The Voice, September 25 2019

Liberal Ian Bingham wants your vote page 3 New space for Dunnville vets page 6 NPCA board to Smith: Nope page 14 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Vol.23 No.38

September 25, 2019

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Column Six

Delicious end to summer

Champion no more Unwanted chips cashed in earlier than ideal

BY JANE BEDARD

Special to the VOICE

M

EYES ON THE FRIES PRIZE Just about perfect weather on the last weekend of summer had Emmett Stankus, 12, deep into some fries at last Saturday's Short Hills Farm 'N' Flea Trunk Sale, benefiting Pelham Fire Station #3. More photos, page 17.

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OM, COME QUICK! There’s something wrong with Champion!” We had just returned home late at night from an overnight visit with out-oftown friends, when I heard my 12-year-old son, Tanner, yell from upstairs.

We had acquired Champion, a friendly, Teddy Bear Hamster, three months earlier. I’ve never fully understood the attraction to having a rodent as a pet, but it was the only thing my son wanted for his birthday, and so we purchased the little brown and white ball of fur along with the “hamster starter kit,” and Champion became my son’s nocturnal roommate.

That night there was indeed something wrong with Champion. He looked like he’d been into the hamster hooch. His little eyes were rolling back in his little head. He was off balance, and bumped into the sides of his cage, then he did a full Loony Tunes spin on See COLUMN SIX back page

Page 2

The Voice, September 25, 2019

NRPS impaired driving charges

THE VOICE POLL The Federal Election

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

by Dave Burket

If today were Election Day, who would you choose now to govern Canada?

Talk to the shop steward: Just as we go to press comes word that staff in the Town's Public Works department have voted, 16-5, to join CUPE, making Pelham one of the last Niagara municipalities to unionize...Strictly laugh to rule: Next Tuesday, the Town is holding its second annual Seniors Fair.

Delivering its keynote address at 12 noon is syndicated humour columnist William Thomas. I emailed Thomas over the weekend to find out why he thought he was qualified to speak to a bunch of old folks—sorry, senior citizens—only to find out that he was on the Portuguese island of Madeira, selling his house there, with closing set for 2 PM Monday afternoon.

(This is a man who does not skimp on the details.) Even with closing looming, he was kind enough to answer. First, like many of us, Thomas is an old folk himself—now in a time of life that an older friend of mine has taken to referring to as, “pre-mortem.” Second, he has fond(-ish) memories of Fonthill. In his own words, including "wife at the time": fter spending a good part of my career making fun of old people, I'm now one of them. Still fighting the aging process, I like to think I'm still middle age. (For that equation to actually work I need to make it to 144.) The presentation goes well as long the introduction goes well. The last time I spoke was to a seniors group in Haliburton. The venue was the hall at the Haliburton Fish Hatchery and the group was—I don't make this stuff up—CARP! Plus the MC told a few bad jokes and forgot to introduce me. The audience thought I was some sort of game warden there to talk about the sex life of minnows. The time before that, I spoke to a Probus group in Ajax, and as soon as I got to the podium I asked that they turn all their devices off. They wrongly assumed I meant their hearing aids. That one did not go well either. In the late ‘70s-early ‘80s I lived for seven years in the servants’ quarters of the old Timmsdale Estate, on Highway 20, across from Lookout Street. I got married there. Naturally, as a dog lover, I wanted to get a puppy. My wife at the time came from a family of cat people so she wanted to get a kitten. So we did what they call a “marital compromise.” Three cats. One day I was late getting home from work. The estate was in bankruptcy, so I had the whole place—a billiard room, a ballroom, a walk-in wine cellar. Life was good. Then the goddamned Ministry of Natural Resources moved in and ruined it all. First thing they did was cut down the peach orchard and put up a parking lot!

Natural Resources! I had hunters banging on my door at all hours, asking for ten bucks for an animal pelt. I backpacked around Europe for two of those years and sublet the apartment to a woman who looked after the cats. Fonthill was a small village back then—the post office, one bank, Klager’s, and the pie guy at the main intersection. As I like to say, I lived in a town so small we taught our children Driver's Ed and Sex Ed out of the same car. ♦

Take the poll and let us know! www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/election2019

A

SOBEYS FONTHILL PRESENTS GOLF PROCEEDS Niagara Nutrition Partners (NNP) received a meaty donation last week at Fonthill Sobeys.

Franchisee and Pelham Town Councillor Ron Kore’s June golf event drew 144 players, earning $20,200. NNP provides breakfast, lunch, and snack programs to some 17,000 students daily across 180 schools. “We’re happy to champion a cause like this. It’s our little piece of building a stronger community.” said tournament co-chair, Judy Reid—who, like Kore, is a former Kinsmen Citizen of the Year. From left, Judy Reid, Sobeys employee Freddy Santiesteban, NNP Advisor Anne Kirkpatrick, NNP Program Manager Jessica Stephenson.

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Carolyn Gasiorek, with granddaughter Madison, on a sunset kayak in Victoria, PEI, August 2018... which explains the year-old copy of the paper!

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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court.

In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway.

The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.

The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.

Justin G. W. GERARD, 33, St. Catharines Victoria L. SMITH, 50, Stoney Creek William J. COTE, 39, Fort Erie Dale K. FULLER, 47, Welland Jason D. LAMPMAN, 40, Welland

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

Page 3

Local Liberal candidate keeps distance from Trudeau Ian Bingham says Grit platform worth voting for on its own

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Niagara West federal Liberal candidate Ian Bingham isn’t making excuses for the actions of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In a chat with the Voice last week less than 12 hours after old photos and video of the party leader in racially demeaning “brownface” and “blackface” surfaced, Bingham wanted to stress that all politics are local.

“I think that people are right to be alarmed,” the Grimsby lawyer said. “There’s things going on and it doesn’t look good. But I say to people, when you tick the ballot, you’re thinking about three things —the philosophy of party, the leader, and the local candidate. I think those three things should be balanced in people’s mind before they vote. Even if you’re unsure about Mr. Trudeau, consider me and consider the policies that the

Liberal party stands for in moving Canada forward.”

In deeply Conservative Niagara West, it would be a challenge for Bingham to win a seat in the House of Commons even without the newest scandal and the lingering SNC-Lavalin affair. Tory MP Dean Allison has represented the riding since 2004, when Bingham, who doesn’t turn 30 until December, was just 14 years old.

Still, Bingham notes a couple of factors.

“Twenty-thousand people from our riding didn’t vote in the last election,” he said, rounding up from the approximately 18,000 who didn’t cast a vote in 2015. “I think some of that is a suppressed vote, voters who felt like it would be a waste of time to vote for the party of their choice, which leads me to believe a lot of them are Lib-

Niagara West Liberal candidate Ian Bingham.

SUPPLIED PHOTO erals.”

He also points to Niagara West’s changing demographics, which are seeing more and more people move to the area from regions like the GTA. “Newcomers to the area are a growing percentage of the population now, and they’re not entrenched in any party affiliation,” he said.

