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The Voice, November 13 2019

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Charles Duncan arrested page 3 Town says no lead in local water page 7 DeVries Fruit Farm grows page 12 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.23 No.44

November 13, 2019

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Bizarre incident in Fonthill neighbourhood dispute Tenant crosses street, enters another home BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Allegations of an illegal duplex operating in Fonthill took an unexpected turn last week, when one neighbour says a duplex tenant crossed the street, entered her home uninvited, and behaved in a threatening manner. Emmett Street resident Cari Pupo said she was up early on November 2, driving one son to work when she received a frantic call from another son around 6:55 AM. “The call got disconnected, but I raced home to find a stranger standing in the basement, [blocking my son’s] way out of the house,” Pupo said. She identified the man as a resident of a house directly across the street from hers, one she says has been operating as an illegal duplex for at least two months. “He was agitated, getting agitated by my son,” Pupo said. “My son felt he could be harmed. He hid a hammer behind his back in case the situation escalated.” The man, later identified as Austin Cappa, 25, seemed insistent that he was inside his own home. “He claimed that he owned this house,” Pupo said, observing that he was See INTRUSION Page 7

Column Six

Things to avoid while driving For example, trains BY ROBERT NORMINTON

Special to the VOICE

T

IN THE BAG After dropping off empty grocery bags earlier in the week, St. Ann School Me to We Club members headed out into the cold and rain on Friday, Nov. 1 to retrieve them—now filled with generous donations of non-perishable food items from Fenwick residents. After returning to school, the Grade 7 and 8s sorted and repacked the food for delivery to Pelham Cares. The school thanks Food Basics for donating the grocery bags. Top, from left, Allie, Kaleigh, Mia, and Julia. Above left, Lucas and Izaak. Above right, Kayleigh. PAUL KUCZERA PHOTOS

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HIS H A PPENED when I was in the middle of a fouryear engineering course at the University of British Columbia. UBC was more or less tied with U of T, in about fourth place in North America, for the excellence of its engineering education, and so had a reputation to uphold. Standards were high and failure rates for under-achievers were brutal. Most failures took place in the first two years— only about 30 percent of us who had started out made it to the third year. I was one of those who had got caught in a second-year purge. I had flunked three courses: one, a one-hour-a-week course on the history of engineering, taught by the Dean of Engineering himself. Neither he nor I could understand how anybody could fail such a course, so See COLUMN SIX Page 11


Page 2

The Voice, November 13, 2019

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NRPS impaired driving charges

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Corrections at the top: More of an apology, actually. Sooner or later it had to happen, although I thought it would likely involve the crossword puzzle. It seems that last week we ran the correct Weekly Word Search graphic—but below it were the words from the previous week’s edition. Thank you and an apology to readers who gently brought to our attention the moderate level of prospective insanity that this threatened. This week we’ve tripled checked, and all puzzles are as they ought to be. And, incidentally, we’ve scaled back the Sudoku difficulty a notch after hearing that the advanced level might be a little too tough...Welcome John and Robert: This week we start a new periodic column by our frequent contributor John Swart, who will offer his bicycle riding and other expertise in “From the Handlebars,” page 20. It’s a first-time welcome for Robert Norminton, whose debut Column Six takes us down a cold, wet, dark road. We hope it’s the start of a steady relationship...Also new on the scene: Contributor Logan Scott, who brought us the Remembrance Day photo to the right, and Maeve Keating, a freelancer whose new business stories appear on pages 8 and 10...There’s still time: Speaking of Remembrance Day—which is shaping up as I write this to be additionally memorable for the 20cm of snow that may yet fall—you still have an opportunity to catch a Remembrance display at the Maple Acre library branch...Taking what for a walk now? In their ad on the back page, Holy Trinity Anglican Church makes mention of a “cookie walk” as part of their upcoming holiday event. No, not cookies with legs, parishioner Elaine Baty assures us, but the opportunity to walk past a variety of freshly baked cookies on the baked goods table, selecting those you want as you go. Aha!...Reserving judgment: For the time being, it’s unclear exactly what the owners of 42 Emmett Street are doing with their property (p. 1). They did not respond to a request for comment. What is clear is that if you or I suddenly found the house next door, in R2 zoning, being turned into a duplex, or triplex, or any other plex, and the Town failed to enforce its own bylaws, we would be pretty bloody ticked-off too. No doubt more to come...Yet more doctor news: Beyond Charles Duncan’s arrest (p. 3), we’re learning also that Dr. Colin Zides, on South Pelham St., is leaving his practice, and that Dr. Paul Oliverio may, or may not, be returning to Pelham—specifically to the Giant Tiger plaza in Fonthill. Many have noticed the giant sign, outside the premises, with his name on it. Bizarrely, when reached Monday afternoon, Oliverio’s receptionist said, “We have no comment on that,” and abruptly hung up...Merely 80 years later: Check out those aerial shots on page 3. Contrary to expectation, we see an expansion of bush over the decades, yet a road-in-waiting that's been there all along...Snow kidding: Now it's off to the garage to fire up the snowblower. How is this possible. Yesterday it was Canada Day, right? ♦

On the occasion of Remembrance Day 2019

Our streets are lined with the faces of those connected to our town who committed themselves to a cause greater than themselves. And today—on all days—they hold a special place in our heart. As we move further away from the past, it becomes our responsibility to bring a generation closer to it, and the moments in time that shaped our country. With celebrations such as these, we carry and pass that torch. I look around at those of you in uniform today and I, along with so many, would simply like to say thank you. There is really little else I can say. Your actions will echo through history louder than my words ever could. As the sun sets and rises, you will all remain in our hearts and minds, today, tomorrow, and always.

Good morning everyone and thank you for joining us for this Remembrance celebration. As Mayor, I am afforded the opportunity to speak at many different functions and events, but to be here this morning, in remembrance of those who served our country, is truly an honour. We remember today the men and women who offered the greatest sacrifice, in service to our country, and for the promise of a better and more prosperous tomorrow. Our freedom is not free; it comes with a great cost and we are fortunate that so many have stood up, raised their hand, and said yes when called upon. And as tribute to those who served, and serve today, we gather to celebrate, and to mourn, but always to remember.

Mayor Marvin Junkin

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 went on despite the snow, wind, and below-freezing conditions on the morning of November 11. Some 250 attendees braved the unfavourable weather to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending the nation. The message of the event was clear: we will remember them. Above, Mayor Marvin Junkin delivers his remarks. LOGAN SCOTT PHOTO

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

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Growing up British

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Apple Day comes to Fonthill

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

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

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

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

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

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

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

BY VOICE STAFF

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

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

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

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

VOICE PHOTO

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

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

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

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

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

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

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

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

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

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

The VOICE

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

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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

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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Andrew P. PRESCOTT, 36, Welland Jeffrey P. MCGARRY, 47, Grimsby Christopher M. MARR, 42, Welland Saul H. OLAVE, 42, Flushing NY Tiffany L. GALLANT, 40, Tobermory Jeffrey G. A. NICHOLLS, 45, St. Catharines Aleksandar P. J. VATIC, 22, St. Catharines David B. HENNING-PILLER, 24, St. Catharines Lisa A. FELIX, 42, Welland Sophia A. M. BRYAN, 36, St. Catharines Alicia D. BROWN, 38, Grimsby Mandy M. JENKINS, 50, Niagara Falls Michelle HOLLINGHAM, 52, Pelham Gavin A. SARDELLA, 36, Pelham Nathaniel C. HICKLING, 20, Fort Erie Jeffery L. BALSTERS, 20, Fort Erie Michael FARBOTKO, 44, Stoney Creek Westley S. BARNES, 35, Fort Erie

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

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

Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Churchhill Meats Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K


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The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 3

Duncan arrested on sexual assault charges Alleged conduct relates to females now aged 39, and 16 BY DAVE BURKET

The VOICE

A Fonthill family doctor who resigned his practice rather than undergo an internal investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and who faced multiple allegations of inappropriate conduct by several former patients, as reported by the Voice in September, has been arrested. Dr. Charles Duncan, 76, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning, Nov. 5. According to a statement by the Niagara Regional Police Service, the St. Catharines resident is charged in relation to two separate incidents, one involving a now-16-year-old girl; the second related to a now-39year-old woman. Duncan faces three counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual exploitation. After being held in custody overnight, Duncan appeared by video from police detention in Niagara Falls before a Justice of the Peace at the Robert S. K. Welch

Courthouse, in St. Catharines, who would decide whether to grant him bail. Duncan occasionally shook his head as the Crown read details of the allegations in court, while those in the courtroom gallery—a significant portion of which were Grade 9 students participating in “Take Our Kids to Work Day”— listened in silence. The justice listened closely as the Crown quoted verbatim from statements given by the alleged victims to Niagara Regional Police detectives. A publication ban prohibits printing details of the allegations, or information likely to identify the complainants. After printing statements by a total of 11 women who alleged inappropriate treatment, and the newspaper receiving virtually no cooperation from police media relations staff, in its September 11 issue the Voice published a strongly worded editorial decrying the lack of

Bail hearing room at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse, St. Catharines. police action. According to witnesses later interviewed by detectives, the NRPS began its investigation into Duncan later that week. Duncan was released on

$4,000 bail, under the supervision of his son, Callum. He is banned from being in the presence of children 16 or younger without a parent or other adult present. He

was also instructed to have no contact with his accusers or their families. Duncan’s next court appearance was set for Monday, Dec. 2, 9 AM, in St.

