The Voice, March 9 2022

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Vol.26 No.9 

MARCH 9 2022

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Life in Pelham Discover more about life in Pelham inside

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The Voice

A March 9 2022

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Life in Pelham Discover all the ways to stay connected in Pelham

This is the current home for information traditionally found in the Town of Pelham’s community guide. With the changes brought on by the ongoing pandemic, this is just one of the ways for the community to stay up to date on Town programs, events and offerings. In 2022, this four-page spread in the Voice of Pelham continues to offer an alternate way to receive information.

Town Hall 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, ON, L0S 1E0 905-892-2607 Town of Pelham staff directory www.pelham.ca/directory Meridian Community Centre (MCC) 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, ON, L0S 1E6 905-732-7872 Rentals at the MCC - 905-732-7891 www.pelham.ca/facility-rental After hours emergencies 905-734-0892 Public works service requests 905-980-6672 www.pelham.ca/psr Fire and Bylaw Services 905-980-6646 (admin) 905-980-6649 (bylaw)

www.pelham.ca /townofpelham @townofpelham

@townofpelham

Mayor Marvin Junkin Phone: 905-980-6659 Cell Phone: 905-658-2986 Email: mjunkin@pelham.ca

Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart Phone: 289-821-0840 Email: mstewart@pelham.ca

Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson Phone: 905-933-6033 Email: wolson@pelham.ca

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore Phone: 905-933-3805 Email: rkore@pelham.ca

Ward 2 Councillor John Wink Phone: 905-892-4475 Email: jwink@pelham.ca

Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun Phone: 905-892-5877 Email: lhaun@pelham.ca

/townofpelhamon /townofpelham

Ward 3 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt Phone: 905-892-5647 Email: bhildebrandt@pelham.ca

Ukraine vigil at Fonthill United

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of Pelham and Central Niagara MARCH 9 2022

Vol.26 No.9 

Published every Wednesday

Stunned Ukrainian-Canadians watch from afar

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Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

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Column Six

Media under threat Dean Allison is latest to blame the messenger

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent “What we are seeing today is authoritarian, military style measures carried out against peaceful protesters on the orders of Justin Trudeau,” local MP Dean Allison tweeted near the end of the nowall-but-forgotten “Freedom Convoy” siege of Ottawa, on Feb. 18.

“What’s worse, it’s all being cheered on by the Ottawa and Toronto journalist class. Absolutely sickening.”

I radical Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, organized strikes to push for concessions from the authoritarian emperor, Czar Nicholas the Second.

The Russian Revolution commenced in 1917, followed by Nicholas’ abdication. Ukraine experienced a brief

care less to take Allison to task for his political views on a relatively soft-touch police operation— which, pathetically, required federal measures to execute— to end an illegal blockade painfully delayed by hallmark Canadian bureaucratic traits of white privilege, unpreparedness, and incompetence, but I took the “journalist class” shot personally.

I don’t know Allison beyond two conversations I’ve had with him, in which I found him to be jovial and

See STUNNED Page 20

See COLUMN SIX back page

Peter Semenuk's father emigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 1926.

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Semenuk’s Gas Station been a mainstay at the corner of Highway 20 and Merrittville Highway since 1957. It was always a family operation, and current owner Peter Semenuk remembers working the pumps at the tender age of ten.

But his family roots run deep in the soil of the Ukraine, which these days is stained with the blood of its citizens, some with whom he still has family ties.

“My dad emigrated to Canada in 1926 from Ukraine,” said Semenuk.

“His older brother Peter came over first, in 1910, and was followed by

DON RICKERS

my Uncle George in 1918. Other relatives followed later. It was all under Russian rule, and the communists were taking over. It was hard to prosper under that system.”

It was indeed a tumultuous time in Eastern Europe early in the 20th century. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing in Russia, and the

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Page 4

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

IN THE NEWS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

“May you live in interesting times.” We all know this Chinese curse, right? No so fast. It turns out to be apocryphal. No such phrase exists among Chinese idioms (now they tell me). The closest, apparently, is “Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos,” which dates from a short story collection of 1627. (If it’s a pampered pet, I’d say being a dog, unaware of its own mortality, would probably beat being human anytime.) There’s another phrase that fits our current moment of chaos, ironically from Lenin: “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.” It’s been a hell of a fortnight, and this week’s issue does not shy away from tackling the mayhem. There is an abundance of thoughtful commentary from multiple perspectives by Larry Coté, John Chick, Rev. Michael Coren, Councillor Wayne Olson, and John Swart. They are all worth taking your time over. Coren's look at who continues to support Vladimir Putin, even as he commits war crimes in Ukraine, is particularly sobering. Extremist left wingers meet extremist right wingers. How anyone can condone this barbaric man's barbaric actions is beyond my understanding. We also have a whack of excellent letters to the editor. It’s one of my broken records, yes, but the quantity and quality of reader letters is a real mark of how engaged a newspaper is with its community.

There’s plenty of other meat this week as well, so put on a kettle and settle in...Please leave this L. Morgan alone: Well, this is a new one, but given the times we’re living in I suppose disappointingly predictable. You may recognize the name of letter writer “L. Morgan.” Readers are free to use the version of their name that they wish, in some cases to avoid being harassed for expressing opinions that some may find unpopular. To prove the point, some jackass has mistaken Lori Morgan, a nice lady who works at Meridian Credit Union, for the L. Morgan who writes the occasional letter to the paper, and confronted her over comments made about him or her (Lori diplomatically declines to identify said jackass). Hey! Stop that! You want to reply to a reader letter? Write one of your own! Sheesh...No sirens for you: En route to the hospital in an ambulance? No siren blaring? Be happy about that. Last October, when my intestines staged their own brutal coup attempt, I couldn’t help but notice through all the stabbing that my ride to the hospital ($45 OHIP co-pay, a bargain) was sans audio accompaniment. No siren, and maybe no lights either. According to Niagara EMS (p.17), this meant that the ambulance crew decided I was not in mortal danger. There’s a new policy limiting use of ambulance sirens, and, come to think of it, we’ve not been hearing them anywhere near as often as before...Someone's bound to do it: As noted by a letter writer this week, "Freedom" demonstrators often tend to be heavily bearded. Whoever sets up a facial care booth at these rallies is bound to make a fortune. And I say that as someone whose own beard could use some taming. See you next week. ◆

Voice

Welland child porn charges

In October 2021, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.

According to a police statement, as a result of the investigation, on Thursday, February 24, Christopher MacDonald, 35, of Welland, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code (two counts); accessing child pornography contrary to section 163.1(4.1) of the Criminal Code of Canada; and making child pornography available contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code. MacDonald was held in custody pending a bail hearing. Police encourage the public to report crimes anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Members of the public can report suspicious internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Niagara Regional Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca. Internet safety tips for parents, children and Internet users are also available on the Cybertip website.

Triple majority for transit

Niagara Region has now completed all 12 local area municipal council presentations and secured the required triple-majority support to move forward to

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create a consolidated transit commission. The transition to a single, consolidated public transit system will now begin with the goal of beginning operations in January 2023, according to a Niagara Region statement.

To guide this process, the Region has established a Transit Commission Steering Committee to lead the transition through a series of working groups made up of current municipal transit providers and Regional staff. The committee will bring a number of updates to Regional Council in the coming months. As the transition occurs through 2022, the existing transit systems will continue to be operated by the local area municipalities and Region. Through 2023, existing routes and services are expected to continue to operate at current service levels as the commission assumes operational responsibility. This will be in advance of the introduction of new operating hours and fares, new digital payment technology, and better connections for riders across Niagara as outlined in the Niagara Service Standards Strategy. A triple majority was required for the

consolidation of transit as regional service with the recommended model of a single commission. A triple majority is a majority of Regional Council voting in favour, and a majority of local councils representing a majority of eligible electors in Niagara voting in favour.

“The historical vote to move forward with a single, consolidated transit provider for the entire region will have a profoundly positive impact on all of Niagara for decades to come,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “I look forward to seeing this new commission operational early next year.”

See IN THE NEWS Page 17

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to two calls for assistance from Friday, February 25 to Friday, March 4.

Sunday, February 27, Medical assistance, Station 1 Wednesday, March 2 Medical assistance, Station 1

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Kevin M. ROSCOE, 32, St. Catharines Sarah H. FORSTER, 55, St. Catharines Gurjeet SINGH, 24, Niagara Falls Nikhil SADHRA, 24, Niagara Falls Joseph R WATCHORN, 62, Fort Erie Rhyan A. BEAL, 37, Lincoln Omar A. RIDGWAY, 21, St. Catharines Renee A. JOHN-GEORGE, 38, St. Catharines Patrick A CHALMERS, 42, Niagara Falls Christine T. CUSHING, 42, Elora Bradley K. HOLLINGSWORTH, 40, Niagara Falls

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Paul and Mary Lynn Winkler took the Voice along to visit Fonthill friends John and Margaret Krall in Palm Desert, California.

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.

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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Page 5

A March 9 2022

Vigil for Ukraine at Fonthill United Church

A vigil attendee waves a Ukrainian flag at Sunday evening's vigil in Fonthill.

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor An outdoor vigil for Ukraine was held Sunday night at Fonthill United Church, in a show of solidarity and support for that nation in its current struggle with invading Russian armed forces. Mayor Marvin Junkin, Regional Councillor Diana Huson, and Town Councillor

John Wink were in attendance to condemn the Russian invasion.

Fonthill resident Natalie Diduch, an executive member of the Niagara Chapter of the Ukraine Canadian Congress, spoke to the approximately 70 in attendance, noting that the Ukrainian people are applauded for their strength and resilience, which is a consequence of historic oppression by Russia.