Locally, Bingham says he’s cog-

nizant of hot-button issues in Pelham, specifically around cannabis production. “[It is] an issue to resolve so people aren’t concerned about their property values,” he said. “If I were elected, I would put as much pressure as I can … if that means working with Health Canada, so be it … there’s a balance to be struck between the rights of people and producers.”

While the taxation model of pot facilities falls under provincial jurisdiction, Bingham agrees it must change.

“At this point, it would be wise, and I’ve heard enough people in the area say that they want cannabis moved from an agricultural designation,” he said.

Beyond cannabis, one issue relevant to Niagara that Bingham would like to see addressed is that of seniors. He’s proposing a system like one in the Netherlands, where nursing homes offer rent-free living for qualified youth (often college and university students) in exchange for assisting seniors.

“It’s worked very well,” he said.

Another regional project Bingham supports in a field short on big, outside-the-box ideas, is pursuing the long-dormant Mid-Peninsula Highway, an expressway that would connect the Peace Bridge with Hamilton— originally tabled as a relief valve for the QEW. Bingham envisions it as a Canada-U.S. trade corridor.

“The trade corridor would kill about three birds with one stone,” he said. “The QEW is a mounting problem. The second one is there’s very few long-term sustainable jobs in the area. The third is development. It would alleviate the congestion, it would build up the area, and it would be serviceable for new residential development.”

In a political environment sensitive to the environment and blatantly anti-car in some quarters, Bingham knows there will be pushback. Yet he says the corridor is integral to the long-term growth of Niagara.

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Page 4

The Voice, September 25, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

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

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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Don't forget the oases around us

O

NE OF THE WISTFUL consequences of urbanization is the loss of formerly undisturbed green space and especially forested areas. While I don’t consider myself an overly zealous tree hugger, I do lament the ever-increasing encroachment on and paving over of the natural landscape.

In my youthful years, I clearly recall how these green spaces and forests caught my attention and instilled a calmness that was a welcomed respite from the ennui of daily routines. Like so many others, I too took these gifts of Mother Nature for granted. Now we are the worse off for such neglectful attitudes. To our detriment and, from a health perspective, most of us do not realize the crucial role that forests and wild plant life play in making our environment clean and healthy. This ecological fact is beyond the mindset and interest of too many of us.

Where I grew up, the trees that lined the streets and boulevards were majestic specimens, the girth of which one rarely sees in the cities and towns we now inhabit. The scrawny saplings

we see along the streets of new residential subdivisions are poor substitutes for the grand trees that were bulldozed to the ground to make room for the pavement and residences. It will take a lifetime before these

To their good fortune, Pelham residents have convenient access to a few lovely escapes

plantings will grow tall and spread their branches to become the majestic giants they are replacing.

A group of us youths would regularly hike through the Niagara Glen, one of the most beautifully preserved pieces of landscape on the Niagara River. We never tired of the place. Just being there and exploring its grandeur resulted in what was known

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The Voice

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

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Mike Balsom, Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Gloria J. Katch, Megan Metler, John Piccolo, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

then as barrels of fun. The Glen was a welcome respite from the paved streets and playgrounds near where we lived.

I am pleased to observe that somehow or another this love of nature is being continued in our children and grandchildren. They have grown to believe the Halliburton Highlands to be the comforting bosom of Mother Earth, and Algonquin Park to be the very heart of that havenesque territory. It would be wonderful if all parents introduced their children, from their earliest years, to the forests and bountiful wonders of nature. In that way, and in years to come, they will be advocates who will protect these refuges from the encroachment of urbanization.

To their good fortune, Pelham residents have convenient access to a few lovely escapes from the sterility of urbanization and to experience the wonder of nature preserves. Nearby St. Johns Conservation Area, and Short Hills Provincial Park, are just two of these easily accessible treasures.

See REFUGES next page

Letters Please paint Haist Street speed bumps I am one of the residents of Pelham that has the misfortune of having to use Haist Street every time I come and go from home.

I once went to Pelham Town Hall and spoke with the gentleman in charge of road works, requesting that the speed bumps be painted. I received an answer that they tried painting but it never lasted, which was very true. My question is: why do the painted speed bumps in parking lots and other roads seem to last? The QEW has a paint test marking area just before Victoria Ave exit which has been there for years. City roads and highways have painted lines that last

for years! When will the Town of Pelham realize that those speed bumps need to be painted. The road signs are fine but painting arrows on either side of the bumps is more visible, and I’m sure it won’t break the bank.

I was also told that the four bumps are all the same height. This might be true, but the bumps seem to get worse as you reach the bottom of Haist Street. Please paint the speed bumps with paint that’s used on highways and parking lots, which will not wash away after the first rainfall.

Mark Barnard Pelham

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

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BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher.

ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

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

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

Page 5

OPINION WWII and Korean war medals available I would like to inform your readers about two very special medals that are available for our veterans. These are the National Order of the Legion of Honour from France, and the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea.

Our veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War have both fought hard and made tremendous sacrifices, and they have both won the greatest level of respect and thanks we can give them. The Government of France is awarding their highest medal to all living Canadian veterans who directly helped to liberate their country between June 6 and August 30, 1944.

The Republic of Korea is presenting its Ambassador for Peace Medal to all Canadian Veterans who participated in the Korean War and its peace keeping operations between 1950 and 1955. Living veterans, or

the families of veterans who have passed away, may be eligible to receive this special medal from Korea.

If you are a veteran or know someone that is, and who might be eligible for one of these important medals, please contact me. I am an unofficial volunteer who is willing to help you with your application.

There is no fee involved.

For more information please contact Mr. Guy Black C/O 515 - 95 Moody Street, Port Moody, BC V3H0H2,or email Korea19501953@yahoo.com and include the subject “Veterans Medals”.

Guy Black Recipient, Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

A relative Pelham rarity: Liberal yard sign along Haist Street, Fonthill.

BINGHAM

continued from Page 3

nicipalities though carbon pricing.”

Before practicing law in Grimsby, Bingham served in the Royal Canadian Navy. He said that experience taught him about leadership and perspective.

“In the Forces I learned service before self, which I believe is critical to being a successful representative,” he said. “Through a global lens, I learned that our constitution and ideals in Canada are extremely valuable and worth defending, and should be the focus of any election.”

Nothing in the federal act prevents municipalities from prohibiting cannabis production.

In fact, nothing in the act addresses this subject at all, which means that nothing in the act prevents citizens, who don't want this mess in our towns, from prohibiting it.

Aimee Sauve Via Facebook

highway a lot, a train won’t work for a lot of it. As an example, the GO Train is still going to take two hours to get to Toronto. I think a highway is feasible in the long-term as we move toward electric cars.”

This is where the Liberals’ carbon-pricing plan helps, he said.

“The good news about the Liberal government is they’ve pledged to invest in mu-

Mid-rise buildings not suitable for downtown Fonthill

Appreciates councillor's dogged digging

The Fonthill core doesn't have the area to adequately offer parking for the number of cars that this would demand [Growing pains dominate, Sept. 11, p. 8], and offering other parking lots

So proud of the work Mr. Hildebrandt has done! [Committee set to save Town $400,000, Sept 18, p. 1.]

