Flag controversy in Fenwick
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New pastor at Kirk on the Hill
page 9
Veterinarian receives award
The Voice Z Z
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
page 3
Vol.26 No.17
of Pelham and Central Niagara MAY 4 2022
Published every Wednesday
page 11
Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker
DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@darcyrichardson.ca 905.321.6292
MOST successful
Road Toll
EVER
Last Saturday saw Pelham’s Volunteer Fire Association out in full force—not battling blazes, but raising funds for the annual Canada Day fireworks display at Harold Black Park. A voluntary road toll was solicited from passing motorists, either in cash, or by e-transfer. It is the first time in three years the event has occurred, the pandemic having extinguished the collection in 2020 and 2021. In addition to the annual fireworks, the firefighters' road toll funds student scholarships, fire prevention activities, and also provides direct assistance to those affected by fire-related loss. Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner told the Voice that the firefighters association hoped to raise thousands of dollars over the course of the day. Above, Jackson Lehmann raided his piggy bank to donate to the road toll, and volunteer firefighter Jordan Pupo was happy to take his cash. Late Sunday, Association member Colin McCann told the Voice that e-transfers were still coming in, and that the effort was "the most successful road toll we have had so everyone is really pleased with how the day went." DON RICKERS
Somewhere down the road Spring is a time of renewal. Time to tidy up the house and yard. But how much time have you allotted you’re going to have to to tidying up your affairs? think about it. You’ve probably revisited your Will, but have you detailed your final wishes? Prepared your Estate? Let us help you get your affairs in order.
Call Pelham Funeral Home at 905 892-5762 m pelhamfuneralhome@cogeco.ca
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The Voice
Let the games begin: Not this summer’s Canada Games (though don’t miss Don Rickers’ story on them this week), but this year’s municipal elections. The nomination period opened on Monday and extends until August 19 at, for some reason, 2 PM sharp. Which former councillors (recent and long-past) may make another run? How many new faces will we see step up? Most intriguingly, who on the present council will seek another term? We’ve had no indications to contradict our speculation in this space of two weeks ago (Junkin, Olson, Hildebrandt yes; Kore and Stewart likely no; Haun and Wink unknown, but fingers crossed on Wink), although Councillor Stewart was seen in attendance at last week's Regional candidate info session at the MCC...The Four Psychics: As you’ll see from our response on page 4, Stewart and her three customary voting bloc members, Haun, Hildebrandt, and Kore, submitted a statement to the newspaper last week, complaining, among other things, that we often refer to them as the Gang of Four. This is a chicken-and-egg thing, and I can’t remember who originally coined the phrase—I think it may have been from a letter to the editor. Either way, the foursome offers what we’ll call an interesting explanation for their uncanny knack of voting in unison, sometimes with little or no public discussion. You’ll want to read it for yourself. Suffice it to say that one Town staffer, having been given the gist of it, went “next level,” as the kids say, in moniker creativity: “You’ll need to start calling them the ‘Four Psychics’ now.”...Still inside Town Hall: Another staffer, out of the blue, contacted us last week following our story about the Gang of Four killing a new Procedural Bylaw, which was the product of months and hundreds of hours of staff work. They vented for awhile, then referred back to a series of accusatory emails received by staff early in this council’s term that the person asserted were in violation of the Town’s Code of Conduct, and then reconsidered being quoted, even without being named, saying in the end that it would cause more trouble than it was worth for their colleagues. Why? Because over the winter council passed new rules relating to when and how staff may communicate with the outside world, namely on social media and in the press, and these basically boil down to rarely and say as little as possible. This will be particularly enforced during the campaign period now underway, out of concern that staff may “improperly” sway opinion for or against a candidate. This is a regrettable limitation on free speech, given that staff are closer than anyone to elected officials and likely to have the best insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Our quoting sources now, however, would trigger an internal investigation to finger the culprit, which is a headache for all. Outside of Town Hall, meanwhile, I’ve recently run into two former Pelham councillors, the second last week, who just shook their head at See CORNER back page
Voice
NRPS impaired driving charges ~
Paper places second overall in province for journalism nods
What's That
SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls
BY VOICE STAFF The Voice has won one First Place award, one Second Place award, three Third Place awards, and four Honourable Mentions in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Competition. This is the largest award total since the newspaper was founded, and places the Voice second in the province overall for journalism awards. (Awards are also given in advertising and other categories, which the Voice has never entered.) The Gold was in Feature Writing, for “Breaking her silence,” Helen Tran’s moving interview with hit-
high school friends. “This was absolutely one of the most effective stories the Voice has ever run,” said publisher Dave Burket. “Faith’s incredible resilience, and Helen’s superb craft leave you remembering the story long afterward.” The Silver was in Best Spot News Photo, for an image taken by Don Rickers of manslaughter victim Earl Clapp’s widow and daugh-
The Pelham Fire Department responded to eight calls for assistance from Friday, April 22 to Friday, April 29. Friday, April 22 Motor vehicle collision, Hwy 20 E, Station 1
Kore bails for second time page 3 Arrests in Fenwick murder case page 8 Plane-spotting with Mohammad page 12
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto
DEBBIE PINE 905.892.0222 SALES REPRESENTATIVE
NRC Realty, Brokerage
Independently Owned & Operated
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E S T A B L I S H E D
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Vol.24 No.41
October 14, 2020
DARCYRICHARDSON.CA 905.321.6292
Column Six
Some things just don't want to be collected The here and now is when to enjoy fall foliage BY LAURA LANE
I
New online health records access page 3 Charles Duncan case proceeds page 7 Piccolo on picking putters and others page 17 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
SELL phone: 905-321-2261 www.pineSOLD.com .com
DEBBIE PINE 905.892.0222 SALES REPRESENTATIVE
NRC Realty, Brokerage
Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
The Voice Z
Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker
of Pelham and Central Niagara
Published every Wednesday
APRIL 7 2021
Vol.25 No.14
Breaking her silence
DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@darcyrichardson.ca 905.321.6292
Column Six
Six years after being struck by a hit-and-run driver, Faith Flagg speaks
Vaccine vexation BY COLIN BREZICKI Special to the Voice
I
Faith Flagg, with her mother, Sharon Crowe STORY PAGE 10
read somewhere that positive thinking and laughter will keep you in touch with your inner self and strengthen your immune system. If that shot in the arm doesn’t work for you then maybe you should get the vaccine. I received my first Pfizer dose last week, but getting there cost me a good deal of positivity and didn’t provide many laughs. On the day the Ontario government opened up vaccine bookings for my age group I went online first thing. In minutes I had entered my health card details and cruised my way through to the appointments calendar. I hit a wall. The calendar was unresponsive. It had zero vital signs, and not in a good way. Like Monty Python’s parrot the calendar was bereft of life, had shuffled off its mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. I went back and tried again. Several times. Same result. I spent a good part of the morning trying to pick the lock. I ran through all of April and May, at centres in St Catharines, Beamsville and Grimsby. Nada.
Earl Clapp's widow, Tillie, flanked by daughters Jodie and Elisha, as community members drove past the family home in Fenwick, Thanksgiving morning. DON RICKERS
A family, and community, in pain It took a half hour for the procession of vehicles to pass 1351 Centre Street, in Fenwick— hundreds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles— their occupants and riders all paying tribute to Earl Clapp and his family on Thanksgiving morning. The idea was Jonathan Tucker's, vice president of Tucker Homes, and was quickly em-
braced by the Fenwick Lions Club. “We also hope this procession shows the criminals who perpetrated this horrendous crime that this community stands together, and we will not stand for this violence,” Tucker told the Voice as planning got underway late last week. Clapp, 74, was killed on Oct. 2, in what appar-
ently started as a confrontation with would-be thieves. He leaves behind his wife, Tillie, two daughters, two grandchildren, and countless friends in the community. (His obituary appears on page 12.) Tucker asked that any community members See PROCESSION Page 13
ters as they watched a memorial procession in Earl’s honour pass Fall Into Savings Save your family the burden. their home Pelham Funeral Home Plan your own funeral so is theyoffering won’t have10% to. off of prepaid days after his Call today and ask how we canplans help. untildeath. funeral Nov 30, 2020. 905-329-3462 www.homefrontlandscaping.com
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EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
DEBBIEFaith PINE Flagg and-run victim NIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON and her struggle to get back Save your family the burden. Plan your own so they won’t have to. to afuneralsemblance of normal Call today and ask how we can help. life six Tina years after she was run down on Canboro Road while walking with some NRC REALTY, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
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Saturday, April 23 Motor vehicle collision, Sawmill Rd., Station 3
Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker
Published every Wednesday
Special to the VOICE
love fall. I love the colours. I love how the leaves fall from the trees, slowly gliding, twisting and turning and tumbling down to the ground or speeding past me with a gust of wind. I love the accumulation of leaves on the sidewalk or in the gutters so that as I shuffle my feet through them, they almost slow me down. They at least remind me how I let them slow me down on my trudge to and from school each day, or how I eagerly looked for piles that were raked into mountains for me to dive into, swim through, and when I come up for air and head home, having telltale red, yellow and orange reminders peeking out of my socks, stuck in my hair, and the odd time down my shirt. I loved collecting as many See COLUMN SIX back page
Sunday, April 24 Motor vehicle collision, Roland Rd., Station 3 Detector activation, Lymburner St., Station 1 Monday, April 25 Medical assistance, Station 2 Emergency assistance call, Canboro Rd., Station 2
COVID-19 Safe Practices
Wednesday, April 27 Ruptured gas line, Valleyview Ct., Station 1 Thursday, April 28 Medical assistance Station 3
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Dante G. TORRETTA, 23, Welland Iftikhar AHMED, 52, Niagara Falls Paul D. HOLLAND, 60, Welland Gail M. EARLE, 60, Welland James K. TENNYSON, 40, Selkirk Taralee J. LAWSON, 63, St. Catharines Tyler J. BYRNE, 35, Welland Myles J. MCDONALD, 42, Niagara Falls David G. BRADY, 57, St. Catharines Betsy R. PEREZ, 36, Welland Brooke J. LITTLE, 29, Lockport, NY 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.