“We're used to it. This has been the story of Ukraine for centuries.

Soviet Russia’s founding revolutionary, Lenin, had plans to subjugate Ukraine because of the rich resources,” she said.

Diduch still has family members in the western part of Ukraine, who up to this point have been untouched by the bombings and gunfire. But in much of the country,

banks, schools, and airports have been shuttered, and food stocks and medicine are running critically low.

“The world must stand united,” Diduch told the Voice. “This is not just an attack on Ukraine, it's an attack on the free world. We have to give Ukraine the help they're asking for, and certainly international sanctions need to be expanded. The

Above, Mayor Marvin Junkin addresses the crowd. Right, as Pastor Robert Lawson looks on, attendees sign a petition calling on the federal government to provide aid to Ukrainian refugees.

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economy of Russia really needs to feel pain for its government’s actions.”

Diduch said that Russian president Vladimir Putin, like the Soviet revolutionary Joseph Stalin before him, is threatened by Ukraine’s nationhood and independence, but that his imperialistic ambition is out of sync with modern times, as people around the world seek freedom and democracy.

Donations to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation at cufoundation.ca will fund humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged country.

It is estimated that there are some 20,000 residents in Niagara with Ukrainian heritage. Over 1.36 million Canadians bear Ukrainian ancestry, almost four percent of the population. Canada has the most Ukrainians of any country other than Ukraine itself and Russia.

The Russian people clearly are not united in the fight against Ukraine. In the past two weeks, more than 10,000 have been detained at protests inside Russia, according to OVD-Info, an independent Russian human rights media agency committed to combating political persecution.

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Page 6

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

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

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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

Bad news can sicken

E

ven at the best of times one could watch the news or read the headlines with a modicum of disgust.

Now, even the briefest exposure to some world events can induce a bilious attack of the most discomforting sort.

The other evening a newscast from the Ukraine reported the Russian siege was launching serious mortar attacks on so many women and children of that once beautiful country. With modern technology one gets up really close and personal on the bodily harm being inflicted by the inhumane Russian war machinery. Tragic to see small body bags being removed from bombed out residential complexes.

A number of analysts are suspicious of President Putin’s current mental condition. While his motives are suspect and indefensible, his mental state could become even more of a concern for world order.

One of the sidebars to the news was concern about young Russian soldiers ordered to commit heinous and inhumane acts against little children and their

families. There is some suggestion by psychoanalysts that these young warriors may be reluctant insurgents. If that be so, they are likely to have lifelong mental health issues due to the atrocities they are being forced to commit. It is well known that after being exposed to warfare many, soldiers will suffer from lifelong illnesses such as PTSD. It is unfortunate that NATO-aligned countries and especially the US cannot become actively involved in stopping the Russian attack. Such an involvement could trigger the start of another world war. Fortunately, many countries— but not including China— are providing humanitarian assistance and armaments to those valiant enlisted and volunteer defenders of Ukraine. If such allies were to become directly involved in the conflict, it is probable that the ensuing warfare could escalate to the use of nuclear weaponry. President Putin has already made that threat more probable by ordering his nuclear arsenal to be on standby, a very alarming thought from what some believe may be an unstable

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1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

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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

man.

Another news sidebar that could be encouraging are reports that some Russian people are demonstrating against the attack on Ukraine. These protests are surfacing in spite of the fact that the Russian government does not countenance public protests against the regime. These protesters know full well that they will be subject to arrest and jail for their activities. Reportedly, there have been thousands of these protesters arrested to date. It is heartening to see that some Russians have the fortitude to exhibit a moral and humane code of conduct in opposition to their government’s lack thereof.

While it is difficult to stand by and watch this current atrocity, it is possible to contribute to the many charitable organizations that are offering aid to the people of Ukraine.

Hopefully, the people of Canada will actively seek out these organizations and give generously to these worthy causes.

May the people of Ukraine be soon relieved from this abominable Russian aggression. ◆

Letters Support for Kore the Grocer Because I loved and respected my mother for the 86 years I was part of her life I have followed her teachings as they impact most everything I say and do, She passed away at 104 but her words of wisdom still live on.

Therefore what I learned in those formative years has kept me on a peaceful, productive path for nearly 90 years. I now would like to share one of her thoughts as it pertains not to Ron Kore, Pelham Town Councillor, but to Ron Kore, Sobeys franchisee. My mother always said, “Take others as you find them.

Do not judge them by what some people

have to say.” We were not all raised by the same set of parents. Our values, our beliefs, our formative years may indeed have led us down a different path. Ron Kore in his role as Town Councillor is one concern.

Ron Kore at Fonthill Sobeys is another. He has shown nothing but kindness and compassion to me and to my family both before and during Covid, during my bout of cancer, my husband's trips to hospital, my inability to drive or to shop personally at his beauSee KORE Page 8

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

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 7

A March 9 2022

OPINION Flag tainted by backwoods-bearded man-children Thank you for this balanced and nuanced assessment [“Capture the flag,” Column Six, March 2, p1]. For myself, I know that I will never look at the Canadian flag the same way again. It has been tainted by extremists whose ignorance is matched only by their gullibility. This is a mob that can be conned into believing anything. Literally anything.

Now they have descended on Fonthill. Last Friday around noon there were big, loud pickup trucks roaring along Highway 20, their absurdly giant Canadian flags snapping in the wind. It turned out they were headed to a public park close to the residence of Niagara’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hirji, a man who has done nothing but his best to protect public health for the last two years.

Real babies are being killed by a madman bombing Ukraine and these crybabies are still screaming about… about what? What is left to protest? The mandates are being lifted. Soon (too soon) the mask mandate is probably going to be gone as Ford looks to placate his base ahead of the election. So what’s left?

It’s becoming clear that these rebels without a cause are deeply ignorant about more than just Covid. Their references to “First Amendment rights” would be funny if they weren’t so indicative of how US right wing media has brainwashed them. Then they complain about being mocked and talked down to when called out for their QAnon craziness.

Well, folks, when you strut around braying like donkeys, expect to be called donkeys. The rest of us have had

enough. We’ve had enough of being held hostage by angry small men with backwoods beards in big trucks, whining about how their “freedoms” have been taken away.

(Those loud mufflers are evidence enough that these man-children are antisocial at their core.)

We’ve had enough of people (some of whom are clearly mentally ill) harassing our elected officials and calling for the overthrow of Canadian democracy. We've had enough of anarchists who don't care if they burn everything down because their lives suck.

Please, you want to fight for freedom so bad, go get on a plane and fly to Ukraine.

Vent your tantrums at a real enemy, not your fellow Canadians.

Chris Patterson Via Voice website

Pellet guns for the unpricked “Freedom Convoy” crap here’s your chance. I’ll give you a pellet gun and you can go to the Ukraine. Front line. Let’s see how your freedoms are taken away. Of course you cowards wouldn’t go. Hell, you wouldn’t even take a little needle prick to protect others.

Terry Mikolacek Fonthill

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PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Steady progress, with possible mask mandate drop

O

n Tuesday, March 1, the mayors of all the Region municipalities held a Zoom meeting (what else?) to discuss the rescinding of the emergency order that these same mayors along with the Region had put in place on March 15, 2020. Hard to believe it has been in place that long although some days it feels like it has been decades! Some cities have already taken this step, notably Guelph, and Brantford.

After some discussion, it was decided to leave the order in place for now with the intent to revisit and likely lift the order in two weeks. This time frame allows everyone to look at the numbers for another 14 days, making sure that the virus is still in decline. More importantly this two-week period will allow municipal and Regional governments to continue to move unionized workers throughout their respective

work places without needing their labor union’s approval.

Once the emergency order is rescinded this will no longer

"This time frame allows everyone to look at the numbers for another 14 days"

be permitted without union approval.

On March 4, through email, a parent with children in the public school system informed me that just that morning they were informed by her school board that the mandatory mask mandate for junior and senior kinder-

garten had been lifted. This parent wondered if there were any Region meetings that had taken place resulting in this decision. There had been no meeting but the parents and teachers themselves had carried out a campaign to write in their complaint to the powers that be, which seems to have been the tipping point that won the day. With this ruling the Region joins the rest of the province in its masking requirements for its schools.

The province’s top doctor, Dr. Kieran Moore, remains optimistic that our mask mandate for most indoor settings will be lifted by the end of the month. With the steadily declining Covid numbers he is also suggesting that most restrictions for hospitals and LTC homes will be lifted at the same time.

Of course, if individuals feel more comfortable to continSee JUNKIN next page

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Page 8

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION COMMON DECENCY Rev. Michael Coren

Think Putin doesn't have his fans? Look left and right

JUNKIN

continued from previous page ue wearing a mask they should feel free to do so.

On the Pelham front, Town staff are continuing to put in place events that the residents can participate in during Earth Week. We will be selling rain barrels at a reduced price of $40. There will be a limit of two per household, with orders being taken now. Pickup of the barrels will take place on April 23, at the MCC. These barrels are handy for

why we see a dozen or so Labour MPs in Britain condemning NATO for the situation in Ukraine, and various journalists and commentators in North America trying to appear clever by being crassly contrarian. Which is not to say that the western powers are necessarily ethical, but regarding Ukraine they’ve not been at fault.

