The Voice, November 2 2022

Fonthill Legion kicks off annual Poppy Campaign

"overwhelming support" praised

BY BRIAN GREEN Special to the Voice

At a brief ceremony in front of the Fonthill Legion last Friday, October 28, Jim Garner, Poppy Campaign president, officially launched this year’s Poppy Campaign with two veterans pinning the fi rst poppies of the fundraiser on Mayor Marvin Junkin and on lead sponsor, Shawn Severin, of Pelham Hills Pharmacy.

In his remarks, Garner made the point that, as Legion members, “One of our guiding principles is simply that honouring our veterans is our duty and the Poppy Campaign and our Remembrance Day service reflect our commitment to this guiding principle.”

Anticipating a successful two-week fundraiser, he noted that, “Our community has been overwhelming in their support of our Poppy Campaign.”

Veteran Lou Gaudier pinned the fi rst poppy of the campaign on Mayor Junkin, who said that, “The Town is proud to be a part” of the effort and supports the Legion’s Remembrance Day service by sponsoring the fly-past of vintage RCAF airplanes from the Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum in Hamilton. Junkin also called attention to the banners being erected on utility posts throughout the

town, honouring those who served in the Armed Forces.

Veteran Howard Margeson pinned a poppy on the white lab coat of pharmacist Shawn Severin, who said that he sees the Legion

as an “important partner in our long-term commitment to Fonthill.”

The ceremony kicked off what Garner called “the most important two-week period on the Legion cal-

endar,” culminating with the Remembrance Day service on November 11. Volunteers will be distributing 150 poppy collection boxes to businesses and organizations throughout Pelham

and, new this year, electronic tap machines will be available for donations at three locations: the Meridian Community Centre, Sobeys, and the Fenwick Avondale. While Garner did

not specify a goal for this year’s campaign, he noted that Pelham had supported the fundraiser to the tune of $20,000 each year for

From left, Campaign Vice-Chair Rick Hatt, Chair Jim Garner, veteran Lou Gaudier, lead sponsor Shawn Severin, Legion President Toni McKelvie, Mayor Marvin Junkin, veteran Howard Margeson, Poppy Committee member Bernie Law, and Town Councillor Wayne Olson

BRIAN GREEN

Thewheelsofjusticegrindslowbutgrindfine

That’s a quote from Sun Tzu, the famed Chinese military strategist and philosopher, ca. 500 BC. Contributor Brian Green mentioned it when he sent in his article (this page) about yet another delay in Darren Ottaway’s criminal proceedings in Cochrane, ON. Residents who’ve been here awhile will recall that Ottaway was hired by former Pelham mayor David Augustyn, and his council, to be this Town’s CAO. Which brings us to the tableau above. It’s election night at mayoral challenger Frank Adamson’s party in Fonthill. Far left, Adamson. Next to Adamson, in the back, John Durley. Next to Durley, Catherine King. Next to King, David Augustyn. Durley and King were members of the Augustyn council that hired Ottaway and incidentally just happened to take the municipality to the financial precipice through their insistence on building a $36 million ($40 million? $42 million?) community centre largely on the backs of Pelham taxpayers. We won’t rehash that debacle, but focus instead on the potential debacle avoided— Pelham, you made the right choice last week. Adamson is as much an insider of the clique that brought us Augustyn as it is possible to be, barring shared DNA. There can be little doubt that an Adamson government would have looked very much like an Augustyn government, which perhaps explains why Augustyn looks more upset than Adamson in the shot above. Mayor Marvin Junkin is not a polished speaker, not a sharp dresser, and rarely seems to employ a comb. Doesn't matter. He's a decent man who was the only one to do the decent thing on that last Augustyn council—resign from it in disgust. The large majority of registered voters who didn't vote seemed content to retain the status quo (mercifully minus the Gang of Four). In fact, the final tally last Monday very closely mirrored our December 2021 poll asking whether Junkin should run again. Some 53 percent said yes back then, with the remainder evenly split between no and undecided. Junkin took 58 percent last Monday. Here's to another four years of undoing the damage done over the previous decade...Winked but good: Don't miss John Wink's interview, p.7. See you next week (clocks go back on Sunday!) 4

More delays in Ottaway assault trial

BY BRIAN GREEN Special to the Voice

In a process that began back in January with the announcement that Darren Ottaway, former Pelham CAO, was facing assault and sexual assault charges, the court process has dragged on through a series of delays and postponements. The latest occurred last week when his hearing was again deferred until November 22, at which time a trial date will be set—barring another deferral.

Ottaway was hired as Pelham’s CAO in 2012 and let go in January 2019. He was hired as the CAO of Cochrane in northern Ontario in August of that year.

In late January, the Voice reported that Ottaway had been arrested on criminal charges, later revealed to be sexual assault and sexual interference. Two assault charges were later added. Given that some of the alleged offenses occurred in Niagara, there was speculation that his trial could be moved to this area. A first trial date was set for May 17. However, by May 4, a pre-trial court date on all but one of the charges was arranged for May 31s. A single assault charge, revealed to be concerning his son Jay Jackson-Ottaway, was delayed until October.

By early June, it was announced that all charges

would be addressed in a June 14 trial and witnesses for the prosecution were scheduled to appear. However, by June 22 the presiding judge revealed a conflict of interest, necessitating another delay. A bombshell was dropped in court on July 18 when Ottaway’s lawyer, Paul Bragagnolo, of Timmins, asserted that Ottaway was in intensive care at a southern Ontario hospital. The matter was adjourned until August 2 to set another trial date.

By mid August, Bragagnolo told the court that Ottaway was out of hospital but facing a “life-threatening medical condition.”

At approximately the same time, one of the common assault charges (concerning Ottaway’s wife, Paula) was dropped and an October 4 date set for the assault charge concerning his son. A September date was announced to set a new trial date on the other charges. However, with the Cochrane Superior Court backlogged on October 4, the trial was deferred to October 25. And on October 25, last Tuesday, it was deferred again to November 22, at which time a new trial date will be set. It is still uncertain whether Ottaway and Bragagnolo will seek to have any court proceedings moved from Cochrane to Niagara, where some of the alleged offenses are said to have taken place.

What's That SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to 14 calls for assistance from Friday, October 21 to Friday, October 28.

Friday, October 21 Medical assistance, Station 1 Motor vehicle collision, Tice Rd., Station 1

Saturday, October 22 Medical assistance, Station 2

Remote alarm, Maple St., Station 3

Sunday, October 23 Medical assistance, Station 1

Monday, October 24

Motor vehicle collision, Sumbler Rd., Station 1

Gas leak, Welland Rd., Station 1

Wednesday, October 26

Carbon monoxide alarm, Elcho Rd., Station 2

Remote alarm, Haist St., Station 1

Medical assistance, Station 1 Remote alarm, Quaker Rd., Station 1 Medical assistance, Station 1 Thursday, October 27 Medical assistance, Station 1

Remote alarm, Canboro Rd., Station 1

NRPS impaired driving charges

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.

Amelia J. PINGUE, 24, St. Catharines

Deborah KOZLOWSKI, 65, Fort Erie James G. HEIDA, 44, West Lincoln Edward T. MCARA, 50, Niagara Falls

Sawyer J. HORVATH, 21, Port Colborne

Krzysztof S. WIELECHOWSKI, 58, Niagara Falls

Nathaniel E. LEWIN, 31, Cambridge Hen TRAN, 55, St. Catharines David J. BURGER, 42, St. Catharines

Dylan P. SIDER, 30, St. Catharines Alan A. KIRKNESS, 76, Welland

Shaun G. MACDONALD, 31, Guelph Scott M. BARNES, 43, Pelham Austin M. AZOTINI, 18, St. Catharines

Joshua R. DUGUAY, 29, Welland Michael G. TRACEY, 76, Welland Eric D. SERVANT, 28, Port Colborne Jonathon E. BEROUD, 44, St. Catharines

Paramjit S. CHEEMA, 31, Niagara Falls Cheryl A. LANE, 41, St. Catharines

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.

Indulgence Bakery

Pelham Street Grille Peter Piper’s Pubhouse

DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy

Fonthill Fitness

Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks

Fonthill Legion

Semenuk’s Gas Bar

Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics

Minor Bros Stores

Avondale Stores A-1 Market

Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20

All Pelham incumbents win reelection

Voter turnout way down from 2018

BY VOICE STAFF

Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, Ward 2 Town Councillor John Wink, Niagara Regional Councillor Diana Huson, and DSBN Trustee Nancy Beamer have all won reelection to their various offices. In Ward 2, Wink will be joined by retired police inspector Brian Eckhardt on Pelham Town Council.

Junkin's margin of victory was tighter than Voice polling predicted, with the incumbent Mayor taking 58 percent of the vote to Adamson's 42 percent. Junkin handily beat Adamson in all three early polls, and at every polling station but two on Election day. Adamson won by 52 votes at one MCC polling station, and by seven votes at the Pelham Friends Church polling station. The two tied at three votes each at Woodlands of Sunset retirement home.

Carla Baxter came third in the Ward 2 race, and Colin McCann fourth. In Ward 1, Kevin Ker and incumbent Councillor Wayne Olson were acclaimed. Likewise, in Ward 3 incumbent Councillor Bob

Hildebrandt and newcomer Shellee Niznik were acclaimed.

For Regional Council, Huson took a whopping 69 percent of the vote, followed by Braun with 21 percent, and Fred Sarvis at ten

percent.

Junkin held his victory celebration at the Fonthill Legion in the company of two dozen or so supporters, friends, and family.

