The Voice of Pelham February 10, 2016

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John Wink Named 2015 Citizen of the Year

VOICE OF PELHAM

Deadlines for February 17th issue

by ZACH JUNKIN The VOICE

After carefully considering many nominees, the Fonthill and District Kinsmen have announced John Wink as the 2015 Pelham Citizen of the Year. The award is given annually to those who have demonstrated the true sense of community spirit through volunteerism.

John is the Chairperson of the Summerfest committee and has consistently shown dedication, leadership, and a willingness to use his gifts to help others.

See page

2015 Pelham Citizen of the Year, John Wink

REGION EXAMINES RURAL INTERNET ISSUES

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WW II VETERAN HONOURED Page 2

COMMENT:

Good Riddance to January Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

PELHAM... PIECES FROM OUR PAST.

A look at the history of E.W. Farr memorial school.

Page 11

FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY:

A closer look at Community Centres in and around Niagara

Attendees were presented with information on the SWIFT (SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology) project, and given a chance to discuss ways that the program could be implemented in Niagara.

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INSIDE

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Last week, the Niagara Region hosted a community workshop designed to “examine the economic challenges facing rural communities without high-speed internet access, and brainstorm ways to move Niagara forward.”

It hopes to do this by connecting as many residents as possible to fibre networks that would provide 1G service, through public and private funding.

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Readers share their opinions on the proposed Community Centre

Transit Riders Feel like ‘Second-Class Citizens’

The SWIFT project is a plan to help make Southwestern Ontario “compete, connect, and keep pace in the digital world.”

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DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS Rhys Evans and Jessica Hendricks feel that the Niagara Specialized Transit system is treating them like second-class citizens.

11am - 3pm

by ZACH JUNKIN The VOICE

Niagara Specialized Transit is a Regional service that provides inter-municipal transportation to medical, employment, and educational appointments for clients who are physically unable to board conventional transit options. In December of 2015, NST switched service providers from the Red Cross to BTS Network Inc. Following the switch, several

clients have come forward to complain about the quality of service under the new company.

Rhys Evans is a Niagara College student with Cerebral Palsy who uses a wheelchair. Rhys relies on the service to attend classes in Welland and to get to medical appointments.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

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Hans and Hilda Dam family on top of the Isabel de Torres mountain in Puerto Platra, D.R. 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

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Mudfest Raises money for Wellspring Niagara

Frank Adamson (right), Rotary Club of Fonthill president, delivers a cheque for $3,000 to Joe Matthews, Niagara Regional Police Service deputy chief, and Wellspring Niagara board chairman (left), and Ann Mantini-Celima, executive director, during a recent Rotary breakfast meeting. The money was raised as part of the annual Pelham Mudfest Challenge, which takes place this year on Sat., May 14, 2016, at Bissell’s Hideaway in Ridgeville. The fun-run obstacle course costs $75 per entrant, although the early bird price is in effect until the end of February, during which participants can sign up for $65 each. visit pelhammudfest.ca for more details.

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At a Council meeting held on Monday Feb 1, the Town of Pelham Honoured local Veteran Jim Summersides by naming one of the main streets in the East Fonthill development project "Summersides Boulevard". Summersides served as a member of the 1st Special Service Force, a joint Canadian-American commando unit during WW II.The street will be constructed later this year.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

continued from page 1

COMMENT

Transit Riders Feel like ‘Second-Class Citizens’

Good Riddance to January

by RURAL PELHAM RESIDENT

We lost 2 uncles this month. Our cars were rummaged through twice.

We just can't remember to lock them every time we get out. North Pelham isn't usually a mecca for crime. But now someone breaks into my shop and pulls produce out of my freezer and throws it on the ground and leaves.

They must have been the wrong type of greens.

Sorry no drugs here. I'll admit they don't appear to have taken anything, not like two years ago when we were burgled and thousands of dollars in valuables were lost.

Then this morning my wife is looking out the window when a truck pulls over and two guys jump out, dash to the back and throw a bunch of garbage out into my field.

Well I am already angry about January's events and being that it is the 31st I am determined to end the month on a winning note. So in a flash I grab the cell phone and keys, jump into my boots and I'm off angry as a hornet. I followed the truck into the local church park-

ing lot. I grabbed my cell and started snapping pictures of the guys the truck the licence plate the side of the truck etc. When the window rolls down I asked the $#*&$ guy to come back and pick up his garbage. I hopped back into my driver’s seat and followed them back to the scene of the crime.

As I drive, I calm down.

Remembering the young guy apologizing, calling me “sir”, I regret having called him an S.O.B. When I got out I apologized for what I had called him then continued to document the cleanup, snapping photos as they picked it all up and tossed it back in their truck. I shifted my demeanor down a notch or two from the previous conversation. I explained that a great big truck comes to their driveway once every week and they would take all that garbage away, what a wonderful thing.

The two were very apologetic and appeared to be decent people. I explained that this area is a paradise and that disrespecting it as they had done was ru-

Page 3

ining it for everyone including themselves. I explained that in the future they could be the owners of a piece of paradise but if people continued to do this sort of thing it wouldn't be paradise any longer. They apologized numerous times during my sermon. I told them to have a nice day and waited until they drove away before heading home. I know I could turn this over to the police and the fine for illegal dumping is very high. I am hoping that some of what I said sinks in and the fact that I was nice enough not to turn them in gives them pause for thought. I also hope that the others in our community who keep treating our countryside as their dumping ground will read this and also take time to think about the beauty they are blessed to live in and buy the extra tag for the extra bag or take a trip to the dump.

The Voice has honoured the author's request to withhold their name as they have expressed a legitimate concern for safety.

“The first time they came to pick me up they did not have the necessary equipment,” he said.

“They had to go back and get me another vehicle with the equipment and accessibility features that I need.”

From that first day, issues have continued to mount.

“They are constantly late,” said Rhys. “It’s an inconvenience to my education and my family.

And when you call and ask questions about their service they are rude and disrespectful.”

Jessica Hendricks, another Niagara College student who uses the service, shared similar complaints.

“Sometimes when I cancel, they still show up at my house because the driver didn’t get the message,” she said. “A few times they have arrived early to bring me to school, due to drivers being confused by the schedule.

Sometimes I’m completely forgotten about.”

For Rhys, it all came to a head on Jan 27th, when the driver sent to pick him up did not know how to operate the equipment because he wasn’t trained properly.

“My dad had to help him tie me down.”

These experiences have left both students feeling like second-class citizens.

“I don’t feel like I’m being treated with respect,” said Rhys. “I don’t feel like I’m being given my independence. I’m 23 years old and I want my independence back.”

