The voice of pelham dec16 2015

Pine Debbie

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PELHAM’S INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE FROM THE HEART OF NIAGARA Vol.19 No.41

Wednesday December 16, 2015

Santa Claus Comes to Town!

PROVINCE WANTS CHANGES TO PAYDAY LOANS, DEBT COLLECTION

by ZACH JUNKIN The VOICE

Ontario will soon introduce legislation in an attempt to increase protections for consumers who use high-cost alternative financial services, such as payday loans, instalment loans, rent-to-own services and cheque-cashing services, and to better protect those with debts in collection.

The 18th Annual Santa Claus Parade was held in Fenwick on Saturday, and the streets were packed with with onlookers. While a number of groups took part in the festivities, from Town officials to youth sports clubs, the star of the show was the one and only Santa, who swapped his reindeer for a JohnDeer in order to ensure the former are rested come the 25th.

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Kinsmen Host Annual Seniors Dinner The Fonthill and District Kinsmen hosted their 54th annual Seniors Dinner at Old Town Hall last week, much to the delight of all those who attended.

It was an evening of good food and good laughs that provided a hot meal and live musical entertainment, all at no cost to the patrons. Santa himself even made an appearance to hand out presents to attendees, kindly donated by the South Niagara Hearing Clinic.

Councillor John Durley, who was present as a representative of the town, had no shortage of praise for the Kinsmen: “It’s just fantastic and we are pleased to death to have a group like the Kinsmen who can put on such an amazing function to honor so many seniors.”

Kiara vanSteekelenburg, impressed guests with an excellent performance on the violin.

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Pelham’s most prolific sports figure, Marlene Stewart Streit, was one of two women granted an honorary membership at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews earlier this month.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club is arguably the most prestigious golf club on the planet.

It sits next to the first tee at the Old Course in St. Andrews, which is widely considered to be the home of golf, hosting the sport as early as the fifteenth century.

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PELHAM PANTHERS The Pelham Panthers hosted Fort Erie in their regular season Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League home game last Friday at Pelham Arena.

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FAITH PAGE Saying “Happy Holidays” allows people to express the sentiment of a holiday greeting without inadvertently offending someone who is not a Christian or doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

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Niagara and Toronto Marijuana Traffickers Arrested NRPS- Since July of this year members of the Niagara Regional Police Service, Guns, Gangs, and Grows unit has been conducting a drug investigation involving the sale of marijuana. Police identified one main person who was responsible for distributing marihuana to several different people within the Niagara Region.

The investigation came to a conclusion on December 13th, when members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Guns, Gangs, and Grows Unit, Morality Unit, 1 District Street Crime Unit, PAVIS

Unit and Toronto Guns, Gangs, and Grows Unit executed several search warrants throughout Niagara Region and Toronto.

On October 27th, 2015 a search warrant was executed on a Vine Street, St. Catharines apartment building, where 49-yearold David Bennett was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Proceeds of Crime.

On November 17th, 2015 a search warrant was executed on a Martin Avenue, Niagara Falls home, where 34-year-old Jarrett Burchard was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, and Trafficking in a Controlled Substance. Also charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance was 29-year-old Andrew Lipischak of St. Catharines.

On December 1st, 2015 a CDSA search warrant was executed on a Merritt Street, St. Catharine

home, where 30-year-old Andrew Deweese was charged with 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, 1 count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1 count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime, and 1 count of Breach of a release order. Also charged was 22-year-old Natalie Timco of Niagara Falls with 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

On Sunday December 13th, 2015 Police executed 6 CDSA search warrants to bring this investigation to a conclusion. Search warrants were executed on homes on Strada Boulevard, Kirk Street, and Vine Street St. Catharines.

Chrysler Avenue in Niagara Falls , and Trethewey Drive in Toronto.

Charged is 46-year-old Lan Ma of St. Catharines with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, 1 count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and 4 counts of breach of his previous release order. Also charged is 50-year-old Thi

Nguyen of Toronto with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and 1 count of Possession of the Proceeds of Crime. Also charged is 22-year-old Than Pham of Toronto with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Also charged is 60-yearold Michel Lalonde of St. Catharines with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, 1 count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime and 1 count of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.

Also charged is 20-yearold Julian Castillo of St. Catharines with 1 count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, and 1 count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime.

As a result of this investigation Police seized a total of 59.5 pounds of marihuana with a potential street value of $270,000.00, $2,400.00 worth of cocaine, fentanyl patches, a small amount of heroin and $15,850.00 in cash.

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Send us your picture holding The Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers. Email your photo with a brief description to

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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This local school is taking part in the international Hour of Code.

This school will be amalgamating with Pelham Centre.

This Fund connects New York City children with more pastoral locales.

The Jr. B Team has been training with this former Olympian.

New Vietnamese restaurant in Fonthill.

The Cadets are raising money to visit here.

Director of Public Works.

Pelham’s Fire Prevention Officer.

Western Town border.

Recently Celebrated 5 year anniversary in downtown Fonthill.

Recently concluded international climate talks.

QUALITY CLEANERS

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Hosts of the annual Seniors DInner.

Potential community centre construction manager.

Pelham’s Director of Planing and Development.

ND is a Doctor of _____ Haist Street school.

This trail is dedicated to preserving a footpath along the escarpment.

