Issuu

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The5 Voice November 2021 page 10 page Hirji A urges Covid 24 caution

Treating chronic pain

The Voice Z Z

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

in Lowes assault case

Vol.25 No.47 

of Pelham and Central Niagara NOVEMBER 24 2021

Published every Wednesday

Life in Pelham Discover more about life in Pelham inside

Camps

Programming

Upcoming Projects

Christmas in Pelham Returns

LIP Issue #4 - November 24, 2021

page 22

Page 1

Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

DARCYRICHARDSON.CA darcy@darcyrichardson.ca 905.321.6292

Page 2

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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

This is the current home for information traditionally found in the the Town of Pelham’s community guide. With the changes brought on by the ongoing pandemic, this is just one of the ways for the community to stay up to date on Town programs, events and offerings. During 2021, this four-page spread in the Voice of Pelham continues to offer an alternate way to receive information. These inserts are just one of the ways the Town shares information.

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

www.pelham.ca /townofpelham @townofpelham

@townofpelham

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

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

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

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

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

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

/townofpelhamon /townofpelham

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

Tenth hearing in Lowes assault case

DEBBIE PINE SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 NRC Realty, Brokerage

SELL phone: 905-321-2261 www.pineSOLD.com

Independently Owned & Operated

Hirji urges Covid caution

page 10

Treating chronic pain

The Voice Z

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

debbiepine@royallepage.ca

page 5

of Pelham and Central Niagara

Vol.25 No.47 

NOVEMBER 24 2021

Published every Wednesday

page 22

Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

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Column Six

A picker’s pitfalls BY MARJORIE POULIE Special to the Voice

David Christensen, David Cribbs, and Taylor Boyle display their facial hair growth as part of the Movember campaign.

DON RICKERS

Movember combs to Pelham Town Hall BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Pelham CAO David Cribbs is taking one for the team. His upper lipholstery, so to speak, has been growing since November 1 in solidarity with the Movember campaign, an annual global event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide. Asked if his wife appreciates his

new look, which is a combination moustache-goatee often referred to as a Van Dyke, Cribbs responded, “She is suffering through perseverance. She's a strong woman.” The aim of Movember is to increase early cancer detection and diagnosis, support effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Since inception,

the Movember Foundation has raised $837 million dollars and funded some 1,200 projects in 20-plus countries. The Town Hall fundraising effort is being led by engineering technologist Taylor Boyle, who has sprouted an active beard over the past three weeks. Building intake/zoning technician David Christiansen and Cribbs complete the hairy triumvirate. Boyle has set the Town Hall target at $600, and told the Voice that over $500 has been raised thus far. “My wife absolutely hates it, but

as long as I raise money for a good cause, she tolerates it,” said Boyle. It's going to stay a moustache until December 1. After that, I'm going full Santa,” he said with a laugh. Christensen’s ‘stache is a rather sparse effort. “We’ll just have to see how it goes,” he said with a shrug. Cribbs dashed any notion that his facial hair will be a fixture throughout the holiday season. “December 1, this thing is gone,” he said.

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ohn,” I said, “this is perfection — brilliant blue skies, the silver whipped-cream clouds I love, the spicy smell of sun on junipers, an incredible view, cooling breezes and—billions of berries!” We were taking a week's holiday up north. A perfect day for hiking had us putting away our fishing poles and taking off for Blueberry Mountain. It was not really a mountain but a lofty, craggy hill with buckets of blueberries waiting to be picked at its top. I am a consummate picker of everything — rocks, stones, shells and feathers on beaches; blueberries in the northern hills; blackberries in the old deserted orchard nearby; wild strawberries in the ditches. As a teenager, I also picked Alberta rosehips for our California mother, who always found a Vitamin C source no matter where we lived. She made gorgeous, brilliant orange sauce to be taken each morning by the teaspoonful. The nasty taste wasn't the worse thing about it. The rosehips had teeny tiny caterpillars in them, too small to be removed before cooking! “A bit of protein won't hurt you,” was mother's comment. See COLUMN SIX Page 21

Page 4

The Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE VOICE POLL | RESULTS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket

NDP Candidate David Augustyn

³ Movin’ on up, to the West Side ee: Pelham Town Councillor

Lisa Haun has upped and sold her house in Fonthill’s Ward 3, which ward she has represented since her election in 2018. One must reside, own, or rent property within the municipality in order to continue qualifying to hold public office, so there was no shortage of curiosity in Town Hall last week after the “SOLD” sign went up on the nearly $1 million dollar listing. A few Town Hall denizens were holding on to an early-Christmas hope, we’re reliably informed, for Hamilton or, safer yet, Yellowknife (the councillor's communication style has not endeared her to all), but Haun’s destination instead turned out to be Ward 1, just a tad to the west, meaning she happily remains entitled to her office...While we’re in the neighbourhood: Fenwick resident and former Pelham mayor David Augustyn’s declared Ontario NDP candidacy for Niagara West caught pretty much everyone unaware, not least of whom are some local NDP supporters, who have expressed uniform shock that the party would pick a candidate carrying such baggage. As the poll results at right indicate, Pelham is unlikely to prove particularly fertile ground to harvest orange votes, though that would have been true no matter who the party ran. The larger question is to what extent the damaged-goods perception leaks into the rest of the riding. Of course, six months is three or four eternities in politics. If MPP Oosterhoff starts touting Ivermectin smoothies and jets off with West Lincoln’s Dave Bylsma to an anti-vaxx stadium rally in Texas, we may well be hailing the inauguration of MPP Augustyn sometime next June...Like it or not, it’s here to stay: Public health experts are increasingly speaking of Covid as an endemic disease—i.e., one that’s with us pretty much permanently from here on out, like influenza, but yearround. (Now 14 cases in Pelham, as of Monday afternoon.) We’re likely looking at yearly booster shots, and the further development of drug therapies to treat symptoms before they worsen enough to land you in the hospital. Let’s hope that we have enough parents vaccinating their children (see p.8), and enough anti-vaxxers finally seeing the light, to keep us from going into another partial shutdown after Christmas... Painful truths: Don’t miss John Swart’s column this week on pain management (p.22). There was much I didn’t know and found useful...Action at the bank: Workers were busy at the old RBC branch in Fenwick last week, tearing off sections of the old facade, exposing brickwork that probably hadn’t seen the light of day since about 1970. While the planned hotel is a year away, we’re told that a pharmacy is coming to the ground floor by early spring…What a long, strange trip: Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson is in this week with another of his patented "where the hell is he going with this" commentaries, which personally I find fascinating. You just never know where you'll end up. Credit the councillor's novelistic style and enjoy the ride, I say!...And also: Catch Marjorie Pouli's Column Six tale of picking, p.1. See you next week. ◆

Voice

A November 24 2021

19% Deﬁnitely

79% Never

Likely, but not deﬁnitely

While safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientiﬁc validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling ﬁrm.

How likely are you to vote for Niagara West NDP candidate David Augustyn in Ontario's Provincial election?

What is your Niagara West municipality of residence? Wainﬂeet

Grimsby

P.C.

Liberal

St. Cath.

W. Lincoln

Lincoln

Green

Varies by election

NDP

Congratulations

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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 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Shawn W. MAY, 46, Welland Joseph S. MORRISON, 51, Welland Jeffery A. LEGROS, 46, Pelham Michael A. DEMERS, 25, St. Catharines Janet A. BACHORSKI, 62, Dunnville 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.

Provincially, I generally vote:

Pelham

航搜索

on vacation!

Last week we asked readers to tell us whether they were prepared to vote for former Pelham mayor David Augustyn, whose final years in office were marked by controversy over the health of Town finances and a questionable land-for-credits scheme in East Fonthill. With 210 qualified results tallied, the answer is unambiguous. An overwhelming number of Pelham respondents answered "Never" to the question, "How likely are you to vote for Niagara West NDP candidate David Augustyn in Ontario's Provincial election?" Augustyn polled no better than 50 percent in remaining municipalities, with two-thirds of self-identified St. Catharines voters also voting "Never."

NRPS impaired driving charges ~

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Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

FREE

DSBN wants portion of Town park

111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

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

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

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

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

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

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

Vol.20 No.39

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

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Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

www.healthycupboard.ca New Location Coming Soon!

Column Six

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. 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

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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 ad-

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Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to ﬁx

Debbie Pine

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm

Growing up British

Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective 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

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Column Six

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

BY VOICE STAFF

See DSBN Page 9

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

The Comfort Maple myth

Request made of community still peeved at name change 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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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 CHANGES Page 5

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

Vol.20 No.32

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

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.”

The VOICE

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

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

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

“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

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

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-

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932 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-

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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.

“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

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 SIDEWALK Page 2

See AUTUMN Page 3

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For more details, contact 905-892-2607 ext. 320 or visit pelham.ca/psac.

The Pelham Fire Department responded to ten calls for assistance from Friday, November 12 to Friday, November 19.

Fonthill & District

CELEBRATING OUR 25TH YEAR

Carbon Monoxide alarm, Canboro Rd., Station 2 Remote alarm, Efﬁngham St., Station 3 Tuesday, November 16 Motor vehicle accident, Kilman Rd., Station 3

Christmas shopping starts here!

Saturday, 15 & Sunday Sunday, Oct. Oct 16. Saturday Oct. 17 18

10am - 4pm

Kinsmen Invite you to Come & Enjoy the Annual

Monday, November 15 Medical assistance, Station 1

FONTHILL

Centennial Secondary School, Thorold Road, Welland, Ontario

FONTHILL

Door proceeds in support of Special Olympics and Pathstone Mental Health

Thursday, November 18 Medical assistance, Station 1

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 5

A November 24 2021

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

“Year of the Garden” gets mixed reception BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent Another relatively short Pelham Town Council meeting was dominated Nov. 15 by proposals surrounding Pelham’s observance of 2022 as the “Year of the Garden.” Council voted to further pursue four of seven green initiatives laid out in a staff report, shooting down the idea of another open garden bed competition, championed last year by Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun. Neither Haun nor Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore were in attendance for last Monday’s virtual meeting. The staff report had recommended against holding another such municipal contest, pointing out that “unfair advantages” could exist between entities such as commercial nurseries and community volunteer groups. Last year’s pilot competition was won by the 3rd Fonthill Scouting Group. Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart was the only member to

support continuing the project, saying that to offset those concerns, different categories of contestants could be structured. The staff report had alternatively suggested joining Ontario’s “Communities in Bloom” initiative, a province-wide competition in which municipalities go up against other municipalities of similar size. However, Director of Culture, Wellness and Recreation Vickie vanRavenswaay pointed out that Pelham’s past involvement in the contest required a significant commitment of resources. “I’d like to put it on the back burner and find out what resources are needed from staff and council and what the cost would be,” Ward 2 Councillor John Wink said. “I think it’s a good initiative, just not this year.” With that option removed, council ended up endorsing four others, to be costed and presented back to members in December:  Creation of pollinator gardens.  A municipal partnership with

local charity Pelham Cares.  A municipal partnership with the Pelham Garden Club.  Investigating a subsidized rain barrel program. Political allies Stewart and Ward 3 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt were the only votes against a partnership with the Pelham Garden Club. Meanwhile, the potential return of a rain barrel program —which Pelham operated a few years back — found support with all members except Ward 1’s Wayne Olson. “Any water that ends up in a rain barrel doesn’t end up in a stormwater management pond,” Mayor Marvin Junkin said. “I am sure with all the new building we have in Pelham, especially with an environmentally conscious population we have in town, I can’t help but think the rain barrel initiative wouldn’t be well received.” Somewhat related environmentally, council voted to have Pelham join Unflood Ontario, an organization comprised of multiple Golden Horseshoe municipalities committed to reducing flooding via

natural infrastructure. “The Town would do well to join, at no cost involved,” Junkin said. However, allies Stewart and Hildebrandt disagreed, with Stewart saying that the organization could request membership fees in the future. “I’m just concerned with staff time involved in becoming part of one of these organizations,” Hildebrandt added. The motion passed regardless, 3-2.