“We are people with lives,” added Jessica.

Responding to a post Rhys made on social media, Pelham’s Mayor Dave Augustyn said he had spoken to the Region about the issues, and had been assured they would fix and monitor the situation. He further stated the a BTS driver had been fired for poor performance Manoj Dilwaria, Associate Director of Transportation Systems and Planning for the Region confirmed that a driver had been let go over performance issues, and stated that though there was initially a ‘learning curve’ when they changed service providers, complaints have significantly declined since then.

“We are closely monitoring the service and if we receive complaints we take them very seriously,” he said James Colbert, the BTS Transportation Coordinator, also claimed that complaints have seen a sharp decline since December, and that the company has been working to improve service by hiring more drivers and increasing fleet size. He says that work is paying off.

“To date, there has been about an 80% decrease in the number of calls that I receive,” he said.

For their part, the two students want only the equitable, reliable service available to conventional transit riders.

“I want the same respect as everyone else,” said Jessica.

“I would like to see better scheduling and communication between the drivers and the consumers,” added Rhys. “There has to be better communication.”

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

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EDITORIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TOWN SHOULD SPEND WITHIN OUR MEANS

I'm responding to the many letters concerning the Community Centre in the February 3rd edition of the newspaper. First of all I'd like to say that in my opinion this is not a community center that the town is hell bent on building. Two NHL size pads don't add up to a community center.

To say that replacing our old arena is bold and visionary is an overstatement. What is bold is going it alone without funding from the provincial and federal governments. Port Colborne was 75% funded by other levels of government. If that were the case in Pelham, the Treasurer's 7.7% increase would be only 1.9% or $22 as she reports for the average household. The Town needs to wait until proper funding is available like our neighbours did.

Just because our tax rates may be lower than other towns, doesn't justify spending $37 Million. The Treasurer mentions that she has pushed out our other capital projects to future years. Perhaps one reason this increase is 7.7% for the first year, is that the other projects that we need now have been taken out of the calculations?

The Treasurer goes on to say that in addition to the current increase of $107 for the average taxpayer (7.7%), there will be an average increase of $212 for that same taxpayer for 35 years. That sounds to me like a 15.26% increase on average for the average taxpayer. That sounds like a tremendous increase that when added to other utility increases: 3.4% percent for hydro (in addition to major increases over the last few years), 3.2% for water plus inflation and other tax increases yet to be announced.

In the same article, the Treasurer speaks of Cost of Living increases for the staff.

I would like to suggest that the majority of taxpayers don't have these niceties to cushion ever increasing costs. In fact, many people live on fixed incomes and Pelham has a higher than average aging population. These cost increase must be paid or my house will have a lien on it. That means something else in the family budget will have to be foregone.

This oversized arena is in competition with all of the other arenas built that were mentioned in the Town study. My neighbours tell me that these other arenas are having attendance issues. Based on the current arena plan and its assumption that other teams will leave their current arena, those attendance issues are going to get worse for them.

None of this makes much sense to me but that's because I have to live within my means and not buy a Ferrari when a Hyundai will do.

Alan Morgan

Lions Part Ways with Biketoberfest The Fenwick Lions were unable to achieve a satisfactory Licensing Agreement with the owner of the “Biketoberfest™” trademark for 2016.

There well may be a “Biketoberfest™” in 2016 but we feel it necessary to make sure residents of the area know we will in no way be associated with it.

Thanks, Jeff Pickup, President-Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club

Call for Community Centre Referendum I attended the Open House meeting in Fenwick Fire Hall on Jan. 13 where we were shown pictures and plans for the proposed Fenwick Library. We were asked to choose between two options and add some comments. I obediently made my mark in one of the boxes though it was quite hard to see much difference between them. Then I gave my opinion, which was that neither of the designs shown in the pictures was appropriate for Fenwick.

Now I discover that a majority voted for Option A, and I wonder if many of them feel as I do that they were tricked because they didn’t like either option .

Books about parenting suggest offering your toddler a choice of apple or grape if he wants candy and with any luck he will forget the candy, but community

members who have come out on a cold night to voice their opinions and are treated like toddlers may well feel upset, and reluctant to participate in the future.

What have the Council planned to consult public opinion on the proposed Community Centre? Are they going to offer us a choice between a $37 million arena and a $100 million Olympic swimming pool?

Though I have never had the advantage of training in problem solving, I respectfully suggest a simple procedure: a referendum with a clear question for the taxpayers: “Do you want to pay $212 a year for 35 years towards a Community Centre? Yes or No.” Mary Lamb

Proposed Centre Will VOICE Burden a Fixed Income

THE

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Having recently retired and living on a now fixed income, I find that property taxes are my single biggest expense and as such, another $212 a year will not break the bank, yet. But going forward, a 7.74% increase every year, compounded, would double taxes in less than 10 years and if things go bad with the proposed arena like the mess with Welland’s sports complex, that is exactly what would happen.

of Pelham’s population is retired, the majority of which are never likely to be using this arena, I am sure this group will be looking for assurances that such an increase will not be repeated into the future, and if it does, as a minimum, Mayor Dave and his council would never survive another term and worse, many would take up residence in another community where tax increases are properly respected.

If I can believe Lois LaCroix’s recent excellent submission, approximately 20%

Jim Ruiter

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MAJORITY OF TAXPAYERS MUST BE HEARD A recent article (Feb. 3/ 16) concerning the funding for a supposedly “potential” centre should certainly get the attention of concerned taxpayers, unless you’re ‘affluent’ and have deep pockets.

“According to Pupo, the facility will cost the taxpayer on average around $212 per year over 35 years…”

This figure will rise annually after the first year with your property assessment increases (see your MPAC print-out) and the unknown yearly increase in operating costs such a facility will generate. Many taxpayers, of course, with assessments above the “average assessment” mark will pay more.

Several years ago, the council-of-the-day discussed funding for a $25.3 M facility and the importance of obtaining government funding. Former CEO Martin Yamich cautioned, “We can’t add $200 a year onto each tax bill. That’s what it will take if we borrowed for the whole project. The taxpayers could not afford to do it alone.” (Tribune, Aug. 15/10) Does this council now believe the taxpayers can, indeed, “do it alone” and fund a $37 M project?

The $25.3 M proposal came from the Recreation Facilities Committee. In a letter, “A Message from the Recreational Facilities Committee”, the report was to clarify some “misconceptions” surrounding the proposal.