VOICE PHOTO

Catharines. Speaking briefly with the Voice after the bail hearing, Duncan’s solicitor, Michael DelGobbo, said that his client would plead not guilty.

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Regional road construction and budget under discussion

Aerial views of the .8 km path between Cataract Road and Rice Road, long discussed as a means to relieve congestion on Highway 20. Left, 1934. Right, 2018.

Regional road construction in the future

After a robust schedule of fall meetings, Pelham Town Council enjoyed somewhat lighter fare during its November 4 gathering, highlighted by a Regional presentation on upcoming roadwork. Niagara Region Associate Director of Transportation Frank Tassone outlined several projects

in Pelham, including continuing work on Rice Road south of Highway 20. The next stage, he said, will be upgrading the avenue between Merritt and Thorold Roads with an estimated completion date of 2025. Councillor Lisa Haun questioned Tassone on work already done on the stretch between 20

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

and Merritt, specifically why the roadway wasn’t widened to four lanes from its existing two, with an auxiliary turning lane. “It’s a very, very busy road,” she said. “It seems like a missed opportunity … I’m concerned that we’re growing at such a rate.”

A Winter Wonderland Experience

Tassone maintained that traffic consultants didn’t believe widening was necessary. “At that time it didn’t warrant going to four lanes. That study was only done a couple of years ago,” he said. When asked by Haun if that could be re-evaluated later, and if construction along the road would affect future expansion,

GOOGLE EARTH IMAGES

Tassone said the current roadway meets anticipated needs. “That would be re-evaluated if we saw capacity failing on that road,” he said. “Two lanes can handle about 1,000 cars an hour on that road.” With work planned further south to Thorold Road, Haun See COUNCIL back page

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The Voice, November 13, 2019

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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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Pelham 294 (& More) Coalition An alternative to the Town's six alternatives

T

HE PELHAM 294 (& More) Gypsy Moth Coalition has submitted our alternative (also known as Alternative #7) to the Town of Pelham as the gypsy moth spray program the Town implemented in 2019 has numerous unresolved taxpayer complaints and mistakes acknowledged by the Town of Pelham — its Mayor, council and staff. Our alternative seeks an effective gypsy moth spray program that maximizes the protection of the Town’s tree canopies and tree assets, improves the environment and the impacts of climate change, and minimizes the nuisance factor caused by the gypsy moth to the public at large. The rationale for our alternative is multifaceted. It’s a good faith attempt to find a conciliatory resolution to the outstanding issues between the Town of Pelham and its residents / taxpayers arising from the 2019 gypsy moth spray. It looks to the history of the gypsy moth spray programs carried out by the Town of Pelham in the past with a view to correcting mistakes, problems, oversights, transparency and accountability transgressions which have occurred, and in

doing so seeks a realistic approach to dealing with gypsy moth infestations in Pelham moving forward. The Town of Pelham has had an ongoing gypsy moth infestation problem since 1989 / 1990, however they have not implemented a formal ongoing strategic plan to deal with them. Despite council passing a resolution in 2008 to expeditiously develop a spray program dealing with gypsy moths and providing adequate funding / reserves for it, little if anything has been done since. That’s 30 years the Town of Pelham has had to develop an effective gypsy moth spray program. Previously, individual Town of Pelham residents / taxpayers have never paid for the cost of spraying, rather it was always charged to the tax base as a whole. That all changed in 2019 when a select group of 294 residents were singled out and invoiced for the spray while more property owners didn’t even get included in the spray or ended up having to contract out the spraying themselves to deal with the gypsy moths. As you may have guessed, that’s why “294 & More” is in our group’s name. Our group discovered that

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the spray criteria used by the Town of Pelham in 2019 was based on an infestation level that was five times lower than the industry norm and that used by other municipalities. That means the Town burdened Pelham residents / taxpayers with excessive costs that were not necessary nor appropriate. The alternative we’ve submitted uses instead that widely accepted industry norm utilized by other municipalities which is considered appropriate, effective and economical. Our alternative also addresses properties / lands within the Town of Pelham which, if infested to this level, would be considered a nuisance to the public and therefore need to be sprayed. We also learned that other municipalities do not spray any rural areas as the gypsy moths are not considered a nuisance given their location and or proximity to the public at large. Our alternative echoes that premise with one significant distinction— it attempts to address those properties / lands which might (by the Town of Pelham’s own definition) be a rural area but still considered a nuisance to See MOTHS Page 16

Letters Hats off for Dr. Charles Duncan I had been a patient of Dr. Duncan for about 40 years. And if it had not been for him, I probably would not be here today. One day I came in for a medication renewal, and, as he always did, he checked my heart and lungs with a stethoscope. During the exam, Dr. Duncan noticed there was something going on with my heart. He told me he wanted to see a cardiologist and he would make the appointment himself for that afternoon. I thought “wow,” to see a specialist the same day is something you don’t hear of these days. I went to the cardiologist in Welland and the doctor asked me what I was there for. While examining me I told him that Dr.

Duncan suspected there was something wrong with my heart. He said, “I think Dr. Duncan is right,” and he sent me to a heart surgeon in Hamilton. I got in within two weeks and ended up with three stents, and a fourth was done a couple of months later. During the later procedure, they found two more blockages. If it had not been from Dr. Duncan I probably would not be here today. “Hats off to you Dr. C. Duncan,” for a career well served, and a well-deserved retirement. Donald Bradley Fonthill

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

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Electoral District: Niagara West

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 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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Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

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The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 5

OPINION Bandshell volunteers happily sod it It's been the hope of the dedicated group of Bandshell volunteers for several years to see the park surrounding the bandshell upgraded, and with the help of many, including a huge bunch from Dekorte's landscaping, several men from Nature's Own Landscape & Design, and the Bandshell volunteers, all there for the final day of sod installation on Saturday. The gently sloped natural amphitheater was pitted with holes, and erosion had created some hazardous elevation challenges. The Bandshell group reached out to local businesses— Jack DeKorte of DeKorte's Landscaping, and Barb Christopher of Young Sod Farms— for advice on how to best remedy the problems. With the blessing of Town council to proceed, the Bandshell volunteer committee moved forward with their plans as soon as the summer concert series ended. They have been fundraising and spreading the word about the improvements throughout the community for the last two months, all the while overseeing the local tradespeople who have been busy at Peace Park making the much needed improvements. If you have been by the park recently, you have seen the busy bees working hard to get everything done before the snow flies! The Bandshell group would like to recognize the various people who have

helped bring it to fruition. The Town of Pelham has done a lot of in-kind work, including moving a catch basin, and removing some dead and damaged trees. DeKortes Landscaping has done all the excavating

The entire park is now gently sloped, with "not a bad seat in the house"

and re-grading of the park. They have done an amazing job, provided a very fair discounted price, and came through with scores of workers on site the last two days to see it to the finish line. Young Sod supplied, at a highly reduced cost, the superlative sod material that will withstand the thousands of bandshell attendees for many years to come. BZ Electric donated their services to wire new bollards, lighting and electric outlets for the park. All Green Irrigation installed, at a very favorable price, a new irrigation system for the entire grassed park area. Rankin Construction kindly donated all the labour and forming of the new handicapped acces-

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Bandshell Committee members joined work crews on Saturday to install new sod in Peace Park.

sible walkway and steps. Lafarge generously donated a large portion of the concrete. And the Langendoens, of Willowbrook Nurseries, kindly donated a dozen trees to the effort! The Bandshell volunteers are thrilled with the improvements and very thankful for the generosity of those involved and those sending in donations to cover the costs. The entire

park is now gently sloped, with "not a bad seat in the house," teased David Swan, one of the Bandshell Committee members, surveying the men at work. In the spring, the volunteers hope to see lighting installed, benches added and a granite installation recognizing the many donors who are helping make this happen. We are pleased with the monies we have

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Cheques made payable to “Town of Pelham Jazz Up the Park” may be mailed to Fonthill Bandshell Concerts, P.O. Box 21, Fonthill L0S 1E0. With snow in the air, we are all looking forward to another summer at the Fonthill Bandshell—it can't come soon enough! Gayle Baltjes-Bazinet Fonthill Bandshell Committee

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raised to date, about onethird of their total expenses, and have commitments for approximately another third. But we still need to get the message out, that we, your Bandshell volunteers, are the people funding this endeavor. And we have not yet reached our goal of $75,000 in funds. Every little bit helps—so please help!