Panthers’ Goalie in the first win of the season.

This village hosts Pelham’s Santa Clause Parade.

Preferred sport of Marlene Stewart Streit.

This forms a natural border to the South.

Drainage Superintendent.

The design of this Fenwick Library has been the subject of recent debate.

Has been called ‘The Founder of Fonthill” This 6km trail runs from Fonthill to Welland.

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EDITORIAL Ontario Strengthening Provincial Immunization Program Actions Include Stronger Requirements for School Vaccine Exemptions Ontario is taking action to better protect Ontarians As part of the Immunization 2020 strategy, the against diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. province will also: The province’s new strategy, Immunization 2020, will strengthen Ontario’s publicly funded immunization • Seek to offer additional vaccines and catch-up program over the next five years. As part of the stratprograms to children and egy, Ontario will be proposing changes to the Immuyouth through schoolnization of School Pupils Act that, if passed, would based clinics; and increase access to vaccines for include stronger requirements for school vaccine exadults and seniors through emptions. settings like Community

Health Centres and hospi“Immunization protects all of us from serious diseastals before a patient is dises that can be spread in schools and in our communicharged. ties,” said Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health. “They’re also a way for us to • Launch a public education campaign on the imporprotect those who cannot protect themselves, especialtance of immunization, so ly young children and those who cannot be vaccinated people can make informed because of medical conditions. Immunization 2020 will decisions based on facts help strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of Onand evidence. tario’s immunization system, and better support the • Work to make access to health of all Ontarians for years to come.” travel vaccines as convenient as possible to the Under the proposed legislative changes, parents and public by exploring ways guardians who are considering not to immunize their for pharmacists to give children would need to participate in an education sestravel vaccines in local pharmacies. sion delivered by their local public health unit in order to obtain a vaccine exemption for non-medical reasons. • Create online resources If passed, the proposed changes to the Immunization that provide the latest research about vaccines, vacSchool Pupils Act would come into effect for the 2016cine-preventable diseases, 17 school year.

immunization programs, and advice on how to have positive immunization experiences for parents and kids.

Kudos Kinsmen author SHIRLEY LAZARETH

To the sounds of fiddlers playing, And Christmas in the air We entered in the old town hall, The smiles were everywhere.

Then Santa, oh, dear Santa, With Dr. Hillier’s gifts to share Sitting on his lap was fun, Like a child without a care.

Toes, they were a-tappin’ And fingers matched their beat Bright poinsettias lined the stage And soon great food we’d eat.

hese humble men work tirelessly For you, for me, for us Doing good for all Fonthill (and District) Without the slightest fuss.

For this was a special evening That our Kinsmen do provide Now 54 years and counting!

And they take it in their stride.

They’re a credit to our hometown In ways that matter most We seniors reap the benefits So I’ll propose a Toast!

The they served us all with broadest grins A delightful Christmas feast So Rachel and I must thank these folks With plaudits, at the least.

I’m proud to salute our Kinsmen For the work they do each day For the citizens of Fonthill and District So I’m sending thanks their way!

The Kiara on the Violin John Durley on the ‘mic’ Humourous jokes by host Len Doyle What was not to like?

Canadian Forces Medals Returned to Owner

• Look at ways to improve public reporting on local vaccine coverage rates (such as by public health units, schools or school boards).

ZACH JUNKIN, Editor editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca zacharyjunkin@gmail.com WARREN MASON, Advertising and Sales advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca TARJA BARTON, Creative Director graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca LORI GRETSINGER, Office Administration office@thevoiceofpelham.ca “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”- John 8:32

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca 209 Hwy 20 East at Rice Rd., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm • 905.892.8690 The Voice is a member of

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome provided the submission contains the writer’s full name, signature, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names will not be witheld. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity or legal purposes. 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 incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the amount of space which contians the error. The VOICE is independent, locally owned and operated.

Original bandshell design used courtesy of Todd Barber Forestgreen Creations.

• Explore ways for Ontarians to get their immunization records through a secure, online portal. Ontario will also explore ways to link Panorama to other electronic record systems to better collect and analyze vaccine coverage.

• Develop a comprehensive mechanism to monitor the performance of Ontario’s immunization system and progress in carrying out the 20 actions in Immunization 2020.

Strengthening Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program is part of the government’s plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which provides patients with faster access to the right care; better home and community care; the information they need to live healthy; and a health care system that is sustainable for generations to come.

Major Rachel Morrell, NRPS Media Relations Constable Phil Gavin

NRPS - On November 27, 2015 the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) requested the assistance of the public to locate the owner of stolen Canadian Forces Military Medals. The NRPS seized the medals on September 24, 2014 while executing a search warrant at a Niagara Falls hotel.

Minutes after posting the Facebook message to the public, NRPS received phones calls from retired Canadian Forces Veterans offering assistance to locate the owner of the medals.

Information received from the retired Veterans aided the NRPS to connect with the rightful owner of the medals.

Police were provided with further information regarding the original theft of the medals and commenced an investigation of the incident.

Police investigation of the theft is on-going at this time.

On Thursday December 10, 2015 members of the NRPS delivered the medals to Active Service Canadian Armed Forces, Major Rachel Morrell.

Major Morrell serves as a Physician in the Canadian Forces where she is Head of the Military Medicine Section at the Canadian Forces Environmental Medicine Establishment based out of Toronto, Ontario.

