The Voice, May 13 2020

Pelham Street Grille page 8 and Keith’s Pies Cookbook page 10 both aim to raise a whack of cash for local causes EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.24 No.19

May 13, 2020

Published every Wednesday

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VE-Day

DON RICKERS

75 YEARS ON

Remembering the fallen Ian Carruthers, piper for the Pelham Fire Department, pays tribute to the war dead in a short ceremony at Pelham Town Hall last Friday, May 8, commemorating VE Day, the end of World War II in Europe, 75 years ago. Carruthers played three tunes: Green Hills of Tyrol, When The Battle's O'er, and Black Bear. Lieutenant Roy Moffat of Pelham Fire maintained a long salute at attention during the ceremony.

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Page 2

The Voice, May 13, 2020

by Dave Burket

Corrections at the top: The Canada Summer Games’ “Niagara Light of Hope” arrives in Pelham this Wednesday, May 13, which is what we said last week, except we claimed that it was Wednesday, May 16. In fact, the next Wednesday, May 16, will not occur until 2029, by which time I hope there are no more lines at the LCBO...Cooking and eating for charity: Is there anything better than delicious food and a rumbling stomach to inspire charitable donations? We have two stories this week that will have you salivating to give. First, the Pelham Street Grille (p. 8) is holding a take-out pancake-and-sausage breakfast next Tuesday—pay what you like, no fixed price— with all proceeds going to Pelham Cares. Then consider baking your own pies under the direction of Vilma Moretti and her son Todd Crick, through their already spectacularly successful cookbook full of classic Keith’s Restaurant pie recipes (p. 10). What started out, Vilma says, as maybe a $500 fundraiser has already blown past $10,000...Has it stopped snaining yet? That’s our ad salesperson Catherine Brazeau’s description of the scuzzy precipitation we’ve been stuck with lately—snow and rain. Actually, maybe the earth has been doing us a favour over these last couple of weeks, saddling us with weirdly cool weather to keep us inside, away from parks and beaches and unmasked temptation...Definitely doing no one a favour: For the last two weeks, copies of the Voice dropped at Fonthill Sobeys have been disappearing almost immediately after delivery. One individual in particular has been boasting in town that he has taken them home by the armful and burnt them. Yet when I called him to ask about his actions, he took the coward’s way out and didn’t have the courage to admit what he’s been doing. According to those who’ve described their conversations with this person, he is upset not that franchisee Ron Kore continued to come to work at his Sobeys store while exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness, and later tested positive for COVID-19, but rather that the newspaper had the temerity to publish these facts. The burning of newspapers to prevent other people from reading them is a despicable act. So is the burning of books, records, movies. Let’s take another look at this week’s front page photo. It reminds us that we sent Canadians to two world wars last century to fight against those who would deprive us of our democratic rights—chief among them the right of free speech. We invite this individual to use his right of free speech to explain to Voice readers how his actions are different from Nazis in Germany, burning books and newspapers they deemed unworthy. He might also write an open letter to the families of Pelham boys who went off to fight the tyranny of fascism and didn’t come home, explaining how, exactly, his shameful conduct honours their sacrifice. letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca … See you next week: Stay home, stay safe. ♦

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IN THE NEWS Property maintenance during COVID-19

In a statement, the Town of Pelham says it has received calls from the community with questions about what is and is not permitted landscaping work. “Landscaping and lawn care businesses providing services strictly for safety, security, or sanitation purposes are permitted.,” says the Town. This is to ensure that properties remain safe, property standards are met, and grass is maintained to help prevent weeds, ticks, and mosquitoes in tall grass and standing water. Under provincial direction, businesses are not permitted to conduct landscaping projects that are to beautify a property, or for aesthetics, such as planting shrubs and trees or installing garden features or fountains. “Many people rely on lawn care and landscaping businesses to maintain their property,” said Director of Public Works Jason Marr. “We recognize the obligation we all have to maintain our property for safety and security. For the time being, the restriction is placed on adding those additional aesthetic features, but the

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work that is permitted allows residents the peace of mind that their properties can still be maintained during this time.” Companies operating in Pelham have been contacted by the bylaw department, and must adhere to guidelines of physical distancing and provide safe worksites, including one person per vehicle, a maximum of four persons per site at any one time, maintaining physical distance of two metres (approximately six feet) from others at all times, and hand sanitizer must be available to workers attending sites. As per the provincial regulations, some activities are not permitted until further notice. Examples include construction of pools, sheds, detached garages and carports and decks. Installation of new asphalt, interlocking brick / pavers or concrete driveways are also

Ban on fireworks

The Town of Pelham’s Fire Services Department has suspended all commercial and consumer fireworks sales and use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pelham’s fireworks bylaw regulates the sale and setting off of fireworks in the Town of Pelham, including lowhazard fireworks which are most commonly used for recreational and personal use. These fireworks include, but are not limited to: showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers, Christmas crackers, Chinese lanterns, and caps for toy guns. “We’re asking all PelSee IN THE NEWS back page

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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

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not permitted under the direction of the province’s list of essential workplaces. During normal business hours, concerns around enforcement of COVID 19 emergency orders should be directed to Pelham Bylaw at 905-658-2869 between 8 AM and 8 PM Monday to Sunday. After hours, residents are directed to call Niagara Region’s dispatch line at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.

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 90Day 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. Cody D. DORMER, 38, St. Catharines Keith C. DOIRON, 57, St. Catharines Igor A. GOUTOV, 58, Niagara Falls James D. S. HOWELL, 52, Grimsby Michael S. MROZEK, 51, Toronto Robert F. BURNS, 61, St. Catharines Jacklyn C. FUNK, 30, St. Catharines Michael F. PALVETZIAN, 33, Niagara-on-the-Lake Justin L. MATHES, 26, Welland Daniel T. CREE, 36, Niagara Falls Victor G. M. ROCKOLA, 43, Fort Erie Siya S. SEYED IBRAHIM, 36, Thorold Michael J. KEEPING, 29, Pelham David B. HUMANISKI, 20, St. Catharines Joseph E. MATTHEWS, 33, Thorold Ryan J. REYNOLDS, 43, Welland Leonard W. WAREING, 34, No Fixed Abode

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DSBN wants portion of Town park

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The Comfort Maple myth

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Column Six

Growing up British

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

W

BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

Vol.20 No.32

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix

the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals

ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing

Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

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and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Cell 905.933.3049

T

Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

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“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

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Page 3

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS By-election to fill Ciolfi’s seat

Pelham Town Council declared late Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi’s seat vacant at its May 4 meeting, and unanimously voted to direct staff to pursue a by-election to fill it. Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato had presented Council with two main options— the by-election or an appointment of a replacement. Inside the latter option were three choices: Appointment of the ward’s closest finisher in the 2018 election (Mark Bay), appointment through an application process, or direct appointment by council. With Ontario still under a state of emergency until at least May 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to have constituents go out and vote in the future was made. “For me,” Mayor Marvin Junkin told the Voice, “it was the fact that there is over two years left in our current mandate. I think with this much time remaining, it warrants an election for the ward, to give those residents their voice. If society continues to open up, then I believe that an election, in that time frame, would be completely doable, keeping in mind whatever restrictions there would be remaining.” Junkin himself resigned his old Ward 1 Council seat in 2017, and James Lane was appointed to fill out the last year of his term. It was the third time that Lane had filled an unanticipated Ward 1 vacancy. In normal times, the vote to declare a by-election must be enacted within 60 days of the seat being declared vacant. Nomination day must not be fewer than 30 days after the enactment and no more than 60. Voting shall

Due to a technical glitch, the first 16 minutes of last week’s recording features Still Life with Chairs and Purell. YOUTUBE then be 45 days after nomination day. However, these deadlines are subject to extensions as permitted by provincial orders issued during the current pandemic, and under the Municipal Elections Act in the event of an emergency. “There is a provision because the timelines are all put on hold,” Bozzato said. “We’ve already starting turning our minds to how we can ensure safety and deliver a by-election at the soonest opportunity.” Under the current emergency measures, a polling station could not be opened because it would likely require more than five people in it at once. Assuming the state of emergency ends, Bozzato’s report es-

timates that with the 60-day period, the by-election could be held in late September. The report also pours cold water on the idea of voting online or by mail. “While this option was explored in previous regular elections, it has not been recommended or fully embraced by previous councils due to the inability to ensure an uncompromised internet connection within the rural parts of our community, many located in Ward 1,” the report stated, adding, “[a] vote-by-mail option would require development of all new election procedures which is not practical in the circumstance.” The cost to the Town of conducting the by-election is esti-

mated at up to $20,000.

Summerfest, Bandshell, Canada Day cancelled

Pelham Town Council effectively cancelled the municipality's summer of 2020 at their regular meeting on Monday evening, May 4. The Farmers Market was the sole survivor. Citing continued concerns regarding physical distancing, council elected to make the immediate decision to cancel all municipal events through the season. Gone are Canada Day (to be celebrated as a "virtual" event instead), July's Summerfest, the ongoing Supper Market, and the ongoing Bandshell concert series. Mayor Junkin and Councillor

John Wink fought a losing battle to defer cancelling the Bandshell concert series until more information on the fight against COVID-19 was released by provincial and Regional health authorities later in the spring, suggesting that a shorter season that started as late as August might still be feasible. Councillors Hildebrandt, Haun, and Stewart saw things differently and decided to pull the Bandshell plug immediately. Three votes carried the day because one Ward 1 seat is vacant with the passing of Councillor Mike Ciolfi, and Councillor Ron Kore did not attend the meeting. In a statement later emailed to local media by committee member Jim Casson, the Pelham Bandshell Committee said that while they had already cancelled June's performances, they had hoped to wait for Public Health's announcement in May on outdoor guidelines before taking further action. "We completely understand the Pelham Town Council decision to cancel the Fonthill Bandshell Concert series for 2020," read the statement. "If Public Health deems it possible to hold a Thursday evening event later this summer season, one where we all feel the safety of our patrons is assured, our group has let Town staff, Mayor Marvin Junkin and councillors know we will work with Public Health to find a way to bring the community together in a safe environment for our volunteers and the public alike." The only ongoing event to survive was the weekly Farmers Market at Town Hall, albeit at a reSee COUNCIL Page 12

Pelham transit shifts to Dial-a-Ride service during COVID-19 pandemic

Garage and yard sales: A guide for homeowners

Pelham Transit is operating as a Dial-a-Ride service until further notice. Dial-a-ride service is available 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Town of Pelham discourages having garage and yard sales at this time, though they are permitted. If you are planning on having a garage or yard sale within the Town of Pelham please be responsible.