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Everyone has a story. Tell us yours! NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 2000 WORDS!

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Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)


Page 6

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Town: Please keep winter streets clear BY TOBY ZIEGLER

Special to the VOICE

With snow falling for the first time last week —and a real blast forecast to arrive as the Voice went to press — the Town of Pelham is reminding residents to be conscious of parking on the street during winter months. Employing a “systematic approach to keeping streets, sidewalks, and municipal property maintained” throughout the winter season, the Town says it relies on the cooperation of residents, especially when it comes to parking on the streets. “We ask that citizens not park their cars on the roads during or after winter storms to allow staff to clear the street effectively,” says Ryan Cook, Manager of Public Works. “Parked cars can lead to incomplete street clearing or delays in clearing streets nearby.” Town staff follow a Winter Operations Policy, and its corresponding Winter Operations and Salt Management Plans. These plans prescribe a response to winter conditions based on snow accumulation and ice formation, as well as the requirements for weather monitoring, road patrolling, and the protection of the environment related

to the use of road salts and abrasives. “In accordance to the Winter Operations Plan, our response to winter weather is prioritized based on road classification, where the roads with the highest volume of traffic are maintained throughout a storm while some residential roads may wait until the snow stops or slows before they are cleared,” says Cook. “Although this can create an inconvenience to some, it ensures that the greatest number of drivers who must travel during a storm are able to navigate through town.” The Town says that along with a mindfulness of parking, there are other ways to help keep walkways and roadways safe throughout the winter season. ● Pile snow from your driveway and walkways onto your own property, not on the road. ● Don’t push snow into the travelled portion of the roadway. ● Clear sidewalks around your property as soon as you can after a snowfall applying sand or salt when icy. ● Keep children safe by preventing them from playing or building snow forts in the snow banks at the side of road. ● Keep fire hydrants clear

and accessible. ● Help prevent street flooding and icing by clearing snow away from storm sewer catch basins near your property. ● On garbage day, place garbage and recycling containers on your driveway near the edge of the road. Don’t place your garbage or recycle boxes on top of snow banks. If you need to drive during a winter storm, plan your route accordingly. Roads with steep hills may be difficult to navigate during snow events. The Town provides a sidewalk snow removal service using a local contractor. Sidewalks are cleared to a snow packed condition—not down to bare pavement. When the amount of snow is so great that plowing is no longer effective, blower attachments may be used, however this does not increase the amount of time it takes to clear the sidewalks. Property owners are encouraged to apply snow and ice melt to sidewalks when they become icy. The Town's contracted service provider is not able to apply ice melt to all municipal sidewalks. For more information on Town winter operations, visit: www.pelham.ca/winter-operations

PROCEEDS ARE PROCEEDING The proceeds from this year’s Fenwick Lions Car Raffle are making their way into the community. Last month, Lions Bert Marissen and Jeff Pickup attended the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides facility in Oakville, for the graduation of the club’s first sponsored Autism Assistance Guide Dog, Thea, who was headed to Guelph. Thea will be partnered with St. Pierre family, to be their daughter Emilie’s companion. Usually it is the recipient that attends the training school to train with their partnered dog, but Autism Assistance training is a two-part process. In the first stage of training, the handler (usually a parent) attends school for 10 days, where they learn and bond with their new Autism Assistance Dog Guide. The second stage of training takes place a few weeks later, when an instructor travels to the family home and completes the Dog Guide training with the child and family over a further week. With Thea, from left, Emilie’s father, Chris; Lions Jeff Pickup and Bert Marissen; and Emilie’s mother, Jennifer. SUPPLIED PHOTO

Lead not a local concern Town says water supply safe, but encourages homeowners to check for lead pipes BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

REMINDER:

Street parking impacts winter operations, keep the streets clear Parking on any street in the Town of Pelham during the winter season is not permitted at any time during plowing, sanding or salting operations. Parking on the street in any way to interfere with a winter maintenance operation will result in a parking ticket.

www.pelham.ca/winter-operations

With concern rising over high lead levels in some Canadian drinking water sources, the Town of Pelham stressed last week that safeguards to combat the issue are in place. “The Town of Pelham is committed to providing a safe, consistent supply of drinking water to the consumers in the Town of Pelham,” a statement posted to the municipal website read after the Voice contacted staff about the matter. “The Town has implemented and continues to maintain a Quality Management System (QMS), and will endeavour to continually improve the QMS through regular review, evaluation, and action.” A year-long investigation by Global News, in conjunction the Toronto Star, Concordia University and several journalism schools, concluded this month that hundreds of thousands of Canadians could be consuming tap water laced with high levels of lead from aging infrastructure and plumbing. In Ontario, government data showed more than 900 exceedances of the federal lead guidelines in tap water tests over the past two years. Trouble spots included the cities of London and Windsor. In a particularly jarring comparison, using the same data from the investigation,

U.S. wire service Associated Press concluded that lead in some Canadian water is worse than that in Flint, Michigan— the city where tap water has been declared unsafe throughout a sixyear-long public health cri-

If residents are concerned, they should check their service material where it enters the home sis. Pelham says that local legislation was revised in 2007 to include annual sampling for lead, with water quality reports posted on the Town’s website. The Town also maintains that older lead pipes— traditionally the main cause of tainted water —were never in widespread municipal use in Pelham. “[Lead] has not been found to be used by the Town of Pelham,” the statement said. “Historically water services installed by the Town were,

and continue to be copper, with some older steel lines still in operation.” The onus then moves to private homeowners, who may well have lead pipes in older houses. The Town and other authorities encourage residents to check on that, and replace them if discovered. “If residents are concerned, they should check their service material where it enters the home,” the Town said. Some lead, like other substances, will appear in water naturally. There are perceived safe levels, however. The Ontario drinking water quality standard for lead is 10 micrograms per litre. According to the Town, lead samples taken from Pelham’s distribution system in the past have ranged between 0.00005 and 0.00067 micrograms per litre, vastly better than the provincial standard. With the Town’s water supply coming from the Region and specifically the Welland Water Treatment Plant, residents can also check water quality reports at that particular facility at niagararegion.ca/living/water/water-quality-reports/ welland The current online report cites the last sample date as August 7, with no lead detected.


www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 7

INTRUSION

continued from Page 1 likely intoxicated. Cappa had apparently entered the house through an unlocked lower door. Once inside, Pupo said he turned off exterior garage lights. Pupo’ 23-year-old son called police once discovering him. After apparently coming to his senses and leaving Pupo’s house, Cappa was ticketed a short time later by police. NRP media relations specialist Stephanie Sabourin confirmed to the Voice that a 25-year-old male was ticketed for entry where entry prohibited, a minor offence under the provincial Trespass to Property Act. The fact that Cappa wasn’t arrested didn’t sit well with Pupo. “[The police officer] said it wasn’t break and enter because there’s no willful intent. But how do they know that?” Pupo said. “She indicated to me that what he did was unintentional and that there was no malice intended. Did she not understand that he was threatening to my son when I arrived home? Does someone need to be seriously hurt before they are charged?” Exacerbating the matter is Pupo’s belief that Cappa is targeting her for harassment because of her opposition to the duplex, which she said is owned by his parents, who do not live in the house but elsewhere in Fonthill. “I have no doubt. Just the way he watches me,” she said. “The whole problem is if the Town had have done their job and made sure that this wasn’t going to become a duplex illegally, then he wouldn’t be here.” However, Cappa denies this. When reached by the Voice through social media, Cappa asserted that he was ignorant about the ongoing dispute between his parents, Pupo, and other neighbours on Emmett. “I don’t even know what the zoning complaints are about,” he said. “[Entering Pupo’s house] was an absolute mistake on my part, I was under the influence of alcohol and thought I was dreaming … I sincerely apologize for absolute idiotic conduct.” As for as the alleged illegal duplex at 42 Emmett, Town staff confirmed to the Voice that they are aware of the issue. “We have received complaints regarding zoning and we are currently investigating,” Fire Chief and Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner said. “This is all the information I can offer at this time.” The neighbourhood is currently zoned “R2” by the Town, meaning single-family residential dwellings only. Pupo, who served as Treasurer for the Town of Pelham from 2008-17, provided the Voice with copies of emails between various neighbours and Town staff regarding complaints about the home. Mike and Carol Jones, who have lived next to the Cappa house for 40-plus years, met with Pelham CAO David Cribbs and Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens on November 1, the day before the incident between Pupo and Austin Cappa. The Joneses