“I am very happy to receive my medals that were found by the NRPS,” said Major Morrell “I never expected to have them returned, and am very grateful they persisted in tracking me down. The medals are important reminders to me of my service to Canada” The return of Major Morrell’s medals was a collaborative effort on the part of the NRPS Evidence Management Unit and the Niagara Falls Detective Office.

The NRPS would like to thank the public and retired Canadian Forces Veterans for their assistance to reunite Major Morrell with her medals and honour her service to our country.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

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Kinsmen Dinner More than 100 seniors attended the event, and Durley noted that a number of people had to be turned down due to the size of the facility. “I understand that they had some calls for more people, but there is not enough space.”

Kin Kevin Twomey confirmed that some folks had to be left off the list and that a bigger space would be beneficial, but was quick to applaud the Town’s involvement and generosity in Kinsmen activities to date: “We’re very grateful to the Town,” he said. “It’s an excellent facility, we’ve just outgrown it.”

Durley hopes that the potential new community centre will solve this and similar issues in the future. “We want to have meeting rooms like this, where if we have to we can go bigger or smaller,” he said. “We use the term ‘cradle to grave’. We want to have young folks being able to take part, middle aged folks, folks that are young at heart- we want everyone to have a place to go, and we’re moving forward to accomplish this goal.”

The Seniors Dinner is made possible through the various fundraising endeavors undertaken by the Kinsmen throughout the year.

Christmas Greetings and Help Resources Christmas is almost upon us once again. The Voice would like to personally wish all the very best this Christmas.

It is a joyful time for many but for some it is a struggle, a time of missing loved ones who have passed, dealing with a crushing health diagnosis, family conflicts, economic or other challenges. Feelings of despair often seem magnified during times when others are happiest.

If you feel these challenges are becoming insurmountable, please call someone for support.

These are just some of the resources available: Distress Centre Niagara www.distresscentreniagara.com St. Catharines/Niagara Falls: 905.688.3711 Port Colborne/Welland: 905.734.1212 Beamsville/Grimsby: 905.563.6674 Fort Erie: 905.382.0689 The Distress centre is a 24-hour hotline for people who are depressed, distressed or in crisis.

Kids Help Phone www.kidshelpphone.ca, 1.800.668.6868 Kids Help Phone is a 24-hour crisis hotline and website to connect young people to a counsellor.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

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Kids Helping Kids

The students at Glynn A. Green School recently collected toys for Rose City Kids Christmas stockings.

The school runs a club called Kids Helping Kids which organizes fund raisers for various charities in the community and globally. Pictured: the Kids Helping Kids club with all the toys collected. PHOTO CREDIT: Glenn A. Green Staff.

Pho Dau Bo Brings Vietnamese Cuisine to Fonthill

Caption: Mayor Augustyn congratulates owner Tan Do at the grand opening of Pho Dau Bo Vietnamese restaurant in Fonthill last week. PHOTO CREDIT: Zach Junkin

by ZACH JUNKIN

The VOICE

On Tuesday, December 8th, Tan and Rose Do, along with their daughter Lyn Vo, celebrated the grand opening of Pho Dau Bo, their new restaurant on Highway 20 in Fonthill.

When the doors opened at noon, the dining area quickly filled with eager customers, while friends, family, and even the Mayor stopped by to congratulate them on the new business.

Tan and his family are excited to be a part of the town, and look forward to providing a dining experience unique to the area. “We think that people from Fonthill and the surrounding area will really enjoy what we have to offer,” said Rose. “At the same time, more and more people are coming from places like Toronto and Mississauga seeking peace and quiet, and bringing their dining tastes with them. Pelham is a popular destination and so we wanted to bring Vietnamese food here.”

The Pho Dau Bo franchise has several locations in the region. Pho Dau Bo specializes in Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup popular the world over, as well as a number of other rice and noodle dishes.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

Page 7

Jelly Made with ‘Pelham Care’

by ZACH JUNKIN The VOICE

Patti Faggin of The Café on Main is always on the lookout for new community minded projects, so when one of her customers, Kim Cousineau, approached her about using the Café’s herb garden to make mint jelly, Patti quickly recognized a chance to help others. Now the two are working together to use the project as an opportunity to raise money for the less fortunate.

“We have created mint jelly made with ‘Pelham Care,’” said Patti. “These little jelly jars will be sold at The Cafe with 100% of the proceeds going to Pelham Cares.”

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The small business owner had been mulling over potential charitable projects when Cousineau, who frequently volunteers with her church and with Wellspring Niagara, offered to make the jelly.

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“As soon as I saw the finished product, I thought, ‘made with Pelham Care!’,” said Patti.

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She feels that people everywhere need to keep the less fortunate in mind, especially during the holiday season. “I personally, believe that we need to look back to a time when people shared their bounty and very little, if anything at all, went to waste,” Patti said. “I also believe that together we can achieve much more than individual efforts and an excellent example of this is the recent Pelham Food drive and the ongoing work of Pelham Cares.”

If this year is successful, Patti and Kim hope that the mint jelly project can become an annual event for the Café.