All rides are to be booked with at least 48 hour notice. If booking a ride for Mondays or Tuesdays, please call the Friday before. Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door transit service that picks up and drops off anywhere within Pelham boundaries and to the Seaway Mall/Niagara College in Welland. No interaction with the fare box is required by our riders until further notice. All rides can be pre-booked by calling Karen Blake at 905-892-2607 x347. Phone calls will be answered Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. If you are booking a ride for Mondays or Tuesdays, please call the Friday before. Rides must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

www.pelham.ca/transit

As the warmer weather approaches we will all be spending more time outside. With this warmer weather you may be thinking about having a garage or yard sale. The Town of Pelham is asking that you take some precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Remember, if you do have a garage sale: • Limit the number of individuals to five at any given time during the sale. • Ensure the ability to practice physical distancing. • Limit the physical touching of items for sale. • Have handwashing or sanitizing available. • Have items clearly priced, minimizing the need for personal interaction. • Request exact change whenever possible.

Page 4

The Voice, May 13, 2020

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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Lessons of a pandemic

F

rankly, I have tried to avoid adding to the plethora of articles written about the COVID-19 virus. But, like for most people, it has captured my fullest attention. This damnable pandemic has pretty much taken up most of our attention throughout our every waking hour. Of course, there is good reason for this because it is the only pandemic in our lifetime, it is novel and it threatens the life of most every one of us like nothing else in our memories. Consequently, it has occupied the full attention of most of us for going on two months, or more, and nearly to the exclusion of all else. The fact is, that exclusion carries with it the additional threat that there are other important issues and actions that are being neglected. Such neglect could be socially, politically, fiscally, and psychologically disastrous and within the near future. Each of those neglected items will have some unique and sometimes common challenges to deal with during and after the pandemic is over and done. Medical experts are as yet uncertain as to the length of the timeline for that end

and some suggest it could be years before this novel virus is effectively eliminated. One of those significant items needing immediate attention that has been overwhelmed by this vilest of viruses is the issue of global warming. Interestingly, the

Such neglect could be socially, politically, fiscally, and psychologically disastrous

rate of air and water pollution during this pandemic has been somewhat reduced. People with breathing issues have noted less contaminated air and, remarkably, fish have been seen again in the waterways of Venice. These unplanned and unscheduled reductions in the rate of pollution should be seen as positive indicators. It is undeniable proof that we can overcome the man-made

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causes of global warming if we put our shoulders, and minds, to the effort with conviction. There were early deniers that this COVID-19 virus would become a pandemic. Similarly, there still remains a novel few who don’t believe that global warming is the looming threat that scientists have proclaimed to be just around the corner. Some ecologists have predicted that the dire consequences of global warming will be irreversible in a decade or so from now. Those dire consequences mean that the earth will no longer be able to sustain life on this planet. Now that’s pretty serious, one might say. And so it is. This current COVID-19 virus has caught the near- exclusive attention of almost every nation on earth and brought about a sort of worldwide unanimity never seen before. That, my friends, should be seen as a positive step for humanity. The collective aim is develop a vaccine that will effectively combat this terrible disease. Hopefully, this will see the continuation of that united stand to combat the manmade pollution that contributes to the phenomenon of global warming. ♦

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Jenica Hrysko, Maeve Keating, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Remembering Mike Ciolfi In January of 2019, I met Mike Ciolfi for the first time. As chair of the Pelham Community Preservation Coalition, I invited Councillors Ciolfi and Stewart to our house, to ask for their support in mitigating the negative impacts of cannabis growers on the residents, in controlling cannabis expansion in the community, and in encouraging the Town to work with the Coalition. The councillors said they would recommend that a cannabis advisory committee be formed that would report directly to council. Mike made the recommendation at council and then represented council on the

newly formed Cannabis Control Committee. As a member of that committee, I interacted with Mike frequently by telephone, internet and in person. I came to know Mike as a friend and as a dedicated professional, without whom our committee would not have reached the same level of success. We both had cycled on the trail along the canal and I commented to him that I never saw him there. He smiled and said, “I didn’t know you then.” He was right, but Mike’s warm smile and friendly manner made me feel that I had known him for many years. Jim Jeffs Pelham

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987

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

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Letters

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

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

Page 5

OPINION “Reckless” council action would have disappointed Ciolfi The last few weeks have really seen life in Pelham turned upside down. In addition to worldwide concerns regarding the pandemic, councillors within the Town have added to the stress and concern for our health and welfare and fiscal security by their reckless behaviour, after losing Mike Ciolfi. First Ward 1 loses a neighbour, friend and councillor with strong convictions, with great communication skills, Mike Ciolfi, to the virus. Mike, in his short time on council, represented our rural life and was a strong voice, sitting for us on the Cannabis Control Committee. A very genuine person and very well prepared on many topics, such as the sign bylaw. Always responding to questions, always sincere. Then we endure two weeks worth of strange behaviour by another councillor, Ron Kore, who tried to attend council meetings while showing signs of illness, but hasn't even attempted to attend a video council meeting yet in May. Fourteen days of self-quarantine would prevent attendance in person, but why be absent from video participation? Now we have the stunt to railroad the Mayor, who, as our elected voice, has done a very good job communicating for Pelham residents. In my mind, Marvin has proven that he is a straightforward and ethical person, who is not afraid to speak to all his constituents and answer a question. Councillors Hildebrandt, Haun and Stewart should be ashamed of themselves for fracturing council and now fracturing the inner workings of Pelham, when we need our elected officials to act as a well-oiled machine, including the CAO. We don't want

PELHAM AND COVID-19

or need to have a misfiring group of people with hidden agendas. Further to this stunt, it has come to light that a Fonthill councillor, Lisa Haun, wants to delay filling councillor Ciolfi's seat, out of a fear tactic regarding a second wave of virus.

Councillors Hildebrandt, Haun, and Stewart should be ashamed of themselves for fracturing council

With the undermining tactics that were just displayed by these three councillors, it becomes even more prudent for the people of Fenwick to decide that in order for us to be represented properly at council, that Mike Ciolfi's seat must be filled as soon as possible. There are ways of filling the seat, as before, if the second wave of virus is a concern and that would be by appointing the runner-up in Ward 1 from the last election, especially if holding a by-election is a biosecurity/health concern. Here are some questions that so far I have received “no comment” on from them: If Hildebrandt, Haun and Stewart did not have an underlying agenda, then why didn't See RECKLESS next page

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The good ol’ days of aisle browsing and milk from the cow

O

ne of the many things I miss since leaving the dairy industry is not having a supply of unpasteurized milk to drink. The only legal way to obtain unpasteurized milk in Ontario is to have your own cow to milk— you cannot buy “raw” milk in stores, and dairy farmers are not allowed to sell their milk to anyone but the Ontario Milk Marketing Board. The health professionals, especially the younger ones, think that anyone who drinks unpasteurized milk is taking their lives in their own hands. I suppose there is a higher than normal risk, as it is the pasteurization that kills unwanted bacteria in the milk. Proponents of raw milk (milk straight from the cow) think that the pasteurization process also kills the good bacteria. These same people swear that by drinking raw milk, it improves one’s immune system. We drank it because we had an abundant supply 200 ft. away. It must be noted that raw milk is readily available in

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stores in most of Europe, and in most states south of the border. However, that being said, in Marvin Junkin some states the raw milk must be sold in containers that proclaim that the ingredients within are for pet consumption only. A good friend of mine that is currently living in the American Midwest, buys his raw milk at a farmer’s market, in such a container. He swears that it is the best tasting milk he has tasted. Ah, for the good ol’ days! Retail hardware stores have now resumed inside shopping, as long as stores are set up with social distancing protocol. This is a step that will be greatly welcomed by all of us that have had to follow the steps that have been in place the last several weeks, shop online, wait in line and curb pickup. Part of the new normal, I imagine, will be the end of the “guy thing” of browsing the aisles, just walk-

Rest assured that I will continue to work on your behalf

ing around dreaming and looking at the power tools, or whatever. It will now be, have a list, make a purchase, get out, and then explain to your better half why you’re home so early. In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many residents who through phone messages, emails, or Facebook comments have expressed their continued support for having myself as their spokesperson. To all residents, rest assured that I will continue to work on your behalf, to the best of my abilities. Until next week. ♦