"I particularly want to thank my

terrific team for all their work," Junkin told the Voice. "We have our work cut out for us over the next four years, that's for sure."

the Meridian Community

the

Left, Mayor Marvin Junkin and family members celebrate his reelection at the Fonthill Legion. Right, Ward 2 Town Councillor John Wink and his wife, Sue, watched poll results come in at the Meridian Community Centre on Monday evening

NANCY BEAMER, Trustee, English Public Board, District School Board of Niagara

OPINION

Writings on the original tablet

According to some people’s version of history, a couple of millennia ago there was a longhaired, fully bearded man named Moses. At some point he felt a calling to climb a mountain and camp there for a few days. While there he reportedly conferred with a supreme being and the two of them came up with a set of commands for mankind to live by. These ultimately became known as the ten commandments. When he returned from the heights he had these rules etched on a very early version of the tablet. The internet had not yet been invented so word of mouth and stone tablets were used to spread the word.

And so, these many generations later, it might be a time to review how our population has made out by checking a sampling of these ten rules.

Let’s start with the command thou shall not kill. Presumably this directs us to not kill other people deemed to be our neighbours. Hmm, it would be nearly impossible to list here the number of wars through time that were

dedicated to killing neighbours arbitrarily renamed enemies. As a matter of interest, many movies have been fi lmed about war and so we have even made mass killing a form of entertainment. Murder mysteries are another popular subject of the cinema, literature, and daily newscasts. And so what grade do you think an independent arbiter might assign to the population’s compliance with this commandment?

Okay, maybe by chance that was the wrong commandment to choose as an example of people’s adherence to these rules of behaviour. Let’s try another. How about thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, or his slaves, or his animals, or anything of thy neighbour’s? Here again the high divorce rate among many cultures around the globe might mitigate against evidence of a high compliance to this command. And what about husbands? Should they also not be coveted if sexual equality is to be observed? On a positive note, perhaps the reduction of slavery around the world had its nexus in this commandment. Covet-

ing your neighbour’s dog or cat seems to be too far off the radar to be commented upon here.

It would appear so far that an independent judge would not be awarding most of our populations an honours level grade.

Let’s give ourselves and our neighbours one more chance. How about the command thou shalt not steal? Whoops! Why then are our courts and jails so backlogged with trials against and incarcerations of thieves and robbers of all sorts. Shoplifting and petty thievery cases are so abundant so as to be of little interest to the news media let alone police forces.

Well, these three examples are nearly one third of the commandments and our populations have not done very well in complying with these commands. On probability, a close examination of the remaining seven is not likely to reveal our close adherence to any of them.

What might our world be like if, regardless of religious affi liations, we all paid closer attention to this set of behavioural guidelines? 4

Letters Disappointed with turnout

As a relatively new resident to the Pelham area, can I state how very disappointed I am with the woefully low turnout at the recent municipal election. Even with three advanced polling days, almost 65 percent of the eligible voter base couldn't be bothered to get out to vote.

I hope that these same 65 percent of the population can live with the guilt of not caring about decision making within their community for the next four years. I thought that the people of Pelham were better than that. Clearly not.

Grant Adam Fonthill

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Member of Federal Parliament Electoral District: Niagara West Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900

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

Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475

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

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

OPINION

We are writing to say that our family is delighted that Kevin Ker has been acclaimed as a Ward 1 councillor. We thoroughly enjoyed reading Don Rickers’ interview with Kevin, who is a longtime Fenwick resident, with family roots that date back over 100 years. We realized Kevin had solid qualifications, but had not known just to what extent, as he was employed with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food as a specialist in pesticide reduction.

In addition to this, he worked at Vineland Research Station as a consultant, monitor-

ing orchards and vineyards. Plus, he has traveled extensively.

All of these life experiences and knowledge pertaining to agriculture and environmental issues will prove to be such valuable assets! Hope we can keep him. Please consider him for your agriculture committee, Mayor Junkin. We need guys such as Kevin Ker to be on board. We are so fortunate to have him.

The Thompson Family Fenwick

Lax Short Hills deer hunt rules enforcement unsafe

As a Pelham resident, I have been following the deer hunt in Short Hills Provincial Park for the last ten years. I am an avid user of the park and must state that this hunt has become completely out of control. What started as a few hunters in a very restricted area, monitored by the MNR, has turned into a complete free-for-all and is a huge safety concern. Currently there is no cap on the number of hunters allowed into the small park. There is no set area that they must hunt in (or if there is, they ignore it.) This past hunt, there were 29 trucks that went in to hunt. Conservatively, if each of those trucks held two hunters (many had more), in a 6.6 hectare park, that is nine hunters with high-powered cross-bows per square kilometer of protected parkland! Numerous times they have been seen

hunting on private residential property bordering the park. The Ministry and Ontario Parks used to monitor the activity and maintain at least a presence. Now there is roughly a quarter of the ministry staff and no conservation officers to enforce violations, with an eight-fold increase in the number of hunters. It is ridiculous and unsafe.

Even the signage and awareness has become an issue. As a Pelham resident, I use the park frequently. I often don’t enter the park at the main entrances and therefore was not aware that a hunt was even occurring. There was no notification sent to residents of the area. On Tuesday, I did happen to notice a sign that said the park was closed. However, it was on

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SHAKE IT UP Rob Shook

caught a rather resilient head cold recently, I did the usual reflecting on how I might have caught it, and why it’s taking so long to take

After a few days of being rather narrow-minded

thinking, a wider perspective took shape, and I began to think more about what illness in general could possibly teach us. After all, this will not be the last respiratory bug that I’ll have to deal with, particularly with winter’s approach. We know all too well the accompanying ailments that tag along as we get older, and I need not go into further detail about that.

I began to think about what indeed I could glean and incorporate into my coping strategies for those future moments when illness arrives. Regardless of the severity of the illness, it’s possible that these observations may be helpful

from a coping standpoint, at least to some degree. It goes without saying that there is a direct correlation between difficulty in implementing and the severity of the ailment.

and decline. It is somewhat comforting to realize that this happens to all, and we are not being singled out in our seasons of suffering.

We humans are far more resilient and biologically adaptable than we sometimes realize. The body has amazing, natural, self-correcting tendencies. Take, for a small example, the wealth of nitric oxide capacity lining the mucous membranes in our nose.

Life has inherent degrees of strife and struggle. Each of us must face periods of being sick, and this inescapable reality is more palatable when embraced sooner rather than later. Nobody sails through this ride without facing periods of physical challenge

Breathing more through our noses (less through our mouths) and humming apparently boosts nitric oxide production significantly, and dilates the blood vessels in our noses helping us to breath more effectively.

During this cold, for example, I resisted the temptation to run to the OTC aisle of the pharmacy for a quick fi x. Like many others, I relied on the natural healing powers of salt, sa-

"We humans are far more resilient and biologically adaptable than we sometimes realize"

COMMON DECENCY Rev. Michael Coren

In a way I’ve been working on the front lines of poverty, pain suffering, and deprivation for some five years now. First as someone training for the Anglican priesthood, the last three as a deacon, and then as a priest. I knew this would be part of the job, but wasn’t aware how dominant it would be.

In that time, I’ve seen a steady deterioration of the situation, a decline in aid and support, and a decay in public and government concern for the least fortunate in society. We’re being warned of a recession. Good God, it’s been here for some time, but some people have only just noticed.

I use the word “fortunate” on purpose, because running parallel with the struggle of the forgotten is the wealth of those who are — yes — fortunate. Spare me the talk of initiative and industry. Of course, there are countless people who have worked their way to stability and even comfort, and all honour to them. But look at so many of those with financial, media, and political power and ask if family, wealth, and privilege had no influence. How, then, could they viscerally empathize and understand?

Understand, for example, the young woman who cried last week as she sat in a coffee bar, relishing the sandwich I’d bought her, and explained how she’s tried her local politicians, foot banks, legal clinics, everyone. Some were helpful, though never sufficiently, others downright indifferent.

“I just can’t pay the bills” she said, wiping away tears, “but I’ve

got a son to support.” She then told me she was about to start as a sex worker. “A lot of my friends are doing the same. No choice. Please, don’t judge me.”

I said I’d never dream of doing so, but begged her to come to me any time for help, and to keep trying the alternatives.

Then there are those who have recently been told that they have to repay $1000 of CERB money that helped them survive the pandemic. It’s because there’s a clawback for those who earned less than $5000 the preceding year. They did earn it, but it was sometimes minimum wage cash and they didn’t declare it. Technically wrong, of course.

But non-declaration of a few thousand dollars gained working in often dirty and even dangerous conditions is apparently a dreadful sin for the poor, but substantial tax avoidance by the rich who use good accountants or offshore accounts is considered clever and astute.

Or how about those unhoused people living in tents who have been evicted by local councils and often aggressive police who claim to care about the inhabitants’ wellbeing and safety, but provide little alternative for them? Hard to wonder if the optics are not more significant than the reality. Remember, shelters can be terrifying for people with mental health challenges or addictions.

And the hidden or working poor, who have jobs and may look smart but are obliged to use food banks, or choose between heating and eating. I meet people like this all the time, who are ashamed of their condition when in fact they should

be proud of their courage and angry at the way they’re being exploited. Never assume that the person behind the counter goes home to a warm home and a hot meal.

All I can really offer is, if you like, street theology. “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The rest, I am convinced, is a footnote. I don’t speak to them of faith unless asked to do so, which is more often than you might think, and I only pray with people if they request it. I do what I can with local officials, the police, politicians, and social workers, many of whom are wonderful. I’ve sometimes seen them as frustrated as I am.

It changes some things but it can’t change all things. It’s getting worse rather than better, and those who could make an authentic difference seem cemented in tired arguments and partisan squabbling. I’m so bloody tired of yet more television panels where the well-fed and well-clothed argue about points of politics that have no relevance at all to most Canadians, and especially those who are struggling the most.

