The Voice, October 6 2021

Region-wide transit plan

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in the NIGHT Is Pelham a haven for carnivorous cats and canines?

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Revered American writer and humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens (aka Mark Twain) had a lot of sympathy for the lowly coyote.

"The coyote is a living, breath-

ing allegory of Want. He is always hungry. He is always poor, out of luck, and friendless. The meanest creatures despise him, and even the flea would desert him for a velocipede,” he wrote. (In case you born after 1880, a velocipede is better known today as a “bicycle.”)

Clemens would no doubt be pleased to learn that the numbers of Canis latrans, the scientific name for the local canine species of Eastern Coyote, which shares the genus with foxes and wolves, are reportedly growing in Niagara.

But his enthusiasm would likely

not be shared by some peninsula residents, who fear for their personal safety and that of their pets.

Just ask the farm worker who was bitten by a coyote in June 2021 on a grape farm near Virgil.

Coyote sightings in Niagara have always been a relatively

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common event, but in recent years there has been an increase in both observations and human-coyote interactions.

According to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters See HOWLS Page 10

Page 2

The Voice

by Dave Burket

Some $26,000 in Fire Code fines

Pop the champagne, it’s National Newspaper Week: News Media Canada, an umbrella association of Canadian news outlets, likes to have its members remind readers each year that if it’s the truth you’re looking for then odds are that you’re more likely to find it in traditional media than on social media. The recent kerfuffle over a fringe Covid-19 treatment is an excellent example. Based on incomplete and erroneous data, ill-informed (and outright malevolent) social media users touted Ivermectin, a drug most commonly known as a livestock dewormer, as a Covid remedy. The fact that it can be used to treat parasitic worms in humans, largely in the developing world, was enough of a hook to make this sound deceptively plausible. The Washington Post ran an excellent, myth-busting article on Ivermectin a month ago, which was coincidentally (or not) about the time that the right-wing media’s collective mania about the drug started to ebb. Anyway, the news biz grinds on, seemingly now in a death-match with Facebook and Twitter, where there is essentially no editorial oversight or gatekeeping. Great for free speech. A disaster for accuracy and truth. Of course, “truth” has historically been a matter of perspective. Reader Brian Garrard stopped by the office recently to tip us off to a new PBS documentary, now just finished, on William Randolph Hearst, the notorious earlyto-mid 20th century press baron. “Citizen Hearst,” part of the American Experience series, is definitely a must-see for mild-to-severely addicted news junkies. Hearst essentially pioneered (for better and often worse) what we recognize today as the modern news industry, particularly of the Fox News variety. (The title, of course, a nod to “Citizen Kane,” whose characters bore striking similarities to Hearst and his coterie.) Awhile back, Garrard also dropped off an interesting history of the US news industry, The Powers That Be, which I’ve only recently had time to dip into. Thanks, Brian! Perhaps paradoxically, I’ve never thought of myself as a news junkie, more of a casual user, though apparently I was not sufficiently self-aware in my 20s, when a girlfriend of the era, hearing that I’d be delayed because I wanted to watch the news, said irritably, “Great, the ‘News Two Hours.’”...Somber reflection: Town staff, the Mayor, the CAO, and five members of council joined together with some residents at Town Hall last Thursday morning to mark the first national Truth and Reconciliation Day (story, p.8). Noshows without explanation were Councillor confederates Lisa Haun and Ron Kore. Neither responded to inquiries asking about their absence…Well, here’s a surprise: Remember how the Province is encouraging Second Dwelling Units, or SDUs, and how Pelham Town Council recently approved See CORNER Page 15

on vacation!

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A October 6 2021

On March 31, 2021, the Fire Prevention Division attended the property 792 Townline Tunnel Road, City of Welland, at the request of police. According to the statement, Fire Prevention staff discovered that an illicit marijuana grow operation existed within the single-family residence. Due to the seriousness of the violation(s), a prosecution was initiated against the property owners.

On September 23, 2021, the property owners were convicted in Provincial Offences Court for conducting hazardous activities and failing to install carbon monoxide alarms and fined $10,000 plus court costs pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA). As a result, the marijuana grow operation was removed by police.

The Fire Prevention Division of the Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) inspects properties across the City to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. On June 24, 2020, WFES attended the property 255 Prince Charles Drive to respond to a fire safety complaint. According to a City of Welland media statement, Fire Prevention staff discovered that the three-storey building was being used as a rooming house. During the fire safety inspection, the fire alarm system provided in the building was tested by Fire Prevention Officers (FPOs) and found inoperable. Fire prevention staff directed the building operator to have the fire alarm system immediately repaired and restored to ensure the safety of residents. Due to the seriousness of the violation, a prosecution was initiated against the corporate ownership. On September 13, 2021, the corporate ownership was convicted in Provincial Offences Court for failing to maintain a fire alarm system in operating condition and failing to ensure testing and inspection of the fire alarm system. As a result, they were fined $6500 plus courts costs pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA). On August 4, 2020, the Fire Prevention Division attended the property at 256 Alberta Street, to respond to a fire safety complaint. Fire Prevention staff discovered that the dwelling was being used as a rooming house and provided accommodation within a trailer in the yard. FPOs discovered that no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms existed in the entire dwelling or trailer during their inspection. Due to the seriousness of the violation(s) a prosecution was initiated against the property owners. On September 23, 2021, the property owners were convicted in Provincial Offences Court on numerous counts, including failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition, failing to install carbon monoxide alarms, failing to replace expired smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, and failing to implement an approved fire safety plan. Upon conviction, the property owners were fined $10,000 plus court costs pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).

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POETRY Together as One I want my words to flow, to pour From out my lips, for evermore.

I want to yell, to scream, to roar So you can hear, can know the score.

A house divided can't survive It takes us all to stay alive.

TOGETHER It takes us all to do what's right To stick together in this fight Against this evil, dark disease That's brought our country to its knees.

We cannot fight against this foe When some say “yes” and some say “no.”

We must unite to overcome The evil this disease has done.

We must give up our selfish ways For better good, for better days.

Not do what pleases only us, And guarantees a loss of trust But bite the bullet, toe the line Take the higher road for a better time.

TOGETHER AS ONE COUNTRY S.M.Lazareth tigersmom10@gmail.com

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The Pelham Fire department responded to eight calls for assistance from Friday, September 24 to Friday, October 1, 2021.

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Column Six

Growing up British

Vol.20 No.32

Wednesday October 12, 2016

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Apple Day comes to Fonthill

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

W

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

Public meeting tonight on school issues

BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick.

Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation.

DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime.

Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting.

“We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin.

My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries.

Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town.

This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation.

On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque.

“This tree looks dead,” I said to my father.

“It sure is getting there, Julie.”

The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through.

One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through.

“If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said.

While waiting for the contractor to return to fix

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

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term.

Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

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

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered.

The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event.

Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

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

Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016.

"We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said.

“It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going.

We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box.

Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano.

For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely.

Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples.

As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations.

The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada.

“The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

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

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

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie.

Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school.

Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later.

After delivering to Council a petition containing

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

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case.

Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel.

As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

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H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

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VOICE Correspondent

and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support.

Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept.

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

Cell 905.933.3049

T

Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign.

A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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Column Six

Request made of community still peeved at name change The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick.

Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues.

Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students.

“The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated.

The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

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“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained.

“I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.”

Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn.

Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly.

The hues of Autumn are outstanding.

A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour.

Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River.

If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills.

If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

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The Voice

Niagara consolidated transit plan nears fruition New Regional services would augment NRT OnDemand in Pelham

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

toEarlyON go chargesCentres closing driving 83 days Fenwick and South Pelham NRPS Raidy Manso (center), Santa Cayo, Cuba!

At impaired

Sue Lough with daughter Tamara, of Fenwick, with new Cuban friend

The Linking Niagara Transit Team has spent 11 years, in conjunction with the Region and its 12 municipalities, creating a framework for a single, consolidated transit system for all of Niagara. The proposed model would bring consistent operating hours and fares, new digital payment technology, and better connections for riders.

In the final phase of refinement, public feedback is being solicited. Niagara residents can share their views on the future of regional transit by completing an online survey at www.MovingTransitForward.ca.

A decision on implementation of the program could be made as early as this fall.

Triple majority approval is required, based on support by Regional Council, local municipal councils, and a majority of Niagara’s population. A three-phase strategy would guide the evolution of the system over a five-year period, funded by Niagara Region’s budget through 12 municipal special levies, to ensure that residents and transit users only pay for the services that they directly receive.