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Page 6

The Voice, May 13, 2020

Letters

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

RECKLESS

continued from previous page they approach the Mayor and CAO before the meeting, instead of disrupting/ railroading a council meeting with a surprise motion? Why has Councillor Kore not represented himself by safe video conferencing, while he was at home, and how long can a councillor intentionally not represent his constituents through non-participation? I am writing this as a personal followup to a direct email that I sent these three councillors. I am personally offended that councillors in Fonthill would also try and delay the election for Fenwick representation on council and to undermine the voice of our mayor. To Councillor Stewart from Fenwick, you have lost our votes! I believe that the people of Pelham voted for a fresh, cohesive voice at council, not a group of people who keep mis-firing and replying “no comment.” I can't speak for Mike Ciolfi, but if he were here, I am sure he would be disgusted with what just transpired. He would want his seat represented for Ward 1 of Fenwick, ASAP, so his work could continue, for the people of Pelham! Rick and Michelle Kavanagh Fenwick

Warped council priorities

Sorry day in Pelham

I cannot believe we are in the middle of a deadly worldwide pandemic and councillors are nitpicking the wording that Mayor Junkin used in his response to COVID-19. When we elected you—and yes, we voted for Mr. Junkin and Lisa Haun—above all we wanted transparency after the debacle left by Mr. Augustyn and his merry men. The last thing we want is to go back to closed meetings and being kept in the dark. Mayor Junkin has given us transparency, and as far as we can see, the majority of people here are happy with the progress he and councillors have made during a difficult first year and beyond. Take the high road and apologize for this blip before it goes too far. Remember it takes mature people to apologize these days, everyone is so self-absorbed. Something Ron Kore has not and likely will not do for his staff and others. He’s too self-important. Lets face it, none of us agree with each other 100% of the time. Your personal opinion is yours to own, but the Mayor speaks for all of us. We need his reassurance in these stressful times. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen! Roberta Obelnycki Fonthill

The last mayor and council led us into a financial disaster. The majority of taxpayers voted for a whole new mayor and council. Now the very council we voted in has turned on the very mayor we voted in. Marv Junkin has proven that he is the man for the job. Marv, don't let a few people wear you down. When three members try to take away the Mayor’s freedom of speech, it's a sorry day

Open letter to Pelham Town Council I would like to express my disappointment at the three councillors in passing the motion to muzzle our Mayor Marvin Junkin. As a lifetime resident of Pelham, I voted for both Lisa Haun and Bob Hildebrandt to represent Ward 3. I also voted for Marvin Junkin as Mayor. I expected the new council to work with our new Mayor in a positive and cohesive way to guide Pelham through the issues that we were left with from the previous council, as well as working through the current issues brought on by COVID-19. These are tough

times for all of us and a time to show unity as a council to work though these issues. I personally do not want an unelected official representing the Town of Pelham when we have an elected Mayor. By passing this motion you have embarrassed the Town of Pelham as well as the residents of Pelham. Mayor Junkin has done a good job representing the Town and I expect him to continue to be the spokesman for the Town. You need to correct this situation. Joe Van Bolderen Fonthill

in Pelham—treason might be the word that comes to mind. Though we ourselves have a problem with the lack of bylaw policies, it does not mean we think less of the Mayor. Marv, when you were running for office, I told you I'd make you a bigger gavel. Looks like I'd better get to work on it. Merelle &Marlene Stirtzinger Fenwick

Online reaction to council’s muzzle move We have a great Mayor in Pelham and those three councillors can resign. Very surprised that the ex-Pie Lady from Fenwick would be involved with those two. She should know better. Kathleen Alexander Via Facebook Thank you for your honest reporting. I can hardly wait for election time as it is clear which councillors need to go. Also, is anyone besides me waiting for Ron Kore to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t use good judgment,”

or, “I did the exact opposite of what I asked my staff to do”? Any ownership at all? Karen Clapp Via Facebook It was odd to see a council try to surrender its responsibility to govern to its senior staff. Usually councillors fight to maintain their authority. The Mayor's role is to speak for council as a whole, especially after it makes a decision. Wayne Campbell Via Facebook

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Letters

The Voice, May 13, 2020

Page 7

continued

Open letter of praise for Woodlands of Sunset staff

Lauds Premier’s handling of COVID-19 response

On behalf of our mom and our entire family we extend our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to you and the staff of Woodlands of Sunset for making this Mother’s Day one that will be in our hearts forever. We share a common heartbreak with families across Canada who have family members in long-term care and who are unable to be with them on this Mother’s Day. When we reached out to you with our request to arrange for Alan Spencer, Piper, to play bagpipes outside of a Woodlands of Sunset window for our mom on this morning, there was no hesitation from your team in making it happen. Everyone was so helpful, so supportive, and so understanding.

Where to begin? Ontario Premier Doug Ford is doing an amazing job during this pandemic. He is worried about everyone’s health. Doug wants to get the economy rolling again, however he has announced that seasonal businesses can re-open with similar restrictions that are seen in grocery stores and restaurants. First, this coronavirus crisis has hit at the most inconvenient time. Now that it is May, we can start thinking about planting annuals such as geraniums and impatiens. Maybe it is a little too early to plant even in Southern Ontario, however if you go and purchase these flowers you can keep them in the garage. There is a low chance of these plants perishing in the garage,

We were not prepared for the wonderful audience of residents and staff who were able to join in safely from inside to hear him play outside in the parking lot. As soon as our mom heard the bagpipes she immediately started to clap and keep time with obvious great joy. There were not too many dry eyes inside or outside of Woodlands as the piper played. On behalf of the Hall and Wilson families, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish every one of your team all the best. Stay safe, stay healthy. Elizabeth Cooper St. Catharines

Community mailboxes plastered with promotions I was out on my daily walk today, walking westward on Welland Road. I have included photos of what appears to be Town of Pelham literature posted on the four federal mailboxes that are situated on the road. I had to cut my walk short because the weather was turning bad, but I would assume there are more mail boxes with the same postings around this area. First of all, I ask the question: Is this how the Town of Pelham does their due diligence against the spread of COVID-19, they post on communal mailboxes flyers advertising town activities, captioned “Take One”? This is so incompetent I do not know where to start. Someone had to handle all these pieces of paper, as well as touch the clear covering the flyers have been inserted into. If there are residents who are picking up their mail who don’t know enough not to “Take One,” then you have more people touching the material. I would think there will be people who will take one, because the Town emblem is boldly visible on them, looking very official.

because only a few nights might get frost during the month. A garage is heated throughout the day. It is up to the individual when to plant their annuals. The date that I recommend is May 20 at the earliest for putting geraniums and other annuals into your flowerbeds. Back on the topic of how the economy should re-open during this crisis, I would like to look at what Quebec is going to do. If most of you follow the news, we know that Quebec is the hot spot of COVID-19 in Canada. Premier Francois Legault has unveiled his plan to re-open his province’s economy. First off, I would like to say that Legault is doing a better job handling this virus than a fair number of American governors.

Health experts are warning the Premier that it is too early to use his plans for re-opening. Quebec could follow Ontario’s lead and look at COVID-19 cases over a period of two weeks. The number of daily cases needs to go down for a period of 14 days before more restrictions can be relaxed. In conclusion, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is doing a fantastic job handling the COVID-19 crisis. The Premier is concerned about everyone’s health in the province. We as Ontarians have to be patient and follow Doug Ford’s plan to re-open the province’s economy. How many of you agree with me that restrictions need to be gradually relaxed to help to eradicate this virus? Brendan Young Fonthill

Rocking the rock messages While walking in the neighborhood the other day I was delighted to see brightly painted rocks scattered along the path in the Woodstream Park woodlot. The rocks were painted with happy faces, rainbows, and flowers, etc. Colourful and inspirational messages such as “Stay positive” and “We are in

Some might think the Town has okayed the distribution. And to me, it looks like they did, totally overlooking we are living in the times we should not be handling objects that may be contaminated by someone who may have COVID-19. I might add, posting bills, or advertisement on federal property, unless approved

by the federal government is against the law. I don’t know who is responsible for this incompetent action, but it sure does speak volumes about how this town is not getting with the program when it comes to the possible spread of COVID-19. Pamela Robb Fonthill

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this together” are also showing up on sidewalks in front of people’s homes. The sight of these colorful art designs made my day and allowed for a few moments of calm reflection away from the crisis we are facing globally as well as close to home. Thank you to the families and especially the young artists who took the

time to adorn our neighbourhood with kindness. Cynthia Roberts Fonthill NOTE: A selection of reader-supplied rock photos appears on the next page

R

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Letters

The Voice, May 13, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

RICK WOODWARD

CYNTHIA ROBERTS

Messages of hope being left around the world, including in our own neighbourhoods With the anxiety we are all experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic like self isolation, financial stress, learning the new realities of social distancing, the unnatural emptiness of our streets, waiting in queue lines outside grocery and liquor stores, empty store shelves, constant

hand washing, physical distancing, loneliness, depression and where our four-legged canine friends can no longer socialize and meet other dogs in the neighborhood while out for our daily walks, we are all learning to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life.

Recently while mowing the lawn for the first time this season, I noticed a small stone nestled at the foot of a chestnut tree in our front yard. Upon bending down to move it so the lawnmower blades didn’t strike it, I noticed that it was a colorfully painted stone bearing the inscription “hope, faith, love.”