It’s not a question of being woke, politically correct, radical, or anything else. It’s about being part of a community based on humanity and virtue. If not, why bother?

Please, please notice the poor and marginalized, in God’s name notice them! 4

Rev. Michael Coren is an award-winning Toronto-based columnist and author of 18 books, appears regularly on TV and radio, and is also an Anglican priest.

Letters continued

Don’t weaponize Code of Conduct process

The Code of Conduct concept has been tested in several ways over the last term of municipal councils, from school boards to local councils to Regional Council. The latest issue of a Code of Conduct complaint registered by one councillor against another “to make [Regional Councillor Bob] Gale Sweat a little” demonstrates how the current code and Integrity Commissioner process needs review after almost six years of questionable experience.

“Weaponizing” was not the intent but it appears to be the practice more often as time goes on. The fact that penalties are decided by a majority of council sets up a bad scenario where

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the ground, obscured by weeds taller than the sign itself. As far as the signage at the main entrances, most casual hikers and day users of the park would see the words “Haudenosaunee Harvest” and assume that has something to do with farming or Thanksgiving, not envisioning slaughtering deer. We “harvest” grapes. They hunt deer.

On Tuesday, I saw a hiker coming out of the private boy scout camp on Pelham Street. I wondered if he had been hiking in the park during the hunt. I asked him if he knew the park

T o w n o f P e l h a m 2 0 2 3 B u d g e t P u b l i c M e e t i n g

anyone speaking up against the majority of council can be subject to a severe penalty due to a Code of Conduct complaint. Maybe this is the kind of thing

Merritton City Councillor  Littleton was concerned about. It reminds us of a school board trustee who wanted a review of the superintendent’s performance, or a local councillor who responded to local support for the freedom convoy.

Time to review the Code of Conduct process to help stop the process from being weaponized and make it perform in the interest of the public.

Bruce Timms St. Catharines

was closed and if he was okay. He told me that he did indeed see a small sign, but just assumed it was for a random trail reconstruction or something and since he was hiking the Bruce Trail, he didn’t think it applied to him. He made it through the park, thankfully, but that could have had a tragic outcome.

How many more years do we, as Niagara residents, have to worry about (and pay for) this hunt? It has become a complete and total disgrace. What was once considered to be a hidden gem is now nothing but an annual blood bath and mishandled safety nightmare.

Donna Gorham Fonthill

The budget is about setting goals and building a great community - together. The municipal budget outlines the priorities of the Town of Pelham and determines the level of service provided to Pelham residents, and guides decisions on spending for services and infrastructure. Each year, with input from Pelham residents and businesses, Town staff provide a preliminary budget. Then the Mayor and Council make decisions about Pelham services, programs and infrastructure and approve the final budget.

Town of Pelham Budget Schedule

via the

register by noon Friday, Nov 4, 2022,

clerks@pelham ca

on November 7 via live stream, at www pelham ca/live

can be submitted during the meeting to clerks@pelham ca

Incumbents back in

Meanwhile, challenger Frank Adamson thanked supporters gathered at Fonthill’s Kame and Kettle Beerworks. He promised to continue his community work with Rotary, Wellspring, and Pelham non-profit housing among others.

“With so many acclamations, I wanted to have an election for this position and we bloody had an election!” he said to cheers from the room.

Asked if he will keep his signs for another run in four years, Adamson said, “No politician gets rid of their signs... the landfi ll doesn’t want them. But there are many factors to consider.”

Voter turnout in Pelham mirrored that of most of Ontario’s other 443 municipalities—significantly lower than during the last municipal election, in 2018. That year saw 50 percent of eligible Pelham voters go to the polls, while this year the figure was just under 33 percent. In Niagara, only West Lincoln saw a higher turnout than in 2018—possibly due to voter anger over antivaxxer and “Freedom Convoy” supporter Mayor David Bylsma, who was turfed out of office. Welland saw the lowest turnout in the Region, at just 25 percent.

With files by Brian Green.

Wink doesn’t mince words on previous council

Reelected Ward 2 councillor hopes for return of civility

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

John Wink won re-election as one of Pelham’s Ward 2 councillors last Monday night, capturing 1,355 votes. Second-place fi nisher Brian Eckhardt—

also elected to council—received 988.

“I’m glad I got the mandate,” Wink told the Voice at his victory party at Peter Piper’s Pub in Fonthill.

“I don’t think I won the sign game, but I won in the polls.”

Wink will now represent the ward alongside Eckhardt, who won over Carla Baxter and Colin McCann. Eckhardt replaces outgoing councillor Ron Kore, who chose not to run again.

Wink was fi rst elected in 2018. During his initial term, the 69-year-old earned a reputation as a

Huson: 2500 doors to victory Blowout win for Regional incumbent

BY JOHN CHICK Voice Correspondent

Diana Huson cruised to victory in last Monday’s municipal election and will represent Pelham on Niagara Regional Council for a second straight term. Huson captured 3,641 of 5,162 votes, defeating challengers Wally Braun and Fred Sarvis for the seat.

“There’s a lot of work to build off of,” Huson told the Voice at her victory party at Peter Piper’s Pub in Fonthill. The Fenwick resident has been both a moderate and progressive voice at Regional Council, sitting on the board for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and creating the Niagara’s Women’s Advisory Committee during her first term.

“There’s still a lot of work in defining what climate change means to the municipality,” Huson said. “There’s still a lot to accomplish in terms of having diverse and equita-

ble voices informing council decisions.”

Huson said that on a grassroots level, she knocked on about 2,500 doors during her campaign and heard a lot of small-town and growing-community issues.

“There’s a lot of concern about speeding and road safety and I think there’s a lot of will to talk to the [Niagara Regional Police] about enforcement and maybe how we can make our roads safer, especially in the areas where we’re seeing a lot more population and development.”

As far as the growing region goes, Huson knows further challenges lay ahead for Pelham and Niagara.

“Pelham will be directly impacted by the Region’s new official plan, because the Town will now have to pass a secondary plan that conforms to that,” she told the Voice prior to

pragmatic “voice of reason” on a council that tended to bicker, ignore staff advice, and saw a voting bloc form among Kore and fellow outgoing councillors Lisa Haun and Marianne Stewart— along with Ward 3 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt, who was returned to his seat Monday via unchallenged acclaim.

“I’m really looking forward to little more cohe-

sion,” Wink said of the new council, which will feature three new members. “We have a really good staff, and they don’t need to be crapped on by council.”

Wink, who spent decades working the fi nancial industry, sat as chair of the Pelham’s Finance and Audit Committee during his fi rst term. He said Monday that

Join Collective Efforts To Improve Water Quality Through Restoration and Water Well Decommissioning Grant Programs

Private

public landowners, NGOs, nature clubs, and “friends of”

the election. “Growth and infrastructure in Pelham is impacted by the new plan. I recognize the tension over the need for more housing, as well as the desire to preserve our small-town feel. There is no longer a lot of affordable housing in Pelham

… but we still want our seniors to be able to age-in-place, so we need more downsizing options, and housing that allows new families to enter the market. I think that’s going to be probably a real focus for the next term on council.”

A supporter congratulates incumbent Niagara Regional Councillor Diana Huson last Monday evening at her victory celebration JOHN CHICK

Pelham Town Councillor Wayne Olson ready to roll

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

WAYNE OLSON QUICK FACTS

Running for: Pelham Town Council, Ward 1 (acclaimed)

Age: 74

Occupation: Retired chartered accountant, industrial executive, farmer Resides: A decade-plus in Fenwick Family: Declined to state

W ayne Olson was elected to Pelham Town Council in the 2020 by-election held to fi ll the seat left vacant by the passing of Councillor Mike Ciolfi, early in the Covid-19 pandemic. Olson has been acclaimed, along with political newcomer Kevin Ker, in the 2022 municipal contest, as there were no other challengers who fi led to run in Ward 1.

“My key issues all involve a self-sustaining and progressive Pelham, and include diversity, inclusion and equity, fi nancial management, and climate change,” he told the Voice. “People recognize that there must be planned growth, and they want to ensure that their quality of life is improved by the growth, rather than adversely impacted.”

Working to build local public engagement to strengthen and sustain political momentum has

been a mark of Olson’s current term on council. He has also been a vocal advocate of addressing the isolation of seniors and others at risk during and beyond the pandemic.

Growing up on his family’s farm in Elgin County, along the shore of Lake Erie south of London, imparted many lifelong lessons for Olson. The most enduring was the importance of families and communities working together.

Olson enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces after high school in order to fund his university studies, and served for eight years.

Having earned his chartered account designation, he worked in agribusiness accounting, and later joined Ford Motor Company as an agricultural equipment field representative in southwestern Ontario. Through his long association with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (Olson served as national president for a term) he crossed paths with Magna International boss Frank Stronach, who hired him as a group manager at the giant Aurora-based global automotive supplier, overseeing several manufacturing plants and some 6000 employees.

“I had a fantastic exposure to building a company by being with Frank Stronach,” said Olson. “We made company decisions that

were based on values, human values.”

While with Magna, Olson served as Director of the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association of Canada, which involved him in negotiations of the Free Trade Agreements between Canada, the USA, and Mexico to replace the Auto Pact.

Olson’s career also took him to Sweden, where he was managing director of Segerstom, a large European automotive manufacturer that provided consulting and parts for Volvo.

Olson now lives in Fenwick, having relocated from Port Dover a decade ago. Since his retirement, community service has been his focus, having served as a director with Pelham Cares, Community Support Services of Niagara (Meals on Wheels, and other services for the aged), the Welland Museum, and the Pel-

ham Historical Society. He has also logged volunteer hours with the Salvation Army, the Welland Food Bank, and the Marshville Festival.