Council asks for stop sign at Pelham and Hurricane

Stewart was also the only novote on Wink’s successful motion to direct staff to implement an allway stop sign at Pelham Street and Hurricane Road. While such measures are generally subject to a litany of traffic studies, precedent exists in Fonthill with an earlier T-intersection stop placed at Haist Street and Brewerton Boulevard. “This is a long stretch of road

that doesn’t have any interruption whatsoever,” Wink said of Pelham Street, north of Highway 20, which has been a subject of resident concern over speeding in recent years. Public Works Director Jason Marr said that traffic on Pelham tends to come in faster southbound from rural areas, but that the stretch “isn’t really critical” from a speeding perspective as it is a collector road. Marr did acknowledge however that a pedestrian crossing would be a positive addition at Pelham and Hurricane, something that stop signs could create.

Covid update

Pelham had four active cases of Covid-19 as of Nov. 15. [Note: 12 active cases as of Sunday.] Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner told council that in Niagara Region, the age 20-39 demographic was the largest that remained not fully vaccinated.

Tenth hearing in Fonthill butcher sex assault case Still no meeting with Crown prosecutor BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Rick Lowes, 65, who was charged with three counts of sexual assault, and one

count of sexual interference with person under 16, in March of 2021, was repre-

sented in Welland court last Friday via teleconference by his attorney, Mark Evans of Welland. Evans told Justice Patricia Lavalee that he is attempting to arrange a crown pre-trial meeting, or CPT, in which the accused and their legal counsel meet with the Crown prosecutor to discuss

the case and negotiate a possible resolution or guilty plea. Lowes has a new court date of December 17. A publication ban prohibits the disclosure of any information about the alleged

victims that may lead to their identification. Lowes owns and operates the Country Corner Market, at Quaker Road and Line Avenue in Fonthill, and has supported numerous chari-

table causes in Pelham and Niagara with food donations in the past. He was recognized as the Fonthill and District Kinsmen Club’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Kugathas back in court Dec. 17 BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor A former Fonthill resident charged on May 10 with two counts of mischief over $5000 will be back in court on December 17. A paralegal for attorney Gurinder Gill appeared in a Welland courtroom via teleconference last Friday representing Anosan Kugathas, the Pelham realtor who was charged pursuant to a Niagara Regional Police Service investigation which started in January of 2021. Kugathas allegedly sent unsolicited female sex trade workers

to a neighbour’s residence in the Lookout subdivision in Fonthill on 15 different occasions. The house on Joyce Crescent in which Kugathas, 29, had been living has been sold by Engel Volkers Niagara real estate brokers in Niagara Falls, the company that employed Kathagas at the time of his arrest. A CPT (crown pre-trial) had taken place, in which the prosecution and defense counsels meet to negotiate a potential resolution. Disclosure documents have been filed, and Kugathas now must consult with his legal counsel to provide instructions.

More charges laid on massage therapist BY VOICE STAFF As a result of an ongoing investigation by detectives assigned to the Niagara Regional Police Sexual Assault Unit, an additional sexual assault complainant has come forward. On November 19, Todd Bennett, 50, was arrested and charged with three additional counts of sexual assault, contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code. Bennett was initially charged with one count of sexual assault in early August. According to police, in-

cidents involving the additional complainant occurred at two locations: a registered massage clinic and wellness centre located in the area of Dunn Street and Drummond Road, in Niagara Falls; and a registered massage clinic located in the area of Merrittville Highway and Decew Road, in Thorold. Investigators continue to believe there may be additional complainants and are asking anyone who has information to contact them. Individuals and witness with further information are encouraged to contact detectives of the Sexual As-

Todd Bennett.

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sault Unit at 905-688-4111, extension #1009363. Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to person who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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Page 6

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

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

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

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

It's a matter of speed

ust a few years ago Fonthill was considered by many to be a somewhat peaceful rural community. The pace of the roadways throughout the town seemed to be cautious, slow and respectful. But alas, all that has been thrown to the curbside. Caution be damned. Getting from Point A to Point B in the shortest amount of time, and faster than the last time, is now the rationale to put the pedal to the metal. It appears that speeding drivers think they are the most important on the roadways and other more community-minded residents should give way to their self-acclaimed importance. This newspaper has received numerous letters to the editor submitted by residents concerned about how perilous their streets have become and the large number of drivers who routinely ignore speed limits. At such velocities, the speed signs are nothing more than a blur and dismissed as so much roadside clutter. Pedestrians are seen to be such a nuisance even if they have the right of way.

Just two roadways from many to choose from are mentioned here to illustrate how dangerously rampant the penchant for speed has become. The first example is Lookout Street, on the west side of town. The average vehicle speed is near equal to that of a fully throttled fighter jet as it clears the runway at takeoff responding to a national security threat. Many of these autos would easily overtake the pace car at the Indy 500. The other example is Highway 20, both East and West. This roadway is colloquially known as a highway (technically, it is “Regional Road 20”) yet drivers disregard the reality that it is a major thoroughfare within the town. Some observers postulate that the average speed on this particular roadway is likely near twice the posted speed limit. In addition to automobiles, speeding vehicles include phalanges of motorcycles, groups of fully loaded dump trucks, and semis of all sizes. It is a risky business to pull onto this roadway from any of the egresses of the many commercial enterprises along its length.

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Narcotics Anonymous 1-888-811-3887. Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616 Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone.ca

Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll-free) Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text - 274637 (CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

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CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

We hope not, but sooner than later it is likely there will be a terrible collision due to these speeding vehicles hurtling throughout the town with reckless abandon. Not long ago the Town decided to slow down the traffic on Haist Street by installing speed bumps that will rattle the dentures of any unsuspecting or disobedient driver. It is to be hoped that the municipality will consider further traffic-calming strategies that will make the local roadways safer. If police radar units were to regularly monitor some of these speedways the revenue collected from this plethora of speeders could quickly pay down the debt incurred by the building of the community center. It is important to recognize that young, school-age children regularly use these thoroughfares. Continuing to countenance excessive speeds on the roadways within the town serves to increase the danger for these carefree youngsters. When you drive, help make this town a safer place for all. Please slow down. ◆

Letters Former mayor running for Ontario NDP I occasionally hear Fonthill old timers, of which I am now one, lament about the growth of the town over the last decade and how they miss the “good old days.” Some were opposed to the replacement of the aging Pelham arena with the beautiful new community centre. Others were opposed to the development of the land surrounding the recreational facility, which today is home to hundreds of new, young families who have decided to make our community their new home. And with them comes new commerce, new spending, new ideas. new opportunities, new

businesses, new capital, and yes new growth. All those new homeowners and businesses pay taxes that help support the community's infrastructure. That is all good for healthy and growing communities. The alternative is stagnation and a slow death. I mention all of this because a person who was instrumental in a lot of this growth is Dave Augustyn, Pelham's three-term mayor and former member of Niagara Regional Council. The vision of that council and Augustyn's See NDP next page

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

Electoral District: Niagara West

Sam Oosterhoﬀ, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoﬀco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033 Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication. The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our ofﬁce at (905) 892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www. thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

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The Voice

Page 7

A November 24 2021

OPINION More reaction to David Augustyn’s NDP candidacy Yikes! How can we forget David Augustyn and his cronies, they cleaned us out and disappeared in the dust. Does he really think everyone has forgotten his unprofessional exit and the financial mess he left the Town in? Was Andrea Horwath’s head under a rock when she was so thrilled to have this political con artist on her team? A leopard doesn’t change his spots, so it will be very interesting to see the outcome of this new love of Niagara and all he wants to do for families, etc. All this man is after is padding his pension, which will be quite generous if he should get the votes needed. I encourage all new people to this area to read the articles in the Voice and remember them at voting time. We do not need anoth-

He’ll be 100 times better than what we have now! Despite that editorial. Celeste McCollum Via Voice website

er catastrophic mess when things go sideways again. The developers (thanks to the ex-mayor), that have built on every piece of land they can get their hands on are putting the cart before the horse as usual. Yes, we all want to see people able to buy homes for themselves and families, but they are being packed into these developments, and, as usual, the infrastructure is not up to the task. Roads are going to need to be widened, and many more stop signs and lights are going to be needed. Not to mention that so often our stores are out of product, not only because of Covid and shipping problems, but because we have a lot more people in the area. R. Obelnycki Fonthill

I have voted NDP my entire life. I am beyond stunned that this man has been chosen for my riding, after what he did in Pelham.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath’s announcement that Dave Augustyn, former mayor of Pelham, is the approved nomination candidate for Niagara West is a real punch in the gut. No politician lasts forever but the destruction that they spread during their time in office does, and, case in point, just look at the myriad cookie-cutter houses replacing rich farm soil, green space, and orchards in Pelham. Highway 20 is no longer a pleasant

You have given Sam Oosterhoff a guaranteed reelection. Joan Hart Via Voice website

drive but it is a succession of vehicles spewing into the atmosphere. I thought the NDP would be a welcome relief from the Doug Ford pave-over mentality and the ramming-through of highways like the 413, and I was overjoyed when Horwath spoke out against such development. But now she has brought on a man capable of just that mindset. Faye Suthons Wainfleet

Everyone deserves another chance, but in this case I think we need to wait until Phellham freezes over. Duncan McNaughton Ridgeville

NDP

continued from previous page foresight is now abundantly evident. We have a growing, vibrant town featuring the new community centre, a place for residents of all ages to gather and enjoy a wide variety of recreational, social, health and community activities. It's home to the Jr. B Pelham Panthers, Southern Tier AAA Admirals, Pelham Raiders Lacrosse, Niagara Centre Skating Club, Pelham Minor Hockey Association, and the Pelham Panthers Basketball Association. The

MCC is home to our champions. It is also a recognized Seniors Active Living Centre and home to Active Living Lounge for those 55-plus. And the facility will continue to attract new young families to the area. Mr. Augustyn has been chosen by the NDP of Ontario to represent the Niagara West riding in the next provincial election scheduled to be held on or before June 2, 2022. Our riding is currently held by a 24-year-old conservative Christian, Sam Oosterhoff, a representative who is often in some public and political