A Zoom broadcast providing an overview of the consolidated transit plan occurred last week, hosted by Communications Consultant Andrew Korchok, of the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Office at Niagara Region. The panel of presenters included St. Catharines City Councillor and Chair of the Linking Niagara Transit Committee, Mat Siscoe, Regional Councillor for Grimsby and Committee Vice-Chair Wayne Fertich, Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulo, Port Colborne CAO Scott Luey, and Matt Robinson from the GO Implementation Office.

The presenters highlighted that one integrated transit system would be scalable to meet the needs of a growing population, create better access to jobs and services in Niagara, and open up new employment options for residents in neighbouring municipalities, via its connectivity with GO Transit service. The system would also be eco-friendly, providing a more sustainable option by reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Siscoe provided an overview of the different services currently in operation in Niagara, which include three conventional transit systems (in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Welland), Niagara Regional Transit, Niagara Specialized Transit, and NRT-OnDemand (essentially a ride-sharing program focused on smaller municipalities, which has proven to be popular in Pelham.)

The $46.4 million operating budget and first year capital replacement strategy of $2.2 million for the integrated transit system may be initially off-putting for some local politicians, but Siscoe said that the system could prove to be close to revenue-neutral for some municipalities, given their current transit operations.

“Municipalities will be able to dictate, to a certain extent, how much additional service than they want and how much they're will-

Page 3

A October 6 2021

ing to pay for,” he said.

“It's very problematic right now for somebody in a smaller municipality to connect into the main network,” said Siscoe, “but under the single integrated transit system, with consistent operating hours, fewer stops, and more explicit rates, there will be less friction for residents, which will lead to more people taking the bus and considering it a very viable option when they need to go places.”

Siscoe said that his committee had “spent a lot of time on collaboration over the last several months, speaking to municipalities, bringing their feedback and really narrowing the focus to ensure that we're meeting their concerns.”

As to governance, Kirkopoulo said that all local municipalities would have a voice on a newly formed Niagara Transit Commission, with additional expertise available through a 20-member community advisory panel.

Furtick noted that with the rapid population growth in Grimsby and Lincoln, “we definitely need to have transit to be competitive and provide service to the GTA, as well as within Niagara Region. The influx of residents from the GTA is astronomical.”

He also foresaw a positive impact of integrated transit on Brock University and Niagara College enrollments, allowing students from throughout the region, as well as Hamilton and Halton, to easily access the campuses.

Luey offered some philosophical insight into the financial implications.

“I think when we look at our tax bill, we're paying for a lot of services that sometimes don't impact us directly. You might not be a library user, but some of your property tax bill goes to the library. You might not have children who go to the arena. But having healthy kids and recreation programs for kids is a good community initiative. And I look at this as a community initiative for all of Niagara. We're probably 20 or 30 years behind some other jurisdictions that have regional transit. This is a social and economic development initiative, and it can be a healthcare initiative for folks who need to get to medical appointments in a different community.”

Ask for comment by the Voice on the integrated transit initiative from Pelham’s perspective, CAO David Cribbs said that “since Pelham has no hospital or post-secondary institutions, and given that those are always the major points of service for transit systems, this is an opportunity that must be given serious consideration. That being said, there remain challenges and difficulties with the system as envisioned—cost being a factor— of which council is aware, and has attempted to address through requesting changes and enhancements to the plans.”

Almost three years into council’s mandate, Cribbs said, “this may be the most significant decision faced to date.”

Celebrate Culture Days Visit the FREE pop-up cultural exhibit at the Meridian Community Centre, open daily until Oct 29.

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Landscape Paint Party with Beverly Sneath Wednesday Oct 6th, 6pm-8pm

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Workshops have limited spaces available and participants must register in advance. Limit of one workshop per person. All workshops are free, pay what you may, and take place at the Meridian Community Centre.

www.pelham.ca/arts 905-892-2607 x341 From left, Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson, Mayor Marvin Junkin, Director of Niagara’s GO implementation office Matt Robinson, and Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley at the September 2020 launch of NRT OnDemand service in Pelham.

VOICE FILE

Page 4

The Voice

A October 6 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

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

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

Editorial Newspaper Week celebrates champions of truth

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ocal newspapers play an essential role in keeping communities informed, engaged, and thriving by delivering credible, authentic news and information that cannot be found anywhere else. Newspapers are the glue that keeps communities connected and are crucial players in the local economies where they operate, providing an unparalleled ability to spark meaningful conversations.

Why does original, local content matter? It allows Canadians from all walks of life to tell their stories and feel heard, creating a sense of togetherness in communities from coast to coast to coast. Whether reporting on a local charity fundraiser, international conflict, or even a global pandemic, strong local journalism gives readers credible information when they need it. While many of us agree that the credible, independent reporting newspapers provide is an essential public service—something that has and should always be available — many of us forget that this level of reporting requires a significant investment of both time and resources.

The last few years have shown us the importance of supporting and investing in local communities. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported that upwards of 200,000 Canadi-

This level of reporting requires a significant investment of both time and resources

an small businesses would be closing their doors directly due to the pandemic. Newspapers across the country worked tirelessly to provide these businesses with a voice to amplify their message, shining a light on their work and emphasizing the value of “supporting local.”

While newspapers continue to play a vital role in supporting and standing up

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The Voice

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Duc, sequere, aut de medio fiat

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1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

(905) 892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR Don Rickers

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger

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

for small businesses during the pandemic, this is not something new or out of the ordinary. Community news media have always supported local economies by spotlighting local stores and entrepreneurs, supporting community initiatives, and providing local advertising options to speak directly to customers. ocal newspapers are also champions for democracy, providing Canadians with essential information to spark meaningful conversations about their community and the country at large. The work of newspaper journalists, editors, fact-checkers, and others, provides readers with the tools they need to make informed decisions, empowering them to advocate for what they believe in. Newspapers allow communities to form their local identities by sharing stories and information that make a difference.

That is why each year, the news media industry and its readers are invited to celebrate National Newspaper Week— an ode to the work Canadian newspapers do each and every day to keep

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Letters Port Robinson speeding isn't new The speed on Port Robinson Road hasn't just become an issue, it was an issue when I lived there for ten years ["Port Robinson Road has become a speedway, Sept. 29, p.1].

My complaints always fell on deaf ears at all levels of Town Hall. The link posted to report traffic violations is a waste of time. The NRP requires far too much information and even when you have the information, they look the other way.

The entire stretch from Pelham St. to Station St. is a 40 kph school zone, but people heading down the hill get extra G-force when they put the pedal to the metal. It's disgusting and it will only be a matter of time before a pedestrian is critically injured. Better hope it's not a schoolkid. Mr. Marr's response already shows he's not willing to take any action, just as in the past. Nothing has changed since I moved away.

Guido Mueller Niagara Falls

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

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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at (905) 892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www. thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

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The Voice

Page 5

A October 6 2021

OPINION A somber anniversary It has been one year since my husband, Earl, was murdered, after interrupting a theft in the driveway; two men are facing second-degree murder charges. It has been a hard year; we are doing our best to come to terms with a traumatic reality.

On October 2, we held a private family event at our home, and planted a tree in Earl's honour. We hope that in June 2022 we can hold an event remembering Earl for extended family and friends from the community. We wait because we are reluctant to risk the transmission of Covid. It has been a trying time for all.

But I could not let this time of year go by without reaffirming our family's gratitude

for the outpouring of community support last October and to this day. I can't stress enough how your actions made a difference for us. We felt that you understood our pain and stood with us.

The procession facilitated by the Fenwick Lions that drove past our house was the first step of the healing process for our family. To those who planned it, worked it, drove in it or watched from their driveways, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your gesture made a difference then, one that will remain with us forever. I am grateful that Earl and I settled here over 50 years ago.

Tillie Clapp Fenwick

° Better whining than callous You have empowered me, Kevin Flegg because I hit a nerve so deep that you made the time and effort to send a letter to the editor even though you show no understanding of just how and how many people are affected and opposed to hunting [“Return to familiar ‘whine’ country,” Letters, Sept. 29, p.6].

Anyone with an ounce of compassion realizes when you hear the sound of one bullet alone, that it means an animal or waterfowl is being killed or worse left injured.

People are subjected to multiple gun blasts— not, as you said, a few. Why should anyone in the early morning hours be forced to listen? Hunting is the only so-called sport that makes us have to participate whether we want too or not.

As for rampant deer population, truly nature does know how to take care of itself.

Take a look at the gigantic human population of the world that continues to squeeze wildlife into small spaces.

