The Voice, September 28 2022

Earl Clapp's killer sentenced to 14 years

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Last Thursday afternoon, justice was served in courtroom number six at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines, as Justice Joseph DeFilippis sentenced career criminal Jason Lusted to 14 more years of incarceration. The actual sentence was 18 years, with credit given for time already served behind bars, and additional consideration for adverse conditions Lusted experienced during pandemic lockdown. Lusted had pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the October 2020 death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp.

Justice DeFilippis recounted the irrefutable facts of the case in his written decision.

Earl Clapp was a 74-year-old Fenwick resident who owned and operated a farm metal products business from his property on Centre Street. The evening of October 2 2020, Lusted and his co-accused, Matthew McInnes, drove in Lusted’s Ford Expedition (which has never been located) to Clapp’s address, with the intention of stealing his trailers from a locked enclosure. The pair had purchased illicit drugs earlier that evening. Noise from the power tools they were using in the theft awakened Clapp, and he went outside to investigate. In his bid to escape, Lusted drove his Expedition in a swerving path towards Clapp, which collided with Clapp and caused him to be trapped under the vehicle. Lusted sped off, dragging Clapp for almost two kilometres. His body was found by a passing motorist on Highway 20 at about 3 AM.

MacInnes, 40, pleaded guilty in March on lesser charges of theft, and testified for the Crown against Lusted at the trial.

Lusted did not have a gentle upbringing, as DeFilippis noted in his judgment.

At age nine, he became a Crown ward at the request of his parents (an alcoholic mother and abusive father), due to his uncontrollable behaviour. He was placed in care for psychiatric treatment, and lived in group homes until he was 16. Lusted had a history of learning disabilities, depression, and drug addiction, and never achieved stable employment. Over a 30-year period beginning in 1986, he accumulated 65 convictions for a wide variety of offences, and had been sentenced to penitentiary seven times, including a six-and-a-half-year term for being an accessory after the fact to murder. On five occasions, Lusted was found guilty of dangerous driving, with three of those offences involving flight from police pursuit. He

“His life is defined by a complete disregard for the law, court orders, and public safety”

Earl Clapp’s ashes lie beneath a Buddha and memorial candle in the family's garden on Centre Street, near a porch where he and his family and friends used to sit, enjoy coffee or wine, have conversation, and watch the sunset

DON RICKERS

by Dave Burket

Okay, Boomer

Ihad a birthday a few days back, not major number but a sort of minor chord—63. This technically makes me a Baby Boomer, but toward the trailing edge. (The Boomer cutoff a few decades ago, as I remember, was 1960—15 years-worth of postwar boinking for babies—but apparently it now stretches to 1965. No matter, I was born in ‘59.) It’s a cliché that male Boomers are obsessed with World War II—their appetites endless for history books, documentaries, novels, and patriotic Hollywood versions of the so-called Last Good War. Happily, this particular fi xation did not take root in me as a child, despite having two grand uncles who served—one in battle as an Army sergeant (known to all forever after as “Uncle Sarge”), the other in the desert, at Los Alamos, where as a physicist with the Manhattan Project he helped design the atomic bomb (so, you know, mixed feelings there). It has come a surprise, therefore, that this summer has seen me suddenly interested in (dare I say fi xated on?) WWII. In part it goes back to a serendipitous visit to the Fonthill Library, where on the sale shelves I found an excellent, comprehensive overview of the war published by Britain’s Imperial War Museum, written by the unfortunately named Richard Overy (“Imagine going through life,” a friend commented, “named ‘Dick Overy’”). We also happened to hear some stories recently from our friend Eve, who as a teenager in Holland travelled to Berlin near the end of the war to help smuggle out Dutch nationals. (Nearly as vital in the service to humanity, she brought me homemade birthday butter tarts.) There is also the latest Ken Burns documentary, now airing on PBS, “The US and the Holocaust,” six hours of riveting, sobering, infuriating history that should be mandatory viewing in every high school classroom around the world. But at the root of all this, of course, is the current global sickness: the rise of right-wing ultra-nationalism across Europe, in Brazil and India, in the US and in Canada, much of it—not all, but much of it—openly racist, xenophobic, and religiously intolerant. There is Russia, under the malign control of a dictator seeking to expand his borders based on contorted reimaginings of history, and there are North Korea and China, under the malign control of dictators seeking to expand their influence globally (and in China’s case, doing a pretty good job of it—the IMF and CIA both acknowledge that China became the world’s largest economy two years ago). So is it any surprise that those with even a rudimentary sense of history detect parallels between today and the 1930s? Ninety years ago isn’t all that far back, it turns out. Drought and famine then,

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Child abuse detectives arrest male

Earlier this month, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Child Abuse Unit started an investigation into allegations of sexual assault. On Friday, September 9, police arrested Mario Bozza, 39, in relation to a 13-year-old female. Bozza faces the following charges: Abduction of person under 14, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual touching, Expose genitals. Bozza was held in custo-

dy pending a bail hearing. Police say that Bozza is suspected to have driven a distinctive vehicle during the commission of the offence, a 2019 light Ford Mustang with licence plate CHFY 702, aftermarket exhaust, black tint and black rims. Through their investigation, detectives have reason to believe social media was used to contact further victims, and are asking anyone with information to contact them at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext 1009538.

No progress in Lowes case

Sexual assault allegations stalled as 22nd proceeding takes place

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

asked for a new court date of October 21 at 9 AM, by which time he expected the CPT will have taken place. Justice Phillips allowed his request. September 23 was the twenty-second proceeding in this matter, which has now been 19 months before the courts.

What's That SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The Pelham Fire Department responded to eight calls for assistance from Friday, September 16 to Friday, September 23.

Friday, September 16

Detector activation, Marissa St., Station 1

Odour investigation, Brookfield Ct., Station 1

Odour investigation, Brookfield Ct., Station 1

Saturday, September 17 Rubbish fire, Line Ave., Station 1

Wednesday, September 14

Medical assistance, Station 3

Thursday, September 15

Motor vehicle collision, Hwy 20 E, Station 1

Medical assistance, Station 1

Medical assistance, Station 1Mark Evans, lawyer for accused Richard Lowes, briefly appeared in Welland virtual court last Friday, September 23, before Justice of the Peace Bruce Phillips. He told the court that he was still attempting to arrange a Crown pre-trial meeting (CPT), and

Lowes, 66, was charged with three counts of sexu-

al assault and one count of sexual interference with a person under 16 in March of 2021. He owns and operates the Country Corner Market, at Quaker Road and Line Avenue in Fonthill, and has supported numerous charitable causes in Pelham and Niagara with food donations in the past. Lowes was recognized as the Fonthill and District

drought and famine now. Fascist-actual cults of personality then, fascist-adjacent cults of personality now. Making this moment infinitely more dangerous are the rising levels of lies and propaganda passing for news on the internet. Social media has brought us closer all right—within easy reach to claw at each other’s throats. (If the first casualty of war is truth, Twitter will end us all.) Meanwhile legitimate news organizations—especially newspapers—are folding by the month. As you will have likely seen last week, nine large Canadian dailies will stop printing Monday editions as of mid October. Google and Facebook continue to carve away ad dollars from all traditional media, including radio and television, and these wolves are prowling ever closer even to us small-town weeklies. So...where does all this leave us, aside from regretting reading Publisher’s Corner this week (Happy Wednesday!). Well, democracy is fragile and its survival is by no means guaranteed. It’s easier to lose than it is to keep. You don’t have to be 63 to see this, or to take action to protect it. Our friend Eve of the butter tarts was 19 when she went on her mission to Berlin. There are hopeful signs in Iran and Russia, with increasing demonstrations now against their autocratic regimes. Donald Trump’s legal woes are multiplying—the wheels of justice are slow but they are nonetheless turning. We need to keep pushing back—push back against the liars and grifters, the swindlers who would privatize healthcare to "solve" a crisis which they themselves created. Push back by paying attention, getting our heads out of our phones and rear-ends, and stop taking our freedoms for granted. Being a little nicer to each other would help too. Right, then. Time for a butter tart. See you next week. 4

Kinsmen Club’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

A publication ban prohibits the disclosure of any information about the alleged victims that may lead to their identification.

(905) 892-8690

the Voice at these locations:

Indulgence Bakery Pelham Street Grille

Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness

Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO

Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA

Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K

Mario Bozza NRPS PHOTO

Continued below

DSBN Trustee candidate passionate about Niagara

to ensure that the public school board provides for all kids, including those who have special needs. I think I can be a real advocate for parents in the area.”

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

RENE NAND QUICK FACTS

Running for: English Public school board trustee, vs. incumbent Nancy Beamer, Linda Borland, Lisa Fucile

Age: 44

Occupation: Manager, Community and Cultural Engagement at the Region of Peel

Resides: moved from Brampton to Thorold two years ago

Family: married with two children

For someone who is a relatively recent transplant to Niagara, Rene Nand can’t contain her enthusiastic praise for the region.

“I absolutely love this area, and have been coming here for as long as I can remember,” she told the Voice. “I enjoy exploring the little towns, the waterfront areas, doing lots of hiking, and communing with nature. The food scene here in Niagara is also terrific, and I love the farm-to-table approach.”