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Cross-border traﬃc set to increase with testing dropped

s expected, Health Canada has dropped the requirement of travellers having to obtain an expensive PCR test upon returning to Canada, as long as they have only been outside the country for 72 hours or less. At up to $300 per test, this requirement was greatly hindering daytrips to the US. It was very strange to see the Buffalo arena two-thirds empty with the Leafs in town, but that was due, no doubt, to this requirement. As of November 30, this protocol will be lifted for fully vaccinated Canadians. The number of fully vaccinated residents in Ontario is now at 86 percent, which is no doubt keeping the province’s hospitalization rates low, even as the daily case numbers are approaching the 800 mark. Remember you can still get Covid while being fully vaccinated, but the symptoms should be a lot less severe. In our Town, active cases are at twelve, and our test positivity rate is currently a rather high five percent as of this writing.

trouble. Although I've never voted NDP before, I've already decided that I'll be supporting Dave Augustyn in the next provincial election. I encourage others to do the same. Rick Woodward Fonthill

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bers as we reach a decision on next year’s tax levies. More on this in future columns. hristmas in Pelham kicks off this year with our outdoor Christmas Market in the Town Square, December 3, 4 PM to 9:30 PM. Bring the family, and shop locally in the booths set up by local artisans. Enjoy fresh local food and beverages all while listening to live mu-

sic, and of course Santa will be there! Check out the Pelham.ca website for more Christmas activities, including the Christmas Card contest, light and decoration tours, and letters to Santa. And don’t forget the Santa Clause Parade on December 11, at 1 PM, with the route starting at the Bethany Christian Reformed Church, on Balfour Street, running to Canboro Road through downtown Fenwick, to Church Street, and fi nishing at Centennial Park. It’s great to see these very popular events return to the town in their usual format, happening of course due to the continued relaxing of the Covid restrictions. Next Friday, November 26, I will have the pleasure of dropping the puck at centre ice at the community centre to start the Regional Silverstick Hockey Tournament. This tournament will run the entire weekend. Residents I am sure will join with me to wish all of our local teams the best of luck throughout the tournament. ◆

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Page 8

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Dr. Alexander Wong

Why I will vaccinate my children against Covid-19

am an infectious disease physician. When it is our turn to vaccinate our five-yearold son against Covid-19, I will do so with confidence and without hesitation. I am encouraging every parent with eligible children between ages five and 11 to do the same. Here is why. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. Subsequently, members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously to recommend vaccination for all children ages five to 11, a recommendation quickly endorsed by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. The rush to vaccinate children in this age group in the United States has now begun. Health Canada reviewed a similar submission from Pfizer to allow its vaccine to be used in children aged five to 11, and last Friday authorized it for all children in Canada in this age group.

Reviewing the evidence

Many parents in Canada have indicated hesitancy to vaccinate their children, and understandably all parents have questions about weighing the risks and benefits. Let’s review the evidence. Pfizer’s clinical trial conducted in the United States in kids aged five to 11 began early in 2021, and a significant surge of Covid-19 occurred soon after as the highly contagious Delta variant swept across the country. The data reported from the clinical trial thus far is encouraging. The antibody responses in children aged five to 11 with two 10-microgram doses, given three weeks apart, were comparable to those in persons aged 16 to 25 who were given two 30-microgram doses three weeks apart. Being fully vaccinated reduced the chances of being infected with Covid-19 by over 90 percent, an impressive number especially amidst the Delta surge.

No concerning safety events were identified in over 3,000 children who received the vaccine, although followup intervals were short. Why vaccinate kids against Covid-19? A question commonly asked by parents is this: “Kids don’t generally get very sick or die from Covid-19 compared to adults, right? So why vaccinate them if their risk is so low?” Yes, the risk of children getting very sick or dying with Covid-19 is low, but the relative risk of severe outcomes and death that kids face when they acquire Covid-19 is extremely high. Covid-19 was the sixth highest cause of death from disease in children ages five to 11 in the U.S. in 2020, comparable to rates of death seen in children with heart or lung disease. If there were a way to prevent death in children with heart or lung disease as simple as a safe two-dose vaccine, there would be very little hesitation from parents to take advantage of it. Besides hospitalization and death, Covid-19 infection poses other significant risks for children, including the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and longer-term post-Covid-19 complications (“long Covid”) similar to adults. MIS-C can occur two to six weeks after Covid-19 infection, nearly two-thirds of affected children will require critical care support, and between one and two percent of affected children will die. About seven percent of children in the United Kingdom who recovered from Covid-19 infection reported ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after being diagnosed, which affected various aspects of their quality of life: missing school, being less able to perform physical activity and mental health concerns. MIS-C and long Covid in children are best avoided through prevention of Covid-19 infection by being fully vaccinated.

Concerns about side-effects

The primary side-effect of concern in young children receiving the Covid-19 vaccine is myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. In one recent Israeli study, the risk of myocarditis was highest in male patients be-

tween ages 16 and 29 after a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, at roughly 11 out of every 100,000 males. A second Israeli study identified males between ages 16 and 19 as being at greatest risk. The risk of myocarditis in females across all age groups was negligible in both studies. Deaths due to vaccine-induced myocarditis are extremely rare, and nearly all cases recover fully. In Pfizer’s clinical trial of children between ages five and 11, no cases of myocarditis have been detected, but ongoing surveillance will be necessary as cases of myocarditis in children of this age group are expected to be extremely rare, given that myocarditis is typically a post-pubertal phenomenon. Also, since the vaccine dose being given to children aged five to 11 is one-third the dose given to persons over 12, an even greater reduction in vaccine-induced myocarditis is likely in this younger age group. The risk of damage to the heart from infection with SARS-CoV-2 is statistically much higher than the risk of vaccine-induced myocarditis. Covid-19 infection can lead to a variety of complications of the heart, some serious. Such complications include damage to heart muscle from myocarditis itself, as well as inflammation of blood vessels supplying the heart muscle caused by the virus. Many parents worry about the possible effects of Covid-19 vaccine on fertility and future pregnancies. No evidence exists right now to demonstrate any concerns with Covid-19 vaccine and fertility, pregnancy or breast-feeding. Tens of thousands of women have received vaccine while being pregnant, and no safety signals have been identified. Parents are concerned about the lack of long-term safety data available for the mRNA vaccines. No reasonable scientific basis exists to indicate that long-term side effects of mRNA vaccination will occur. mRNA is degraded in the body very quickly, which is why we would typically expect to see vaccine side effects like myocarditis within the first two months of

vaccine administration, or not at all. Billions of doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered worldwide with no long-term side effects identified, providing further evidence for the long-term safety of mRNA vaccines.

Benefits of vaccination far exceed potential risks

Unfortunately, SARS-CoV-2 is not going to ever go away. Our best-case scenario is endemicity, and even that reality is unpredictable given the potential emergence of new viral variants. We cannot expect our children to live in “bubbles” forever. We must prepare them as best as we can to safely navigate this new reality. Based on the scientific evidence at hand, the benefits of vaccination for my five-year-old son far exceeds any potential risk. That is why he will be vaccinated as soon as he is eligible, and also why practically every expert group on child health across the world has come out in favour of universal vaccination of children, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. We have not even brought up the significant societal benefit of moving closer toward herd immunity through universal vaccination of eligible children. Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult and disruptive for children and their families. We now give routine childhood vaccines to our kids without hesitation, and they have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy of children worldwide. Getting every child between ages five and 11 fully vaccinated against Covid-19 helps bring us all one step closer towards normalcy and protects our children from severe outcomes of Covid-19 infection. That is why I am going to vaccinate our five-year-old son with confidence, and why I will strongly encourage all parents to do the same. ◆ Alexander Wong is Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, University of Saskatchewan

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Online Public Information Centre #3 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Merritt Road (Regional Road 37) and Rice Road (Regional Road 54) in Pelham, Thorold and Welland Niagara Region is undertaking an Environmental Assessment Study for improvements to Merritt Road and Rice Road as a result of proposed developments in the Town of Pelham, the City of Thorold and the City of Welland. The study aims to identify improvements to the two roadways to meet the future needs of the surrounding community for all road users. The study also aims to address active transportation needs by providing dedicated pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure that is safe, attractive, conform to a complete streets approach and compatible with the changing land use in the three local municipalities. This study is being carried out as a Schedule ‘C’ project in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. It will address the requirements of Class Environmental Assessment Phases 1 to 4.

preliminary preferred design for the road improvements. This event will be held in an online format via project webpage: niagararegion.ca/projects/regional-road-37 You are invited to attend the online presentation Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, 6 p.m. There will be an opportunity at the end of the presentation to ask questions or submit comments. To join the online presentation, please visit the link above on the day of presentation and click on the presentation link. In addition, the information materials related to the Public Information Centre #3 will be available on the project webpage starting Dec. 1, 2021, comments will be received until Dec. 16, 2021. If you have any questions or comments, please contact one of the Study Team Members: Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng., P.Eng. Manager, Transportation Planning Niagara Region 905-980-6000 ext. 3583 Maged.Elmadhoon@niagararegion.ca

Jeff Suggett, M. Sc. Consultant Project Manager Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions 905-380-3601 Jeff.Suggett@woodplc.com

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Ofﬁce at 905-980-6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@ niagararegion.ca Public Information Centre #1 was held March 24 - April 7, 2021, and Public Information Centre #2 was held June 9 - June 30, 2021. Materials related to these events, including the summary reports documenting the comments received and study team’s responses are available on the project webpage. Niagara Region is now planning to host the third and last Public Information Centre #3 for this study to share the

If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca

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The Voice

Page 9

A November 24 2021

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Councillor Wayne Olson

When the Wings played the Royals Community centre experiences, a lifetime apart

e had to go “into town” to go to our arena. That in itself made it a special event because we only went to town if it rained and to shop. Today, we ran home from school so that we could to the Memorial Centre and sign up for minor hockey. Mother had my closely guarded birth certificate as we waited in line with a lot of really big “city kids.” You had to keep an eye on them. I’m not exactly sure that I was ever shown my birth certificate. I know that I needed it one day for something. I guarded it with my life. I’m pretty sure that Mother was waiting at the door when I got home to retake custody of the crumpled parchment document. I don’t think I saw a plastic birth certificate until I was 18. On this day, we faced a determined group of volunteers at long tables who collected information and cash. My first exposure to the power of adult bureaucracy. Imagine my relief when I was deemed to be a fully registered minor hockey player. The next stage was the tour of the Memorial Arena. This was not one of those natural surface, wooden trussed, rural arenas. It was a Centre. It had a multiple-use room, artificial ice, a centre ice clock and, wonder of wonders, a Zamboni. They were still dragging a water barrel around the Olympia at the time. We were taught to be especially respectful because the Memorial in the name meant the arena was built in memory of our war dead.