As chair of the Cmte, Councillor Durley stated “No small municipality can afford major expenses for new capital projects on its own…” and “…no movement to construct any major facility will proceed without guarantees that major burden to the taxpayer could result [sic]” The report goes on to say the Committee Emphasizes “…do not go forward without proper and appropriate funding in place,” and that the committee is convinced, “…with a proper plan in place, the cost to the taxpayer… will be near zero dollars.” The facility proposal now stands as a $37 M project and the community deserves the same assurances as when the project stood at $25.3 M.

continued from page 1

cil lacking impartiality and balance in perspective; Nor 4 biased Consultant Reports relying heavily on user-group input, listed in the Executive Summary the mayor urged residents to read; Nor by hysterical rhetoric; nor by the vested interests of special interest groups; nor by personal agendas and egos.

This decision must be made by the major stakeholder in Pelham-the residential property owner, in light of the fact that there is “…more than 90% dependence on residential assessment to carry the Town’s tax burden.” (Tribune-May 5, 2011) A “referendum” must be held to allow the voice of the majority of taxpaying Pelham residents to be heard.

D. Hercanuck Fonthill

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REGION EXAMINES RURAL INTERNET ISSUES It is estimated that connecting every resident in Southwestern Ontario would be a $3-4 Billion endeavor. The SWIFT project will provide about $300 Million, of which Niagara is expected to receive between $35-40 million.

Improvements to infrastructure would be readily welcomed, according to those in attendance at the workshop. One resident described rural internet access as “an exercise in futility” while another commented that “we live in one of the most populated areas in Canada and we can’t get decent internet.”

Connectivity is becoming increasingly important to rural Canadians, and as more and more products and services become available online, the disparity between internet

‘Haves’ and ‘Have-nots’ grows. Many educational, economic, and social opportunities exist online, and cannot be accessed without proper connectivity. This necessarily limits the ability of slow-speed users to excel in these areas.

At the same time, rural activities like agriculture are becoming increasingly reliant on the ‘Internet of Things’, with modern farming technology frequently requiring internet access to send, store, process, and retrieve data more effectively. Rural hospitals, fire stations, and libraries are in the same predicament. Even small towns like Pelham are beginning to move services entirely online, which in the future may be problematic for residents without reliable internet access, or for those who have trouble navigating the web.

While funds are still pending, the SWIFT project hopes to begin construction in 2017.

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Borrowing $37 M to be paid back over 35 years and dragging the Town to its maximum debt level is NOT “proper” and “appropriate funding”. Downloading the debt on backs of taxpayers by hundreds of dollars or more in extra taxes doesn’t even approach “near zero dollars.” Who is guarding the financial integrity of this community?

Who gets to decide whether to go forward with this proposal on this funding model? Certainly not a coun-

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

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Suspect Arrested in Niagara FLOSSIE SPOTS HER SHADOW Pharmacy Robberies NRPS - Since December 2015, Niagara Regional Police Service #3 District (Welland) and #2 District (Niagara Falls) Detectives have been conducting an ongoing investigation into several robberies targeting pharmacies throughout the Niagara Region.

On February 7, 2016, a Welland man was arrested and charged with 14 criminal charges in relation to six robberies in the Niagara Region.

The man is alleged to have been involved in the following incidents: December 28, 2015 Shoppers Drug Mart 825 Ontario Rd., Welland, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 15-111828) January 2, 2016 Shoppers Drug Mart 5175 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 16-484) January 7, 2016 Rexall Drug Store 838 Ontario Rd., Welland, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 16-1750)

January 12, 2016 Mahdieh Pharmacy 95 Lincoln St., Welland, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 16-3072) February 3, 2016 Niagara Street Pharmacy 545 Niagara St., Welland, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 16-9239) February 7, 2016 Guardian Pharmacy 155 Main St. East, Grimsby, ON (NRPS INCIDENT 16-10249)

The man was held in custody and pending a bail hearing on February 8, 2016 at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

The chants and cheers of students from local primary schools roused Fenwick Flossie from her winter hibernation this morning. She emerged into bright sunshine, saw her shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, just like it was that morning: moderate temperatures, lots of sun and little of the white stuff. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the event topped off with hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club PHOTO CREDIT: The Fenwick Lions

The Fabulous Fenwick Lions Invite New Membership The Fabulous Fenwick Lions are seeking civic-minded men to join them in making a difference in the community.

The club is attending an information session at the Pelham Expo on February 15, 2016 for people who want to learn more about the club and its work.

“Our club gives members an opportunity to advance worthy causes, serve with friends, and become leaders in the community.

This club means a lot to our Lions, but it means so much more to the people we serve,” said club president Jeff Pickup.

The Pelham Expo session will be held on February 15, 2016 at the Pelham Arena from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Club encourages the public to come out and learn more about its work.

“We want to share the great things we’re doing in the community, and let others know how they can help,” said Pickup.

The Lions’ motto is “We Serve,” and the Fabulous Fenwick Lions have lived up to it. For more than 60 years, the club has supported various national and international causes

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such as the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide program and several summer camps for children suffering from diabetes and sight impairment. Local programs such as Pelham Cares, Pelham Food Drive, E.L. Crossley High School, Youth Resources Niagara and the Welland Hospital Foundation have all benefitted from our activities To learn more about the information session, the Fabulous Fenwick Lions or its service projects, contact Lion Alan at 905892-6846 or see our website at fabulousfenwicklions.org.

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

RBC Fundraiser Supports Pelham Cares

The RBC Royal Bank in Fenwick were grateful to the many local businesses that donated gifts for a recent fundraiser for Pelham Cares. With the support of The Broken Gavel, Fenwick Pies,Bourgones Delaney Bachelder Limited, Niagara Motor Freight, 2X4 Diner, Ron's Lawns, Oak Run, Shoalts Construction, Slappendels, Leidens Concrete Vault, and Balfour Greenhouses, RBC was able to raise $750 for the Fonthill-based charity. The event was organized through the tireless efforts of RBC's Jeanette Junker.

Pelham Public Library Has Something for Everyone

by KIRK WEAVER CEO Pelham Public Library

As I review our end of year results it is apparent that the Pelham Public Library is well used. In 2015 we had more than 102,000 visits. Circulation of materials rose by over 19%.

Our programs for both children and adults also continued to grow.

While these results are positive and cause for celebration, they focus primarily on activities within our walls. It is important that we turn our attention to results beyond our walls. Last year we began making a more conscious effort to be more active participants in the community. We had a presence at the weekly band shell concerts, Summerfest, and the downtown Fenwick celebrations. In 2016 we hope to continue this type of involvement

John Wink Named 2015 Citizen of the Year “John’s commitment to volunteerism displays a passion for our community and exemplifies the purpose and meaning of this award,” said Kin Kevin Twomey.

tion that is community oriented, where we give back to the community, and there is an expectation of staff to be involved in the community.”