It appears you have never noted the many letter writers yearly opposing the abuse and disrespect done to the Short Hills Park deer population. I prefer to be a whiner rather than a callous person who disconnects from the misery being put on wildlife.

Faye Suthons Wainfleet

CHAMPIONS

continued from previous page Canadians informed and connected.

This year National Newspaper Week takes place from October 3 to October 9. National Newspaper Week is an annual opportunity

to recognize the critical role that newspapers play in an active and healthy democracy and is celebrated in North America starting on the first Sunday in October. To learn more about National Newspaper Week and purchase an item from this year’s Champion The Truth collection, visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca ◆

PELHAM AND COVID-19 Mayor Marvin Junkin

Vaccinations continue, positivity rates still steady

P

elham’s vaccination coverage appears to have plateaued at 82.1 percent of residents having one dose and 78.6 percent of residents having two doses.

Niagara Region, as a whole, continues a slow—make that a very slow—climb upward, with 75.3 percent of Regional residents with one shot and 70.1 percent of residents with two. Positivity rates, which health authorities would like to see below 1 percent, vary throughout the Region, with some areas as high as 6.4 percent. Pelham being among the average is at 3.4 percent. The Province continues to vaccinate 2030,000 residents per day.

The seven-day daily average for Covid deaths in the province, as of September 29, was eight. n the morning of September 30, I had the

O

honour of participating in Pelham’s Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies held at sunrise at Town Hall. All

We then had a moment of silence to reflect on the young lives lost

municipalities of Niagara had asked the Region to formulate a statement that would be read at Niagara Reconciliation events, which was the statement that I read Thursday morning. Following my reading, Deputy Mayor Councillor

John Wink read Pelham’s land acknowledgments statement. We then had a minute of silence to reflect on the young lives lost at the former Residential Schools throughout the nation.

Other councillors present were Bob Hildebrandt, Marianne Stewart, and Wayne Olson. It was great to see all of Town Hall staff present, along with many Town residents in attendance. All Town employees were required to attend three hours of online training pertaining to Indigenous history/culture. he Sulphur Spring Drive restoration project is now “out of water,” with the completion of the stone retaining wall, built to hold the road in place. Work will now commence on the road itself, and the slope between the road and the top of the retaining wall. ◆

T

More reaction to Port Robinson Road speeding story Prince Charles Drive, Welland (between Fitch St. and Thorold Rd.) is a speedway also. Woken up from a sound sleep last Saturday night at 1:30 AM to the sound of two very loud high speed raceway vehicles.

Gloria Dringus Via Facebook I say thanks to Mr. Edwards for his enthusiasm on the speeding on Port Robinson.

Only a matter of time before the unspeakable will happen. I can’t get out of my drive-

way in the morning because the vehicles are flying past my home. Time for the council to act!

Chris J Fletcher Via Facebook

It's a school zone but you'd never know it.

Cathy Ristine Allaster Via Facebook See REACTION next page

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Page 6

The Voice

A October 6 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Fonthill man charged with sexual assault

Letters continued REACTION

continued from previous page My buddy Fred lives across from the school there. He pulled out of his driveway several months ago and as he was approaching the stop sign at Station Street, someone coming speeding down the hill from Pelham, in front of the school, rear-ended him because he was stopping for a stop sign like an idiot.

Justin Lee Via Facebook So is coming up the hill on Hwy 20— Pinecrest, Hillcrest. Supposed to be 50 kph. Traffic is always 79-80 kph.

Dennis Grant Via Facebook I also live on Port Robinson Road and it is appalling how many drivers blow right through the stop sign by Steve Bauer trail—and all of these idiot drivers who think our street is a speedway, and loud exhausts on these cars, and people it is a SCHOOL ZONE—so 40, not 90! Getting SO fed up with these drivers.

Chris Goulden Via Facebook Great timing for this article. Speeding seems to be rampant in this area. I am seemingly always being threatened

by fast vehicles behind me, driving well in excess of posted limits. Highway 20 through Fonthill is getting out of hand.

Rarely have I seen a police vehicle. Additional signage is required, fines need to be handed out and police need to be monitoring this issue. The smaller rural routes are no better. I agree with another writer when they state that a fatality or serious injury is on the cards.

Grant Adam Via Facebook So has Daleview Crescent. It’s like the stop signs don’t exist. Someone is going to get hurt or worse.

Kelly Nicholson Via Facebook It will only get worse once people start to occupy the thousands of new houses being built in a small area. People use Port Robinson to avoid Hwy 20 bottlenecks due to the ridiculous increase in commercial builds there too.

JoAnne Caldwell Via Facebook Try living on Rice Rd. Some days impossible to get out of the driveway.

Questions regarding traffic calming solutions to the Region go unanswered.

Celeste McCollum Via Voice website

Hallucinogenics used during ritual ceremony

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit have arrested 54-year-old Mario Restrepo, of Fonthill, in relation to a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in Mississauga in December of 2020.

The alleged victim was a 26-year-old Brampton woman who was taking part in a Ayahuasca ceremony, held at a residence in the area of Hurontario Street and Lakeshore Road. The victim was allegedly sexually assaulted while at the ceremony.

Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive brew used both socially and as ceremonial spiritual medicine among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin, which can cause hallucinations and outof-body experiences. The drug is illegal throughout Cana-

Mario Restreppo.

PEEL REGIONAL POLICE

da, with the exception of the Santo Daime Church Céu do Montréal, which has received a religious exemption to use Ayahuasca as a sacrament in their rituals.

Restrepo is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton in November. According to a police statement, the accused is known to conduct these ceremonies at various locations

throughout Ontario, and investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peel Police Special Victims Unit at 905-453–2121, extension 3460.

Anonymous information can be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting PeelCrimeStoppers.ca.

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This artwork was created by Canadian artist Ola Volo in celebration of National Newspaper Week from October 3-9, 2021.

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The Voice

Page 7

A October 6 2021

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Page 8

The Voice

A October 6 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Truth and Reconciliation Day marked in Pelham Staff, most of Town Council gather for dawn ceremony

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor Last Thursday, Pelham marked Canada’s inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal statutory holiday that coincides with Orange Shirt Day, with a sunrise ceremony. The day of acknowledgment was enacted earlier this summer, after multiple mass unmarked graves of hundreds of Indigenous children, who died at residential schools they were forced to attend, were discovered.

The holiday is one of the 94 “calls to action” presented by the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in 2015, which urged governments to address the damage inflicted by the residential school experience. To date, only a handful of the calls to action have been fulfilled.

At the 7:15 AM ceremony outside Pelham Town Hall, the "Every Child Matters" flag was raised at sunrise, and then, along with the provincial and national flags on display, was lowered to half-mast for the day. The commemorative flag, commissioned by three First Nations artists, had been smudged with sweetgrass and sage to honour the missing and the survivors of residential schools.

Pelham CAO David Cribbs led those assembled in a period of reflection, saying that “the increased prominence of this solemn occasion is a crucial step to ensure Ca-

Town staff, elected officials, and residents assemble Thursday morning to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day in Pelham. nadians give this matter the attention it deserves. It is important that we recognize residential schools as a form of cultural genocide, that continues to have an enduring effect on Indigenous peoples across the country. Today we invite the people of Niagara to reflect on the systemic oppression and discriminations that indigenous people have suffered. Our goal is to build a better community for everyone— simple acknowledgement of our past is insufficient, offering apologies in itself is not enough.”

Lisa Haun and Ron Kore were the only Town Councillors not present.

Mayor Marvin Junkin delivered a unity statement on behalf of Niagara Region, and Deputy Mayor

John Wink read aloud an acknowledgement of Pelham’s existence on Indigenous treaty land, which now precedes all Town Council meetings.

A senior kindergarten student at St. Alexander School, River Coutu, attended the service with his mother, Nancy. River is part-Metis, and lives in Pelham with his family.

“We came out today to show our support for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Nancy. “River is learning about his ancestors and culture. He got up early this morning, and wanted to offer his help in raising the flag. I told him, ‘Yes, they need our spirit to help raise that flag.’”

Regional Chair Jim Bradley re-

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

leased a statement, noting that “September 30 is a chance for us all to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples across the country, and learn from the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities.” He indicated that the Region has introduced new mandatory training for staff related to the history of Indigenous people in Niagara and the legacy of the residential school system, via videos developed by the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre.

The Town of Pelham has enacted similar training for its municipal employees.

September 30 is now a statutory holiday for federally regulated businesses. For provincially reg-

DON RICKERS

ulated businesses, observation is optional.