Additional hours were contributed to the Welland Affordable Housing Task Force, Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee, and the Royal Canadian Legion (Fonthill).

His view of the human resources at Town Hall is very positive, giving two thumbs up to CAO David Cribbs, saying, “We don’t give proper credit to him for the turnaround at Town Hall. I think his leadership has been excellent. He sets the direction, he’s got the vision.”

Although Olson applauds the good work of council, staff, and the audit committee in eating away at the municipality’s debt, he knows that Pelham’s fi nancial position still has a long way to go

to reach a comfortable level.

“There are no competitive pressures on our revenue,” he said. “We just tax people, and that’s where the money’s coming from. We should be thanking the taxpayers, not patting ourselves on the back.”

Taxes have got to moderate, said Olson, and he has one suggestion to help fi ll the Town’s reserves.

“I would start by selling our stake in our two hydro suppliers,” he said. “It only earns us about $60,000 a year, and has a probable market value of eight to ten million.”

Olson is pleased that Pelham has come to be seen as a climate change hub, and has partnered with environmental organizations such as Trout Unlimited and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

“We now have designated areas that are protected like wetlands in forested areas, and in the urban boundary. I’m proud of the mobilization that went on around climate change.”

He said that the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport (NCDRA) continues to be a drain on resources for the four supporting municipalities, but has no magic wand to wave to solve the prob-

Ward 1 for a second term, Councillor Wayne Olson DON RICKERS

"We just tax people, and that's where the money's coming from"

will remain his top priority with the new group.

“For me it’s still to keep the fi nances in check,” he said, citing increasing Town reserves from $2 million in 2018 to around $13 million now. “The businesses in Ridgeville have been asking for parking for so long, and that’s got to be done.”

As the dust settles, candidates on their campaigns

Mayor Marvin Junkin

Iwould like to thank the residents of Pelham for allowing me the privilege of being your mayor for another term. Being mayor is a great job, one that I take seriously, and I look forward to working with the new council in making Pelham

the best we can be.

I would also like to thank my campaign team, especially my sister Lois, who once again did yeoman service as my treasurer and campaign organizer. A big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped deliv-

er pamphlets door to door.

Thanks also to Gary for all of his time, effort (and gas), who delivered my pamphlets in the rural parts of town and put up and took down my election signs.

The campaign itself seemed to drag on as they

all tend to, but in actuality was just a couple of months. With two candidates running for mayor, voters were given a choice and democracy was better served because of this.

It was always great to meet the many residents

Ward 2 Councillor-elect Brian Eckhardt

that came out to my meetand-greets held at local businesses, and who stopped in at my local campaign office (temporary as it was).

I am looking forward to a great four years of service to the Town.

The ever-present issue of continuing development in Pelham also promises to feature heavily. He offered the critique that some outgoing councillors didn’t seem to grasp the fact that provincial bodies such as the Ontario Land Tribunal can and will supersede municipal decisions on matters such as infi ll development.

“I honestly don’t think they understood development,” Wink said. “One of the fi rst things I did with council was take a municipal planning course for councillors. I knew a lot of the stuff already from my work at Meridian … but [they] didn’t have a clue.”

Being new to the whole thing I really didn’t have any expectations of what the process would be. From start to fi nish, however, it was a very smooth process mainly because of the excellent staff at Town Hall, mainly Town Clerk Holly Willford. Everything was explained in detail and all forms

supplied. This made the process for this political newcomer very easy. While I certainly have no regrets about running, I think you would get an honest answer from me about three years from now. Going door to door in my ward I learned quite a bit and met some very nice, interesting people.

My team mainly consisted of my wife, Karen, who was a huge help to me and I certainly would not have had the success I had without her. My family gave me a lot of inspiration as did many friends. Early on, my neighbours were huge supporters, especially Brian and Maryann Minard.

My immediate priorities are to quickly learn all the processes at Town Hall and begin to contribute in a timely fashion. I would like to push a tree bylaw as soon as possible. This should not be a huge issue as other municipalities have excellent bylaws. I would also work hard to get the council working together to tackle

Ward 2 runner-up Colin McCann

The starting point in the decision-making process leading to my candidacy was watching the Pelham Town Council elected in 2018.

My observations were that this council, while doing an adequate job, was bogged down in the minutia of zoning applications and bylaw amendments but were not addressing the larger issues, such as where the Town should be in the decades to come.

My experience as a past

resident of Mississauga was that their council, very early in the growth process, began planning for infrastructure needs and setting aside areas for parks and recreation, recognizing their potential population growth. I am not convinced the Town of Pelham has adequately done this.

In making the decision to run for council, I knew my campaign was going to be an uphill battle. I looked at my fellow candidates

and saw a qualified group who had lived in the area for much longer than had I. So, I decided that the best way to connect with voters was to knock on their doors, introduce myself and, most importantly, listen to what they had to say.

I met some great people and had some enlightening front porch conversations. What I heard were concerns about growth in Town, including the strains being placed on infrastructure and failing to protect the

environment. Most residents were unaware that the Town had little say in the growth numbers which were being imposed on it by Provincial and Regional governments.

I also heard worries that Fonthill was being divided into an east and west with Station Street being the boundary. There is a growing resentment in people who have lived here for years who fear the loss of their small-town feel with tightly packed homes,

the important issues facing the Town.

Finally I would be remiss in not thanking the many people who supported me during the election, especially those who put their trust in me and voted for me. I am truly humbled by their faith in me. Also to my opponents congratulations on well-run campaigns.

strip malls and traffic congestion.

Going forward, an important job for the incoming council will be to educate the public on what the council can and cannot do. Plans for multistorey buildings and infi lling within existing communities will continue to be contentious issues before council. Residents need to be informed on how they can have an effective voice

8:30 AM - 7:00

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"I honestly don't think they understood development"

Through Louis’ Lens

PHOTOGRAPHY OF

WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE between enthu siast and artist? Fonthill native Louis Albanese has made his living as a dentist for decades, practicing on Pelham Street. Yet the artistry of

his landscape photography is arguably the equal of professional photographers the world over.

“I started photography at around age 7, through the influence and instruction of my father,” recalls Albanese.

His first camera was a Baldinette, a 35mm camera with bellows that expanded when opened. In 1964, when his father bought a new camera (at the Welland Camera Store, on Division Street), Albanese got the hand-me-down, a Pentax Spotmatic

that he still owns. “My film back then was developed at Sharp’s Drug Store, which then became Laing’s.” This week we revisit an Albanese classic—an autumn view of Ball’s Falls.

“The photo of the lower falls was taken with a DJI Mavic Pro drone," says Albanese. “It’s a three-shot bracket set, which I combined in Photoshop HDR Pro. There had been rain recently resulting in a good water flow over the falls.”

Library carving finished Friends of Maple Acre eager to share local history

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Sandee Matthews is a big fan of Fenwick, which first appeared on maps as a village in the mid-1850s. She is an active member of the Friends of Maple Acre Library, which has been in existence for 32 years, and is described on its Facebook page as a “small but mighty group that raises funds for the Pelham Library through various events throughout the year.”

“Libraries have very unique historical components of volunteerism, which is what small towns and communities are all about,” Matthews told the Voice. “With so many new residents in the area, I always enjoy sharing stories of our local history, which of course includes the library, and also the fire station.”

Matthews is especially enthusiastic about the new tree stump carving that sits off to the side in front of the Fenwick library, a creation of well-known Niagara chainsaw artist Jean-Pierre Gauthier.

“Jean-Pierre’s chainsaw carving embraces the beauty of our land,” said Matthews. “After more than two years of isolation due to Covid, the Friends of Maple Acre were anxious to come together and bring enhancements to improve our library garden, and the large tree stump that stood [near] the library on Canboro Road. The tired silver maple tree was cut down after the new library addition was built. Our neighbours allowed us the opportunity to commemorate our history in this tree carving. We wanted the carving to tell a story of the beauty of our community, volunteerism, and the history of this place.”

All of Gauthier’s creative woodwork was done with a full-size chainsaw, and smaller Dremel rotary grinders. The artist said that he had no firm plan as to the design when he fired up his chainsaw to start the creation.

“As I peeled the bark off, ideas just popped into my head,” he said, “like the Native boy with a lacrosse stick at the bottom of the carving.”

Gauthier figures he has about 300 hours invested in the tree trunk.

“Centuries ago, Canboro Road was a trail used by Indigenous peoples, heading west from Niagara Falls,” said Gauthier. “So a Native theme was definitely going to be included in my design for the tree stump carving, close to the roots at the base. Animals were a given as well, so I have a deer, beaver, and raccoon. Along came the pioneers next, who started building with their ox and barrels, and I added the early fire department, with their first pumpers. I put the Pelham Panther on top of

the fire truck. The library is depicted in the middle of the tree, and the kid at the top with his arm on the globe represents the modern-day.”

Pelham’s champion cyclist, Steve Bauer, also has a place in Gauthier’s carving.

Fenwick’s Maple Acre Library building was originally the site of the village’s fire station, said Matthews.

“The Fenwick library was built by volunteer donations in 1919, next door to the current site,” she said. “The first volunteer fire hall, built in 1917, was located behind the building that now houses the Model Railway Club on Maple Street. In 1946, a new fire hall was built on Canboro Road beside the Maple Acre Library.”

A library services consultant in 2013 had suggested the Pelham Public Library close the Fenwick branch, but an uproar, led by the Friends of Maple Acre, encouraged Pelham Town Council to reject the idea. A modern design for the planned addition stirred another controversy, as did delays in construction. Following a $1 million renovation,

the 363-square-metre branch reopened in January 2017.