Though the attention has left him feeling a little out of his element, John was thankful for the selection.

Pelham Councillor Gary Accursi and Director of Recreation, Culture, and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay have worked extensively with John over the past year as members of the Summerfest committee.

John was quick to emphasize the role that teamwork played in his success, and the importance of volunteerism in general.

“I think community involvement is extremely important,” he said. “I’m fortunate to work for an organiza-

“John has worked tirelessly to make this event a success,” said Accursi.

“Last year he took over the reins and guided the event to its most successful outcome. His leadership has been inspirational and his hard work has been a guiding force for the rest of the committee.”

vanRavenswaay echoed that sentiment: “I am so thrilled John Wink is being recognized for our Citizen of the year! It is such a pleasure to work with John as Chair of the Summerfest Committee; he is passionate about our Community and a well-respected citizen.”

This is the award’s 18th year. Kin Twomey noted that while John stood out from the crowd, many strong candidates were put forward. “‘Thank you’ to all those who were nominated,” he said.

“The enthusiasm shown speaks to the enthusiastic volunteer participation in this town.”

John will officially be honoured at an award ceremony March 1.

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in community events.

With limited resources it can become easy to focus inward and only look after the needs of traditional library users. However, this can have a long term negative impact on the library.

Those that don’t currently use the library may have perceptions of what libraries are like that lead them to conclude there is nothing there for them.

By being present in the community we have the opportunity to break down those perceptions and demonstrate that the library has something for everyone. We look forward to hearing about opportunities to be more active in the community we serve. Love your library, tell your story! Please check our website (www. pelhamlibrary.on.ca ) or come in to see us.

Complimentary seminars presented by Financial Advisor Nicolle Lalonde of Edward Jones in Fonthill at the PELHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY Tuesday February 16th from 1 – 3pm Time to Take Stock, sponsored in part by Franklin Templeton Investments.

Tuesday March 22nd from 1 – 3pm * Estate Planning - Building Your Legacy.

Tuesday April 19th from 1 – 3pm

continued from page 1

“It’s really humbling for me,” he said. “It’s a great honour to be recognized by the Fonthill kinsmen and the community.”

Page 7

Appetizer for Two Choose an Entrée Grilled Salmon New York Strip Grilled Caprese Chicken

Dessert & Wine Applicable taxes and gratuities extra.

While quantities last.

$85 per couple

155 Highway 20 West Fonthill Ontario • 905.892.4611 • lazyloon.on.ca

Take Stock in the Market.

Tuesday May 17th from 1 – 3pm Rules of the Road.

Complimentary lunch provided. We hope you will join us. Please RSVP by calling (905) 892-9930 two days prior to any of the dates referenced above. *Edward Jones, its employees and Edward Jones advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult an accountant or a lawyer for professional advice regarding your situation.

nicolle.lalonde@edwardjones.com

Page 8

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

SPORTS Stay clear of thin Pelham Novices Win ice over family day Kinsmen Cup weekend If you’re heading outdoors this Family Day Weekend, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) wants to remind you to stay clear of our hydro stations and dams.

“Don’t find yourself on thin ice,” says Mike Martelli, President, Renewable Generation and Power Marketing. “Ice and waterways near our generating stations and dams can be particularly dangerous. These areas are not safe for recreational use.”

Players: Christian Baxter, Jovan Bobic, Jack Brownlee, Dylan Capra, Joshua Dunn, Graham Latham, Jack Levasseur, Darwin Mayes, Jack McCormack, Kalob Muzzell, Cameron Noiles, Lucas Riddle (goalie), Karlyn VanVliet. Missing: Andrew Annunziata, Noah Paquin. Coaches: Mike Brownlee, Chris Baxter, Grant Muzzel and Jay Levasseur.

The Novice Pelham Local League Green players competed in the Kinsmen Cup in Dresden, Ontario on January 30-31, 2016. The team went undefeated, winning all four of their games. everyone on the team played very well. The goalie, Lucas Riddle, made several key saves to take the final game 5 to 2. Jack Brownlee was voted MVP of the game.

John Nichol and Dave Kaufmann Lead P.O.I.T.S. over Signature Signs 59 - 49 WELLAND, ON (NBA Press) – John Nichol and Dave Kaufmann combined (evenly) for 26 points to lead P.O.I.T.S. to a 59 – 49 victory over Signature Sign & Image at Centennial on Wednesday night. Vince Polce, who was back with Signature Sign & Image after a two-year absence, never missed a beat as he led all scorers with 16 points which included FOUR 3-pointers. The game was a close one as P.O.I.T.S. led by a single point at the half 27 – 26. However, P.O.I.T.S. outscored SigSigns 20-8 in the third quarter to pull away for good.

For P.O.I.T.S. John Nichol continued to amaze despite a bad knee scoring 13 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and making 4 steals. Any miscue by the SigSigns seemed to be a basket for John Nichol.

John’s partner in crime, veteran rearguard Dave Kaufmann also had 13 points mainly by anticipating the fast break and being down court ready for the pass. Dave had 3 steals. The G-Unit, veteran Gino Palermo used his two-handed shooting and Sherman tank driving to draw fouls and eventually score 11 points. Gino went an amazing (for him) 3 for 6 from the foul line (50%). The words zilch, zero, skunk and nada usually describe Gi-

no’s foul shooting. Quiet sophomore Kevin Gibson hung around outside the key and stealthily accumulated 10 points on little 10-foot shots. He usually got the ball after Gino or Dan Turner had already been boxed out by Old Greybeard. The aforementioned Dan Turner, complaining of a lack of conditioning, bulled his way into the paint for 6 points. His foul shooting (0 for 2) was much like Gino’s norm or Shaquille O’Neal’s. Golf pro Alex Wilson got the big orange ball (as compared to a little white ball) into the hoop three times for 6 points.

The Signature Sign & Image squad was bolstered by the return of shooting guard Vince Polce.

Vince had a long history with SigSigns’ previous incarnation, Millennium Computers. His scoring, ball handling and defense were a welcome addition to SigSign’s usually short bench. At the end of the evening, Vince had a game-high 16 points (which included FOUR treys), 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 assists. SigSign stalwart Peeter Kupper once again showed that age means nothing as he hit for 14 points. Peeter patrolled the paint and converted many a pass into points. He also corralled 7 rebounds. Mike Gilmore, who hails from

Wainfleet, scored often and evenly throughout the game. His driving and flying through the air earned him and even 10 points. He also picked up half-a-dozen rebounds.

Old Greybeard, Joe Seliske who played without his linebacking equipment, kept between Dan Turner, the G-Unit and the basket all night. He picked off 8 rebounds, dished for 3 assists and scored 6 points. He sank both of his attempts from the charity stripe, his first foul shots of the season.