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The Café on Main is selling homemade mint jelly to benefit Pelham Cares. PHOTO CREDIT: Zach Junkin

THE VOICE OF PELHAM Creative Director Tarja Barton email graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

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SPORTS

Home Winning Streak Eludes Panthers

Panther’s winger Caleb Mussat (14) picked up a goal and an assist against Fort Erie in last Friday’s GOJHL Junior B game in Pelham. PHOTO CREDIT: Fabian Hoggard

by PANTHERS STAFF

The Pelham Panthers hosted Fort Erie in their regular season Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League home game last Friday at Pelham Arena. Hoping to repeat the winning performance against Thorold Blackhawks in the previous home game, the Panthers started with a shortened bench but quickly fell prey to Fort Erie’s speed and teamwork. The Meteors started the scoring barely a minute into the game, and by the end of the first had added another two unanswered goals to give themselves a 3-0 lead.

Despite some impressive plays in the second and near equal shots, Pelham was not able to score while Fort Erie prodded the bear with another 2

goals. The bear for Pelham came in a variety of forms, one of which was Caleb Mussat. Mussat, who saw little ice time in the first two periods, had a few shifts in the third to help make a difference. In his first shift out, a crisp cross-ice pass to Jeffrey Venzon – who quickly found the back of the net – helped put Pelham on the scoreboard. Mussat added a second goal for Pelham on a power play opportunity, assisted

by Riley Hollowell and Liam Little. The success of the 5-on-4 play was a welcome credit to Pelham’s mediocre power play, and if this goal production is sustained it will certainly change Pelham’s game prospects.

While Pelham came away with a winning third

period performance, the goal deficit from the first two periods was insurmountable and afforded Fort Erie a 6-2 final. Pelham goaltender Stephen (Will) Harvey, who made some exceptional saves, was awarded third star of the game. The games other two stars were Anthony Passero and Manny Manns of Fort Erie.

The Panthers are at home Tuesday December 15 when they host the league leading Caledonia Corvairs (7:00pm). Fans please note there is no regular home game this Friday December 18 – the Panthers will be visiting the Niagara Falls Canucks at the Gale Centre (7:30pm).

continued from page 1

Payday Loans, Debt Collection “Our government is committed to protecting consumers, and that includes protecting Ontarians from a cycle of personal debt,” said David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

“Strengthening consumer financial protection ensures our province’s financial marketplace is

fair, safe, and keeps consumers well informed.”

If passed, the Alternative Financial Services Statute Law Amendment Act would make amendments to the Payday Loans Act, Consumer Protection Act and the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act that would increase

protections for consumers. Some of those protections would include increased information being made available at alternative financial service providers and a cap on the rate of cheque-cashing services Furthermore, consumers using rent-to-own

Weiss Dominates as CC’s Dugout Paints Signature Signs 81 - 35 Whether on the hardwood or at Tim Horton’s, CC’s Dugout is a team that sticks together. Last week they continued to play well as a team as Jason Bray, Eric Labonte, Pat Dyson, and Danny Weiss all hit for double figures, with Weiss leading all scorers with a game-high 29 points.

For the past almost thirty years, Weiss has been putting up 3-pointers and sinking baskets on fast breaks. At the end of last season, he was second on the NBA all-time scoring list with 6,237 points averaging just over 20 points per game. The SigSigns just couldn’t stop him. Bray scored his 14 points mainly from about 10 – 15 feet out using his smooth jumper.

Eric Labonte on the other hand, always had a quick look at his feet as he shot from the 3-point arc scoring 9 of his 14 points from beyond the arc. Pat Dyson, normally another 3-point threat, seemed to

get most of his 14 points from underneath the basket. Mike Christian led the supporting cast of Dugouts with 6 points on three eight-footers.

Sean Racher hit a trey in the third quarter to give him 3 points and 3 personals. Evan Kenney, the target of many a pass in the second half, hit on 1 of 2 foul shots.

John Raso played steady defense and brought the ball up and dished to the aforementioned scorers.

For Signature Signs, oldtimer Peeter Kupper kept criss-crossing through the key, ready for a pass when one was available.

He scored regularly throughout the game, pulling down 6 rebounds and dishing for 3 assists as well as scoring a teamhigh 15 points. Veteran John Schmidt came to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 7 of his 9 points and getting fouled routinely.

However, he sank only one of his attempts from the charity stripe. His

defense was solid boxing out the beefcake when Old Greybeard was off.

Team organizer Bernie Amyot had his glasses on and scored 8 points the old-fashioned way, two at a time. One of them was a fast-moving rebound that surprised even Bernie when it went in. Curmudgeon of the Game, Old Greybeard, Joe Seliske boxed out the likes of Bray and Labonte keeping the SigSigns paint free of any Dugout intrusions. He scored his basket off of a nice feed from Jack Randall. He also got two assists himself, as well as 9 rebounds.

Commissioner Emeritus and NBA founder Jack Randall, upped the record for oldest player to score a point, by sinking a foul shot in the first quarter.

Age to beat now? 75 years!

Rangy septuagenarian Dave Dick, pulled down an amazing 10 rebounds (for his age) and still was able to run around a lot.

continued from page 1

Marlene Stewart Streit Receives Prestigious Honorary Membership The club drew international attention in September of 2014 when it voted to allow female members for the first time. Earlier this year the club announced its initial honorary female members, including Princess Anne, Annika Sörenstam, and Louise Suggs. Today, only nine women hold that distinction, including Streit.

