients in nursing and retirement homes throughout the region, served by 20 caregivers,” said Dorvil. “Our primary focus at this stage is to return to private homes in the community, assisting seniors and their families with respite relief, companionship, and all of our PSW
DON RICKERS
services.” Previous client Jamie Poehlman, of Toronto, praised the duo. “My father’s wish was to stay in his home, and Njeri and Tanya made this possible. He flourished under their exceptional care. They worked around my schedule, with support whenever it was needed. They also provided services including grocery shopping, medication pick-up, delicious homecooked meals, and even a regular haircut.” A fully insured company, Harmony’s PSW assignments are based on a minimum call of three
hours service. Free consultations and fee estimates are offered over the telephone. “Some clients qualify through their insurer for PSW coverage, said Mugwe. “People should look into potential coverage through their life and disability insurance. Many will qualify if they've had a stroke or serious medical setback.” Look for the company’s flyer in this week’s issue of the Voice. Harmony Personal Care Services may be reached via email: contact@harmonypcs.com, or by phone at 905-347-2273. Their website is: www.harmonypcs.com
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
FEE
continued from Page 7 away at home, Jeff and Mary Ann were given the results of her final brain MRI at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton. “We were told that she had two months to live without radiation treatment, or four months with the treatment, but that the additional radiation would destroy her mental faculties, her memory,” said Jeff. “The news was devastating.” Mary Ann was an avid reader, plowing through novels, remembered Jeff. “We lived a simple life here, homebodies. We had our aspirations to travel, to go whale watching on both
SIEGEL
continued from Page 8 The policy directions contained in the agreement are valid grounds for criticism. Some will feel that the proposed initiatives go too far, and will be too costly; others feel that they do not go far enough. This type of debate is justified and will cast light on what the parties are doing. However, some of the rhetoric that we have heard is misguided. We hear that the agreement is somehow unfair or un-parliamentary. The truth is that parliamentary systems are structured to accommodate these kinds of arrangements—whether they are implicit understanding (as we have had for the previous three years) or public written agreements. There are precedents for this
JUNKIN
continued from Page 5 initiatives as well as Earth Week events in Pelham. There may be a few grizzly bears in attendance also but those will be restricted to Adam Shoalts’ exploration recounting. Councillor Wayne Olson’s favorite event, the Town’s Easter Egg Hunt (sorry, Councillor Olson, children only) will take place Saturday, April 16, at Centennial Park in Fenwick. Three hunts for three different age groups kick off at 11:00 AM sharp. Other fun activities will also be happening on site, with the Fabulous Fenwick Lions providing food and drink from their concession building. The egg hunts are free to all children. Happening that same day from noon to 1 PM at the MCC is a new stage adaptation of the classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, presented by The Carousal Players. Tickets for this event are
The Voice
Page 11
A March 30 2022
OBITUARY
the west coast and in Newfoundland. That's what we were gearing up for, but of course, after the diagnosis, that all changed.” She was just a down-toearth country girl, said Jeff. “Mary Ann wasn't big on flashy jewelry or stuff like that. She didn't have anything to prove. She was such a good-hearted person, never speaking an ill word about anybody. Mary Ann didn’t like idle gossip, but was happy to talk about somebody’s achievements. And she made me a better person,” said Jeff. Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of Mary Ann’s life at the Fonthill Legion on Highway 20 on April 3, from 2 to 4 PM.
Mary Ann Fee retired in 2018, after teaching for 34 years. FEE FAMILY
recently in BC and in the 1990s in Ontario. In neither case did the sky fall. These agreements allow governments to govern and move ahead even when they do not have a majority. We hear that this an illegitimate power-grab. The Liberals won a plurality of seats and were asked by the Governor General to govern. Some people wish that this were not so, but it is. This agreement has been entered into by the duly elected representatives of their parties. They have decided to use the accepted rules of parliamentary procedure to accomplish certain goals. Anyone is entitled to disagree with those goals and suggest that the current government is moving in the wrong direction. That is why we fight elections. However, that does not make the process leading to the agreement illegitimate. The remedy for people who
are dissatisfied is to win the election next time. We hear that this amounts to a coalition which is somehow un-Canadian. First of all, I’m not convinced that a coalition is so bad. It requires two (or more) parties to work together in a flexible manner. The governing party must listen to the other party(ies) and sometimes bend to accommodate other interests. Many European countries have had coalition governments for extended periods, and they have done quite well. However, this is not a coalition government. Coalition governments on the European model involve two (or more) parties sharing in the day-to-day governing process. The parties will typically negotiate the allocation of cabinet seats among the parties. The Green party will typically want the environment ministry; a busi-
ness-oriented party will get the economic development ministry; the dominant party will keep the most important portfolios like finance for itself. This is clearly not contemplated in this agreement. The agreement that has been struck between the Liberals and the NDP is a momentous event which will guide the direction of the country for the next three years. For this reason, it should be the subject of serious discussion and debate. Should we move in the direction of publicly-funded dentacare and pharmacare? What should we do about climate change? How should we proceed with reconciliation? These are important questions that should be the subject of public debate. However, all the time and resources devoted to spurious non-issues is time taken away from debate on the
policy measures contained in the agreement which should be the subject of serious debate. Let’s focus on the important issues. ◆
David Siegel is a Brock University Emeritus Professor of Political Science.