Nand also think it’s an exciting time of change in Niagara.

“It's one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province, and I really want to represent the influx of newcomers. Accessibility is a big issue for me, and I want

A Brampton native for 38 years, Nand moved to Thorold with her family two years ago. She is certified as a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional, with some 18 years of experience in progressive Crown corporation and municipal government roles. Nand is employed as the manager of community and cultural engagement for the Region of Peel, but works from home a portion of the week. Her educational credentials include programs in multicultural studies from Centennial College, and business and marketing from Sheridan College. Most recently, she graduated from the executive leadership program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Her background has provided her with experience as to the inner workings of government and municipal matters, said Nand, which would be of benefit as a school board trustee. She stresses the need to support and grow infrastructure, ensuring that class sizes are kept relatively small, and that teachers receive the necessary educational resources.

Nand also has views on addressing the post-Covid classroom.

“I think we need to offer additional supports for sure, because a lot of kids fell through the cracks during Covid, and those are years you can't get back. Whether it’s

additional study groups or homework clubs, more support from teachers’ aides, academic tutors, or other resources, we need to provide them to get students back on track. Additional testing should

also be considered to see exactly where they’re at in their learning journey, with the results made available to parents, along with recommendations. We can't just continue along like the pandemic

didn't happen.”

Although Nand supports safe school environments, she is not in favour of continued mask mandates, or school shutdowns.

“I think this is a hot-button issue for parents and families,” she said. “If you have an existing medical condition that requires you to wear the mask, you should have that opportunity. But I’m not in favour of a school board-wide policy of enforced masking for all.”

With regard to school programs in the arts and athletics, Nand is firmly onside.

“As one of my duties with the Region of Peel, I manage an art gallery, museum, and archives. So I'm a huge proponent of the arts, and would like to see funding put towards those programs as well as for sports. With the resources of Brock University nearby, we've got great opportunities to invest in our kids, through sports, drama, music, visual arts, and other creative pursuits.”

Living in Niagara is the fulfillment of a dream, says Nand.

“I'm just really passionate about this community, and think that I can demonstrate that commitment by representing parents and families as a school trustee. We need to especially get high school students back up to speed in preparation for college and university studies, after the problems created by Covid. Many of them floundered with the transition to online learning, and we need to prioritize their academic progress.” 4

"It's been my dream to live here"

Rene Nand is running for the English public school board trustee spot in the impending municipal election.

DON RICKERS

COTÉ'S COMMENTS Larry Coté

A shout-out to Niagara Health

Could it be that Niagara Health (NH) is getting a bum rap in the publicity it receives? While it is true that no system is perfect, usually those managing these systems do not countenance imperfect practices nor do they intend to do less than their level best.

It is likely an unfair time to be evaluating NH due to the irregularities caused by the Covid pandemic. This virus and its variants have literally and near totally overwhelmed what was reported prior to the pandemic as an over-burdened and under-funded system. If that be near true, then it will understandably be sometimes less than impeccable in some of its performance levels.

I have heard from a number of people who unexpectedly needed to use the services of NH and were impressed by the level of high quality care they received. These reports come from people who made visits to the facilities in Welland, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls, and while they noted how busy these sites appeared to be, they were nonetheless treated with courteous professionalism. They were grateful that

their healthcare needs were attended to and within the parameters of a system that is working overtime and in high gear. While wait times are often critiqued it may be unfair to blame the local administrators as the causes

OPINION

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of that issue which is above their pay-scale and ability to resolve.

Such circumstances bring to the forefront the point of this essay. After receiving acceptable levels of service, most recipients normally do not shout their gratefulness from the mountain tops. They do not publicly commend NH services for being there when they needed them. However, those who believe they received less than satisfactory service

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sometimes loudly proclaim that perception from the rooftops. For example, some will write letters to the editor and criticize what they perceive to be poor service. They are motivated by that belief to do so. Many others of us as patients do not publicly proclaim the satisfactory service received and so there is a numerical imbalance of reports that tend to suggest the local system is deficient and a poor healthcare provider.

Thousands of people are making continual use of NH and have been treated satisfactorily and often in lifesaving circumstances. Perhaps if only a few were to more publicly proclaim the good service they received then a more balanced picture might emerge.

Perhaps NH might follow Damon Runyon’s advice when he said “He who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted.” How many thousands of Niagara residents received healing and sometimes life-saving treatment from Niagara Health throughout the period of this devastating pandemic? Maybe the administration should take a deserved bow and humbly tooteth their own horn. 4

Letters Fertilizer quandary

As I read the interview with Fred Sarvis by John Chick, I was left with a few questions [Sarvis vies for Regional Council, Sept. 21, p.3]. Mr. Sarvis states that he is a “full-blown” environmentalist (I wonder just what this is?). He notes that more manure should be used on agricultural crops rather than all of the chemical fertilizers being used.

As someone that has been involved in agriculture all of my life, as far as I know manure comes from animals, unless of course if one wants to use bio-solids (a byproduct of the sewage treatment plants). The use of more manure would mean more animals—however, on the other hand, other “full-blown” environmentalists are advocating to rid the planet of animals as they are destroying it!

I am wondering, shouldn’t the two groups of “full-blown” environmentalists get together so they can advise us in agriculture which is the best path forward?

Jim Yungblut Fonthill

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

Member of Provincial Parliament Electoral District: Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987

Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094

Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400  Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986

Members of Pelham Town Council

Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-933 6033

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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

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

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

Have an Opinion?

Well don't just sit there. Share it with The Voice! letters@

"They were grateful that their healthcare needs were attended to"

OPINION

irearm safety is an issue which is front-and-centre in the news, as the media reports regularly on numerous mass shootings both in Canada and the United States.

All people — including hunters, target shooters, and shooting sports advocates — abhor these violent acts, and support reasonable and effective efforts by elected representatives to stem the tide of gun carnage.

But opinions differ widely, and emotionally, as to policies that will address the root of the problem.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a citizens’ advocacy group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste, and accountable government, has gone on record as being opposed to the Trudeau government’s ban on many types of fi rearms owned by Canadians, as well as the federal government’s plan to direct $200 million of taxpayers’ money to buy back those guns.

“This expensive policy arbitrarily bans and buys guns owned by law-abiding Canadians and will not take away illegal guns from criminals. Further, it’s

wrong to impose this policy without a vote in the House of Commons. Spending $200 million to buy legally owned guns will not make Canadians safer,” writes the Federation on its website.

Handguns, which feature in many high-profi le crimes both in Canada and the U.S., have been the latest target of the federal Liberal government, which recently implemented a freeze on the legal sale of handguns in Canada.

However, evidence continues to emerge indicating that Canadian handgun crimes are committed almost exclusively with weapons smuggled across the border from the U.S.

A recent analysis by National Post journalist Bryan Passifiume found that 72 percent of the crime guns seized by Toronto Police in 2022 had their origins in the United States, arriving in Canada via the black market, stealthily and illegally transported in vehicles by organized criminals and gang members.

In February, Toronto Police Deputy Chief Myron Demkiw testified to a House of Commons committee that the guns on Toronto streets were not “domes-

Other priorities more important

One can argue the necessity of libraries, especially in the “Age of Enlightenment” we live in today. One can also applaud the generosity of the federal government in awarding the town $5.4 million dollars to replace the existing structure. However, there are so many other services which are more deserving, especially healthcare, which in Niagara is nothing short of appalling. After waiting over three-and-a-half-years, my wife recently had knee replacement surgery, not

in Niagara but in Hamilton. If she had waited to have it done locally there would have been an additional wait of 12 months.

In Niagara we are seeing an unprecedented increase in our population, but not a corresponding one in doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Surely $5.4 million would be better spent addressing the issues and services which matter and not what many would consider to be a luxury. It would be

See PRIORITIES next page

tically sourced,” and that the freeze would do little to curb the city’s recent spike in gun crime. He opined that the legislation “is certainly not going to deal with the crime problem we're facing in

Vancouver Police Insp. Rob Rothwell said at the time.

A 2008 report commissioned by the British Columbia government on the movement of illegal fi rearms agreed, citing that “the sources of crime guns has remained consistent; a large portion of the crime guns recovered in Canada can be traced to dealers in the U.S.”

85 per cent of handguns used in crimes in the province had U.S. origins.

"We really think that restricting lawful handgun ownership doesn't meaningfully address the real issue, which is illegal handguns obtained from the United States,” Evan Bray, chief of the Regina Police, told Reuters.

Toronto as it relates to the use of criminal handguns.”

This is not a situation unique to Toronto. In 2004, Vancouver Police estimated that 94 percent of the guns seized by their officers had origins in Washington State.

"The majority of the fi rearms we seize are purchased legally in the U.S., then smuggled into Canada and sold to organized crime,"

Similarly, an April 2022 report on gun crime by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety highlighted the role that cross-border smuggling plays in funnelling fi rearms to criminal organizations. One of the report’s recommendations was that Ottawa “recognize that serious crimes involving fi rearms and drug trafficking should bear serious penalties given the threat to public safety.” Another recommendation stated that “smuggling is a significant contributor to gun and gang violence in Canada,” and argued for more resources to combat cross-border arms trafficking.