“I am absolutely delighted to be invited to join such a historic and prestigious institution in golf. I would never have dreamt of this all those years ago when I started out playing golf but I have enjoyed every moment of it,” Streit told a club reporter. “I am extremely proud and grateful to receive this honour and it means a great deal not just to me but to Canadian golf as a whole,” Born in Alberta, Streit moved to Welland, and then Fonthill, with her family as a young girl. After a brief stint as a caddy in order to earn money for her first set of clubs, Marlene quickly began to dominate the golf scene. She would eventually become the most successful Canadian amateur female golfer ever, and the only golfer in history to have won the Australian, British, Canadian, and U.S. Women’s Amateur tournaments.

In 2004 she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and in 2006 she became a member of the Order of Ontario.

services would benefit from a grace period for repayment and consumers using instalment loans would be certain that the costs of optional insurance would not be excessive. At the same time, consumers who are repeat payday loan borrowers would have the option of a longer re-

payment period while consumers with overdue debts would benefit from expanded rules against unfair collection practices from businesses that purchase and collect overdue debts There are over 800 licensed payday lenders and loan brokers in On-

tario. A 2015 survey of 500 payday loan borrowers found that 18 per cent took out 10 or more payday loans in the last year and slightly more than half used payday loans to cover recurring expenses.

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Page 9

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Holidays can be busy and joyous times but holiday decorations and new toys can bring risks along with festive cheer. Stay safe by knowing how to manage the health or safety hazards of holiday items you bring into your home. Minimize your risks by following the safety tips on this page.

We offer Drain Snaking, Hydro Scrubbing and Video Inspections

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• When buying a real tree, make sure it’s fresh (you can tell if the needles are hard to pull off). Water the tree daily once you bring it indoors for decorating.

• Place the tree away from high traffic areas and doorways. Make sure the tree is well-secured in a sturdy stand.

• Place the tree away from heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces and burning candles.

• Keep metal, sharp or breakable tree ornaments with small removable parts away from young children.

• Dispose of the tree as soon as the holidays are over, or as soon as the needles start to fall. Dispose of it according to local regulations--most municipalities have tree recycling programs.

Holiday Toys • Read and follow the age labels, warnings, safety messages and other instructions that come with a toy. Check for contact information of the manufacturer or importer if you have any concerns.

• Dispose immediately all toy packaging like plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples, ties and protective film. A child can suffocate or choke on these items.

• Ensure batteries are not accessible to children and are properly installed by an adult.

• Supervise children at play and teach them to use their new toys safely.

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photos and more. Includes use of laptop or BYOG (bring your own gadget).

Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30. Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 hour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

Page 10

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

Weekly Euchre every Friday evening, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, North Pelham Youth Hall, 1718 Maple Street, Fenwick (Just north of Tice Road); $3./person, prizes awarded.

TF Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick Wednesday Worship & Communion Service First & Third Wednesday of every month @ 2:00 p.m.

TF Ridgeville Bible Chapel AWANA program is Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 at 418 Canboro Rd, Ridgeville for children 3 to Grade 9. TF

A Cappella Niagara Men’s chorus meets Tuesdays at 7:00 PM at the Welland Community Wellness Centre, 145 Lincoln St. Come and sing!

Gus 905-228-0858, Bob 905-892-2336. TF TGIF CRAFTING: Drop in with your portable craft and enjoy time with other crafters. Fridays from 13:30. $2. Pelham Public Library. www.pelhamlibrary. on.ca. 905-892-6443. TF COMPUTER TUTOR & GADGET CLINIC “Oneto-One Help” with a volunteer tech tutor. Includes use of laptop or BYOG (bring your own gadget).

Saturdays 12:30 – 3:30.

Register and pay ahead in person. $5.00 per 1/2 hour.

Pelham Public Library. www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

905-892-6443 TF Join us for a Celebration

by Candlelight at Church of Christ, 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick Wednesday Dec. 23 at 7:30 pm.

Gingerbread House Contest Lunch with Santa, Saturday December 19, 12 noon – 2 p.m. Fonthill Legion 905-892-6293N19-41 Fonthill Legion, EVERY FRIDAY 4-6 pm, serving a great dinner. $10. Including coffee/tea and dessert.

Take out orders available, call 905-892-6293. N1941

Birth & Death

NOTICES Call The Voice 905.892.8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomping grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in CONGRATULATIONS traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.

THE

VOICE

PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials 905.892.8690 are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed.

Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

LOOK FOR

EXTRA FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY COPIES Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, AT THESE french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m.

FINE AREA BUSINESSES PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide FONTHILL cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from Giant Tiger E. L.inCrossley 9-12 the morning.

Churchill Natural Meats Shoppers Drug Mart PELHAM MUDFEST Fonthill Library At the age of thirteen figure skater Audrey Morrison Townand of Pelham Men women will be back in thehas mud as the second run ondisciplines the year is of Fonthill achieved three of the highest Cafe on Main heldBeamer’s at Bissil’s Hideaway. in the sport. Audrey has passed her Gold Skills, Gold Freeskate and Gold Dances, now making her triple Pro Hardware Sobey’s gold. Audrey is a competitive skater competing at the NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION McDonald’s Pre-Novice level. Audrey’s home club is the NiagaraRodeo, Fonthillgames Legion and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It on-the-Lake Figure Skating Club. Many thanks to her Tim Hortons runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds. base coach, Carol Ann Woodland and her dance coach, Semenuk’s Brian Gula.