Top: the single-family-home-turned-alleged duplex sits at the end of a long, wide driveway, making mistaking it for any other house on the street seemingly unlikely. Above and lower right: photos taken during what neighbours report was extensive renovation of the home to add a second unit. Above right: Screen capture of images of the home that the Joneses say were included in a real estate listing when the home was for sale last year, showing an empty lower space. VOICE AND SUPPLIED PHOTOS allege incompetence on the Town’s part in enforcing its own bylaws. “At this meeting volumes of legislation was presented from the Town website as to what needs to be done when someone is using a premises for something other than the zoning bylaw indicates it can be used for,” the email reads. “The information we collected was rejected by Cribbs, [who] clearly stated he was not there to answer our written questions, or for us to do his job for him. The neighbours were very disturbed by the lack of respect given to this matter. Specifically, Mr. Cribbs indicated that the [duplex] owners could see [the Town] doing inspections as harassment … it’s called doing your job, not harassment … according to the information in the zoning bylaw as listed on the Town’s own website, the staff at the permission of Council do have the right

to enter a home to determine the use. It seemed that Town staff that enforce the zoning bylaw did not even know that this regulation even existed or that the homeowner can be fined for changing a single residential dwelling into an illegal duplex.” Cribbs confirmed the meeting to the Voice, but wouldn’t divulge details. “I can confirm that on Friday of last week I did meet with some residents on Emmett Street who allege that an ongoing offence is occurring at a residential address,” Cribbs said. “Those residents were not Ms. Pupo. I cannot comment on the specifics of any investigation. I can state that at any point in time, the bylaw Department has a few dozen open files, which can include potential zoning violations. The Town’s traditional approach to by-law enforcement emphasizes compliance over punishment, and there is no reason

Cari Pupo. FILE PHOTO

to think that this file will be any different.” Pupo says that Cappa lives on the lower floor of the home, while another tenant occupies the main floor. Carol Jones said that she and her husband watched, over the course of the last several months, as the formerly single-family residence was turned into two units, taking photographs of the progress along the way. She provided a screen capture to the Voice, which she said showed interior images of the basement as it appeared when the house was listed for sale last year. The photos show a semi-finished space, with a painted concrete floor, and no kitchen. Jones recalled that decades ago a small juice factory occupied what is now

40 and 42 Emmett, with a single-family residence above. This operation ceased sometime around 1978. Most of the premises were demolished and the lot was divided to create two single-family dwellings, which remained the case for the next 40 years. When she and her husband inquired of the new owners what sort of renovations were underway, Jones said that they were effectively told to mind their own business. (The owners did not respond to a request for comment before press time.) They watched as two tenants arrived in late summer—one moving into the main floor, accessed through the home’s front door, the

other—Austin Cappa—moving into the lower space, accessed through a side door. A decade ago, the Joneses added an additional bedroom and bathroom to their own home, for the use of Mike Jones’ mother, now passed away. Carol Jones said that the couple followed every bylaw to the letter, paying for the appropriate permits and inspections. Their addition conformed to R2 zoning rules. Cari Pupo remains convinced that Cappa’s intrusion into her home is related to the ongoing complaints. “He knows damn well that I’m involved in trying to get [the Town to enforce the] R2 zoning,” she said.


Page 8

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

New Business FOCUS

Fonthill’s Colleen Otto bringing new light to life coaching BY MAEVE KEATING

Special to the VOICE

Colleen Otto, practicing life coach, retired special educator, and founder of “Forever Better Life” life coaching services, has some new insight on this new industry. Otto says a combination of traditional talk therapy and life coaching might be the cure for the hangups of modern life, whether you’re six, 16, or 60 years old. A graduate of the Rhodes Wellness College Life Coaching program, based in Vancouver, BC, and certified under the International Coach Federation, Otto has worked out of her home office in Pelham for about a year. After completing her distance education and an intensive practicum, Otto’s practice has grown both locally and nationally. She currently services approximately ten clients in person and ten more clients in a distance capacity. Before her current career, however, for 15 years Otto worked for the Niagara Catholic District School Board as a Special Educator. When a severe injury disrupted her path in September 2016, Otto decided to use her recovery time to pursue her “dream job.” “I always knew what I wanted to do, I just never knew what it was called,” Otto says when asked what brought her to life coaching. “It was the best decision I ever made.” For readers unfamiliar with the term “life coach,” note this title is not to be confused with “ther-

apist.” Although many of the same tools and strategies are used in both, life coaching is oriented around achieving and identifying, rather than healing and diagnosis. A combination of both, Otto says, is the powerhouse our society sorely needs. Otto’s practice is particularly client-centric and based on the idea that every client’s treatment must be “distinct, flexible, and respective” of their unique background, goals, and challenges. When it comes to her new client procedure, the “how” is entirely dependent on the client and “allows the client to tell me how they like to learn and how they would like the practice to go forward.” Engaging with a new client begins rather like traditional talk therapy, with a phone call and an intake form to fill out prior to the first session. After this, Otto’s practice focuses on involving the client in designing a unique action and achievement plan over assigning homework. Traditional talk therapy functions as a relatively passive and contained treatment style, says Otto, with each session being finite and structured. After you step out of your therapist’s office, your mental health is entirely your responsibility once more until the next session. Life coaching on the other hand, is designed to be more active, ongoing, and involved according to the client’s needs, she says. Accountability is a major component. Your life coach not only

I always knew what I wanted to do, I just never knew what it was called acts as a sounding board and trained impartial party, but as a strategist and accountability partner as well. This means anything from weekly or monthly check-ins over the phone to the occasional email reminder or conference call. Otto asserts that many of her clients find they only require one session to figure out what is blocking or hindering them from success, while “the longest client I had was eight months. It is not a permanent form of treatment.” Otto says that her time working for the NCDSB revealed a lack of resources when it comes to child and youth mental health. Beyond a general stigma surrounding child therapy, Otto found that children rarely respond to therapy alone in a lasting way, and have no vested interest in pursuing it. Children act-out for a reason, but lack the emotional maturity or vocabulary to understand why. This is where life coaching can come in handy. “Life coaching and therapy work together. Therapy works on your past, where life coaching works on your future,” Otto says.

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With limited past experiences to draw on, children are some of the best candidates for life coaching, as their primary focus is on the future. Otto says that the majority of her current clients are mothers and youth. She plans to expand her services this month in order to specifically target this younger demographic.

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The Voice, November 13, 2019

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Page 10

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

New Business FOCUS

McMurran dental practice finds home in Fonthill New patient-centric approach gaining steam BY MAEVE KEATING

Special to the VOICE

Fonthill has had more reason to smile over the past several months with a new startup dental practice owned and headed by Dr. Thomas McMurran. Although McMurran took over Fonthill Marketplace Dental less than a year ago, he and his staff have increased the office hours and expanded their patient pool from approximately 60 to some 250. While the previous owner/practitioner exercised a shared practice, operating with a “revolving doorstyle” rotating pool of dentists, McMurran believes the uptake in patient attendance can be partially attributed to the consistency of seeing a single dentist. “In my experience, patients want to see the same face every [visit]. They don’t want to feel like a number. It kind of holds you accountable too. You get to know the patients better when you’re seeing the same ones over and over again,” McMurran

says, maintaining that regular one-on-one face time with the owner/practitioner of a practice is crucial to building trust and a comfortable environment. “I’ve always wanted to be able to grow something...to be part of a community. Not just working on their teeth, but also committing to the community for the longterm.” Originally from Burlington, McMurran was able to study and practice under the tutelage of his own childhood dentist and mentor, Dr. Dave Fielding, a family dentist of 39 years. McMurran credits Fielding for his ongoing love of family dentistry, his desire to advance his education, and to seek out the latest technology and equipment for his practice. Stepping farther back in the story, McMurran only began his schooling and career in dentistry after studying neurobiological

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tients most commonly phobic when it comes to dentist visits are Baby Boomers, broadly speaking those 50-years-old and older. This type of anxiety “often stems from one bad experience in childhood,” McMurran says. While it’s easy to point the finger at some of the more archaic dental practices used in the past, McMurran is confident in

today’s methods. “The way dentistry has evolved since then is definitely more patient-centric now.” McMurran says that Pelham is a great place to practice. “Everybody is very friendly, very welcoming, and I’m enjoying it.” Fonthill Marketplace Dental, located inside the Phar-