Ageless Dave Dick, who was awarded the “Curmudgeon of the Game” distinction, was a rebounding machine, pulling down 10 rebounds.

He scored a basket in the second quarter and he ran around a lot. Team manager Bernie Amyot, who had his glasses on, hit for one of two foul shots after he was fouled driving up the middle of the key.

John Schmidt, who has been on a scoring tear of late, concentrated on his defensive skills after his initial attempts at driving up the middle were thwarted by the P.O.I.T.S. defense. Seventy-seven year-old Jack Randall patrolled the back court and attempted a few random, experimental shots. He did help offensively by dishing for 3 assists.

OPG’s hydropower portfolio consists of 65 generating stations and 240 dams.

In the areas surrounding these stations, changing water levels and flowing water causes the ice to be thin and weak,

meaning it is not safe for recreational use. Signs and barriers describe dangerous areas that must be avoided.

“When heading out for winter activities, remember to make safety a priority and respect the signs and barriers that have been put in place for your protection,” adds Martelli. “Stay clear, stay safe is our message.”

OPG provides more than half the power Ontario relies on. The electricity OPG produces is 99.7 per cent free of greenhouse gas and smog causing emissions.

To learn more about winter ice and water safety, around OPG stations visit opg.com/watersafety.

Canada’s Housing Sector Calls for New Affordable Homes to Meet Critical Need Ottawa- Last week during a press conference on Parliament Hill, a coalition of seven housing sector leaders released a joint pre-budget statement, Affordable housing: a foundation for social inclusion.

Sector leaders call on the government to include the following components in its upcoming federal budget: protect and renew existing social housing assets; build 100,000 new social and affordable housing units; and support community transformation and innovation.

“It’s time to tackle Canada’s affordable housing crisis in order to restore this important pathway into Canada’s middle class,” said Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Executive Director Jeff Morrison, “and housing investment is a solution that can advance many government objectives as described in several of the ministerial mandate letters.”

Over the past 25 years, Canada’s population has increased by 30% while the annual federal investment in affordable housing decreased by 46%, according to the State of Homelessness in Canada report. As a result, nearly 1 in 4 Canadian households cannot afford their housing and 235,000 experience homelessness every year.

Currently, federal investments in social housing through operating agreements are set to gradually decline from $1.6 billion in 2015 to $0 in 2040, putting Canadian households at risk of economic eviction and possibly homelessness, according to a CHRA Report. In fact, the expiry of operating agreements has already begun.

By working with Canada’s affordable housing sector to develop a national housing strategy, the coalition believes that the government can meet both short term economic stimulus and long term social objectives such as ending homelessness, addressing the housing needs of Aboriginal people, combatting climate change, and reducing poverty.

“It’s urgent that we re-invest in affordable housing by creating those missing 100,000 affordable housing units nationwide over the course of the next five years,” said Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness CEO Tim Richter. “We should not forget that homelessness is a relatively new phenomenon in Canada—and we must seize this opportunity to significantly decrease its occurrence with the right federal investments.”

The coalition is pleased by the high level of engagement between its sector and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, both sharing the mandate of developing a national housing strategy.

“Canada’s affordable housing sector, including housing co-operatives, are ready to help the federal government develop a national housing strategy, which would protect and grow the affordable housing stock,” said Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard. “We look forward to a federal budget that will allow for these critical housing investments to take place.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

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tel: 905-892-4988 Email:abover@cogeco.ca cell: 905-714-2145 for urgent calls

designers and product experts to compile 2016 design trends for the entire home. Keeping a home on trend can be as simple as refreshing a few rooms with a new paint color, or as complex as a complete kitchen or bath overhaul. Carpet One Floor & Home provides ideas, inspiration and trends through their blog and digital magazine, Beautiful Design Made Simple. To read through the 2016 Trends Issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple visit BeautifulDesignMadeSimple.com/digitalmagazine.

Natural rock • Interlocking Brick by • Bill Nieuwenhuyzen Design & Planting Office 905.892.4510 Cell 905.641.8203

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Gray flooring returns from last year, yet has warmed up in 2016. Brown hued grays create a base that flatters a wide range of décor styles. White hued flooring, from hardwood to tile, is extremely trendy this year. On the opposite end of the spectrum, deep charcoal and chocolate flooring are making statements and creating striking contrast with light décor elements. Finally, 2016 will showcase handcrafted product design and installation techniques, along with distressed area rugs.

Colors With Benjamin Moore naming Simply White OC-117 as their color of the year, whites will be an obvious go-to in the New Year. Alongside whites, pinks and pale neutrals will create subtle complexity, while indigo blues, hunter greens, and shades of plum will create rich, moody backdrops.

Cabinets

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Page 9

In cabinetry, open concept shelving will remain popular helping to provide storage for larger, odd-shaped items. As for color, cabinetry will be falling in line with the warm gray trend seen in flooring. Additionally, we’ll begin to see the inclusion of technology, with cabinetry that incorporates and accommodates charging docks and tablet stands.

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Windows Technology is also building a presence in window treatments. Shades that automatically adjust create the perfect room ambience morning, noon or night. Also trendy in window treatments this year is the use of organic materials such as unfinished woods and natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen.

Concrete Supplies Supplies Concrete

Lighting

905.892.6908 www.dekorteslandscaping.com 799 Balfour St, Fenwick

Brass is back. Lighter than the oil rubbed bronze that’s faded from popularity, natural brass works well with many different décor styles and is expected to dominate lighting and home interior finish in the coming years. Outside the home, exterior lighting is shifting toward more black and grey finish variations, while gaining height to accommodate new architectural design.

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Page 10

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.

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

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 $2. Pelham Public Library. $4.with Please ahead. joie de vivre found only in blend boundless energy theregister unmistakable OBITUARY www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca. Pelham Public Library. traditional Quebec music.

Show runs from 7-9 p.m. www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

905-892-6443. TF

Yard & SALE, Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christm decoration step repair, granite coatings, brick slices items, SA 1PM 625 905-682-7061.

SERVICESP18-28 NORTH P

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIED SPAN (Single Person Association of Niagara) is a social club since 1982 for mature singles who meet and mingle at The Trap 128 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 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 905-2280858, Bob 905-892-2336. TF Women A Cappella! Sing with us. Sing Niagara Women's A Cappella Chorus.Let your inner Diva soar. Learn more now! Call Nancy 905 935 3965 or Email info@ singniagara.com New session starts Mon Jan 11,7 PM. www.singniagara.com 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.