Owen & Chase
Jan and Lana Aleksiejuk vacationing in their favorite place, Rio Hato, Panama, celebrating a milestone anniversary. Congrats to the happy couple!
In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.
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A May 4 2022
Anger as Confederate flag flies in Fenwick Stars and Bars is universal symbol of slavery, oppression BY VOICE STAFF A banner fluttering on a backyard flagpole in Fenwick drew the ire of some in the neighbourhood last week. It had abruptly disappeared by Thursday afternoon. The offending ensign was a Confederate battle flag, known as the Stars and Bars during the American Civil War, in which 11 southern states seceded from the United States in an attempt to preserve the institution of slavery. Organizations south of the border such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans adopted the flag as a symbol of Southern “heritage,” but today it provokes strong reactions as a symbol of racist defiance and rebellion, and the political exclusion of people of colour. The banner has widely been embraced by white supremacists, both within the United States and beyond its borders. It has occasionally shown up at Canadian anti-Covid-mandate protests. One resident, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, told
the Voice that “the flag supports slavery and white nationalism. We already live in a small town that is comprised of mainly Caucasian individuals, and flying this flag feels like they are perpetuating the idea that you need to be white to live in the community. Right now there is a fight going on against hate and racism. As a Canadian, I thought this behaviour was limited to the United States, and did not expect to see it in my hometown. It has really opened my eyes to the fact that racism is closer than I thought. We need to speak up and let people know that it is not okay to fly this flag.” The resident said they also felt repulsed by the flag because a bi-racial family recently moved into the neighbourhood, and was alarmed that the flag was meant to make the family feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in Fenwick. “On one hand, I don't want my children to see this flag and ask
questions about it. They shouldn't have to see such a hateful symbol in their neighbourhood. But on the other hand, it is an eye-opener for them. This is the hate that my children will have to fight against as they grow up in a largely conservative, white community. It has opened up a conversation that I will now have with my children.” When informed by a resident that the flag’s owner was a Town employee, the Voice reached out for comment from Ward 1 Councillors Olson and Stewart, as well as the Mayor and CAO. “Events like this cause me to honestly reflect on my own role and my responsibilities and genuinely learn about undoing my own limitations and misconceptions,” responded Olson. “We could all do so much more together to work together to build a better life for all of us. Members of our community are repeatedly suffering the central anguish of marginalization. There is an incredible value and necessity in defending human rights, if only for the generations that follow us.” Stewart said she was disappointed. “It is unfortunate that the Confederate flag was flying in our
community. I understand that the offending flag will be removed. There is no place for the seeds of division and hate to be sown in our community.” Mayor Marvin Junkin told the Voice that he knew the employee personally. “I have known this individual for decades and he is not a white supremacist. His children purchased the flag for him some 15-20 years ago because he was a huge fan of the TV show ‘The Dukes of Hazard.’ He was absolutely flabbergasted when he was told of the uproar the flag was causing, and he immediately went home and took it down.” Junkin said that it wasn’t until the man Googled the flag that he became aware of its “connotation” in today’s world. “With these facts in mind, along with the individual’s statement that he would never fly this flag again, I am hoping we can all move forward.” That forward movement will see a pit stop in the form of additional sensitivity training for staff, says Pelham CAO David Cribbs. “The Town of Pelham does not condone or support the display of
any racist symbol. There is no circumstance where it is appropriate to fly a Confederate battle flag, as there is no place for racist sentiment in this community.” Cribbs said that the Town offers an “unequivocal apology” to anyone who experienced trauma or felt marginalized by the display. “The individual in question immediately lowered the flag upon request. It will not be flown again. Upon having the symbolic significance of the flag explained, the staff member offered regrets and an apology. As a result of this incident, it is clear to Town administration that continued education pertaining to the importance, impact and power of symbols, particularly with respect to equity and diversity, is required. As such, all staff will participate in such training by the end of June.” Cribbs added that at the moment the Town’s Code of Conduct for staff is silent on the issue of flag poles, flags, or signage on private personal property. “As a result of this incident, the corporate policy will come under review.” Attempts to reach the flag owner for comment were unsuccessful.
Next appearance for Ottaway set for May 31 Darren Ottaway’s defense counsel, Paul Bragagnolo, was in a Cochrane courtroom last Tuesday—the fifth proceeding in the matter— to address four criminal charges against the former Pelham CAO, some of which
are alleged to have occurred in Fonthill. Ottaway is charged with two assault charges (Statute 266 of the Canadian Criminal Code), a sexual interference charge (S.151, C.C.C.), and a sexual assault charge (S.271,
C.C.C.). He was granted bail at his initial court appearance on January 24. Chantal Chenier, Supervisor of Court Operations in the Ministry of the Attorney General’s office in Cochrane, told the Voice that Ottaway is
set to stand trial on October 4 for an alleged assault on his son. On the other charges, Ottaway is in the process of being scheduled for a judicial pre-trial, which has been adjourned until May 31.
It appears that Ottaway may not face the Niagara justice system. Reached for an update, NRPS spokesperson Phil Gavin told the Voice that Niagara police are waiting for further information from the OPP.
“I have also spoken to the detectives from our Special Victims Unit, and they are not aware of any changes forthcoming. It is their belief that the matter will be handled in its entirety by the OPP and Crown's office in Cochrane.”
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The Voice
A May 4 2022
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OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
Editorial The Gang's all here, and they aren't very happy
L
ast Friday, Pelham Town Councillor Marianne Stewart, on behalf of her fellow frequent voting bloc members Lisa Haun, Bob Hildebrandt, and Ron Kore, sent a very cranky letter to this newspaper. The missive’s 1,200 words of grievance included a veritable laundry list of linen that the Gang of Four preferred not have been laid out in our pages, from a reference to Councillor Haun’s house sale, to a bizarre claim that the paper has received “confidential closed session information” (we have received no such thing), to the appellation “Gang of Four” itself—a nickname that “is strongly associated with organized criminality.” Well, only among the criminally unaware, given that in the political sphere the term refers more to Boss Mao than Boss Capone (but in this case, it's just a number.) After reaming us out for essentially criticizing them too much, the letter closes with an assurance that— conveniently overlooking the fact that half of them recently attempted to kill Town cooperation with the Voice—the group is truly,
very much, supportive of a free press, and looking forward to establishing “a new baseline of more respectful interaction.” We couldn’t be happier to hear it. Could this please start with answering comment requests? This was
Here's a plot twist you might find unexpected: the Gang is correct on one point
the first time we’ve heard boo from Councillors Kore and Haun for going on two years. The whole thing had a vaguely sulphuric, lawyerly whiff about it, typical of such demand letters, as they are known in the trade, but given the typos and evident misunderstanding as to what does and does not constitute defamation under Canadian law, if legal
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Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-811-3887. Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR Don Rickers
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger
CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Michael Coren, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
beagles were involved they were more likely legal beagle paralegals. Speaking of Better Call Saul, here’s a plot twist you might find unexpected: the Gang is correct on one point. In last week’s editorial, for reasons that will be reiterated in a moment, we wrote: Councillors Haun, Hildebrandt, Stewart and Kore are clearly communicating with each other outside of the council chamber, then acting in a coordinated fashion within the chamber, without so much as a single syllable of reasoning. At best this violates the spirit of Ontario’s open meeting law. On this assertion, the four councillors respond: “We deny having violated either the letter or spirit of the Municipal Act. We hold this newspaper to proof of this allegation, failing which we demand an apology.” On the slender technical issue of quorum, the Gang is absolutely correct. We do not have a private email-trail of smoking-gun discussion copied to all four simultaneously. There is no leaked security video of the quartet huddled in the cereal aisle See EDITORIAL Page 16
Letters In remembering Lafleur, we see our own mortality This past weekend had me thinking about why the death of hockey great Guy Lafleur struck a chord deep within. Never really a Habs fan, nor did I follow Lafleur’s career that much. True, his hockey talent and flair on the ice was unmistakable in the ‘70s. Who could argue there. Hockey and life itself seemed much simpler five decades ago. Remember the long hair, the bell bottoms, as well as the freedom the ‘70s ushered in. Perhaps being a hockey player myself spurred me to harken back to my teenage years during which I spent countless
hours skating on an outdoor rink, totally oblivious to the challenges of adulthood. No thoughts of inflation, interest rates or health issues ever crossed my mind. The simple joy of indulging a passion that gave priceless memories took centre stage. Lafleur’s passing prompted a little sentimental reminiscing. Bet I was in good company this past weekend. The shortened life of Guy Lafleur clearly underscored my own mortality. After all, he was only a few years older than myself. The See LAFLEUR next page
7
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
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Page 5
A May 4 2022
OPINION Sees conflict of interest I was shocked to see the photograph in the newspaper taken at the courthouse of Charles Duncan with his new partner, Barbara Vyrostko. I am aware that she is the Executive Director of Community Living for Welland/Pelham, a prestigious and honorable position of trust, overseeing and ensuring that the rights of the most vulnerable members of society are adhered to—not at all unlike the victims of her chosen partner, Charles, who violated that trust as a family physician.