Yet whenever Putin speaks of “de-Nazifying” Ukraine the hard left nod their heads in agreement. There certainly are some fascists in Ukraine, but in democratic elections they have received very little support, and the President — Volodymyr Zelensky — is Jewish. The history, as always, is multi-layered. Stalin organized the mass starvation of the Ukrainian people, so when the Nazis invaded they were sometimes greeted, at least in the west of the country, with enthusiasm. There were Waffen SS divisions raised, collaboration in the Holocaust, but also seven million Ukrainians in the Red Army. It was a Ukrainian who placed the Soviet flag on top of the Reichstag in defeated Berlin. But that was then, and Ukraine is now, or was until a few days ago, a free and democratic society. n the far right, there’s a hatred for western, liberal values — secularism, equal marriage and LGBTQ2 equality, an open and

O

watering your lawns and gardens from the rain runoff, saving money on your water bill. Also with these rain barrels we a hoping to reduce the amount of water going into our storm water ponds which in turn reduces the water going from the ponds into nearby streams.

Over the past several years, the city of Guelph has sold some nine thousand of these barrels, which collectively have the holding capacity of a million litres.

That’s a lot of water!Additional information can be found on the Town’s website. There will be other events

permissive society. Hard right con ser v at ive s, and especially those who are Christian, see Putin as the last “a nt i-woke” world leader, and a hero of conservative Christian values. Franklin Graham, son of Billy and one of the world leaders of the Christian right, once praised Vladimir Putin for “protecting Russian young people against homosexual propaganda.” Peruse any conservative Christian media platform, for example, and you’ll read the attacks on liberal democracy and praise for Putin and his vision for Russia and Europe.

Putin has regularly spoken of the need for what he sees as Christian values, promoted the Russian Orthodox hierarchy to positions of status if not always genuine influence, and in backing President Assad in Syria gave his military support to the significant Christian KEMP REECE

S

uddenly, everybody has become an authority on Russia and Ukraine. Problem is, even the genuine experts are baffled by the situation most of the time.

What I find fascinating, however, is the refusal to condemn Putin, or even a willingness to support the man, from two radically different sources: the hard left and the hard right. Their reasons are intriguing, even if their thinking is erratic and tainted.

On the far left, there has long been an adoration of all things Russian. It dates back, of course, to the 1917 Revolution and the triumph of Lenin and the Bolsheviks. While many socialists came to realize the barbarism of Stalin, and to a lesser extent his successors, others refused to abandon their loyalty. The Soviet Union and its philosophy was, they were convinced, the only hope for progressives and for humanity, and even in its inconsistencies had to be embraced. Communism may have fallen, but the misplaced romance and love affair never quite ended.

More than this, Russia continued to be opposed to the United States, NATO, and the west. And in the eyes of the extreme left, the enemy of my enemies has to be my friend. It’s a facile, simplistic view of right and wrong, but it permeates Marxist thinking. Which is

coming up that I will mention in future columns. lease keep in mind that Wellspring Cancer Support Niagara has their Garden Fest fundraiser coming up from April 1 to 3. They will be offering great deals on fertilizer, grass seed and compost materials. On April 2, a barbecue will take place from noon to 5 PM. These fundraising activities will all take place in the rear parking lot of Holy Rosary Hall, 35 Queen Street South, in Thorold. For more information go to Ad Size:10.25" wellspringniagara.ca ◆

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minority there. He did it because Syria is one of Russia’s most historic friends in the region, but it was still seen as an act of solidarity. His army, by the way, was also appallingly brutal and indiscriminate in its Syrian campaign.

There is a visceral detestation on the hard right of the way the western world has unfolded, with its embrace of pluralism, diversity, and progress. As deeply flawed and often hypocritical as it is, the advance towards something authentically liberal in North America and Western Europe is shocking to some. In a man such as Putin— who looks backwards to a structure based on the traditional family, and to values not seen in the west for more than a generation—the far right find reassurance. It’s all an illusion, just as it was for naïve activists who thought Stalin’s Russia was the new Jerusalem.

Strange bedfellows? Not sure about that, and it’s fascinating how often the extremes meet together in a dark, unpleasant coalition. Most of us, the vast majority, know when wrong has been done. It’s been done to Ukraine. We know this because we don’t swim around in conspiracy theories, bigotry, and superstition. Because we’re realists and pragmatists, in a world that needs these two qualities more than ever. ◆

KORE

continued from Page 6 tiful, well-kept, well-managed store. Ron and his staff made sure we were well looked after during this endless battle we all have fought. When you decide to use his establishment not for shopping, but for political or other reasons you are also hurting the many local people he employs. Yes, we

are all entitled to our freedom of speech but when it is detrimental to the livelihood of others it becomes a mean-spirited, malicious judgment of others. My mother often said, “Choose your battles.” We have such a variety of choices today.

Let's concentrate on the sad state of our world. That truly needs our rapt attention.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 9

A March 9 2022

OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Councillor Wayne Olson

The case for civility

W

e’re in this important moment in which it is fair for people to think that virtually everything is changing. It’s accurate to say this current public health crisis has occurred in the midst of a global pandemic, which was on top of a climate crisis, which was on top of a gender equality crisis, which was on top of a racial equity crisis, which was on top of a liberal democracy crisis. And now we have an unjustifiable war that threatens us all.

It must appear to some that change is the most common element in the universe and, further, it might be concluded that conflict is Nature’s inevitable way of creating change. In this new era where people have far, far more power and influence than they did even five years ago, how is it that individuals feel so powerless and isolated?

In a recent poll taken in the European Union, 93 percent of the population believed that incivility is a problem. In public opinion polling, getting nine out of ten people to agree to anything is remarkable.

We just don’t disagree: there is a terrible accompanying tension. There are things dividing us and that’s because we’ve been practicing wedge-issue politics for a long time now, and as a result we have divided societies.

There is another remarkable statistic from a survey that the World Economic Forum conducted relatively recently. Among the conclusions was the fact that 86 percent of people want the world to change significantly and become more sustainable and equitable, and they don’t want to go back to the way it was before the Covid-19 crisis. It is relatively unequivocal that people are open to change— hopefully in

a direction based upon a refreshed and shared sense of idealism.

We could make a good start to more civility by suspending our judgments and listening with more generosity. There is no useful purpose in declaring that some of our friends and neighbours are a fringe group or a minority. That’s telling folk that their sum of experiences, life learning, disappointments, instincts, and methods are not relevant and deserve to be ignored.

It’s a very dangerous practice to declare that someone is irrelevant. It is also very dangerous for the minority rights that the majority must defend. here are any number of things that the population actually wants to see changed, in particular the millennial Gen Z group—those born between 1993 and 2011— which is 45 percent of the North American population. Today, Gen Z is hitting a point of electoral power where they are starting to be able to put into office the people that they see as bringing about the change they want to see in the world. They have access to information in a way that no previous generation did and social media importantly allows them to magnify, amplify and organize very quickly.

People are making their frustrations known. They have little time for those who manipulate and spin and they have learned that those in power can be overthrown.

The next way to win will be founded on a pattern of listening, empathy and civility.

When human beings care about something, they contribute more. If society can be seen as an agent of civility, people will get behind it. That’s how you can win hearts and minds in this new era of unfettered access to information and social media. ◆

T

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Condo board went by the book In the article, “Condo battle zone” [March 2, p. 9], resident Patrick Leblanc is quoted as saying that the condo board chose a replacement board member “illegally.” Respectfully I would suggest that that is not at all true.

A condo board has three options when a board member resigns in mid

term: (1) They may do nothing, leaving the position open until the next Annual General Meeting; (2) They may appoint someone whose abilities would be helpful to the board till the next Annual General Meeting; or (3) They may appoint the person with the next highest vote.

It is up to the board to decide which of the three options to choose — any one is acceptable. It appears that the board at the time chose option two and there was nothing about this which was illegal.

George Dewar Past President Lookout Village Board, NSCC#12

Loves Lookout living Let me assure you that Mr. Patrick Leblanc’s effort of vindication is invalid. My husband and I have lived at Lookout Village Condominium for 32 years. A better place to live would be hard to match. Great responsible residents, a wonderful ambiance, always a most responsible board and good superintendents, including the current

couple, who unfortunately suffered some harassment these last few years.

I could go on and on, but I am so very happy for the condominium right now and enjoy the thoughts of it returning to normal.

Goy Smith Via Voice website

Remembering Ms. Fee Ms. Mary Ann Fee died last week. Those of us taught by Ms. Fee at E.L. Crossley during her long tenure in the math department will never forget her. Ms. Fee had the unenviable job of teaching a subject that most of her students wished to be struck from both the curriculum and life itself. But she lived and taught with an enviable degree of patience, kindness, and understanding. As long as she was physically in the school, her classroom door was open, and I never saw her turn away someone who needed help, no matter what time in the day it was or how many other things she had to do. She would draw on your page, write on the board, and speak as slow as the equation needed to be said,

all based in her conviction that her subject was not for the rarefied few but for anyone who cared to learn. Years after I left Crossley and was preparing for an exam that included math problems, she invited me into her classroom for after-school tutoring with high-schoolers. She was as generous with me then as she had been a decade earlier.

On the bulletin board outside her room, Ms. Fee had a small sign that read: “Average minds discuss people. Good minds discuss ideas. Great minds discuss mathematics.” Ms. Fee cared about all three. And she was more than great because of it.

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Page 10

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Major win for Town of Pelham in building permit case Developer's "impossible mental gymnastics" fail to convince judge

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The Town of Pelham won a victory in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Welland last week before the Honourable David L. Edwards, in its fight with a land developer and a contractor over building lot permits along Webber Road in the southwest corner of the municipality.

Developer Carlo Montemurro, of Niagara Falls, and Michael Bettiol, owner/ builder of Mariman Homes in Hamilton, were listed as plaintiffs in the court action, and were represented by lawyers Chris Young and Charles Neuwald respectively. Terrence Hill and Karen Shedden were the legal counsel for the respondent, the Town of Pelham. Inexplicably, “Belinda Menard in her capacity as the Chief Building Official,” was also listed as a respondent, despite the fact that the Town had repeatedly informed plaintiffs’ counsel that Ms. Menard does not serve the Town in that

Houses will not soon be coming to this field along Webber Road, in the southwest corner of Pelham. role, and had no direct connection to the court action.