Pic’s BIG CANCER RIDE J &MOVE J Florists Keith’s The BigRestaurant Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

Target Store 7.

Proceeds forCare the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker FamZee Lube Express When forty winters shall beseige thy brow, Lazy Loon ily Cancer Centre.

And dig deep trenches in thy beauty’s field, Pharmasave Avondale Store Thy youth’s proud livery, so gazed on now,

WALKING CLUB Will be a tatter’d weed, of small worth held: Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena FENWICK Then being ask’d where all thy beauty lies, Ridgeberry Farm from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There Avondale Store Where all the treasure of thy lusty days; is no feeSub forShop this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ Fenwick To say, within thine own deep-sunken eyes, Golden Grill pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

Were an all-eating shame and thriftless praise.

How much more praise deserved thy beauty’s use, HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES If thou couldst answer ‘This fair child of mine Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable Shall sum my count and make my old excuse,’ food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

Proving his beauty by succession thine!

This were to be new made when thou art old, And see thy blood warm when thou feel’st it cold.

If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to Devries Fruit Farm Nature’s Corner

Event Submissions Standards

COMMUNITY Events

the community, you may submit an events profile by sending your -Shakespeare Sonnet 2 community events information to office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some Event Submissions Standards restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet the acceptability If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, LOST standards of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted date youuntil may the submit an events profile by sending your community events information to of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly.

Lostsubmissions on Dec 8 at Kinsmen editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event that meet Please provide as much notice and information as possible including Christmas party, the acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted until Pelham the date Old Town Hall - Ladies the date, time and description of your event. The Voice Pelham of yourofevent.

The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly.

Please provide navy single breasted pea reserves the right to edit for space. as much notice and information as possible including the date, time coat size 14,and withdescription backdrop belt and in its place owner of your event. The Voice of www.issuu.com Pelham reserves the right to edit for space.

Read

THE VOICE OF PELHAM online at

found a ladies navy double breasted pea coat size 16 with belt on each side. Call 905-892-2472.

P19-41

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

905.892.8690

THE

Progressive advertising leads to impressive results.

Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”

We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood

flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2 • laminate flooring from $.89/ft2 • carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2 • fibre flooring from $1/ft2 • ceramic tile from $.89/ft2 ...and other specials!

Call us to see the products that are available & visit our showroom.

Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811

No Sunday Calls, Please TF

Portable sawmill service I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948 riverwood@ primus.ca.

TF

What is Your Home Worth?

Thinking of making a move? Call me for a complimentary and confidential home evaluation.

Christa Fraser Sales Representative

905.357.9700 Toll Free 1-855-357-9700

TF

FOR SALE Get your I Love Pelham souvenirs at J&J Florists, top of the hill, 67 Canboro Rd,www.jandjflorists.com TF

HELP WANTED THE VOICE Is looking for an ad sales consultant with print-media advertising sales experience. Base plus commission position. Reliable transportation is required.

Apply by email to danholman.dan@gmail.com. No phone calls please.

TF Fruit farm looking for seasonal help April 1, 2016 till Nov 31, 2016. Applicant must be able to work long hours in any weather conditions and weekends.

Lifting 50 lbs comfortably is required. Jobs include pruning, planting trees, thinning and picking. Must have own transportation.

Please drop off resumes at 825 Canboro Road, Fenwick, ON. P19-42

Warren Mason

VOICE

Yard & Burke’s Masonry SALE, L Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christm decoration step repair, granite coatings, brick slices items, SAT 1PM 625 905-682-7061.

SERVICESP18-28 NORTH P

CLASSIFIED

COMMUNITY EVENTS SPAN (Single Person Association of Niagara) is a social club since 1982 for mature singles who meet and mingle at Iggy’s Pub,115 Hwy 20, Fonthill, every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Offers members a monthly calendar of social activities. Further information, call Lynie @905-788-0359 TF

proofing, drainage systems, clothes an quarry stone supply, place- sonable, S ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23 30, 8AM-3

WANTED

Support your local service clubs

FONTHILL HERALD Seeking copies or archive of past issues of the Fonthill Herald?

Other periodic publications produced within Pelham of any vintage also wanted. Contact D. Holman 905-892-8690 TF

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

Page 11

Happy Holidays?

by PASTOR DANIEL CALCAGNO Glad Tidings Church of God in Fonthill

Christmas Services In Pelham Pelham Community Church December 24 4:00pm - Service for families 7:00pm - Lessons and Carols.

10:00pm - Communion

Bethany Christian Reform Church December 24

6:00pm - Service

Christmas Day

10:00am - Service

Fonthill United Church December 20

9:30am - Christmas Choir Cantina

December 24

9:00pm - Candlelight Communion Service

December 27

9:30am - Joint Service at Fonthill United Church

January 3

11:00am - Joint Service at Fenwick United

Fenwick United Church December 24

7:00pm - Family Christmas Eve Service

December 27

9:30am - Joint Service at Fonthill United Church

January 3

11:00am - Joint Service at Fenwick United

Holy Trinity Church December 24

5:30pm - Christmas Eve Service 10:00pm - Christmas Eve Service

December 25

10:00am - Christmas Day Service

St. Alexander Church

In the month of December alone, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati, African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, Christians celebrate Christmas, and some people choose not to celebrate at all. In our multicultural society, it would be difficult to know for sure which of these holidays a person observes. As a result, it has become commonplace to greet each other with “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas.” Saying “Happy Holidays” allows people to express the sentiment of a holiday greeting without inadvertently offending someone who is not a Christian or doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

For me and for most people, Christmas is a family gathering, getting presents, watching Christmas movies, and enjoying delicious food.