He has been proven guilty in a court of law on not one, nor two, but six counts of sexual assault, and is presently awaiting sentencing. We all have the freedom to choose our partners, but with and within that we must also be accountable for any and all consequences of our decisions. As a taxpayer who is in part paying Ms Vyrostko’s salary—$112,000, according to the 2021 Sunshine List— I believe there is a conflict of interest here. Harboring a convicted sex offender is certainly not what I want
my hard-earned tax dollars to support. I wonder also why the Board of Directors of Community Living have not commented on the fact that a convicted sex offender is cohabitating with one of their top executives. C. Dougan Fonthill Editor’s Note: The Voice reached out directly to Ms Vyrostko, and to a Community Living Welland Pelham executive board member, for comment, neither of whom responded.
Salute to the clean-up crews Wow! Talk about inspiring! While driving to Earth Day events last Saturday morning, I could not help but noticing the many town residents with yellow garbage bags in hand scouring roadside ditches for garbage and debris. It wasn’t just the roadside ditches that got a makeover—the Steve Bauer Trail and the areas both north and east of the MCC benefited from the hard work of our civic-minded residents. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Everywhere you go around our community looks nice and clean. In these fast-paced times that we now find ourselves, and with “time” always in short supply, I just had to reach out to all of our residents involved with the clean-up and give you a heart-felt thank you! Mayor Marvin Junkin Town of Pelham
LAFLEUR
continued from previous page powerful reminder that Father Time spares no one, celebrity or not, is undeniable. We all have to pay the piper at some point. The extra wrinkles, the hair loss, the aches and pains certainly become harder to avoid. Yet, there remains a beautiful flip side to time’s marching. Each day, we all
have an opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of others. Mr. Lafleur humbly cemented a legacy that touched many. His untimely passing offers a valuable opportunity for each of us to think about our own legacy. The passing of a hockey legend does indeed offer plenty of food for thought. Rob Shook Vineland
MUNICIPAL MATTERS Pelham
Events, much like a cake, are made to enjoy together BY LEAH LETFORD Town of Pelham Communications Specialist
P
elham event programmers work behind the scenes to combine all the elements of an event, like a baking team creating a specialty cake. There is a combination of art and science as the "ingredients" are sourced, combined, moulded and prepared before being served up for the community to enjoy. The planning to create these events does, in some cases, begin a year or more in advance. Such as making sure Santa can attend the Christmas in Pelham events, since his calendar fills quickly, or sourcing enough chocolate eggs to fill a truck for the Easter Bunny. Designing the event from concept to completion, planners evaluate the crucial components, from site and logistics to entertainment and decor. These ingredients are the high-level direction for the event recipe. Once the overall event design is determined, staff work backwards to create a timeline and schedule to ensure each ingredient is secured and in place. This process involves staff from multiple
BY AMANDA DESCHENES Special Events & Festivals Programmer
departments and dedicated community groups and volunteers working together. For Easter, the process included chocolate eggs sourced months in advance to ensure the Easter Bunny and six helpers could be ready to transport the truckload of eggs, over 60,000, to hide in the park in the early morning hours before the annual hunt. Attendees to an event are the focus as the recipe for the event is built. What is the experience they will have when they attend? At the Easter event, the big question is whether each child will have a collection of eggs that will make them smile during the hunt. Will they be excited at the rush of the bell at the start of the hunt and the potential to meet the Easter Bunny? The event team keeps the children in mind as they focus on how they will be able to interact and engage with all of the elements. The goal of the event team is to have attendees enjoying the experience without thinking about the process that occurs behind the scenes to bring the event together.
Pelham has a proven track record of providing award-winning events for the community. From the larger-scale events like the annual Pelham Summerfest, to the community events like Easter and Earth Week. The team that works behind the scene is a roster of staff, countless community volunteers, committee members, and entertainers all dedicated to working together to create engaging and memorable events. Like following a recipe, the team brings in the elements of the event and combines them for the final product, mixing, measuring and adjusting as they go. After each event, the most valuable part of the process is the debriefing and event feedback. The process is reviewed and refined yet again, and elements are adjusted to make the event even more deliciously enjoyable the next time. Pelham's municipal events, though, have a secret ingredient mixed into the recipe—the sense of community brought by neighbours and friends who attend. See you at the next event in Pelham! ◆
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.
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Page 6
The Voice
A May 4 2022
COMMON DECENCY Rev. Michael Coren
Letters continued Appreciates empathy over Ridgeville parking issue
Charlie and the Anti-Semite Factory
N
etflix has bought the rights to Roald Dahl’s children’s books from the late author’s family. As well as controlling film and television productions, it will produce stage shows, and spin-off games, and while the precise amount for the purchase hasn’t been revealed it must have been of giant peach proportions, because in 2019 alone the Dahl estate earned $50 million from the author’s works. Which is all very well for Dahl’s family and fans but not entirely reassuring for those of us who are familiar with his repugnant and clinical anti-Semitism. When this deal was made public there were a few references to what Dahl had said about Jewish people, and the estate had made a brief apology on its web-
site a few months earlier, but that was mostly it. That simply wasn’t an adequate response, and I should know because I was the person who broke the story in 1983.
I should know, because I was the person who broke the story in 1983
I was in my early 20s, and writing for Britain’s New Statesman. Dahl had just reviewed the book God Cried, about the Israeli war in Lebanon, and his criticisms of Israel were extreme and jarringly sweeping. There seemed to be something visceral about his anger,
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something more personal and dark than anti-Zionism or empathy with the Palestinians. He’d written of “a race of people” — the Jews —who had “switched so rapidly from victims to barbarous murderers,” and that the United States was “so utterly dominated by the great Jewish financial institutions” that “they dare not defy” Israel. Even so, Dahl was eager to be interviewed, and I was the person chosen to speak to him. He was polite. And entirely grotesque. “There is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity, maybe it’s a kind of lack of generosity towards non-Jews,” he carefully explained. “I mean, there’s always a reason why anti-anything crops up anywhere.” Pause. “Even a See COREN Page 14
It’s nice to see that people still care about our town and preserving the quaintness that is slowly disappearing. [“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Letters, April 5, p.5.] Our biggest problem since day one is there has never been enough parking from the Ridgeville redo that ended up with less parking than what they started with. It shouldn’t be
rocket science that when you are designing spaces that you put in proper parking to accommodate the growth. We are still hoping that we can get more parking spaces in Ridgeville to make it easier for our patrons to shop. Thanks for your concern. Bobbi Lococco Fonthill
Earth Week sees residents on the right PATH Earth Week provided an opportunity for Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH) to have a major impact on Pelham. Twenty-two kilometres of the Steve Bauer Trail were cleared of litter, and PATH members were photographed cleaning around the MCC. Two construction sites were also cleared prior to the major pickup on April 23. PATH, and other environmental groups, were encouraged by the Town to set up information booths at the MCC while residents picked up their rain barrels. We thank the Town and our visitors for this opportunity to spread our message. The 1st Annual Rally on Earth Day for
Opening for the Season
a call for action (AREA) was held in Peace Park and was organized by PATH. Environmental groups demonstrated to the public and all levels of government that they are united in combating the climate crisis. This coalition, a grassroots movement, will work for Climate Change Action. Marie Jones, an elder from the Mohawk Nation, gave this event her spiritual blessing. Mayor Junkin welcomed everyone on behalf of the Town. Sixteen environmental leaders voiced their concerns for the environment. The indigenous “Strong Waters Women” drummers were a highlight of the See PATH Page 15
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Thursday May 5, 2022 4 p.m. to Dusk 20 Pelham Town Square
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The Voice
Page 7
A May 4 2022
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Page 8
The Voice
A May 4 2022
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Canada Games Park officially open Walker Sports and Abilities Centre has huge “wow factor” BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The 28th edition of the Canada Summer Games is scheduled from August 6 to 21 in Niagara, and with fewer than 100 days until the competition commences, the grand opening of the newly minted Walker Sport and Abilities Centre, at the corner of Merrittville Highway and Sir Isaac Brock Way, took place on Friday, April 22. It was followed up with an unveiling ceremony of the Games’ medal design, in a ceremony at Ravine Winery in St. David’s on April 28. It is the first time in 21 years that an Ontario community has hosted the competition. The Games’ objective is to develop young athletes (and para-athletes) from across the country in a variety of sports. They take place every two years, alternating between summer and winter seasons. Some 5,000 competitors from all provinces and territories are expected, competing in 18 different sports. Rugby Sevens will have its inaugural appearance at the Games, and Canada’s national summer sport, lacrosse, returns after an absence of almost four decades. Brock University will serve as the Athletes Village for the two weeks of competition. In addition to providing an opportunity for the local community to showcase itself, the Games leave infrastructure for future use, facilitating new builds and improvements to existing sports fa-
cilities. The Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course in St. Catharines, the Welland Baseball Stadium, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club are all receiving upgrades for the Games. The crown gem of the infrastructure injection is the Canada Games Park and the 200,000-square-foot Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, which includes a sport performance unit, a health and well-being unit, two NHL-size ice surfaces, a 200-metre indoor track, sport offices, and a multipurpose field house featuring a parasport gymnasium and a combative sport centre. The Canada Games Park features six beach volleyball courts, a cycling and storage pavilion, and a 400-metre track-and-field facility. ASM Global has been hired by the Canada Games Park Consortium to manage the day-to-day operations of Canada Games Park and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre. The Walker Family of Niagara earned naming rights for the complex with their $3 million contribution. Additional funding of the $102 million dollar project came from the federal and provincial governments, Niagara Region, the cities of Thorold and St. Catharines, and Brock University. Unlike the Olympic Games, the Canada Games are a money-maker for the host community. The average Olympic Games since 1960 went 156 per cent over budget. Given these huge cost overruns, Olympic
Officials cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre on April 22. hosts lose millions, if not billions, and fail to achieve a return on investment. But the Canada Games are considered a major driver for economic growth, according to their promoters. The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) reported that the average Canada Games creates $116 million in total economic activity, with $98 million of that being local. They create an average of 800 new local jobs, paying $28 million in local wages and $1.9 million in local municipal taxes. Niagara Regional government expects that the Games will have an economic impact of as much as $240 million, with support for 1,500 jobs and $76 million paid out in wages. Much of this money will go into the tourism sector. It takes 4500 volunteers to staff the Games, and at present, 3200 spots have been filled. Those interested may apply for positions at volunteer@2022canadagames.ca. Applicant must be at least 16 years old and fully vaccinated against Covid. Niagara College graduate Shaun O’Melia eclipsed more than 45 submissions to win the commemorative medal design competition.