Coincidentally, the federal government’s appeals of two human rights tribunal rulings, concerning First Nations child welfare compensation and protection, were dismissed last Wednesday, upholding a 2019 decision that ordered Ottawa to pay $40,000 to thousands of First Nations children and their families. In addition, an Ontario judge rebuked the government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for not honouring a revenue-sharing agreement made over a decade ago with 132 First Nations, in a ruling which could cost the government tens of millions of dollars in compensation.

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The Voice

Page 9

A October 6 2021

Head of the Welland – Five Bridges Classic Regatta returns Two year drought due to Covid comes to an end

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor With competitions curtailed for almost two years due to the pandemic, rowing enthusiasts were pleased to see the return on September 25 of what has grown over the years into the largest single day “head race” in Canada.

The Head of the Welland – Five Bridges Classic has taken place in the fall for almost 40 years, attracting crews from across Ontario and beyond. The 5.3 kilometre race takes the rowers through the heart of Welland, traveling under five bridges that span its banks at Main, Division, Lincoln, and Broadway streets, plus the historic Railway Swing Bridge.

Kevin Fuller, President of the host club, South Niagara RC, in Welland, was pleased at the athletes’ compliance with Covid protocols during the regatta, and had praise for the 75 volunteers (including Rowing Canada umpires) who donated their time to make the event possible.

The regatta attracted 217 entries in categories including singles, doubles, fours, quads, and eights, with almost 400 men and women taking part. Fuller said that the regatta drew “roughly half the participants of what we would normally expect in non-pandemic times. In 2019

we had about 50 entries from the United States—Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York. But the Covid testing protocols made it difficult and expensive for them to cross the border this year.”

Fuller said that the event took in about 60 percent of the entry fees from 2019, “which is pretty much what we anticipated.”

A contribution from the event’s flagship sponsor, Bertie and Clinton Mutual Insurance Company, in Welland, helped offset the loss of revenue.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to crews competing in various age groups and boat configurations. St. Catharines Rowing Club led the field in podium appearances with 15, followed closely by Don RC (Mississauga), Toronto Argonauts, Niagara Falls, Notre Dame (Welland), and South Niagara.

Clubs from Leander (Hamilton), Hanlan (Toronto), Western (London), Ridley College and Ridley Graduate (St. Catharines), Barrie, Georgian Bay (Midland), and Tillsonburg also won medals.

The oldest participant in the regatta was masters competitor Conrad Andreychuk, of Leander Boat Club, age 86.

Upcoming Welland regattas include the Ontario Universities Rowing Championships on October 30, and the Canadian Universities Rowing Championships on November 6. Both regattas will take place on the South Course, a section of the old Welland Canal in Dain City that was decommissioned in 1973, and is regarded today as one of the nation’s premier rowing waterways, known as the “Great Dain.”

P U B H O U S E & E AT S

The South Niagara Rowing Club crew of Kevin Fuller, James Madronich, Rob Fowler, and Shane McReynolds took the silver medal in the Masters Men's Quad at the Head of the Welland - Five Bridges Classic Regatta, held on September 25. DON RICKERS

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Page 10

The Voice

HOWLS

continued from Page 1 (OFAH), coyotes are thriving across Southern Ontario, with robust populations that can withstand high levels of harvest without negative population impacts.

Members of local community groups on Facebook describe numerous sightings of coyotes and foxes throughout Pelham, both in rural and urban areas.

Those who don’t see the coyotes often report hearing their yips and howls at night.

Eric Jolin, a wildlife technician for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, in Guelph, told the Voice that coyotes have adapted well to urban environments. They typically average under 40 pounds in weight, and are considered to be monogamous once they pair and have offspring, called kits.

“Coyotes are usually wary of humans, but bold behaviour has been documented in a small proportion of coyotes,” said Jolin.

“In almost all cases, such behaviour is the result of habituation, the process through which coyotes lose their fear of people after repeated access to human food sources.”

People should never feed coyotes, either intentionally or unintentionally, he warned. If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, he advises calling 911. Some municipalities have passed bylaws making it illegal to know-

ingly feed coyotes, enforceable by fines.

If confronted by a coyote, Jolin said you should not turn and run, because this triggers a prey pursuit response in the animal. Instead, he advises backing away slowly, standing tall and waving your arms, and making noise, which will probably scare the coyote off. Carrying a flashlight at night will warn coyotes of your presence. They are most active between the hours of dusk and dawn.

Coyote hunting is open year-round to licensed small-game hunters in Ontario, and there is no limit on the number that can be taken.

Simon Gadbois, an ethologist at Dalhousie University who has studied wild canines for 30 years, told Yahoo Canada News recently that there has only been one verified death ever reported in Canada due to coyotes, that involving a 19-year-old who was hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in 2009 and was attacked by a pack of the animals.

Gadbois said most people associate coyotes with wolves, but a better comparison would be with the scavenging behaviour of raccoons. Coyotes are omnivores, and have been seen climbing trees to eat apples.

“They are prolific dumpster divers, and public garbage bins with no lids are ideal places for coyotes to scavenge for food, which leads to their increased comfort around people,” said Gadbois.

A October 6 2021

Culling coyotes through hunting has been proven to be an ineffective means of controlling coyote populations, noted Gadbois, and can actually make the problem worse.

“It gives a big chance for their prey populations to grow,” he said. “The following year, the few that are around have more food availability, and less competition. Bouncing back of the population is common in less than two years.”

Gadbois added that transient coyotes will quickly take up the space of culled coyotes, and their offspring will have a lower mortality rate due to the increase in available prey resulting from a cull.

Foxes are also plentiful in Niagara, according to NiagaraBrucetrail.org. The Red Fox, or genus Vulpes vulpes, is the prevalent species in the region, and, like the coyote, has adapted well to urban conditions. Their predators include humans, wolves, coyotes, dogs, hawks, and owls. They are omnivores, with a diet that consists of small rodents, frogs, insects, birds, snakes, corn, fruits, and berries.

They have an excellent sense of sight, smell, and hearing, and run at close to 50 kilometres per hour in bursts.

Foxes are not dangerous to humans, except when they are rabid (which is rare) or when they are captured or cornered. Even then, a fox's natural tendency is to flee rather than fight.

And what of the reports of big cats roaming free in

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Fenwick resident Sharlene Barrett took this photo of a fox living with its family (called a “skulk”) in a culvert in North Pelham off of Cream Street.

SHARLENE BARRETT Niagara?

The Guelph MNR office has not received any recent reports of cougar sightings in the Niagara area, and confirmed cougar sightings in Ontario are rare, said Jolin, but in July of 2020, a cougar, aka mountain lion (scientific genus puma concolor) was allegedly spotted by one Facebook contributor near Wellandport, while

other sightings have been reported in Grimsby along the Bruce Trail, Queenston, in west St. Catharines near Ridley College, Fort Erie, and the Wainfleet Bog. Cougars are opportunistic creatures, usually hunting alone from dusk to dawn, and taking their prey (primarily deer) from behind.

They also dine on coyotes, raccoons, rodents, elk, wild

hogs, and even porcupines.

Jolin said that there is no hunting season for cougars in Ontario, and that they are considered a species at risk in Ontario.

Naturalists are unsure whether Niagara’s cougars are a legitimate wild population that has migrated into the area, or are exotic former pets released into the countryside. Cougars

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CHARITY BLOOMS John Van Vliet, left, owner of Jackpot Flowers, presents Youth Resources Niagara Executive Director Mike Taylor and Administrative Coordinator Emily Schild with a $500 cheque as part of their ongoing spotlight charity donations.

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In areas of coyote activity, responsible pet owners don’t leave exposed pet food or water bowls in the yard. They also keep their dogs on a leash or inside a fenced enclosure, and their cats inside the house. Letting cats roam freely can actually attract coyotes to the area.

Sealing up wooden decks discourages wildlife from making a home underneath.

Trash cans should be kept covered, and garbage should be moved to the curb the morning of collection, rather than the night before. Fruit trees in the yard should be picked when the fruit is ripe, and rotted fallen fruit on the ground should be discarded. Bird seed should not be spread over the lawn or garden, since it not only attracts birds, but also rabbits, squirrels, and rodents, which are all prey for coyotes.

Feeding wild animals tends to make them dependent on artificial food sources, and impacts their natural foraging and hunting behaviours. Closer proximity to people can lead to increased tolerance, which can have unfortunate results both for the animal, and humans.

lead very stealthy lives, and given the abundance of deer and small animals in the region, they have no need to wander into urban areas.