Mike Zimmer is the Chief Building Official for the Town, and it was he who denied the building permits

in question.

The issue dates back to September 6, 2019, when Zimmer indicated to Montemurro that he would not be receiving building permits,

111 Hwy 20 East FONTHILL

explaining that his was not a bona fide land development, but rather a “testamentary devise.” Zimmer further told Montemurro that all lots required front-

DON RICKERS

age on an improved street, which didn’t exist in his development, and thus didn’t meet Pelham’s municipal bylaw requirements. The Town of Pelham Zoning

By-law Number 1136 (1987) is the governing zoning bylaw.

Montemurro, 88, owned See GYMNASTICS Page 20

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 11

A March 9 2022

Life in Pelham Discover more about life in Pelham

Staying Connected in Pelham The Town of Pelham has many ways for residents to stay connected and receive information traditionally found in the Town of Pelham’s community guide. Learn more about the upcoming Town programs, events and offerings. Stay connected with the Town of Pelham website, advertisements, articles and social media. www.pelham.ca

Zoning By-Law The Town of Pelham Policy Planner is furthering work on the comprehensive Zoning By-law. Watch for more opportunities to connect about the by-law and updates of information at https://engagingpelham.ca

After the Snow melts The Town of Pelham public works operations team will be out repairing potholes and sodded areas and boulevards that have been impacted by the winter weather. Residents can report any areas that require attention directly to the administrative assistant of public works, at 905-980-6672 or online www.pelham.ca/psr

Easter

Summer Camp

Rain Barrel Program

Upcoming Events in Pelham

LIP Issue #5 - March 9, 2022

Remember the leash for "Fido" The Town of Pelham parks, trails and public spaces are open for residents and their pets. Please remember that pets are to be leashed in these areas. www.pelham.ca/parks There is also a dedicated leash-free dog park available on 1671 Centre Street, where dogs can run free and play with other dogs in two dedicated areas. Please use the leash-free area at your own risk.

BY-LAW NO. 97-2010

Page 12

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Mark your calendar and "Spring" in HOPPIN' EASTER IN PELHAM

APRIL 16

APRIL 16 | 11:00am Centennial Park Fenwick Hop on by Centennial Park for the Easter Egg Hunt for Pelham youth. Hunt for eggs, participate in Easter-inspired crafts, meet the Easter Bunny and enter the annual Easter Colouring Contest! For additional details about the event, visit www.pelham.ca/easter

MARCH 13

REMINDER Daylight savings time...Spring forward!

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Recycle your used batteries at the Pelham Fire Departement Station #1 or at Pelham Town Hall.

PELHAM BOOTH @ HOME SHOW

APRIL 9 & 10

April 9 | 10:00am-5:00pm April 10 | 11:00am-4:00pm Meridian Community Centre Stop by the Town of Pelham booth at the Fonthill Kinsmen Home Show. Staff will be onsite to answer questions, connect residents with resources and share information.

Demonstrations of LDD Moth banding and how to see if your water meter is showing leaks will be offered. Learn all the different ways to stay connected in Pelham.

EARTH WEEK CHALLENGE

APRIL 18-25

April 18-25 | On GooseChase APP Join with game code D7JWP7 Join in the challenge for Earth Week! The Town of Pelham is offering families a unique way to learn ways to be eco-friendly together through an online scavenger hunt. Residents can download the free GooseChase app and complete scavenger hunt-style missions released daily through the event. All participants who complete a mission are entered for a chance to win!

Looking forward to the return of Summer Chill! Watch for more on the Thursday evening event with live music and local food trucks running all summer in Peace Park in Pelham. www.pelham.ca/summerchill

PITCH-IN COMMUNIT CLEAN-UP

APRIL 23 | 9:00 Meridian Commu

The Community Clea as part of PITCH-IN wide community clea the tools to assist in gloves, masks, recyc marked garbage bag to assist in removing neighbourhood stree playgrounds.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 13

A March 9 2022

nto events and activities in Pelham!

EARTH WEEK IN PELHAM

APRIL 17-23

APRIL 23 | 8:00am - 1:00pm All area community Clean up!

Celebrate Earth Week in Pelham with at-home ways to encourage eco-activity and then join in on April 23 at the Meridian Community Centre for the Earth Week celebration. For more information on all activities and Earth Week initiatives, visit www.pelham.ca/earthweek

DID YOU KNOW? A small change like signing up for e-billing for utilities, or making sure to use your composter and recycling bins can have a BIG impact on the environment. Learn more tips at www.pelham.ca/earthweek

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RAIN BARREL PROGRAM

ONLINE

Pre-order - while supplies last! www.pelham.ca/earthweek PICK UP April 23 | 8:00am-1:00pm Rain Barrels are available for pre-order for Town of Pelham residents, at the reduced rate of $40.00 per barrel. Orders will be available for pick up at the Earth Week Event at the Meridian Community Centre on April 23, 2022.

Limit 2 per household. A sample of the rain barrel is on display at the Meridian Community Centre. The barrels are constructed of recycled, UV inhibited BPA-free polyethylene. Assembled Dimensions: 24"D x 24"W x 32"H with a total volume of 6 cu ft / 50 Gallon / 189 Litre For those who require assistance with ordering, please call 905-732-7890.

FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY

MAY 5

May 5 | 4:00pm to dusk 20 Pelham Town Square A long-standing tradition in Pelham, the market features local growers and fresh market finds. Discover all the in-season produce and local favourites. The Junior Growers program returns this year and youth can participate in weekly activities.

The market operates every Thursday in the municipal building parking lot until October.

Make the market part of your weekly routine and take advantage of farmfresh finds! www.pelham.ca/farmers-market

Page 14

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Summer Camps for youth ages 4+ Pelham Summer Camps | 9 weeks | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

PELHAM

CAMPS

Weekly Camp Registration | $185 per child Specialty Camp Weekly Registration | $195 per child Extended Care (7:30am-5:30pm) | $38 per week Day Camp is available for youth ages 4-12. Campers in weekly camp will spend each day participating in camp games, activities, sports and more. Youth can also join in specialty camps including Bike, Art & Theatre, Tennis, Jr. Firefighter, Animal Adventure and Leadership camp for those 13+. Optional Friday lunch is available. Discounts apply for families registering 3 or more children or for more than 3 weeks of camp.

Register online at www.pelham.ca/camps

9 WEEKS OF CAMP!

Specialty Camps Discover active programs for 18+

Pickleball - Volleyball - Yoga - Chair Yoga - Zumba & more!

The Meridian Community Centre is home to a variety of drop-in programs. Residents can join programs at any time and registration is not required. The walking track is also open daily. Look for additional programs offered for those 55+.

When visiting please wear a face covering. Visit online or pick up a copy of the full program schedule at the MCC

www.pelham.ca/adult

Summer Pool schedule, including lane swim, family swim, aqua zumba and lessons coming soon! www.pelham.ca/pool For more information on active programs, pool and camps call: 905-732-7882

*all programs, events, and dates are subject to change without notice. For the most up to date information, visit www.pelham.ca

PELHAM AQUATICS

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 15

A March 9 2022

MAKING IT OFFICIAL After delays due to the pandemic, the Pelham Fire Department was finally able to gather and celebrate its 2020-2021 graduating class on Tuesday, March 1.

The department congratulates Firefighters Kurtis Barnes #103, Robert Freeman #106, John Humphries #112, Breen Kennedy #108, Braydon Robertson #123, Sarah Smith #128, and Dalton Wilson # 129 of Station 1; Firefighters Ethan Baarda #226, Robert Groeneveld #229, John Saltarelli #231, and Luke VanSchepen #239 of Station 2; and Firefighters Cory Beckett #324, Bryce Brunarski #308, Tony Marshall #314, and Owen Vanderzanden #317 of Station 3.

SYLVIA ZAPPITELLI

NPCA

continued from Page 16 ment practises, and a scathing rebuke from the province’s Auditor General.

Foster said that the authority has made significant strides in the past few years, and is proud of being part of the “new regime.”

He had words of praise for CAO Chandra Sharma, who arrived at the NPCA two years ago with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and

“has brought a lot of stability to the organization.”

A close working relationship with his vice-chair should smooth his transition as head of the board of directors, said Foster.

“John Metcalfe and I were chair and vice chair of the Governance Committee for the last two years at the NPCA, which involved implementing a lot of the recommendations that had come from the Auditor General's report,” said Foster.

“We also mapped out our changes

to the provincial government’s adjustments to the Conservation Act, so both of us have a lot of experience and understanding of that document.”

Foster noted that he “kind of married into the NPCA, since my wife and her family have longtime involvement with the agency. My wife’s grandfather was the first superintendent at Long Beach Conservation Area on Lake Erie. I'm really quite excited because this is an opportunity for me to sort of ce-

ment the legacy.”

A lover of the outdoors, Foster said that he and his family get down to the Long Beach area of Wainfleet quite regularly, while noting that “there are lots of conservation areas for us closer to home in Beamsville, such as Cave Springs.”

The NPCA has turned out to be a really bright spot during the Covid crisis, said Foster.

“We have had lots of people making use of the walking trails in our conservation areas, right across Ni-

agara and up into Haldimand and Hamilton.”

Foster hopes to continue working harmoniously with Pelham’s NPCA representative, Regional Councillor Diana Huson.

“Diana has been a huge advocate of [the] NPCA. She frequents the St. John's Conservation Area, and is always posting pictures to promote the outdoors. We're pretty much in sync with how we see the Region and the NPCA operating successfully.”