In July of this year, Reuters cited 2021 data from Ontario’s Firearms Analysis and Tracing Enforcement program to show that

The April 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia was the catalyst for a sweeping Liberal government fi rearm ban, despite evidence that the heinous act was committed primarily using illegal guns smuggled across the Canadian border from Maine.

Handguns in Canada are already restricted much more stringently than rifles and shotguns, but commencing in August, the government placed a temporary halt on legal handgun imports into the country. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly sidestepped parliamentary approval to push through the legislation that places a national freeze on the sale, transfer, and ownership of handguns, describing the gov-

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"Evidence continues to emerge indicating that Canadian handgun crimes are committed almost exclusively with weapons smuggled across the border from the US"

There are many disturbing and bewildering aspects to contemporary conservative Christianity but one of the most troubling is the phenomenon of ersatz martyrdom. In an age when people are still genuinely persecuted and even killed because of their faith, there are Christians in Canada, Britain, and the US who claim oppression from places of comfort and privilege. Their suffering is minimal, and often it is something they positively seek.

That’s surely the case with Enoch Burke, an Irish evangelical who was recently sent to Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison. He, his supporters, and various irresponsible newspaper headlines claim that it’s because as a teacher he refuses to use a transgender student’s gender-neutral pronoun.

Actually, Burke was suspended from his school on full pay while a disciplinary hearing considered the case, which is standard procedure when a teacher’s conduct is called into question. The student and their parents had asked for “they” to be used instead of “he.” Burke refused.

Yet rather than remain at home, he insisted on coming to school and sitting in an empty classroom. The school secured a temporary court order which Burke broke, and then told the court that he wouldn’t observe any further injunction. The judge had no option but incarceration, which one can’t help thinking is precisely what Mr. Burke wanted.

“If this court so determines, I will never leave Mountjoy Prison if in leaving the prison I violate my well-informed conscience and religious belief and deny my God,” said Burke. “It seems to me that I can be a Christian in Mountjoy Prison or be a pagan and

respecter of transgenderism outside of it. I know where I belong.”

Or be a Christian who obeys an entirely reasonable law, and enjoys full pay while he waits for his school to consider how to best deal with a situation provoked entirely by his own bloody-mindedness.

From a Biblical point of view the language issue is far from absolute.

The Hebrew word “Adam” is ambiguous, and in Genesis 5 is gender nonspecific, more “man and woman” than specifically masculine. It’s also used in a collective sense, to signify humanity. The Gospels themselves call for empathy and kindness, which one would think would include listening to a young person likely going through an extraordinarily difficult time.

But in all honesty it’s not really about what scripture says or Jesus taught but what conservative Christians want. And that’s to combat what they regard as a secular, threatening, and immoral world.

Burke is a member of large and well-known family in Ireland, whose members have campaigned against abortion and equal marriage, and launched legal challenges based on alleged religious discrimination.

Similar cases have occurred in the US and here in Canada too. We’ve had anti-abortion types breaking bubble zones outside clinics, and sometimes even walking into them to make their views known. The courts, the judges, give repeated warnings but in the end have no option but to reluctantly send these people to prison. Not for being opposed to abortion but for breaking the law. As is likely with the Irish case, incarceration is what they want, for a whole variety of rea-

sons, some of which would require a therapist rather than a columnist to defi ne.

This legal and political distinction is very important because it rests on the fundamental nature of a free and ordered society. We have a separation of powers, with an independent judiciary. The executive and the legislature — Premier and Prime Minister, and provincial and federal parliamentary assemblies — consider, pass, and implement laws. If enough people want those laws to be changed, that are allowed, even encouraged, to campaign within the democratic system.

There are of course unjust laws, but in the Canadian system there are numerous checks and balances, and the argument from conservative Christians that they are powerless to change things without breaking he law is simply fatuous. Also, it’s extreme and self-obsessed.

The irony is that the Christians who suffer because of this aren’t those being celebrated for spending a few night behind bars, but those of us who—believe it or not — work for understanding rather than conflict, and cringe in shame each time this happens. Society is unfolding and improving, and that can be surprising even to those who embrace it. The shock of the new, as it were. But change is necessary and, for many and perhaps people of faith, long overdue. There will always be critics and complainers, and that’s their right. It’s the law’s right and duty to be enforced. 4

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

Letters continued

A bridge too far

It is mind-blowing that the replacement of the Dain City bridge should take six years. Whoever was responsible for the City of Welland to take control of 70-yearold bridges that were past their prime is inconceivable, but that ship has sailed.

The funds for this bridge replacement should only come from the federal government as this bridge was the property of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and our MP Vance Badawey should have fought much harder for federal funds to totally pay for this bridge replacement.

We have in our region quality engineering fi rms like E.S. Fox, that probably could have put a new bridge in Dain City in six-to-12 months. During the Second World War our Army Engineering Corps put bridges over rivers in a week.

I don’t live in Dain City,

but I feel for the residents there and feel sorry that their bridge replacement

a

PRIORITIES

continued from previous page

has taken so long, but even the Ontario government will spend billions on twinning the Garden City Skyway in St. Catharines when most people of Niagara know it’s not needed.

Peter Voss Welland

interesting to see the percentage of residents who actually use the library and what the justification is for a new facility.

As stated, one can debate the relevance of libraries and specifically what they offer to the population of Fonthill. But surely it is about time our government, including our local one, distributes our tax dollars to those services which are essential and which have a real impact on our well-being.

Len Wright Fonthill

a r t i c i p a t e i n e v e n t s a n d a c t i v i t i e s o f f e r e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e d a y V i s i t on l i n e f o r a f u l l l i s t i n g o f r e s o u r c e s a n d a d d i t i o n a l e v e n t d e t a i l s

Sunrise Flag Raising | Sept 30th, 7:30 a.m. Pelham Town Hall - 20 Pelham Town Square

Community members are invited to attend, and those attending are encouraged to wear orange. The "Every Child Matters" Flag will be raised during this time to celebrate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures and bring awareness to the residential school system.

Seminar: Understanding Reconciliation and Allyship

Sept 30th, 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Meridian Community Centre

Medicine Wheel Bracelet Making

Sept 30th 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Meridian Community Centre

P

Visit online for more resources and other National Day for Truth

events in Pelham.

| 905 732 7888

"During the Second World War, our Army Engineering Corps put bridges over rivers in a week"

Letters continued

Picture this: Tree challenge met

It was a proud day for Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH) when the Town of Pelham proclaimed the week of September 18 to 24 as National Forest Week. This official proclamation was declared within the same week that National Tree Day occurred.

Last year, PATH organized a walk from Merritt St. along the Steve Bauer Trail to Peace Park for National Tree Day and presented the Town with an autographed “Friends of the Steve Bauer Trail” T-shirt.

The Board of Directors tossed around ideas to celebrate the week. We knew we had to do something more significant to ensure a big celebration. We agreed on a lofty challenge for our Pelham Path Facebook Group. We challenged the members to post 200 pictures of their favourite trees from the Niagara area.

As the days grew closer to the start of the event, anxiety started to grow amongst the directors. Was this challenge too great to ask? How was this going to be received? I started to have butterflies the day before the event.

On Sunday, the first day of National Forest Week, no more than ten pictures were posted! My hands started to sweat—my thoughts were that we had asked for more than was possible. Monday, a bit more than the before, Tuesday another increase. This led me to believe 100 was going to be achievable. Although not what we had hoped for, it was better than a complete flop.

National Tree Day was on Wednesday, and we received more than 70 pictures! Our spirits were lifted, knowing of the possibility that our goal was within reach, or at least we might not be far off the plan. Celebrations came on Thursday, though we did not reach our goal. We required 30 more.

With our heads held high, we decided to raise our challenge to 300. The membership responded again, proving a significant point that trees do matter. More than that, our membership of 600 and our followers cherish our trees and habitat.

At the end of Friday, we reached 290 posts. We knew that our membership would accomplish our second challenge. Saturday, this morning, we surpassed our second goal by 13 posts. This has brought our total to 313, with 13 hours left to post. We expect a final tally on Sunday, which will come after I send this letter to the Voice.

I want to thank everyone who has posted pictures, commented, and viewed our posts. Our views increased 4400 percent over our previous week, having 2088 views as of September 22. The counts leave out both Friday and Saturday viewings.

To see and hear more from PATH, attend our meeting on Monday, October 5. The general public, including municipal election candidates and council members, are welcome to participate in our fi rst in-person meeting, held at the Meridian Community Centre. Our guest speaker, Liz Benneian, from the Biodiversity and Climate Action Group, will give a talk entitled “Greening Niagara,” and will touch on tree bylaws as well ways that government and the public can achieve a healthier, more biodiverse, and greener Niagara. The meeting starts at 7:30 and runs to 9 PM in the Accursi Room.

The Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat would like to inform all candidates in this upcoming election that our highly successful challenge to our members and supporters proves without a doubt that trees and our environment matter! Not only to us but to many who are reading this letter. Increasing tree canopy, natural habitat, biodiversity, wetlands and climate action are all on the ballot this year. A well-thought-out development plan that treasures our natural heritage, values farmlands and recognizes the importance of wetlands is required before all of these are destroyed.

Mike Jones Chair of Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH)

Pelham

UNITED AS ONE Last Wednesday, United Way Niagara staff were welcomed by the Town of Pelham to raise the United Way flag in recognition of their 2022 fundraising campaign, which helps support some 120,000 people served by United Way-funded programs last year. From left, Town Councillors Bob Hildebrandt and John Wink, Mayor Marvin Junkin, Councillor Wayne Olson, and the United Way’s Amanda Rudachuck SUPPLIED

COOKIES FOR ALL Last Friday, staff, supporters and members of Wellspring Niagara delivered 800 Smile Cookies to Niagara Health for their staff to enjoy. The cookies were a gift from Wellspring Niagara donor, cancer survivor, and member Paul Battaglia, Proceeds from the event from all three Tim Hortons locations in Fonthill benefited Wellspring Niagara. From left, Tracy Fazzari, Director, Patient Care, Oncology and Palliative Care, Walker Family Cancer Centre; Katie Beaton, Donor; Ann Mantini, Executive Director, Wellspring Niagara; Paul Battaglia, Donor and member of Wellspring Niagara; and Jacqueline Ireland, Community Engagement and Events Coordinator, Wellspring Niagara SUPPLIED

Verdict awaited in careless driving case

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Michael Bond, who was behind the wheel of a vehicle which struck and killed a 66-year-old Ridgeville woman walking along Effi ngham Street in November 2019, had a three-day trial in Welland which concluded last Thursday. Bond, 53, now awaits the judgment of Justice of the Peace Carol A. Chernish.

Bond was charged under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act with careless driving causing death, driving while under suspension, driving with no valid vehicle license, and operating an unsafe vehicle. He has been homeless since the accident, and has been living in a hostel in Toronto.

Crown attorney Henry Limheng withdrew the latter three charges on the fi nal day of the trial, and focused only on the allegation of careless driving causing death.

Limheng called ten witnesses for the prosecution, including police constables and detectives in the forensic investigations unit, an automobile mechanic, passersby, and the lone passenger in Bond’s vehicle the morning of the incident.

Testimony was provided by Bond’s passenger, named Bastien, who was a former work-mate of Bond’s, and had been living with him at Bond’s father’s home in Ridgeville. Bastien said he was

enrolled in a drug recovery program, and needed a ride to a clinic at the Hope Centre in Welland the morning of the accident. Despite not having a valid license, Bond made the decision to drive Bastien to the appointment.

The men each had a dog in the blue 2006 Volkswagen Jetta as it travelled south on Effi ngham Road. The Crown’s contention is that Bond was distracted by his small dog that was in his lap as he was driving, and swerved into the northbound lane while trying to place the dog in the rear seat. Bastien had poor recollection of the incident leading up to the collision. He told the court that he “freaked out” when it was apparent the vehicle had struck the woman, and was “mixed up” when being interviewed by the police after the event. His disjointed testimony was discounted by the Crown.

“I think Mr. Bastien is trying to help out his friend,” said Limheng, who added that Bastien’s testimony was “not consistent with other evidence, and frankly, is not reliable.”

It was suggested by Bastien that Bond may have had the sun in his eyes when he hit the victim, to which Limheng responded in his summary remarks that “I think your worship has heard suf-

ficient evidence from a number of witnesses, such that the sun was unlikely a significant factor.”

Limheng suggested to Justice Chenish that the standard to be applied in the case was that of a “reasonable and prudent driver,” noting that “a reasonable driver is an ordinary person who knows the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle in an appropriate way…but is also a prudent driver, not a reckless driver.”

One Crown expert witness was a mechanic who assessed the Volkswagen after the collision. The vehicle technician found no particular defects that would have had a meaningful negative affect on the operation of the vehicle, particularly in steering and brak-

Frank’s Environment Platform

In consultation with Council, and Friends of the Environment, Service Clubs and others I intend to:

• Continue to promote the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup on Earth Day across the Region.

• In collaboration with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Plant a tree for every resident in Pelham.

• Increase the number of Pollinator Gardens in Pelham/Niagara.

• Develop a Gleaners program to collect unharvested produce for Pelham Cares.

• Provide charging stations for electric/hybrid vehicles at Town Hall, the MCC and Library.

• Work with the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada to protect our cold water habitat on the Twelve Mile Creek.

ing.

Additionally, evidence was provided by one passerby at the scene that Bond had muttered aloud “It’s my fault.”

Limheng told the court that the victim was walking along the shoulder of the northbound lane (there are no sidewalks on the roadway) and was not in the path of travel of vehicle going southbound.

“The evidence supports that she was complying with her duties as a reasonably prudent pedestrian, under Section 179 of the Highway Traffic Act,” he said.

Bond’s legal aid lawyer from Toronto, Paul Genua, told the court that the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a rea-

sonable doubt, and had made inferences based on circumstantial evidence. Genua contended that the Volkswagen, along with vehicle debris, had been moved by the time police arrived at the scene, making an accurate reconstruction of the accident impossible.

“We just don’t know what happened, due to an absence of evidence,” he said.

In a written submission to the court months ago, Bond asserted that the female pedestrian had stumbled into the path of his vehicle, echoing a rambling explanation he gave during an interview with the Voice in November 2020, a year after the collision. However, police and passersby reported that visibility was clear, road conditions were excellent, there was no oncoming traffic, and the accident occurred on a straight section of roadway. Counsel agreed that excessive speed was not a contributing factor in the collision.

Bond did not take the witness stand in his own defense.

Justice Chernish will deliver her decision on December 6.

Paid for by the Adamson for Mayor Campaign.

Michael Bond struck and killed a pedestrian walking along Effingham Street in November 2019

Michael Bond, in April 2022

DON RICKERS

"I think Mr. Bastien is trying to help out his friend"

Newcomer Colin McCann throws hat in ring for Pelham

is so important"

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

COLIN MCCANN QUICK FACTS

Running for: Pelham Town Council, Ward 2, vs. incumbent John Wink, and other challengers Carla Baxter and Brian Eckhardt

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired from ca reer in law enforcement and in vestigations (federal and provin cial)

Resides: Has lived in Fonthill since 2017

Family: Spouse Virginia, two grown sons

Managing growth in Pelham, and listen ing to the concerns of residents, are the top priorities for Town Council Ward 2 candidate Colin McCann.

Building financial reserves, and passing a responsible budget, is a big part of that equation.

He is also keen on promot ing local business, preserving green-spaces, and open and transparent government.

McCann grew up in New Brunswick, where he served as a volunteer with the RCMP auxil iary, before moving to Toronto in 1986. He and his family settled in Pelham in 2017.

“I was never a big city guy,” he said. “I was raised in a small

town in the Maritimes, where you would describe where you lived in relation to the one flash ing traffic light. When I retired, I knew I wanted to get out of To ronto. We looked all over South ern Ontario. One day we drove through Pelham, and really liked the area. Thereafter, we found a gorgeous house in a great neigh bourhood.”

McCann spent his career in law enforcement and investigations with the federal Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Ontario

Securities Commission, and the provincial Ombudsman’s Office.

When he landed in Pelham, he offered his services to the volun teer fire department.

“I was retired, I wanted to do something worthwhile,” he said. “I noticed a sign on Highway 20 that said they were looking for applicants, so I signed up, at 59. My age raised some eyebrows, but I came through the aptitude testing and training program successfully, and have enjoyed the work. I turn 65 in April of

2023, though, and that’s the mandatory retirement age from the fire department. So I’ll be moving on to the next stage of my life.”

He’s hoping that this next stage will involve serving the community as a town councillor.

“My sons will tell you that I am the world’s worst spectator. I can’t stand back and watch,” he said. “I’m not the kind of guy who drives by a car accident…I have to do something. When my kids were into sports, I had to coach, not just stand on the side lines.”

Asked about the varied per formances of previous Pelham councils as the catalyst for his political interest, McCann mea sured his words carefully.

“I’ve been watching,” he said. “But I’m not going to go nega tive. I’ve tracked many council meetings on Zoom, and my views reflect the many conversations I have had with Pelham residents recently. There is a lot of concern that the town is growing too big, too fast.”

McCann notes that many peo ple don’t realize that urban in

tensification is being driven by a provincial edict.

“In the next 30 years, Pelham’s population is predicted to swell from 18,000 to 29,000, a 60 per cent increase,” he said. “All this development will increase traf fic and hydro-electric brown outs, which begs the question of what’s going on with the in frastructure? I’ve been knocking on doors, and people are asking where our sense of communi ty will be in five years. The tax base is going to grow. But if we need future recreational facili ties, where are we going to build, if developers have taken all the land? In sensitive greenspace ar eas?”

It is critical to plan and budget for infrastructure ten years down the road, said McCann, and that is an area where his experience would be valuable.