To avoid an encounter with a cougar, it’s recommended to hike or run in groups, keep children close to adults, and keep dogs on a leash. If confronted, you should stay calm and back away slowly, facing the animal, and standing upright. Most cougars will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

Never run from a cougar, for the same reason you shouldn’t run from a coyote: it will stimulate the predator’s instinct to chase suspected prey. If a cougar acts aggressively, wave your arms, clap your hands, yell in a loud voice, and make yourself appear intimidating. Throwing stones at the animal has proven to be effective, as has the use of pepper spray.

Authorities suggest that homeowners should take steps to “wildlife-proof” their properties through a variety of measures.

If you put food out, a coyote will go for it. That’s what they’re conditioned to do.

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BALANCED LIFE

continued from Page 18 through my brain. We went out in the parking lot and I opened the letter, and I just sat there through tears.

Multiple sclerosis, MS, MS, lesions, lesions, here, there, spinal cord, up, lower, like everywhere, they were just plastered all over me, from my brain to my tail.”

Riches finds the words to explain what she felt in those early months.

“You’re at a loss when you find out those tragic bits of information about your life, that it’s changing forever.”

Her tone transitions.

“Even when it’s devastating, it’s direction. It gives you something to go with, right?”

She knew where she stood, and could now concentrate her efforts on absorbing the diagnosis and moving forward with every bit of energy she could muster.

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is located in the Neuroscience Ambulatory Centre at Hamilton General Hospital. Riches, with the help and support of her sister, headed there with her diagnosis, CDs, and writeups from Buffalo MRI. Riches recounts that at the time of her trip to Hamilton, she was a mess.

“I went in quite awkwardly, my gate was terrible. I was in pain, I was acutely symptomatic. They assessed me quite quickly, and that was it. I was admitted, hooked up to intravenous, and I had every scan under every sun. I was there nine days, with a neurologist and an entire team that took care of me. That was the beginning of now.”

A few moments later in our conversation, after re-

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flecting on the excellent service she had received in Hamilton, and is still receiving, from Dr. Silva and his team, Riches adds, “It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t initiate it, it all started from my actions,” referring to her trip to Buffalo MRI. As Riches discusses her return to home in St. Catharines, and her continuing debilitation, she confirmed that there is no cure for MS. The treatment?

“That’s the sunshine part of the story, that’s where I’m at now,” she says. “There’s different types of MS, there’s relaxing-remitting, there’s progressive, there’s different stages of progressive.

Quite commonly, the relaxing-remitting unfortunately transitions into various stages of progressive.

Thankfully right now, I’m in remitting. That doesn’t mean I’m symptom-free.

I’m in a very strong managed position.”

During her stay in Hamilton, Dr. Silva decided to recommend Ocrevus for her treatment. Ocrevus is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy, and is rated as a first-inclass medication for those with relaxing-remitting MS. Ocrevus is normally administered by transfusion at six month intervals, but during the window between her July stay in Hamilton and when she might expect her first dose of Ocrevus around Christmas, Riches began to lose her vision.

“I remember a very limited walk down the trail with Hudson, and looking down, not knowing if I was seeing a dog or a sign or a tree.”

When her medical team

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was apprised of this change in symptoms, Riches was administered the drug at home for seven days straight in an aggressive, and successful, effort by her health team to restore her sight.

Her first six-month dose was just before Christmas, and Riches remembers it well.

“I was actually able to walk around on Christmas Day, and feel good. It was really momentous for me, really special. I wasn’t symptom-free, but I was able to be more of me.”

It soon became clear what Riches, dance instructor and small business owner, meant by “More of me.” Think of your career, sharing your passion, how important it is to you, and how much of you would be missing if you were denied those opportunities.

“I was able to handle a lesson here and there. My students are so forever loving and patient and kind during this journey where I can teach through descriptions and describe things for them to do. I can sit and tell them how to do it without needing to physically get up and demonstrate it.”

As Riches speaks, I reflect on my working life as a small business owner, how engaging customers faceto-face had always been my drug of choice, and cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for her to

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Michelle Riches on the Black Bridge in Waterford, cycling the LE&N Rail Trail from Brantford to Port Dover.

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A October 6 2021

teach dance while forced to sit in a chair. She reads my expression and adds, “That was probably some of the most emotional stuff that was hard for me. That was a huge part of who I am, and it got taken away.”

I had met Riches for the first time just a few days before this interview on a Freewheeler club bicycle ride, where she had signed on as a guest at the encouragement of some mutual friends. I asked her why she started cycling.

She explains that friends had frequently asked her to join them cycling over the years, but dancing and life had gotten in the way of accepting. Riches then lights up, and says,“Since this May, I’ve been on an incredible health and wellness journey. I was dealing with so many symptoms, so many headaches, so much distension, my gut health was a mess, and things were just not bright. I woke up one day and was just like, ‘That’s it, I’m done.’

I decided to cut everything out, no alcohol, no gluten, no refined sugar, no dairy, very much plant-based.

It was huge, it very much changed my health.”

“I have this philosophy now, that it has to have some pretty intense nutritional value to go into my mouth. I don’t eat it unless it serves me, in some way makes my life better.”

Riches brought a natu-

ropath on board her health team, lost 30 pounds, and gained significant strength.

Her headaches went away.

She feels her food choices have had a huge effect on keeping her MS at bay.

“It has been profound— the boundless energy that I have is insane.” Riches returns to the topic of cycling, and explains that during her first few rides she had to stop every five or ten kilometres to shake and stretch her hands. Now it’s every 20 or so, and she has climbed the escarpment at Brock’s Monument on her bike.

She’s done an 86 K ride, and hopes to have reached her goal of a 100 K ride by the time you read this.

Where has Riches found her strength through this ordeal?

“My Hudson. My dog. I swear to God, every single moment that I sat on that couch with the IV, or couldn’t get up without holding on to every piece of furniture, he was right by my side,” says Riches, voice cracking. “That’s the irony, I got him to be with me through this journey.”

Partner, parents, all of her family, friends, her medical team, neurologist, naturopath, all are soon acknowledged for their tremendous support.

As of this writing, Canada has the highest per capita rate of Multiple Sclerosis in the world, followed by the northern United States

and Europe, New Zealand, southeast Australia, and Israel. Canadian males have an affliction rate of 159 per 100,000, females 418 per 100,000. On average, it reportedly takes five years to get a diagnosis in Canada.

Theories suggest the high incidence of MS in Canada is because of our temperate climate and low-angle sunlight, which fails to produce sufficient vitamin D, that western and northern European women have high estrogen levels because of birth control pills, and that this is a contributing factor, and that generally high air and ground pollution levels may contribute. None of these theories is proven, but the fact that Canada is an MS hotspot is undeniable.

Riches’ buoyancy and resilience are apparent throughout our conversation, but she concedes that facing her MS every morning when she gets out of bed is difficult.

“I wake up and think, what are my feet going to feel like when I put them on the floor today? When I put my feet down, I feel the floor, and when I stand up, I wait. And that is my day.

There isn’t a day that this isn’t in my mind, because I always think in a year from now, I could be where I was two years ago.”

She follows this quickly with, “My neurologist is just shining bright, wonderful things my way, saying ‘You are in such a great place, you are doing incredible things to stay well.’ My nutrition is huge.

I have to hope that between my medication and my life choices, I’m levelling the playing field.”

As our interview ends, I ask Riches what she would say to someone who is where she was two years ago, when she received her diagnosis.

Her response is immediate, instinctive almost.

“Hold on,” then a pause, “It gets better. It is one of those things that at the time you feel completely lost. Find some love and support. I had all of that, but it was mostly finding it in me. Find strength within yourself. There’s a time when you don’t see any light, any end to where you are. No matter what it is in life, we don’t stay there too long. We can only be angry for so long, we can only cry so much, it all changes. Be patient, hang on.”

Riches is doing much more than hanging on.

The person I bicycled with that day was determined and embraced the moment.

When she shared her story, I witnessed courage, confidence and strength. My money says her 100-kilometre bike ride will be but the first of many. ◆

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A October 6 2021

Page 13

THE GREAT WALL OF EFFINGHAM Reconstruction work along Sulphur Springs Drive is going faster than many may have expected. Even with a repeatedly delayed start, on Friday contractor Bill Duffin finished the in-water portion of the job, which was the only aspect of the work given a deadline. "We're out of the water but not out of the woods," Duffin told the Voice. Weather-permitting, he hopes to complete all work by Halloween—simultaneously quite the trick, and the treat.