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Page 16

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Green iniatives for Earth Week Pelham offers rain barrels and composters for sale

BY VOICE STAFF

In line for repair: Beware the hidden holes on Line Ave.

PATROL

continued from Page 21 affected our road network, and is the start of the process of developing the annual asphalt rehabilitation and base repair program,” aid Marr. “Roads of particular current concern include Effingham Street from Hwy 20 to Tice Road, Welland Road from Effingham Street to Dorothy, and many of the rural roads in North Pelham.”

Bob Goodfield, Pelham’s Supervisor of Roads, said that, “Last year I filled a banker’s box of work orders. I requested the third load of cold patch at the end of February. The first load was February 11, the second was February 24. It seems worse than last year, as we are swamped with holes right now.”

Pelham’s Manager of Public Works, Ryan Cook, begs to differ, suggesting that the pothole volume is pretty much in keeping with past winters.

“I’d say it's about the same as last year. I mean, it depends who you talk to you,” said

DON RICKERS

Cook. “I think every year we forget how bad it was the year previous, so I don't think there's any real difference.”

Once identified, there is only a certain amount of time before a pothole has to be filled, said Cook.

“It depends on the classification of the roadway. A Class Three road, like Pelham Street, would be about two weeks, while a Class Five rural road would be longer.”

Winter cold patches are a product called QPR (“quality pothole repair”) which can be applied in the wet and cold, with no mixing required. Once compacted, traffic can flow over it immediately. When the weather warms up, a hot patch is the preferred infill.

It performs like regular asphalt, and lasts longer.

“Off the top my head, we're probably pushing 300 pothole fills a week at this time of year,” said Cook. “I don't think that's unusual at all. On an annual basis, we do about 110 tons of cold patch, December through March. And then for the rest of the year, we roll out about 85 tons of hot patch.”

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

www.pelham.ca

The Town of Pelham has activities planned at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) during Earth Week, which runs April 1725.

Earth Day is celebrated internationally on Friday, April 22, as an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org, and involves a billion people in more than 193 countries.

Ecological issues came to the fore in the turbulent 1960s, with grassroots activism gaining strength to oppose chemical companies producing harmful pesticides, and nuclear weapons testing, among other issues of the day. Rachel Carson’s influential and bestselling 1962 book, Silent Spring, was instrumental in this movement, and documented

the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

A focus on green initiatives within the community will include a clean-up day and rain barrel program.

“There are many different ways that residents can get involved in earth week and make small changes that can significantly impact the environment. With the addition of the rain barrel program, it is one more opportunity for the community to go green,” said Pelham’s Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay in a media release.

Rain barrels catch water from downspouts, and are an eco-friendly way for seasonal watering for gardens and landscaping. They save money on the water bill, and given that rainwater is not chlorinated, it’s better for plants.

Barrels can be pre-ordered at a special rate of $40 per barrel (two barrel max-

imum per household) and will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 23 at the MCC from 8 AM to 1 PM. For more information, including eco-tips and to purchase a rain barrel, call 905-7327890, or go to www.pelham. ca/earthweek A sample rain barrel is on display at the MCC. Composters are also available for $21.

As part of the National Pitch-in Week initiative, a one-day Pelham community clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 23. Residents are invited to volunteer to collect litter from neighbourhood streets, parks, and playgrounds. Participants will receive clean-up materials, and are asked to register to attend the kickoff ceremony at the MCC. A digital family scavenger hunt is also offered via the free app GooseChase, which involves environmentally-friendly missions in Pelham. Various prizes are offered.

New board chair for NPCA

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor at which point he was elected to Regional Council. He serves as Chair of the Corporate Services Committee at Niagara Region, and is a director on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Foster is also Niagara’s representative on the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project.

He is recently retired, having worked for over four decades in information technology within the media and healthcare industries.

Foster did his undergrad studies at McMaster, followed by a master's degree in library and information sciences at Western, where he is currently pursuing another master’s, in public administration. He has also achieved a Project Management Professional designation.

The NPCA is one of 36 conservation authorities in the province, and manages 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. It has something of a checkered past.

The previous senior management team and board were embroiled in several high-profile controversies, including political infighting, labour disputes, tainted hiring and procure-

At its annual general meeting in February, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) elected two new senior officers for the 2022 term. Niagara Regional Councillor for Lincoln Rob Foster will take the reins as chair of the board of directors, while Ward 2 Councillor for Haldimand County, John Metcalfe, will serve as vicechair.

“We have made great strides in the past three years, stabilizing the NPCA for the future,” said Foster in a media release. “We have Rob Foster.

SUPPLIED developed a strategic plan based on conservation-first and ecosystem philosophy principles, collaboration ethics, and innovation rooted in science.”

Foster said that in 2022, the board will be focused on fully implementing the plan, while practising good governance.

First elected to Town of Lincoln council in 2001, Foster represented Ward 1 until 2018,

See NPCA Page 15

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IN THE NEWS

continued from Page 2

Welland LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee seeks members

Applications for the City of Welland’s newly created LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee are being accepted until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 11. Five volunteer positions are available, and applicants should outline what assets they would bring to the committee.

To be successful, applicants must be a resident/ ratepayer in the City of Welland or a non-ratepayer active in the Welland Community. “This committee creates greater representation in our growing city,” said Mayor Frank Campion in a City statement. “The committee will also help us break down barriers experienced by members of the LGBTQ2+ communities when it comes to accessing programs, services and more. It is not enough to say we’re inclusive—we need to show that we’re making good on that statement.” To apply and read the committee’s terms of reference, visit https:// w w w.welland.ca/Committe e s/L GBT Q2C om m it te e. asp

Pelham receives $360,017 for municipal modernization

The Town of Pelham is moving forward with modernization reviews and programs thanks to a grant from the third intake of the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Modernization Program. "Support for modernization within the municipality has a long-term positive impact for Pelham residents," said Teresa Quinlin-Murphy, Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer for the Town of Pelham, in a Town statement. “An opportunity to digitize and have third party reviews assists in providing additional efficiencies for staff and benchmarks to continue to provide more convenient levels of service for the community."

The provincial funding under the implementation project stream will pro-

The Voice vide $217,283 support towards the Town of Pelham Corporate Services digital modernization and $71,502 for the digital modernization of the Human Resources system.

An additional $71,232 will provide support under the third-party review stream, which will focus all funding on an independent third-party review with specific recommendations for cost-savings and efficiencies for the Town of Pelham Recreation, Culture and Wellness and Community Centre Operations. The Town of Pelham has been successful in receiving funding from the Municipal Modernization Program in all three intakes for a combined total of $771,835 to support ten different projects. The Municipal Modernization Program, launched in 2019, helps small and rural municipalities modernize service delivery for residents and aims to identify additional ways for municipalities to be more efficient and effective.

Mischief and dangerous driving charge

On Sunday, February 20, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call regarding a vehicle that was being driven erratically on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Fort Erie, near McLeod Road in Niagara Falls.

Members of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD) Niagara Detachment responded to the call and observed a pickup truck travelling slowly and stopping intermittently in a live lane of traffic on the QEW. Police say it was also determined that the individual had earlier participated in an unlawful demonstration. As a result, the driver, Ted Kuzmich, 26, of Fort Erie, was arrested and charged with Dangerous Driving in contravention of the Criminal Code, and Mischief in contravention of the Criminal Code. In addition, in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) 5.1(1) Ontario Regulation 74/2: the vehicle was impounded. The accused driver's licence was also suspended for seven days.

Niagara’s stealth ambulances

Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Niagara EMS) has been working with various first-responder agencies across North America on the use of ambulance lights and siren (L&S). The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) has started a quality improvement partnership project including more than 100 EMS services, with Niagara EMS as a lead agency on the initiative, according to a Region media statement. In 2009, there were 1,579 ambulance crash injuries in the US. Most EMS crashes occur when driving with L&S. When compared with other similar-sized vehicles, ambulance crashes are more often at intersections, more often at traffic signals, and more often with multiple injuries, including 84 percent involving three or more people. In most settings, L&S response saves an average of about one minute during an emergency medical response or transport to a hospital.

Given the risks to patients, paramedics and the public, it is up to EMS organizations to ensure that they are used for true time-sensitive medical emergencies where that short time makes the difference between life and death. In 2019, Niagara EMS significantly revised policies for lights and siren use, limiting their use to critical responses only. These time-sensitive emergencies account for fewer than 10 percent of all EMS responses in Niagara. In the coming months Niagara EMS will be exploring further opportunities to minimize lights and siren use not only to a scene, but on the way to the hospital as well. “Niagara EMS has transformed from a strictly time-based response system to one that provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place and by the right provider,” said Niagara EMS Chief Kevin Smith. “Making sure ambulance warning systems are used for true emergency situations where minutes will make a difference in the clinical outcome of a patient, provides a balance of safety for the community and responders.”

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Page 17

A March 9 2022

"Mr. Freedom," Josh Bigger, and his daughter celebrating the end of pandemic restrictions. Bigger is draped in the Red Ensign, which preceded the adoption of the Maple Leaf as Canada’s national flag, a change opposed by many conservatives and nationalists in the mid-1960s. In bitter Commons debate that lasted several months in 1964, Conservative John Diefenbaker demanded that the national flag must honour Canada’s "founding races,”" i.e., white Europeans in his view.

VOICE

"Freedom" gathering at Fonthill park

BY VOICE STAFF Josh Bigger, in his social media alter-ego of “Mr. Freedom,” hosted a gathering promoting “peace, love, and unity” at the public park closest to the home of Niagara’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, last Friday afternoon, which was attended by about two dozen supporters, some of which wore Canadian flags as capes.