VOICE PHOTO

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 11

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 with a sigh of resignation he gave me a pass mark anyway. The two other courses were very important and difficult. I had to write two supplemental exams on them in the following semester, both of which I flunked again. I decided to drop out for a year, do some serious studying and earn some money before attempting the failed courses for the last time. That year was 1953. I got a job with the B. C. Electric Company. I call this the family company, as most of my extended family —grandfather, father, myself, sister, brother-in-law, three nieces and two sons-in-law—have worked for B.C.E. at some times in their lives, some of them all their working lives. B. C. E. generated and distributed 75 percent of the electric power used in British Columbia, and was nationalized by the province in 1962, as B.C. Hydro. You could compare it with Ontario Hydro. But unlike Ontario Hydro, before nationalization, B.C.E., through its division B. C. Electric Railway Company, also ran the streetcars, trolley buses, and the big double interurban cars in the major cities before the days of our clogged super-highways. In April, I was a member of a crew surveying the route for a power line along the mountains overlooking Harrison Lake in the B. C. interior. This area was famous for the Harrison Hot Springs at the southern end of the lake, and as our survey approached from the north, our crew bunked into a hotel in the area. We worked, I think, two weeks on and one week off. During the week off, we went back to our homes. One day late in the month, we discovered a movie that three of us wanted to see was playing in the small farm town of Agassiz, in the

Well, guess what. I had provided the locals with all the ammunition they needed. Fraser Valley, just a few miles drive from Harrison Hot Springs. We three decided to make an evening of it. I offered to drive, as I had just purchased a well-used cream-coloured 1939 Packard 120 convertible, and I was anxious to show it off. So off we went, all of us in the front bench seat, with the top up in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm. Now, back in 1953, the approach to Agassiz led in from Harrison Hot Springs to the north, with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. At the town’s outskirts, the speed limit abruptly dropped to 30 miles per hour as the road made a significant bend to the right. Immediately one was confronted with a four-track railway crossing marked with only the traditional “X” sign. Furthermore, a grain handler’s strike was on at the time, so there were long lines of parked and coupled rail cars on the first track, about 100 feet either side of the crossing, completely blocking any view of what was happening on the tracks on the other side. As we started to cross the first of the tracks in the dark and the rain and the crash and flash of lightning, I thought I heard somebody yelling, “Hey! Hey!” I could have sworn it came from the left and behind me. Those are the tricks bad weather plays upon the mind. Immediately my passenger on the right side yelled, “Look out, Bob!”

This 1939 Packard 120 convertible is currently listed for sale on Hemmings.com for $57,500 USD. HEMMINGS.COM PHOTO I caught a very brief glimpse of a big light and a train coupling coming into the right side passenger door. There was a great jolt and the car lurched dangerously as it was pushed to the left. The two men with me were yelling at me to get out, but I could not and would not as the steering wheel spun uncontrollably in my hands and the car threatened to overturn while being pushed inexorably to the left. Remember, this was a convertible, and there were no roll bars back then. My door had partly opened, and I clung to the steering column for dear life below the spinning wheel while wondering if I was to have a very short life after all. Luckily, the train had only been shunting backward at low speed (it was the caboose that had hit us), so I came to rest only about 35 to 50 feet down the track. All of us indecently hastened to tumble out my door, the only one that still opened. I noticed the engine smoking, but there was no fire, and it surprised me later that I had enough presence of mind to switch off the ignition.

The only casualty was that one of my riders cut his forehead on the rear-view mirror in his panic to exit what might have been our coffin. It took five stitches to close. Even in the dark I could see that my car was a write-off. You can’t argue with a train—even a low-speed train— without suffering terminal damage. A railroad official materialized to inform me that there was a 60-mile-per-hour flyer coming along the same track my wrecked car was on in about 20 minutes, and that I would have to move it. I said I would not “permit” this before a policeman appeared. I told the official to flag the train down, plant land mines on the track, or do whatever he had to do to stop it. In some degree of temper we exchanged mindless accusations that neither of us took seriously, such as: I was trespassing on railroad property, or, that the railway had kidnapped me from the highway crossing. At any rate the flyer never appeared. A little later, an RCMP officer turned up. He investigated and listened to testimony all around, then turned to me and said that he wasn’t

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sure he should be telling me, but that he thought I just might have a case against the railway company, that perhaps they should have had a man with a flag in the crossing, since there were no other warnings of light or sound. I never pursued this, and left the whole matter with my insurance company. I was then interviewed by a reporter for a local newspaper. He told me that folks in town had considered the crossing an accident just waiting to happen, and that they had badgered the government for years for a proper crossing signal and/or guard, but that the government kept turning them down for the simple reason that an accident had never occurred there. Well, guess what. I had provided the locals with just the ammunition they needed, and they intended to play my misfortune up for all it was worth. I heard later that there had been two more accidents that year at that same crossing, one of them fatal. Then and only then did they get a proper signal and guard. I came out sort of smelling of roses too. No charges were levied against me, and my insurance company paid me $687 for my car, which I thought was generous, being slightly more than what I had paid for it. I try not to think now that it would be considered a classic car today, and, fully restored, would be worth about one hundred times what my insurance company paid me. But hey, my friends and I came out intact, so that’s got to be worth something! Oh, and I passed both my supplementals that fall. I’ve had a great life since, a fine career as an engineer, and 65 years of a good marriage. I have no complaints. ♦ Everyone has a story to tell. Share yours in Column Six. Email editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Page 12

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

DeVries raises high the roof beams New building dramatically increases Fenwick farm's capacity, efficiency BY DAVE BURKET

The VOICE

T

HE DEVRIES FRUIT FARM, a family owned fixture in Fenwick since the 1980s, has vastly expanded its physical footprint. Just in time for peach season, the farm’s latest addition—12,000 sq.ft. of processing and storage

space—opened on August 1. The greatest benefit, says Field Manager Dan DeVries, is the storage. “We were renting space, on Balfour Street, for the last 15 years,” said DeVries, when the Voice visited last month, on a bright, picture-perfect autumn afternoon. “We were bringing the product there, then bringing it back here to get packed. So, it's

just constantly back and forth, back and forth, with hauling fruit. And then the same with all the apples for rented storage for the winter months—it was all going in trucks, going to different facilities in Simcoe, Smithville. So, a lot of road travel.” Consolidating harvesting, processing, and storage in one location saves both labour and the farm’s use of fossil fuels.

“We're reducing our carbon footprint, one apple at a time.” Now the farm has its own set of enormous, climate-controlled storage lockers. They were installed by the Canadian subsidiary of a Dutch company, with some technicians flying in from B.C., and others from the Netherlands. Work started on April 1. “There was a huge time crunch to get ev-


www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 13

Construction progress, the first week of June.

erything done. All the trades that we had working were just fantastic, and we had no hassles with the Town or anything with getting permits or building inspections or anything. It was a seamless transition.” The cold storage specs are impressive. An on-site generator feeds nitrogen to each of four huge rooms, automatically dropping them to as low as 2% oxygen, at a tempera-

ture just above freezing at 34 F. Each room is tightly sealed, and will remain so until the stored fruit is ready to market over the winter and into next spring. This isn’t just cold storage, but “controlled-atmosphere,” or “CA” storage. Speaking to Modern Farmer magazine in 2013, Jim Allen, then president of the New York Apple Association, a growers’ trade

group, summed up the science. In CA storage, oxygen, temperature, humidity, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide are each precisely regulated. “Apples breathe,” said Allen, and the deeper they breathe the longer they’ll remain alive. CA storage slows breathing, which slows ripening. “The old tech would have to run every other day,” said DeVries, of the nitrogen genera-

BOB LOBLAW PHOTO

tor. “This one runs once a month, maybe for 10 minutes.” The family spent two years researching which system would work best for them, visiting other farms. Virtually all of their long-term storage is devoted to apples, which represents 50% of See DE VRIES next page


Page 14

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Controlled atmosphere storage lockers in DeVries' new 12,000 sq.ft addition. Additional storage rooms behind the photographer prevent a precise before-and-after shot with the image on page 12, but the

DE VRIES

continued from previous page the farm’s business, with assorted tender fruit—peaches, plums, cherries, pears—the other 50%. Each of the four rooms can accommodate 200 bins, equaling 175,000 lbs., or roughly 240,000 apples. Some 10 varieties of apples

are stored in each room, to provide wider marketing choices over the winter and into spring. One room was sealed and another nearly so when the Voice visited. DeVries said that the first would be opened in January, the second in late February, the third in late March, and the fourth in late April. Their farm store is open all year

round, and they sell at farmers markets around Niagara. The timing was right to expand, said DeVries. “I'm 36, my brother's 30, and if we want to make this a long-term success, it was a needed project to help grow our business. My parents are still actively involved. My dad, Leo, is still actively involved.

The new addition provides greater space for an automatic fruit sorting machine. Center right, Dan DeVries tilts a crate of apples into the intake. The machine washes then sorts the fruit by size. Far right, the facility's new nitrogen generator.