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to the Region’s enduring commitment to improve the quality of life for all who call Niagara home.” Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin was overwhelmed by the Canada Games Park and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, which he visited during the grand opening ceremony. “When David [Pelham CAO Cribbs] and I walked through the new facility last week, I told him it had a huge ‘wow’ factor,” said Junkin. “The quality of the materials and the interior finish, and the sheer magnitude of the build, leaves you awe-struck. It dwarfs our MCC.” Junkin sees the sports park as a wonderful asset that the entire region will use for a variety of sporting events, including provincial and national tournaments. He said that he expects to attend a number of competitions during the Games, and was particularly keen on track-and-field events. “It takes what the region can offer sports-wise to a whole different level. It was unfortunate that the Canada Games were moved back a year due to the pandemic, but everybody's ready to go now.”
2000 of the gold, silver, and bronze medals will be presented to athletes at the games. O’Melia, who specializing in branding and illustration, and owns a successful creative design company, earned $2,000 as the design winner. The medals incorporate five key features, including iconic Niagara Falls. O’Melia design includes 13 waves representing Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, as well as Niagara’s municipalities, and the ceremonies of the moon celebrated by the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples who historically occupied Niagara. The medal lanyard is inspired from historic Wampum treaties, promoting friendship and unity. Teck Resources Limited of Vancouver, a mining company, manufactured the medals. “Long after the game’s closing ceremonies, this facility will continue serve Niagara’s residents, as well as visiting athletes, providing world-class amenities and opportunities for generations,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “The Walker Sports and Abilities Centre will stand as the lasting legacy of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, and a testament
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Page 9
A May 4 2022
New pastor at Kirk on the Hill Reverend James Yang started duties in January BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Pastor James Yang didn’t know much about smalltown life before he came to Pelham. “I was at a Celebration Presbyterian Church in Markham for about six years, and before that I was in Montreal, serving with a Korean United Church, and was active with urban youth ministry as far back as 2009,” he told the Voice. Growing up in Etobicoke, Yang studied psychology at York University, and went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. His upbringing in Toronto, and his early postings in the church, ministering in an urban context, made him a stereotypical city boy, said Yang. Joining the ministry was something he had been contemplating for quite some time. “While at York, I was thinking that I wanted to serve the Lord somehow. During my last year of university, I felt a sense of calling, so I decided to go to Bible college to figure it
out. My years in the seminary confirmed my feelings, and I’ve been following that path ever since.” Yang said that he had a sense in his last year of service to the Markham church, where he was the associate minister, that “I wanted to get outside the normal, to try something new, outside the box. I had also mostly been involved with Korean and Asian congregations — my last church was predominantly Canadian-born Chinese folks — so I yearned for something a little bit more diverse.” So why Pelham, given that its demographics are far from what many would term diverse. “There's an energy here, a sense of need, a desire to grow,” said Yang, reflecting on his interview with the Kirk parish council. “My sense was we shared the same line of thinking. They were looking for someone outside their norm to do ministry in a fresh way. They appreciated that I had successfully engaged young people.”
Pastor James Yan believes that music is an integral part of the spiritual journey. All churches are working hard in this regard, he acknowledged. His start at the helm of Kirk this past January was affected by the Covid pandemic, and decisions were made to curtail in-person
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services for a period. Remote church took place, and luckily Kirk had hired a tech-savvy pastor. “We went from holding up an iPhone to record the service, to making a heavy investment in computer-
ized, web-based equipment and all the necessary peripherals for live streaming. We were back to in-person services around the middle of March, but it's been a slow start. We haven't had our full congregation
DON RICKERS
come out. I think many are still engaging us online and watching the recorded broadcasts, but it’s going to take some time for people to feel a sense of security and See PASTOR Page 15
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The Voice
A May 4 2022
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$5 million dollar donation for new South Niagara Hospital BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Niagara has been blessed with a coterie of business leaders whose philanthropic largesse has enriched the region. Tom Rankin of Rankin Construction, Mark Basciano of Mountainview Homes, brothers John and Norris Walker of Walker Industries, Steve Cohen of Salit Steel, and David Howes of Lincoln Fabrics spring to mind. Add Spencer Fox of E.S. Fox to the list. The third-generation president of an industrial and commercial giant, which has evolved from general construction and fabrication to nuclear technology, recently pledged $5 million over three years to the new South Niagara Hospital, part of Niagara Health Foundation’s ‘It’s Our Future’ fundraising campaign. In recognition of the donation, the hospital’s stroke centre will be named The Fox Family Centre of Excellence for Stroke. Construction on the new facility starts later this year, and is expected to take four years to finish. The local community needs to raise $212 million towards the hospital’s total price tag, which exceeds $1 billion. The healthcare facility will be located at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads in Niagara Falls. Three short-listed bids are being considered by Infrastructure Ontario and Niagara Health, with the winner to be announced this fall. Giving to health-related causes has been a tradition in the Fox family. “My grandfather, Ted Fox, started the business in 1934. He was a plumber. My father, Eb, who was an engineer, followed in his foot-
From left, Niagara Health Foundation president and CEO Andrea Scott, E.S. Fox Ltd. president Spencer Fox, and Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati. steps,” said Spencer, who is also an engineer. “They started a legacy of contributing to local healthcare. And, of course, when Benjamin had his medical emergency, that factored into the donation as well.” Benjamin is Spencer Fox’s son, who, at just 15, suffered a stroke due to a carotid artery dissection. “He had his initial treatment here in Niagara Falls,” Fox told the Voice, “but spent a lot of time in hospitals in Hamilton and Toronto, where he received excel-
lent care. He even had some of his recovery treatment in Buffalo. We spent a lot of time driving him for appointments, and while we were fortunate to be able to do that, we recognized that the distance would be a barrier for a lot of families. So part of this donation is simply a statement about our need for better facilities in Niagara. Without putting too negative a spin on it, I just think that Niagara is not properly served at present.” Fox takes issue with the governance model of the region, and
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piece, our way of giving back to the community and establishing first-class services here, so that families don't have to go outside the region. That's it in a nutshell.” The new 11-story hospital will cover over a million square feet, with 469 beds. The site will specialize in stroke care and provide broad treatment for aging adults, and will also be Canada’s first WELL-certified healthcare facility, a global designation that by design is aimed at ensuring health and well-being for all.
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sees it as an impediment to offering such critical services as healthcare and transit. “This is my way for the Fox family to do something that will serve everyone in Niagara. We need proper services here. There are 450,000 people in Niagara, and soon to be half a million. With all our towns and cities, there's never been an overall plan for Niagara. Hopefully that's changing. I think the Niagara Health System is moving towards that. And the Niagara Falls hospital is the next
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The Voice
Page 11
A May 4 2022
Exemplary service award for Fenwick veterinarian "It's not about me, it's about the students who are the future" BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Many high schools offer co-op programs as a way of providing students with a hands-on approach to the working world. For students with placements at the Balfour Animal Hospital in Fenwick, hands can get scratched, or even bitten. But there’s no danger pay. It’s all in a day’s work. The Voice recently visited the clinic to observe students working under the tutelage of Dr. Scott Reid, an award-winning veterinarian who has served for decades as a mentor to hundreds of students. “Many of my students are interested in working with animals as veterinarians, or as registered veterinary technicians [RVTs],” said Reid. “The RVTs are the unsung heroes of veterinary medicine, performing blood tests, inserting intravenous drips, administering medications, and getting animals prepped for surgery. I supervise, do the surgeries, and prescribe treatment and meds, but a lot of the work in veterinary clinics is done by RVTs.” Reid points to Katie Quinn, his RVT overseeing E.L. Crossley co-op students Hailey Brinkman and Victoria Adams as they assess Tom, a ten-year-old feral cat. The physical examination requires that the students establish Tom’s heart and
respiratory rates, along with other vital signs. “Katie supervises them and does a lot of the teaching. I deal with the surgery component, but Katie does all the monitoring. She's a very skilled RVT,” said Reid. “Katie attended the Ridgetown campus of the University of Guelph, near Chatham. It has a tremendous RVT program.” Quinn said that her days are busy with all kinds of veterinary procedures, such as assisting with surgeries, spaying and neutering, lump removals, dental cleaning and extractions, and occasionally euthanasia of animals. “Tom was an outdoor barn cat for much of his life,” said Quinn. “He had frostbite to his ears and his nose, and was in rough shape when he was first brought in. Today, he’s pretty healthy.” Reid was recently recognized for three and a half decades of exemplary service, and was awarded the Golden Life Membership Award from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). The award honours a veterinarian who has served the profession for at least 30 years and has made extraordinary contributions to animal welfare and veterinary medicine. A group of Reid’s former students
Co-op students Hailey Brinkman and Victoria Adams, Dr. Scott Reid, technician Katie Quinn.