During the Christmas season, it’s a joy to sing carols, decorate our homes with lights, and watch those classic TV specials. People also tend to be more charitable, and the spirit of peace is more prevalent, than at other times of the year.

However, there is nothing about these customs that requires a person to believe in the biblical story of Christmas.

To Bible-believing

Christians, celebrating the birth of Jesus is the reason for the season.

But would it surprise you to know that the early church didn’t celebrate Christmas? The Gospel writers Matthew and Luke certainly recorded for us the story of the birth of Jesus; however, there is no record of the early church celebrating the birth of Jesus as a holiday, and there is no instruction in the entire Bible telling us to do so.

The historical reality is that Christmas, as a holiday, was developed many centuries after the birth of Jesus. In fact, the chosen date and many of the customs originally came from Roman culture, not from the Bible!

Out of all of the holidays celebrated this time of year, the Bible actually tells us that Jesus participated in Hanukkah! Two hundred years before Jesus, the Land of Israel was occupied by the Seleucid Empire.

Its king, Antiochus IV, overtook the Temple in Jerusalem and desecrated it, and ordered the people of Israel to abandon their religion and assimilate into Greek culture. Miraculously, the Jewish army was successful in driving out the invaders, and the Jewish people were sovereign over their land for the first time in centuries.

our lives as we choose, and to express our religious beliefs as we see fit.

If you wouldn’t appreciate having someone else’s religion imposed on you, then we shouldn’t seek to impose our religion on others in return. When it comes to how we greet each other during this season, the best thing to do is to employ a little empathy and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Saying “Happy Holidays” doesn’t have to simply be about being politically correct; it can be about being empathetic and recognizing that people different from you exist in the world. It’s about recognizing that, in life, we sometimes need to modify our behaviour depending on where we are and the people around us.

Thinking about how others feel and recognizing that everyone has a right to live their lives how they see fit is how we can honour the spirit of the season. It’s not about betraying who you are or what you believe in; it’s about demonstrating tolerance and building trust, so communication becomes possible and we are able to understand each other. If we begin thinking along these lines, we will truly experience happy holidays!

The Hanukkah story reminds us how important it is that we be free to live

Places of Worship and Events

December 24

Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-8980

Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-5122

December 25

Concordia Luthern Church 105 Welland Rd. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E4 (905) 892-8877

Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham St., Fonthill, ON L0S1E0 (905) 892-6011

December 31

Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-5661

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3729

Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-3081

Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-5922

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-4716

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E4 (905) 892-6881

Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3925

Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville, ON L0S 1M0 (905) 892-3347

Fonthill Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-4680

St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3090

Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-6433

St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-6123

5:00pm - Mass 8:00pm - Mass 12:00am- Midnight Mass 9:00am - Mass 11:00am - Mass 5:00pm - Mass

January 1

10:00am - Mass

Church Of Christ

December 23 7:30pm - Celebration by Candlelight

Weekly Favourite Songs CELINE DION Oh Holy Night THIRD DAY What Child is This FOR KING AND COUNTRY Into The Silent Night HILLSONG O Rejoice

Please join us for a

CELEBRATION

BY CANDLELIGHT •To hear the birth story once again •To sing seasonal songs •To reach out to God through prayer

CHURCH OF CHRIST 765 Welland Road, Fenwick

To advertise in Places of Worship & Events CALL 905.892.8690

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 7:30 PM

Page 12

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday December 16, 2015

OPP Help Fight Hunger

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

DON’T LET THE LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY RUSH CRUSH YOUR BUDGET

by NATHANIEL SILLIN

Brian Cosby of the OPP Auxiliary presented $960 in Sobeys gift cards to Lori Grande of Pelham Cares on Monday. This was in addition to approximately 1,349 lbs of food, the result of their annual Food Drive at the Fonthill Sobeys on December 5th.

Pelham pieces from our past Christmas was not always a holiday in Pelham, but that began to change in the early1800’s. The first German and British immigrants might have been far from home and the Christmas traditions they’d grown up with, but in their new land, they still found ways to celebrate and to keep those traditions warm and alive.

At the very least, almost every home would make the holiday a time of feasting. Many women began to bake for the holiday weeks ahead of time. The Christmas goose was fattened and the plum pudding was left to age in the pot until Christmas Day. Months before Christmas, children and adults would begin making gifts in secret for family members (corn husk dolls, sachets, carved wooden toys, pillows, footstools and embroidered hankies). Scarves, hats, mitts and socks had to be knitted. Girls were able to knit before they were six years old. Boys would make boxes for presents.

Though perhaps modest, early Pelham residents made every attempt to decorate their homes for the holidays with whatever natural material looked attractive at the bleakest time of the year. No matter how brown and dead the rest of nature seemed, evergreen boughs were considered special because they remained fresh and were symbols of continued life. In the absence to holly, residents often used wintergreen and cranberries, which grew in profusion in nearby swamps. Although these berries were usually buried deep under the snow, children eagerly looked forward to finding the biggest and brightest branches and bringing them home to mother.