My mom, Margaret—she does all the books and office work. My brother Mark, he looks after a lot of the sales. And then I look after a lot of the day-to-day activities out in the field, as far as tractor work, harvesting, putting stuff in storage, all that kind of stuff.” DeVries said that the family’s priority was to ensure the farm’s

long-term stability. “It's supporting my parents, it's supporting my family, it's supporting my brother's family. And then, it's supporting the 22 migrant workers that we bring up every year [from Mexico].” Despite a rocky start, 2019 was also a great harvest year. “In April and May, it was so wet


www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 15

yellow staircase in the background may be used to orient perspective. Top, from right, Mark, Leo, Margaret, and Dan DeVries; Lloyd Wierenga, Logistics Mgr.; Andrea DeVries; Georgye, Packing Manager.

that even when the blossoms were on the trees, it was terrible pollinating weather,” said DeVries. “But yet, all the crops were just beautiful. Peaches, plums, cherries, pears, apples. It's not too often that you have it that in a year, like all your crops are average to above average. You always have one that's below average. But this

was just one of those years you'll look back and say, ‘Wow, 2019 was a good harvest year.’” Beyond an annual Strawberry Social the farm hosts each June, DeVries said he’d like to add additional events throughout the year, possibly each weekend. “Our biggest problem is a staffing. Maybe about 10 schools come

here [on field trips]. I'd love to do more of that, but I don't have time. Once my kids get a little older, hopefully if they like to be involved with the business.” One of DeVries’ sisters, Andrea, also helps in the summer, then goes back to her full-time work as an education assistant in the fall. “As a family we all have been in-

volved in one way or another, and yeah, we've been blessed along the way. It's not by all our means that we've done what we have. We have a Christian faith and we believe that God has blessed us and called us to be doing what we're doing here in farming, and growing food and fruit for people. So it's rewarding. You know, if you see

people coming back every week, or whatever, for fresh fruit, it brings a joy to your work because you know that they like what you're doing, otherwise they wouldn't come back.” The DeVries farm store is located at 825 Canboro Road, in Fenwick, open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. ♦

BOB LOBLAW PHOTOS


Page 16

The Voice, November 13, 2019

MOTHS

continued from Page 4 the public at large if infested by gypsy moths to the level described in our alternative. That means areas the Town calls rural (but others would call urban) would be eligible to be sprayed that weren’t

in 2019, for example, Cherry Ridge, Canborough Road in Fenwick, Ridgeville and Effingham perhaps. The Town passed a Nuisance Bylaw in 2019 to facilitate the spray, which effectively meant they didn’t have to go to the expense of contacting residents to sign a waiver to conduct it. Further,

if a resident didn’t pay their bill for the spray, they could simply add it to their property taxes. Our alternative is also different from the Town’s six alternatives because it is not based on their definitions of rural and urban properties / boundaries. It first defines what a Nuisance Boundary

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is. We say it’s an area that (a) can be on private (residential, commercial or otherwise) and or public / municipal land, (b) can be urban or rural, and (c) if it is severely infested by the gypsy moth it affects trees / tree canopies and or the use and enjoyment of those lands. These Nuisance Boundaries typically wouldn’t change from year to year and would only be updated if, for example, there was property development, new subdivisions, maturing of tree stands, etc. So, it’s not necessarily defined by property lines / boundaries. It may include only parts of properties / lands, for example, only treed areas along a roadway and so many feet in from the road and or around homes / buildings. A Nuisance Boundary would also likely not consist of one property, rather multiple adjacent properties. It would normally exclude larger urban / rural lots perhaps with wooded areas, farmlands and or commercial entities that may be found on individual / standalone lands or isolated and … if they were severely infested would not be considered a nuisance to the public at large. Our alternative has several critical points: It defines a severe infestation level (egg masses per hectare) as 2,500. Spraying at this level is the industry norm and what other municipalities use. The Town on the other hand sprayed at 500 which was unnecessary and very costly. It recognizes that there may be special / rare / unique circumstances where you might want to spray an area even though it’s not at the severe level, for example, the Comfort Maple. It calls for the Town to make available a robust education and awareness program about the spray program and all sorts of useful gypsy moth-related things, like control and treatment methods for landowners, e.g., tree banding, hand-spraying, etc. Something the Town encourages the residents to

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca utilize in between periods of severe infestation, but has never taken its own advice. It calls on the Town to do a better job vetting all aspects of the spray program, including the assessment of infestations, effectiveness of the spray, monitoring costs, ensuring RFP (Request for Proposal) and public Tenders are utilized, and, that industry norms and practices are followed. It reimburses all property owners that it invoiced for the cost of the 2019 spray $260.00. It reimburses all to those “rural” property owners that were excluded from the Town’s 2019 spray but were faced with contracting out a spray themselves, up to $260.00. For 2020 and beyond, the Town is to spray and pay for severely infested properties within the Nuisance Boundary, regardless if they are urban or rural. It looks to various sources of funding and cost savings for the gypsy moth spray program, such as: a. Rate Discrepancy — in 2018 a taxpayer could join in on the Town of Pelham’s gypsy moth spray program at the advertised rate of $0.09 per square meter or $350.00 per acre. In 2019, other municipalities sprayed at the rate of $350.00 per acre too. However, in 2019 the Town of Pelham charged residents and or paid its contractors / suppliers $625.00 per acre. At the October 23, 2019 Town of Pelham public Meeting on Gypsy Moths, Paul Robertson of Trees Unlimited stated that the cost to spray is less than $100.00 per acre when you have 100 acres (which the Town did). He went on again to state that the cost of using the more expensive twin engine helicopter was three to four times greater than using a single engine aircraft. This too suggests a rate of $350.00 per acre ($100.00 or less per acre times the average of the increased cost to use the twin engine aircraft of 3.5). The Town of Pelham Treasurer was asked to at this public

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meeting to vet this anomaly. So, it is our group’s view that the Town of Pelham paid too much and should explore a cost recovery regarding this onerous rate discrepancy that the taxpayers were burdened with between the $625.00 and $350.00 rates, or $275.00 plus HST on some 100 acres or so. This represents a total estimated overpayment and cost recovery of some $31,075 (100 acres at $275.00 per acre plus HST). b. 2020 Budget —at the October 28, 2019 council meeting the Town of Pelham set aside in its 2020 budget an amount of $150,000 for the cost of a spray next year. This 2020 projection is based or premised on the 2019 spray program. As a result, there are two surpluses which we feel will arise: (1) that same inflated per acre rate to spray in 2019 which we conservatively estimate would create a surplus similar to the estimated overcharge in 2019 of some $31,075; and, (2) our alternative is based on spraying only at a severe infestation level consistent with industry norms and that of other municipalities of 2,500 egg masses or more per hectare. We conservatively estimate will result in a cost savings to the Town and a budget surplus of some $19,775 (50 acres at the revised $350.00 per acre plus HST) or more. In total, that’s a cost saving and budget surplus of $50,850 or more in these two areas alone. c. Newfound monies — utilization of things like the 2019 budget surplus of the Beautification Committee, and the 2019 (and beyond) cost savings identified by the Sustainable Utility Advisory Committee regarding the MCC. d. Other —exploration of economies of scale with others conducting spray programs, e.g., municipalities like the Town of Lincoln, City of Hamilton; the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, the Niagara Parks Commission, etc.; and, the exploration of provincial and federal grants and lending opportunities. We also want residents / landowners to be provided adequate notice if the Town or its agents want to enter onto your land (solely for purpose of ascertaining gypsy moth infestation levels). We also believe residents should have an appeal process. Our group is confident that our alternative is the most viable solution to deal with the dastardly gypsy moths. It’s comprehensive, cost effective, fair, just and equitable to the Town of Pelham and its residents / taxpayers. To download a complete copy of the alternative we sent to the Town, go to our website: www.gypsymoth. info, or look for us soon on Facebook. If you have questions about our group’s alternative you can reach out to us at: pelhamgypsymoth@ gmail.com Finally, if this alternative (also known as Alternative #7) is something you can rally behind and support, let the Town know by emailing them at: gypsymoth@pelham.ca Submitted by group member Frank Feeley The Pelham 294 (& More) Gypsy Moth Coalition


www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”

The Voice, November 13, 2019

Sporting Green

Molière

The Niagara

Page 17

“You'll never find a better sparring partner than adversity.” Golda Meir

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | November 13, 2019

Still in the

game

Pelham resident Matt Gillard finds a way to stay in hockey BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

Matt Gillard is back in action, off the ice.