He had a sharp eye. Keep going and let’s

Who has ultimate jurisdiction?

as the solution is not a solution, as it brings to mind the nightmare on Thursday nights with the plaza and also the lack of adequate parking at the community centre.

Seems like a reoccurring theme.

Sidney Beamer Via Voice website

VOICE PHOTO

see if we can get some funding redirected to the library.

Wanda Bolhous Via Facebook

REFUGES

continued from previous page Recently, with a group of friends we discovered a beautiful forest refuge on the outskirts of Niagara Falls, called Heartland Forests. The pathways throughout this oldgrowth forest provide visitors with welcome access to serenity and peaceful reflectivity. The pathways are well groomed, reasonably flat, and largely accessible for the physically challenged. Heartland is a beautiful place with play areas for children, picnic pavilions, rest areas, and indoor facilities catering to wedding receptions and other social gatherings. Their website provides further information about this oasis-like setting. A visit to this remarkable place it is well worth the effort.

Urban residents are encouraged to make the time to explore our nearby parks and conservation areas. And most importantly, take along your young ones, so that they will grow to appreciate the great outdoors beyond their pavedover urbanized surroundings.

Finally, and as difficult as it may be, all who want to fully embrace the serenity of such a trek should leave their cell phones in their backpack. ♦

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Monday to Friday Morning and afternoon hours

NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari?

Do you know where Hoffa’s buried?

Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Page 6

The Voice, September 25, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Longtime Dunnville vet moves into roomy new space One of few Niagara practices that treats everything from family pets to farm animals

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

The Dunnville Veterinary Clinic is easing into its much larger new home, but head veterinarian Dr. Bob Perry says their services will remain as personal as ever.

“The new building will help us to better serve the community,” he said. “We may be getting larger but we still have the small town feeling.”

The clinic dates back to 1952, and over the years it outgrew its longtime location on Ramsey Drive.

Despite two building additions over the decades, the time came for a much larger space. That’s why the operation, with its ten doctors and 15 support staff, moved into their vast new digs at 1017 Broad Street E. on August 26.

“It was very important,” said Perry, who has worked at the clinic since 1990. “We ran out of parking, but even just for the flow of work. We had a real bottleneck, where we’d sometimes have to turn people away.”

That won’t be an issue

nthill o F P e

ia

dogs to time breeding and predict whether we are able to do a c-section”—and the lab is able to microscopically analyze blood smears, fecal samples, cytology, and semen, with results coming often in minutes.

“We also prepare semen for shipping, fresh-chilled all over North America and even to Europe,” said Perry.

The hardware doesn’t stop with the lab.

In addition to in-house digital x-ray and digital dental x-ray equipment, “We have portable digital x-ray as well for horses that we use on the farm.”

The practice also has ultrasound in-house, and ultrasound in each mobile unit for cows and horses.

“We currently have a flexible endoscope, and eventually hope to upgrade to a rigid scope as well,” said Perry. “We use it mainly for gastrointestinal evaluation. The last case I used it for was to retrieve a work glove from a Basset Hound's stomach. Thus, not needing

Above, Dr. Bob Perry examines one alert kitty, assisted

by RVT Nicole Esliger.

Left, assisted by RVT Lyndsay Breukelman, Dr. Ahmad Anwar operates on an English Mastiff, a very large dog that will return home minus two very small parts, making him a better behaved boy.

Below, in the lab, Tanya Casey takes a long look at goat poop, on the hunt for parasites. No worms are good worms.

DAVE BURKET PHOTOS

Fr Tr ee Les ial so n

no

Th

now, thanks to the exponentially larger space, and efficient design.

“We designed it in a way where we have a check-in desk and a discharge desk, so we don’t have a glut of people coming and going at the same desk,” he said, adding that the odds of the dreaded dog-cat lobby confrontation should be minimized.

“Exam rooms for cats on one side, dogs on the other side … so there’s a little bit of separation.”

The large operation also means that services are available that aren’t often found in smaller practices.

“I would say most vet clinics would not have the lab capabilities that we have,” said Perry.

Where other vets depending on outside labs, which also means a delay in results, Perry says that Dunnville can run biochemistry, complete blood counts, urinalysis, thyroid levels, progesterone levels—“Very important with breeding

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Perry said that the endoscope is also used for biopsies of the stomach and intestines in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.

“If and when we upgrade to have rigid capabilities as well, we will be able to scope

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tice. The clinic estimates about 35 percent of their services are devoted to agricultural cases, something that is actually expanding.

“Our territory is growing in the farm practice,” Perry said. “There are very few vets that cover farm practice any more. We cover a big territory, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Simcoe.”

The agricultural file mostly involves dairy cattle and horses, but also goats, llamas and alpacas. While in the vast majority of cases, Dunnville’s vets will go to the individual farms to treat the animals, it’s not unheard of to bring a horse or a cow to the facility.

“We have had people ride in if we were just running a blood test or a vaccine,” Perry said, adding that the new operating rooms are also designed to handle larger animals. ad size To celebrate the re-open2x28 ing and give the public a chance check out the new Color to Info facility, black the clinic will host an open house this SaturDue Date28. day, Sept.

Friday, 1, 2016 “We’ll Apr. have toursnoon with displays of what we do Rundate(s) throughout the clinic,” said Apr. 6 Perry, with giveaways, likely Cost a bouncy castle for kids, snacks, and drinks. The festivities start at 1 PM.

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

Page 7

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

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Special to the VOICE

The September 16 meeting of Pelham Town Council was more noteworthy for older items later discussed behind closed doors, as opposed to anything on the regular agenda.

Council voted to go in camera—out of public view— over a handful of contentious matters, most notably the previous meeting’s decision to deny a developer an application to build a three-storey addition on top of a prominent, two-storey Fonthill commercial building, That denial during the

September 3 meeting put the kibosh on plans to turn 1440 Pelham Street—currently the home of Fonthill Fitness above and a restaurant below— into a five-storey, mixed-use mid-rise, and was met with applause from various local residents.

Two weeks later however, council appeared concerned about potential legal challenges to its decision, with Ward 3’s Bob Hildebrandt moving an amendment to allow the development to go forward.

“I believe as councilor we need legal advice on the is-

sues,” Hildebrandt said.

It’s here that things slightly went off the rails.

When it was suggested that council reconvene in private to discuss the matter with Town CAO David Cribbs— a licensed solicitor —Ward 2 Councilor Ron Kore objected.

“We don’t have a lawyer [present], we have a CAO, but he’s not our lawyer,” Kore said. “We should have proper legal advice. We didn’t hire him as our lawyer, we hired him as our CAO.” “I don’t like to publicly disagree with any of my employers,” Cribbs replied, “but I am a member in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada. [The Town of Pelham] pays for that membership. I am capable of providing you with that advice.”

Ultimately, Kore was the only councillor to vote against going in camera for discussion.

When they came out of the closed meeting, council voted 4-3 to defeat Hildebrandt’s amendment, which had been seconded by Ward 2’s John Wink, to allow the taller building. Hildebrandt had argued for the development before, saying that downtown is the logical location for height densification—citing larger cities and the layout of old-world European communities.