TF Singing Valentines Treat your Valentine to a box of candy, a rose and lovesongs delivered for you anywhere in Niagara by an “A Cappella Niagara” Barbershop, Quartet. Proceeds to “Harmonize For Speech”. Howard 905468-3566 & 905-359-8117.

Fabulous Fenwick Lions Ribfest Saturday, February 27, 2016. 2 sittings: 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Adults $20, Children 12 and under $12. For tickets call Lion Alan 905-892-6846.

Advance ticket sales only please. N19-51 North Pelham Youth Association is having a ham and scalloped potato dinner on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 5 – 7 p.m. at North Pelham Youth Hall, 1718 Maple Street, Fenwick (corner of Maple St & Tice Rd). Adults - $13., children 5 – 12 years $5., children 4 years and under free. Contact #’s: 905-892-4391 and 905-892-3408. N19-51 SOUP’S ON. Fenwick Lioness Soup & Bread Lunch Sunday February 21, 11:15 am – 1:30 pm. Fenwick Li-

ons Hall, 999 Church St., Fenwick. Selection of 5 Homemade Soups, Variety of Breads, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Juice. $8 per person; Children under 10 - $3 N19-50 BINGO is back at the Royal Canadian Legion, Hwy # 20, Fonthill on Saturdays 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm . Every one welcome, enjoy our relaxed atmosphere and prizes.

TF West Lincoln Vendor & Craft Show. Saturday, February 20th, 2016, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Wellandport Community Centre, 5042 Canborough Road, Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0 Over 25 vendors + homemade crafts and products.

Admission is free, however a min $5 (canned food, toys, etc.) donation to the Welland Humane Society will be accepted at the door and greatly appreciated. N19-50 PELHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meets at 7.30pm on Monday 22nd February at Fonthill Library. The meeting starts with speaker Joan Cornelius N.P.E. floriculture manager with the topic Niagara Parks Commission Floral Showhouse & the World's tallest flower. Refreshments will be served after the talk and business meeting. Members and public are welcome to attend. N19-50 Fri. Feb. 12- 7.30 p.m.

Court Whist at Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St. Fenwick. Dessert & tea and coffee included. Free will offering.

Bring your Valentine for an evening of fun and fellowship. N19-49 Robert Wood is a mixed voice choir. If you like singing, we invite you to join us for fun, friendship and love of music. Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. in Bethany Brethren in Christ church, 50 Lincoln Street, Welland. Call Frank at 289-820-6452. TF 434 (Niagara Peninsula) WING, ROYAL CANADIAN AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION Is putting out a welcome to all those with an interest in aviation. We are looking for new members to join our Wing. We meet on the third Thursday of the month at Branch 4 Royal Canadian Legion in Welland. Meetings commence at 7pm and we usually have an interesting speaker. Everyone Welcome. For information please contact Membership Chair, Chuck Leguerrier at 905-8929304 or email cleg20@ outlook.com

PELHAM LIBRARY EVENTS:

TGIF CRAFTING: Drop in with your portable craft and enjoy time with other crafters. Fridays from 1- 3:30.

WELLER, JAMES 905-892-6443.

CHARLES N19-51 COMPUTER TUTOR & PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOPThe Reverend James Charles GADGET CLINIC “One-topassed Materials away at six cards with fallChildren’s themes, learning variety ofWeller techniques.

Author a BarOne Make Help” with a volunteer Albright Manor in Beamsville bara Reid Visit – Mon. tech are tutor.provided.

Includes use of of registration, please enquire At time about tools needed. on February 2, 2016 at age laptop or BYOG (bring your Mar. 14 from 3 – 4 pm.

83 surrounded by his family.

Tues., Sept.

16 10 – 12:30. $10.

Please register ahead.

Visit www.pelhamown gadget). Saturdays Pelham Arena upstairs Jim enjoyed a happy life with meeting room.

12:30library.on.ca – 3:30. Register and905-892-6443 or call forSponsored more details. Norma (Draker) and their children: Karen Coles (Jeff), pay ahead in person. $5.00 by CFUW (Welland and Jim (LeeAnn), Paul (Elizabeth) N20-1 per 1/2 hour. Pelham Pub- District). Free. and Kathy Larabie (Bob).

FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY lic Library. www.pelhamliGrandchildren: Shannon and MEDITATION: brary.on.ca.

905-892-6443 Tasty treats with funds heading straight Release back into theStacey, community.

Haddock, James and Madison, your stress and relax as TF Paige and Hailey. Brother-infrench fries and much more.

Runs Sept.

9 from 4-7 p.m. law Harry Draker (Betty) and Marcia leads you through many nieces and nephews.

BRIDGE: Beyond begin- a number of different types Predeceased by parents: of meditations.

For SALE bener. PELHAM Partners and refreshMINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT William and Hilda Weller, ments provided. Experi- ginners and more experibrother Aimed Bill and sisters Hilda Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. to provide enced bridge directors can enced levels. Bring a pen and June. Jim was loving, and notebook.

Sat., Feb.season. assist.

Wed, Jan. 13 – Feb. caringRuns and humorous he cheaper options for players in this upcoming Sept. 6asfrom walked his Christian Life. He 17. A short lesson is pre- 27 from 2-4 p.m. $3.00.

9-12 in the morning. graduated from Brantford sented from 10:05 - 10:15, Please register ahead.

Collegiate Institute, Northern then open play from 10:15- Pelham Public Library.

Illinois University and Colgate12:15. $6 per week or $30 www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

PELHAM MUDFEST Rochester Divinity School. per six-week session. Pel- 905-892-6443. N19-51 Jim was ordained in The and women will be back in the mud as the second run on theBrethren year is Evangelical United ham Men Public Library. www.

Church and served churches pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

905- BOOK SALE: Tonnes held at Bissil’s Hideaway. within it and the United Church of books at bargain pric892-6443. N19-50 of Canada. For 25 years he es. Mystery, science, rotaught in the Humanities NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION fantasy, science BEGINNER BRIDGE III: mance, Dept. at Niagara College in adventure,headline intrigue, thisWelland.

Introduction the game Jim lovedevent. football It Rodeo, to games and livefiction, entertainment years exciting and in 1954 played right of Bridge. Wed, Jan. 13 decorating, crafts, chilruns Sept. 11-14 the Welland guard for Toronto Argonauts. dren’s stories,Fairgrounds. collect– Feb. 17.from Structured les- at He was special and will be sons start at 9:45 with ables. Mon., Feb. 29 to missed by all who knew and Sat., Mar. 5 during open experienced Directors to loved him. Special thanks to BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE assist until 12:15. $6 per hours. Saturday is a buckstaff who lovingly cared for Big per Move Cancer Ride a non-competitive place on Sept. a-bagisday.