“Currently, we have built stormwater ponds with subdivi sions, and playgrounds for kids, abutting them, which is a po tential hazard. You can construct fences around the stormwater

Pelham Town Council Ward 2 candidate Colin McCann

DON RICKERS

"My sons will tell you that I am the world's worst spectator. I can't stand back and watch."

On the road again BRITISH STYLE

BY DON RICKERS Contributing News Editor

Harold and Bev Beamer of Fonthill, and their friend Bob Dobrenski of Vineland, succumbed to the British invasion years ago.

Not the 1960s groups like The Beatles and Herman’s Hermits, but automobiles. Beauti ful, handmade convertibles, built in England in the post-war era.

Harold, Bev, and Bob, like thousands of others across North America, are MG fanat ics, members of car clubs extolling the vir tues of the vintage vehicles. Members of the Ontario chapter meet semi-annually to cel ebrate with a special driving route and ban quet. This year, it will take place the week end of September 30 through October 2, at the Four Points Sheraton in Thorold.

“We should have celebrated our 50th an niversary of the Ontario chapter of the club in 2019,” said Bev, “but because of COVID, it’s been delayed two years. We meet twice a year, so this is our hundredth gathering of people from all over the province. We also have a local group in Niagara that gets to gether for a drive and a pub stop.”

Added Bob, “We call it GOOF, for “Gather ing of Ontario Faithful.”

The MG marque, with its iconic emblem and distinctive octagonal badge, is named for Morris Garages, and is most associated with a line of British open-top, two-seat er sports cars (although MG made hardtop coupes and sedans as well), founded by Cecil Kimber in Oxford, England in the 1920s. As the business expanded, it moved to Abington on Thames, Oxfordshire where it operated for decades, only disrupted by WWII when it retooled to make aircraft assemblies, light tanks, and other weapons.

MG established a name for itself in the early days of international automobile rac

ing. Car production continued after the war, and the company achieved great success exporting vehicles worldwide. In the mid1970s, MG was absorbed by British Leyland, which also held the Triumph, Austin-Mor ris, Rover, and Jaguar brands, and switched ownership a couple more times until pro duction was suspended in 2005. In 2007, Chinese ownership took over.

MG car clubs already existed in Britain, and a New England car club was founded in the late 1960s by a couple of MG aficionados who placed an ad in Road and Track maga zine to attract other fans of the cars. Soon there were enough members to organize into chapters, with Ontario being the first chap ter of the New England club.

“Harold and I joined the Ontario MGT Register in 1977,” said Bev, “although the provincial club started in 1969. We bought our first MG, a 1958 MGA, in 1968 and have been MG owners for 54 years.”

Their red 1954 MG-TF sits in the driveway beside Bob’s green 1948 MG-TC. Bob, who also owns an MGA, joined the car club in 1973. All the cars are kept in pristine con dition.

“These cars were all handmade as they went down the assembly line,” said Har old. “The fenders and bodies were not made in-house. If you take all the sheet metal off, the frame is made of wood, white ash. It’s the same technology that went into the Ford Model T and Model A. The English had lots of workers skilled in carpentry, bending wood and shaping wood, and they were employed in the industry.”

Many servicemen brought MG-TCs back to America and Canada after WWII, because they had seen them and driven them in Brit ain, said Harold.

“They would end up racing their MGs on courses set up at old aerodromes, cre ating chicanes with hay bales. They would

race against old Porsches, Triumphs, and Morgans in a class called “vintage racing,” which still goes on today at tracks like Wat kins Glen, NY and Mosport, ON. The MGAs came out around 1955, and they had a full metal, welded, monocoque body. The wellknown MGBs came out in 1964.”

MG had a network of mechanical support in North America for those not adept at tin kering with their own engines, said Bob.

“The cars had two carburetors which had to be balanced and set up properly to be re liable, and the electrics on the cars weren’t the best,” he said. “The vintage MGs run best on high-octane, non-ethanol fuel. I’ve got almost 50,000 miles on my MG-TC, and have driven it all the way to Newfoundland, down to Tennessee, and Chicago. I’ve never had trouble with it.”

The reunion weekend will feature visits to Niagara wineries in the MGs. Bob is the route organizer for the 26 cars and 50 par ticipants, many being husband-wife driving teams.

“We’ll gather near Brock, and head west to St. Johns and Effingham, with lunch at Ball’s Falls, then onwards to Cave Springs Winery in Jordan, then to Jackson Flats and Decew Falls, and finally back to the hotel for sup per,” said Bob.

Bev is not enamored exclusively of British cars. In her garage sits her 2010 V-8 Mustang GT convertible in a deep red hue, with a rich brown interior ordered specially from the Ford factory. In the bay next to the Mustang sits Harold’s MGB-GT fastback hardtop, in slate grey metallic.

“My Mustang only has 29,000 kilometres on it,” said Bev proudly. “We only drive it in September and October.”

Right, Harold and Bev Beamer of Fonthill, and Bob Dobrenski of Vineland, with their vintage MGs.

Gala bash for TUC's tenth

BY BRIAN GREEN Special to the Voice

Members and guests of the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, some 60 strong, gathered last week at the Patterson Campus of Niagara College, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their organization. In fact, it was a double celebration as the national organization of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) is marking 50 years since its formation.

Among the guests in attendance was Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, who praised the work being done to protect and preserve Twelve Mile Creek from its origins in and around Fonthill to the town borders with Thorold to the north and east.

Pelham Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson, a member of the chapter, was acknowledged for his support of environmental causes, including the work being done by the organization. Diana Huson had a dual role at the event—as Regional Councillor for Pelham and as a member of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board of Governors, an important partner organization.

In his remarks, chapter President Dennis Edell recalled the formation of the organization: “Ten years ago on a cold day in February the Niagara Chapter was formed with only a vague thought of doing stream rehabilitation — what Trout Unlimited does so well throughout Canada. Our first order of business was to adopt the Upper Twelve Mile Creek watershed, Niagara’s most significant watershed and home to Niagara’s only population of Native Brook Trout. It’s not just about the fish – it’s about the health of the wa-

tershed. Brook Trout are the most fragile trout species. Their presence indicates a healthy watershed.”

Edell went on to point out that Brook Trout, once numerous in the upper Twelve in and near Pelham, are now reduced to a few pockets of undisturbed water in isolated stretches of the creek. It is the task of the Niagara Chapter, he said, to do whatever it can to improve the stream and protect those areas that are still pristine.

“As the saying goes, ‘Make the watershed healthy and the fish will do the rest.’”

Admitting that ten years have gone by “in a flash,” Edell enumerated some of the achievements of the chapter, including reducing the effects of online ponds, building erosion mitigating structures, and planting thousands of plants and trees in the watershed through programs like Healthy Twelve Mile Creek and Buffer in a Box. He pointed out that educational programs like Bring Back the Brookies have helped to raise public awareness of the importance of the creek, especially among young people, and established a volunteer base of residents and landowners willing to help the cause.

Of special importance to the chapter have been partnerships with like-minded organizations and businesses. Edell praised the NPCA as a vital partner, singling out Geoff Verkade, senior manager with the Authority, and Chandra Sharma, its CAO. “Chandra, with you we feel we now have a kindred sprit at the top,” Edell said.

In appreciation of their partnership, the NPCA was presented with

a work of art by Fonthill artist Natalia Shields, which depicted a tulip tree in the St. Johns Conservation Area.

Also acknowledged as a partner of special importance to the chapter’s success was Niagara College. In the chapter’s founding group of five, three were Niagara College employees, and in the years since many students and former students have joined the chapter and contributed. In fact, when students or graduates of the college’s Environmental Programs were asked to stand, almost half of those in attendance got to their feet. In recognition of this very special relationship, another artwork by Natalia Shields was presented to Niagara College President Seam Kennedy and Dean of Envi-

ronmental Studies Al Unwin.

In their brief remarks, both Sharma and Kennedy praised the dedication of the chapter’s volunteer base and recognized the importance of the work they do to improve the natural environment of the Niagara Region both through “boots on the ground” efforts and the education and awareness they bring to the cause of protecting wild spaces like Twelve Mile Creek.

While passing rain showers prevented the scheduled musical entertainment due to electrical safety concerns, the gathering was sheltered under a large tent and enjoyed the food and drink provided by the college’s Teaching Winery and Brewery and Culinary Institute. Once the speeches were over, it be-

Reminder:

came evident from the networking and lively conversation that the Niagara Chapter’s tenth anniversary had brought together a group of very engaged and committed environmental advocates. Among those who had come out to extend congratulations and acknowledge the work of the Niagara Chapter were Greg Ford of Niagara Coastal Co-operative, and Emily Simmons of Landcare Niagara. Patricia Huynh, Ontario biologist with TUC’s Guelph office, raised a toast to the chapter’s tenth and the national organization’s 50th. TUC’s retired national biologist, Jack Imhof, a man synonymous with stream restoration efforts across Canada,

Town of Pelham Final Tax Billing

The Town of Pelham 2022 Final Property Tax bill was mailed to residents on June 9, 2022.

The Final Instalment Due date is: Friday, September 30, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.