BILL POTRECZ PHOTO

Cyclone overcome slow start BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

Sydney Grummett is well aware she’s living on borrowed time as a member of the E. L. Crossley Cyclone. The 17-year-old, Grade 12 student is in the stretch run of her impressive high school career and realizes the end could come at any time at this point. “It’s definitely sad to know any game could be your last game,” Grummett said, after netting eight points as the Cyclone topped the Centennial Cougars 55-40. “It also makes you push harder because you don’t want it to be your last game. You want it to continue to keep going.” The Cyclone advanced to the Niagara Regional High School Athletic Association senior girls Zone 3 AA championship final on Monday at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School. The winner advances to the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (SOSSA) AA playdowns at Crossley on Thursday, while the loser is done for the season. Grummett would love noth-

ing more than to play again in front of the home fans. “Honestly, it’s a great way to spend the last year. We’ve never hosted a SOSSA so it would be so nice to win it at home,” she said. Crossley coach Aaron Belding makes no bones how important Grummett is to the Cyclone. “She is definitely the biggest asset we have on the team. The fact is she does rebound, she does score, she does get the girls pumped up on defence.” Grummett, who has a Basketball Ontario Division 1 championship and a SOSSA junior title to her credit, took over the ball handing duties Thursday from her normal backcourt buddy, Tess Puchalski, who was out of commission after undergoing dental surgery earlier in the day. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter who takes up the ball, it’s just get it up and we’re going to run a play and pass the ball around anyways,” she said. “I love it when Tess brings it up, but See GRUMMET Page 19

Sydney Grummett.

BILL POTRECZ PHOTO

Matt Gillard has managed to turn a negative into a huge positive in his life. Four years ago, the Fonthill resident was enjoying a strong start to his season for the Niagara IceDogs when he suffered a serious injury. Gillard broke the C6 vertebrate in his neck in two spots on an innocent looking play in a home game, effectively ending his hockey career. At the time, Gillard wasn’t really sure how the injury would affect his career, let alone his dayto-day life. “Right off the bat I didn’t think my neck was broken,” he said. “I just felt really locked up. I was in the hospital bed at one point and I went to sit up and I couldn’t lift my head. I had no strength in my neck. That was when it kind of hit me. Being told I would be out for at least six months to a year was a real moment.” Still, Gillard was determined to return to the ice. He worked tirelessly with IceDogs athletic therapist Peter Dobbin all summer in preparation for training camp, but wasn’t seeing the progress he had hoped for. Furthermore, he still had pain in his neck and arm. At that point, Gillard’s agent arranged for more tests where it was confirmed there was still a slight crack in his neck. “It hadn’t completely healed so they shut me down until [the following] January,” he remembered. At that point, Gillard finally came to the realization his dream of rejoining the IceDogs was over. “That was the hardest part up to that point because I was told I should have been OK,” he said. “I was pushing and working out and wondering why it wasn’t feeling good. It made the decision a lot easier.” With a hockey career no longer an option, Gillard enrolled in a business program at Niagara College and got a job in retail. “Going from the junior hockey lifestyle of being at the rink all the time and being with the guys to working in a retail store, it was a real shock,” Gillard said. “It was into the real world.” But Gillard still had the hockey bug, so he began to look for ways to stay in the game. “I wanted to find something in hockey to do as a job so I got into coaching and into the development side and I definitely like the development side a lot more,” he said. With only a year of business training under his belt, Gillard began his own business, Gillard

Right off the bat, I didn't think my neck was broken

See GILLARD Page 19


Page 18

The Voice, November 13, 2019

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The Voice, November 13, 2019

Page 19

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Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick

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Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill

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Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

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GILLARD

continued from Page 17 Elite Hockey, and went to work on building himself a career. “I love it. That was the issue I found [in retail],” he said. “No matter what you did for the day you got paid the same. Doing this, the more I put myself out there and the more connections I make, the busier my schedule is. That part I find more rewarding.” Gillard’s list of clients includes Pelham minor hockey, Wainfleet minor hockey as well as various teams and individuals. He was recently hired by the IceDogs as their prospect development coach, after approaching general manager Joey Burke with a plan to work with the team’s prospects who are playing junior B or midget. “My brother [Marcus] plays for the Erie Otters and I got to see the prospect development side with him a lot,” Gillard said. “He played major midget and I got to work with him and see what he needed to make that jump and the next year he did make that jump.” Gillard, 23, feels the timing is perfect

for him to work with prospective OHL players. “I’m still closely related because I haven’t been gone that long that I can still see a guy’s game and understand what they’re thinking from their point of view,” he said. “It’s the peace of mind for the young player. I think having a voice there and being young and able to relate would keep them calm and help keep them on a straight path.” Gillard said the plan is to once or twice a month bring prospects in to the Meridian Centre work with them. Gillard has hopes of being more involved at the OHL level down the road and would love one day love to work at the pro level. Safe to say, he has made the most of his situation. “At the time, it’s tough to see that [everything happens for a reason] but now that things have come along and I’m becoming more successful in what I am doing and getting more known around the area, it definitely felt like that was how it was meant to come out for me in my hockey career.”

GRUMMETT

continued from Page 17 when she’s away [I do].” Grummett was also her usual force on the boards. “It’s a bit of pops. I definitely get that from my dad [Paul Grummett] but you have to be aggressive when you go up. Use two hands, grab it and rip it down, and then you know it’s yours.” The Cyclone led 12-6 after one quarter and 25-23 at the half before stretching their lead to 44-35 after three quarters. “I’m not sure what was going on early,” Grummett said. “We just mentally weren’t in the game. We have been doing that for our last few games. We really need to gear up going into the GFSS game and the rest of the season. We need to start strong and finish strong. We have to play all four quarters.” The Cyclone finally began to

Approved By:

show signs of life in the second half. “At halftime, we said we need bring more intensity. That’s what we were missing, on offence and on defence. Once we started moving more and seeing each other on the floor more, we started getting those easy buckets,” Grummett said. Belding was not the least bit impressed with his team’s start. “They were not focused, there was no intensity, there

Date:

was no commitment to playing defence,” he said. “I think that was due to the week off and only being able to have one practice, but the girls need to find a way to come out in a big game — winner goes on and loser goes home. This is a new season. They just don’t have, for lack of a better word, the killer instinct to put the hammer down at this time. We cannot afford to take the first quarter to find our first gear to go. We have to hit the jump ball and go.”


Page 20

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

What a bicycle means

T

H A N K S FOR checking out this new bi-weekly column in the Voice, “From the Handlebars.” It will include a wide range of subjects, all broadly tied to cycling, active lifestyle, or active travel, including opinion, advocacy, information, and some that will just be fun. Lance Armstrong (remember him—the Donald Trump of professional bicycle racing?) infamously said, “It’s not about the bike.” He was misinformed, and therein is the conundrum. It is completely about the bike, but only because of the places it can take you, the doors it can open, the immense joy it generates, the education it can provide, and the confidence it can inspire. Truth told, the world of cycling touches us all. Where can a bike take you? Around the world, if you like, to its farthest corners. In 1963, Dervla Murphy, age 31, rode from Ireland to India, and chronicled the inspiring journey in her book Full Tilt. She’s inspired thousands of us since. A bicycle can take you to better health, both physical and mental. We need exercise to thrive, and social interaction to develop, both of which a bicycle can provide. The doors it can open? Like any other passion, when you encounter someone that shares your ar-

dour for cycling, you have an immediate friend, maybe even a soulmate if your wheels are aligned. Chat comes easy, relationships form, and positive

get to improve your ride experience, there is no limit to what’s available. Chances are, cycling will make you feel good about yourself, and then you’ll

Whether you were the girlfriend on the handlebars, or the boyfriend pedaling, you were alive

thoughts and experiences flow readily. The immense joy cycling generates? Come on—who wouldn’t love to be eight, or ten, or fourteen years old again, with the wind in your hair (under your helmet of course), zooming down a hill, riding far from home without your parents’ permission. Whether you were the girlfriend on the handlebars, or the boyfriend pedaling, you were alive. Those thrills are still available to you at any age on a bicycle. The education cycling can provide? An upgraded phone, computer technology, learning pickleball or scanning a new novel for book club—with anything we do, we strive to learn more about it, embrace it, and educate ourselves toward it. And so it is with cycling. If you’re the geek who wants the latest gad-

want to learn more. You’ll search diet information, complimentary exercises, where to travel that’s bike-friendly, all the while educating yourself. Confidence inspiring? Climb Effingham or Saylor’s Hill on your bike twice in a row, or ride your first century (100 kilometres) in cold rain, and there will never again be a challenge that you’re afraid to tackle. “Take your best shot,” “What’s the worst that can happen,” “I’ve got this.” Select your own inspirational cliché, the confidence you’ll develop through cycling will bolster you in any endeavour. H. G. Wells said, “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” In my humble opinion, he nailed it. Hope you enjoy future editions of “From the Handlebars.” ♦

REID

PLENTY OF DOUGH Wellspring Niagara was one lucky recipient of the annual Smile Cookie campaign run by Tim Horton’s. From left, Bill McWilliams, Stephanie McWilliams, local franchisees, with store manager Maryanne Beauregard, presenting a cheque to Ann Mantini-Celima and Joe Matthews, of Wellspring Niagara. SUPPLIED PHOTO

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 21 us to accept. But Lewis isn’t finished. He then explains that most people insist that there must be one more option — that Jesus was a great, moral teacher, but only human and not divine. This option is much less threatening to us and seems to be a balanced compromise. Lewis will have none of it. In his words, “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God, or else

a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” After hearing the disciples reply, Jesus asked them who they thought he was. Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed his answer and told Peter that God had revealed this truth to him. So, what about you? Who do you think Jesus is? ♦ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor and considers C.S. Lewis as one of his favorite authors.