In 2011, the current Fenwick firehall was opened on Welland Road. There are 35 active volunteer firefighters at Pelham Station 2, led by District Chief Adam Arbour, under Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. The Fenwick Firefighters Association consists of 47 active and retired members.

Matthews said that the Friends of Maple Acre have scheduled a fundraising event to pay for the completion of the tree carving and garden maintenance project. A waffle brunch will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 9 AM until noon at the Fenwick Firehall, located at 766 Welland Road. Tickets are $10, and are available at the Fenwick library. Additionally, a silent auction will be held in December for a “Bear in a Box” carving, created by Gauthier during the last Canada Day celebration at Harold Black Park in Fonthill.

Interested in joining the Friends of Maple Acre? See www.facebook.com/ friendsofthemapleacrelibrary for information.

NPCA receives $750K in federal funding

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Four conservation areas operated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will soon receive greenspace infrastructure upgrades, thanks to $750,000 in federal funding announced last week.

Monies are being provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and Tourism Relief Fund, via the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDevOntario).

On October 12, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, the federal minister responsible for FedDevOntario programs, announced $8.2 million in support for 34 tourism and community infrastructure projects in the Niagara region.

As one of Canada's top tourist destinations, the Niagara region attracts some 13 million visitors each year to its tourist attractions, including wineries, museums, parks and conservation areas, and of course, Niagara Falls. Tourism spending in the region is some $2 billion annually, asserts the ministry, and has a significant spillover impact on the local economy.

The four NPCA conservation area projects funded through FedDev Ontario include upgrades to Cave Springs, St. John’s, Louth, and Rockway, and include improvements primarily to parking lots, boardwalks, trails, and signage.

An additional 32 projects in the Niagara region will receive grant money, and include $175,000 to renovate the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, and $180,000 to install Indigenous public art at Jordan Hollow Park in Lincoln.

“On behalf of the NPCA, I want to thank FedDev Ontario for investing in nature for all. The NPCA continually strives to improve services and visitor experiences for those who live and visit the Niagara Peninsula watershed. We are proud to be a destination of choice,” said Rob Foster, Chair of the NPCA board of directors, in a press release.

“NPCA’s 41 conservation areas are vital to the health and well-being of our residents and critical to addressing climate change impacts in the Niagara Escarpment and Carolinian Zone,” added NPCA CAO Chandra Sharma. “We are

thankful to the federal government for their investment in our green infrastructure assets, to address some of the much-needed upgrades for the safe enjoyment of communities.”

Speaking to the Voice, Foster said, “We've been very fortunate at the NPCA, attracting some good grants at both the provincial and federal levels, and also through our municipal partners as well. In this day and age, you have to have staff applying for these grants, because the monies are available for this type of capital expenditure. But you have to make the case. We have some really good internal staff that are preparing these grant proposals.”

Of the $750,000 designated for the NPCA, Foster said that the St. John's Conservation Area, located in Pelham, is getting a $300,000 injection of funds.

“We are ever-mindful that we need open and accessible trails in all our conservation areas, so when we get an opportunity like this to get some funding in place, it's very positive all the way around.”

MCCANN continued from Page 9

allowing them a say in planning decisions.

I would also like to see the next council step back and start the strategic planning process for the next ten, 20, 30 years. One of the advantages of the Town’s growth will be a larger tax base. Planning can start now to prevent any lag in maintaining services and infrastructure. This is also the opportunity to push the Region for a solution to the growing traffic issue on Highway 20.

I would like to thank everyone who chatted with me at their front door, to my fellow volunteer fi refighters at Station 1, and my friends and neighbours who supported me. A special thanks to my family for their support and hard work.

I have been asked if I would I run again. In all honesty, that is up to the new council. The incoming council has qualified people who deserve a chance to govern.

line nasal rinses, and honey and lemon. This did help decrease my over reliance on the cough and cold section of the local drug store.

Guess my point is this. Balancing one’s approach to illness is worth considering. Quick fi xes are indeed shortlived and rarely do they provide long-term benefit.

It’s important to never lose sight of the fact that, when we are sick, there are always variables that we can control. The biggest being our

attitude. In the case of a cold for example, there is no short-circuiting the fact that it usually take two weeks to begin to feel noticeably better physically after symptoms first appear. Acceptance of what is in the moment, albeit never easy, is healthier in the long run. Illness for the most part, is not a stagnant process. It is constantly changing, hopefully more for the better, and sometimes for the worst. During the process, would it not serve a better purpose if we focused our energies on those capabilities we have at our disposal, rather than

ruminating on the loss of capacity we are temporarily dealing with. I fully appreciate that this is easier said than done. Why not take a step in that direction, though, particularly given the intimate power our minds have when it comes to the functioning of our bodies.

Enough cannot be said about the healing power of gratitude. Being truly grateful for the gifts around us, be it loving family, supportive friends, the ability to think, see, speak, and move for example. These are gifts to be treasured and thankful for every day.

The unpredictability of illness also reminds us, at times not so gently, that we are indeed mortal and vulnerable.

Make the most of your time while you are in good health, cause you never know. The use it or lose it principle pays dividends big time. Your body is meant to be physically challenged and worked. Age should never be an overriding reason to avoid doing something that’s physically challenging. Go after it while you can, I say, and keep Father Time at bay for a while longer.

Finally, infirmity, regardless of severity, teaches us the virtue of patience. Patience with ourselves, with those around us, and with our current circumstance. Who among us couldn’t stand to grow when it comes to exercising greater patience. Yours truly has much work to do in this regard. Sometimes I think it’s the hardest lesson to learn. In these days of instant gratification and self indulgence, demonstrating a little patience is indeed something to be respected and encouraged.

From left, Regional Manager Amy Guilmette of the Lincoln and Pelham

Library, Pelham

Fire Department’s Adam Arbour of the Fenwick station, Sandee Matthews of the Friends of Maple Acre Library, chainsaw carver Jean-Pierre Gauthier, and Gisele Cote, outside the Fenwick library branch, beside Gauthier’s tree carving DON RICKERS

Strong opposition to proposed Pelham St. condo development

concerns, and endorses a three-storey luxury apartment/condominium building without the rooftop terrace floor in the proposed design.

Stephanie Hicks fears her loss of privacy, and said that the additional storeys for luxury units only increase profit for the builder. With a lack of affordable units, she doesn’t see a community benefit.

traffic, how will they do that with this building so close to the street?”

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

An application by a developer for a zoning bylaw amendment at 1145 Pelham Street, in Fonthill, is causing a furor with proximal neighbours.

If accepted, the amendment would rezone the lands from a General Commercial-89 zone to a site-specific Residential Multiple 2 zone, permitting a five-storey apartment dwelling containing 47 units and one guest suite.

The property is located on the east side of Pelham Street, south of Bacon Lane. Pelham Street is classified as an arterial road, part of which is currently undergoing reconstruction.

The issue was before Pelham Town Council earlier this month, with presentations from both the developer’s planning consultant, and several aggrieved local residents. Numerous other area residents submitted complaints to the Town online, which were included in the meeting’s agenda notes.

Linda Getz, one of the Pelham residents who submitted comments to the Town via email, summed up the local angst with the project.

“Here we go again! Another developer looking to ruin Fonthill’s

small town charm for a big paycheque,” she wrote. “As a resident of Brookbank Crescent, not far from 1145 Pelham Street, the thought of a five-storey eyesore makes my blood boil. The Town keeps letting developers build dwellings that jam as many people as possible into one spot. With more people comes more cars and more traffic. Pelham [Street] is already too busy. This will only get worse with the addition of 45 families. Imagine you’ve lived in the same house on the same quiet, pretty street for over 30 years, and one day you walk outside and can no longer see trees and blue sky because of a five-story monster invading your privacy. How many Town councillors would be okay with that? I’ve lived in Fonthill for my entire 37 years and don’t plan on moving. I love it here. But no-

body wants an apartment building in their backyard. I plead with you, vote no!”

Fallingbrook Crescent lies opposite the proposed development, on the west side of Pelham Street, with backyards facing the site. Three residents spoke with the Voice about their objections.

Gail Belchior is concerned about the increased density and height of the structure, a lack of compatibility with the neighbourhood and community, a reduced front yard setback from the current bylaw, traffic and safety impacts, and insufficient parking, along with noise and light pollution. She would prefer a building design limited to three storeys and a maximum of 36 condominium units, to reduce negative impacts.

Bob Marx shares all of Belchior’s

“If the zoning bylaw amendments are approved, Fonthill residents living, working, and traveling near 1145 Pelham Street will be negatively impacted by the development, which is population-dense, and intrusive to adjacent private properties,” said Belchior. “We want the Mayor, Town Council, and staff to reject the zoning bylaw amendments, and to work with community residents and the developer to find a reasonable and acceptable residential three-storey building structure alternative.”

Hicks’ primary concern is the safety of her two young children.

“Pelham [Street] is a very busy roadway, and I’m worried about the increased traffic compromising the safety of kids in the neighbourhood, and also the overflow parking on the streets,” she said.

Belchior said that there are two walkway pathways off Fallingbrook and Tanner Drive that will access the proposed building.

“That’s where the overflow parking is going to go, onto our streets,” she said. “In the winter, they will likely also lose parking spaces due to snow accumulation and plowing.

One of the points that wasn’t made during council meeting was that, ten or 15 years into the future, if Pelham Street needs to be widened with added lanes due to increased

The building proposal at 1145 Pelham is being funded by the Duliban family, which operates an insurance brokerage business in Pelham. The Dulibans were a significant financial supporter of the Meridian Community Centre, and purchased naming rights to one of the arenas.

“There is some confusion over whether these units would be rentals or condos,” said Belchior. “Apparently, it is condominium ownership, but each unit is owned by the family, with units rented out. They're looking for a constant rental income. So, okay, with fewer units, they might not be able to get to their break-even point as quickly, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our privacy.”