$10. There will be a surprise visitor after the show. Pitch-in week in Pelham takes place April 17 to 23. As the name implies, this is a week-long event. Residents can stop in at the MCC on April 23 to pick up all the tools they need to pitch-in, including gloves, masks, and specially marked garbage bags, and then go do their bit to give the town its spring spruce-up. I will be kidnapping CAO David Cribbs for a few hours one day and the two of us will pick a street (probably not Effingham, as suggested by Councillor Wink) to clean up any roadside waste. (Don’t you just hate it when residents from other municipalities come to Pelham to empty their cars?) Also taking place April 23rd at the MCC is an Earth Week event. The town will be hosting a small vendor fair featuring local environmental groups. This will take place on the east side of the MCC. One of the groups planning to attend is
Trout Unlimited. This group has been busy raising the awareness of the last coldwater stream in the region, the Twelve Mile Creek. They work on numerous restorative projects, one of these being bank protection. This is also the day when all
residents that preordered a rain barrel can pick them up right off the truck. Composters will also be on sale on site for $21. The last event in April is slated for April 29th at 9:00 AM at Centennial Park in Fenwick. It will be a tree
-planting workshop, family friendly of course. Those attending should bring a shovel, gardening gloves, and lots of energy, the Town will supply the trees, forestry specialists, and mulch. Although a sunny day has been ordered, this event
takes place rain or shine. For more information on this event please go to the town’s website – Pelham.ca/ en/recreation-and-leisure/ community-tree-plant. Hope to see you at these great events! Go Pelham! ◆
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Dair, Nancy Lynn 1963 - 2022 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the Welland Hospital in her 59th year. She is now at home with her Lord and Savior. Predeceased by her parents Alvin (1994) and Polly (1999) Dair and her four cherished feline babies Teddy, Buffy, Peggy and Muffy. Nancy leaves behind her uncle Bruce Dair and many, many cousins, friends and church family (her “brothers and sisters”). Especially heartbroken is her bestest sister friend Barb (nee Shirley) Parker (Martin) and their children, Rebecca and Christopher. Nancy also leaves behind her special friend Frank. A heartfelt thank-you to Brenda and Jodi for all their help and love throughout the years. Nancy was dedicated in the Fonthill Baptist Church at three months old. She taught Pioneer Club and Voyagers for 21 years. She sang in the church choir, was a Tri-M coordinator and involved in many other groups throughout the years. Nancy also babysat over 60 kids in her day. She enjoyed doing needlework, scrapbooking, card-making, playing games. Nancy had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She loved the color purple and kitties. Friends and family will be received at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill on Thursday, March 31st from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and Friday, April 1st from 1-2 pm. The funeral service to honour Nancy’s life will take place at the funeral home on Friday, April 1st beginning 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Pleasantview cemetery. At Nancy’s request, all attendees are asked wear something purple if able. The service can also be viewed via livestream the day of the service at 2pm on the funeral homes Facebook page. As an expression of sympathy donation may be made to the Fonthill Baptist Church, Kitty Kat Keep Rescue, Welland Humane Society, Pelham Cares or Help a Child Smile. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
LIFE RECOVERY We all have struggles in life. We get impatient with those we love, we may struggle with finances, or feel down some days and unmotivated. Everyday life has its difficulties. But some of these struggles are deep rooted and can lead to feelings of being stuck in life. Life Recovery is for those who struggle with addiction, emotions, relationships and other issue of life.