nominated him for the award. His passion for zoological medicine led him to work with unique species at various zoos in southern Ontario, including the African Lion Safari. Reid has written a book, My Book of Memories, about his adventures and experiences working as a veterinarian. “For as long as I have known Scott, he has had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and unwavering passion for the practice of veterinary medicine,” says colleague and friend Dr. Steve Backman in a press release. “His passion for his profession is only matched by his compassion for the animals in his care and support for the emotional well-being of their owners.” Reid has been in practice for 35
years “The veterinary profession is a small community,” said Reid. “My friend and former student, Dr. Ivan Bos, started the Balfour practice in 2012, and he worked for me when he first graduated. I owned a vet clinic in Dunnville for 25 years, and then 10 years ago became a locum [fillin]. I’ve been with the Balfour clinic for two and a half years now, helping out four days a week. Reid graduated at age 23 from the Guelph Veterinary College in 1987. He still resides in Dunnville, but enjoys the leisurely 25 minute drive to Fenwick four days each week. “The people here in Fenwick are wonderful, and have known me for many years because I used to do house calls here in the past,” he
DON RICKERS
said. He is zealous about constantly updating his knowledge. “I go to conferences, and do daily readings,” said Reid. “I probably log 300 hours a year in continuing education. You learn a lot by talking to other veterinarians. Every day I learned something new.” Reid will receive his award at a veterinary conference in July, at the Western Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto. “It’s all been quite overwhelming,” he said. “But I still think my most important contributions are through teaching. My job, as I see it at this stage of my career, is to share information and mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
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Page 12
The Voice
A May 4 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
New animal shelter in the works Humane Society revamping former Truck Toppers on Hwy 20 BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The Lincoln County Humane Society (LCHS) has a new site for homeless and adoptable pets just outside Fonthill. Executive Director Kevin Strooband met with the Voice at the LCHS’s second shelter location, in the former Truck Toppers location on Highway 20. The 10,000-square-foot facility is in the throes of renovation, but Strooband is hopeful that part of the building will be open for use by the summer. An open house will announced in the near future. “It’s a great space, very solid,” said Strooband. “As part of our strategic planning, we’ve been looking for a long time, trying to find something centrally located in the Niagara region. We expect to attract a lot more people looking for pets, especially from South Niagara.” The project architect still needs to provide specific pricing, said Strooband, which the LCHS board must approve, “and then we need all the drawings, the permit, and a contractor to do the work. It’s a big process.” Although he wouldn’t disclose the purchase price of the Highway 20 site, Strooband said that “the building wasn't cheap, and the architect tells me that it could take over $500,000 to completely outfit
the space with what we want.” Modern glass and plastic kennels will eventually be installed, both in the new facility, and at the LCHS’ primary location on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines, replacing the metal cages and cinder block enclosures currently in place. “But in the short term, we'll probably just go to Home Depot and buy cages to keep the animals separated,” said Strooband. “We have some special design ideas for the site that we’re not putting out to the public just yet, but we are confident that these features will be appreciated by pet owners.” The LCHS provides animal-related services via municipal contracts in St. Catharines, Thorold, Grimsby, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Strooband said expanding to a second location will allow the LCHS to provide for more animals, and enhance its municipal contracts. Some 2,300 animals were housed last year, including strays, surrenders, wildlife, and transfers from other agencies. This is a reduction from past years, and fewer numbers have allowed LCHS to help take in animals from other organizations within the Ontario Animal Welfare Network. There has been a shortage of dogs in Southern Ontario for adoption in
LCHA executive director Kevin Strooband in front of the organization’s new facility on Highway 20. recent years. “Typically, our business has been about 70 percent cats,” said Strooband. “We used to have a big overpopulation problem with cats in in the areas that we cover, and I'm sure right across southern Ontario as well. But our spay and neuter program has had a positive impact, with 35,000 animals having had the procedure in the past ten years. It’s made a huge difference.” Because the LCHS has experienced a drop in the number of cats, it has reached out to other areas, like the City of Windsor, to bring cats in. “For some reason, Windsor gets
inundated with cats year after year, so we've been helping them with their overflow problem.” As at the Fourth Avenue location, a pet isolation area will be in the back of the new building, accessible by police officers as well as animal control officers. “When Niagara Regional Police officers are driving around the region, and find a stray dog, they don't have to call our LCHS officer, and wait for them to arrive. They will bring the animal here, punch in the code, enter the building, and put the dog in a cage. They give it some water, and go back to work. My staff follows up in the morning. It’s a system that works well,”
DON RICKERS
said Strooband. Donations make up a significant chunk of the LCHS’s operating budget, along with the monies collected through municipal contracts. The non-profit organization has five mobile animal control officers, and a total staff of about 30 at present, which includes veterinarians and technicians in its clinics. The new facility will generate some job opportunities, said Strooband. Local high schoolers who are interested in studying veterinary medicine or animal care after graduation are welcome to apply, and co-op work placements for current college and university students will be available.
HAPPY
Mothh‘s Day! Hoping that your day brings you great
jj, lle & happiness happiness!
DIANA HUSON
Regional Councillor | Town of Pelham diana.huson@niagararegion.ca
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice
A May 4 2022
Page 13
PASS THE PIPE Part of an $11 million dollar drinking water infrastructure investment by the province showed up last week for a photo-op near Fonthill United Church. Approximately $1.3 million dollars has been allocated to Pelham to replace certain water mains and fire hydrants. From left, Mayor Marvin Junkin, Public Works Director Jason Marr, and MPP Sam Oosterhoff. SUPPLIED
BATTER UP At a recent Fabulous Fenwick Lion Club dinner meeting, Lion President Jeff Pickup presented the club’s yearly donation to John Enzlin, of the Pelham Minor Baseball Association. Enzlin told the club that the equipment he hoped to acquire would be put to use in 2022 at a number of planned tournaments. SUPPLIED
35th annual Pelham Art Festival
John Davidson “Niagara Gorge #1”
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May 6, 7, 8
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Sheila Vander Wier “Pink Purity”
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TREES FOR THE FUTURE Last Friday morning, a group of volunteers and community service groups dug in to plant two new areas within Centennial Park in Fenwick, thanks to the TD Friends of the Environment grant received by the Town of Pelham. The community learned about the native plants selected for the project and their impact for pollinators. Above, 2-year old Brooks and mom Brittany Hudak plant one of the pollinators. LEAH LETFORD
Page 14
The Voice
BALANCED LIFE
continued from Page 18 the anti-viral capabilities of broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage, eat it raw or lightly steamed. Cruciferous vegetables have additional medicinal values. The U. S. National Institute of Health says, “Sulforaphane has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in a number of test-tube and animal studies, reducing both the size and number of various cancer cells.” Although studies don’t yet quantify the specific effectiveness of various quantities of SFN we might ingest from vegetables, there is abundant research to conclude that a high dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables is linked to a significantly reduced risk of cancer. Tomatoes, although technically a fruit, are another example of a natural disease fighter. They contain lycopene, an anti-oxidant powerful enough to qualify as medicinal. Best known for its prostate cancer fighting ability, additional research shows that lycopene can inhibit the growth of numerous other cancers such as colon, lung, stomach, breast and cervical by protecting our immune system. Tomatoes also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, anti-oxident carotenoids found in the lens of our eyes as macular pigments which fi lter out blue light rays that can damage eye tissue. Studies confi rm these compounds help protect us from age-related macular degeneration, a disease of the retina, and the primary cause of blindness in North America. In a world full of blue light emitting computer screens, tablets and phones, tomatoes are truly preventative medicine. These benefits are affected by whether tomatoes are cooked or eaten raw. Lycopene is more readily absorbed by our bodies
when tomatoes are cooked, but heating reduces the amount of other valuable nutrients available. Crushed or chopped garlic produces allicin, an antiviral and antibacterial. Onions release quercetin when eaten, also a strong antiviral. Adding garlic and onion to cooked tomatoes in a spicy pasta sauce, with a raw tomato cucumber salad on the side, makes a meal that qualifies as delicious natural medicine.
Studies confirm these compounds help protect us from age-related macular degeneration
Beets are packed with nitrates, folate and anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Half a litre of beet juice per day significantly reduces blood pressure in healthy people. Folate is essential to creating our DNA, therefore requisite during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of spine and brain birth defects. Alpha-lipoic acid also combats diabetes-related nerve damage. These benefits accrue whether beets are cooked or eaten raw. Carrots are considered nutritionally packed enough to have medicinal value. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, both important for vision as mentioned above. Equally important, a 2018 meta-analysis (a study of studies) of ten major studies published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine designed to defi ne the relationship between dietary carrot intake and the risk of breast cancer con-
A May 4 2022
cluded, “That high carrot intake was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer.” Bright-coloured bell peppers, like carrots, are rich in carotenoids, and also phenols and flavonoids. Animal studies show that these compounds are effective in preventing memory loss in those with Alzheimer’s. Consuming colourful bell peppers appears to inhibit the beta-secretase 1 enzyme present in our brains from releasing the amyloid proteins which latch onto nerve fibres, increasing the risk of brain malfunction and Alzheimer’s. Sweet potatoes provide another example of why it is important to know how vegetable preparation impacts medicinal value. Boiled sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they help control blood sugar by slowing glucose release into our bloodstream. They also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, which protects our heart. However, because they are high in carbohydrates, baking, roasting and frying sweet potatoes dramatically raises their glycemic index, causing blood sugar levels to spike. Food selections and diet choices have been utilized to treat and prevent illness for centuries. Science and research have improved rapidly, dramatically increasing our understanding food and its benefits and dangers. Unfortunately for many societies, this parallels a decrease in the quality and diversity of food we consume. Information on vegetables as medicine is easily accessed. Reasonable diligence will separate fact from promotional content. There is no downside to becoming informed and food-curious prior to making our dietary decisions. ◆
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
COREN
continued from Page 6 stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on them for no reason.” He told me that during his service in the Second World War he and his friends didn’t see any Jewish men fighting, and he was about to say something else when I finally responded. Firmly, but not rudely, I told him that my father was Jewish, that my grandfather had won all sorts of medals, that Jews fought in enormous numbers in all of the Allied armies, and were often over- rather than under-represented. At which point he coughed, mumbled something about “sticking together,” and then promptly ended the interview. After the article appeared I heard nothing from Dahl, and in those days before social media his comments seemed to be largely forgotten. I was told that he might be senile or—most memorable of all—“just having a bad day.” That bad day was a long one because seven years later he gave another interview, not to me, in which he said, “I’m certainly anti-Israeli, and I’ve become anti-Semitic.… It’s the same old thing: We all know about Jews and the rest of it. There aren’t any non-Jewish publishers anywhere, they control the media — jolly clever thing to do — that’s why the president of the United States has to sell all this stuff to Israel.” There was never any apology or explanation from Dahl, clearly because he thought that there was nothing to be sorry about. While my interview has been quoted every few years, Dahl’s reputation has hardly been touched and certainly not trashed. Most people, I’d think, have no idea about
POETRY The Warrior Like a phoenix from the ashes, she rises Wearing her scars like radiant plumage Bruised but not broken Down but not defeated Her courage is summoned. She is a warrior. Like a robin at dawn, she sings Not with her voice, but her paper and pen Scribed but not spoken Heartfelt but not cloying Her words are her weapons She is a warrior. Like an osprey with her young, she nurtures Enveloping us with her warmth and protection Safe but not stifled Loved but not cosseted Her devotion is steadfast She is a warrior. Like a rose that grew from concrete, she persists Defying the obstacles that hinder her path Tired but not deterred Doubtful but not disheartened Her strength is her armour She is a warrior. She is a warrior. She is a warrior. She is my mother.