Three days after the meeting, Cribbs explained to the Voice that providing council with legal advice is not a conflict of interest.

“Not only is there not one, but frankly that’s a misapSee COUNCIL next page

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COUNCIL

continued from previous page plication of the concept,” Cribbs said.“It’s not a concept that gets applied to staff— we don’t make decisions, we just supply advice, so we can’t be in conflict on provision of advice. The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act only applies to elected officials. All decisions made on Monday night were made by elected officials, who are the people in charge.”

The CAO—who has been on the job 10 weeks— added that it’s not uncommon for council members to want to seek reassurance on these sorts of matters.

“What I can say is that there were multiple contentious issues, on each of which we had a split council...and in those instances it is fairly normal to seek reassurance. There just so happened to be a lawyer on payroll in the room … procedurally, there is nothing wrong with council asking questions [behind closed

The Voice, September 25, 2019 doors], and frankly it isn’t uncommon. I would imagine this will happen less frequently in the future as this council gains more experience.”

Also included in the private powwow was another hot-button item from September 3—debate over the sizes of front yards at new homes in the Port Robinson-Rice Roads area. Councilor Lisa Haun had led the charge against shrinking frontages at the previous meeting, and reiterated that goal last Monday.

“It wouldn’t change the overall size of the lot, just the size of the front yard,” Haun said.

Kore agreed, implying that larger front yards present a more welcoming visual, consistent with older Pelham planning.

“It’s important we have a community that’s inviting,” he said. “It looks like we’re going to create two different communities— the old community and the new community, that’s my opinion.”

Not all of council objected to the developer’s plans.

John Wink pointed out that the developer of this particular project —Phase 3 of Saffron Meadows— has already employed the concept in the first two phases.

“We’ve set some sort of precedent already in that area,” he said. “We can’t keep on flipping on front yards. This is no different than Phase 1 and Phase 2.”

Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart said that the newer style of home adds a contemporary touch to the character of Pelham.

“From the perspective of a great number of people that are moving here … they are moving to ‘the country’ in parentheses,” Stewart said. “Part of the charm of it is the variations of the different types of housing … this one was built 100 years, ago, this one 30 years ago, they all have different setbacks. It is so much a part of the charm of the town.”

The reason council can challenge the developer’s plans in the first place is

Page 9

that the zoning bylaws on frontages were last updated in 1987. The previous Town Council authorized the smaller yards in the first two phases.

In the end, Haun’s amendment to increase the front yard size was defeated.

“We think that the works involved, ballpark around $75,000 is not unreasonable,” he said.

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During the September 3 meeting, Bandshell Committee chair Gayle Baltjes asked for the Town’s assistance in updating the grass slope around the bandshell, which has deteriorated substantially after 14 years of heavy use. Public Works Director Jason Marr has described the needed work as gently re-grading the oneacre site, with proper drainage and irrigation.

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Page 10

The Voice, September 25, 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Through Louis' Lens

T H E PHO T O GR A PH Y OF

LOUIS ALBANESE

W

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

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

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

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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

The Voice, September 25, 2019

that he still owns. “My film back then was developed at Sharp’s Drug Store, which then became Laing’s.”

This week we present the first in an occasional series of Albanese’s work—an autumn view of Ball’s Falls.

Page 11

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

Page 12

The Voice, September 25, 2019

Senior Fair next Tuesday

BY VOICE STAFF For the second year running, the Town, in coordination with the Seniors Advisory Committee, is hosting a seniors information and active living fair.

Taking place next Tuesday, October 1, from 9 AM. to 1 PM at the community centre, the fair “offers seniors

and their families opportunities to learn about programs, services, groups, and much more,” according to a Town news release.

Included at this year’s fair will be several program demonstrations, including Nordic walking, Zumba, and pickleball. Blood pressure

and assistive walking device clinics will also be available.

Draws for prizes will be taking place during the fair.

“We want to show our seniors and their families the investment we’ve made in ensuring we offer programming and services that meet their needs,” said Recreation and Wellness Programmer Julie Cook.

“The programs we offer, including our new 55+ active living lounge, are geared to-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

wards the interests and abilities of our senior population and this is a great way to show all of these things off at the same time.”

New this year is the keynote speaker, syndicated humour columnist William Thomas. (See his remarks in Publisher's Corner, p. 2.)

There is no admission charge. Lunch will be available, free of charge, from 11:30 AM – 12 PM, with the keynote starting at noon.

Visitors at last year's event.

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continued from Page 9 need to start in earnest soon in order to be ready for next year, and Cribbs suggested the Town essentially loan the committee the cash.

“The Town has the financial resources to act as banker and could be paid back over the next year,” he said.

Kore felt the need for the Town to do more, rather than ask the Bandshell Committee to borrow the money and then raise funds to pay it back.

“It’s the Town’s park, we own a part of it, why do we always depend on volunteers and fundraisers to improve our Town? Do we not have money to help them?” he asked.

Treasurer Teresa Quinlin said funding could be included in the Town’s 2020 proposed capital budget.

Temperanceville no more

Later, in the Committee of the Whole portion of the evening, Councillor Stewart motioned that alcohol sales be banned at Pelham’s annual Outdoor Christmas Market, in a bid to keep the event “totally family-friendly.”

Ward 1’s other councillor, Mike Ciolfi, disagreed, saying the event is really no different than a licensed restaurant.

“I don’t think that just because there’s because alcohol, it’s not family-friendly,” he said. “I’ve never seen it to be a drunkfest. It’s no different than taking your kids out for a hamburger and you might have a glass of wine.”

The motion was defeated 4-2.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is?

The opportunity to play.”

Mike Singletary

The Voice, September 25, 2019

Sporting Green The Niagara

Page 13

Piccolo says wise up and know when to zip it on the links

14

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | September 25, 2019

Six locals selected in NLL draft Four A's drafted into pro lacrosse league

Jake McNabb was selected in the second route of the NLL draft.

BILL POTRECZ PHOTO

The St. Catharines Athletics were well represented at the National Lacrosse League draft last week.

Alex Pace, Jake McNabb, Tom Whitty and Bradley Fannell all heard their names called at the draft, which was held in Philadelphia.

As well, former A’s goaltender and St. Catharines native Troy Holowchuk was picked, while Thorold native and former Athletic Holden Garlent was the top local player chosen when he was selected in the first round (fourth overall) by the Saskatchewan Rush.

Athletics general manager Jeff Chcoski was proud as a peacock that so many members of the double blue were chosen.

“I don’t know how many

BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

other teams had four players chosen, but I’m sure we’d be close to the top,” Chcoski said. “I think it puts St. Catharines back on the lacrosse map. It says St. Catharines is still a hotbed for lacrosse.”

Three of the four current A’s chosen were defenders or transition players.

“We knew there was a good core of D guys coming through here and that we had a pretty special group,” Chcoski said.

Pace was the first St. Catharines player chosen when he was selected by the Philadelphia Wings in the second round (20th overall).