Of course I will probably never know if the stone was dropped accidentally or strategically placed there to be discovered. But since finding this heartfelt communication I have learned that these little messages of hope are being left in unsuspecting places around the world. In the event that the stone

was actually lost by someone, I’d gladly return it to its rightful owner. Otherwise, I’ll accept the gesture that the wording extends and keep it as a reminder of these challenging times and of the kindness and humanity of others. Rick Woodward Fonthill

MORE STONES Like other residents in recent days, reader William Beasleigh found some good cheer while out on a walk. “Thanks to all the artists who painted the cheerful stones along the Steve Bauer trail,” he says, sending in these photos. SUPPLIED

Pelham Street Grille fundraiser on the front burner Pancakes and sausage coming right up in support of Pelham Cares BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

It’s been a busy four years near the corner of Pelham Street and Highway 20. In July of 2016, Catherine and George Lafreniere opened the Pelham Street Grille, offering delicious meals at reasonable prices. Business was brisk. Across the street, Keith’s Restaurant, a beloved local landmark for 65 years run by Vilma Moretti and her family, closed a bit less than a year later, in May of 2017. The result was lineups out the door at the Grille, and capacity seating most days for breakfast and lunch. COVID-19 has put a damper on business since March. The Lafrenieres have received some government support, and are hoping to re-open soon for full service once the all-clear is sounded. It is something of a family affair. George (a retired teacher) handles the kitchen, Catherine (with long experience in the hospitality field) runs the front of house operation, and her two sisters are servers. In all, the restaurant has a full and part-time staff of over a dozen, and a seating capacity of 67. “My wife gave me the hot job, back here in the kitchen. The first summer, I lost 15 pounds,” said George with a laugh. Ultimately,

he installed air conditioning to keep the fry cooks from boiling over. The restaurant is currently ranked number two on Trip Advisor’s reviews of restaurants in the Pelham area. Fonthill has been good to the Lafrenieres, and they are happy to give back to the community which supports them. Next Tuesday, May 19, from 8 am until noon, they will be hosting a pancake and sausages breakfast as a fundraiser, with donations directed to Pelham Cares. Cash, cheques, and electronic transfers will all be accepted, and food will be available curbside. Pre-orders should be called in to the Grille, at 289-897-9191, on the Monday prior, from 11 AM - 2 PM, or on the Tuesday morning before noon. Catherine adds that there is no set price for the breakfast—any amount donated, whether a dollar or 20, will get the food brought out to customers, and 100 percent of sales will go to Pelham Cares. Created in 1983 to assist in the delivery of social services to people in the area, Pelham Cares has a particular emphasis on those services not provided by other organizations or agencies. It is more

Catherine and George Lafreniere, in the middle of their Fish & Chips Fridays reboot last week. than a food bank. All donations received are from community individuals, businesses, and organizations, along with the occasional program-specific grant. The Grille’s well-received Fish Fry Fridays have already been re-

instated on a take-out basis. The Voice paid a visit to the restaurant last Friday, and by early afternoon fish fry orders had eclipsed 140. “We started taking phone orders at 11:30 AM, and the calls just keep coming,” said Catherine. “People

DON RICKERS

have left voicemails that I haven’t been able to get to yet.” The fish frys run from noon until 8 pm on Fridays, with curbside service. Customers are encouraged to pre-order by phone on Friday mornings.

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

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Keith’s Pies recipes to feed the need Pelham Cares and Fonthill Legion benefit from unique fundraiser BY JOHN SWART

Special to the VOICE

Vilma Moretti and Todd Crick’s offer to donate half the proceeds from “Keith’s Pies – A Recipe Book” to the Fonthill Legion, “Touched me really hard, and the volunteers doing all this work too, because we were starting to run out of money and we didn’t want to stop this,” says Toni McKelvie, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Talbot Trail – Branch 613. “So what we were thinking of doing was pooling the tips we’ve made over the year, and start using that to pay for food. We didn’t start asking people for money, we didn’t want to be that way. We thought we could do it with what we had. Now, with what Vilma’s doing, we can carry on for a while.” McKelvie adds that as of this writing, the volunteers

of Branch 613 have distributed 2657 free meals to veterans and seniors in need. “That’s a lot of meals, a lot of food,” she continues. “Let’s put it this way, this is something I never, ever dreamed would be this big.” When the Fonthill Legion embarked on their Heat and Serve program to deliver prepared meals to veterans and seniors, they anticipated providing a few hundred meals, and only for a two -week duration. “The Vets are starting to step forward now and ask for help,” says McKelvie. “At the beginning, they didn’t ask for help, they didn’t want it. They said give it to somebody that really needs it, we’re okay. Now we’re getting calls from their kids and families, ‘Hey, can you help out my dad, my mom.’”

Their cookbook cover; and Todd Crick and mom Vilma Moretti, in Keith’s kitchen, 2017. When McKelvie responds that their senior parents are claiming to be okay, the kids tell her, “They’re not okay.” Legion volunteers drop the meals off, no questions asked, and the vets are happy and accepting of that. “The Vets are very proud people, and they never want to ask for help,” says McKelvie.

The meals are prepared and packaged by a kitchen staff of approximately 15, working five per-shift, all volunteers, which allows Moretti and Crick’s donation to be directed to purchasing the vast quantity of food required to maintain the program. A different crew works dawn to dusk Friday pre-

paring some 150 dinners for Friday Fish and Chips drive-thru. The funds raised by this regular event help immensely too. The dinners sell out regularly, and chicken and chips have been added to the menu to provide variety. “If it wasn’t for the donations we’ve gotten from a lot of people,” says McKel-

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vie, “sometimes ten dollars, sometimes a hundred dollars … every penny counts. We’ll continue as long as we can, right? With Vilma’s donation, that will keep us ahead for a while. I went to tears when I heard she was doing this. That somebody would go to that effort, then donate it to us, that’s amazing. It’s beyond thank you.” How did “Keith’s Pies - A Recipe Book” come to be? Vilma Moretti, former owner of the legendary Keith’s Restaurant, in Fonthill, which closed three years ago last weekend, explains it this way. “I was complaining to Todd”—her son who lives in California—“when I saw what the Legion and Pelham Cares were doing, and I was,

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19 fessions” these powerful words of truth, “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they find their rest in You.” Augustine had finally found rest.

What about you?

Jesus invites all of us to the same spiritual rest that Augustine found. He said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Two thousand years after Jesus spoke these words, the human heart has not changed. Many people today are weary, burdened, and searching for spiritual rest. We wander through life “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36) looking for meaning and purpose but looking in all the wrong places. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He invites each of us to find “rest for our souls” in Him. After a long search, Augustine did. So did I. So can you. ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca ‘Gee, I wish I still had the restaurant, because it would have been so simple for me [to help out by providing meals]. Good son that he is, Todd listened to my complaints and said he’d call back.” Todd did call back, and he suggested they do a Keith’s restaurant pie cookbook. They would put the project up on GoFundMe, solicit donations, and share the proceeds with the Legion and Pelham Cares. Vilma was originally reluctant to commit her son to so much work. She says that when Todd had come back from California to assist with the restaurant or visit his ailing brother Tom, he took videos of them working in the kitchen, and had recorded many of the famous pie recipes. Ultimately Todd prevailed and they decided to give it a try. Carla Strickland, a family friend and schoolmate of Todd’s, used Todd’s notes to format the book. “Todd put it on a GoFundMe page,” says Vilma, “and within something like four or five hours, we already had $1000.” “Keith’s Pies – A Recipe Book,” includes several pages of history about Keith’s and their best pie recipes. It is available three ways to those making a donation. For a minimum donation of $5, donors will receive the book in PDF format. Donations of $30 or more will earn a printed and bound copy plus an electronic copy. And for $50 or more, you can have the book signed by authors Vilma and Todd. If you’d like a digital copy and are unable to donate, you can request a free copy on their GoFundMe page. Advertisers are welcome too. Vilma wants us all to know that Peggy Palmer, “a Fonthill girl born and raised,” who volunteers at the Legion, will also take your order if you prefer not to use the computer or provide online credit card info. When the Voice initially learned

The Voice, May 13, 2020

Page 11

THE FAB FOUR On the day Keith’s closed, three years ago last week, from left, Vilma Moretti, Lori Terpstra, Helen Stiff, and Kelly Stewart. VOICE FILE of the project, the book’s GoFundMe total was $6325. After paying a small amount to promote it on the newspaper’s Facebook page, four days later the total surpassed $10,000. As of this writing, it is $11,935. What about distribution? “I’m a member of the Garden Club,” says Vilma, “and they’ll help out with addressing and envelopes,” illustrating again the strength of Pelham’s volunteer community. Her favourite recipe? She laughs.

“I can’t. We cooked the pies seven at a time, always what was in season. I knew Jerri Brown down on South Pelham Street pulled rhubarb every morning, so I’d just go down there on the way to work.” And so the conversation went, history and memories of 65 great years as restaurateur to her beloved Pelham. What’s the secret to great pie dough? Practice. How did she make her meringue so high? Lots of eggs. The details are in the book, which she encourages everyone to

purchase. If you have a problem though, just give her a call. Jennifer Dube is Coordinator of Client Services for Pelham Cares. When asked about Vilma and Todd’s proposal to donate the other half of proceeds from “Keith’s Pies” to Pelham Cares, she says, “Vilma did catch us by surprise … to think she’d do this to help us.” The success of the GoFundMe page did not surprise Dube, who once worked for Vilma at Keith’s. “It just shows what great respect the community has for the family.”