Submitted by a Loving Daughter
this aspect of his life, personality, and belief system. Dahl’s works are undeniably impressive, and arguments about separation of creator and creation have raged for generations. What does bite, however, is the fact that he seems to have largely gotten away with it. We’re not speaking of Wagner or Ezra Pound here, but of authors and artists who have made far more ambiguous comments about race than Dahl, ones often soaked in anachronism, who are frequently given a much harder time than this nasty old anti-Semite
It’s facile and reductive to compare minority status as if it were a competition. Jews do matter, anti-Semitism isn’t pervasive, and most critics of Israel certainly do make that vital distinction between objections to the policies of a nation state and downright racism. Not Dahl though, and he never even pretended otherwise. It’s difficult but possible to deal with anti-Semitism expressed before the Holocaust, but from someone with full knowledge of the Shoah it’s a struggle, and one I’m not sure we should even attempt. ◆
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Page 15
A May 4 2022
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Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org
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Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com
Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca
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Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church pccweb.ca/kirkonthehill
St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca
Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com
Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com
Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc
St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com
PASTOR
continued from Page 9 comfort, to step outside their homes and come out to worship.” When he’s not clad in clergical robes, Yang enjoys music and photography, but quickly offers, “I'm mostly a family man.” He and his wife, Jini, have a two-and-ahalf-year-old son, Leonard, and live in a new subdivision in south Pelham. “We've settled in, and whenever we get the chance, we get in the car and explore the neighborhood and parts of Niagara.” Jini is very musical, Yang said, and is proficient on the piano. His own instrumental talents are focused on the guitar, and he enjoys playing duets with his wife, usually involving contemporary worship music. They have performed for the church congregation, and hope to do more, especially in an effort to engage more younger people. “Music is a very spiritual medium,” he said. “When we look at the Christian faith, I think that music is a vital part
of the church, the way it's manifested throughout the generations.” Yang has enjoyed the transition to small-town life, noting that people in Fonthill will offer greetings while passing on the street, which is a rare occurrence in the metropolis across the lake. “I've been at the coffee shop in town, and people will just approach and strike up a conversation with me. I love that.” He and Jini often speak Korean at home with their son. “I think that it’s an important part of our heritage. Frankly, my spoken Korean is not particularly good. I was born here in Canada, but Jini was born in Korea. She's trilingual, and speaks French as well as English and Korean, due to the fact that she lived in Montreal most of her life.” Yang is deeply appreciative of the way that the congregation has made him and his family feel welcome. “Everyone at Kirk on the Hill has been very hospitable and caring, and allowed our transition here to be seamless and smooth. We’ve been very blessed.”
PATH
continued from Page 6 afternoon. We thank the Mayor, Town and Regional Councillors, Jim Bradley Chair of Regional Council, Dave Augustyn provincial NDP candidate, CHCH-TV, and our community for attending. We also thank everyone who made Earth Week a great educational and active celebration. Remember: Earth Day is every day! Follow the PATH. Mike Jones Fonthill
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EDITORIAL
continued from Page 4 at Councillor Kore’s grocery store, methodically plotting next to the Frosted Flakes how to torpedo hundreds of hours of staff labour on a draft bylaw which they themselves had requested. There is no John Dean eyewitness testimony as to how many were in the room and who knew what and when. In our effort to deduce a credible explanation for the incredible, we used imprecise and inaccurate phrasing, and for this we unreservedly and, in the most fitting sense of the term, fulsomely apologize to the Gang of Four, and to any reader inadvertently misled into assuming any of the four councillors engaged in illegal behaviour—which, to be clear, was not our assertion then nor is it now. Here’s how we should have phrased it: To a reasonable eye, Coun-
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cillors Haun, Hildebrandt, Stewart and Kore give every appearance of seeming to communicate with each other outside of the council chamber, then acting in a coordinated fashion within the chamber, without so much as a single syllable of reasoning. At best this violates the spirit of Ontario’s open meeting law. In other words, we can’t prove they’re (legally) yakking outside council, but the preponderance of evidence logically suggests it. Let’s pause for a quick recap. Among other of their poor decisions, last week’s editorial referenced council’s April 19th 4-3 vote to kill a new Procedural Bylaw— the four no votes being, of course, Haun, Hildebrandt, Kore, and Stewart. At council’s request before the pandemic, staff went to work on updating the old Bylaw, which governs how council functions. Four staffers spent three months, hundreds of hours, and likely
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PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Pick up in Hamilton. Pls call Wendy (905) 383-2874 Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from in the morning. lem. But if one councillor tens 9-12 of thousands of dollars by the Mayor, the CAO, and
emails three or more counCouncillor John Wink to rein opportunity cost preparcillors, that’s a quorum, and consider their vote—to go ing the 32-page document. MUDFEST that’s definitely a problem. through the Bylaw line-byAt PELHAM the council meeting, We did run not state lastyear week, line, if necessary, to deternoneMen of the four made a and women will be back in the mud as the second on the is nor do we state now, that the mine their specific objecsingle remark about the Byheld at Bissil’s Hideaway. four held an outside meettions—the tight-lipped four law’s contents upon being ing, physically or otherwise, wouldn’t budge. Common invited to do so by Mayor that constituted a quorum. Junkin, as is customary be- sense concludes that their NIAGARA REGIONALposition EXHIBITION Yet they were perfectly free was understood before a vote. to years email or call oneevent. another As Rodeo, the Mayor commented There was no need this games and liveforehand. entertainment headline exciting It one-on-one, and one-onfor them to debate, because in last week’s news story: “I runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. two. the Gang had no need to conhad spoken in advance with It is our contention that vince the other three council our Clerk, Ms. Willford, and such communication—if members. They knew they she had not heard any negBIG MOVE CANCER RIDE and when engaged in even had their own votes. ative comments from any Themembers, Big MovesoCancer is a the non-competitive taking place on Sept. if technically legal—noneHere’s thing. It is ride council she Ride theless violates the of not illegal for councillors was 7. optimistic that after Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walkerspirit FamOntario’s open meeting proto communicate with each some debate, and perhaps ilytwo Cancer Centre.the other about Town business visions, which call for public one or amendments, business to be conducted in outside council chambers. report would pass.” public view. Councillors are free to call, In any rational universe, WALKING CLUBbe- text, email, Skype, Zoom, or Here comes another plot the absence of debate twist,atthis one by Stephen one another fore Interested a vote indicates that insmoke-signal in walking Pelham? Join them Tuesdays the Pelham Arena King. It turns out that the any time they wish, inside all councillors are in agreefrom 9-10 andare Thursdays at or Fonthill Bandshellfour for admit 9-10:30 There theyam. largely are Town Hall out. ment, have no am issues, on the same page and can What is illegal, however, not, is in no fact, about to drop fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ foresee how their votes will is to do so with a majority of a neutron bomb on Town ext go. Why? In so many abbrecouncillors at the329. same time. Hall.pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, viations: E.S.P. That’s called a quorum. On Without uttering a word Pelham’s seven-member “We have worked alongother than nyet, all four voted HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES side each other for more council, four members conto reject all 22 important elethan three years now,” they ments of the Bylaw, en masse. a majority, quo- or Purchase fresh fruit andstitute vegetables at theorMarket bring a non-perishable state in their letter, “and in rum. If one councillor emails Baby out with the bathwater. food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4. another councillor, no probthat time have spent hunAsked almost beseechingly
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Event SubmissionsCALL Standards FRANK ADAMSON AT 905-892-0200 If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, Andyour wecommunity will donateevents $100 information to rebuild to you may submit an events profile by sending theapply. Rotary/Summerfest Arches editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions Event submissions that meet the acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted until the date COVID-19 PROTOCOLS IN PLACE of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide as much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description Improve Health and Fitness of your event. The Voice of Pelham reserves the right to edit for space.