N19-52 ride weekThe or $30 six-week himtaking at Albright Manor (2nd flr.)

Linhaven (Dalhousie flr.) session.

Prerequisite: Be7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famand his family physician, Dr. ginner Bridge II. Pelham ALICE IN WONDERily Cancer Centre.

Charles Duncan, Fonthill. A Public Library. www.pel- LAND – Play library croCelebration of Life will be held hamlibrary.on.ca. 905-892- quet with your own pineon Saturday April 30th at the cone hedgehog, make 6443.WALKING CLUB N19-50 Pelham Community Church (461 Canboro Road) starting Mad Hatter hats, etc.Interested in walking Pelham?

Tuesdays at noon, the Pelham at 12 Visitation Arena 10-12, Mar.Join 5 atthem 11 a.m.

GAMES NIGHT: Bring inTues., lunch to follow the service. $4. N19-52 your from system 9-10and amgames, and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell Donations for 9-10:30 am.

There to the Diabetes use one of our computers Association, Parkinson is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ or try a retro video game or MAD SCIENCE SHOW Foundation, Pelham pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, 329.

“INTO THE ext WILD” – Tues., an old-school board game.

Community Church or Trinity United Church Beamsville Fri., Feb. 19 from 6-9. $2. Mar. 15 at 1:00. $4. N20-1 would be appreciated by Please register ahead.

HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES the family.

Arrangements Pelham Public Library. GUESS HOW MUCH I to the LAMPMAN Purchase fresh fruit andLOVE vegetables at the Market orentrusted bring a non-perishable YOU STORYTIME www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

FUNERAL HOME, 724 – celebrate togeth905-892-6443.

N19-50 Road, food item to fill the hampers at thefamily Pelham FarmersCanboro Market on Fenwick.

Sept. 4. erness - Wed., Mar. 16 at www.lampmanfuneralhome.com A TASTE OF 10:30. $4.

N20-1 DOWNUNDER: Travel along with longtime Pel- CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS ham resident Rosemary PARTY – Wed., Mar. 16 at N20-1 Culos who decided it was 1:00 p.m. $4. time to fulfill a dream and Event Submissions Standards see Australia & New Zea- STUFFED ANIMAL VET your organization is hosting an event that Mar. would17be of interest to the community, CLINIC – Thurs., land.If Photos of this trip 10:30by a.m. $4. your N20-2 of a you lifetime giveanyou may will submit eventsatprofile sending community events information to an idea of the beauty editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet and bounty of Australia's CELEBRATE MO WILthe acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will then be posted until the date east coast, outback, Dar- LEMS - Thurs., Mar. 17 at your New event.Zealand, The Community Events is updated weekly. Please provide 1:00 p.m. $4. Calendar N20-2 win of area, Tasmania, Melbourne. as much&notice and information as possible including the date, time and description Tues., Feb. event.

23 at The 7 p.m.

INSIDE OUT PARTYthe – Fri., of your Voice of Pelham reserves right to edit for space. $3. Please register ahead. Mar. 18 at 1:00 p.m. $4. N20-2 Pelham Public Library. www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

FOR RENT 905-892-6443.

Upper 2 bedroom apt,

N19-50 Fonthill. No pets, non smoker.

FOR SALE IT SEEMED AS IF 100 Available Feb 1, 2016, $800./ Get your I Love Pelham MEN WERE POUNDING month + hydro.

Daytime souvenirs at J&J Florists, telephone number 905-892MY HEAD: AND OTHtop of the hill, 67 Canboro 9891 and evening 905-892ER AMAZING STORIES Rd,www.jandjflorists.com TF 0050. P19-49 FROM NIAGARA'S PAST: Sherman Zavitz, local auHELP WANTED thor and Official Historian for the City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara TRUCK DRIVER Parks Commission, reads Local nursery requires truck driver with DZ License. AZ tales from his collection license would be an asset. Position is seasonal. Deliveries of 45 short, high interest are within Ontario and the northeast US. Must have clean stories from Niagara Falls abstract, professional appearance and be customer and along the Niagara friendly. Will be required to assist in unloading truck.

River. Zavitz is a retired Rates are hourly and competitive. Resumes, together with teacher, past president abstract can be dropped off between the hours of 8:00 a.m of the Lundy’s Lane His- 4:00 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. or 8:00 a.m.-12:00 Fri. at: torical Society, author of Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. five Niagara Falls histo935 Victoria Ave., Fenwick, ON ry books and has been a Attention: Human Resources columnist for the Niagara No phone calls please.

Falls Review for 22 years.

(We thank you for your application, however Books for sale and signing. only those considered will be notified.)

P19-49 Thurs., Feb. 25 at 7:00.

COMMUNITY Events Birth & Death

Burke’s Masonry

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

HIGHEST PRICES PAID For all Gold, Diamonds, Sterling, Coins, Antiques, Old Watches.

Paying up to $100 a pound for Costume Jewellery Military, Old Toys, Comic Books, Record Albums, Furniture, Old Guitars, Musical Instruments, Glassware

Free Home Appointments!

905.380.7470 P20-1

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

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It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

Page 11

Pelham: Pieces from Our Past

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If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, you may submit an events profile by sending your community events information to office@ thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply.

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Hidden within a growing subdivision, in the heart of Fenwick is E. W. Farr Memorial School, a school with roots that date back 172 years. The year was 1844 when the very first school was built in Fenwick. The small wood frame structure was located on the east side of Baxter Lane on a parcel of property that was leased, not deeded, from Benjamin Corwin with the understanding that the lease agreement would be terminated if a school was not maintained. This in no way posed a problem for the school as the next 30 years saw the little schoolhouse bursting at the seams with children. The actual playground surrounding the original schoolhouse was quite small and the pupils regularly crossed the road to have recess play in neighbours’ yards.

In 1874 the original frame schoolhouse, known as SS#9 Fenwick, was moved southeast across the road and became a private home. It was then replaced with a red brick one room schoolhouse. The new brick school again proved too small for the growing student population and a second room was soon added. In 1904, it was this little brick 2 room school and its 106 students that welcomed the then 31 year old Mr. E.W. Farr as its principal.

Edgar Walter Farr was born near Fenwick in 1873. He began teaching in 1891 at age 17 at Union School #7 Pelham. For the next 13 years he took time to advance his studies and taught at several other local schools. He married Mary Kappler and had two children, Bud and Jessie Evelyn. Mr. Farr’s return to Fenwick in 1904 marked the beginning of a remarkable teaching career at SS#9 Fenwick. Under Mr. Farr’s direction, the little red schoolhouse continued to grow and 1910 another two rooms were added to the building.