Despite most pandemic restrictions having now been lifted by the province, Bigger, a roofing contractor, had some harsh words for Hirji, who he identifies as being responsible for undue Covid-related hardship in the region. Bigger announced in an Instagram video that he had five children, and stood against “forced” vaccinations of youth.

There was a clear presence of the Niagara Regional Police at the event, and the Town

of Pelham (which had posted an online caution about the “demonstration”) also had a bylaw officer on site to monitor the gathering. Apart from the bylaw officer, the Voice did not recognize any local faces. Bigger’s social media audience includes many Americans, who posted their regrets on Facebook at missing the gathering.

Bigger posted a video on his Facebook page from the scene in which he sporadically bellowed “Freedom!” while engaging with other attendees.

In its statement, the Town said it “recognizes and respects the Charter-protected right to free speech, and requests that the demonstrators be respectful towards Town property to ensure that public spaces remain undamaged and available for all to enjoy.” It appeared that the celebrants abided by this civic directive.

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The Voice

A March 9 2022

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FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 23 Lincoln. In 1860 (after all those years of electoral rejection), Abraham Lincoln won a resounding victory and was elected President of the United States.

Simon Peter

Our final example comes from Scripture. Simon was a fisherman who was called

by Jesus to be one of his 12 disciples. He was impulsive and often the first disciple to speak or answer Jesus’ questions. He once boasted he would die for his Master. But when Jesus needed him most, he denied even knowing him three times (see Luke 22:54-62).

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was forgiven and restored. He became one of

the leaders of the young Christian movement. He was eventually martyred for his unshakeable faith.

Catholic Christians consider him to be their first Pope and named their biggest church after him — St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Protestant Christians esteem him as one of the great early Christian leaders along with James, John and Paul.

So, what’s the bottom line? When you fail (as we all do), simply say, “So what!” It is far better to have tried and failed than not to have tried at all.

Lutzer is right — failure surely is the backdoor to success. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who has a few failures in his resume.

Donations Caution over online info sharing for Ukraine

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church is accepting donations of non-perishable food items, clothing, thermal underwear, hygiene products, diapers, blankets, bedding, disposable tableware, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, candies, containers for liquids, medical supplies, crayons, colouring books, radios, packing tape and boxes, along with monetary donations.

Meest Canada, a Ukrainian shipping company out of Toronto, will be sending an emergency supply shipment to Poland.

Donations are gladly accepted every Friday at the church, 12:30 to 2 PM, located at 422 David Street in Welland.

For further details, call the church at 905-732-4102.

Neighbourhood groups on Facebook and other platforms abound these days, and most residents view the sites as a handy way to connect with their local community.

Need a babysitter? See something suspicious at the corner store? Questions about the best local mechanic or electrician? The folks living down the street are eager to listen and offer advice.

But one should be circumspect when navigating these sites, because the cheerful demeanour they exude might create a false sense of security.

Constable Jesse Vujasic of the Niagara Regional Police Service said that their fraud division was not aware of any current criminal issues with on-

line neighbourhood social networks, but that nonetheless members of the public are encouraged to be aware of their online presence, and never share personal information in an insecure setting.

One site that has become popular in Pelham is www.ca.nextdoor.com.

Leah Letford, the Town of Pelham’s communications specialist, told the Voice that local residents, especially seniors, are providing personal information on the platform, including their age, address, family photos, names of pets, and other data that should remain hidden from view.

“Digital platforms can be a fanSee CAUTION Page 20

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A March 9 2022

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continued from Page 22 be aware that we will die, causing us to suffer some degree of “Death anxiety.” This is now referred to by social psychologists as “Existential terror.”

A strategy adopted by humans to mitigate this existential fear was to believe that the lives we lead can be meaningful individually and as groups. If we have the ability to analyze and respond to our existence, we can believe that we have a degree of control. But having control demands responsibility. Individually, this responsibility obliges us to live life to the fullest, with meaning, purpose, direction, and growth. Collectively, our responsibility demands we create cultures which dictate values, ethics and appropriate behaviours. For most of us, these values include a concern for the welfare of others.

If we feel that we have fallen short of these responsibilities, not lived up to our potential or missed collective opportunities, we are susceptible to feeling existential guilt.

When we interpose the concept of personal freedom, our ability to control our own lives and become a unique and authentic individual, I believe there can be no result but to fail either our collective responsibility or our individual responsibility. Reflecting on either failure traps us in the grip of existential guilt.

If our definition of living our life to the fullest means being self-indulgent, acquisitive, hedonistic, caring only for our own pleasure and comfort, we will surely feel guilt when we recognize the cost such a lifestyle may impose on others, and our missed opportunity to enrich our collective humanity.

Yet if we strive to exist within the conventions of a culture which dictates group values and behaviours, at some point we will judge our lives less unique, perhaps less meaningful to ourselves, than was possible.

We failed ourselves by compromising or

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We can reduce existential guilt by exme. as the second run on the year is Men and women will be back Please in thetext mud ploring and reaffirming our values. Not in 416-432-5845. Thanks. held at Bissil’s Hideaway. a self-critical, what-am-I-failing-at-today manner, but with a positive, this-is-trulywhat-I-believe-in attitude. Personal auREGIONAL EXHIBITION thenticity and social NIAGARA responsibility need not be mutually exclusive.

Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It Realize that failing to enjoy our own life, runs ultimately from Sept.serves 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. reducing our happiness, no one. In fact, doing so may deprive friends and colleagues that take joy from our posiBIG MOVE CANCER RIDE tivity and joie de vivre.

To reduce existential guilt, savour the Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

The Big Move Cancer good things in your life, knowing that they 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famgive you the strength and confidence to help others when they call. ily Cancer Centre.

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The Voice

CAUTION

continued from Page 18 tastic way to connect, when done with awareness,” she advised.

Nextdoor promotes itself as “the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services. We believe that by bringing neighbours together, we can cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on.” The site has almost 550,000 followers online.

PC Mag, a technology periodical and website, opines that “hyper-local apps like Nextdoor aim

GYMNASTICS

continued from Page 10 a 37-lot residential development, known as Wendy Estates, in south Pelham, abutted by River Road, Farr Street, and Webber Road.

He sold the lots to Bettiol and Mariman Homes for a reported $4.2 million the summer of 2019.

The testamentary devise had been a successful strategy employed by Montemurro decades earlier in Niagara. The loophole he exploited circumvented the Ontario Planning Act, which prohibits any parceling out of land not considered a registered subdivision.

Montemurro won in the Ontario Court of Appeal, despite Associate Chief Justice John Morden commenting at the time that the scheme had some “highly distaste-

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Launched in 2011, San Francisco-based Nextdoor saw an 80 percent increase in site traffic during the pandemic. Users were looking to source everything from vaccine clinics to toilet paper, but they were also lashing out with racist remarks,

ful” features.

The gambit involved the sale of tracts of land to terminally ill people, who then bequeathed small portions of that land to various people designated as beneficiaries in wills provided to them by Montemurro. At the time, the law did not ban subdividing land through a will.

Montemurro’s lawyer argued that the building lots were included in the will of Douglas Franklin Gross, a former solicitor of the City of Welland. Gross signed his will on March 2, 1990, and died April 18, 1990.

On July 26, 1990 the Ontario government closed the testamentary devise loophole in the Planning Act. In his ruling released on February 28, Justice Edwards noted that Mr. Montemurro had in fact not formally applied for a build-

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especially following the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020.

Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar promised to better educate site users, and ban those who violated the platform’s rules.

Nextdoor requires that all participants use their real name, and advises that it encrypts all information for security.

Personal information shared on Nextdoor will never show up in Google or other search engines, they promise. The company says that it does not tolerate violations of privacy or personal threats.

The site has discontinued the practise of publishing personal

ing permit. However, he received a letter from the Town of Pelham advising him that he would not be issued a building permit, and accepted this as an anticipatory refusal to issue a building permit.

The Town of Pelham conceded that the lots were validly created by the testamentary devise, and did not dispute that the lots satisfy the definition of a “lot” as contained in the current by-law. The appellants concede that the devised lots must comply with the applicable zoning by-law, and must meet the definition of an “approved street.” If a lot does not front upon such improved street, then Section 6.4(a) of the by-law prohibits the erection of a building or structure on such a lot.

Montemurro’s and Betiol’s lawyers asserted that the lot owners have fractional interest in all the other lots in the development, and therefore direct or indirect ownership of the internal roadways of the site. They argued that this meant that all of the lots fronted an improved street because of that interest.

Justice Edwards disagreed.

“That simply is impossi-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca home addresses on the platform.

Previously, home addresses were published to user profi les by default, which was problematic because the information could then potentially be used for online scams and phishing attacks.

An address verification feature on Nextdoor makes illicit accounts more difficult to create, but it’s impossible to stop criminal behaviour altogether. Posting your address, social security number, or even your email address is inherently risky, as these can all be used for identity theft or hacking.

Other ways to keep yourself safe when cruising through the

R

ble mental gymnastics,” he wrote. “The by-law clearly states that it is the lot that must front upon the improved street, not other land in which the lot owner has an interest. Such an interpretation would play havoc with other aspects of the by-law.”

Justice Edwards ruled that the lots do not comply with Pelham’s municipal building by-law, and therefore no structures can be built upon the said lots.

“Counsel for Mr. Bettiol submitted that there has been bad faith on the part of Pelham in its dealings with the appellants,” wrote His Honour. “I disagree. The By-law is clear. The lots do not comply with it. Therefore, it was within the jurisdiction of the Chief Building Official to refuse to issue building permits.”

Pelham CAO David Cribbs, himself a lawyer by profession, was pleased with Justice Edward’s ruling.