SARA DUFFIN

A LITTLE LATE BUT NO LESS WELCOME The Fabulous Fenwick Lions have finally completed their 2020-2021 Lion Year donations. Lions President Jeff Pickup dropped by Rose City Kids to present their yearly donation of $500 to Barb Donker, of their Finance Department. Pickup’s next stop was the Hope Centre, where he presented their yearly donation of $500 to Marceli Luz, Community Engagement Coordinator. An upcoming dinner meeting will update members on 2021-2022 projects and donations.

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Page 14

The Voice

Pelham Tree Conservation Society celebrates National Tree Day

A October 6 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

HOBGEN, Ronald

PIPER, Frank Edward

Passed away peacefully at Royal Rose Retirement Home on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 96 years of age. Mr. Hobgen was born September 11, 1925 in London England. He served faithfully during WWII, with the Royal Engineers, and in 1944 married Ruby Hall and had one daughter, Beverley born in 1947. In 1956 the three immigrated to Peterborough Canada, and thereafter, Hamilton. Mr. Hobgen was a master electrician and worked as a contractor for several industrial firms in Edmonton and Ontario. He retired to Welland to be close to family and in later years resided at Seasons and Royal Rose Place in Welland. He was predeceased by his wife in 2002 and is survived by his daughter Beverley Byberg and his son in law Ken Byberg of Pelham, granddaughters Kendra of Toronto and Andrea of Fonthill, as well as three great grandchildren. Ronald was a member of the Masons and Scottish Right. In light of his wishes, a formal service will not be held. The family wishes to acknowledge Royal Rose Place for their care, compassion and professionalism during Ron’s last 19 months, especially these times of Covid difficulties. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Elisha House in Welland. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 22nd, 2021 at Welland County General Hospital in Welland, Ontario in his 82nd year.

Father to Cindy (Lucinda) Piper; Debbie (Deborah) Kusturin (David); Sheri Piper (Doug); Elisa Schupp (Pete).

Predeceased by sister Donna Lee Fox (Piper). Frank will be remembered by nieces and a nephew, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., from 11-12 noon with the Funeral Service starting at 12 noon. Covid safety protocols will be followed including the wearing of masks during the visitation and service.

Interment will follow at North Pelham Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Fonthill Branch #613.

Online condolences at www. tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

DAYBOLL, Linda Christine (nee Moote)

Support for Steve Bauer Trail underscored

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor The tenth anniversary of National Tree Day in Canada was officially celebrated on September 22, but locally, poor weather postponed the Pelham Tree Conservation Society’s observance of the event for a week, until last Friday.

Society supporters took part in a late-afternoon walk from the Merritt Road entry of the Steve Bauer Trail to the Peace Park bandshell at Town Hall.

Mayor Marvin Junkin was presented with a green Steve Bauer Trail T-shirt, autographed by Bauer himself. Junkin told the 60 attendees that he will ask that the T-shirt be placed in the Meridian Community Centre for public viewing next to the Marlene Stewart Streit Display.

Tree Society organizer Mike Jones told the crowd that the Steve Bauer Trail “gives you that smalltown feeling in a big town network. I believe the tree canopy in our town has been shrinking quite a bit in the last few years, due to a lot of new developments.

I'm not against development, but I believe it's more important that the developers work with us to save trees where possible, and replace trees that have been removed.”

Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson, a vocal supporter of the Pelham Tree Conservation Society and the Steve Bauer Trail, praised the

society’s “support for development of green infrastructure, and honoring our natural assets in the town.”

Mayor Junkin encouraged activism related to local environmental preservation, and reminded those in attendance that “a transparent government encourages public support and public participation. This is the level of government that listens to you—with the province and the feds, you're just a little pebble in the ocean. But at this level, you can make a difference.”

Junkin told the crowd that the controversial issue of a vehicle crossing on the Trail will likely end up go-

Mayor Marvin Junkin, left, is presented with a Steve Bauer Trail t-shirt by Josee Larocque, wife of the trail’s namesake, as Tree Society organizer Mike Jones looks on.

DON RICKERS ing to court, with the Town opposing the developer’s site plan.

“Council passed a bylaw not to allow the devel-

oper to proceed with the proposed trail crossings,” said Junkin, while also acknowledging Kunda Park developer/Sterling Realty president John DeLisio

as “a great developer in this town,” who intends to plant 4500 trees as part of the subdivision landscaping. Junkin conceded that “compromises” on both

sides will likely have to be made, but added, “from our perspective, the fewer the better.”

Steve Bauer’s wife, Josee Larocque, apologized for her husband’s absence from the event, explaining that he was currently in Europe with the Canadian national cycling team, attending the world cycling championships in Belgium.

Passed away peacefully at Woodlands of Sunset on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at the age of 72. Predeceased by her husband Harold (1987).

Lovingly missed by her partner Gordon Cherney. Dear and loving mother of Vicky and Mike. Cherished grandmother of Mitchell. Dear sister of Larry Moote (Linda) and Bonnie Krajcovic (Rob). Missed by her nieces Cindy, Jody, Mandy and Ashley. Linda will also be greatly missed by her fur babies Gigi and Bear.

Predeceased by her parents Christine and Lawrence Moote, her sister Margaret Cherneski, sisterin-law Marylin Moote and her niece Tammy Moote.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and care givers at Woodlands of Sunset for the care and compassion Linda received while in their care.

Arrangement have been entrusted to the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, Fonthill.

Family and friends gathered at Hillside Cemetery in Ridgeville on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 11:00 am.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be announced on a later date.

As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

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PLACES OF WORSHIP

2

Bethany Christian Reformed Church www.bethanycrc.ca

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham

Holy Trinity Anglican Church holytrinityfonthill.org

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca

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

Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com

Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

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

Fenwick United Church www.fenwickunited.com

Glad Tidings Church of God www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com

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

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19 from the dead. Many of them were willing to die for their faith (and did) because they knew Jesus was alive and that his promise of eternal life was true.

Stanley summarizes, “The new that Jesus unleashed made the faith of first century believers formidable. Their apologetic was irrefutable. Their courage, unquestionable. And the results were remarkable.” This “irresistible” faith was most vibrant during the first three centuries AD when it was a persecuted minority. Ironically, it began to lose vitality when suddenly it became the accepted majority religion of the empire.

The 21st century church

The church in the west today is largely in decline with a growing number of people described as “nones” (when asked which religious worldview they follow, they answer “none”). Stanley states, “Modern mainstream Christianity is fatally flawed.”

Why? One key reason he believes is that over the centuries, believers have mixed the old and new covenants (or testaments). Stanley claims that the major events which tarnished Christianity throughout history

(e.g., Crusades, Inquisitions, Catholic-Protestant conflicts, anti-Semitism, discrimination, slavery, even Prosperity Gospel) have their roots in old-covenant thinking. This has produced self-righteousness, legalism, hypocrisy, exclusivity and judgmentalism. The result? A very “resistible” faith.

The way forward

With keen insight, frequent humor and personal transparency, Stanley points to a better, more robust, more irresistible version of the Christian faith.

He points us to Jesus who introduced a new covenant which replaced the old. The good news today is that although most people in the west are not excited about the church, they are still very attracted to the person of Jesus.

Stanley’s advice? Modern believers need to love (sacrificially and radically) like the early believers did. He writes, “When unsure of what to say or do, ask what love requires of you.” We need to focus on (and apply) the New Testament and point seekers to Jesus, the living Son of God, who paid for our sins on Good Friday and conquered death on Easter Sunday.

Our irresistible Savior will again make our faith irresistible to a watching world. ◆ Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

CORNER continued from Page 2 them for Pelham? It turns out that if you have the space not only can you create one Second Dwelling Unit on your property, you can create a second Second Dwelling Unit on your property. A sharpeyed reader brought this to our attention based on the fi ne print in a Town ad he’d seen in the Voice.

It’s not clear whether council was aware, either, not that it matters, as it’s a Provincial mandate. Point is, you may create one SDU within your existing residence (in the basement, say), and a second SDU in another building (existing, or built for the purpose) on your property. Did your block just see the potential for three times more traffic?

Criminy…Oat-standing bread: I’ve been keeping this little gem to myself for the last few weeks, partly to ensure that

the quality was consistent and partly to ensure that a run on supply wouldn’t leave us breadless. (We’ve stocked-up, so we’re good—it freezes very well).