Over the next 34 years, Mr. Farr would leave a lasting mark not only on the children and community of Fenwick, but also within the ed-

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Mr. Farr was also captain of the Fenwick football team, president of the Temperance and Moral Reform League of Pelham Township, a church elder, president of the Pelham Liberal Association and an original member of the Maple Acre Library Board. He completed a total of 44 years and four months teaching all within 5 miles of Fenwick and taught as many as 3 generations of children from the same family.

Mr. Farr retired from teaching in 1938 and was given a surprise celebration by the people of Fenwick. More than 600 people attended the event and many others, who were unable to attend sent telegrams of congratulations. continued on back cover

Places of Worship and Events

VOICE OF PELHAM

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ucation circles of Niagara. In 1910, he was elected president of the Welland County Teachers’ Association, in 1916 president of the Lincoln County Teachers’ Association, in 1928 presidents of South Welland Teachers’ Association and in 1932 president of the Welland, Lincoln, and Haldimand Teachers’ Association.

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Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-8980 Concordia Luthern Church 105 Welland Rd. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E4 (905) 892-8877 Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-5661 Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-3081 First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-4716 Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3925 Fonthill Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-4680

Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-6433 Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-5122 Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham St. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-6011 Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3729 Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-5922 Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E4 (905) 892-6881 Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd. Ridgeville, ON L0S 1M0 (905) 892-3347

St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq. Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 (905) 892-3090 St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 (905) 892-6123 Zion Free Reformed Church 1075 Boyle Road Fenwick, ON (905) 386-1134 “PREPARING TODAY FOR GOD’S TOMORROW!”

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Page 12

It’s myVOICE, Wednesday February 10, 2016

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Foundations of Community: A closer look at Community Centres in and around Niagara

by ZACH JUNKIN The VOICE

The Town of Pelham is about to undertake a major project in the potential new Community Centre. The $37 million facility has spurred a great deal of debate, and will have a number of far-reaching repercussions over the next three decades.

ect management company to take that vision and turn it into a proposal, which was put out to tender. The end result was the Fleming Centre, which consists of an arena with seating for 500, a walking track, 3 large multipurpose rooms with movable dividers, a large common foyer, administration offices, and a library.

The arena design allows for twinning in the future, should the town need it.

After Federal Grants ($5 million), Fundraising efforts ($4 million) and Development Charges ($3 million), Lincoln had to take on a $3 million debenture. At the same time, the new facility costs about $250,000 to operate annually, a $150,000 increase over the old arena.

All told, Lincoln residents incurred a 3% permanent increase to the municipal levy, which included both the debenture and ongoing operating costs. Hodgson is very pleased with the result.

The Fleming Centre in Lincoln

In an attempt to shed some light on the process, and to find out what works and what doesn’t, the Voice has reached out to Aldermen and Staff from other municipalities in and around Niagara that have recently completed similar projects. The Foundations of Community series examines and compares costs and services, while taking a candid look at what has worked for other municipalities, and what, if anything, they wish they had done differently.

Quick facts:

Capital Cost: $15 million Federal Grants: $5 million Fundraising: $4 million Development Charge Contributions: $3 million Debenture: $3 million Operating Cost:

$250,000

Municipal Tax Increase (including annual operating costs): 3% permanent increase

This second installment focuses on the Fleming Centre in Lincoln.

Before the 2014 grand opening of the Fleming Centre, Lincoln had been facing a number of issues surrounding a 150-yearold library and an aging, cement block arena. Chief among these issues were

maintenance costs. The buildings had become prohibitive to repair, and it was no longer possible to justify constant renovations when weighed against the costs of a new facility.

“We knew as a council that it was time to address the library and the arena,” said then Mayor Bill Hodgson, now a Regional Councillor.

And so, Council undertook the task of building a new Community Centre, one that would include both the library and an arena; one that could bring the entire municipality together while satisfying the needs of stakeholders and user-groups. They began by hosting open information gathering sessions for all interested residents.

The arena includes an NHL sized ice surface with seating for 500 people, and a two lane walking track.

“It’s really doing what we were hoping it would do,” he said. “For example, the library’s usership has gone up tremendously. A lot of seniors come here, they go to the library and then they go for a walk.”

The successful integration of services is one of the things Hodgson likes best about the facility.

“We had discussions with residents- whoever wanted to come out- to describe what, in their minds, a community centre was going to look like,” said Hodgson.

“The exercise in engaging the community was really good, very positive.”

Having settled on a vision, the town acquired an estimate of what such a facility would cost, which ended up being around $14 million. They then hired a projInside the Fleming Centre Library.

“The common area to me is really important,” he said “That’s what I think I would be most proud of: the idea that it would be a game changer for community cohesion- I think it’s achieving that.”

Hodgson does not have any regrets about the project.

He did, however, note one important lesson.

The Fleming Centre lobby is used by both arena and library patrons, providing a casual sitting space and place to keep warm while watching ice pad activities.

“The biggest thing we learned was that if you’re careful you can avoid cost creep, and full marks to our town’s council for that. The project was very well-managed.”

continued from page 11

Pelham: Pieces from Our Past The þlittle brick schoolhouse on Baxter Lane closed 12 years later, but Mr. Farr’s legacy was not forgotten. In 1950 a new school, built off Canboro Road, was named in his honour: E. W. Farr Memorial School.

was added to the Canboro Road school. The 1990’s saw the development of Cherry Ridge subdivision and E.W. Farr Memorial School was then made accessible by way of Alsop Drive.

A growing student enrolment at E. W. Farr Memorial School necessitated the reopening of the old Baxter Lane school in January 1952. For the next 18 years the Baxter Lane school became known as E.W. Farr primary school. The primary school finally closed in 1970 and its students returned to E.W. Farr Memorial School. The older students moved to the new Pelham Centre School on Centre Street. In 1989 an addition

Mr. Farr may be long gone, but he is fondly remembered by many former students who still live in Fenwick. Local resident George Alsop recalls Mr. Farr as a strict disciplinarian, but also as a man who took great interest in all his students. In an effort to help students who were struggling in different subject areas, Mr. Farr would strike up a conversation with a student he met in town and tell him an answer to an upcoming lesson.

He would then make a point of choosing that student to give the answer in class. Mr. Farr was regarded as quite an athlete in his youth and legend still holds that he was able to kick a football clear over the top of the schoolhouse on Baxter Lane.

Some of the more famous graduates of E.W. Farr Memorial School include Olympic cyclist Steve Bauer, NHL hockey player Matt Johnson and Canadian author and world explorer Adam Shoalts. Famous or not, all graduates of E. W. Farr Memorial School have a lasting tie to piece of Fenwick history.