Dube explains that Vilma’s donations are providing immediate benefits, and will help long-term too. The extra demand for services caused by COVID-19 has changed the way Pelham Cares shops, and the funds received from Vilma and Todd have helped facilitate this. Daily trips to grocers and suppliers can no longer meet their needs, and Pelham Cares doesn’t want to clear grocers’ shelves, thereby denying local residents of goods, so they are now buying in bulk. This costs more per order, and the larger quantities of food need additional storage space. Donations generated by KIETH’S PIES provide the extra cash for bulk purchases, and will help Pelham Cares acquire an additional freezer or refrigerator for the long term. Dube says Pelham Cares is seeing an increase in emergency needs, new clients that have been especially hard hit by COVID-related issues. “I find the community has really pulled together. Little hubs of volunteer support have popped up in our community through the COVID period, which help alleviate some of the pressure off food banks. Their support doing some of our legwork within the community, either delivery services or senior services, has been great, as has the financial support.” Late last week, Vilma gave cheques in the amount of $2000 each to the Legion and Pelham Cares. Over the weekend, she told the Voice that she plans to donate another $3000 each, bringing the total for each organization to $5000. “Keith’s Pies – A Recipe Book,” provides a unique way to help the less fortunate in Pelham , and deservedly enriches the lore of Keith’s famous restaurant. Order your copy at https://bit.ly/2YSn2iy

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

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Ensuring safety of those who harvest our fruit Farms, medical professionals do their part to keep temporary workers healthy BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

On April 24, the federal government informed employers using the temporary foreign worker program that they could face fines up to $1 million and be named publicly if they violated COVID-19 regulations to quarantine all international arrivals for 14 days, and provide safe physical distancing guidelines for workers. “They’re extremely high fines, but they’re meant to be a deterrent for people breaking the rules,” Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chair Bill George told the National Post. “We’re going to

COUNCIL

continued from Page 3 duced number of vendors to help maintain physical distancing. Details are still being worked out, according to Town Communications and Public Relations Specialist Marc MacDonald. The Thursday Supper Market might yet rise again, depending on whether health authorities revise their distancing guidelines in the coming weeks. MacDonald said that a new staff

do the best we can, we just need a consistent application of the rules to know what the rules are ahead of time.” Here in Niagara, it appears that enforcement is ongoing — along with healthcare options for the migrant workers. “Proactively, our staff at Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) called every employer across Niagara— approximately 250 farms,” NRPH Communications Consultant Kerri Stoakley told the Voice. “We provided health teaching and education to the employer on

report would then come back to council for consideration on whether to stay the course or open it up. “For the safety of our citizens and everyone who comes from out of Town for Summerfest, this was an easy decision," said Junkin in a Town statement, "but it doesn’t make it any less painful to have to cancel one of the Region’s best summer events. We’re proud of Summerfest and the event it has turned into, but there is no conceivable way that this

Mexican temporary workers on a Pelham farm in 2017. Workers are now following physical distancing guidelines. VOICE FILE their obligations around the ongoing monitoring of their employees’ health [even if they arrived prior to the border closure]. Infection control educational material was provided.” One healthcare provider says that farms appear to be following the rules. “We did find out from [Niagara Region Public Health] that the first 11 farms that had workers did isolate them for 14 days, and about 10

year’s festival would resemble the Summerfest we know and love." This year’s event would have seen the four-day street festival's tenth anniversary. Decisions about Summerfest in 2021 have not been made. “I would like to thank all of the committee members for volunteering to sit on the committee and for the hours they have put in to date,” said Summerfest Chair Bill Gibson in the statement. “For the health of every-

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of those farms have already gone through that isolation period and are starting to work and maintaining that physical distancing,” Nancy Garner, Executive Director of Quest Community Health Centre in St. Catharines told the Voice on April 21. Quest has provided health care outreach to temporary foreign workers since 2011, and Garner and health worker Moises Vasquez said they had already virtually screened about 50 indi-

one, the committee unanimously supports cancelling this year’s event. Thank you to everyone for their patronage over the last ten years, and we look forward to seeing you next Summerfest.” 2020 Town or Town-involved events cancelled due to COVID-19 • April 2-4 - Kinsmen Home and Garden Show • April 11 - Annual Easter Egg Hunt • May 7-10 - Pelham Art Festival • May 22-24 - Fenwick Lions Carnival and Parade • Mid-June to September Pelham Supper Market • Mid-June to September Bandshell concerts • June 14 - Shorthills Strawberry Festival • July 1 - Canada Celebration – (Virtual celebration to commence) • July 16-19 - Pelham Summerfest

June 1 targeted for legal review of cannabis regulations

Council also received another update from the Cannabis Control Committee (CCC). Chair Tim Nohara said that the group is tentatively targeting June 1 for their fi-

viduals so far during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, they said they had 482 clients. Funding operates mostly on a grant from the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brandt Local Integrated Health Network. “Migrant workers are also part of the heroes in this,” Vasquez said of those working in the fields. “We must ensure they are getting primary care services and supplies.” Part of that is ensuring the workers have access to the technology necessary to do a virtual medical checkup. “[They’ve been] very supportive, I would say from our end,” Vasquez said of the farm employers. “We have been able to coordinate those virtual health promotions for the workers — they are ensuring they have access to the internet and smartphones. That’s the key.” The actual physical enforcement of living and working conditions, however, is up to a three-level combination of the local NRPH, the provincial labour ministry, and federally-run Service Canada. In Pelham, Fire Chief and Chief

nal draft of new regulations to be submitted for legal review. While no recent public meetings have been possible due to the pandemic, Nohara said that all stakeholders, from residents to cannabis producers, had 20 days to submit questions and concerns, ending May 5. “I would call this synthesis between the work of staff, the work of the committee, and planning approaches that have been developed by Meridian [Planning Consultants],” Nohara said. Meridian’s Nick McDonald highlighted to council a key element of the regulations he has helped author— the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for any future cannabis operations. “Essentially what we’re doing is requiring a Planning Act process to determine the appropriateness of any future operations,” he said. “Some may think that what we’re suggesting is a prohibition, and in my opinion it is not. If we developed an OPA that simply prohibited these used, and made it extremely onerous for these uses to be established, I think someone could take a [legal] run at the Town and indicate that

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it is a prohibition. My approach has been to recognize the adverse effects that exist, and establish a path forward for folks to follow if they wish to make an application in the future.” Junkin asked McDonald if the final product would be able to stand up in court if challenged by a producer. “Standing up in a court of law is question best asked of a lawyer,” McDonald said. “I can tell you based on discussions with [Toronto law firm] Aird & Berlis, that as long as the Town establishes a path forward under which a producer can come in and make an application, then that’s a defensible approach.”

COVID-19 update

Fire Chief Bob Lymburner gave his regular COVID-19 update to council. While the overall tone of the pandemic seemed to be trending in a positive direction last week, some concerning signs linger. Lymburner reported that one of Niagara’s largest infected populations remains those aged 80-plus in care facilities or retirement homes. On May 6, an advocacy group called the International Long-term Care Policy Network reported that Canada had the worst mortality rates in such facilities among 14 different countries. Still, things are beginning to move elsewhere. Lymburner told Junkin that Town landscapers have been cleared to go back to work with strict physical distance and hand-washing guidelines. A staff meeting was set to be held last week in which recovery plans were discussed— including the reopening of Town buildings — with an emphasis on reducing “touchpoints” and adhering to strict cleaning schedules. Lymburner added that Town employees who wish to wear masks will be provided them, with proper training for use. “If we stick to [the guidelines], I think we’re very close to getting back to business in the Town of Pelham,” he said.

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

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itations, or a lack of motivation. “About 20% of the senior population will get themselves moving on something, but 80% really need a push.” The age Stay Fit reaches is primarily between 60 and 80, although the class at the Legion includes an 88 and a 94-year-old woman. The only criteria for joining a class is the ability to stay standing for 30 minutes, but you are allowed to sit down sometimes too. When developing a program, Cooke said, “There’s minimal screening, so I have to pick a mean to keep them interested and that’s doable, then dial it up or down.” This low threshold is attractive for some. Wendy Young, of Fonthill, joined Stay Fit at the community centre. She has existing bio-mechanical issues, and traditional gyms were making them worse. In her

Class participant Wendy Young chats with fellow members. words, “I wanted something where I didn’t have to push it. Stay Fit ticked off all the boxes. I’m getting the exercise but not overdoing it.” Young loves her virtual workouts. “You can just let yourself go, who cares. It’s so much

fun.” Time to begin our virtual class. Cooke’s pet phrases of encouragement remain in the back of my mind: “Are you agile or are you fragile,” and, “Judge a man by what he takes two of—pills or stairs.”

VOICE

We dance and exercise to “S.O.S.” by Abba, then “Twisting the Night Away,” Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Flip Flop and Fly,” and “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna. It’s one thing to sit in your SUV with the windows down and the

radio cranked, singing along like a bobble-head doll, but doing dance exercises to these five songs non-stop is a totally different matter. Stay Fit seniors 1, supposedly fit guy nil. This segment of the class was followed by stretches and mobility exercises, and it quickly became evident that Cooke had chosen the movements so that each participant could apply themselves in a manner suitable to their personal strength, mobility and balance level. Flat-footed or on tiptoes, sitting or standing, holding a chair back for balance or not, everyone performed the routine in a manner that was comfortable for them. After a short break, there were exercises with optional weights and lots of stretching and core work, including Pilates-style exercises to make students “Familiar with the floor,” said Cooke, alluding to fall prevention studies. “People who are familiar with the floor are a lot

less likely to panic when they find themselves on the floor.” Stay Fit seniors score another one in this segment. Since I don’t know what to expect, I choose weights that will look impressive on Zoom but are too heavy. I also didn’t wear my heart rate monitor. A rising body temperature soon tells me it’s time to slink off camera for a rest and rethink of this side-to-side twisting and stretching stuff. Apparently my cycling muscles are unidirectional, and only provide strength in a vertical plane. Perhaps it’s time to expand my exercise repertoire. If you’re 55-plus and interested in joining the fun and increasing your fitness via these free online classes, contact Anne Cooke at the Centre de sante and leave a message at 905-734-1141, or email her at cschn@cschn. ca. In the meantime, I’ll be working on climbing stairs two at a time. Judgment Day is approaching. ♦