Just imagine stepping onto that stage and grinding your skates into sawdust. My ankles always stood between me and a professional career. Imagine our excitement when we attended the opening hockey game at our new building. The Red Wings played an exhibition against our local team, the Royals. Uncle Charlie told us that the Royals were named for The Royal Hotel, a local tavern, and he would know. There were several choices for names: The Park, The Brunswick, The Station, The Midtown, The John Scott, The Talbot and The Grand Central. My personal favourite was The Devil’s Half Acre. I think my grandmother named that one because she was very down on drink. She would be alarmed that I can recite a comprehensive list of taverns in town. Back to the big game. We joined a sizeable crowd at the train station to see the Red Wings pull in at noon. Big steam engines were becoming rare but this train had a huge steamer on the front end. The last car was said to be the Red Wings sleeper. After they played the Royals, the Wings would continue east, likely to New York or maybe Montreal. Anyway, a switcher picked up the sleeper and the diner and took them to a side track by the ball park. We all stood there and waited to see if the Red Wings might appear even at a window. They must have been at lunch in their dining car because nothing moved not even a window shade. “Brutus” the railroad cop eventually drove us away. Our goalie was a guy from Port Colborne named Ed. We all liked Ed because he would often stick

around after the Royals’ practice to take shots from us kids. We wondered how Ed was going to manage against the likes of Howe and Lindsay. The Wings were, after all, the powerhouse of the ‘50s. We all waited in our seats for the warmup. Then the door opened and there they were. We knew all of their names from “WJR-The Goodwill Station in Detroit.” There was Gordie and Ted flying by the boards in real life. Pretty serious dudes, those Red Wings. The Royals did okay in the first period. Ed was exceptionally good. We were all cheering for him. He was even outplaying Terry Sawchuck, and he stymied Gordie and Ted. The Royals were flying and checking like fools. I think we were amazed to see that our Royals were tied with the Wings at the end of the first. Competitive instincts must have eventually taken over. The Wings started to go like it was overtime in seventh game of the Stanley Cup. Poor Ed. It looked like the Wings were now making a game of firing the puck at a six inch triangle at the top corner of Ed’s cage. I don’t remember the score but Ed and the Royals were still our heroes.

It was too late for us to stay and see the Wings take their taxis back to the station. We went home and stood in the yard to hear the train whistle when the Wings left. What a great day and evening!

ow a long fast-forward to last Saturday, when I had the privilege of working with Mayor Junkin and several volunteers on the Pelham Cares Food Drive at the Meridian Community Centre. It was a very busy place. There seemed to be at least ten different events going on. Many people tell me that we cannot change the debt and we should learn to really use and appreciate this wonderful facility to the fullest extent possible. I think they are right about that. It is easy for me to transfer my pride and allegiance to our fine centre, a truly iconic symbol of our Town. As country kids, we were not exposed to figure skating or recreational skating because we were on the frozen farm pond when not

at the rink. We didn’t know much about basketball because we rode the school bus. It’s great to see so many different sports and activities at our MCC. A neighbour has invited me to watch his granddaughter figure skating. I’ll be there, Jim. Many other things have not changed. The moms and dads bringing their exited kids to the rink. Smiles all around. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing families together. I always like it when those young NHL millionaires thank their parents. Usually moms come first. Soldiers are like that, as well. I do want to add an important statement of appreciation and support for our Pelham Panthers Junior B hockey team. The pandemic has hit a lot of organizations hard. The shutdowns have drastically reduced revenue opportunities. Let’s get behind our team. Sunday in the late afternoon is a great time to get out and around. I’m looking forward to a hockey game and a trip to one of our great restaurants. Hope to see you there. ◆ Town Councillor Wayne Olson represents Pelham's Ward 1

E. L. Crossley Secondary School takes beauty honours BY CYNTHIA ROBERTS Special to the Voice The Pelham Beautification Committee has recognized E. L. Crossley Secondary School for its beautification initiatives in two programs —Green Industries and Visual Arts. Aaron Belding, Green Industries teacher and his class of Grade 11 and 12 students took on the assignment of beautifying the southwest corner of the new turf field at the Highway 20 campus. What was once a barren corner of grass, weeds and overgrown shrubs is now a visually attractive, large garden with a retaining wall and several perennial plants, including Yarrow, Black Eye Susan, Ferns, Thyme and Cone Flower. “The assignment started the second week of September,” said Belding, “with students digging up the project area, building a retaining wall, as well as designing and planning the floral arrangements.” The project came to fruition the first week in November, under the watchful eye of their teacher. “The plant material, although picked over this late time in the season, was chosen for the school colours and for the spring to fall interest,” said Belding. Owen Metler, a Grade 12B student and aspiring landscaper, said, “I’m enjoying the Green Industries program because I plan on attending Niagara College next year in the Horticulture program, possibly in Greenhouse Technology or Hydroponics. This garden project was interesting because I enjoy

Teacher Aaron Belding with his Grade 11 and 12 students. keeping things alive.” Another grade 12B student, Aiden Macrae, said, “I’m enjoying the Green Industries program and this project in particular because I like making the school look better.” Visual Arts is the second Crossley program to receive accolades from the Pelham Beautification Committee. Town staff approached Sherry Wilkinson, Visual Arts teacher, earlier this year to paint a mural dedicated to Marlene Stewart-Streit, located at the park

named for her in Fonthill. “I put out a call,” said Wilkinson, “and six art students enthusiastically took up the challenge. The project started with a lot of research into Marlene’s golf career, including students picking over photos that best depict Marlene for the purpose of re-creating her on a mural.” Wilkinson said that the monochromatic painting creates a nostalgic feel that best portrays an historical figure.

CYNTHIA ROBERTS

The painting took 36 hours to complete this past summer during the worst weather conditions possible. “It was either sweltering heat or torrential rain,” recalled Wilkinson. “Fortunately Town staff provided a tent to keep the artists out of the elements.” Rachel Moskalyk, one of the art students also worked as a lifeguard at Marlene Stewart-Streit Park, helped with the project. “When I finished lifeguarding I

would step over to the building and join the other artists,” Moskalyk said. “It was great working with other art students and bouncing off ideas to create the finished product.” Moskalyk aims to attend a university art program where she plans to obtain a PhD. Natalie Anderson is heading off in another direction, with biomedical science in mind. Both students were excited to be a part of this project. “The local people know of Marlene Stewart-Streit as an iconic person and we were honoured and flattered to be a part of this amazing project,” said Anderson. The unveiling took place on July 20, with Stewart-Streit attending via zoom call. Her sister, Dolly Smith, attended the ceremony as well. Additional art students who worked on the project included Gwen Cudmore, Hannah Horton, Emily Shatford, and Trinity Young. Crossley Principal Janice Sargeant said she was proud that students and staff were recognized by the Beautification Committee. “I believe that a school should contribute to the community and both of these projects do just that,” said Sargeant. “It was great watching the transformation as students worked together planning, planting, painting, and in the end creating beautiful works of art and nature.” The Pelham Beautification Committee will name a recipient each month. Individuals are encouraged to submit potential recipient recommendations to the Pelham Beautification Committee at beautification@pelham.ca

Page 10

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

“It's a relatively precarious situation” Hirji warns that targeted restrictions may be necessary to avoid Covid resurgence BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Niagara added 25 new Covid-19 cases last Thursday, and as of this writing had an active case total of 240 (including 12 in Pelham). Do these numbers represent a tipping point of uncontrolled rise in infections? “I wouldn’t say we’re at a tipping point, but I do think it's a relatively precarious situation,” said Niagara Health’s Acting Medical Officer, Mustafa Hirji. “We've seen in other countries, as well as an Alberta and Saskatchewan, that if you pull back on your preventive measures, you will see a spike in cases. And I think we are at risk of that if we're not careful. We need

to think seriously about bringing back a few targeted restrictions to make sure we get through the Christmas period and the winter, without an increase in infection levels.” Hirji said that packed sports stadiums in the U.S. this fall have been responsible for many infections. “It’s should be no surprise that Covid-19 infection rates in the States are over ten times higher than here in Canada,” he said. “Big crowds attending the Toronto Maple Leafs games, that does make me a little bit nervous. I haven't seen our local Meridian Centre in St. Catharines linked to any spread of infection, due to the safety protocols in place. Making sure we’re

enforcing people wearing masks and social distancing when they're in those facilities is very important.” During competition, athletes are working hard, which means they are breathing heavily and are at risk of spreading airborne viruses, said Hirji. “They are usually not wearing a mask because it can be a kind of obstruction, and that, along with crowded team change rooms, can lead to the spread of infection. Whenever you have a lot of people in close contact, that’s where infection can spread.” Hirji is not advocating that countries go into full lockdown. “The vaccines have been good enough that we've gotten past that,” he said. “But targeted lockdowns are useful. In Austria right now, if you're unvaccinated, you're in lockdown. If you're vaccinated, it's business as usual. Other coun-

tries like Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom are bringing back some targeted restrictions in society.” A recent orchestrated letter-writing campaign in Niagara, aimed at discrediting Hirji for his handling of the pandemic, and the economic hardship caused by social restrictions, didn’t ruffle him. “My responsibility is to protect the people of Niagara from Covid-19, and all other health threats,” he said. “At the end of the day, I have to make decisions based on the best science available. Otherwise, I'm putting people's lives pointlessly at risk. And I would also push back on the idea that targeted restrictions are hurting the economy. Throughout this pandemic, the economies of countries that have better-managed Covid-19 have fared the best. Here in Canada in recent months, Canada's actually been hitting

some new highs in terms of economic growth, and we’re now back to pre-pandemic levels in terms of job participation.” Health Canada has recently approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11. Previously, only those aged 12 and up were eligible. The vaccine will require two doses of 10 micrograms each, about one-third of the dose for adults. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is recommending the two doses be spaced eight weeks apart. Canada has ordered 2.9 million doses, enough to provide first jabs for all eligible children in the country. Hirji is pleased to see this development, given that “this age group currently has by far the highest rate of Covid-19 infection in Niagara, and the vaccine will provide them with much-needed protection.”

Pelham pharmacies say no to walk-in Covid testing, at least for now BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The Ontario government has announced enhanced Covid-19 testing, with a broad expansion of the number of publicly funded testing locations for those with and without symptoms. “While vaccination remains the best way to protect against Covid-19, test-

ing remains a key part of our pandemic response by detecting cases earlier and providing an additional layer of safety,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a press release. “As we head into the colder months, we are enhancing our testing strategy to ensure that every Ontarian, regardless of where they live, can access testing closer to home when

111 Hwy 20 East FONTHILL

they need it and get a test result as quickly as possible.” Several testing strategies will be deployed across the province in the near future, in an effort to mitigate the increased risk of transmission over the winter months. The most significant is the introduction of publicly-funded Covid-19 PCR specimen collection in select pharmacies and

DAILY SPECIALS!