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The Voice
A March 30 2022
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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 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
continued from Page 15 “You said, ‘I will take care of the German people.’ But we too, as Christians and churchmen, have a responsibility toward the German people. That responsibility was entrusted to us by God, and neither you nor anyone in this world has the power to take it from us.” Bold words to say to a dictator. Hitler walked away fuming but without a word. That evening, the Gestapo trashed Niemoller’s rectory looking for incriminating material. A short while later, a homemade bomb exploded in the hall of his church. The persecution had started.
The cost
Niemoller famously wrote, “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out.” Eventually, Niemoller and Bonhoeffer were imprisoned for “hate speech” (translation: criticizing the government). Niemoller was then sent to a concentration camp where he was eventually liberated by Allied troops at war’s end. Bonhoeffer was not so fortunate. Weeks before the end of the war (and of Hitler’s life), the Fuhrer personally ordered that Bonhoeffer be hung in his prison courtyard. So, what is the lesson for us
today? It’s true that early 20th century Germany is not early 21st century Canada. But the principles remain the same. Erwin Lutzer (a present-day pastor and prophet) warns in his book When A Nation Forgets God that when any country turns its back on God and His Word, it is heading in a dangerous direction. Someone (or something) else will fill the gap. Inevitably, it will be a powerful and persuasive person or party espousing a humanistic philosophy with man (not God) at its centre. Biblical truth will be ignored, redefined or demonized. The true Savior will be replaced with a man-made one. Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 11:15) Are we listening? ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
FLAG FOR MEALS They deliver 250 hot and 200 frozen meals every week across 28 routes in Welland and Pelham, and last Monday the Meals on Wheels flag was raised at Pelham Town Hall, part of an annual campaign to raise awareness. “The organization has been instrumental in continuing to support food needs of those Seniors in Pelham who use their service throughout the pandemic,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “The Welland/Pelham organization has continued to see an increase in the numbers of community members who are in need of their services and in the last two years, demand has doubled.” From left, Councillor Wayne Olson, Meals on Wheels Coordinator and Team Lead Cherie Della-Gatta, Mayor Junkin, Councilor John Wink. SUPPLIED
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A March 30 2022
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support, ideas for activities, and organize group events.” Pelham isn’t Toronto, but this clear recognition of the physical and social benefits of cycling across a wide variety of communities suggests our local trail network, bike lanes and traffic calming measures are based on evidence, and provide long-term health benefits. A common refrain in Ontario, and Pelham, is the lack of affordable housing, with senior housing frequently prioritized. With migration from urban centres and other factors causing rapid population growth and increased housing demand in communities like Pelham, and the costs of land and services rising steeply, solutions are not easy. Rents and property values beyond the main tourist areas in Myrtle Beach were significantly less expensive than here, but the location of these properties and lack of AT facilities made car ownership a must for their residents. A study published this month by Stefan Gossling, in Ecological Economics, an online science journal, calculated the lifetime cost of driving a compact car in the U.S. to be $689,000. A Mercedes GLC was in excess of a million dollars. Costs were based on driving 15,000 kilometres annually over 50 years, which resulted in an annual cost of $13,780 to $20,000. Other research over the last decade has produced similar, or higher, costs. The walkable AT facilities in Fonthill, especially those in the Fonthill East development, combined with easy access to the MCC, shopping, banking and the library, facilitate residents who are working from home, or who are no longer working, to go car-free. Going without a car requires a serious change of perspective, as will switching to an electric vehicle in the future, but $13,000 to $20,000 dollars saved each year can pay for a lot of rent-
or rent. The positive impact on the enviBrick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs. ronment is obvious. Wet and damaged basement repairs. A podcast produced by JasonLIBRARY Slaughter, CARD MAKING PELHAM WORKSHOP creator of Not Just Bikes, a popular YouPhone Tom at techniques. 289-241-4767.Materials Make six cards with fall themes, learning aDeamude variety of Tube site focused on liveable urban design, 35 years of construction experience. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. offers research to are showprovided. that traditional car-centric suburban development Tues., Sept. 16is10ex-– 12:30.CUSTOM $10. Please register ahead. Visit LEASING www.pelhamMILL NOW pensive and an inefficient use of valuable library.on.ca or call for more details. Now leasing at #1 Highway 20 community tax revenues. Although his905-892-6443 Portable sawmill service. podcast is primarily aimed at larger cenI will come to your home or tres than Pelham, the concept that careful West Fonthill farm and custom mill your FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY land use policy can increase tax revenue logs. Firewood & lumber also Commercial and and reduce the cost of servicing sprawl Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, available. Call Rob Patterson, applies in most municipalities. 