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SAFETY

continued from Page 12 Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner said that the Town will conduct its own farm inspections, but only related to fire code. He said inspections hadn’t started as of April 23. “We usually start in May,” Lymburner said. That, of course, brings up the risks involved with living arrangements. Traditionally, many workers have lived in bunkhouses with several others, making the possibility of an outbreak a deep concern. However, partly because there seems to be fewer workers in the region so far this season, accommodations may have improved in that regard. In mid-April, the federal government announced a subsidy for qualified farms that comes out to about $1,500 per temporary worker, given the requirement for initial quarantine. “We do understand that farmers have had to look at alternative accommodations for people,” Garner told the Voice. “But after they’ve gone through the isolation period, and are symptom-free, we’ll have to keep continuing to monitor that if anybody becomes symptomatic. But so far, things are okay. Obviously, if somebody within a bunk becomes symptomatic, everybody in that house would have to be tested.” The situation is yet another that highlights the stark economic re-

ality of our time — that those on the lower end of the financial ladder are often doing crucial work at higher risk. “Unsafe housing and lack of labour and immigration rights has put migrant farm workers at immense risk,” a statement from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) said. “In order to avert a human rights crisis, we need swift action to ensure employers are providing adequate quarantine measures — this includes a monitoring and enforcement unit, real penalties for violating standards, and a mechanism for workers to safely file complaints.” That statement came on the heels of a COVID-19 outbreak in early April among temporary foreign workers in British Columbia. Then, in late April, 47 workers — including several migrants who had been in the country at least four months —tested positive for the virus at a greenhouse in Chatham-Kent. One province, New Brunswick, has temporarily banned the employment of temporary foreign workers. MWAC’s Niagara organizer, Sonia Aviles, told the Voice that in a normal peak growing season, approximately 3000 temporary foreign workers are on the peninsula. Other safety steps have been taken in Pelham. In the last month, signs have gone up around town in Spanish, designed to provide warnings and advisories for farm

workers — most of whom are from Central and South America. However, that’s by no means a failsafe — because of another class issue.

Some others do not understand why the extreme measures and might take recommendations lightly

“There’s also literacy challenges, even in their own language,” Garner said. “Moises and one of our nurses have developed a video in English and Spanish with some visual cuing, so that even if somebody’s not able to understand, we have that video so they can understand what they need to do if they feel ill.” One of the people partly responsible for the signs in Pelham, Maria Del Carmen Suescun Pozas, also worries about the temporary residents’ mental wellbeing. “Being away [from home] in these circumstances puts a lot of pressure on them,” sais Suescun Pozas, a Brock professor who has

also taught Spanish classes at the Pelham Library. Suescun Pozas spoke with a temporary worker at a local farm, and translated his account for the Voice: “Overall, we [have] been working less hours. Our day starts at around 8 AM, and we work until 5 PM. We have not been working on Saturdays. We have been given instructions to wash hands with soap. We were given fabric masks we can wash and instructed not to go out on our own. We were also instructed to observe social distancing. We have been [doing our] shopping every two weeks. There are more buses taking us out for shopping. We are split into groups — groups go to different stores. Some of us shop by ourselves. Others go in groups of two or three. Some of us wear our masks and gloves when we go shopping. Keeping the six-feet distance is not always possible at the farm. Because there are fewer working [because of COVID-19], we have more room in our living quarters. Some of us now have a room to ourselves. The person who comes every week to sell us tortillas and other Mexican food we don’t find in the stores still comes. We are also taken to the bank and a person comes to the farm to help us wiring money to our families. Some of the [workers] are frustrated because of the reduced working hours as we are paid per hour. Others are thankful for being able to work during this

time. Some others do not understand why the extreme measures and might take recommendations lightly. We are trying not to go ask to be taken to the doctor because of the situation. There is not much for us to do after we finish our working day. Some of us like to go out on our bikes for a ride or to do shopping, but now it is not possible. Going out on our bikes is something we enjoy doing. Some of us have met people in the area. In the past we would visit with them. I would like to talk on the phone with them more, but I worry that I might be bothering them so I don’t phone. I just chat briefly on WhatsApp. Considering the circumstances, we are doing well. I personally think that the owner of the farm is concerned for our wellbeing, to stay healthy is important for us and is also important for the farm.” Suescun Pozas said that the worker’s reference to some taking the guidelines lightly, and “trying not to ask to be taken to the doctor,” could be an example of some workers having little understanding of how to approach other health matters. “All farmers and workers across Niagara can contact Quest for assistance,” she said. Garner and Vasquez continue to recommend that farms facilitate, and workers undergo, virtual medical screenings. “It’s very important to emphasize that,” Vasquez said. Quest Community Health Centre can be reached at 905-688-2558.

Page 16

The Voice, May 13, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Niagara schools’ online learning hitting home Educators optimistic that students, teachers adjusting to new reality BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Ontario schools have been shuttered since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The provincial government recently announced that the earliest they will open is May 31. Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that these are challenging times, but pledged to support school boards and families. “It is critical that during this time, kids keep learning. Education must continue,”said Ford. The Ministry of Education initially responded with grade-appropriate, on-line student resources for math and literacy though its Learn at Home portal, and a period of self-directed learning followed…meaning nominal or non-existent teacher involvement. Students and their parents surfed through the material as best they could, afloat in a sea of educational websites and apps shaped by teachers, curriculum specialists, and tech gurus. To assist families that lacked computers and online access, some 20,000 iPads and internet accounts were made available to school boards. Did real learning occur? Perhaps for some…doubtful for many others. Without the structure of the classroom and a vigilant teacher, many students likely poked around a bit on the internet, found the occasional quasi-educational amusement, and then refocused on Instagram and Snapchat. Special-needs students, and those from families low on the socio-economic spectrum, probably got the least benefit. It’s hard to take advantage of on-line learning when a student is sharing a laptop with siblings, or has an unreliable internet connection. On April 6, phase two of the province’s plan kicked in for two million students, which involved teacher-led learning, and both live and pre-recorded lessons via cloud-based, learning management platforms. The Ministry is recommending elementary students spend five to 10 hours on learning each week (depending on their age), with semestered high school students encouraged to commit to three hours per course per week (twelve hours in total for a four-course load). Some students (and parents) engaged in this next step have expressed difficulties navigating the e-learning platform, be it Google Classroom, Zoom, MS Teams, D2L-Brightspace, or some other software. It’s also a big learning curve for most teachers. School boards are urging patience as everyone adapts to the new reality. What is the current state of online learning in Niagara? Kim Yielding, Chief Communications Officer for the District School Board of Niagara, said that the public board launched its DSBN - Learn From Home website on March 27, which was update weekly with new learning activities and resources for students. Teacher-led instruction online began officially on April 6th. To give students extra support in math and science, the DSBN Homework Help Program was expanded to provide students with one-on-one support with a teacher online. To assist families that were having difficulty logging in to the online system, DSBN created a support area for parents on its website. Last month, thousands of

Chromebooks—a low-cost, limited performance laptop— were distributed to students lacking computers, along with threemonth internet packages. A similar path has been taken by the local taxpayer-funded, faith-based school system. Jennifer Pellegrini, Communications Officer for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, told the

This was very uplifting for staff, the kids and their families

St. Alexander school in Fonthill last week.

Voice that learning resources were added to their website in March for student use, followed by a Ministry-directed, teacher-led component in early April. A supply of 130 Samsung tablets valued at $50,000 was provided by the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education last month, to augment the 1,200 Chromebooks which had already been loaned to students. The Foundation also designated $12,000 in internet access and grocery cards for disadvantaged families. An online portal to assist users struggling with the technology was launched just after Easter, and mental health and chaplaincy resources have been ramped up. Students enrolled in the public and Catholic systems will receive year-end report cards in June. Graduating seniors have, for the most part, already submitted their college and university applications for fall entry, and teachers and guidance counsellors are continuing to support students with recommendation letters, supporting academic documents, and any other resources required to complete their applications. The Ministry has eased the burden of students who are graduating this June by waiving the OSSLT Literacy Assessment, and the 40 hours of Community Involvement requirements. Here’s a snapshot of the efforts underway at three local schools serving Pelham students: E.L. Crossley (public), Notre Dame (Catholic), and Ridley College (private). Janice Sargeant, Principal at E. L. Crossley, said that her teachers have designed online classrooms using two different platforms: D2L and Google Classroom. Teachers post lessons which may include instructional videos, readings, thinking questions, and various other academic tasks. Classes are designed so students have flexible login and work time. “We recognize that many of our students have other obligations during the day, and the normal 8:10 AM - 2:15 PM model does not align with their needs,” said Sargeant. “Many of our students are working in essential service jobs. Each day, we highlight current students who are balancing school and work in the school’s