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dreds of hours together (virtually or otherwise).... As a result of this shared experience, we have each gained considerable insight into how each other thinks, and what each is likely to value and prioritize. It would in fact be surprising if we had not developed such insight. There is no need for us to hold legally prohibited meetings to discuss council business — we understand each other, we understand the community’s needs, and frequently we are in accord with each other.” So there you have it—the Gang of Four are on a special wavelength, a quartet of David Copperfields, effectively reading each other’s minds. To reject every single one of 22 unique elements in a 32-page bylaw, they had no need for mortal communication. Or to share their rationale with their colleagues and Town staff before, during, or after said mind-meld. A last tidbit. Five days before last week’s paper was published, we reached out to Councillors Haun, Hildebrandt, Kore, and Stewart with a request to help the public understand their unexplained decision to kill the Bylaw. One of the questions we asked was this: At any time prior to Tuesday's meeting, did you and any of the other three council members who voted against it discuss, in any way—orally or in writing—how you would vote? None of the four had the courtesy to acknowledge our request, let alone answer it, and—E.S.P. claims n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g— t h e y still haven’t. ◆
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The Voice
Vol.25 No.34
of Pelham and Central Niagara AUGUST 25 2021
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A May 4 2022 The Voice
A January 27, 2021
FIRST PERSON
ALSOP, Rory
Growing up with nudists
Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker
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Published every Wednesday
Michael Ruehle, son of Sun Valley Gardens owners, recalls his childhood on 25-acre naturist camp BY MICHAEL RUEHLE Special to the Voice
Hatchets slice the sky at Fonthill Legion fundraiser The air was heavy with hatchets last Saturday, as an axe-throwing competition at the Fonthill Legion attracted some 30 throwers from across Niagara and as
AWARDS
far away as Ohio. Local businesses donated prizes to the fundraiser, with all proceeds directed to the Legion’s mobile meals program for seniors and shut-ins.
Event organizer Jamie Treschak (far right) expected takings at the event to surpass last year’s total of $9000. Above, Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson takes aim.
One hesitates to speculate as to the imagined target in his mind's eye. —Don Rickers
out, with a strong opinEXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS ion section and interesting continued from Page 2 NRC REALTY, Brokerage and important local stories. 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON There was a good mix of The first of the three SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 www.pineSOLD.com softdebbiepine@royallepage.ca news, hard news, and Bronze awards was in HerNIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON SELL phone:features. 905-321-2261 in-depth Its one itage reporting, for “Cabshortfall was its lack of art inets to caskets,” in COMPASSION, part a TRUST, AFFORDABILITY. coverage.” Your time-honoured offering both history of the Lampman Fu- Funeral Home cremation and burial at a price you can afford. The second Honourable neral Home, looking at why 905-892-5762 email: pelhamfuneralhome@cogeco.ca Mention was in Best Rural Family owned and operated by TINA F. MOESSNER local furniture makers and Story, for “Growing up with visit our website: www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca hardware stores often had nudists,” Michael Ruehle’s a double life as funeral proaccount of growing up at viders. The story “brought Sun Valley Gardens, a pipast and present together... oneering Canadian naturas a springboard to explore ist resort in North Pelham, the factors that inform towhich the judge called, “an day’s funeral trends, showunexpectedly fascinating ing that history is rarely memoir piece.” static,” wrote the judge. It’s an article with legs, The second Bronze was says Burket. in Best News Story, for “A “It’s remained one of the family, and community, in top-ten most read stories pain,” with reporting by virtually every week on the Don Rickers and Dave BurVoice website since we postket, photos by Don Rickers, ed it. It really is a great read, covering Earl Clapp’s mesupported by excellent phomorial procession. tos from Michael’s collecThe third Bronze was tion.” in Best Front Page, which The third Honourable featured an excited young Mention was in Best Police/ Pelham Library patron winCourt Story or Series, for ning recognition for reachthe newspaper’s coverage of ing a 1000 picture-book Earl Clapp’s killing and the milestone. subsequent investigation The first of four Honourand arrests in the case. able Mentions was for GenThe final Honourable eral Excellence, circ. under Mention was in Best News 10,000. “The Voice of PelPhoto, a shot of Pelham ham is a good paper,” noted Town Councillor Wayne the judge. “Beautifully laid Olson intently taking aim
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FUNERAL HOME LTD. CREMATION & BURIAL SERVICES Formally James L Pedlar Funeral Home
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OBITUARY
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Michael Ruehle, son of Sun Valley Gardens owners, recalls his childhood on 25-acre naturist camp My parents moved to Fenwick from Toronto in about 1955-56 to operate a nudist camp — a bit unusual in those days I guess, but my father had had this plan since his youth in Germany, where it was already a fairly popular idea. He had found out that a small group of people from Fonthill, St. Catharines, and Toronto had started to gather on some land on Roland Road, and my parents acquired the property, I believe in 1955. They called it Sun Valley Gardens and started to make significant improvements. At its peak, from the early ‘60s to the mid-‘70s, there were about 500 adult members, and it was one of the largest nudist clubs in North America, with members coming from as far as Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Cleveland—even annual seasonal visitors from Los Angeles and Florida. It was so well-known that we once received a letter sent from West Africa which was addressed just, “Sun Valley Gardens, Canada.” The post office in Montréal marked it “try Toronto,” Toronto marked it, “near St. Catharines,” and of course, St. Catharines knew where to send it. I was born in 1957 and lived on the property full time until I left to go to Toronto. An interesting childhood, I would say. I attended Law's School for Grades 1 and 2, and then Hansler, South Pelham, Pelham Center, senior public school in Fonthill, Pelham High (until it closed when I was in Grade 11), graduated from E. L. Crossley in 1976, then moved to Toronto for university. I kept a cottage on the property and stayed there off and on until about 2007, when the property was sold, shortly after my father, Karl, passed away in 2006. My mother, Marlies, passed away just last year, in May. (I'm writing this on Dec. 26, 2020, which would have been her 89th birthday.) From the very beginning, rather than be secretive, my father took the opposite tack. He made a point of advertising an “open house” weekend so all the neighbors, local politicians, and news media could come and see the place. He did this twice. The first time, any members who chose to be there that weekend remained fully clothed to avoid any risk of overreaction from the police. In the event, it went really well and some 2000 people toured the place. People realized that it wasn't a wild sex club or anything, and the press was generally complimentary. The second time, he had everyone sign a waiver at the entrance that they were aware there would be nudity. Both events were very successful and meant that instead of being harassed, the place was quite quickly accepted by the authorities. In fact, as a direct result,
Poolside in 1965.
there was a core of members who were locals from Pelham, Welland, and St. Catharines, most of whom kept it a bit quiet. My father was also very astute about the value of positive media coverage, and welcomed visiting interviewers from CHCH-TV, the CBC on multiple occasions (notably June Callwood’s interview), and from some of the Buffalo stations. I’d say our membership was divided about equally between the Canadians and Americans from the Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Rochester area. Back when Sun Valley Gardens was in full swing as a nudist camp, the Niagara Regional Police used to come visit now and again. My father was on pretty good terms with them, which meant he could count on help if there were any nosy youth (you guys know who you were) trying to sneak onto the property for a peek. Whenever a new officer was hired, it was part of the hazing to take him out, without any heads-up, to the camp. Generally the senior guy would say it was, "to get to know the rural parts of Niagara better." At some point the senior officer would say, "Let's get a coffee," and the junior officer would of course wonder where there was coffee, out in the middle of nowhere. So they'd drive out Roland Road to the front gate, ring the bell and talk to my dad, who'd buzz them in. The junior officer was still unaware, because the "Sun Valley Gardens" sign is ambiguous. They would drive up the long curved driveway and, when they got to the parking area by the clubhouse, the junior guy's eyes would bug out because, of course, /naked people/ were walking around! My father would meet them at their car in his famous “rubber boots and nothing else,” and escort them down to the snack bar beside the pool area, where the police officers would sit and chat with my parents and some of the other folks while drinking their coffee and having a piece of cake. My father encouraged these visits, of course, because (a) it meant the police were accepting of nudist things and knew firsthand that there was no weird stuff going on (okay, naked is weird for most of you, but nothing /really/ weird) and (b) if there was an emergency they all knew how to get there fast. Many people wonder about how folks got to be nudists and join the club. In those days, well before social media, my father would run advertisements that were more or less specific, depending on where they ran. Some would be in the various nudist magazines of the time, and these would basically say, "Come visit Sun Valley Gardens, the best nudist camp near Toronto and upstate New York." He also ran ads in some of the regional newspapers (not all permitted it), that would be a bit more discreet: "Enjoy a carefree lifestyle at Sun Valley, Canada's best fami-
with a hatchet at a Fonthill Legion axe-throwing fundraiser last August. Don Rickers’ image inspired one of the lengthiest comments. “Oh, that expression,” wrote the judge. “The expression on the town councillor lining up the throwing hatchet is what gives this photo the strong focal point that tells a story. Also, the expressions on some of the people standing in the background. This photo reminds me a bit of a National Geographic shot from about 40 years ago where a smiling auctioneer at a livestock auction holds open the lips of a cow to bare its teeth as if it’s smiling too. People in the background have various amused expressions. The entire effect is as if the
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It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Rory Alsop of Fenwick on April 25, 2022 at the age of 65. Loving son of Berniece Alsop and beloved brother of Jarrett (Marlene) and Robin (Byron). He will be missed by his nieces and nephews as well as his extended family. Predeceased by his father George (2018). Rory will be remembered for his creativity and his love for the outdoors. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lampman Funeral Home. www. lampmanfuneralhome.com
tary subscribers—for their viewer has been let in on the Michael Ruehle, with his parents, Marlies and Karl, in 1960. Michael Ruehle, Grade 10. joke. This is a well-timed, wonderful engagement with the Voice. Nothing gives me well exposed shot with excellent choices of composi- more pleasure than to find people waiting around town tion, depth of field and timto get their fresh copy of ing.” “Well, I can’t disagree the latest paper on Tuesday mornings. Thank you all.” with any of that,” says publisher Dave Burket. “It was a nice capper to an excellent showing by this little team of ours—and it is absolutely aThe team eff main gate, 1956 . ort to get this paper produced week in and week out, and then MOTION The main building, 1974. distributed with the help SENSOR Activates based on of volunteers throughout physical movement. the community. On behalf of our shareholders, I thank our staff, news conRECHARGEABLE Perfect for those tributors, and columnists on-the-go. for their outstanding work, our advertisers for making it possible, and our readKarl Ruehle, 1958. ers—especially our volun-
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Page 18
The Voice
A May 4 2022
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart
Make room Remdesivir, here comes broccoli
W
e all get the r e l at ionship between healthy foods, including vegetables, and our quality of life. Weight, energy, illness and mood are all known to be affected by what we eat and drink. Is there also evidence that vegetables can emulate medicine? Will eating certain vegetables result in the same outcome as taking a pill? Can foods actually stop, reduce or reverse medical conditions? Discovering recent research that suggests broccoli can reduce the impact of Covid 19 SARS-CoV-2 quickly engaged my inter-
est in plants as medicine. A study led by Dr. Alvaro Ordonez, Division of Infectious Diseases, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, published this March, indicates that, “Sulforaphane exhibits antiviral activity against pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal HCoV-OC43 coronaviruses (a variety of common colds) in vitro and in mice.” Sulforaphane (SFN) is a biologically active, sulfur-rich phytochemical found in vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, bok choy and cabbage, a group known as cruciferous vegetables.