“Alex was a guy who im-

IceDogs in development mode—aiming for .500 season

BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

The Niagara IceDogs are living in a different world this season.

Last year at this time, the IceDogs were boldly announcing they were all in for a run at an Ontario Hockey League championship and possible berth in the Memorial Cup. The time around, the organization is more focused on player development and teaching with many of the mainstays from last season gone and a fresh, new batch of young players on the roster.

“I think .500 would be great for us,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said.

“I certainly think it’s within reach but we haven’t put up a number or something like that we are aiming for right now. Obviously the plan is to make the playoffs and to do that we have to probably be around that .500 mark. The plan is to get into the playoffs and see what happens.”

To do that, the IceDogs will need to develop as the season progresses.

“We usually break into ten-game segments. The big thing is we want to be better. However we are in the first ten games, we want to be better in the second segment,” Burke said. “Hard work and competitive-

ness really makes up for youthful mistakes. If we aren’t thinking too much and using our speed and skill, I think that will cover up a couple of mistakes. There will be mistakes. It will be a work in progress.”

Burke and his staff (Jody Hull, Mark Mancari, Mark Janosz) are well aware there is a delicate balance between development and being competitive.

“Going 0-68 is certainly not going to develop anyone when you are getting pounded every night,” Burke said. “The perfect world is to put guys in situations and they have success and get wins. If they do something and it works for them, that builds confidence. We want to put the guys into meaningful games now. Meaningful games are if we are in a race to make the playoffs or against a team that has loaded up to see what it takes to be a successful team. It’s important we start putting those building blocks into place so sooner that later, we can be one of the top teams again.”

Burke said patience will be paramount.

“Every group of guys is different,” he said. “Certain core things stay the same but I don’t think with guys going through it for the first

proved so much over the last couple of years to become the player he is,” Chcoski said. “He will crack the starting roster right away.

“He is a true leader on and off the floor.”

Pace hails from Halifax and moved to St. Catharines four years ago.

“He was super-excited,” Chcoski said.

McNabb, a 21-year-old native of Owen Sound, was also selected in the second round by the Colorado Mammoth, who took the sniper with the 31st overall pick.

McNabb cemented his status as an elite offensive player with a superb performance in the playoffs, See MCNABB Page 17

IceDogs' 2019/20 Roster GOALIES 1 Tucker Tynan 34 Josh Rosenzweig 37 Christian Sbaraglia DEFENCE 2 Landon Cato 4 Issac Enright 10 Mason Howard 14 Giancarlo Chanton 27 A.J. Cook 41 Drew Hunter (OA) 77 Dakota Betts 98 Elijah Roberts (OA) FORWARDS 3 Anthony Agostinelli 8 Jackson Doherty 11 Jonah DeSimone 13 Cameron Snow 15 Oliver Castleman (OA) 18 Ryan Campbell 21 Ethan Sims 26 Philip Tomasino 28 Andrew Bruder 44 Akil Thomas 61 Lucas Theriault 71 Kyen Sopa 73 Jake Uberti

F O O R P Who let the Dogs out. time putting a gun to their head everyday is necessarily the best way to get the most out of them.

We’ll do a ton of video and a ton of individual teaching. We’re going to have to really stay on that.”

The IceDogs return a decent

ALEX LUPUL PHOTO

core from last season’s team led by snipers Akil Thomas (Kings) and Phil Tomasino (Predators). Both are still at NHL camp but should return soon.

See ICEDOGS Page 17

905-329-3462 www.homefrontlandscaping.com

Page 14

The Voice, September 25, 2019

NPCA board says no to fishing expedition

ANOTHER ROUND

by John Piccolo

Activist-turned-board member Ed Smith sought open-ended access to agency files

The dreaded unwritten laws

P

ACE OF PLAY has become a major issue on the PGA Tour (again) and the Euro Tour is even threatening to enforce the rules in regard to this matter (imagine that). There is a rule that spells out how long you are allowed to take to hit a shot and what the penalty is if you break the rule. Sounds simple but apparently not.

If it is difficult to get the actual rules right even for and by the best players in the world, what about the unwritten rules of golf?

What is the proper etiquette?

There is no perfect answer here, but the old “Golden Rule” is a good start. Don’t do anything during a round of golf to other people that you wouldn’t want them doing to you. On the big tour it is common practice never to do anything that will interfere with a competitor’s ability to hit a shot. Trash talking and causing the crowd to stir out of turn are not cool. It makes watching much less interesting but is fair enough.

For all but the rabid fan, golf is dreadfully boring to watch. Why don’t tour players show more emotion and get in each other’s faces?

Liven things up a little? They are just trying to keep their emotions in check. Golf is not a game that is conducive to wild swings in emotion. I always say you want to be a merry-go-round and not a roller coaster when playing golf. Hitting a drive down the middle or sinking a six foot putt for par are not reasons to be celebrating like a modern day hockey player scoring a goal. A little excitement and a little frustration never hurt, but too much of either is too men-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

tally draining to sustain playing 18 holes.

What is acceptable behavior on the golf course? One of the only reasons I play is to give playing partners a hard time. I would rather have a root canal while listening to country music than play golf with someone who can’t take or give

Anything else, mind your own beeswax unless asked

an insult. I do however have a cut-off point. There has to be a grace period where you get a chance to compose yourself and get a decent chance to hit a decent shot.

After and in-between shots, everything is fair game.

If the people you are playing with are known entities, you will know how big a deal it is to play out of turn or cause a little noise and act accordingly. If you are unfamiliar with your partners, especially if it is work-related, be safer than sorry in your behavior. If you are not an etiquette junkie or are newer to the game, let the group know. Just tell them to feel free to correct and explain any activity that they deem out of order. This will keep things from festering all round long as you do things you have no idea are ticking someone off.

One of the biggest breaches of etiquette is the guy who breaks the don’t ask, don’t tell rule. If you are not asked for advice, whether it is about the rules or about the swing, zip it. As far as swing tips go, you likely don’t know enough to help anyone and, even if you do, during a round of golf is not the time to be doling out advice. If it is a rules violation and you are playing a competitive round then by all means politely get involved.

Politely get involved if it is an etiquette issue as well.

Anything else, mind your own beeswax unless asked.

Not a lot of fun playing with a know- it-all.

The fall is a great time for newbies to spend some time on the course and be pulled up to speed on the details of where to stand, where and when to practice swing (and how many), and many of the things that make the game nerve-wracking for beginners. It is much easier to learn these things on a quieter golf course when everyone involved is a little more chilled than on a crowded summer day.

Finally if you do screw up, either accidentally or accidentally on purpose, take responsibility and apologize.

It’s better for you and for your game. I have no problem letting the world know if you don’t like someone, but keep the animosity off the playing field. Play hard, play fair and who plays best wins on this day.

Class never goes out of style. ♦ John Piccolo is the golf instructor and runs Piccolo’s Custom Golf Shop at Eagle Valley Golf Club in Niagara Falls. Email him at picgolf@vaxxine.com

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The VOICE

Board member Ed Smith’s attempt to access any and all legal and corporate documents ran into a brick wall at this month’s Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board meeting, held Wednesday, September 18, at Balls Falls Conservation Area, in Lincoln.