Online/telephone banking

In person at your financial institution

Cheque payment by mail Cheque drop off at the Town dropbox Pre-authorized payment

By credit card through Paymentus - fee applies Payments are accepted in the following ways:

Enrolment in the Pre-authorized payment plan is the best way to ensure on-time payments.

Residents can take advantage of the different interestfree, pre-authorized payment options. Pre-authorized payment plans are recalculated twice annually to reflect changes in assessed value and tax rate. Accounts must be paid up to date to be eligible to enrol.

Property owners can also avoid penalty charges by ensuring all payments are received by 4:30 p.m. on the due date.

Late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.25% per month. Payments made directly through financial institutions must be made in advance of the due date to allow for bank processing time.

For more information, contact the Tax Department taxes@pelham.ca | 905-980-6678

www.pelham.ca/taxes

From right, Diana Huson, Regional Councilor for Pelham and NPCA Board member; artist Natalia Shields; chapter President Dennis Edell; NPCA Senior Manager Geoff Verkade; NPCA CAO Chandra Sharma; and NPCA employees and chapter members Eric Augustino and Megan Lalli BRIAN GREEN

Culture Days, which runs from September 24 to October 16, features FREE opportunities for the community to participate in interactive arts and culture experiences.

& Dan Saturday, September 24 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Songs,

2022 Coffee House Friday October 7th, 2022 7:00 p.m.

Park,

Community Centre

Discover up-and-coming talent & local favourites!

Come out for a night of music, poetry, coffee, refreshments and fun.

Share your talent! Sign up to perform. Talented individuals are encouraged to sign up to be part of the coffee house lineup. Performers are being accepted for comedy, poetry, music and more.

Visit online for all of the upcoming experiences. All Culture Days programming is free. www.pelham.ca/culturedays | 905-732-7888

OARS AWAY Hosted by the South Niagara Rowing Club on the fourth Saturday in September every year since 1980 (with the exception of Covid-cancelled 2020), the Head of the Welland Regatta is a 5.2 kilometre race run on the North Course of the Welland International Flatwater Centre. This year the regatta attracted 263 entries from clubs in Niagara, and from as far away as London, Tillsonburg, Midland, and Detroit DON RICKERS

Thomas McMurran, DDS.

Facebook.com/fonthilldentist

SMILE, COOKIES Pelham mayoral candidate Frank Adamson, above, says he was “honoured to spend time at Tim Hortons” last week preparing Smile Cookies with fellow Wellspring volunteers. All sales this year were in support of Wellspring’s cancer support programs ADAMSON CAMPAIGN

THAT’S A LOT OF BLUE! Councillor Diana Huson, running for reelection to Niagara Regional Council, says she’s headed to a door near you with her team, and that she’s looking forward to “connecting with residents and getting feedback on the issues.”

HUSON CAMPAIGN

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST Duffin Appleworks hosted a meetand-greet for Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin last Saturday at their farm store on Rice Road. This year’s harvest is excellent, says Kim Duffin, above, with the Mayor. Junkin's next event scheduled at Country Boys, this coming Saturday JUNKIN CAMPAIGN

FONTHILL KINSMEN

SWEETEN THE POT FOR ROSE CITY

KIDS Fonthill and District Kinsmen turned out in force last Wednesday afternoon in the Vermeer’s parking lot on South Pelham Street to distribute pre-ordered Krispy Kreme donuts. Jim Yungblut, the group’s public relations and promotions officer, said that 800 dozen donuts were sold — an improvement from last year’s total of 650 dozen — which raised $5600 for Rose City Kids of Welland, a faith-based non-profit organization which offers youth programs at night and on the weekends, along with tutoring services for kids

DON RICKERS

had six convictions for driving while under

DeFilippis noted that Lusted had offered previously in court a tearful apology for the suffering he had caused to the deceased’s family and friends.

“He acknowledged that his selfish act in defiance of the law caused the suffering to the Clapp family and the community, and that he was deeply tormented by what he did,” wrote DeFilippis in his judgment. “The imposition of sentence is governed by part 23 of the Criminal Code. The fundamental purpose of sentencing is to protect society…and the maintenance of a peaceful and safe society by imposing just sanctions… proportional to the gravity of the offence and the degree of responsibility of the offender.”

Manslaughter is defined as culpable homicide in Canada, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Unlike with murder, there is no minimum penalty.

“In this case, I find that the position advanced by the Crown [of a lengthy sentence] is a measured response to the offence and the offender,” wrote DeFilippis. “Mr. Clapp died in horrific circumstances. Mr. Lusted has lived a life of persistent criminality that began when he was a youth and continued with few gaps until age 50 when he was arrested for causing the death of Mr. Clapp. His life is defined by a complete disregard for the law, court orders, and public safety. His unnecessary, selfish, and deadly action of driving dangerously and fleeing the scene of a crime comes with a history of such misconduct. His moral blameworthiness is high. I accept the sincerity of the defendant’s apology, but it comes too late to materially affect my decision on sentence. My focus must be on denunciation and deterrence.”

Lusted's lawyer requested that DeFilippis assign Lusted to the medium-security prison in Bath, Ontario, given that the facility has rehabilitation programs that Lusted feels will benefit him. His Honour deferred the decision, noting that staff at Corrections Canada are best able to make the determination of Lusted's needs.He must provide a sample of his DNA, is prohibited from possessing firearms and other weapons, and his driving privileges are suspended for 20 years. Lusted must also not attempt to communicate with the Clapp family while

serving the sentence.

“I could not do justice to the 76 victim impact statements — from family, friends, and business associates — by attempting to summarize them,” wrote DeFilippis. “I hope it will suffice to simply note now, as I did during the sentencing hearing, that these statements paint a picture of remarkable man. Mr. Clapp was loved as a husband, father, and grandfather, valued as a friend, and trusted in business.”

Lusted was supposed to appear in person for sentencing, but there was a

breakdown in communication with the authorities at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, and he wasn’t present for his 2 PM court appearance. After a long delay, Lusted was connected to the courtroom via Zoom, and his sentence was delivered by DeFilippis.

Earl’s widow, Tillie Clapp, and her family retreated to the sanctity of home after the sentencing.

“We had a little bit of quiet time outdoors, and watched the sun go down, the way we always used to do with Earl. It was therapeutic,” said Clapp, adding that De-

Filippis’ judgment, meting out a sentence that was close to the maximum allowed by law, renewed her faith in the judicial system.

“I thought the judge’s comments were very insightful, as he described how heinous the crime was,” said Clapp. “His words were like a salve on our family’s wound.”

Clapp is aware that Canadian law allows for parole consideration after two thirds of a sentence has been served. How does she feel about the possibility of her husband’s murderer being released in less than ten years?

“Well, I’m 76 now, but if I'm still alive, I will go to the parole hearing,” she said. “I will remind them that the original charge was second-degree murder. The charge was downgraded to manslaughter, as oftentimes happens. The criminal pleads guilty to save everyone a lot of heartache, time, and money. But I will remind them of the 76 victim impact statements at the parole hearing, to demonstrate the magnitude of loss this was to them. I’m so thankful to all of those people that showed up in court that day to her the victim impact statements…the community outrage was very clear. It had a significant impact on Justice DeFilippis, and that's why he ruled in at the higher end of the possible sentences.”

DeFilippis noted in his remarks that, given Lusted’s long history of criminality, he is not optimistic at the prospect of rehabilitation.

“This isn't about revenge. And it isn't even just about punishment. It's about protecting the community,” said Clapp. “We know this guy’s track record, and if he’s on

the streets, it's just going to happen again.”

As she emerged from the courtroom after sentencing, Clapp met with the two lead detectives who had worked quickly and tirelessly with their team to find Earl’s killers.

“The entire homicide team that worked on this case came to court,” said Tillie. “It's easy to get immersed in our pain, but I will always remember how, with no camera evidence or witnesses, they caught the two men in eight days. Police are often criticized, but my respect for them went up a million-fold.”

Lusted will be eligible to apply for parole at the onethird and two-thirds intervals of his sentence. Due to his lengthy record of criminality, he is unlikely to get parole at the one-third mark, but there is a greater chance that he will be successful after less than ten years of his sentence have been served, assuming satisfactory behaviour in prison. Lusted was given credit for incarceration already served, plus credit for the “hardship” of being in jail during Covid lockdowns.

Had Indigenous heritage (as Lusted asserted) been confirmed, he would have received addition credits under Gladue principles, which attempt to quantify the degree to which systemic racism may have impacted a defendant’s life. But Indigenous lineage was not proven to the satisfaction of the court.

“We knew all along that no sentence, lengthy or not, would bring Earl back,” said Clapp. “We don’t interpret the length of the sentence as representing Earl's value to our family, his friends, or to our community.”

Bob

Fonthill

905-892-5721 bob.kilyk@desjardins.com bobkilyk.com

CLAPP

from

Earl Clapp and his granddaughter Ella, then age 7, about to head out on a bike ride in 2020 CLAPP FAMILY

"Police are often criticized, but my respect for them went up a million-fold"

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ponds, but they become an eyesore. And come hock ey season, you know that kids are going to want to hop the fence and go for a skate.”

McCann said that he has been hearing from a lot of residents about preserving

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greenspaces.