“pop-up” locations for all individuals eligible for testing, including symptomatic individuals and close contacts. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. Pharmacies choosing to offer this service will be required to follow stringent infection prevention and control measures to protect

staff, patients, and customers. However, it appears none of the four pharmacies in Pelham will be offering Covid-19 testing, at least in the short term. Kyle Boggio, pharmacist/ owner at the Boggio Family of Pharmacies on Highway 20 in Fonthill, told the Voice that they are considering the possibility of offering Covid-19 testing in the future, but do not currently

provide the service. Pharmacist/owner Glen Sisak, at PharmaChoice in the Fonthill Food Basics plaza, is not offering Covid-19 testing at this time. Bruce McAlpine, pharmacist/owner of PharmaSave, in the Pelham Hills Plaza, said that the location currently does Covid-19 testing of un-symptomatic patients See TESTING Page 20

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The Voice

Page 11

A November 24 2021

Life in Pelham Discover more about life in Pelham

Santa's Workshop! Friday, December 10, 2021 | 4:00-9:00pm $25.00/child (dinner included) ages 4+ Limited spaces available. Drop your children off at the Meridian Community Centre for a night of (physically distant) crafts, movies, popcorn and holiday spirit! With parents being just as busy as Santa’s Elves this time of year, this is the perfect opportunity to get your last minute shopping done!

Winter Break Camp January 4-7 2022 | 9:00am-4:00pm $150.00/child ages 4+ Limited spaces available. This week of fun will continue the holiday spirit through games, skating, gym time, movies, crafts and more! Option of purchasing a hot lunch for $7.00 per day. Extended Care is available from 7:30am-5:30pm for $38.00. Winter Break Camp will take place at the Meridian Community Centre.

March Break Camp - Registration opening 2022 March 14-18 2022 | 9:00am-4:00pm $185/ child ages 4+ This week of fun will keep youth entertained with a full program of activity time, movies, crafts and more!

Camps

Programming

NEW Family Gym Wednesdays | 4:00 - 5:30pm Youth/$3.50 | Adults/$6 or Activity Punch Pass This program allows families to come to the Meridian Community Centre for family gym time and physical activity! During this time, families are encouraged to get active, shoot hoops and have fun together! All children must be supervised during this drop-in program.

www.pelham.ca/youth

Upcoming Projects

Christmas in Pelham Returns

LIP Issue #4 - November 24 2021

Brittany MacLean 905-732-7882 bmaclean@pelham.ca

Page 12

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

IN P Make a list and check it twice for all

OUTDOOR MARKET

FREE SKATES @MCC DECEMBER 17 | 7:30pm-9:20pm DECEMBER 19 | 1:00pm-2:20pm Lace up your skates and bring the family to the Meridian Community Centre (MCC). Those attending that are 12 years of age or older are required to provide ID and proof of vaccination. Sponsored by Fenwick Firefighters Association and community partners.

LETTERS TO SANTA UNTIL DECEMBER 13 | In Person UNTIL DECEMBER 22 | Via email Town staff are working with Santa’s elves to get letters to the North Pole. In person letter drop off at: Meridian Community Centre Don’t forget to include your return address! Letter via email to: sclaus@pelham.ca

24TH ANNUAL

PARADE IN PELHAM

PRESENTED BY THE FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS

DECEMB Join wit New this families season t hunt. Re GooseCh style mis event. A are ente

DECEMBER 11 The 24th Annua Fenwick Lions, experience the groups delight t displays. Don't Reform Church

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The Voice

Page 13

A November 24 2021

PELHAM things Christmas inspired in Pelham. DECEMBER 3 | 4:00pm - 9:30pm | Pelham Town Square The Town of Pelham's holiday marquee event returns this year with the Outdoor Christmas Market. This traditional evening market brings together the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. From live entertainment, festive drinks, artisan shopping, ice carving demonstrations and visits with Santa there is something for everyone to enjoy!

GREAT ELF CHALLENGE

BER 1-12 | On GooseChase APP th game code 7ZLM93 s year, the Town of Pelham is offering a unique way to experience the together through an online scavenger esidents can download the free hase app and complete scavenger hunt ssions released daily through the All participants that complete a mission ered for a chance to win!

SELF-GUIDED LIGHT TOUR & COMPETITION DECEMBER 13-24 | Throughout the Town The Town of Pelham is encouraging residents to light up the town! Join the competition and submit your address online to have it added to the self-guided light tour. The full light tour with all locations will be released after December 12 for residents to drive and take in all the light displays. Prizes will be awarded for winning locations, sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy.

1 | 1:00pm | Fenwick al Santa Claus parade, presented by the Fabulous returns in a traditional format this year. Come and community spirit as local businesses and service those along the route with festive floats and miss Santa! Parade begins at Bethany Christian and ends at Centennial Park in Fenwick.

www.pelham.ca/christmas Hosting a community event in Pelham? Add it to the community calendar at www.pelham.ca/christmas

905-732-7890

Page 14

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Discover activity for 55+!

In person

Yoga - Chair Yoga - Brock FIT & more Drop in programs are available throughout the week at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) and the walking track is open without reservations. When visiting please wear a face covering, show ID and proof of vaccination as required.

Virtual Register for FREE Virtual Programs - 5 days a week. Choose from Pilates, painting, dance, yoga, Zumba, lectures, book talks, sewing projects, cooking, music lessons & more! To receive the weekly calendar of programs contact Brittany MacLean.

For more information: Brittany MacLean 905-732-7882 bmaclean@pelham.ca

www.pelham.ca/55

Comprehensive Zoning By-law The Town of Pelham has recently hired a new Policy Planner who will be joining the team to continuing to work on the comprehensive Zoning By-law. Watch for more in 2022 and for up to date information and opportunities to connect about the by-law visit https://engagingpelham.ca

Summer Hiring: Camp, Aquatics & Grounds! re available For notifications when positions are eers subscribe to www.pelham.ca/careers

FAMILY DAY

Save the date for Family Day fun! www.pelham.ca/familyday - February 18-21 2022

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*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuously changing rules and r e g u l a t i o n s , a l l p r o g r a m s , e v e n t s , a n d da t e s , a r e s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e without notice.

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The Voice

Page 15

A November 24 2021

Blues, jazz, and funk with a Pelham connection BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Jim Casson’s career has hit a lot of different notes, including some high ones. He’s a professional drummer and percussionist, a music educator, producer, and promoter, a graphic and web designer, and also a farmer, father, and husband. “I grew up in Fenwick, and I still live there,” he said proudly. “I’m essentially a full-time musician. That’s been my job since I was 20 years old. I’ve recorded six albums of my own original stuff in various genres and styles, and have played on over 80 or 90 albums during my career.” Casson’s latest musical venture — an album entitled “Davis Hall and the Green Lanterns” — grew out of sheer boredom. “During the Covid lockdown, [musicians] were all sitting around doing nothing, so there was a serious need to flex our creative muscles,” said Casson. “A friend who was a singer and guitar player had asked me and a bass player to record some music to stream on YouTube and Facebook. Basically, he wanted some karaoke tracks. That expanded into the three of us trying to do something more creative, and the idea morphed into a band that included a tuba player, a couple more guitar players and harmonica players, and some various guys that I knew through my connections in the music business from Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, and Ottawa. During the lockdown, everybody was interested in doing something, because we were all just bored to tears.” As he was assembling the album, Casson decided that he wanted to

pay tribute to Niagara. “I have this old map of the region that actually belonged to my grandfather, a 1906 topographical military map that’s got the names of all these old, interesting little hamlets with forgotten names, like Marshville Station and White Pigeon, that were scattered around Niagara. And I was always fascinated with those things. So I started searching around for different names which kind of seemed to fit musically with the compositions.” You’ll find tracks on the new album Jim Casson. called Temperanceville (FontSUPPLIED hill’s prior moniker), Finding Tintern, Gasline, Crowland, Dream of Chantler, and Sulphur Springs. There is a “Dark Orchard” side to the album, said Casson, referring to his “experimental musical adventure” which involves weaving samples, loops, and spoken word elements into the songs. Casson decided to include a recording from 1963 of local disc jockey Bob Bowland. from CHOW radio in Welland, the station that was most played in his home during his youth. The album’s name, “Davis Hall and the Green Lanterns,” grew out of Casson’s memories from his youth in Pelham. “Davis Hall was the big community centre for decades on Haist Street, north of Highway 20,” he said. “I went to nursery school there, and long before that, it was the

place where all of the youth dances happened. Anybody who grew up in Pelham in the 1950s would remember Davis Hall. I thought it sounded like a guy’s name. And the Green Lantern was a hangout in Fenwick, now called the Grill on Canboro. It was a convenience store, but also a soda shop where you could get a burger and milkshake. Back in the 1970s, it was the only game in town in Fenwick. It sounded to me like a great name for a backup band.” He still travels, and plays live gigs on a regular basis. “I've got my bi-weekly thing happening at Peter Piper’s Pubhouse right now, with a group we call Jimmy’s Juke Joint,” said Casson. “[Peter Moore of Peter Piper’s] is very supportive of the blues, and music in general, so it’s nice to have that venue. I play locally, and tour nationally. I was supposed to be flying out to Halifax today for a twoweek tour with Downchild Blues Band. Unfortunately, Covid numbers on the rise affected ticket sales, and the tour was cancelled.” Many will be familiar with Juno Award winners Downchild Blues Band, which has been called “a Canadian blues legend” and “one of the greatest blues bands in the world, period” by the Toronto Star. Canadian film star and Saturday Night Live veteran Dan Aykroyd called Downchild “a great, iconic Canadian act that I associate with wonderful events and summer nights and good times with friends. I’ve never seen people stay in their seats when these guys play. They always rock the house.” Akyroyd reportedly said that he and fellow SNL comedian John Belushi gained the inspiration for their Blues Brothers act from watching

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Downchild live in New York City. Casson has played with many bands over the years. He got a gig with a Pink Floyd clone band after high school, and then teamed up with Jeffrey and the Juniors, a well-known local rock and roll group with a focus on the 1950s and ‘60s. He was part of the Mighty Duck Blues Band, which played for more than a decade every Saturday at The Golden Pheasant, an unpretentious drinking hole frequented by General Motors employees in St. Catharines that was simply known around town as “The Duck” (from which the band derived its name). Casson said he holds the record for the number of consecutive nights playing at the Chicken Deli in Toronto, a popular jazz and blues club in the 1970s and ‘80s. “I was there every Monday night for five and a half years with Chuck Jackson's All Stars, and at least four or five different bands during the week,” he said. “I owe an awful lot to the Chicken, despite the fact that they paid really poorly. But during the early part of my career, I met a lot of different acts there and was hired on after they saw me play.” After taking drum instruction as a kid, and music lessons throughout high school at E.L Crossley, Casson went on to study music at Mohawk College. He spent a lot of time in the music mecca that is Toronto, then returned to his roots in Pelham with his young family, where he was the founder and artistic director of the Fonthill Bandshell Series. He has a recording studio in his basement-man cave, where he works on his craft. “I do my composition on keyboards. I have a recurring nightmare

where I get to a gig and find out I’m the piano player,” he laughed. “I’ve never claimed to be able to perform on keyboards, but I can manage. If I want something really good on the keyboard, I hire somebody.” Casson cut a limited run of CDs of the new album, but expects people will mostly download tracks online at Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. “It's been getting lots of airplay, including some national coverage, and receiving lots of love from some of the blues and jazz radio shows, like Jazz FM in Toronto,” said Casson. “A progressive blend of blues, jazz and funk — the freshest sound I have heard in years. Modern music with a dash of retro, and a whole lot of soul," wrote Brant Zwicker of At The Crossroads Blues Radio. "I’m loving it! So funkified! Great instrumentation, arrangements, and of course masterful playing. Bravo!," gushed Cindy McLeod of the Calgary International Blues Festival. For Casson, It was a fun project to assemble, and different from his other gigs. “I married a bunch of aspects of my musical world together for the first time, whereas previously I had gone off in one direction or another.” Asked how much longer he plans to continue performing and recording albums, Casson chuckled. “You know what they say about musicians and farmers: we don't have to worry about retirement, because we can’t afford to,” he said. “So I guess I’ll keep playing until somebody strikes me down. I'm 57 now, and starting to think I might be getting good.”