“Whatever council approves will set a precedent for what happens in the rest of Pelham,” said Marx. “It was clear at the council meeting that the developer had no ‘Plan B’ in mind, so I'm hoping that we have planted the seed, that they had better go back to the drawing board and start re-thinking the proposal, based on the input from the neighbors.”

Questions and comments about the proposed development may be sent to Pelham’s Senior Planner, Shannon Larocque, at 905-8922607, extension 319, or by email to slarocque@pelham.ca. A report will be presented to council once all feedback is received.

A link to an online petition to reject the 1145 Pelham Street zoning by-law amendment application is available at:

https://chng.it/9c8TYyNN

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Three storeys rather than five an acceptable adjustment, say local residents

Fallingbrook Crescent residents Gail Belchior, Bob Marx, and Stephanie Hicks represent other neighbourhood residents opposed to a five-storey development on Pelham Street

DON RICKERS

lems at the debt-burdened aerodrome.

“I think I’ve made my position clear. I want their commission to produce a business plan,” adding that to bring the facility up to a standard where it could have a commercial use is

cost-prohibitive, in the neighbourhood of $10 million dollars. Although there has been talk of changing the governance model at the airport, Olson doubts that this will happen, and noted that aviation registrations are growing at only about one percent annually. He is frustrated by a proposal to build executive homes at the airport.

“It’s ludicrous that they want to develop a property in which Pelham is the host municipality, without going through any of the required processes,” he said. “And for Pelham to have only one vote on that commission out of seven members is not right.”

Looking to the next term of office, Olson hopes that he can continue the work

he started on the Regional Transit Committee, and would encourage the formation of a municipal Climate Change Advisory Committee, which would include those engaged in agriculture.

“Farmers have a big stake in the climate,” said Olson. “Our fields and orchards are more productive than they’ve ever been, and

we need voices advocating for the protection of those assets.”

He doesn’t dwell on fl awed council decisions of the past.

“I think we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us,” he said. “I’m not interested in all the divisive stuff, I’m looking for leadership that’s more cohesive and

principled. I really don’t have time for living in the past and a focus on memories. I believe in a vision of the future.”

Olson is going to be 75 in January. He’s not crazy about the prospect.

“It happened all too fast. I’m reminded of the old proverb ‘We get too soon old, and too late smart,’” he said with a rueful chuckle.

BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 18

smugly mutter under our breath when we see someone else take a risk that is beyond our comprehension. The willingness to fail at something we’ve considered and said yes to provides us with the realization that our life is our own, and must be measured by ourselves rather than the thoughts or approval of others. This is a truly empowering realization in which self-confidence flourishes.

Saying yes increases our opportunities to be creative. Dr. Robert E. Franken, University of Calgary professor emeritus whose research focuses on understanding curi-

osity and exploratory behaviour, wrote in his book, Human Motivation, “Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems and communicating with others.” While this definition may relate more to business than the world of art and literature, it’s all about being mentally and emotionally open enough to say yes, that time when we begin to search out opportunities rather than wait for them.

Saying yes allows us to take advantage of random encounters and coincidences, which may lead to a widening of friendships and collaborations. Yes opens conversa-

tions and attitudes, no shuts down discussion and stops progress. We’re most honest when we’re vulnerable, a characteristic that attracts others. When we’ve placed ourselves in a position where we may need help, we learn that strangers tend to be more generous and caring than threatening.

Amongst friends, having the reputation for saying yes to others often makes it easier to ask for assistance when we need help, and expect a yes in return.

Saying yes more often can break boring rituals and routines, making life more fun. Our memories seldom consist of what we didn’t tackle. Taking the plunge, throwing caution to the wind, biting off

more than we can chew, going for broke and a hundred more clichés that allude to degrees of risk and the unknown excite us when we hear them. When these phrases are prefaced by “I”, an exciting story told with enthusiasm is sure to follow.

Saying yes means learning how to say no, and more importantly, why to say no. Too many yeses can lead to a life that’s so hectic that we let our own needs go unfulfilled. Learning what is important to oneself, and saying no to things on the periphery is legitimate.

Learn to understand if your hesitation is an excuse to say no, or part of the struggle to begin saying yes more often. We must be wary

awesome was He? Giglio told

of saying no because of ingrained fears and limiting beliefs, or using a habitual negative response because it is easy.

By saying yes we invite possibility into our lives, grow in ways we might not have expected, test our capabilities and inspire one another, although we might not know it at the time. How often do we look back on those times we said yes and it didn’t seem important, only to learn in hindsight that a decision taken years ago has lead to a series of positive events that would not have otherwise occurred.

There has never been a better time to consider saying yes more often than now. 4

pray for a few

he struggled

he recalibrated his

God’s magnitude. Even

he continues

to believe that God is personal, his revised prayers replaced his “buddy-buddy” attitude toward the Almighty with a much more awe-fi lled one of reverence.

What about you?

Many unbelievers today have rejected the existence (or relevance) of God because their concept of God is flawed and limited. They have put God in a box of their own making. In a word, their God is way too small. Maybe it’s time to rethink some of these notions which might go back to our youth.

Scripture says that someday, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11) What an awesome day that will be.

The popular Christian song, “I Can Only Imagine” asks, “Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus, or in awe of You

be still? Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine. I can only imagine.”

Someday each of our bodies will be put in a box called a casket or urn. Our spirit, however, will be very much alive. And I believe before God’s majestic Presence we’ll all say, “Sorry, Lord, for putting You in a box. You are so much bigger, greater, holier and loving than I ever imagined!” 4

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who admits his understanding of God is too small.

"Maybe it's time to rethink some of these notions which might go back to our youth"

Fiction

PREVIOUSLY IN KILLER ON THE KAME

(Stop! If you are new to the story, the best way to catch up is to read Episodes 1 and 2 on the Voice website.

Spoilers below!)

Out walking her beagle Milo, Emma comes across a crime scene—a dead body at a construction site in East Lofthill. When she gets home, she tells her husband Matt that it’s the same man who came to their house the day before, selling insulation. Matt remembers the man acting oddly in their basement with a metal detector. On a hunch, Matt takes a sledgehammer to the basement floor and discovers a buried toolbox filled with slender gold bars worth about a million dollars.

Detective Sargeant Janice Cleary and Detective Constable Trent Frayne, of the Niagara Constabulary Service, are assigned to investigate the homicide. They determine the victim’s identity: Leonard Bouchard, recently released from prison, who had a history of thefts from construction sites. Matt and Emma realize they need to fill the hole in their basement and so visit a Lofthill hardware store to buy concrete mix. While there, they learn that some of their neighbours are speculating that Leonard Bouchard was using his metal detector to search for something valuable before he was killed, and the neighbours may start to look for it themselves.

Detective Constable Trent Frayne said, “You want me to stick thumbtacks right into the wall?”

“Where else would you stick them?”

“Like a corkboard or something.”

Detective Sergeant Janice Cleary gestured at the wall. “We don’t have a corkboard. Right there’s fine.”

Frayne shrugged and started pinning up the map. The Niagara Constabulary Service headquarters in St. Catharines was brand new, fully equipped with every electronic tool on the law enforcement wish-list, including big touch screens on each wall of the meeting room they were using, but Cleary had said she wanted a paper map and pins. Of course, she couldn’t figure out how to print something thirty-six inches by twenty-four so Frayne had done it. And found the box of coloured push-pins in a tray next to the laser printer.

“Okay, there you go. But someone’s going to be mad we put holes in their shiny paint.”

“Tough luck,” Cleary said. “Put a red pin in every house that said they let in Leonard Bouchard. Yellow if they talked to him but didn’t let him in. Green if they weren’t home.”

“What if they were home but Bouchard didn’t knock?” “Orange.”

“Could’ve marked all that before I printed the map. We do have Sharpie technology, you know.”

Media Relations Specialist Jason Ridolfi came into the room, his cologne two seconds behind. “What do you think of the news release?”

Cleary kept her eyes on the pins. “Haven’t seen it yet.” “I emailed it to you a half hour ago.”

Cleary started to say she hadn’t checked her email when Superintendent Gawley walked in, followed by Staff Sergeant Michaelchuk.

What is it with male cops and their hair, thought Cleary. Over the last ten years the street cops had nearly to a man succumbed to the skinhead hard-ass look. But get bumped up to management and they turn into hedgehogs, bristly, perfectly coiffed spikes—usually going grey—$85 a pop. Those early pandemic salon closures drove them nuts—hair spilling over ears, curling along necks. Cleary thought about bringing in hedge clippers as a joke, offering free trims, but the plague hadn’t yet reached the black humour stage back then.

KILLER ON THE KAME

By John McFetridge

“With drug dealers.”

“With organized crime.”

Frayne finished pushing in the last pin and stepped away from the map. Michaelchuk pointed at it. “Why did you stick those in the wall, right next to the touchscreen?”

Frayne shrugged. Now Gawley looked at the pins. “What’s this?”

Cleary dropped her notepad on the conference table. “We’re trying to put together Leonard Bouchard’s last day.”

Gawley turned from the map and looked at Cleary. “I’m saying you don’t need any of this.”

“We need to know his movements before he was killed.”

Michaelchuk looked at the Superintendent. “The neighbourhood was canvassed.”

“Yeah,” Cleary said, “by the uniforms, not by us. We have to do some follow-up.”

“I’m sure the residents have told the uniforms everything they know.” Gawley turned to the media relations specialist, who at least knew when to blend into the background until needed. “Make sure the updated press statement says he was a Toronto resident.”

Ridolfi nodded. “Yes sir.”