“That to me is kind of a line in the sand,” he said.

“I’ve lived in Mississauga, and for the past 30 years, they’ve had a tree protection bylaw. Long before I thought about running for council, over on Summersides, the developer clear-cut all the mature trees. A bylaw would set boundaries and limita tions for development.”

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Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelham library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.

at 289-929-5171.

FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY

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PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE

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PELHAM MUDFEST

Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION

Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.

As far as his election campaign is concerned, McCann is eschewing an emphasis on social media, and taking an old-school approach, with a basic brochure and door-todoor campaign in Ward 2.

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is my first shot at any sort of elected office. I’m out there listening to people. It’s a fabulous learning ex perience.”

cil, school board, and Re gional Council candidates to debate, starting at 6 PM at E. L. Crossley Secondary School.

The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Fam ily Cancer Centre.

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him. He’s happy to do it,” said McCann.

WALKING CLUB

“I’m trying to knock on every door and speak to residents face-to-face,” he said. “I tell people that I’m an amateur politician. This

The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce as well as the Fonthill Kins men have planned candi date debates in early and mid October. Thursday, October 6 is the date set for Pelham’s Town Coun

Unfortunately, McCann and his wife will be on a Mediterranean cruise. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be represented at the event.

Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

“My 25-year-old son is going to be there for me. I wrote up some remarks for

“Communication is so important. I learned that during my career in gov ernment. I’m not the type who turns off his cell phone at five o’clock. Peo ple hate bureaucracy that doesn’t acknowledge their concerns. Providing feed back to citizens is the re sponsible route.” 4

COMMENTARY

continued from Page 5

ernment’s fi rearms strategy as a “common-sense” approach to reducing gun crime.

Many view the freeze as merely political optics, and an easy reach for the “low hanging fruit,” that being law-abiding handgun owners.

The cruel irony is that while at the same time it is moving to freeze handgun sales in Canada, Ottawa is pushing for legislation that would actually reduce punishments for gun criminals.

Bill C-5, which passed the House of Commons in June and is currently before the Senate, would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for a series of violent gun crimes including “discharging a fi rearm with intent,” and “robbery with a fi rearm.”

The bill’s intention is to

FAITH LIFT

continued from Page 19

gets his camera, gives it to the Queen, and says: ‘Can you take a picture of the two of us?’

“Then we swapped places, and I took a picture of them with the Queen. And we never let on, and we waved goodbye. Afterwards, Her Majesty said to me: ‘I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to his friends in America, and hopefully someone tells him who I am’.”

RIP, Your Majesty. 4

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

address “systemic racism,” since Canadians convicted of gun crimes are disproportionately Black and Indigenous.

Richard Dykstra, owner of Creekside Gunshop in Wainfleet, told the Voice that a ban on the importation of restricted fi rearms (handguns, specifically) into Canada is not going to put a dent in the flow of illegal guns.

“It will only hurt people that have jobs, that have bills to pay, that pay taxes, and contribute to the economy,” he said. “Criminals don't contribute to the economy, they're a drain on society. This legislation simply penalizes legal gun owners — again — because we're the easy target. It’s rarely a legally obtained fi rearm that's used in a crime. All this does is create a bigger black market, because now there are

greater profit incentives to smuggle guns.”

Dykstra said that about 40 percent of his business involves handgun sales.

“Some gun shops will close because of this legislation, and when those guys — all taxpayers — go out of business, it will place a bigger burden on the rest of us. Whether you're a shooter or not, you're going pay more taxes to fuel our economy,” he said.

“You can’t suck and blow at the same time,” said Dykstra, referring to the government plan to reduce some gun-crime sentences. “I believe in an eye for an eye. If you commit a serious gun crime, and are proven guilty, you should go to jail and never be allowed to own fi rearms again. Most legal gun owners will advocate for that. But the government wants to give criminals more

rights. I thought you gave up your rights when you decided to become a criminal. It's so frustrating. The average blue-collar, working-class person understands this. Why can't our elected officials get it?”

Dykstra stressed that fi rearm organizations across Canada offered to work with the government on gun control measures that would be effective, but were rebuffed.

“We said, ‘Let's work together to come up with a better solution.’ But they don't want to listen to us. We're the bad guys. Why is my business any less important than the guy that's selling computers or houses?” 4

Contributing Editor Don Rickers is a shooting sports enthusiast, and this commentary refl ects his personal opinion.

ANNIVERSARY

continued from Page 12

was in attendance along with many of the new generation of stream restoration specialists who have been members or employees of the Niagara Chapter through its ten year history.

Members of the Niagara Chapter will have little time to bask in the glow of their tenth anniversary celebration, as their annual Healing Waters Program takes place at the beginning of October. This three-day event uses fly fishing and fly tying as therapy for injured Canadian service personnel. Hosted at the Fonthill Legion, the dozen soldiers from across Ontario receive basic instruction in the art and science of casting a fly rod and then practice the craft at a local bass pond.

Legion branch President Toni McKelvie and her crew provide an evening feast, followed by a social session of fly-fishing lore and instruction in tying the delicate and beautiful flies from feathers, fur, and thread that fly-anglers use to trick their quarry. On the third day, the soldiers and a group of volunteer coaches drive to Caledon where they are hosted by the Caledon Mountain Trout Club and they get to try their newly created flies on the club’s population of Rainbow Trout. Entirely volunteer driven, the Healing Waters program has been a signature event for the Niagara Chapter over the years, interrupted for the past two by the Covid pandemic, but resuming this year.

Ignorance is not bliss. Guys, if you have a woman in your life who you care about, please read on. Ladies, if you don’t know that cardiovascular disease is your greatest health threat, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined, please also read on.

The inspiration for this column came from a short piece recently aired on CBC’s The National titled, “What women need to know about heart disease.” The segment began with this voice over: “A woman in Canada dies of heart disease every 22 minutes, and most don’t have to,” while “Canadian

women remain under-diagnosed for heart disease,” scrolled along the bottom of the screen.

It was not a bland piece about eating correctly and exercising. Instead, the story indicated that we in Canada are surprisingly ignorant of the different risk factors, symptom presentation and variety of cardiovascular diseases that afflict women. The report also claimed that women experience bias within our healthcare system in the diagnosis and post-incident care of heart health problems.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada concurs, and reports, “Women’s ex-

perience with heart disease is different from men’s in several important ways. Women are under-aware and under-researched. Within the healthcare system they are under-diagnosed and under-treated, and under-supported in their recovery.”

Was this accurate, and what more do we need to know?

Under-aware

We’re all taught to recognize that an excruciating pain in the chest is likely a heart attack. This most common heart attack symptom is the same for men and women —severe chest pain, pressure or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. Yet in many situations women having heart attacks don’t reflect this classic presentation or intensity, and compared to men, women’s

symptoms occur more often when they are resting or asleep.

Common female symptoms include pain in one or both arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back and abdominal discomfort, and unusual fatigue. Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating and indigestion as well as nausea and vomiting may all signal a cardiovascular issue which is frequently ignored or confused with another problem when suffered by a woman. Only 44 percent of American women recognize cardiovascular disease as the number one threat to their health.

Under-researched

Three traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease are common to both

men and women: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. Research suggests additional and different factors also play an important role in women’s heart disease, but more needs to be known.

Diabetic women are more likely to develop heart issues than men with diabetes. Diabetes affects the way women feel pain, increasing the risk that these women may miss a symptom or even have a “silent” heart attack. The effects of diabetes on women’s heart health is so significant that it cancels out the positive benefits of extra estrogen in pre-menopausal women, making a diabetic female’s risk of heart attack equal to men of the same age.

The additional estrogen

produced by younger women helps keep blood pressure and blood triglycerides (lipid fat) low, reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol, increases HDL (helpful) cholesterol, and promotes blood clotting. As expected, when estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, this balance changes. Blood pressure, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels all begin to increase, while heart-helpful HDL decreases. As adipose visceral (central) fat increases, the possibility of blood clots and blood sugar problems rise, making regular blood testing critical for women at this age.

Pregnancy complications may signal the first, and

Voice HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Don’t push yourself too far this week, Aries. Th at is a surefi re way to be overcome by stress and deplete your energy, which you need to get things done. Pace yourself.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Hold your tongue and try not to get into any heated arguments with people either at work or in your social circles, Taurus. Avoid controversial subjects.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Th ere’s a strong pull toward wanting to play as well as getting work done, Gemini. Is there a way to delegate some work so you can focus on recreation? Figure things out.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you may have some exciting plans brewing but you might not know how to put them in motion. A friend may offer to help get the ball rolling.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Th e planets are trying to tell you to slow down and take a day off, Leo. You just have to listen more closely or you could run the risk of burnout in the days to come.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, this week things may get a bit more intense than you anticipated. Intensity doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a bad time. Everything will be exciting and fast-paced.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, focus on your personal relationships this week, as you may need to modify a few things and do some housekeeping in your social relationships.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Focus on the finer details of life this week, Scorpio. If you have been waiting to have a gourmet dinner or to take a luxurious trip, now is the time to do so.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

There’s conflicting energy in the cosmos this week, Sagittarius. All of what you think was right may be turned on its head. Some new decisions may need to be made.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

It may be challenging to figure out where you stand with someone this week, Capricorn. You thought you had it all figured out, but the tides have changed dramatically.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You’ll continue to face the difficult decision of whether to tend to your own needs or help someone close to you, Aquarius. It’s a fine line to walk with no easy answer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There’s a positive drive guiding you along, Pisces. If you’ve been putt ing off your to-do list, now you will have the energy to get things done.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER 25

Donald Glover, Actor (39)

SEPTEMBER 27

Avril Lavigne, Singer (38)

SEPTEMBER 28

Hilary Duff, Actress (35)

SEPTEMBER 29

Halsey, Singer (28)

OCTOBER 1

Julie Andrews, Actress (87)

THE

by John Swart

Women's heart health—so much more to learn

A tear and a smile

On Monday, September 19, Queen Elizabeth II made her final journey to Windsor Castle, where she was interred. Multitudes lined the route to catch one last glimpse of the casket holding a lady they admired and loved.