905-401-4948, Residential Space french fries to and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. Slaughter uses a model similar Return riverwoodportablesawmill@ on Investment (ROI) to compare the monwww.vanderbuiltproperties.ca gmail.com ey a municipality receives in taxes from HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE a specific property PELHAM or block of MINOR properties to what the municipality spends providBuy, sell or trade used equipment the Pelham Arena. WANTED Aimed to provide NOTARY at SERVICES ing them services. The ratio of taxes to cheaper options for playersNotary in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from in Niagara Area Wanted Antique Cupboards, expenses is the community’s ROI on each property, and it is significantly higher in Notary…available Niagara area. 9-12 in the morning. Crocks, Metal Signs, Advertising older, tightly-packed commercial cores Appointments call Items, Rock And Roll Records and dense residential neighbourhoods 905-348-4844. and T-Shirts, Memorabilia, GuiPELHAM MUDFEST than it is in sprawling subdivisions and huge big-box strip developments. Men and women will be back in the mud as the second tars, run Old onPhotos. the year is While new multistory condos, rental DECK CHAIRS Call 905-892-2377. held at Bissil’s Hideaway. units, and tightly-packed townhomes may Four “Hauser” stacking deck not reflect the Pelham of old, and the relGRASS CUTTING chairs with cover. atively compact commercial growth along NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION Excellent condition. Highway 20 may be causing some conGrass cutting and Property Main905-892-6555. gestion, according to Slaughter’s findings, Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It without their higher relative contribution to tenance. Grass cut and trimmed, runsROI, from Sept. 11-14 our tax base, or positive those of us on at the Welland Fairgrounds. pressure washing, asphalt and CLEANER WANTED large residential lots in newer subdivisions would have to pay significantly higher taxes concrete sealing, lawn repair and Part-Time Cleaning help wanted BIGof MOVE CANCER RIDE to cover the actual cost our services. for motel unit for Friday, Saturday, sodding and more. Striking the balance between The Big Movegrowth, Cancer Ride is a non-competitive and Sunday. For more informa- ride taking place on Sept. provision of services, and providing a tion, call 905-892-3588, ext 0. Joe,the 905-325-5704 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support Walker Famhealthy environment cannot be easy for those tasked with ily running any municiCancer Centre. FENCE REPAIRS pality. Although Pelham may not be perfect for everyone, I know the enjoyment Did your fence blow over recently? I can repair your current fence of walking, joggingWALKING and cycling CLUB here this without breaking the bank. I live in Pelham and have several years of spring will remind me that our communiexperience fixing fences while savingat homeowners money. Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays the Pelham Arena ty and its residents have got a lot of things Call Al at 289-690-4208 for an estimate. from 9-10 right over the last decade or so.am ◆ and 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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The Voice
A March 30 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart
Pelham gets Active Transportation right
A
rriving home from Myrtle Beach and receiving Niagara Region Health Promoter Jackie Gervais’ weekly Active Transportation Updates email on the same day is a lot to process. Never were two worlds farther apart. There couldn’t have been a better place to visit with our three- and sixyear-old granddaughters: wall-to-wall heated indoor lazy rivers and swimming pools, amusement parks with hermit crab giveaways on every corner, and a beach littered with tiny black shark’s teeth. Col-
lecting mere seashells is apparently so yesterday in 2022. And yes, if you haven’t visited the U.S. since Covid struck, crossing back into Canada by land is quick and easy if you’re vaccinated and complete the ArrivCan app before appearing at the border. The need for a negative Covid test will be gone within a day or two of your reading this, which simplifies things further. But, cars rule Myrtle Beach and its environs, and absentee landlords need have little regard for the quality of life that their property investments provide the permanent local
residents. The Strand is incredibly pedestrian and bicycle unfriendly, and quickly makes one realize how fortunate we are in Pelham to have such a walkable and bikeable community. The Canadian Government defi nes Active Transportation as using your own power to get from one place to another, including walking, biking, jogging, running, skate-boarding, rollerblading and non-mechanized wheel chairing. This winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing could have been added without argument from most of us. A walk through Fonthill’s commercial core, past our Town Hall and library, into East Fonthill toward the Meridian Community Centre, all safely
on sidewalks or purpose built paved trails, indicates that a combination of good luck and good planning, supported by enthusiastically engaged citizens, has made a difference here. This week’s Active Transportation Update from Gervais included topics such as “Government of Canada supports physical activity through active transportation for newcomers arriving to Canada,” “Lifetime cost of driving a car,” and “Sub-