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The Voice, November 13, 2019

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

Was Jesus merely a great moral teacher?

J

ESUS ONCE ASKED his disciples who people thought he was (Matt. 16:13). Their answer was that most believed he was a great prophet and moral teacher. Most Canadians today would probably say the same. There are only four possible answers to this question. They all happen to start with the letter “L” so they’re easy to remember. A Legend? Some people doubt that Jesus even existed. They believe he’s a fictitious character that someone simply made up. A serious look at history shows otherwise. All four Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) affirm in detail the historicity of Jesus. Other Christian leaders such as Paul and Peter and many other Christ followers did as well. And many early believers in the 1st century died for those beliefs. But, most convincingly, non-Christian writers in the 1st century confirm his existence. Josephus (a Jewish historian), Tacitus and Suetonius (both Roman historians) were not Christians but wrote about Christ and his followers. So, if Jesus really existed, who then was he? A Liar? C. S. Lewis, the brilliant Oxford professor and Christian apologist, explained the next three options. The first two are quite shocking. Lewis begins by acknowledging that Jesus clearly claimed to be more than a man. His radical claim was that he was God’s son or God incarnate (in the flesh). It was that claim which enraged the religious leaders of his day and led to his crucifixion. Lewis reasons that if Jesus claimed to be God’s son but knew that he wasn’t,

he was a liar. Most people, however, who read the profound moral teachings of Jesus in the Gospels balk at this conclusion. A Lunatic? The next option is perhaps even more shocking. Lewis again begins with Jesus’ radical claim of divinity, and reasons that if Jesus claimed to be God’s son and really thought he was (but wasn’t), then he was sadly deluded, out of touch with reality and basically a lunatic. This option doesn’t sit well with most people either who bother to read the moral teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. They just don’t sound like the ravings of a madman.

Page 21

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Our Lord? Lewis then explains that only one more option is left. Given Jesus’ claim of deity, this conclusion affirms that in fact he was who he said he was. That would make him Lord or Master who rightfully can claim the allegiance of those he created and died to save. Accepting and really believing this conclusion, however, is not easy. It makes Jesus not only our personal Savior but also our Lord, Leader and Master who deserves first place in our lives. This requires genuine repentance and sincere faith which is very difficult for proud, selfish, independent-minded moderns like See FAITH LIFT Page 20

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

Weekly Word Search

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ALLEGORY ALLITERATION ANTAGONIST ASSONANCE CHARACTER CLIMAX

CONFLICT CONNOTATION CONVENTION DENOTATION DENOUEMENT DIALOG

EXPOSITION FICTION FIGURATIVE FORESHADOWING HYPERBOLE IMAGERY

IRONY METAPHOR METONYMY NARRATION PARODY PLOT

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22


Page 22

The Voice, November 13, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Many times it is not what you say but what you do not say that has the most impact, Scorpio. Consider your words carefully before speaking up. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Managing a household can be just as important as keeping your professional life running smoothly, Sagittarius. Give yourself a pat on the back if you’re accomplishing both. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 A vacation may be just what the doctor ordered, Capricorn. Begin researching destinations now and figure out the best way to finance a trip to get away and soak up the sun. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 A change of scenery may do you some good in the days ahead, Aquarius. See if you can fit in an extended weekend to clear your mind. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, put some thought into the fun activities you can do with others. Organize a night out on the town with friends.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Asp 4. Ops 7. ABN 10. Say 11. Sep 12. Pug 13. Mosul 15. Sae 16. Prawn 19. Awesome 21. Columbo 23. Ontario 24. Twining 25. Guru 26. Reed 27. Pareses 30. Assists 34. Oca 35. Ish 36. Bedside 41. Splashy 45. Plop 46. Tied 47. Bacilli 50. Ocarina 54. Agonies 55. Reveler 56. Hemic 57. Ola 59. Enate 60. Mei 61. Dag 62. Nam 63. Art 64. ENE 65. Sla

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may have to make your own opportunities rather than waiting for some to fall in your lap. Only then can you prove to others what you’re worth. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Few things rustle your feathers, Taurus. But when your ire is up, take a step back to collect yourself. Use the latter half of the week to get things back in order. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 It may take a few steps in the wrong direction to realize you need to change course, Gemini. But smooth sailing will soon prevail. Stay the course. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, with many new changes happening in your life, you may be wishing for the familiarity of things you once had. Revisit photo albums or talk to old friends for nostalgia. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, when you take a stand, others are sure to take notice at what you have to say. You have the kind of magnetism and presence to garner the attention and support of others. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Work-related stress may not go away entirely, but you can find a way to reduce it, Virgo. Indulge in a long lunch with coworkers or take a much-needed day off to clear your mind. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 It may take some extra motivation for you to get moving on a project at home, Libra. But once the momentum takes hold, it will be smooth sailing for several days.


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The Voice, November 13, 2019

COUNCIL

continued from Page 3 asked if the intersection of Rice and Quaker would eventually get signal lights, as opposed to its current busy four-way stop. Tassone did not know. “I’m not 100 percent sure about that,” he said. Staying in the vicinity, Tassone was asked about the status of the Merritt Road connector, the long-discussed plan to extend Merritt the .8 kilometer distance from Rice to Cataract. An informal, road-width path has existed through the bush for generations. He said that project is still awaiting an environmental

assessment, but that it remains in the Region’s fiveyear capital plan. Tassone added that it is the Region’s priority in terms of creating another connection from Fonthill to Highway 406, in theory relieving pressure on 20 and providing another route to Welland. “The end goal is [for the Region to] own that section of Merritt on [into Fonthill],” he said. On the far west side of town, Tassone said that proposed signal lights for the intersection of Canboro Road and Victoria Avenue are currently in the hands of consultants, but that the project is budgeted for next year. He added that major work

— including twin culvert replacements — is planned for Effingham Street from Webber to River Roads in 2021, as well as resurfacing Webber between Effingham and Cream. Tassone also said that automated speed enforcement and red-light cameras could be coming to Niagara and the rest of Ontario, pending government approval. That means strategically placed video cameras which capture the licence plates of speeders and California-sliding-stoppers, taking images which are then used to generate citations sent directly to vehicle owners. It’s a pilot project already underway in Toronto, but is awaiting regulato-

ry changes to be rolled out across Ontario. The province introduced photo radar for speeding in the mid-1990s, but later scrapped it under the Conservative government of Mike Harris after numerous legal challenges. “The first place you would see it is in school zones,” Tassone said.

Big jump for Regional budget

Regional Councillor Diana Huson made a presentation to Council and said that the Niagara capital budget for 2020 is pegged at $375.5 million, a whopping $100 million more than this year. “There is quite a crunch in terms of our aging infra-

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca structure,” she said. Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi asked Huson if this could mean a tax hike for Pelham residents. She didn’t necessarily think so, saying that tapping reserves is the priority. “I don’t think that the capital budget is going to draw more from taxes,” she said.

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Council unanimously voted to accept a memorandum of understanding that Mayor Marvin Junkin signed with the mayors of Welland, Port Colborne, Thorold, and Wainfleet that would see Pelham team up with the other municipalities for procurements of goods and services. The idea is the group of communities would save money by buying certain items in bulk and splitting the costs. Welland and Port Colborne have had such an agreement for three years. Junkin pointed to items such as sidewalk repairs and tree-cutting services.

“Stuff that we don’t do a lot of, but we do every year,” the Mayor said. “I think it’s an excellent idea,” Councillor Bob Hildebrandt opined, crediting Junkin for jumping on board. “It’s good you’ve taken the initiative to join the group.” Town CAO David Cribbs agreed, as much for the fact that it would save his staff work. “We are the perfect size to benefit enormously from an initiative such as this, specifically because we have exactly one person on staff who has the credentials to be a professional purchaser,” he said. “For routine items, routine transactions, we can rely on the group, and we can focus our energies on the unique-toTown of Pelham purchases, and we can get that value added. We certainly see this as having great potential.” Ciolfi said that the approach would be perfect for a plan to attack gypsy moths. Junkin agreed.

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