“The applicants maintained that the testimonial devise thing was still in effect,” he said. “That was their basic rationale. They just kept belaboring that point, their interpretation of the bylaw. His Honour dismissed their arguments

as absurd.”

A remaining issue is the recourse of those who already purchased lots in the development, secured with large deposits. Whether they must now take legal action against the lawyers who transacted the deals, or the salespeople working for the builder who sold them the lots, is unclear.

Cribbs recalled that the last time the Town of Pelham went to court over a testimonial devise issue, the so-called “Pedwell case,” it was unsuccessful, which cost the municipality $3 million in damages, paid by the Town’s insurance carrier of the day. The silver lining, however, was that the province changed the law as a result of that loss.

Contacted by the Voice after Justice Edwards’ verdict, Montemurro said that the matter is in Bettiol’s hands, since he now owns the lots.

Montemurro also suggested that Bettiol plans to appeal the court’s decision.

“I can't talk to you because this stuff is still in front of the court, it's being appealed. I’ll talk to you after the final court hearing,” said Montemurro, who indicated that he was perplexed by the Town of Pelham’s

posture.

“Why won’t they give building permits when there's such a shortage of lots? All it does is raise the price. I don't understand where they're coming from.

I don't want to discuss it now, but [Pelham’s] argument is wrong. Niagara-on-the-Lake went to court to get an order to enforce their building bylaws, but that was before the appeals court ruled in 2003 that testamentary devise lots are outside the Planning Act. In my opinion, that should negate Pelham’s case.”

Asked about the lack of provision for sewers in the development, Montemurro responded, “Septic is the way to go…that’s what they’re doing in Sweden and Norway, where they are putting septic systems in the cities, because it's better than dumping the sewage into a river or lake.”

The Voice asked Mike Bettiol, owner/builder with Mariman Homes in Hamilton, whether he intended to appeal the ruling.

“We’ve have always had a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. That’s all [the information] you get from me,” he responded.

Republics (USSR) and would not regain its independence until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“My uncle went back to the Ukraine in 1978, and said it was worse than he remembered,” said Semenuk. “It was still under

Soviet control at that time.

And today, my whole family feels terrible about what’s going on over there. We’re making efforts to communicate with relatives. We’re trying to find ways to offer help.”

Semenuk had contemplated some sort of signage for his corner property to demonstrate his support for Ukraine in its struggle.

“A family friend, Joey White, came to me and said he wanted to do it for us,” said Semenuk. “The two of us came up with the message on the mobile sign. I’m just so upset. Why are they

fighting this war, why is it necessary?”

The sign’s message reads, “#UKRAINE STRONG, NO MORE WAR, THE WORLD IS PRAYING, SEMENUK’S ESSO.” Semenuk is no fan of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“This is all about Putin’s ego, him trying to establish a new Soviet order,” said Semenuk. “And he won’t stop at Ukraine, at one country. But ultimately, I don’t think he’ll win.

Ukrainians are strong people. And the world is turning against Putin.”

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STUNNED

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The Voice

Page 21

A March 9 2022

Police food drive for Pelham Cares Targeting food insecurity at Food Basics on March 16

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent

Julie Andrews, now the CEO of the amalgamated Lincoln and Pelham Public Library.

DON RICKERS

Lincoln, Pelham libraries merge

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent Pelham and Lincoln have always been good neighbours, and they are extending that goodwill to partner on their library systems.

Julie Andrews, the newly-minted CEO of the amalgamated Lincoln and Pelham Public Library, announced that the deal will officially be sealed on April 1. She said that the restructuring will enable the new library system to spend more money on front-line staffing and critical initiatives, and less on administration.

“As part of the Libraries in Niagara Cooperative, we have already been sharing our collections for years,” said Andrews, who headed the Lincoln library for the past three years.

“This merger will allow us to share our services, resources, and programs, along with our excellent staff, who will continue to provide amazing service.”

The two libraries began exploring shared services to improve efficiencies and provide more direct services in their respective communities in November 2020. Both Pelham and Lincoln town councils approved an official agreement in early 2022 to form a union library, one that will jointly provide services to residents of their respective municipalities.

“We've already been begun to shift people around to fill gaps in our programming,” Andrews told the Voice. “We've been able to hire a full-time digital strategies librarian, who is responsible for our website and all things technical. A lot of people interface with us through our website, borrowing electronic items and using databases, so it’s critical to have that aspect of our delivery functioning seamlessly.”

The Lincoln and Pelham Public Library will retain its four branches in Beamsville, Vineland, Fonthill, and Fenwick. Funding will be provided by the two municipalities based on current populations.

The new organizational structure will feature one CEO and two directors, one being Pelham’s former acting CEO, Amy Guilmette, who will take on the role of Director of Customer Experience. Guilmette has been part of the administrative team in Pelham for ten years, stepping in as acting CEO in late 2018.

The merger allows for the removal of a senior executive position, and those monies will be redirected to the digital strategies librarian position, and will also help balance the library’s salary grid.

“It's an exciting time for all of us,” said Andrews. “We truly have a wonderful staff.

They're so enthusiastic and talented, and we’re really looking forward to getting more of them out front, engaging our members.”

Constable Jay McCarthy of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) lives in Pelham, and is proud of being able to give back to his community, addressing food insecurity issues which occur here and across Niagara.

“Last year was the fi rst year of the NRP food drive in Niagara, and we want to keep it going. The need is still there, obviously. We will have officers at 12 grocery stores across the region, supporting nine registered food banks.”

In 2021, the effort produced donations of 20,274 pounds in food, along with some $13,000 in cash and gift cards.

“I’ve spoken personally with Chief Bryan MacCulloch about the food drive,

and he totally recognizes the need, and sees it as an opportunity to engage with more people,” said McCarthy. “Originally, it was the unit of school resource officers that was involved, but we’re broadening the effort, acknowledging the importance of a wider community-based presence.”

McCarthy told the Voice that Covid has ravaged the globe, and the current turmoil in eastern Europe, with Russian troops invading Ukraine, is top-ofmind with most people. But there are always going to be local issues, like poverty and food insecurity, which must be addressed.

“The needy in our communities still need food and other resources, which typically get depleted over the Christmas holidays.

Take a look at the shelves

in the food banks. They need refi lling,” he said.

Pelham Cares will be the recipient of local donations, which will be collected at Food Basics on Highway 20 in Fonthill on Wednesday March 16, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Two NRPS officers will be on-site to thank donators, and interact with the community.

Office Manager Jennifer Dubé at Pelham Cares identified condiments, canned fruit and vegetables, canned salmon, canned stews, Boost energy drink, jams, and baking items as especially sought-after food products. Also gladly received will be specialty items like almond flour, coconut milk, and gluten free and diabetic foods.

Any questions about the food drive may be addressed to: Jay.McCarthy@ niagarapolice.ca

Pothole patrol on the job Peak season sees 300 fills per week

BY DON RICKERS Voice Correspondent From 2003 to 2021, 12 stretches of asphalt from across Ontario have topped the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Worst Roads list. The good news is that no Pelham street or highway has ever made the list.

Pelham’s Director of Public Works, Jason Marr, told the Voice that the Town maintains all local roads, with the exception of Highway 20, RR 24 (Victoria Avenue), RR 29 (Webber Road), and RR 54 (Rice Road), which are the responsibility of the Region.

“This time of year, filling potholes is a full-time job for our roads crews, which consist of five operators and a supervisor,” said Marr. “The local asphalt plants in the area are closed for the winter, and do not usually reopen until sometime in April. As

a result, the filling of potholes is completed using cold patch materials. To date this calendar year, we have ordered just over 60 tons of cold patch materials. This is tracking to be more material than what was ordered last year, an indication that our roads are being negatively impacted by the winter season.”

The cold-patch repairs don’t tend to be permanent fi xes, a direct result of repeated freeze/thaw cycles, plowing operations, and the application of de-icing materials.

March and April are primetime for patching potholes, identified through Public Service Requests (PSRs) and through routine Public Works road patrols.

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The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

Navigating the inevitable guilt trips of today's world

M

y peers and I are at a time in our lives when an e ve r-i n c r e a sing number of friends are being debilitated by failing health and disease. Not those reaching the end of their expected time, aged 80 or 90 or whatever that may be, but those younger who were otherwise active and vibrant.

Those whom we cherished for their buoyant, inspiring lifestyles that now struggle to deal with diminished capacities, unable to do the things they love.

This uncharacteristically cold winter has brought the plight of the homeless and displaced across Niagara and

Canada to the forefront of our thoughts. The contradiction between those on the street and those of us that live in privilege has never been more apparent.

Our ongoing encounter with Covid during the last two years has bared many emotions: fear for our own health and those around us, bewilderment that we have no definitive answers, anger for so many reasons, loss, boredom, confusion —add your choice to the list.

We’ve learned that climate change is real. We know that by whatever good fortune we have chosen to live in an area which, in the near future, will remain relatively unaf-

fected while those in coastal communities and flood plains, or surrounded by parched forests, are already experiencing upheaval.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was the final trigger, forcing me to acknowledge the nagging guilt rising within. It is a gut-wrenching emotional roller-coaster to watch human displacement on such a scale while simultaneously being inspired by the stoicism and heroics of those that are willing to fight and lose their lives for their country and freedom. The strength displayed by young couples making clear-eyed decisions to tear their families apart, then filling those same eyes with tears and sorrow as the women and children leave while men remain to fight is heart-breaking.

These are ultimately sit-

uations beyond our control, yet we feel somehow guilty.

Why are our emotions so conflicted, causing us to feel guilt because of our own good fortune and success when we encounter the unconnected misfortune of others?