Twitter and Instagram feeds.” Also found on Crossley’s homepage is an online learning support link for student and parents, that includes resources and tools as well as a connection to the DSBN homework help program. There are also quick links allowing students to book virtual appointments with teachers, counsellors, and administrators. Sargeant noted that the school has deployed some 60 computer devices and helped some 20 local families with internet access thus far. “These numbers are still growing, as people have been continuing to reach out. Students and families have been very appreciative, and have sent us wonderful thank you emails,” she said. An E. L. Crossley Grade 11 honours student contacted by the Voice commented that he was handling the current arrangement quite well. He found D2L, the cloud-based software platform, to be easy to navigate, and remarked that the Ministry recommendation that students work at least three hours per course each week was not at all oppressive. Some of his Crossley classes were live-streamed, but most involved online postings by teachers of assignments and instructional videos. Ken Griepsma, Principal at Notre Dame, said that his school was primarily using the Google Classroom platform to distribute lessons on video and to receive questions from students, along with the NCVLE (Niagara Catholic Virtual Learning Environment), which is the local version of the Ministry’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). A feature of Google Classroom allows the teacher to include guardians (usually parents) in their classroom, providing them with a weekly summary of their child’s lessons, activities, assignments, and work outstanding. This helps keep parents informed. “Students and parents have been fairly receptive to our efforts to provide teacher-led, remote, on-line learning,” said Griepsma. “However, it is a learning process for everyone. Feedback I have received from students, parents, and

staff is that this mode of learning, while supportive, does not and cannot approach in-class instruction, and an opportunity for real-time communication back and forth. It does, however, give us some insight into how these technologies can be leveraged as a valuable support to in-class teaching and learning.” Notre Dame staff were able to determine that some families did not have internet/wifi access, and many did not have an adequate device. The school initially distributed about 80 Chromebooks, and followed up more recently with an additional 40 for school families in need. Griepsma said that his staff are working hard to ensure that all Notre Dame students remain engaged in the learning process. The school has been following up with families to ensure that they are able to access and complete classwork. Those students needing extra support are receiving additional attention. “Our Special Education teachers and staff recently planned and carried out a drive-by parade to visit the homes of all of our students with special needs,” said Griepsma. “This was very uplifting for staff, the kids and their families.” The biggest private school in Niagara is Ridley College, in St. Catharines, which enrolls 700 boarding and day students, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Of these, 370 are from the region, and 20 hail from Pelham. Ridley offers both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Andrea Carisse, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at the college, told the Voice that the school had been preparing out of necessity for the impacts of COVID-19 since mid-January, given that hundreds of their students are international, with strong Chinese representation in the student body. Ridley’s curriculum leaders and administration established a remote learning framework document “months ago,” and officially launched its Backbaud-based network, Ridley Remote Learning (R2L), on March 26.

DON RICKERS

“We intentionally use the term 'remote learning,' rather than 'online learning' or 'e-learning,' because we believe that quality learning can occur without solely relying on computers and technology. Our R2L goal is to advance student learning with authentic human experience,” said Carisse. In addition to R2L, Ridley has an online home hub, TigerNet, which is updated daily. It includes class teaching plans, student learning objectives, and a brief summary of the educational activities taking place in each class, plus a plethora of learning tools. Faculty, staff and students connect via the Microsoft Teams platform for real-time lessons and collaboration. All teachers and students at Ridley use Macbook computers, integrated through a high-speed, wireless network. Ed Kidd, Ridley’s headmaster, referred to the school’s program as, “A blended approach of synchronous (live classroom lessons via MS Teams) and asynchronous (online experiences, but not live sessions) learning.” Students in grades 9 to 12 are committed to at least five hours per day of school work, which is about twice the weekly hours recommended by the province’s Ministry of Education. All teachers offer four hours of remote office time per day, where students can receive one-to-one academic support. Ridley students are still engaged a few times each week in clubs and activities, and participate in a daily fitness challenge. Kidd noted that the school is also hosting town hall meetings, with upwards of 100 parents participating in live sessions. “We are learning a lot, and I am very proud of how our community — both faculty and students — has responded to the challenge,” said Kidd. Geoff Park, a Ridley teacher with some three decades of classroom experience, said that most Ridley teachers post a short video introduction to asynchronous lessons, and use screen-sharing to assist students in real-time classes. “Teachers and administrators are constantly meeting to discuss and refine course innovations and delivery, and we have really listened to student and parent feedback. Frankly, it is an exciting time to be a teacher,” said Park.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca “An atheist is a man

who watches a Notre Dame - Southern Methodist University game and doesn’t care who wins.”

The Voice, May 13, 2020

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 17

Online fitness class has John Swart partying like it’s 1969 18

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | May 13, 2020

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Draft day snub sparks football player Vanier Cup winner enjoys CFL combine

Carrying bricks is a pretty good workout

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

Antonio Valvano’s disappointment at not being selected in last week’s Canadian Football League draft will be taken out on his Ontario University Athletics opponents. “If anything, it has placed a mountain on my shoulder now,” the 24-year-old St. Catharines resident said. “I am only going to come back bigger, faster and stronger and the other guys in the OUA don’t know what is coming for them. It has placed a huge hunger inside of me, and I am ready to show that even though I didn’t get picked, these teams made a mistake and hopefully by next year, I will be in consideration to be picked to go to a CFL camp.” The 6-foot-1, 216-pounder won’t soon forget his draft day experience. “It was fun and a great day but I was nervous throughout the whole day and the outcome wasn’t what I was looking for. It was very disappointing and it is still eating away at me.” His 2020 CFL adventure started at the league’s Ontario Draft Combine March 12 in Toronto. “It was incredible and a great experience,” the St. Francis alumnus said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to have a combine because a lot of guys didn’t because of the pandemic. A couple of guys on my team didn’t get a chance to show off their skills and I was glad

Antonio Valvano keeps a tight grip on the ball. that I could.” It would have been heartbreaking for Valvano if the combine had been postponed. “The work that we put in for it was really long and tedious,” he said. “It takes a lot of mental toughness and it is a really big grind waking up at 6 AM every day

SUPPLIED

to get to our lifts. “It was great to be able to get out there and show off my skills and have the opportunity to experience part of the dream of trying to get to the next level.” Valvano, who is primarily a blocking fullback at Western, considered it a huge compliment to be

invited to the draft despite performing a role that rarely gets any media attention. “Usually I am a blocker, but it was a good opportunity to show the part of my game that has been overlooked by a lot of people ever since high school, which is my pass-catching game and route-running abilities,” he said. “I feel it a very strong part of my game that teams can use at the next level and Western can use in the upcoming season.” Because he is such an excellent blocker, the Western captain was rarely used in a pass-catching role. The one exception this past season was a 40-23 victory over Carleton, when he caught six passes for 55 yards and a TD. He was hoping that this game would be the start of getting more touches, but the coaches felt he was more valuable as a blocker. The combine was an excellent learning experience. “I realized how much hard work it takes and that you have to stick to what you know: working hard, persevering and training hard.” At no time did he feel like he didn’t belong at the combine. “I was kind of nervous when I got there but at the end of the day, I told myself that I play for West-

ern and I play against these guys all the time,” he said. “Our record shows that we win so in my head I was telling myself that I was better than the other guys. I go into every rep ready to beat up on them and never hold back.” After consulting with his agent, Valvano decided a few days ago that he would return for fifth and final year of eligibility at Western. “He told me all the options for CFL camps have passed now and Western is what I have to do if I want to keep this dream going.” It will be his seventh year at the London university. He weighed more than 250 pounds when he first arrived at Western but he has lost some 40 pounds and has become much more of a complete player. He suits up on offence and special teams for the Mustangs “The goal is to work on the areas that I need to improve on, come back bigger, faster and stronger and just have the best of my career and play every snap as if it is my last because it really could be,” Valvano said. “I don’t what will happen after this year but hopefully I have a really good year and CFL teams see that and are interested.” To prepare for the upcoming season, he is working out with his father, Vince, and helping him out in his masonry business. “Carrying bricks is a pretty good workout and good for my grip strength and everything.” The 2017 Vanier Cup champion is hoping the pandemic will be under control enough for him to resume workouts at Western with his teammates. He had applied to graduate this April with a double major in criminology and sociology.

Residents show support for front-line workers BY MEGAN METLER

Special to the VOICE

As COVID-19 continues to affect lives, the community of Pelham is supporting front-line workers and first responders. These include healthcare workers and those continuing to work as part of essential services. Blue ribbons, along with Canadian flags and messages, are being tied to trees, poles and mailboxes in solidarity with those that are out helping people during the pandemic. Blue is the chosen colour for this act of solidarity to match the scrubs that the doctors and nurses wear. Speaking with the Voice, Susan Kivioja shared how the blue ribbons started popping up in her community. “We heard about people coming out and clapping at night, so we went out one evening, the neighbours started talking and the one across the street from me

said that she had some blue ribbon,” said Kivioja. “It’s very hard because we can’t do much. I can’t imagine under these circumstances and I appreciate their bravery.” Deb Foster, a neighbour of Kivioja, said that she and her neighbours have also done chalk on the sidewalks and the neighbourhood window walk to show appreciation during this difficult time. “So you just try to do the little bits that you can do, right? It’s a positive show of support for the people in the front lines,” said Foster. “They are under a lot of physical pressure, emotional pressure and I think it’s important for them to know that people appreciate and respect that. And this is how we can let them know.” For Rosemarie, a Pelham resident and retired health-

Laura and Sarah Schaefer with the blue ribbon they put up outside their house, and poster made by Piper Horton, on her family’s front door. MEGAN METLER

care worker, this is an important time to recognize the impact that those in the healthcare system have on a daily basis and even more so now. “I mean to say to them even before all of this ‘Thank you for everything

you do every single day,’” she said. “Absolutely a huge thank you for going in.” It’s not just adults that are showing their support and appreciation. Piper Horton, Grade 4 student at SacréCoeur School in Welland, decided to make a poster for

her school’s site and hang it on the front door of her home in Fenwick. “She really understands what’s happening in the world right now, she’s trying to learn more and wants to show people that she cares,” said her mother, Charleen Horton. Laura and Sarah Schaefer, students from Notre Dame in Welland, also put up a blue ribbon in their yard to show their gratitude as well.

Kivioja adds that it’s nice that neighbourhoods are coming together during these times and helping each other out. She said that when someone goes shopping they check in with others to see if they need something. More blue ribbons, signs and window messages are continuing to pop up around Pelham as communities continue to face the impact of COVID-19 together.