The study was specific in indicating that sulforaphane impeded in vitro replication of six strains of SARS-CoV-2 including Delta and Omicron variants. Further, they discovered that SFN acted in synergy with Remdesivir, an antiviral medication now approved in Ontario to fight Covid in those presenting symptoms. When the two compounds were combined the effectiveness of each was increased. Although studies based on human trials have not been completed, Ordonez published results of SFN treatments on laboratory mice. His team concluded that administering SFN to mice prior to infecting them with SARS-CoV-2 significantly decreased the virus’ reproduction in the lungs and upper respi-
ratory tract compared to untreated mice. The result was reduced pulmonary pathology and lung injury in those treated with SFN. He concluded the study’s abstract by stating, “SFN should be explored as a potential agent for the prevention or treatment of coronavirus infections.” He failed to note that this result would unleash millions of texts, emails and phone calls from mothers worldwide reminding their kids, “See, I told you to eat your broccoli!” Are there other vegetables that have similar medicinal properties? The number of such verifiable claims is surprisingly large. Since we live in the prolific vegetable garden known as southern Ontario, what can we learn before summer harvest ar-
rives? Let’s include a caution here that all research and studies are not equal, and sometimes studies are designed to prove a hypothesis rather than provide unbiased evidence. This column is not meant to endorse naturopathic medicine over traditional, nor to suggest replacing medications with vegetables. Balanced, healthy diets can help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, and quality foods are the best means of providing the energy our body needs to fight disease, but no individual food or diet can necessarily cure these illnesses. Nor can food provide the fast results many medicines offer. Broccoli also illustrates that the medicinal or health-improving value
of vegetables, and foods in general, can be significantly affected by how they are prepared. Sulforaphane exists in cruciferous vegetables as glucoraphanin, an inactive plant compound. When the vegetable is damaged it releases myrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the plant’s defense, which causes the glucoraphanin to activate sulforaphane. This family of vegetables will not release its beneficial SFN until it is chopped, cut, blended in a smoothie or chewed. Raw cruciferous vegetables have up to ten times more SFN than when boiled or microwaved because temperatures above 140 C destroy their available glucosinolates. To maximize See BALANCED LIFE Page 15
V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 A strong urge to be alone arises this week, Aries. If this happens, turn off your phone and put a message that you’re not to be disturbed until you’re ready for some company. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Yours may turn into the party house this week when a lot of uninvited visitors show up and expect to socialize. It’s a good thing you have energy to spare right now, Taurus. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Errands are not going to complete themselves, Gemini. Schedule time this week to get all of your ducks in a row. You have obligations to your family and friends. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You intend to use the extra energy that seems to have been building in you for some time, Cancer. An impromptu sports match or a trip to the gym can burn off energy. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 This week you could receive word of an exciting challenge at work, Leo. If you have been putting in for a promotion or job change, this could be what you’ve waited for. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Keep in mind that you shouldn’t mix money and friendship, Virgo. If a close friend wants you to work for him or her, remember the importance of this separation. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 2 Spring cleaning is in the air, and this week you are ready to tackle your home top to bottom. Why not ask for some help from the kids or your spouse to work more quickly?
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Frustrations may be high this week. Scorpio. Despite your desire to socialize, you can’t seem to get out of the house. Responsibilities at home won’t change for some time. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Keep in mind it can take a few days for you to recover from a night of revelry, Sagittarius. Avoid overdoing it on weeknights or you may pay the price at work in the morning. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 There is a lot of work to get done around the house, Capricorn. A lack of funding has you in a holding pattern. Examine your budget to see if there’s wiggle room. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, if you find yourself in a poor mood this week, try not to take it out on others. Simply ask for some alone time until you can work out your feelings for the better. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Exercise tact and diplomacy when someone asks for your honest opinion about their performance at work, Pisces. You’ll get your point across. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MAY 1 Jamie Dornan, Actor (40) MAY 2 David Beckham, Athlete (47) MAY 3 Eric Church, Singer (45) MAY 4 Will Arnett, Actor (52) MAY 6 Bob Seger, Singer (77)
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The Voice
Page 19
A May 4 2022
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
Does Mother exist?
A
s we approach Mother’s Day, I thought this creatively conceived (pun intended) conversation between pre-born twins would be appropriate. The author is unknown to me. The application to the spiritual realm is clear. Enjoy! In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?” The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.” “Nonsense,” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?” The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other sens-
es that we can’t understand now.” The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.” The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here. Maybe we won’t need this physical cord anymore.” The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover, if there is life, then why has no one ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery, there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.” “Well, I don’t know,” said
the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.” The first replied “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That’s laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?” The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her, this world would not and could not exist.” Said the first: “Well I don’t see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn’t exist.” To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus and listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.” ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who will honor his 96year-old mother on Sunday.
From Boston to Fonthill, Congratulations Carly! Congratulations to team member Carly Zanatta for placing 50th out of 10,500 Women, at the 2022 Boston Marathon! We are so proud to have a superstar like you on our team! Always cheering you on! - Your Daytime Family
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Page 20
The Voice
A May 4 2022
CORNER
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the “personalization” that the present council has engaged in, causing bitter feelings and resentment all around. “When the meeting is done, you have to leave it in the building,” they said, a philosophy that I remember former Mayor Ron Leavens also advocating. The other ex-councillor, out of office for some time but still observant, called Councillor Lisa Haun “the smartest one at the table,” but added that “something happened” after Haun took office, a change of personality that was not conducive to teamwork. You’ll get no argument here...Cure was in the crisper all along: Do not miss John Swart’s column this week (p.18) on healthy eating and Covid. Interesting stuff...A highly rewarding 1 hour and 45 minutes: If you’ve never seen the 1973 road comedy-drama “Paper Moon,” or haven’t seen it since then, have a watch. We caught it on one of the classic movie channels recently and enjoyed every minute. Set in the Depression-era US midwest, Ryan O’Neil plays a conman, and his real-life, 9-year-old daughter Tatum plays his co-conspirator. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich and strikingly shot in gorgeous black-and-white, the film earned four Academy Award nominations and one win—for Tatum, as Best Supporting Actress, the youngest ever. Available on YouTube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and elsewhere for about $4 rental. You’ll be happy you did…Lastly, the Rose City: We’re receiving an increasing number of inquiries about distribution in Welland, where the Voice has almost no retail presence. Would you or anyone you know be interested in dropping, say, 500 papers split among ten or so retail locations—grocery stores, convenience stores and the like? The pay is minimal to none, as befits our budget, but you’d be making some Wellanders pretty happy. Contact office@thevoiceofpelham.ca...Stay vigilant and stay safe: See you next week. ◆
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Voice
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
4 Shrimp Quesadilla
Is shrimp on the menu tonight? Maybe it should be. Coming in at just around seven calories per medium-size shrimp, this crustacean is low in calories and high in lean protein and is one of only a few dishes that provides the beneficial antioxidants selenium and astaxanthin, according to The American Shrimp Company. The majority of North American shrimp is harvested from the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring fresh catches for the U.S. and Canada. Around 244 million pounds of shrimp are produced each year. An abundance of shrimp means the opportunities for delicious meals are endless. For something with a lot of flavor and crowd appeal, try this recipe for a “Shrimp Quesadilla” courtesy of Eastern Fish Company. Plump shrimp are nestled between tortillas and seasoned with familiar Latin flavors, ideal for a fast meal any time. Shrimp Quesadilla Serves 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 3
tablespoons vegetable oil onion, sliced red bell pepper, sliced teaspoon salt teaspoon ground cumin teaspoon chili powder pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) lime, juiced teaspoon vegetable oil, or as needed large flour tortillas cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion and red bell pepper in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, and peppers are soft, around 6 to 8 minutes. 2. Stir salt, cumin and chili powder into onion and bell peppers. 3. Stir shrimp into mix and cook until shrimp are opaque and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 5 minutes. 4. Remove skillet from heat; stir jalapeño pepper and lime juice into shrimp mixture. 5. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with about 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. 6. Place a tortilla in the hot oil. Spoon about 1⁄6 shrimp filling and 1⁄2 cup Mexican cheese blend on one side of tortilla. Fold tortilla in half. 7. Cook until bottom of tortilla is lightly browned, about 5 minutes; flip and cook other side until lightly browned. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
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