Is it guilt because we still have our health and can continue to participate in all those activities we love while others must abandon them? Is it guilt because we cannot help enough? Guilt because we are powerless to make immediate changes on the scale required? Guilt because we have lots of “stuff,” financial security, and wonderful, joyous lives, while others struggle for shelter and sustenance?

Is this guilt natural, common, healthy or unhealthy?

How do we deal with it?

Kendra Cherry, a Psy-

chological Rehabilitation Specialist with Idaho State University, describes various types of guilt.

There is natural guilt, when we feel bad for a wrong we actually committed.

Maladaptive guilt often results when failure to take a preventative action causes harm, including situations which we may have been unable to predict.

“Bad” thoughts can trigger guilt, even if they are not acted upon, especially when they violate strong cultural or religious norms.

Existential guilt, another category, is complicated says Cherry. Existential guilt is, “Often centred on things like guilt over injustices, guilt because we are doing well when others we care about are not, or guilt when other people experience misfortune when we

don’t.” Surviving a disaster or accident in which others are harmed may also trigger existential guilt.

Each cause and symptom Cherry defines above aligns with the emotions many of us are experiencing now. The events of the last two years have forced us into a zero sum game, pitted us against ourselves, with no hope of avoiding some degree of existential guilt.

Humans are unique amongst living organisms in that we are aware, mentally cognizant, of our own existence. As a species, we are alone in our ability to think about ourselves. In the early 1800s, Danish theologian and philosopher Soren Kierkegaard theorized that because we are aware of our lives, by logic we must also See BALANCED LIFE Page 19

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, the universe is subtly trying to tell you to slow down a bit. Don’t ignore those nagging feelings that you should take breaks whenever you can manage them.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Prioritize your goals and put yourself first for the time being, Taurus. All eyes will be on you and you want to be sure that you are presenting the best version of yourself this week.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, take every opportunity to foster growth in your professional ambitions. Network as much as you can and explore continuing learning offerings through your job.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Something surprising may help you feel more connected to the universe around you, Cancer. Sensory overload can be enhanced by spoiling yourself with something special.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, the small steps you are taking lately will eventually cover much distance, so keep up the progress. Some things take time and right now it’s a lesson to learn.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, even if things seem like they are a bit out of control, find ways to put yourself in a good place. Slow down and stay grounded as much as you can.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, only a few months into the new year you may be having trouble staying motivated with your resolutions. A partner or cheering squad can keep you going.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Physical affection is a great way to showcase your love right now, Scorpio. Take advantage of all the hugs, kisses and subtle touches you can muster in the days to come.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, space out your tasks so the week doesn’t seem like it is rushed early on. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get everything done immediately.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Look for ways to delve into the arts this week, Capricorn.

Explore unique hobbies or visit a museum with a new exhibit.

Work with your hands as much as you can.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, invest in your home space with some upgrades that will add warmth and a feeling of coziness. Creature comforts can have a profound impact on your mood.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 This week you will need to assert yourself at work, Pisces; otherwise, others may overlook your contributions. Get what you deserve.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 23

A March 9 2022

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

Failure: the Back Door to Success

T

his is the title of a 2016 book by wellknown pastor and writer, Erwin Lutzer. He was born and raised in Canada but served for many years as pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago.

I must confess that I haven’t read Lutzer’s book yet but just the title blesses me.

Here are three prime examples of how failure can be seen in a positive light.

Thomas Edison

Edison was born in 1847 and died in 1931 at age 84.

He was a famous American inventor and businessman who developed many devices in the fields of electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures. Incredibly, during his lifetime he accumulated 1,093 U.S. patents and 512 international ones. It’s little wonder that he is considered one of America’s (and the world’s) greatest inventors.

But did you know that Edison’s journey to success wasn’t easy and he experienced many failures and setbacks? His schoolteachers told him he was “too stupid to learn anything” (not a good start). Later, he was fired from his first two jobs for being “non-productive” (not very promising).

As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the lightbulb. A reporter once asked him, "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" Edison replied, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The lightbulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."

Similarly, in a later interview he once said, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that do not work.”

Now that’s a positive attitude!

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln is the most quoted and arguably the greatest American president. He was born in 1809 and was assassinated in 1865 at age 56. Nicknamed “Honest Abe,” he had a strong moral sense and a deep appreciation for Scripture.

But Lincoln also had a long list of failures in war, business and politics. As a young man, he went to war as a captain and returned as a private (read between the lines). Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. Then as a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, he was considered too impractical

and temperamental to be successful. So, he turned to politics.

Lincoln was defeated in his first try for the state legislature. He was then defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for Congress. He was again defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office. When he ran for the U.S. Senate in 1854, he lost.

He lost again in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856. And, finally, he was defeated in his bid for the U.S. Senate in 1858.

Time to give up, right? Not See FAITH LIFT Page 18

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Page 24

The Voice

A March 9 2022

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

Voice

continued from Page 1 intelligent. As such, my guess is that he’s smart enough to know that the ever-shrinking group of people who report current events for a living are not part of an elitist cabal that hold ulterior motives about vaccinations (Allison did not reply to a request for comment for this item).

Some in the “Ottawa and Toronto journalist class” Allison referred to spent the two-plus weeks of the occupation being spat at, shoved, and verbally assaulted whilst simply doing their jobs. Just as one example, while doing a live report on MSNBC, CTV’s Glen McGregor was called a “fucking sleazeball,” a “Nazi” and was told “the media is the virus.”

As somebody who has worked in and out of media for 20 years, I can confirm that many in the industry lean liberal on the political spectrum. Yet the idea that mainstream journalists are wild-eyed, far-left fascists is insane. But that’s what more and more right-wing politicians want people to believe, as more and more of these people silo themselves in their own information networks that eschew facts in favour of confirmation bias.

Consider how right off the bat in his U.S. presidency, Barack Obama was labeled a socialist by most Republicans. Never mind that actual socialists despised Obama, the label fed what many wanted to believe.

This was around the same time that failed vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin coined the sick-burn term “lamestream media.”

Mainstream media members make easy targets because of this idiotic belief out there that they’re part of the ruling class. Maybe it’s because some of them are on TV with good hair—

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Turkey Sloppy Joes

"Freedom Convoy" protesters in Ottawa. good hair used to be an unspoken prerequisite back in the day. [Editor’s note: Can confirm.] Yes, some journalists live very well and are certifiable egomaniacs.

I know some of them and even consider a few of them friends. However, the vast majority are underpaid, overworked, and within the shrinking concentration of media companies in this country living under constant threat of layoff.

The other issue is that too many people don’t know the difference between an opinion column (like what you are reading right now) and news reporting.

Among other things, news reporting requires sometimes talking to, and getting quotes from, public officials. I can’t believe I have to explain it this way, but if you disagree with medical professionals like Drs. Theresa Tam or Anthony Fauci, don’t blame the messenger.

That’s like calling Canada Post a communist stooge because past-due notices are

dropped in your mailbox.

Yet that’s what the likes of Allison are essentially encouraging amid a world that is increasingly at war with knowledge and facts.

The most recent extreme example of this is Vladimir Putin’s decree that any Russian journalist that uses the word “invasion” to describe his war on Ukraine could face a 15-year prison sentence (for the record I watched 20 minutes of Putin’s propaganda channel RT last week, 20 minutes I’ll never get back, where they referred to the invasion as merely a “special operation”).

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, the Chinese government has been thwarting or outright shuttering pro-democracy media outlets for three years now.

Obviously, these are worst-case examples half a world away. Yet you may understand why this newspaper was concerned when a local councillor recently tried to move a motion that could have seen press ac-

JULIA DORIAN

cess to Town Hall banned.

Anti-democratic ambushes can happen close to home, too.

Is the media perfect? Of course not. In my experience elsewhere, too many outlets rely on Twitter to shape their news lineups and talking points rather than doing old-fashioned reporting. Yet much of that is due to aforementioned understaffing and budget cuts. It’s not likely to change much, either, as people continue to silo informationally and the market keeps fragmenting. Hell, if you think that disinformation and “fake news” is bad now, wait until deepfake video technology is truly refined.

That much may be unstoppable, but what we don’t need are politicians —whom the journalists that remain must hold to account for there to be any semblance of functioning democracy —attacking them or using code that gives tacit permission to others to do so. ◆

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FINANCING AVALABLE (OAC)

Sweet yet savoury ground meat served on a bun is a comfort food classic that has been a staple for restaurants and home cooks for decades.

Sloppy Joes are beloved sandwiches that feature meat paired with a lip-smacking, tomato-based sauce. Some attribute the original Sloppy Joe to a cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, where in 1930 a cook named Joe added tomato sauce to his “loose meat” sandwich. Others say the sandwich evolved from sandwiches that were introduced by Floyd Angell, the founder of the Maid Right Restaurants, in 1926. Others attribute the recipe to a bar and cafe in Havana, Cuba, called “Sloppy Joe’s.”

Though their origin is debatable, most people agree that the sandwiches are delectable. Sloppy Joes are called by many different names, including yum yums, steamers and slushburgers.

While it’s traditional to make them with ground beef, any other meat can be substituted, including ground turkey for a leaner take. Try this recipe for “Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC) by the Taste of Home Kitchen.

Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd 16 servings 3 3 3 2-1⁄4 3⁄4 3 3 1 1⁄2 16

pounds lean ground turkey medium green peppers, chopped medium onions, finely chopped cups ketchup cup water tablespoons white vinegar tablespoons spicy brown mustard jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped teaspoon pepper whole wheat hamburger buns, split

In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook the turkey, green peppers and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain.

Stir in the ketchup, water, vinegar, mustard, jalapeño, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2030 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on buns.

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