“Lead with that—always refer to him as a Toronto resident. And make sure the tip line for the task force is on everything.” Gawley waved distractedly at the map. “We’re not going to need this.”

Cleary could almost hear the conversation between the Superintendent and the Chief, assuring him the name of Lofthill would be kept out of the press as much as possible, the location of the murder as vague as they could make it. Wouldn’t want anything to affect those property values. Especially now.

“All due respect, sir, the body was found there. We need to fill in his last day.”

“He must have been on his phone, probably talking to people in Toronto. Track that.”

Cleary shook her head. “There was no phone with the body. We’re running him through all the telcoms to find out which one he used. Could take a while.”

Experience Counts

The Superintendent shook his head.

“No need. This is going to the task force in Toronto.”

“Sir?”

“The deceased is a Toronto resident with known connections to organized crime in Toronto.”

Cleary glanced at her notes. “That’s not in his file.”

Gawley waved that away. “He went to jail for theft of construction equipment and his body was dumped on a construction site.”

“There weren’t any thefts from the site where he was found. There was barely any equipment out there at all.”

“He just got out of jail and he went right back to work,” Gawley said. “Someone else took over his territory, he tried to get it back. Happens all the time.”

Gawley was still looking at the map. “This has nothing to do with the decent people in this neighbourhood, Detective. The deceased had history. This is about the theft of bulldozers, it involves organized crime.”

“We haven’t had any major construction thefts here in years.”

“The task force will get the phone records. You can be the liaison. Put together all the information from the canvass and get it ready for the task force. I’ll send you a contact name.”

Gawley nodded at everyone and walked out.

Michaelchuk followed, leaving Ridolfi with the detectives.

Cleary figured his departure performance—the acknowledging-everyone-in-the-room thing—was something Gawley learned at a management training seminar. Some swanky resort in Muskoka. Brandy after dinner.

She stepped up to the map and looked at it closely for a few seconds.

“That’s a lot of yellow pins—a lot of cautious people who talked to Bouchard then said thanks but no thanks.”

“Should I take them out?”

“No, let’s keep going.”

“You sure?”

“I miss the days when police forces kept it all to themselves, didn’t share everything with each other,” Cleary said. “When we were all our own little fiefdoms.”

A loving nature, A heart of gold, Never selfish always kind, These are the memories You left behind.

A silent thought

A quiet prayer

For a special person in God’s care.

Our hearts won’t let you out of our minds.

Real love stories never have endings.

Clyde, Pamela, Paula, Joel, Jayson and their families

Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill ON 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk@desjardins.com bobkilyk.com

Sandy Sandra Lynn Barnhart

Michaelchuk looked around. “What are you doing in here?”

“Setting up an incident center.” Cleary didn’t like using the jargon, but now that police forces were full of consultants and management plans and outcome strategies she was resigned to it.

PORT COLBORNE

“Did you see anything unusual when you got back? Anyone out on the street, any parked cars?”

“No, nothing.”

Cleary nodded, looked at Frayne and then back at Kim.

“Okay, well, that’s great, thanks for your time.”

As she followed Frayne to the door, Cleary paused and turned, pointing back at the dining table.

“Just curious—are the oranges real?”

The realtor smiled.

“Vinyl, but they’re good, right?”

EEE

On the sidewalk Cleary jotted in her notebook, speaking quietly.

“Well?”

Frayne pursed his lips. “Something there.”

“Yeah, something there. But what.”

“Or where. Where did she go that night.”

“Right.”

A Mini Cooper pulled into the driveway next door and a young couple got out.

Cleary walked towards them. “Hi there, like to ask you a few questions.”

The man had popped the rear hatch but hadn’t yet opened it. He looked at Cleary. “Are you realtors?”

“No, why.”

“She’s a realtor,” he pointed to the house they’d just left, “and realtors are always coming around asking if we want to sell. Well, more so before.”

“We’re cops.” Cleary held up her ID. Then she looked at her notes. “Are you Matt and Emma Brennan?”

The lock clicked as the guy pressed the hatch shut again. “That’s right.” He was quite pale, thought Cleary. What was the word. Alabaster.

“May we come in?”

“We already talked to the cops.”

“We’re just doing some follow-up.”

“We told the other cop everything.”

Frayne moved next to Cleary and tilted his head. “Why don’t you tell us again.”

Cleary glanced at Frayne and then looked apologetically at Matt, and Emma, who had stood silently near the passenger door. “It would help if we could go over it again. You told the constable that you were home all day last Tuesday, when the victim was going door-to-door.”

“That’s right. I’m still working from home.”

Emma cleared her throat. “So am I.”

Cleary caught it, something passing between the couple. She was glad Frayne didn’t say anything.

“And no one came to the door?”

“No, no one.”

“Did you see anyone on the street that afternoon? Around two-thirty?”

They looked at each other and both shook their heads. Matt rested an arm on the Mini’s roof. “No, I was in my office all afternoon. It’s the spare bedroom, it faces the back yard.”

Cleary looked at Emma. “Where does your office face?”

“Oh, I don’t have an office, I work at the kitchen table mostly. I’m just part-time.”

Cleary let that hang in the air for a moment. Down the street someone fired up a leaf blower.

“What about later? In the evening, did you see anyone?”

“No,” said Matt, and Emma shook her head.

“Did you go out?”

Matt thought for a couple seconds. “Yeah, I did. I take a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.”

Cleary almost laughed. “Really?”

“It was one of the things I was worried about when we moved, if I’d be able to find an academy out here.”

“In the boonies.”

“Yeah, but there is one here, it’s pretty good.”

“And you were in class last Tuesday night? Did you notice anything when you got home? Any cars parked you didn’t recognize, anything like that?”

“No, nothing.”

Cleary smiled and held out a business card.

“Well, that wasn’t too hard, was it? If you do remember anything, please give me a call.”

It was Emma who stepped forward and took the card. Her hair was a deep red, nearly auburn. Natural, Cleary thought.

As she and Frayne walked to their car, Cleary glanced back. The couple went straight into the house, leaving behind whatever had been in the trunk.

EEE

As soon as the door closed behind them Emma said, “Whoa, that was close.”

“That was nothing.”

“Why are they still asking questions. Detectives now?”

Matt scoffed. “Detectives? She’s older than my grandmother and that big idiot looks like he failed out of sports management—no, wait. ‘Kinesiology.’”

Emma was looking out the front window. “They’re still there.”

Matt grabbed her arm and yanked. “Don’t let them see you.”

“Ow, let go!”

She pulled loose and stormed into the kitchen.

Matt followed her. “Em, I’m sorry.”

“What if they find out?”

“Find out what? We didn’t do anything. We didn’t kill the guy.”

“Matt, come on. We should turn it in. Get the reward.”

“What’s wrong with you, are you crazy? Who says there even is a reward?

Emma was backed up against the sink. “Me? What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing, not a damned thing.”

He was glaring at her, leaning in.

“Matt, calm down.”

She raised her hands to her face as he reached out. She flinched. He grabbed the business card that was still in her hand.

“We’re not turning it in. It’s ours, it was in our house.”

“Okay, fine, you’re right. I’m sorry, I was just a little scared.”

Matt paced to the refrigerator and back. “There’s nothing to

be scared of. We’ll just sit on it for a while until this goes away. We don’t need to sell any of it right now, we can hold on for a couple of months.”

“I should be getting more hours in a few weeks.”

“Yeah,” Matt said, “that’s right. It’ll be fine.”

Emma watched him walk out of the kitchen.

She reached for the leash and her hands were shaking. She called out, “I’m going to walk Milo.”

The dog heard it and came running. Emma clipped the leash onto his collar and they walked through the living room.

The door to Matt’s office was closed.

On the sidewalk Emma took a deep breath. She was still shaking slightly.

“Okay, just walk. Everything’s fine. All right, Milo, let’s go.” He pulled on the leash and Emma followed.

They got only a few steps before the dog stopped and turned in a circle.

“Not here, baby.” Emma looked up and saw the curtains fall back into place. The realtor. When they’d first moved in she’d come by with some brownies and there were jokes about them having a little something extra, some local “Delham Kush.” The brownies were in Tupperware but Emma was sure they were really from the grocery store.

Milo squatted.

Emma pulled a bag from the holder attached to the leash. When he was finished she knelt down and scooped. She glanced back at the house and there was the realtor, still behind the curtain.

Standing and tying the bag Emma took another breath. She was calm now, repeating inwardly that everything was going to be fine.

Then she was thinking the realtor looked worried. Probably the market. That rate hike this week.

Emma smiled. It felt good to have something to fall back on, a reserve, even if they couldn’t sell the bars yet.

“Let’s go, Milo.”

Turning the corner she didn’t notice the detectives down the block, sitting in their car, watching.

A moment later the front door opened and Matt emerged, squeezing the key fob at the Mini and popping the rear hatch. He struggled a bit.

“Huh,” said Frayne. “A galvanized tub?”

They had already run the plate. Nothing unusual.

Cleary looked up from the computer display.

“Maybe they’re into crushing grapes.”

Matt managed enough leverage to close the rear hatch without dropping the tub.

“Maybe it’s going to be a giant punchbowl,” said Frayne, starting the engine. “Where to?”

Cleary watched as a garage door rolled closed at the end of the block and a minivan slowly backed down the driveway.

“Head to where they found the body—I’ve got a hunch. And if it’s right...”

Her voice trailed off.

If it’s right, to hell with the Superintendent and his task force.

by John Swart

Now is the time to say yes

Ja, si, oui, 是的 — the language doesn’t matter. Yes is one of the most powerful words on our planet.