Many more (like me) followed the procession from afar via television, laptop, or cell phone. It was a bittersweet moment as a hush descended upon the gathered throng as the hearse drove by. On many faces was a tear and a smile. A tear of sadness in knowing that they would not see or hear her alive again. A smile of gratitude and appreciation for a life well lived in service to her God, country, and commonwealth.

Often at funerals, there will be a eulogy which recalls something humorous about the person being honored and remembered. The attendees chuckle and the sorrow is lightened. Last week, I wrote about the Queen’s strong faith which strengthened and guided her throughout her long life and reign. Below is a true story I read recently that shows her sense of humour.

Enjoy…

Around 2005, the Queen and her Personal Protection Officer, Dick Griffin, were walking alone one afternoon in the hills near the Scottish royal castle, Balmoral. Two tourists approached them, and engaged in conversation.

Griffin recalls: “There were two hikers coming towards us, and the Queen would always stop and say hello. They were two Americans on a walking holiday. It was clear from the moment we stopped that they hadn’t recognised the Queen, which was fine.

“The American gentleman was telling the Queen where they came from, where they were going next, and where they’d been in Britain. I could see it coming, and sure enough, he said to Her Majesty: ‘And where do you live?’’

“She replied: ‘Well I live in London, but I’ve got a holiday home just the other side of the hills.’

“He said: ‘How long have you been coming up here?’ She replied: ‘I’ve been coming up here ever since I was a little girl, so over 80 years.’ You could see the cogs whirring, so he said: ‘Well, if you’ve been coming up here

for over 80 years, you must have met the Queen.’

“Quick as a flash, she said: ‘I haven’t, but Dick here meets her regularly.’”

The hiker then asked Griffin what the monarch was like in person. “Because I was with her a long time, and I knew I could pull her leg, I said: ‘Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she’s got a lovely sense of humour.’

“The next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what was happening, he

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

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FAITH LIFT by Pastor Rob Weatherby

very early, time that women face a gender-based increased risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) claims that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for new moms, and is responsible for more than one third of all maternal deaths. They have also stated that high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes which occur during pregnancy increase a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

Pre-eclampsia is a unique type of high blood pressure that can occur at approximately the 20th week of pregnancy and results in kidney proteinuria, decreased blood platelets and increased liver enzymes. As well as being an immediate threat, these complications have been proven to produce a lasting negative effect on female heart and blood vessel health.

Pregnancy hormones interfere with the body’s ability to process insulin efficiently, so pregnant mothers must produce additional insulin. If the body is unsuccessful at this, blood sugar levels may rise causing gestational diabetes, which studies have shown increases the risk to both

mother and baby of developing diabetes, a significant risk factor for heart disease, in later life.

Research suggests that emotional stress and depression affect women’s heart health more than men’s. As well as being causal, fighting depression may make it more difficult for women to follow lifestyle and treatment suggestions that could reduce their risk factor.

We are learning that smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of early heart disease indicate a larger risk factor in women than men for heart disease.

Unfortunately, with so much to learn about women’s heart health, the AHA says that only 38 percent of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are female.

Under-diagnosed

Many of us have female family or friends that can share stories of having difficulty getting a proper diagnosis of a heart condition in a timely manner compared to men. As mentioned, women’s symptoms present differently. Research concludes that women also have a variety of different types of heart attack, and experience them differently than men, which results in less frequent and less accurate initial diagnosis.

Women are more likely than men to have blockages

in the smaller arteries that supply blood to the heart rather than just their main arteries. This condition is called coronary microvascular disease or small vessel heart disease, and presents through weak or vague symptoms that are sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Women are more prone than men to non-obstructive coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attacks and strokes without severe arterial blockage. In both microvascular and non-obstructive coronary disease, traditional angiograms are ineffective diagnostic tools, and stress tests are less sensitive to symptoms in women than men.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) causes only a small percentage of heart attacks overall, but the American Heart Association claims that 90 percent occur in women. Further confusing the diagnosis of this variety of heart issue is the fact that it afflicts young and generally healthy females. The average age of a SCAD patient is 42 years old, and SCAD heart attacks represent 40 percent of all those in women younger than 50.

Atypically, SCAD is not caused by clots or plaque, but by a tear or bleed in an arterial wall which disrupts the flow of blood to the heart. Although SCAD heart

attacks in women present with commonly recognized symptoms, the women seldom show typical risk factors such as smoking, obesity or diabetes. The AHA says that because of this, SCAD cases are “often misdiagnosed as problems like anxiety or indigestion, leading to treatments that may cause more damage.”

Under-treated and under-supported

The Mayo Clinic, a famous international healthcare provider, has found that female heart patients referred to them are less likely than men to have been treated with statins or aspirin to prevent future heart attacks. They encourage women to seek the guidance of their physicians and use medications for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes as prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Women are less likely to have been referred for cardiac rehabilitation than men, and of those that are, they are only half as likely as men to attend sessions after a heart attack. Rehabilitation treatments are proven to improve functional ability and quality of life.

Sadly, a survey by the AHA also found that women were often less likely to receive bystander CPR after a heart attack because rescuers frequently fear accusations of inappropriate touching or sexual assault, and worry about injuring the victim.

Prior to viewing the CBC report, gender equality and heart health would not have been linked on my personal radar. Having done the research to gain more insight and prepare this column, I have no doubt that women can benefit from acquiring more knowledge of heart disease, its causes and treatments, and how important it is to self-advocate when you have heart health concerns. 4

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4 Voice RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Force Noire Ganache

Makes about 50 dipped squares or round truffles

1⁄2 cup (4 ounces) heavy whipping cream

1⁄4 cup plus 3 tablespoons (41⁄2 ounces by weight) invert sugar (stir before measuring)

1 Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally

12 ounces 61 to 70 percent chocolate, finely chopped 3 tablespoons (11⁄2 ounces) unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, very soft (75 F)

About 1⁄4 cup melted tempered 61 to 70 percent chocolate, if dipping squares

Tempered 61 to 70 percent chocolate for dipping squares, or unsweetened natural cocoa powder for rolling truffles

Stir the cream and invert sugar together in a medium saucepan. Scrape the vanilla seeds from the bean into the pan and then add the bean. Bring to a boil over medium heat, remove from the heat, and cover the top of the pan with plastic wrap. When the cream has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap.

Put the chocolate in a medium stainless steel bowl and set the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate melts and registers 115 F on an instant-read thermometer. Lift the bowl from the pot.

When the chocolate is almost at 115 F, remove the cream from the refrigerator. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan and heat it to 115 F, stirring occasionally.

Pour the chocolate and cream into a 1-quart clear vessel. Blend with an immersion blender using a stirring motion, making sure you reach the bottom of the vessel. The ganache will thicken, becoming slightly less shiny, and develop a pudding-like consistency. Add the butter and incorporate it with the immersion blender.

Pour the ganache into the lined pan. Spread it as evenly as possible with a small offset spatula. Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until it has set, 2 to 4 hours. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to dip squares or roll truffles.

Lift the square of ganache from the pan, turn it over onto a work surface, and remove the plastic wrap. If you are dipping squares, apply a thin coat of melted untempered chocolate to one side of the ganache square with a small offset spatula. (If you are making truffles, don’t apply the chocolate coating.) Let the chocolate harden. Turn the ganache square over and trim the edges. Cut the ganache into 1-inch squares with a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut and wiped clean after each cut.

If you are dipping squares, temper the chocolate and then dip the squares. Store the dipped chocolates in a cool, dry place, not in the refrigerator.

If you are making truffles, dust your palms with cocoa powder, roll the ganache squares into balls, and then coat with cocoa powder. Place the truffles in a bowl or plastic bag that contains enough cocoa powder to keep them from sticking together. Store in the refrigerator, but remove them 30 minutes before serving.

Force Noire Ganache

This recipe for “Force Noire Ganache” from “Chocolate Obsession: Confections and Treats to Create and Savor)” (Stewart, Tabori and Chang) by Michael Recchiuti & Fran Gage showcases the predominant taste of rich chocolate and not much more. It’s certain to melt in the mouth.