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Page 16

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A November 24 2021

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Centennial Park splash pad construction under way Marlene Stewart Streit Park also to get upgrades BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor It won’t be operational until the spring, but Pelham’s new splash pad at Centennial Park in Fenwick is under construction, with completion expected before the end of December. Splash pads are popular with young families, and have been requested for several years during Pelham's Budget Open House. The good news to the taxpayer is that they are a fraction of the price of public swimming pools. The cost of a splash pad is approximately $350,000, said Vickie van Ravenswaay, Pelham’s Director of Recreation, Culture, and Wellness. The Centennial Park splash pad received both federal and provincial funding via the Investing in Canada Plan (ICIP) and the Covid-19 Resilience Stream, on June 29, which cover about a third of the cost. The balance — about $237,000 — will be paid from Pelham development charges revenue. Marlene Stewart Streit Park will be the home of not just the municipality’s second splash pad, but also a pavilion and new swimming pool, thanks to 40 percent federal and 33 percent provincial funding ($2.3 million in total). The work will take place over the next five years, and will cost almost $3.2 million. The Town of Pelham will provide some $850,000, allocated

Cutline text is this right here.

SUPPLIED

from the long-term capital-planning budget. The pool will be the final component, and won’t be completed until 2026. Marlene Stewart Streit Park currently includes the Isaac Riehl Memorial Skate Park, an out-

door mural installed as a tribute to Stewart Streit, a playground, exercise equipment, and the 60year old Pelham Pool, which is open from early June to the end of August. Van Ravenswaay said that the

projects fit well into the Town’s strategic priorities, notably building strong communities and cultural assets. Joint federal and provincial funding supports similar projects in 129 towns, cities, and munici-

palities throughout southwestern, midwestern, and central Ontario. Ottawa is investing some $40 million dollars towards these projects through the ICIP, while the government of Ontario is contributing some $10.2 million.

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The Voice

Page 17

A November 24 2021

Beware the gale: Cyclone blow away Phoenix BY BILL POTRECZ bpsportsniagara.com The E.L. Crossley Cyclone rode a wave of athleticism and team play to a Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (SOSSA) AA senior boys volleyball championship before their home fans. The Cyclone, who feature only one travel volleyball player, defeated the St. Francis Phoenix 25-15, 2517, 25-13, to capture the title and advance to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) playdowns in North Bay. “I knew I had a group of athletes,” Crossley coach Michelle Gibson said. “I knew I had a nice group of boys, mainly basketball players, the odd hockey player mixed in there, and one volleyball player. But I knew they were a group of athletes and I knew from them playing a lot of team sports in the past together, they were just a really unique, nicely-bonded team and they’re great to work with.” Gibson marvelled watching the team progress over the course of the season. “Some of them came never having touched a volleyball or not having touched a volleyball since Grade 9 and these boys came and put in the work,” she said. “So many of them came and they just developed so much over the year. We were always so proud of them this season.” The Cylcone went right back to the drawing board at times, Gibson said. “We went back to the basics — passing, basic skills —and then as we progressed we really worked on just being smart players because they’re also not only athletic, but they’re a really smart group of boys.” Gibson said the team sat down and mapped out their goals for season after a year away from the court due to the Covid pandemic. “Let’s make sure we all have the same value system, which is we want to come here and have fun and have a sense of belonging to a team again,” she said. “We want to work on being good teammates to each other and just really work

Yungblut, Gail In memory of my beloved daughter Gail Elaine, loving sister, sister-inlaw, and aunt, who was tragically killed, November 27, 1999. She had a nature you could not help loving And a heart that was purer than gold, To those who knew her and loved her, Her memory will never grow cold. Our family is growing with little ones you would adore, but your memory keeps us close and connected, forevermore.

The E.L.Crossley Cyclone captured the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (SOSSA) senior boys volleyball title. on enjoying having fun time playing sports again.” Gibson said she appreciated being back on the court. “It’s absolutely great. I knew it was the highlight of my day when it was 2:30 and it was time to come to volleyball practice. I couldn’t wait. It was exactly what I needed to get back to the gym with the boys and just watch them learn the game.” Crossley captain Lucas Klassen, who plays club basketball with the Pelham Panthers, was quick to give credit to the entire roster for the win. “We did this more as a team,” the 17-year-old, Grade 12 student said. “We’re just so energetic, the bench especially. I want to give a big shout-out to them. “I think we’re just an athletic school. Sometimes we don’t have all travel players, but as a team, we come together and we just get the wins.” The Cyclone topped Sir Winston Churchill from

Hamilton 25-21, 25-18, 2517, earlier in the day in the semifinal to advance to the finals. “I think it’s just fun for us,” Klassen said. “When you have the hour-and-a half off, it’s hard to keep like your energy up but our team is just great at that.” Klassen said the team resorted to a unique way to pass the time waiting for the final. “Honestly, we played charades,” he said, smiling. “We just had some fun.” St. Francis defeated the Thorold Golden Eagles in a five-set marathon in their semifinal and had little time to recover before facing the Cyclone. “I mean, we haven’t played that much volleyball in one day in our lives, so we had nothing left in the tank,” St. Francis coach Rich Alderson said. “I think it played quite a bit of a role, but you have to give credit to the better team. They are the better team.” Alderson said he is proud

of his squad for their zone title. “SOSSA wasn’t even on our radar,” he said. “We were very thankful and always want to compete as best as can when we get here.” Other members of the Cy-

BILL POTRECZ

clone are: Cole Bedard, Connor Bleich, Preston Darling, Josh Gibson, Kayden Gyugyei, Jackson Kalybaba, Alex Lafferty, Aiden Lahn, Joshua Larochelle, Matthew McNeil, LJ Newton, Seth Ozog, Aakash Senthil, and Jason Sviergula.

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Page 18

The Voice

OBITUARY

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

New Business FOCUS

Harmony Personal Care ready to serve BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

QUINN, Karen Marie (nee Leon) Passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, November 12, 2021 in her 68th year. Karen was adored by her family and will be missed every day. She loved learning and was a teacher for many years before dedicating time to raising her children. Her kindness, unconditional love, and support will never be forgotten. She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Michael, her children Kathleen (Thomas Wood), Shannon (James Masson), and David (Danyelle Liddle), and her grandchildren, Lucas, Gabriel, Cameron, and Amelia. Also survived by her mother Marie Leon and her brothers Paul Leon, George Leon and Ronald Leon. Family and friends were received at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill on Tuesday, November 16th. The Funeral Mass took place at St. Alexander’s Catholic Church, 50 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill on Wednesday, November 17th. The service may be viewed by going to the funeral home’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

A new personal care service has entered the market, serving Welland, Pelham, and surrounding communities. Business partners Tanya Dorvil and Njeri Mugwe were personal care workers (PSWs) for many years at West Park Hospital in Toronto, before making the decision to escape big-city traffic and costs, and relocate with their families to Niagara. With combined experience of 37 years in the industry, both did their PSW training in Toronto, with Dorvil attending a private college, and also studying emergency telecommunications at Humber College. Mugwe graduated from George Brown’s PSW program. “We shared the primary 24-hour care of one particular client in Toronto, an older gentleman named Harold,” said Dorvil. “He passed away in January of 2021. We honoured Harold in the first three letters of our company name, Harmony, which we launched on October 4. We want to give the best service. We're not happy with what we have seen out there, with the management by other companies and the treatment of PSW employees. We are building our own team of PSWs, and screening them carefully. We have hired five thus far.” Harmony’s logo features two hummingbirds, one burgundy, one blue, facing each other, representing the partnership. “Our phones are on 24/7 in the event of emergen-

Tanya Dorvil and Njeri Mugwe of Harmony Personal Care Services. cies,” said Mugwe. “We recognize that each individual has specific needs according to their health, living arrangements — home, long term care, hospital, hospice—culture and religion, and basic personal preferences.” Hygiene (showering, bathing), grooming (oral

care, hair care, dressing), toileting, light meal prep, and housekeeping are all services provided, as are in-home activities such as exercise and games, and recreational outings beyond the home. Medication management, monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure, palliative care, and Alzhei-

DON RICKERS

mer/dementia care are provided by PSW workers, who are also available for travel accompaniment to medical appointments, banking, and personal commitments. A fully insured company, Harmony’s PSW assignments are based on a minimum call of three hours service, but Dorvil said that

they are offering an introductory special: book three hours, and receive two free. Free consultations are offered over the telephone. Harmony may be reached via email at contact@ harmonypcs.com, and by phone at 905-347-2273. The company website is www. harmonypcs.com

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Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products. Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

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BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 22 brains of danger and physical damage to our musculoskeletal system. If we are in a constant state of emotional trauma, even mild trauma, cortisol is produced in quantities that negatively impact our immune system, preventing us from healing. This over-stimulation of our immune system can cause chronic pain. A multi-authored study entitled, “Central Nervous System Targets: Glial Cell Mechanisms in Chronic Pain,” published August 2020 in Neurotherapeutics, a peer-reviewed medical journal, confirms that glial cells can also confuse the brain, creating chronic pain. Glial cells are found in our peripheral nervous system, which is located in the areas that first feel physical pain, and are involved in transmitting and regulating pain signals to our brain and spinal cord. These cells can amplify or reduce the frequency and duration of such signals, meaning that if they malfunction in some way, glial cells can send a continuous stream of pain alarms to our brain, producing non-stop inflammation and chronic pain. Research cannot yet answer why this glial cell condition may arise. It does confirm, however, that because of miscommunication within our nervous system, chronic pain can in fact be

The Voice Z

FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN of Pelham and Central Niagara Burke’s Masonry 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have THE VOICESince IS 100 PERCENT Bricklaying, tuckpointing, been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from OF the PUBLICATION stompcard COMMUNITY-OWNED CELEBRATING 25 YEARS step repair, granite ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, coatings, brick slices guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos 905-682-7061. blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joieREPAIR de vivre found only in the result of brain activity porates the mental, or brain MASONRY FLOORINGP18-28 rather than a physical injury function, part ofQuebec the equatraditional music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. ALLTYPE MASONRY