A number of Smith’s board colleagues found the request inappropriate, and concurred with staff’s report that board members need to abide by and respect privacy laws.

An environmental activist, Smith was once sued by the NPCA, a suit dismissed as without merit by a judge in 2017.

Smith made the request at the end of the previous board meeting, held August 14, indicating that he essentially wanted to sift through corporate documents. In the official video recording of that meeting, he was asked by an unidentified board member, off camera, what it was he was looking for specifically, and why. Smith replied, “I’ll know it when I find it. I may not be looking for anything...that’s called governance.”

“That’s called bullshit,” the board member can be heard answering.

The meeting was adjourned 15 seconds later.

At Wednesday’s meeting, some board members who are also municipal or Regional councillors drew upon their experience to point out that they would not be permitted in those roles to access any and all documents on their own initiative.

NPCA board member and Hamilton City Councillor Brenda Johnson said that at Hamilton Council, if an elected official wanted to access corporate records, the official must submit a formal written request.

Council then approves it or not.

“It has to be specific. It has to be very specific as to what you are looking for,” said Johnson.

Member Robert Foster of Lincoln shared his thoughts by saying board members don’t get special access to corporate files, just because they are board members.

“There’s no rights bestowed upon any particular member just because they are a member of this particular board,” said Foster. Smith said that he disagreed with Foster’s assessment, asserting that as a board member he has special rights over regular citizens to access confidential corporate material.

While the majority of the board found the staff report on the matter thorough, Smith called it “anecdotal” and wanted more specifics.

NPCA CAO Gayle Wood provided background, saying that Smith indicated at the previous meeting he wanted to come into the office and look at some legal files. Staff responded via email, indicating that Smith needed to be more definitive as to what he was looking for specifically. Wood pointed

out that there are decades’ worth of files, going back to the NPCA’s creation.

Wood told the board that, “Staff are indicating to the board that an open-ended request to access legal files is inappropriate.

Period. We feel very strongly about this.”

Comment was requested of Smith, Wood, and Vice Chair and Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson. Smith did not reply by deadline.

Wood replied, saying that Huson would speak on behalf of the board.

Huson quoted from the staff report presented to Ed Smith.

VOICE FILE PHOTO the board regarding Smith’s request: “The NPCA acknowledges the need to be open and transparent in the conduct of its affairs. As a public body, this desire for openness must however be balanced with the business needs of the institution, the privacy rights of the individuals and organizations its serves, as well as the applicable legislation.”

Huson said that the issue has been referred to the NPCA’s Governance Committee for formalization of a draft policy that will apply to board members when requesting access to records. The next Governance meeting has been scheduled for October 22.

Asked whether she thought that too much time was being spent looking in the rear-view, rather than addressing challenges currently facing the board, Huson said that not all board members were yet completely informed.

“Some members have a clear interest in getting clarity over past actions of the previous board, which is not unusual considering the public attention it received.

We’ve all had questions. It’s more a matter of timing. The temporary board put in place in January had an opportunity to explore our concerns. Since then we’ve had a staggered turnover of board members, with our final board coming into effect in October. They weren’t part of the meetings that already took place so may still have unanswered questions.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, CAO Wood took offense to an inference she drew from Smith’s correspondence with staff.

“I also need to say this really is important to me. Somewhere in the dialogue there may have been some allegations or suggestion that there was an attempt to hide anything. Staff had no attempt to hide anything.”

Wood told the board that staff have obligations under the privacy laws and her staff take this “very seriously.”

“Unless member Smith says specifically what he’s looking for we are not dealing with this,” concluded Wood.

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Page 15

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Morufat Ogunkoya and her children. FABULOUS GLORIA KATCH PHOTO FENWICK claimed asylum after facing religious persecution for becoming Christian and recanting Islam.

In an earlier interview with the Voice, Morufat asserted that her father is well connected with extremist Muslim clerics, and has made threats against her and her family’s life. While there are accounts from several Christian-based organizations of Boko Haram, a Muslim extremist group, attacking churches in regions of Nigeria, the government there downplays the violence. However, Morufat told the Voice she fears a threat to her family if she is forced to return home.

Currently the government in Canada disagrees, and her lawyer has stated that Morufat was likely to have received a deportation order this Tuesday, after the Voice went to press.

Through Rose City Kids, a petition of 30,000 signatures was gathered to keep the Ogunkoya family in Canada, apparently to no avail. Supporters of the family recently picketed an immigration office in Toronto. Several representatives of Rose City Kids also went to a recent Liberal rally in Niagara-on-the-Lake to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and hand

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Refugee family faces long odds Supporters were preparing to sing songs and express hope at a benefit concert held last Friday night at Rose City Kids, in Welland, to keep the Nigerian Ogunkoya refugee family here in Canada.

The event aimed to raise funds to pay the family’s legal fees, estimated at $20,000, noted Sonya Wierenga, Executive Director and one of the founders of Rose City Kids. John Langendoen, of Pelham is another founder of the faithbased organization, which assists youth, teens and their families.

Wierenga said she has never been involved with an issue as problematic as a refugee family on the verge of possible deportation. She admits it has been difficult, as it involves dealing with many levels of government, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and legal matters.

The first lawyer for the Ogunkoya family was fired, and replaced by a Toronto immigration lawyer, but the legal fees are already about $11,000 to date, Wierenga said.

The Ogunkoya family arrived in Quebec from the U.S. in January 2018. Morufat, the mother, arrived with her three children, Victor, 16, Hephzibah, 14, and Rejoice, 10, from Nigeria. They

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, September 25, 2019

Page 17

MCNABB

continued from Page 13 where he collected 24 goals in ten games.

“Jake is a special player,” Chcoski said. “He’s a shooter, and the numbers he put up in the playoffs basically carved out his draft and being able to go in the second round. He was one of the most focused guys in the dressing room and obviously knew what he was doing.”

Whitty, a 20-year-old St. Catharines native, was selected in the third round (35th overall) by the Rochester Knighthawks.

“He just plays the game right and treats everybody right,” Chcoski said. “We’re so proud of Tom.” Whitty, who attends the University of Guelph, still has one year of junior eligibility remaining.

“He comes back to our program next year and will definitely be a leader in the dressing room,” Chcoski said.

Fannell, a 21-year-old St. Catharines native, went in the sixth round (81st overall) to the expansion Halifax Thunderbirds.

“He’s been through so much,” Chcoski said.

“He’s one of the best transition players — he won the transition award for our team — he’s worked super hard and is a leader in the lockeroom.

“For him to take two years off and then come back and get drafted is pretty special for him and his family.”

Holowchuk was selected by the Toronto Rock in the fourth round.

The 19-year-old St. Catharines native spent time with both the Spartan junior B’s and A’s before being dealt to the Six Nations Arrows this season.

“I traded him because he wanted to play and it worked out good for Troy,” Chcoski said. “He didn’t want to sit behind Nick [Damude] for another year. It was a mutual trade and it worked out well for both teams.”

Garlent, a 23-year-old Thorold native, attended Canisius College and played senior in Brooklin last year.