What’s the “it”? The absolutely wonderful whole loaves of homemade honey-oat bread, baked fresh daily, at Tim’s Farm Market, the fruit and veg stand at 361 Canboro Rd. (north side, a little past Effi ngham St. and the Shoppes of Ridgeville, heading west). Get there around 11:30 AM and the loaves are literally warm from the oven. Crispy crust, light and perfectly balanced “crumb,” as the bakers say. You’ll be happy you did...Turkey day is upon us: Among other things to be thankful for this year is the fi ne work of contributor Don Rickers, who is now Contributing News Editor Don Rickers. Here’s to keeping the presses busy, Don. A very happy Thanksgiving to everyone. See you next week. ◆

Page 16

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ing for a Labourer who enjoys House Cleaning person(s) working in an energetic work NIAGARA REGIONALrequired EXHIBITION one day/week for environment; snow shoveling in OOSTERHOFF OFFICE PROTEST The Ontario Health Coalition, a healthcare home in Pelham.

Maturity, this Rodeo,advocacy games group and livelarge entertainment headline years exciting event.andIt winter months and walking reliability, high energy are that says it represents the interests of long-term care residents, seniors’ and retirees, as well as healthruns from Sept.

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We offer a very meticulous home owner. day, Oct. 2, the opening day of the Ontario Legislature. It was one of a coordinated series of protests competitive wage in an excellent Current police record required. across the province as the Coalition seeks to lobby legislative support for improved care andCANCER staffing RIDE BIG MOVE Contact Angela, 905-733-0227. and safe work environment. Aplevels in LTC homes, including four hours of daily care per resident; increased inspections and fines for plicant is required possess Big Move Cancer taking placeto on Sept.a non-compliance; repealing an act shielding LTC operators from lawsuits forThe negligence; and the end Ride is a non-competitive ride valid driver’s license, PPE and FOR SALE of for-profit care homes. Reached for comment, Oosterhoff told the Voice that the Ford government 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famable to work long hours.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca “Hockey players have fire in their hearts and ice in their veins.”

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The Voice

A October 6 2021

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 17 John Swart on resilience in the face of illness

18

The Voice | October 6 2021

Panthers forward tones it down

Pelham Panthers forward Cody Miskolczi.

BY BILL POTRECZ bpsportsniagara.com Cody Miskolczi showed up at training camp this season a changed man.

The 18-year-old forward for the Pelham Panthers decided it was time to tone down his game and start spending more time on the ice than in the penalty box.

“I just told myself I’m a thirdyear player now and I have to be more disciplined,” the Fort Erie native said. “[Hockey] is something I want to pursue so I need to actually be doing stuff out there and not messing around with needless penalties.”

Panthers coach Chris Lukey noticed the change right off the bat.

“Over the course of watching him the last two years, to me

he is one of the most dramatically improved players, on and off the ice,” Lukey said. “Cody does play with an edge, and this year he’s managed to control his temper and control what he does on the ice, so he’s emerged as defi nite leader. He’s playing on the edge, and he’s not going over it. He’s playing a really disciplined, gritty game.”

Lukey said he didn’t say a word to his truculent winger about taking his level of intensity down a notch or two.

“I’ve spoken to the whole team about leadership,” Lukey said. “And I’ve spoken to the whole team about everybody stepping up and what we’re looking for, but at the same time I asked everybody to be a little grittier as well. He’s right on that edge and he's playing a fi ne line. I'm extremely proud

BILL POTRECZ

of him for maintaining his discipline and composure.”

Miskolczi played the 201920 season with Panthers and quickly established himself as an agitator with 77 minutes in penalties in 44 games.

That style was a continuation of his role in minor hockey.

“I’ve been like that in the past, the kind of guy to stand up for myself,” he said.

But a year of reflection due to the Covid pandemic has brought about change.

“Probably after my fi rst year, during the exhibition games, I realized that have to calm down or else I’m not going to succeed in what I want to be,” he said.

“It was time to play more controlled and more relaxed, but still on the edge.”

So far, Miskolczi’s new attitude has paid off. He has a goal,

an assist, and only a single minor penalty in the Panthers’ fi rst two games of the season.

“It’s exactly what I’m looking for from a veteran guy like him,” Lukey said. “He’s playing both sides and he plays the greedy game when he has to and he’s getting some goals so far.”

Miskolczi, whose older cousin Dakota was a former junior B player in Fort Erie and St. Catharines, has two years of junior eligibility remaining.

“I want to get an education out of hockey and just play as long as I can and potentially maybe pro in Europe or overseas,” he said.

The Panthers are off to a sluggish start, including a 4-0 loss in their home opener to Hamilton.

“We were a pretty high flying

team in the pre-season but Jonah [Devereaux] is out for about another month,” Lukey said.

The Panthers also lost captain Devin Sanders, who is playing in Sweden this season.

“Those are two really big holes,” Lukey said. “So the style of game we were playing initially, I have to make adjustments and tweaks to the team that I have in front of me now.

We realized we’ve got to make some adjustments and we’ve got to get stronger defensively and stronger in a defensive zone because we’re not the high-flying team that we had a month ago.”

The Panthers are the fi rst team in the Golden Horseshoe Conference to install equipment for HockeyTV, a subscription-based service that permits fans to watch games online.

Page 18

The Voice

A October 6 2021

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE BALANCED LIFE

by John Swart

Discovering the courage of the rider beside you

T

he irony of it is that I was struggling with some of my first symptoms.

We had no idea what it was.

I thought just a pinched nerve was giving me this numbness and pain and sensitivity through the right side of my hand and arm. We went and looked at the puppies, and I remember being awkward opening the car door, thinking ‘hmm,’” recalls Michelle Riches, about her search to purchase a puppy in July 2019.

“When we went to get him a couple weeks later, I had trouble holding him, trouble petting him, put-

ting things in the car. [The pain and numbness] travelled in this phase, within just two weeks, so that I had zero use of my right arm. It went from my hand, travelled all the way up my arm and into my neck, the right side of my face and my skull.”

Little did Riches realize when she and her partner brought seven-week-old Hudson, a handsome Australian Shepherd and rare Dutch Stabyhoun mix, into their home, that he was destined to become the leader of her healthcare team—her unwavering canine support through her battle with Multiple Scle-

rosis.

After some two years, Riches feels ready—emotionally capable— of sharing this chapter of her story. It is not easy for her, and occasionally she struggles for control, as she has so many times since her diagnosis. She will share how her strong will and tenacity, her refusal to delay seeking a critical MRI early in the progression of her disease, altered her path to recovery. She will share with grace the pain and the fear she endured as she learned about the disease that turned her world upside down. By words and example she will share her way forward, perhaps to open a path for others in similar situations. How she is coping, and how fighting back by altering her lifestyle is providing the energy and self-understanding

to give her strength, and joy.

R

iches is a professional dance instructor. A decade ago, when the United Church was amalgamating several of its congregations in St. Catharines, Memorial United Church became available.

Riches renovated it into a spectacular dance facility, and opened Social Ease Dance Studio.

As a dance teacher, Riches was a fit, healthy, bodyaware 46-year-old, and what was happening to her body was very concerning.

She visited her doctor and two chiropractors, looking for any answers they might offer, but none came.

“And it was progressing,” she says. “It was the most incredible two months of really rapid MS attacks. It just kept going. It went to my other side, then my feet.

That was key—that was my red light.”

Accurately diagnosing MS is difficult, and its cause is unknown. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the fatty substance, myelin, that coats and protects nerve fibres in the spinal cord and brain.

When the protective myelin coating on our nerves is damaged, the fibres are exposed, and the nerve’s ability to transmit messages is slowed, blocked or misdirected.

Other auto-immune diseases mimic many of the symptoms of MS, further complicating diagnosis. Time progressed, and Riches’ symptoms became more severe. She advocated relentlessly for additional testing, and was successful in securing herself a place on an MRI waiting list. Her

appointment was scheduled for the following year.

“I said enough. I had to know what was going on.

This was literally debilitating me by the day.”

Riches called Buffalo MRI, a state-of-the-art facility, looking for answers.

“We booked it—yes we paid for it, but I went in and got an enhanced MRI and an MRI with contrast (a technique that allows comparison to the standard MRI to provide more conclusive diagnosis). The radiologists and medical doctors did reports within the time I was there. I walked out with all my reports.”

Riches takes a moment, then quietly continues.

“That was nothing but devastation. I was already full of anxiety, intuitive things were flying See BALANCED LIFE Page 12

V oice HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, be gentle with your approach this week as you look to persuade someone. You don’t want to scare anyone away by being too flashy or forward.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 This is a great time to go out and try to grab yourself a bargain, Taurus. Head to a thrift store or garage sale, or even test your negotiation skills at a car dealership.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, situations that have slowly been building will finally come to a head this week. A resolution will be better than the roller coaster you have been on recently.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may have little motivation this week. One or two days of relaxation could be just what you need to recharge.