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BY PHONE ■ Weekly delivery to your mailbox by Canada Post Call our office at (905) 892-8690, ■ Exclusive link to high-quality digital PDF version of the paper.Services PELHAM LIBRARY’S COMPUTER CLINIC ■ Twelve free Classified ads up to 30 words ($120 value) Mon-Thurs, 8 AM to 2 PM. “One-to-One Help” with a volunteer tutor. Getfrom helplocal withbusinesses web browsing, Excavating contractor. ■ Periodictech special offers ■ For delivery Canadaediting outsideand Niagara: $79.95 account set-up, e-books, socialinmedia, sharing your Water, sewer upgrades, INwebmail PERSON cards not included(bring for non-Niagara residents.) foundation repair, water and more. Includes use(Gift of laptop or BYOG your own gadget). Our offiphotos ce is located at Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30. Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 proofing, drainage systems, 1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill, VisitHardware. www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. quarry stone supply, placeacross fromhour. Beamer’s ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23

or illness. If science has now established a connection confirming the brain and nervous system can cause chronic pain, and that this can be impacted by emotions as well as physical injuries or illness, should there not be a similar positive correlation between stress reduction and chronic pain management? Does a better understanding of what factors may cause us to be in the pain cycle help us to reverse it? More specifically, can motion in fact become a significant physical and mental lotion? Although the last thing you may want to do if you’re in chronic pain is exercise, the correct answer to the physical side of the question is yes, motion is lotion. For decades therapists and clinicians have advised patients with chronic pain to rest and avoid activity. Today, however, “International clinical guidelines for most chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions recommend exercise therapy and physical activity as core treatments,” says Jonas Bloch Thorlund, a professor of musculoskeletal health at the University of Southern Denmark. Daniel Belavy, Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Applied Sciences in Bochun, Germany takes it a step further, and incor-

tion. He says, “AccumulatBrick, Block, Stone and Chimney repairs. ing evidence in the past few Wet and damaged basement repairs. decades shows LIBRARY that being CARD MAKING PELHAM WORKSHOP inactive will tend to reinPhone Tom at techniques. 289-241-4767.Materials Make six cards with fall themes, learning aDeamude variety of force pain sensitivity path35 years of construction experience. are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. ways.” Exercise increases enTues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30.CUSTOM $10. Please register ahead.CHRISTMAS Visit www.pelhamMILL dorphins and serotonin, library.on.ca or call for more details.Christmas Boughs, Decorations which are natural mood el-905-892-6443 Portable sawmill service. evators, improve sleep patI will come to your home or and other wood crafts for sale. terns, and reduce the profarm and custom mill your 459 Highway 20 W, Fenwick FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY duction of stress hormones logs. Firewood & lumber also like Tasty cortisol and with adrenatreats funds heading straight back into thePRAYER community. Haddock, available. Call Rob Patterson, TO ST. JUDE line which can confuse our 905-401-4948, french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. brain’s pain receptors and riverwoodportablesawmill@ May the sacred heart of Jesus falsely trigger our body’s gmail.com be adored, glorified, loved and immune system. preserved throughout the world, PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE If we now know that these now and forever. Oh sacred FARM FRESH PRODUCE pathways can orbe influBuy, sell trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. enced in part by our mood Williams Orchards. Open 9 cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs ofSept. 6 from Jude, worker miracles, pray and stress levels, physical AM - 6 PM, 7 days a week. We for us. Helper of the hopeless, activity exercise of9-12and in the morning. have Honeycrisp Apples and pray for us. Say this prayer fer the potential of chronic lots of other varieties; Honey; nine times a day and by the pain reduction via both the Brown Eggs; Cider; Grape PELHAM MUDFEST traditional physical route eighth day, your prayer will be Juice; Squash; Preserves and (musculoskeletal strength answered. hasthe never been Men and women will beApple backFirewood. in the mud as the second runIt on year is 1724 Pelham improvement), and by imknown to fail. Publication must Street North, Fonthill. Phone held at Bissil’s Hideaway. proving mental and emobe promised. THANK YOU to 905-892-5811. tional health. This twofold the sacred heart of Jesus and benefit of beginning or St. Jude for prayers and favours NIAGARA EXHIBITION maintaining evenREGIONAL moderate SM physical activity is anand im-live entertainment JOKES FOR headline SALE thisanswered. Rodeo, games years exciting event. It portant step in breaking the For SaleFairgrounds. pain runs cycle. from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland WANTED Joke Books. A Treasury of Experts warn that exerIndoor (Unheated) Storage For Funny Jokes For Kids, $3.00, cise may not be a chronic BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE 15 Highland Avenue, ExcelSailboat On Trailer, 30 Ft. L x pain panacea for everyone, lent is ForaGifts and Stocking regardless of Move how Cancer many Ride 10 Ft. W x 12 Ft. The Big non-competitive ride taking place onH.Sept. new benefits research is Stuffers. 905-736-9584. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famcontinuing to discover. I’m no expert, but with the sciily Cancer Centre. ence suggesting such a significant potential upside WALKING CLUB for defeating chronic pain through exercise, taking the Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena risk to become more active from 9-10 am and seems worth exploring. ◆ Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There

is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

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Page 20

The Voice

A November 24 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

SERVICE DIRECTORY Power Equipment

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca

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Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

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St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca

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Pelham Community Church (United Church) www.pelham.cc

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 23 “The media today—press, television, and radio—are largely in the hands of those who favour the present Gadarene slide into decadence and Godlessness.” Muggeridge’s book on Calcutta’s Mother Teresa, “Something Beautiful for God” (1971), introduced this obscure Albanian nun to the Western world (eight years later she won a Nobel peace prize). He then wrote “Paul, Envoy Extraordinary” (1972), “Jesus: The Man Who Lives”(1975), “A Third Testament” (1976), and “Christ and the Media” (1977). Besides writing over 30 books, he produced several BBC religious documentaries such as “In the Footsteps of St. Paul.”

His insightful quotes

When Muggeridge came to faith, his insights shifted away from the social and political and more to the

spiritual. Here are a few examples… “All other freedoms, once won, soon turn into new servitude. Christ is the only liberator whose liberation lasts forever.” “All happenings, great and small, are parables whereby God speaks.” “It is the Cross, more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ.” “It has been said that when human beings stop believing in God they believe in nothing. The truth is much worse: they believe in anything.” Muggeridge surprised his reading and listening followers once more when in 1982 he became a Catholic at age 79. He suffered a stroke in 1987 yet still published his last book, “Conversion,” a year later. In it, he described his life as “a 20th century pilgrimage, a spiritual journey.” Malcolm Muggeridge (87) ended his pilgrimage in this world in 1990. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

TESTING

continued from Page 10 at a cost of $40, but is unsure if he will be offering testing at no cost to symptomatic persons, which is the focus of the government’s announcement. Shopper’s Drug Mart, in the Fonthill Shopping Centre at 20 Highway 20 East, did not respond to a request for comment, but is not included on a government list of Covid-19 test locations in the area. Pharmacies in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Thorold are included on the list, searchable by postal code: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ assessment-centre-locations Another government health strategy is to allow take-home PCR self-collection kits, allowing individuals to pick up their free test and drop off their spec-

I worry about people who have symptoms of illness going in for Covid-19 tests and potentially spreading the virus imens at participating pharmacies across Ontario, providing a more convenient testing option in rural areas. Take-home PCR self-collection kits will also be made available to all publicly-funded schools for students and staff who are eligible for testing. Mr. Mustafa Hirji, the Acting Chief Medical Officer with Niagara Health, is in agreement with

the government’s move. “It's a good thing,” he told the Voice. “There are parts of Niagara where it's a bit of a long drive to get to an assessment centre, and if people can now get a test at a local pharmacy, that's really good news. My one worry is that pharmacies are places where people, often with underlying medical conditions, do shopping and pick up their medications. Now they may be going into pharmacies to get their vaccinations. I worry about people who have symptoms of illness going in for Covid-19 tests, and potentially spreading the virus. I'm hearing that some pharmacies are planning a curb-side vaccination service, where people don't actually go into store. I think that's great, and am hoping most pharmacies will adopt a model like that. But we get all the benefit of more testing.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 This time, in Northern Ontario, we hoped to pick blueberries. We three, my hubby, myself and our youngest son, Joel, started up the trail, taking along drinking water, empty yogurt pots for berries, and enough plastic bag strips to attach to a few trees along the route: I was afraid of getting lost on our way back. We didn't get lost, but I collected more than blueberries on that mountain top. It was a hot trail through the forest at the base of the hill. We took our time. The wet fall days had encouraged a prolific amount of mushrooms to show their faces. The unique forms and brilliant colours amazed us and made for many stops along the way. I loved to pat the soft-to-the-touch pillowy moss clumps which abounded. Added to the music of the birds was the clicking of my camera. Under a large tree which had fallen across the path, I posed John on his back, under the tree, looking as if he was trapped — an exciting photo to show at home! The previous year, our friend Jerry Jaroslav helped me pick mushrooms— quite an adventure. Jerry had collected mushrooms in his home country of the Czech Republic. He taught me how to identify the boletes, which, I can tell you, are large, solid, easy to find, and delicious. Gathering and gathering, I just couldn't stop; it was fabulous. Old screens found under the cabin served excellently for drying the mushrooms over the cabin wood stove. I had bags of dried mushrooms to take home. Proud? You bet! But, evidently, several types of boletus mushrooms can cause a reaction in some people. In my greedy hurry to get as many mushrooms as possible, I must have picked a few of the less

The Voice friendly variety. I know this because when we got home with our precious findings, I went to the hospital, literally covered with hives from top to toe. The triage nurse (they never seem to show any reaction to any patient) said, “Oh, you poor thing!” Along with taking Prednisone, I had to throw away all, yes, all the mushrooms. Bags of them. Broke my heart. But this time, during our stay, we planned to pick blueberries, not mushrooms. We continued along the path up Blueberry Mountain, where the pointy deer tracks we saw were exciting, but the large cougar tracks brought on frightened singing. No cougars materialized. I imagine it was my squawking voice that kept them away while John, with his sweet baritone, gave me a free concert. Meanwhile, the soft forest path slowly turned into stone; forest trees gave way to scrubby bushes and scrawny evergreens. Our pathway now traversed large areas of exposed granite bedrock; guiding-stone inukshuks occasionally appeared, left by previous hikers. The gentle breeze continued; new smells of hot rocks and spicey junipers delighted. Finally, breathless, we made it to the top, where we could see forever — the white, quartz-topped mountains of Killarney looked snow-capped; lakes encircled us, one with a minuscule canoe and a fisherman on it. I wondered if the paddler had caught anything. We felt wonderfully isolated, kings of the marvellous mountain, surrounded by God's magnificent creation. But, best of all, there were loaded blueberry bushes. We got yogurt pots out of our knapsacks and began to pick. The top of the mountain wasn't large; it was uneven and rocky, with patches of blueberry bushes.