“It was the right decision for me,” Garlent said in a press release on the team’s website (saskrush. com) of coming out ahead of his senior season.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Derek Keenan. I think he likes my style of play and I hope I can build on that relationship and see where it goes.”

As a junior at Canisius, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder led the Griffins and finished second in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with 26 caused turnovers, and finished second on the team with 35 loose balls. Garlent scored four goals and added three assists last season for Canisius, and set a school record with six caused turnovers in a victory over Mercer. One year earlier as a sophomore, Garlent earned All-MAAC Conference first team honours.

He was the captain and team most valuable player for St. Catharines in 2016, and then moved to Six Nations a year later and helped the Arrows win the 2017 Minto Cup, scoring eight goals in eight playoff games.

Perfect weather for a flea market Station #3 volunteer firefighter and Trunk Sale organizer Sean Young (top right) said 300-plus visitors turned out Saturday for their fifth fundraiser in two years. Above, Frank, the 8-month-old Ridgeback, pretends to sleep. DAVE BURKET PHOTOS

ICEDOGS

continued from Page 13 “They’ll be back when they’re back,” Burke said.

Both should be among the top forwards in the league, but will need help.

“Obviously Akil and Tomasino are too good not to score in this league, but we can’t expect them to do all the scoring every game by themselves,” Burke said.

“We’re going to need guys to step up and score 20 goals that we didn’t expect to, and guys who had around 20 goals last year, we’re going to need them closer to 30 goals this year to help us win games and stay competitive.”

Among those expected to up their offensive game this season are over-age

forward Oliver Castleman, sophomore winger Jonah DeSimone, and import speedster Kyen Sopa.

Newcomers Anthony Agostinelli and Cameron Snow have also been impressive.

Veteran OAs Elijah Roberts and Drew Hunter will anchor a young and promising defence headed up by Issac Enright, Landon Cato and import Giancarlo Chanton.

“There is lot to be excited about. Not only guys who are ready to be stars, but guys we think have potential in them as well,” Burke said.

Expect Enright, Cato and Chanton to see a considerable amount of playing time.

“There will be a lot of opportunities to play and get better and make their mistakes. It will help them in the long run,

but at the same time, you just don’t want to throw them to the wolves,” Burke said.

For now, young Josh Rosenzweig will act as the third goalie.

Burke said the staff and players are eager to get the regular season started.

“It feels like we’ve been in training camp for three months here,” he said.

“We’re excited and pretty impressed with the strides a lot of guys have made so far.

The returning players have done great job being leaders and mentoring, and the young guys are working as hard as they can and are trying to pick it up as quickly as possible.”

The IceDogs begin the season with St. Catharines native A.J. Cook on defence and former St. Catharines Falcon Ethan Sims of Hamilton up front.

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19

Peaceful

usually can identify a major and a minor personality type. I begin by describing myself as “peaceful” (as my major) and “perfectionist” (as my minor). Then I ask the couple to analyze themselves. Sometimes by this time they’ve already made it clear what they are (with a few examples and laughs thrown in).

The main takeaway of all this is for the couple to realize that their personalities are probably different and to note both the strengths and weaknesses that go with them. It’s true that opposites attract, so usually part of their attraction to each other is a personality trait that they don’t have (or at least not as much). So a powerful person may be attracted to a peaceful type. And the perfectionist finds the popular type rather refreshing. If I have two powerful types in the room or a powerful/ perfectionist combination before me… well, I promise to pray for them (just kidding).

My encouragement to the couple is this—affirm the

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and social butterflies often have this personality. The strength is that they are fun to be around (you know, “the life of the party”), but the corresponding weakness is that they are often messy.

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F

Page 18

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Perfectionist

The fancy word for this final one is “melancholic.”

Artists, musicians and accountants often claim this one. The strength is that they are well organized and meticulous, but the downside could be they are overly sensitive and easily offended.

Now comes the fun part.

I explain that everyone

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R

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The fancy word for this type is “phlegmatic.” You see why I stick with the simple words (I can barely spell the fancy ones). Family counsellors and diplomats often have this one.

The strength is that they are stable and patient, but the possible weakness is that they can be indecisive.

strengths of your partner and be very patient with the weaknesses. What they should avoid like the plague is the temptation to try to remake their partner to be like themselves. That’s a recipe for disaster and discord. And even if it worked, it would be a very boring marriage. Instead they can celebrate their differences.

I conclude my session by sharing with them my conviction that there was only one person in history who had all the personality strengths in perfect balance without the weaknesses.

My reference is to Jesus.

And I encourage them to build their lives and marriage on Him and His Word.

If they do, I believe their chances are far greater that they won’t become a statistic but rather will enjoy a lifelong partnership of love, commitment, healthy compromise and… a lot of old-fashioned, hard work. ♦

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor and recently celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary with Birgitta.

Thorold arrest for luring Earlier this month, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) opened an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children.

In a statement released last week, police say that their investigation led to a Thorold resident. On Wednesday, September 18, Jordan Alexander Bolger, 28, of Thorold, was arrested and charged with lure a child; communicate with a person who is under the age of 18 for the purpose of facilitating an offence; make child pornography; communicate with a person who is under the age of 16 for the purpose of facilitating an offence; and sexual interference.

Bolger was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Voice

HOROSCOPE

E

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3. Amulet 4. Erasing 5. Septet 6. Taped 7. Eder 9. Stowe 10. Trireme 12. Flimflam 14. Sir 15. Ban 17. Did 19. Termites 20. ADC 23. Aerates 24. ABN 25. Manatee 26. MYC 27. Marina 28. Lid 29. Apt 30. Neuss 31. Sables 32. Oceans 33. Nester 34. Final 36. Pula

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER 22 Billie Piper, Actress (37) SEPTEMBER 23 Skylar Astin, Actor (32) SEPTEMBER 24 Ben Platt, Actor (26) SEPTEMBER 25 Sofía Reyes, Singer (24) SEPTEMBER 26 Serena Williams, Athlete (38) SEPTEMBER 27 Arielle Vandenberg, Model (33) SEPTEMBER 28 Naomi, Watts, Actress (51) SEPTEMBER 29 Rose Molnar, Nice Person (90)

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humor, Scorpio. Humor is sometimes an acquired taste. Your true friends understand you thoroughly.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 A houseful of guests is one way to put you on the spot and showcase how you are the consummate host/ hostess, Sagittarius. Embrace the party full force.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Are you ready for your long to-do list, Capricorn? Because those tasks are lining up and waiting for your finishing touches. Delegate a little, but don’t shy away from hard work.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, even though you are often a fountain of good information, sometimes the delivery leaves something to be desired. Watch your tone and filter for your audience.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, it may be good to have a close friend or family member in your corner this week. Some news could surprise you.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. TPA 4. Este 8. Aims 10. Tread 11. Cnut 12. Frappe 13. Kilos 15. Blister 16. Loewi 17. Dairies 18. Entertainment 21. EDD 22. FMG 23. Arc 24. Ale 25. Mem 26. MBA 27. Marilyn Manson 34. Fanatic 35. Peace 36. Pirated 37. Tubes 38. Unites 39. Slat 40. Lanes 41. Sene 42. Alae 43. SSR

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you like to be friendly to everyone, but sometimes you have to accept that not everyone is on your team. This week you may experience push-back from a new face.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you have a lot on your plate right now and you need to work through some tasks before you can focus on new things. Take some time to contemplate.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 It is easy to find yourself on a spending spree, Gemini. Instead of figuring out when to put the credit cards away, leave them home instead.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, if you’re thinking about running away from big decisions right now, realize they’ll only be waiting for you when you get home. Better to dig in right now.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 People have been asking for your input at every turn, Leo. You probably can use a break. It’s fine to step aside and let someone else handle things .