urbia is subsidized: here’s the math.” Each study or article reinforced my sense that Pelham is on the right track. Research has shown that adult immigrants to Canada tend to experience declining health upon arrival, in part due to reduced physical activity and social isolation, which can lead to higher incidence of chronic health conditions. Cycling is seen as a partial solution by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Our Federal Government announced last week that it will invest almost $1 million dollars via a Newcomer Bike Mentorship Program designed to support cycling as a regular form of transportation for newcomers in Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. The funding will assist, “their settlement processes by matching immigrants and refugees with local cycling experts who will provide them with See BALANCED LIFE Page 13
V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Heavy or sensitive issues could weigh on you, Aries. However, things are likely better than you think, so find a silver lining or someone with whom you can share your struggles. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Don’t underestimate the power of positivity, Taurus. You can evoke more change than you may expect if you channel all of your confidence. Others will feed off your energy. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 A mysterious energy is affecting your decisions, Gemini. Don’t be scared or suspicious. Just go with the flow for a little while and things will sort themselves out. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you will never be short on ideas, but you may need to figure out what is worthy of your energy. You can’t focus your attention on a million projects without help. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Get yourself noticed for all the right reasons, Leo. Try your best in the workplace to have higher-ups see what you’re made of this week and next. A promotion could be near. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Apply a reality check to assess which projects you should keep going and what ones are better left to the side. It just may free up a lot of extra time, Virgo. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Start looking at which desires or needs you have been ignoring, Libra. It might be time to reassess what you hold dear and rearrange your priorities.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 One-on-one interactions may have been a little rare lately, Scorpio. You should find the time to spend with a close friend or even a romantic partner. Make a plan today. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 An adrenaline boost comes your way this week, Sagittarius. You can plow through that to-do list that has been waiting for you for some time. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Your comfort zone gets a shake-up this week, Capricorn. Even if things may be a little awkward, it doesn’t necessarily make them bad. Explore any possibility that comes your way. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 The stars are affecting your creativity and skills of perception. With these senses amplified, you may find solutions to problems that have evaded you. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Love is on the brain, Pisces. You will have plenty of opportunities to spend time together over the course of the next few days. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MARCH 27 Fergie, Singer (47) MARCH 28 Lady Gaga, Singer (36) MARCH 29 Maggie Baird, Actress (63) MARCH 30 Celine Dion, Singer (54) MARCH 31 Ewan McGregor (51) APRIL 2 Pedro Pascal, Actor (47)
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Page 15
A March 30 2022
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
Martin Niemoller: Pastor and prophet
D
uring the economic boom of the “Roaring ‘20s,” one European country seemed to be missing the party —Germany. It was crippled by post-World War I reparations and wallowed in hyper-inflation, chronic unemployment and political gridlock. Ironically, however, during the worldwide Depression of the 1930s, one country seemed to be bucking the tide —Germany. A charismatic leader had emerged who had gained influence and power. His name was Adolf Hitler. By 1933, Hitler was firmly in power and acted swiftly. He nationalized the banks, enforced wage and price controls and centralized the economy. Germany rebounded in four years. Even Winston Churchill (not yet Prime Minister) marvelled in 1937 that the German leader’s achievements were “among the most remarkable in the whole history of the world.” One historian commented that if Hitler had died before 1939, he would have been remembered in Germany (and beyond) as “Adolf the Great” for his economic genius! But (as we know too well) Hitler lived on for another six tragic years with devastating results. Even in the 1930s there were clear and sinister signs that the new leader had a hidden militaristic and racist agenda. But who could (or would) stand up to him?
The prophet
Two of the prominent evangelical Lutheran leaders at the time were Martin Niemoller and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They could see the liberal, compromising and appeasing drift of their denomination, which hap-
pened to be the state church. So they organized the evangelical wing into a “Confessing Church” to stand up for biblical principles and oppose state encroachment. Bonhoeffer became better known because of his writings and tragic martyrdom. But Niemoller played a prominent role as well in his preaching and writing. In a 1934 sermon to his Berlin church, he said, “A time of sifting has come upon us… it is a testing time… it must now become manifest whether we are wheat or chaff.” Niemoller was calling believers to be the conscience of the country and
to stand up for biblical truth and morality, regardless of the cost. Hitler was not impressed.