Expect to reemerge full of renewed vigor.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, issues involving your finances take center stage. It is time to do some long-term financial planning and get all of your ducks in a row. Ask for assistance if you need it.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, someone may be trying to slow you down, and you’re not having any of it. Keep yourself busy at all times this week and assess your priorities.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, concentrate on a creative project that you have been pondering for some time now. Explore your imagination and don’t hesitate to utilize it.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, a little homework can help your cause as you seek to persuade others to see things from your perspective. Some credibility can go a long way.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 This may be a very expensive week for you, Sagittarius.

You’re finishing up on projects around the house and may enjoy a weekend getaway to a spa or resort.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Try to connect with people on a deeper level this week, Capricorn. You can then strengthen your friendships and get to know one another even better.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Spend some time alone where you can center and concentrate on the bigger picture, Aquarius. You may have to make a few adjustments to an existing plan.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, take action so others know you are dependable. This may pertain to work or assisting a friend with a task that needs completion.

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice

Page 19

A October 6 2021

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

Irresistible

W

hen was the last time you read a book that you couldn’t put down? That happened to me a few months ago. Appropriately, the title of the book was “Irresistible.” The subtitle read, “Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World.” Author Andy Stanley is the son of better-known Charles Stanley (now 89) who pastored a megachurch in Atlanta, Georgia, for 51 years and still teaches on his popular radio program “In Touch.”

Andy is also a pastor, speaker and church-planter.

The main idea in his book is that the early church was practically irresistible to the pagan world of its day and that’s why it grew so quickly to impact and change the Roman Empire. Today’s church can hardly make the same claim. And so, Stanley asks why. What have we lost over the centuries that makes our Christianity so “resistible” today?

national and not tied to one ethnicity or region. Led by Peter, Paul and James (not Mary) they increasingly understood that the new covenant of Jesus required a clean break from the old.

The two covenants were never meant to be blended (like the Judaizers tried to do). There was no more need for a temple since the Holy Spirit would now make each believer’s life into a “living temple” (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).

Jesus’ new ethic (and command) of love was revolutionary. He said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this

everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:3435) So, how did Jesus love us? Stanley writes, “Jesus staged a demonstration of love that took everybody’s breath away. Including his own.” “He put his life where his mouth was.” Jesus loved us to the point of dying for us.

This new covenant love command was less complicated but far more demanding than the old covenant.

The early Jesus followers were known for their sacrificial love and their conviction that Jesus had risen See FAITH LIFT Page 15

The 1st century church

Stanley asks: “How did a religious cult birthed in the armpit of the empire, whose leader had been rejected by his own people and crucified as a wannabe king by Rome, survive in the face of overwhelming resistance? How is it that this same upstart religion would eventually be embraced by the very empire that sought to extinguish it?” He adds, “Against all odds, a small band of Jesus followers defied both empire and temple.” “Empire” represented Roman political and military power and “temple” represented Jewish religious power.

His answer is that Jesus was unique and brought something new into the world. The Jesus movement (unlike Judaism) was inter-

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!

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Page 20

The Voice

IN THE NEWS

continued from Page 1

“Rural Change Makers”

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is now recruiting for its Rural Change Makers program 2021-2022. The program welcomes applications from engaged young leaders, “eager to mobilize action around issues important to their communities,” according to a media statement. “Today’s youth represent the future leadership of rural Ontario,” says Ellen Sinclair, Executive Director. “Engaging young people in leadership roles is integral to retention of youth in rural towns.” The deadline for applications is October 31. Interviews will

be held in November, when up to 30 young adults will be selected. “Our track record from the 2020 Rural Change Makers Pilot shows that youth engaged in this program are more hopeful about the future of their rural communities, have a greater sense of belonging, feel more equipped to lead and are more likely to stay in their communities to work and live,” said Gabrielle Ferguson, Leadership Programs Director. Find details at www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/changemakers

Loud and Clear concludes

The Niagara Regional Police Service’s "Operation Loud and Clear" has

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A October 6 2021

concluded. From April 1 to September 30, the NRPS conducted some 175 traffic stops on loud vehicles. In total, according to a media statement, 307 charges were laid, including the following: 82 - No Muffler, 61 Improper Muffler, 110 - Unnecessary Noise, 54 - Other offences from loud vehicles.

Police say three drivers were found driving while under suspension and with no insurance, an additional driver was found to be driving while under suspension, and two others without insurance. Six vehicles were removed from the roadway directly relating to loud vehicle traffic stops that were found to be unfit for the road. Throughout the operation, police enforced high complaint areas, and loud vehicles that were found not in compliance with the Highway Traffic Act were stopped, inspected and charged accordingly. Police say that some vehicles previously enforced throughout this operation were brought into compliance through repairs. Other vehicles previously charged continued to be driven, resulting in additional charges being laid.

Good day for Fairweather

The City of Welland has named Steve Fairweather as its new interim Director of Finance. With some 30 years of municipal financial management experience in progressively responsible positions, Fairweather “specializes in strategic, political, and administrative leadership.

With a strong focus on financial planning and management, system policies, and relationship building,” according to a City statement. “We are very pleased to bring in someone with the experience and achievement of Mr. Fairweather,” said Steve Zorbas, CAO. “This position is critical to guiding the

corporation to a successful and sustainable financial future.” Fairweather’s municipal experience includes 20 years at the City of Cambridge, where he served as the Deputy City Manager/ CFO/City Treasurer the last seven. As the Director of Finance, he is responsible for the statutory duties set out in theMunicipal Act, building internal and external networks, and providing senior advisory functions to council, the CAO, departments, boards and commissions, and employees as required. Fairweather started the job on Monday.

Historic statue stolen

On September 29, 2 District Niagara Falls uniform officers responded to the Drummond Hill Cemetery on Lundy’s Lane near Drummond Road in Niagara Falls. According to an NRPS media statement, officers attended for a report of a stolen statue and vandalism. Officers met with staff from Niagara Falls Cemetery Services. It was reported to officers that a bronze statue of Lieutenant General Drummond had been stolen and vandalism found on the grounds. The statue sat upon a bronze horse. The artifacts sat on a large concrete base. The theft of Lieutenant General Drummond would have been labour intensive, possibly involving a vehicle to transport the statue. The stature is 31” long x 11” wide x 36” tall. It weighs approximately 330 lbs. The value of the statue is estimated at over $10,000. The theft and vandalism are believed to have occurred sometime between the early morning hours of September 27 and the morning of September 29, say police.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111, extension 1022200.

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RECIPE OF THE WEEK

4 Nut-Free Granola Bars

School is in session and that means busy families may be in need of a few meal solutions that fit into their schedules — particularly items to grab on the way to school or work.

Granola bars often fit the bill as nutritious options in portable packages. While store-bought granola bars are convenient, they tend to be made with nuts or oats, which are not ideal for those with food allergies or intolerances.

People can easily whip up homemade granola bars that are chock-full of vitamins and minerals and can be customized to food preferences and tastes.

This recipe for “Nut-Free Granola Bars” from “Eat What You Want” (Ten Speed Press) by Danielle Walker can be enhanced with raisins, chocolate chips or dried fruits.

Nut-Free Granola Bars Makes 12 2 1 1⁄3 1 2 3⁄4 3⁄4 1 2 2 2 1⁄2 1⁄4

tablespoons warm water tablespoon chia seeds cup light-colored raw honey tablespoon virgin coconut oil tablespoons unsweetened sunflower seed butter cup raw pepitas cup raw sunflower seeds cup unsweetened coconut flakes tablespoons sesame seeds teaspoons pure vanilla extract teaspoons ground cinnamon teaspoon fine sea salt cup chocolate chips, raisins, or dried fruit pieces

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease the short sides of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with ghee or coconut oil.

Line the bottom and long sides of the pan with parchment paper so the ends hang over the sides.

Whisk the warm water and chia seeds in a small bowl and set aside.

Melt the honey in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to medium and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until a candy thermometer reads 225 F. Stir in the oil and sunflower seed butter and remove the pan from the heat. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Place the pepitas and sunflower seeds in a food processor and pulse once or twice until coarsely chopped. Add the coconut flakes, sesame seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and pulse a few more times, until coarsely chopped and incorporated. Add the chia mixture and the honey mixture and stir by hand until just combined. Immediately spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Place a piece of parchment paper on top and use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Remove the top piece of parchment and bake for 15 minutes, until golden.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer the pan to the freezer for 1 hour, until set.

Remove the pan from the freezer and lift the parchment flaps to remove the slab from the pan. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 rectangular bars. Serve the bars chilled.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or in the freezer for 6 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

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