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a change of scenery can be just what you need to infuse a new energy into your life. New opportunities can bring about a different perspective and attitude.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Your professional life could use a shake-up, Libra. You just aren’t sure if that means taking a break for a little bit or going on the hunt for a new position entirely.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Do not take offense if some people do not appreciate your sense of

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The Voice, September 25, 2019

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD

A

my wife helps too, offering valuable advice from her perspective.

I try to keep the chat informal and relaxed as we sip coffee together and talk about some important topics which help a marriage go the distance. Afterwards, we feel we know each other a lot better, and that makes the wedding day more meaningful for us all.

One part of the session which I’ve noticed is very helpful to most couples is about personalities. In fact I think it’s beneficial for everyone, regardless of your marital status, because it’s all about interpersonal relationships. So, take a sip of coffee and let me walk you through it.

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How your personality a�ects your marriage

S A PA ST OR I’ve had the privilege of officiating at quite a few weddings over the years.

I always got a rush when I pronounced those magical, mystical words—“I now pronounce you man and wife.” There is always spontaneous clapping and cheering at that point, the happy couple kiss, walk down the aisle, out the back door of the church, and live happily ever after. I wish.

It always sobers me to read the statistic that in North America today roughly half of the marriages don’t last. Sad, but true. So one thing I emphasize to a young couple who comes to me to be married is to encourage them to invest not only in their wedding day, but in their marriage.

And one of the things I require is for the couple to take one session of pre-marital counselling with me. Some pastors don’t require any while others require multiple sessions. I try to cover the most important areas in one full evening, usually in our living room. Sometimes

Page 19

There are four main personality types, which all begin with the letter “P.” I like to keep things simple (and memorable) so the four Ps work well for me.

Powerful

The fancy word for this one is “choleric.” A powerful personality makes a good leader. Business executives and military commanders usually have this type. I explain that the strength of this personality is that the person is decisive. However, a possible weakness can be that they are also insensitive.

Popular

The fancy word here is “sanguine.”

Entertainers See FAITH LIFT previous page

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

The Voice, September 25, 2019

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 the back of one heel, and rolled down his little hamster stairs from his little hamster loft.

His breathing was labored, and, while I’m not entirely sure what the normal heart rate is for a hamster, I thought his seemed rapid. So, after promising to take Champion to the vet if he lasted the night, I sent Tanner off to sleep in my bed and set out to figure out what was wrong with our disoriented patient. Admittedly, I did not want to take him to the vet in the morning, but, being a mom, I had

made the Hippocratic Oath to treat my child, and any of his wards, whether living or of the stuffy variety, to the best of my ability, so I was in for a long night.

So began the saga of The Champ. With the shivering creature wrapped in a facecloth in one hand, I typed his symptoms into Google with the other. Could it be a respiratory illness? Many websites offered naturopathic remedies for that. But what showed up on the next few sites stopped me in my tracks.

“NEVER USE CEDAR CHIPS TO LINE THE CAGE,” said all of them.

Apparently, the oils within them are absorbed by the rodent and are toxic, even-

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tually causing organ shutdown. Had I bought cedar chips? Away up the staircase I flew like a flash, tore open the cupboard, and brought out the package.

Cedar chips.

Ah, yes. They were on sale a few weeks ago.

There was a picture of what looked like a hamster on the front so I assumed…

In denial, I went back to the respiratory treatments, and with Champion still in my palm, I boiled some water to prepare the recommended cardamom tea treatment. At 2 AM, with a weary head, I used an eye-

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A Teddy Bear Hamster—not Champion. dropper to pry open his mouth and push a few drops of tea in behind his two, long front teeth.

Suddenly, Champion’s limp body came alive! His four legs splayed out, as if a puppeteer had pulled all strings on a marionette at the same time, and his eyes opened wide! He seemed to

take a deep breath! I took a deep breath! The tea had revived him! What a wonder drug and Hallelujah!

Then, just as quickly, he went completely limp. His eyes squeezed shut, and he exhaled—for the last time.

A few seconds later, he peed onto my hand and his body went stiff.

Holy Hamster Wheels.

What a bizarre turn of events. A few seconds ago, I had a miracle hamster in in my hand. Now I had a dead hamster. I gave him a little poke, just in case, but his body was creepily hard, like he had already been taxidermied and was ready for mounting.

(905) 892-6881 I carefully placed him and his facecloth in a shoebox and put him in a cupboard, away from the cats. In the morning, I told my son the bad news, without divulging Seven sessions designed to strengthen your relationship the likely cause of death. He took it well but still stayed THE COURSE HELPS COUPLES TO: Seven sessions designed to home from school. We dug • Understand eachrelationship. other’s needs strengthen your a hole in the garden, placed • Communicate more effectively him in, said goodbye, and The course helps couples to: • Grow closer by learning methods to resolve conflict built a rock pyre on top. We • Understand each other’s needs • Recover from the ways you may have hurt each other • Communicate more effectively spent the morning solemnRecognize how yourmethods upbringing affects •• Grow closer by learning to resolve conflictyour relationship ly tossing a baseball, baking Improvefrom relationships withhave parents andother in-laws •• Recover the ways you may hurt each cookies, being quiet.

•• Recognize how your upbringing affects your relationship Develop greater sexual intimacy • Improve relationships with parents and in-laws My son was so uncharacDiscover eachsexual other’s “love language” and much more.

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but for us, it seemed to be about five hours.

But before we left, the guilt overtook me and I told my son about the cedar chips.

He was thoughtful for a moment but understood it was an accident and let me off the hook, easier perhaps than I deserved. And so, an hour later, Tanner gazed down into the box on his lap, filled with a new hamster, as we drove home from the pet store.

“What will you call him?”

I asked.

“I don’t know yet,” he said, sizing up his new friend.

“How about... Runner Up?” I offered, in a lighthearted way, but which came out as an insensitive, cheap humour kind of way.

“That’s so mean, Mom.” “Sorry.”

While the new hamster has been with us for a year, I suppose Champion could never really be replaced, because this new, skittish fella, perhaps out of reverence for Champion, or out of defiance of my distasteful joke, is still unnamed.

Our neighbour’s children call him “Cookies.”

Our other son calls him “Kobe,” after the basketball player, because he seems to think they have something in common. We generically call him “The Rat." The Rat, by the way, has reclaimed paper fibers lining his cage. ♦

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