The meeting
In early 1934, Hitler invited the leaders of this “troublesome wing” to Berlin for a meeting. The Fuhrer began the meeting with a tirade that his guests had misunderstood him and that he simply wanted peace between church and state. He concluded, “You confine yourself to the Church. I’ll take care of the German people.” As he was leaving, Niemoller said to Hitler, See FAITH LIFT Page 12
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Page 16
The Voice
A March 30 2022
Ontario Crossing Guard Appreciation Day sees Pelham guards get gifts and gratitude
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Voice
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
4 Irish Potato Bread
Safe driving practices keep everyone safer BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Last Wednesday marked the fourth anniversary of Ontario Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, and Pelham was eager to take part in the celebration. Bylaw officer Melissa Grodesky, along with the rest of the bylaw team, paid a surprise visit to each crossing guard during their morning shift, and gleefully dispensed hugs and presents —personalized mugs and Tim Horton’s gift cards. Steve Bujcacz had his first day on the job, replacing Violet Steingart, who retired from her post across from A.K. Wigg Public School last week after 22 years of service. Betsy Waters, a three-year veteran of the crossing guard force, oversees the four-way stop corner of Canboro Road and Haist Street. It’s a tough assignment, and not without its risks. “It’s great group of kids, but we really need to teach some people in Pelham how to drive,” lamented Betsy. “Yesterday, we nearly had four accidents at this corner. One guy came within a foot of being T-boned in his vehicle, and another brushed by me when I wasn’t even back on the sidewalk. I just turned around and pointed to my [stop] sign.” Drivers, including cyclists, must stop and yield the entire width of the roadway, waiting for pedestrians to clear the road, at school crossings and any location where there is a crossing guard. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed. Failing to yield to pedestrians can bring a fine of up to $1000, and trigger four driver license demerit points. Drivers who do not stop for a school bus could receive an initial fine of $2000, plus six demerit points, and even receive six months imprisonment in extreme cases. According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), children age
St. Paddy's Day is history, but this delicious breakfast bread endures—“Irish Potato Bread” from Linda Collister’s “Quick Breads” (Ryland, Peters & Small). The bread can be served alongside a pile of bacon and just-cooked eggs to make for a delicious, hearty breakfast. Irish Potato Bread Makes 8 Serves 4
Top, Betsy Waters. Above left, Steve Bujacz. Above right, Sharon Johnson. Right, Kim Macleod. DON RICKERS / LEAH LETFORD five to 14 are at the highest risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, since their small stature makes them more difficult for motorists to see, and their impulsive movements make their actions unpredictable. When behind the wheel of a car during school hours, there are simple behaviours to keep kids safe. Drive the speed limit, and be attentive. Rushing to get the kids to school before work is no excuse to compromise safety. When in a school zone, drivers must adhere to a 30-40 kilometre per hour speed limit. Be alert for children crossing at intersections. If you are traveling within a school zone, take extra care to compensate for children who may run or
1-3⁄4 3⁄4 1⁄4 1⁄2 1 1 ride their bikes onto the road unexpectedly. Stop for school buses. It’s the law. You must remain stopped until the bus’s lights stop flashing or the bus begins to move. Drivers on roads without medians must stop for school buses regardless of which direction they are traveling. Put down your phone. Driving and using your phone is a dangerous combination, and can have tragic consequences.
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cups smooth mashed potatoes (1 very large cooked potato or 2 medium) cup self-rising flour teaspoon powdered mustard teaspoon sea salt Several grinds of black pepper tablespoon snipped chives or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley extra-large egg, beaten Butter for frying
Mix the mashed potatoes with the flour, mustard, salt, pepper, and herbs. Do this with a wooden spoon, not a food processor (otherwise, you’ll get a gluey mess). Work in the beaten egg to make a firm dough. If it is very soft and sticky, work in a little more flour. Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface, flour your hands, then knead the dough once or twice to make a smooth ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a small cake, about 2-1⁄2 inches across. When ready to cook, heat a little butter in a large heavy skillet, preferably nonstick, and cook the breads over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side, until they turn good golden brown and are slightly puffed. Serve immediately.
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