Christmas trees were still a rarity in most Canadian homes, at least those with British roots. The Christmas tree was a German tradition and would not become popular in the English-speaking world until the late 1840’s. It was after an image was published showing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert celebrating the holiday with their family and Christmas tree that the tradition caught on.

The first families of Pelham would not have had a big Christmas tree because homes were small - usually only 3 rooms. Trees were decorated with pine cones, nuts, and berries. Figures or dolls made out of straw and yarn, cookie dough ornaments and gingerbread men, scraps of fabric, and paper or popcorn chains may have also adorned the trees.

Christmas Eve was a night for singing carols and telling stories in front of the fireplace. Christmas Day the whole family attended church and returned home to a

wonderful meal. Christmas dinners were an important part of the celebration, and were often planned months in advance. The menu may have included roast goose or wild turkey stuffed with sage and onion, home cured ham, mashed potatoes, applesauce made from their own orchards, stewed red currants and plums, mince pie or an assortment of cakes.

Ease of travel over the frozen roads, and free time from the demands of farming also made this an ideal time for visiting and celebrating. Games, such as Blind Man’s Bluff, Hide the Slipper, Twenty Questions and Snapdragon were popular forms of entertainment. It was a simpler time: people enjoyed visiting friends and neighbors, sharing a meal, singing, dancing, sledding, skating or going for sleigh rides. Because of the sentimental feelings associated with the season, Christmas was also a popular time for weddings.

By the mid 1800’s children began waiting for Father Christmas and the receiving and sending of brilliantly coloured Christmas cards became more popular.

Residents of Ridgeville, Fenwick and Fonthill, enjoyed the carollers who roamed from house to house. Singers were often rewarded with treats such as roasted chestnuts, mulled apple cider, mincemeat tarts, or real sugar plums.

Though many things have changed in the past 200 years, the pleasure of gathering with family and friends at home or community events will always be what we treasure and remember most about Christmas.

Join us next time as we recount the ‘joys’ of buggy and sleigh travel in Pelham.

Pelham, Pieces from our Past is a joint effort created by Carolyn Botari, and Gary and Rosemary Chambers, all members of The Pelham Historical Society.

Information is gathered from articles in the Pelham Historical Calendar Collection, books and newspaper articles on file in the Pelham Library, as well as verbal accounts from family and friends.

They are always looking for interesting stories and old photographs showing Pelham as it used to be, and can be reached at pelhampiecesfromourpast@gmail.com

For all the planning we do during the holidays, the last couple of weeks before the big parties and family gatherings can trip up the best of budgets.

Perhaps what’s needed is some last-minute tricks to keep overspending to a minimum. Here are a few ideas to get you through.

Track your spending. If you’re close to the upper end of your budget and you’re not quite sure what’s happened, go through those receipts. Maybe you and your partner or spouse are shopping independently, spending too much on gas, meals out or failing to coordinate on the items you need. Maybe the kids are adding items to their lists at the last minute. It’s toughest to say no to kids, so see if there are adult gifts, decorating items or seasonal specialty food you really don’t need to purchase. In other words, if your budget is tight, identify the expenses you can alter and adjust your spending plans.

Don’t ignore the cost of returns. Some retailers are strict about return policies on a host of items, which makes it doubly important to save all your receipts. If you’re giving gift cards, make sure the recipient has the purchase receipt in case the card doesn’t work. If you’ve bought items online, make sure you keep critical return information and package return stickers in case you need them. However, take one additional step with shipped returns – see whether the seller is charging you more for their convenient shipping label option than shipping the item back locally in your own packaging. Finally, keep restocking fees in mind – some retailers charge in excess of 10 percent of the item’s cost to accept a return, particularly for electronic and mechanical purchases that involve heavy packaging. Ultimately, the best time to check return policies is before you buy, but if you do have to return items, consolidate those trips to save time, gas and money.

“Piggyback” the purchases of others. If you have a large gift list for loved ones or family, be a nosy shopper. Maybe your sister is finally giving her movie freak husband the room-sized flatscreen he’s always wanted. Maybe your nieces and nephews are getting expensive dolls, toys or technology items that require clothes or software of some sort. If you are trying to cut your holiday budget, check in with loved ones to see if you can supplement these expensive gifts with accessories that might be easier on your budget and appreciated just as much. Pitching in for a couple of outfits for the expensive doll – rather than having to buy the expensive doll itself – saves you money, gives your loved ones a break on the subsequent purchases they’ll need to make and the recipient gets more of what he or she wants. A win-win all around.

Watch out for theft. All the smart shopping in the world won’t lessen the headaches from thieves who target your packages, personal and online data or the contents of your wallet. Fast-approaching holidays and busy schedules can leave us tired and distracted, so keep a close watch on potential risk for identity theft, package theft from cars, homes and apartment vestibules. If you take public transportation, use extra caution to keep your money, purchases and personal technology hidden from thieves.

Bottom line: Don’t let the last, busy weeks of the holiday season knock you off budget or threaten your financial security in other ways.

Nathaniel Sillin is a financial expert who directs Practical Money Skills for Life a free, award-winning financial education program.