Page 18

The Voice, May 13, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

“Stay Fit” online seniors’ fitness classes rock

O

uch. My preconceived notions took a serious hit during Anne Cooke’s online Stay Fit seniors’ fitness class. I learned that it takes a whole lot more co-ordination to do this routine than ride a bike. Remove artwork from walls and coffee tables, push the flatscreen TV away, and get anything breakable out of the room before you start. Big potatoes or a can of tomatoes can replace barbells in a virtual workout—and, if you concentrate on the exercises, it is possible to survive all three minutes and 18 seconds of Abba’s “S.O.S.” I also learned that any

instructor who uses Jan and Dean’s “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” with its “Go Granny, Go” chorus as music for a seniors’ fitness class has a tremendous sense of humour, understands the power of subliminal messaging, or stridently loves her students—and that 50plus years after my high school prom, I still have the dancing skills of concrete garden gnome. Anne Cooke, of Miracles in Motion Fitness in Pelham, offers free Stay Fit seniors classes at the Meridian Community Centre and the Royal Canadian Legion in Fonthill. Both facilities donate their space, and she is supported

by Centre de sante Hamilton/Niagara, a non-profit community health centre. When COVID-19 hit, and the province closed classes like Cooke’s to enforce social distancing, she went virtual to continue providing Stay Fit for her 120 students. Just three weeks in, the online classes are attracting approximately 30 participants per session. My interest in attending was to experience Zoom technology applied to fitness classes, and to participate in my first-ever “senior” fitness class. The technology worked great. Everyone introduced themselves as they Zoomed into the class and shared what they’d been up to since their last meeting, including a steamy evening of virtual line dancing for one couple. Cooke provided words of encouragement while assisting

Instructor Anne Cooke leads her online Stay Fit class last week via Zoom. anyone requiring help with the technology, and everyone was excited to begin. Participating in Stay Fit was an eye-opener. Cooke has multiple accreditations in fitness training, and was recognized by Toronto Life magazine as a, “Best Personal Trainer in Toronto.” She is currently associated with Western University’s

Canadian Centre for Activity & Aging, and explains that trainers need to understand teaching senior fitness is different. Cooke first thought, “I teach fitness already, so I just have to go slower for older adults.” She learned there was much more to it. “Fitness for seniors is not

VOICE

about what the younger body can do. Because we have a tsunami of seniors coming, I find people taking what I’m doing, and senior fitness, a little more seriously.” Cooke said there are many individuals that are sedentary for different reasons, possibly due to physical limSee HANDLEBARS Page 14

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You’ll have a lot of energy and inspiration this week, Aries. Feel free to do anything you put your mind to, especially some recreational activities. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may be feeling especially affectionate this week. With an open heart, you could be ready to delve into a new layer of your relationship or find a new romance. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 People may be wise to give you a wide berth for the time being, Gemini. Your dander is up, and it may be a good time to look for ways to reduce stress. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is very possible that you will meet someone new this week who has the potential to become a lifelong friend. Be observant of every new face and name in your circle. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A volatile situation could reach its breaking point soon enough, Leo. Arguments that have slowly been brewing will culminate. Fortunately, things will quiet down afterward. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, even though you are tempted to go in many different directions over the next few days, you’ll need to pick a course and stick with it if you are to get anything done. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may find yourself taking center stage at a family gathering or with a group of friends. Use this opportunity to make your voice heard. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Be careful that your actions are

not taken the wrong way, Scorpio. Do not take on traits that you would otherwise disagree with. Lighten up and be joyful this week. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, take a breather whenever you can because there is a whirlwind of activity soon to come your way. Enjoy any breaks that come your way in the days ahead. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Your willpower may be weak lately, Capricorn, and you may be eating or doing things that you’ll regret later on. Ask a friend to guide you away from temptations. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, someone may offer you a promotion or another more influential position. Do not let this go to your head, but enjoy the success that has come your way. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, if you have noticed you are running into obstacles in your quest to meet your goals, you may want to step back and consider a new path. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MAY 10 Mat Franco, Magician (32) MAY 11 Sabrina Carpenter, Actress (21) MAY 12 Rami Malek, Actor (39) MAY 13 Robert Pattinson, Actor (34) MAY 14 Mark Zuckerberg, Entrepreneur (36) MAY 15 Andy Murray, Athlete (33) MAY 16 Janet Jackson, Singer (54)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Thump 2. Risotto 3. Weenies 4. Israeli 5. ROM 6. Elapsed 7. Scoters 8. Sources 9. Tajik 13. Aar 14. Mme 17. DOL 18. Ate 20. Ills 22. Apio 27. CSC 28. Obi 29. Lac 31. Ish 32. Ewe 33. Rad 37. Albania 38. Daisies 39. Ante 40. Sessile 41. Pudenda 42. ASAP 43. Remised 44. Crashed 47. Rate 48. Ale 49. Birth 51. Goals 52. EDD 53. Dee 58. Act

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. TRW 4. Ire 7. SST 10. Hie 11. Sol 12. Coa 13. Amuse 15. RMA 16. Oujda 19. Ammonia 21. Patriot 23. Reptile 24. Speckle 25. Tell 26. Eire 27. Colossi 30. Dossier 34. SBA 35. Swa 36. Cicadas 41. Parched 45. Lane 46. User 47. Rabbits 50. Damaged 54. Aliases 55. Episode 56. Terni 57. Ian 59. Shade 60. Tie 61. LCD 62. Eel 63. Has 64. ETA 65. DDS

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The Voice, May 13, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

Augustine’s restless soul

S

t. Augustine is considered by many to be the greatest theologian of the early church. He influenced the Roman Catholic Church of the 4th century and much later the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, in the 16th century. He wrote important theological books such as City of God and On Christian Doctrine, and became the bishop of Hippo in northern Africa. But as you delve into the life of this godly and influential man, you soon realize he had not always been a “saint”!

Restless

Augustine was born in 354 AD in North Africa (Algeria today) into a Roman family. His mother (Monica) was a devout Christian and possibly of African Berber descent. His father (Patricius) was a Roman pagan until he too became a Christian on his deathbed. Young Augustine grew up with two siblings — a brother and sister. In his autobiography, called Confessions, he recounts how in his youth he (and some friends) stole some fruit from a garden. He admitted he did it not because he was hungry but because it was not permitted. He later understood this to be his sin nature (as the Bible describes it) at work. And he wasn’t done sinning. At age 17 he went to the larger city of Carthage (also in North Africa) to study. There he became a hedonist (or pleasure-seeker) leading an immoral and promiscuous lifestyle. He had a lover for several years there and fathered a child. He also began to follow a Persian religion called Manichaeism which he later rejected. Gifted with a keen intellect, he excelled at school and became a teacher of

grammar, philosophy and rhetoric, first in Carthage and then Rome and Milan (northern Italy). But his heart was still restless, searching for truth, and he openly confessed his ongoing struggle with lust and sexual sin. He once prayed, "Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet."

Finding rest

At age 31 and living in Milan, Augustine had a spiritual conversion experience. While relaxing in a garden, he heard a child’s voice saying “Take up and read.” He opened his Bible at random and read these verses from the book of Romans:

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“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:13-14). Augustine realized that God had led him to this passage which exactly described his lifestyle. He turned to God at that moment in faith and decided to become a sincere follower of Jesus. He wrote in his “ConSee FAITH LIFT Page 10

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Weekly Word Search

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ADOPTED BOUQUET BREAKFAST CHILDREN FAVORITES GIFTING

GRANDMOTHER HONORED LOVE MAMA MATERNAL MAY

MEAL MOM MOTHER MUM PARENT PRESENTS

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

The Voice, May 13, 2020

IN THE NEWS

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ham residents to adhere to the fireworks suspension,” said Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. “We will all miss the fireworks shows during our major holidays, but it’s important during this time that we minimize the risks of large gatherings and unnecessary calls to the fire department.” Violations are subject to an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) of $250. The Town says that the fireworks ban will remain in effect during the declared state of emergency, and will be re-evaluated when emergency orders are lifted.

Falls child porn arrest

In April, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) started an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. According to a police

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statement, the investigation led to a Niagara Falls residence. On May 5, Scott William Hunter, 42, of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offences of Possession of Child Pornography (6 Counts), Accessing Child Pornography (5 Counts), Making Child Pornography Available (2 Counts), Distributing Child Pornography (2 Counts), and Failure to Comply with Prohibition Order (5 Counts). Hunter was held in custody pending a bail hearing. 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.

Summer programs wait list open

The Town of Pelham’s camp and swim programs are open for waitlist registration, with spots being reserved at this time on a

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first come, first serve basis. The Town says that program fees will not be collected now but upon confirmation of program start dates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent declaration of a State of Emergency by the province and the Town of Pelham, municipal facilities remain closed until further notice, unable to accommodate programming. “We don’t know when our programs will be available again for our community, but we want to be ready to welcome our campers and swimmers back as soon as it’s safe to do so,” said Director of Recreation, Culture, and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay. “We will keep our residents informed of upcoming program changes as information becomes available.” The process to register remains the same as previous years, using the Town’s online portal to reserve space.

Welland drug charges

Charges have been laid following an investigation by detectives with the 3 District (Welland) Street Crime Unit in relation to the alleged illegal sale of fentanyl from a residence in the King St. and Albert St. area of Welland. On Monday, May 11, police say a search revealed a quantity of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine with a street value exceeding $14,000, along with various drug trafficking paraphernalia and a quantity of currency. Craig Goss, 56, is facing the following alleged charges: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Crystal Methamphetamine, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Breach of Probation. Goss was released from custody with a future court date in relation to the charges.

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