Page 21

A November 24 2021

After picking for a bit, I stopped, held out my almost-full pot to show John, put it on the ground, threw out my arms, and told him how wonderful this was. “This is perfection, just perfection and now, buckets

We didn't get lost, but I collected more than blueberries on that mountain top

or berries.” “Well, yogurt tubs of berries,” corrected John. I found a hollow about four feet deep, holding both juniper and blueberry bushes. I climbed down and felt a prickle from one of the junipers. I moved away, only to feel another one, this time a nasty poke. I looked down and realized with a shock that I was standing over an underground wasp nest and a swarm of wasps. Fortunately, I was dressed in blue jeans, shoes and socks, and a long-sleeved shirt. Unfortunately, the wasps covered my neck, face, hands, wrists and ankles (because my socks were thin). Screaming, I scrambled out of the hollow to get away from the wasps. They followed me. Shrieking hysterically, “Get them off, get them off! Please get them off me!” I danced, frenzied, and repeatedly slid my open hands over my face, neck and ankles to get the wasps off. My glasses went flying, as did my wonderful pot full of blueberries. All the while, my sweet menfolk energetically batted the wasps away. It took some time, but fi-

nally, I was wasp-free, but not sting-free. I was experiencing escalating pain. I really, really hurt. Breathing deeply, feeling desperate, I said to John and Joel, “Please go down the path just a bit and wait for me. I have something to do.” They obliged. They were used to odd requests. At the mountaintop's cliff edge, I carefully sat down, feet dangling over the precipice, the world at my feet. With a deep breath, I unleashed some bloodcurdling screams. I screamed as loudly as I possibly could, got my breath and did it again until I was hoarse. I then calmly got up, brushed off my pants, and rejoined my guys. e took a half-hour to get back to camp, where I entered the lodge. One of the guests there was a doctor's receptionist in Cleveland. On handing me a very, very large dose of antihistamine, she said, “That is what the doctor orders for people in your situation. Just take it.” I did, thanked her and went towards our cabin. On the way, I walked fully clothed, neck-deep into the lake, put my face into the water, and floated for a minute to cool my burning body. Then I went into our cabin, took off my wet clothes, climbed into my P.J.s and into the bed and started to shiver. Shock, I figured and asked my hubby to pile on the blankets. The pills knocked me out and gave me a long sleep. The following day I couldn't put my shoes onto my fat feet, and my neck looked like I was on steroids. We packed up and headed for home, where eventually, I recovered. But the worst thing? On that perfect perfect day, I collected wasp stings instead of blueberries. ◆

Everyone has a tale to tell. Share yours with Column Six. editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Banana Pudding

The holiday season is right around the corner, and that means cooking and baking to accommodate home entertaining and gifting is about to pick up. It is customary to bring a host or hostess gift when visiting a friend or loved one, and a dessert that appeals to all ages can certainly ﬁt the bill. Even though cakes and cookies may be the norm, people may want to think outside the box for something unique, but equally tasty. Banana pudding often wins rave reviews. Anyone who loves the sweet taste of bananas, the creaminess of rich pudding and the crunch of vanilla wafers will enjoy digging into this classic treat. While many vanilla pudding recipes are topped with whipped cream, this version, courtesy of Trisha Yearwood and the Food Network, changes things up with a meringue topping for added ﬂair. Banana Pudding 8 servings 4 3⁄4 3 1⁄2 2 1⁄2 30

large eggs cup sugar tablespoons all-purpose ﬂour teaspoon plus a pinch salt cups whole milk teaspoon vanilla extract to 40 vanilla wafers

1. Separate the yolks from the whites of three of the eggs; set aside the whites. Add the remaining whole egg to the yolks. 2. In a saucepan, whisk together 1⁄2 cup sugar, the ﬂour and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the whole egg and three yolks, and then stir in the milk. Cook uncovered, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. 3. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 4. Spread a thin layer of the pudding in a 11⁄2 quart casserole dish. Arrange a layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding. Thinly slice the bananas crosswise, about 1⁄8 inch thick, and arrange a layer of banana slices over the wafers. Spread one-third of the remaining pudding over the bananas and continue layering wafers, bananas and pudding, ending with pudding. 5. To make the meringue, beat the reserved egg whites with a pinch of salt until they are stiff. Gradually beat in the remaining 1⁄4 cup sugar and continue beating until the whites will not slide out of the mixing bowl when it is tilted. 6. Spread the meringue over the pudding with a spatula, making a few decorative peaks on top, and bake until the meringue is lightly browned, 5 minutes.

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The Voice

A November 24 2021

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THE BALANCED LIFE by John Swart

For chronic pain, motion may be just the lotion

otion is lotion.” That’s how longtime friend Louise ended our conversation about the potential aches and pains of turning 70. This summer she’d spent 37 days in her kayak, including a self-supported trip on Lake Superior, and another touring north of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. In 2019 she broke her back in a skiing accident, yet takes no drugs, and has only minor occasional muscular pain. How can physical rather than chemical therapies keep this type of person going? How do they push their bodies so hard yet avoid the

chronic pain cycle? Elliot Krane, Professor of Anesthesiology at Stanford University Medical Centre, defines chronic pain as “Pain lasting beyond three to six months that has no apparent cause or has become independent of the injury or illness that caused it.” Recent scientific studies are finding evidence that emotional and physical pain, especially chronic pain, are often interconnected. There is also research that suggests emotional pain can be the cause of some types of chronic physical pain. Might this therefore imply that behaviours which

can reduce emotional pain might also contribute to a reduction in chronic pain, and perhaps even freeing one from the pain cycle? Pain cycle theory suggests that each factor—physical and mental—impacts the others, producing a “cycle” that is self-perpetuating unless specific action to break the cycle is taken. Persistent or chronic pain can be affected by any of the following factors. Physical problems resulting from a disease, injury, or surgery are common entry points into the pain cycle. This physical pain may cause sleep problems resulting in fatigue. This combination of physical pain and fatigue frequently leads to a reduction in activity. This feeling of being physically limited results in mental stress, including the

negative emotions of fear, anxiety, anger and despondency. If medications are involved, their side effects may also contribute to emotional instability. A reduction in physical activity will also weaken muscle strength, creating internal muscular tension, which in itself may become painful. Weight gain frequently follows. Mood swings, concerns about work, relationships and what the future may

hold are also part of the cycle. When this emotional state of mind becomes capable of creating actual physical pain, the chronic pain cycle is complete. The Arthritis Society describes it as follows: “The pain cycle goes both ways: while feeling down or depressed can contribute to your pain, feeling in pain may also cause you to stop doing things you enjoy, which can in turn lead to feeling down or isolated.”

f you’re cringing as you read this, tired of being told “It’s all in your mind,” there is recent evidence that explains how, in certain circumstances, your brain can actually create physical pain. The chemical cortisol, which our body produces when we experience stress, anxiety and depression, is the same substance that our body uses to signal our See BALANCED LIFE Page 19

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, family tops your list of priorities. You are likely to spend considerable time with loved ones in the days to come. Relish in all the opportunities to enjoy one another. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You may feel uneasy or worried for unknown reasons, Taurus. Trust your gut in this instance and steer clear of trouble should it try to find you. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, focus on keeping your cool even if others are trying to provoke you. Be the bigger person in all of your interactions. You have great control of your emotions. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you have been working very hard lately and this may result in an overactive and tired mind. You should factor in a break so you can recharge your body and spirit. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 The conditions are right for finishing important tasks, Leo. You will be able to come up with wonderful ideas that have true staying power. Pursue your options. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your energy will remain high this week, enabling you to get many things done. Additionally, you may have a big change coming, like buying property or landing a new job. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Be confident and listen to your instincts, Libra. Do so before undertaking any important tasks that turn up in the days or weeks ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, it may be tempting to shirk your responsibilities right now, but resist that temptation. Keep your head down and keep working. It will all soon prove worth it. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you may have to reset your priorities, as new information has come to the surface. Prioritize responsibilities so major issues are taken care of first. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, unavoidable situations may cross your path and it is important that you stay the course. Committing to tackling things head is the most productive approach. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you treasure friends and family, and this week calls for an important decision that could affect them all. It may be tough but you will make the right call. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, minor obstacles are in your path and it’s easy to get frustrated. Once you clear the hurdles it will be smooth sailing before long. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER 21 Jena Malone, Actress (37) NOVEMBER 22 Scarlett Johansson, Actress (37) NOVEMBER 23 Justin Turner, Athlete (37) NOVEMBER 24 Peyton Meyer, Actor (23) NOVEMBER 25 Christina Applegate, Actress (50)

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Page 23

A November 24 2021

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

The pilgrimage of Malcolm Muggeridge

his prominent Englishman of the 20th century was a journalist, author, social critic and satirist. He had an interesting name, an intriguing personality and a unique pilgrimage to faith.

er and a “fearless critic of modern life.” He also gained a reputation as a tough interviewer and a womanizer. Up to this point, he considered himself an agnostic. That was about to change.

Thomas Malcolm Muggeridge was born in 1903 in England, the middle of five brothers. His father was a prominent socialist politician and Labour Party MP. After his education, he set off for India at age 21. There he taught English literature for three years and began his writing career. He also exchanged letters with Mahatma Gandhi, a rising political force in that country. Muggeridge returned to England in 1927 and got married. The young couple then moved to Egypt where he again taught English literature. In 1932 Muggeridge became interested in Communism and moved to the Soviet Union as a journalist for the Manchester Guardian. However, his firsthand experience there disillusioned him and he became anti-Communist. He then returned to India to work as editor of a newspaper in Calcutta. During this time he and his wife, Kitty, started a family of three sons and a daughter. When World War II erupted, Muggeridge (now 36) became a soldier and then a spy serving in Africa and France. After the war, he wrote for several newspapers but is best known as the editor of “Punch” (a magazine of satire and critique) from 1953 to 1957. He became known for his acerbic wit and profound political and social insights. A controversial figure for his outspoken views, Muggeridge gained even wider attention as a broadcast-

Many were shocked when the former “Punch” editor announced he had become an Anglican Christian in the mid-1960s. His attitude and behavior toward women changed. He became a critic of the sexual revolution and drug culture of the 1960s, railing against “pot and pills” (cannabis and birth control pills). He wrote a

His nomadic career

His surprising conversion

collection of essays called “Tread Softly for You Tread on My Jokes” in 1966. Muggeridge continued to write prolifically but now with increasing spiritual themes. In 1969, he published the bestseller “Jesus Rediscovered” (a collection of essays, articles and sermons on faith). Two years later, he helped lead the “Nationwide Festival of Light,” a protest of the commercial exploitation of sex and violence in England. He pointed to the teaching of Christ as the moral and spiritual answer to the nation’s malaise. In his words, See FAITH LIFT Page 20

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GARDEN CITY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE

A November 24 2021

A TRIO OF AWARDEES At their November 3 dinner meeting, three Fenwick Lions were presented major awards by Lion Chief Jeff Pickup. “Lions International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones,” said Pickup. “This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of this award becomes a model because of the exemplary service to his club and the community for which it serves.” Lion members Steve Schilstra and Paul Slattery were presented with the Fellowship awards. In addition, member Ryan VanLochem was presented with the Helen Keller Fellowship award for “untiring service.” SUPPLIED

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