As winter approaches, I fear a hardening of position by individuals and communities on so many levels. As recession and inflation and war and technology and our ever-mutating BFF Covid swirl around us with a force that dwarfs Fiona and Ian, each of us is torn between searching for our own unique rock to crawl under, to find comfort and shelter from all of the above, or to silently scream to ourselves, “Not going to happen, I will not let all this bring me

down.”

I sense many of us are finding renewed comfort in the tried and true of yesterday, which we believe served everyone much better. There is a longing for the way things used to be in the air as we search for any excuse to throw up our hands and ask, “Why bother?”

Our communication with one another is uncertain. There are those of us that no longer talk as openly as we did, afraid that we might be overly scrutinized, unsure of our positions or simply less interested in sharing our views. Many of us are hardening our posi-

tions, holding tight to them lest they be proven wrong or challenged, informing the world that this is the way we see things, and by gosh, nothing will change our minds.

Mostly I fear we will stop saying yes.

That we’ll shrink from opening ourselves to new experiences, resist stepping out of our comfort zone to embrace opportunities, and retreat to the familiar. That we’ll stop saying yes to people, unwilling to risk the rejection, embarrassment, criticism, or failure to connect which we expose ourselves to through honest human interaction. That we’ll forget the exhilaration of saying yes to something we fear, that leaning into our fears rather than avoiding them is the first step to putting insecurities behind us.

Saying yes opens the world to us, revealing all the possibilities available in the exact opposite way that saying no shuts doors and minds. Saying yes allows us to engage the world in a way that makes us stretch ourselves, open our minds and hearts, learn new perspectives and approaches. It says I’m willing to try, to learn, to grow.

Saying yes allows us to snatch opportunities, those rare and invaluable moments that enrich us. While no may be our “go to” response, the one we believe keeps us safe, is convenient and doesn’t require us to examine our reasons, it is also stifling. Opportunity may offer itself to us quietly or when we’re unprepared, but a yes mindset will recognize that opportunity for what it is, and we’ll be open to it. If we take the lazy ap-

proach, waiting until just the right moment, or until we are one hundred percent sure, it’s often too late.

Saying yes expands our understanding of the world and people around us. We frequently assume things are a certain way, that certain people believe certain things. We’re confident things happen for a reason, and that a specific input will lead to an anticipated result.

When we say yes to actions or thoughts outside this learned wisdom, we’re open to experiences that are dramatically different than we expect, transforming our way of thinking and understanding. Our entrenched attitudes get shaken up, our field of vision expands, and we become more knowledgeable and accepting.

Saying yes to things we don’t fully understand or which have consequences

Voice HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you’re normally content acting on a whim, but this week you may want to plan your schedule with a bit more detail. Think about what to accomplish.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

When considering a situation, remember there is more than meets the Taurus. Dig a little deeper and you may uncover the truth. Remember to ask the right questions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you have an entire team rallying in your corner this week. You can use a little extra support. All you need to do is speak up and others will come to your aid.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Few things escape your notice, Cancer. However, this week something may just sneak by you. Don’t fret too much, as it’s not really vital. But try to focus better.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s a million things going on in your life this week, Leo. You need to zero in on one or two tasks and get down to business; otherwise, you can easily get overwhelmed.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, listen to your heart this week. It will not guide you astray. You have some soul-searching to do right now to uncover some answers you have been seeking.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Don’t let others bring you down, Libra. Focus and maintain a positive att itude and you can do just about anything you set your mind to this week. Start making plans.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

A big change is coming your way, Scorpio, and you’ve never been more ready. Adopt a receptive mindset and await all of the excitement that is coming your way.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Keep your eyes on the prize, Sagittarius. You are so close to the end result right now, so just a little more patience is needed. You’ll discover some surprising things.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

There’s not much more you can add to a situation, Capricorn. When communication fails, it’s difficult to overcome obstacles. A relationship may come to an end.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, when you put your hope in someone you can trust, the positive outcome shouldn’t be too surprising. Close friends and family will help out.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There’s so much that you are eager to learn, so why not enroll in a class or take up a new hobby, Pisces? You can continue your education.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER 31

Willow Smith, Singer (22)

NOVEMBER 1

Penn Badgley, Actor (36)

NOVEMBER 2 David Schwimmer, Actor (56)

NOVEMBER 3 Kendall Jenner, Model (27)

NOVEMBER 4 Ralph Macchio, Actor (61)

NOVEMBER 5 Tilda Swinton, Actress (62)

that are hard to predict will occasionally lead to failure, that wonderful device by which we gain life experiences, learn valuable lessons, build character and shape our future. The things we say yes to will happen, good and bad. When we say no, nothing happens. We’ll never know if we could or couldn’t have succeeded.

We’ll forever remember the moment through “What if?” glasses, lamenting missed opportunities.

When we say yes and fail, but survive, our risk tolerance increases and we become bolder in our dreams.

A spontaneous and confident, “What’s the worst that can happen?” opens us to fresh adventures and challenges, replacing the cynical, “What’s the worst that can happen?” that we

FAITH LIFT by Pastor Rob Weatherby

An insightful person once said, “God made us in His image and we have returned the favor.” Think about that statement. Scripture indeed affirms that at Creation, God made mankind “in His image” (see Genesis 1:26-27 and again in Genesis 9:6). Most Christians believe that this refers to God’s moral, emotional and spiritual image and not a physical image since God is Spirit (John 4:24). However, how have we “returned the favor”?

J.B. Phillips

This refers to man’s tendency to make God in his (man’s) own image. We tend to see God as a super-sized version of ourselves. This flawed notion prompted J.B. Phillips to write a book called Your God is Too Small. This Bible scholar and translator is known for the Phillips paraphrase of the Bible which many have found helpful and refreshing.

One reviewer of Your God is Too Small summarized it this way: “Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found a God big enough for our modern needs. In a world where our experience of life has grown in myriad directions, and our mental horizons have been expanded to the point of bewilderment by world events and scientific discoveries, our ideas of God have remained largely static.”

The reviewer continues, “It is nearly impossible, Phillips argues, for an adult to worship the conception of God that exists in the mind of a child of Sunday-school age, the ‘God-in-a-box’ notion, limiting God to such inadequate conceptions as ‘Resident Policeman,’ ‘Grand

Old Man,’ ‘Meek-and-Mild,’ and ‘Managing Director.’ As a result of these insufficient ideas of God, many people live with an inner dissatisfaction, without any faith at all. Your God Is Too Small explores the ways in which we can find a truly meaningful and constructive God for ourselves, big enough to account for our current experience of life and big enough to command our highest admiration and respect.”

Louie Giglio

This American pastor and popular youth speaker shared a personal story at one of his rallies. He de-

scribed the first time someone explained to him how vast the universe was. The astronomer first compared the earth to the sun (we’re pretty small). Then he compared the sun to a much bigger star (our sun was pretty small). Then he continued this comparison several times comparing each star with a much bigger one. All these immense stars are simply a few of the trillions of stars which stretch billions of light years across the known universe.

Giglio soon realized his image of God was far too small. If God had created

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

Page

CRITTER CARE, TOO

Pelham Cares also provides support for family pets in need. In addition to a cheque for $679, Fonthill Pet Valu—currently undergoing an expansion—has also donated $3000-worth of pet food to Pelham Cares. From left, store owner Dev Shourie, Amanda Adams, Cathy Dixon, and Jennifer Dubé, Pelham Cares Office Manager SUPPLIED

4 Voice RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham

SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS

Sweet Thoughts is celebrating 20 years on Canboro Road in Ridgeville, where proprietor Bobbi Lococo has been creating homemade decadent chocolates and truffles themed for weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and other special events. “Christmas is huge,” Lococo said, “and I still have a limited supply of Halloween stuff remaining. Some people come in for chocolate, then realize that we also have a gift shop with a baby section, clothes and jewelry for women, and also a men’s section.” Sweet Thoughts is open Tuesday through Saturday. www.sweetthoughts.ca

DON RICKERS

Huson, will close the traffic lane closest to the front of the Legion for the duration of the ceremony. The Town-sponsored fly-past will feature a Douglas Dakota C-47 transport that saw action on D-Day and a B-25 Mitchell bomber built in 1945.

Entertaining guests is a labor of love. Much effort goes into preparing a home for the arrival of friends and family, and that includes planning a menu that will accommodate as many people as possible.

Hosts and hostesses who are looking to take some of the work off of their plates can explore recipes that are less labour-intensive. Slow cookers are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. While busy families often use them to prepare weeknight meals, slow cookers also can be used when cooking for crowds. In such instances, they free up time for party hosts to tackle other jobs.

This recipe for “Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham,” courtesy of the National Pork Board and Yummly, utilizes a fully cooked, store-bought ham and some sweet and savory accoutrements. The ham can be served on its own, or be used to create delicious sliders. Since it serves 12, it’s the perfect meal for a crowd.

Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham Serves 12

1 bone-in fully cooked ham (about 5-1⁄2 pounds)

1 cup apple cider

1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar

1⁄3 cup bourbon (preferably Kentucky)

1⁄4 cup honey

1⁄4 cup Dijon style mustard

4 sprigs fresh thyme

Place the ham in a large slow cooker. Whisk the cider with the brown sugar, bourbon, honey, and mustard. Slowly pour over the ham. Scatter the thyme sprigs into the slow cooker.

Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until very tender. Remove ham to rest on a cutting board. Pass the remaining cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Cut the ham into chunks or slices. Brush the cut pieces with the cooking liquid before arranging on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

HOMEMADE WAFFLE BRUNCH

Saturday November 5 , 9 AM - 12 PM

Fenwick Firehall, 766 Welland Rd., Fenwick $10/person get tickets at library or at the door

Thank you for supporting the Friends of Maple Acre Library Tree Carving and Garden Project!

support

Legion’s Remembrance