Pancake Lane project nixed page 3 No COVID-19 testing in Pelham for now page 9 DeVries keeps growing page 11 Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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September 30, 2020
Vol.24 No.39
Published every Wednesday
GOURDY and how Autumn arrives in Pelham
Column Six
Open water A soothing routine in stressful times BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
Special to the VOICE
W Gourds of every size and shape are on offer at the recently expanded DeVries Fruit Farm, in Fenwick. Story, p.11.
DAVE BURKET
Big changes coming in waste collection Niagara Region moving to bi-weekly garbage pickup BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI
Special to the VOICE
Starting Oct. 19, there are sweeping changes coming to waste collection practices in Niagara. Recycling and organics will continue to be collected weekly but garbage will be picked up every other week. This is being done to help re-
duce the amount of waste going to landfills, promote waste reduction, reduce indirect costs to taxpayers and decrease the number of disposal trucks on the road. “The real driver, based on audits we have done over a number of years,
is we know that the typical garbage bag in Niagara comprises 50 percent organic material, primarily organic food waste,” said Catherine Habermebl, Regional Niagara’s director of waste management services. “Without changes, we didn't see the diversion dial of diverting 65 percent of all residential garbage from landfill or disposal moving.” Studies have determined that less than 40 percent of households in Niagara are using green bins for organic waste. There was a slight increase in usage in 2011 when the
Region went to a one bag or can a week limit from two but that increase wasn’t sustained even with the one-can limit. “Obviously, the objective is to reduce the amount of waste or valuable resources going into our local landfills,” Habermebl said. People think when food waste goes into landfills that it goes into the ground and decomposes, but that isn't the case. “Landfills don't provide the optiSee WASTE Page 10
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS NRC REALTY, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
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henever I am feeling less than carefree, I look for some big body of water in which I can swim. This has happened a lot lately. I think I must have inherited a love for open water from my mother. Some of my earliest memories are of her swimming in an Ontario lake, one of those so tightly spread across the province that it seems as if they were placed there by buckshot fired at close range. In some park or other there was one that she actually swam across, and forever after that I asked her on every trip whether she was going to cross the lake this time or not. She uses only a single stroke: a powerful crawl, her arms arcing long through the air, and, in a habit I have also inherited, turns for breath only on her left. This causes her to drift ever slightly to that side. If she were a jet with a stream behind her, it would be crooked. See COLUMN SIX Page 12
Page 2
The Voice, September 30, 2020
by Dave Burket
Running hot and cold: Autumn arrived last week along with some near-frosty temperatures. One reader reported seeing windshields iced-up in Fenwick. It bottomed-out at 4 degrees at our place, just warm enough not to take out the remaining tomatoes. And the last few days have seen summer temps (and our aircon) back in action—Environment Canada says that autumn will be warmer and drier than normal (seems like we’re hearing this a lot lately), which means that the fall colours should be on the vivid side. Hey, as the world burns we’ll take what brief comfort we can, right?...Give a Care: As seen elsewhere on this page, Pelham Cares still has a few raffle tickets left for their big Giving Back fundraiser. There’s no time to waste, since the drawing is this coming Saturday! Let me go on the record and say that should a winning ticket be in my hands, the proceeds shall go directly into the Puzzler prize bag...Seen a few autumns themselves: Congratulations to Clyde and Connie McCombs on their 70th wedding anniversary (p.17). Folks, you had already been married for ten years before I was born. Wow. And a reminder: Birth announcements, 50th and greater wedding anniversaries, and 90, 95, 100-plus birthday announcements run for free...He’s back for a guest spot: Former staff writer Sam Piccolo took a break from his graduate studies down at Notre Dame to write this week’s Column Six, a lovely piece of work that mostly makes me want to brave the COVID-dotted landscape of middle-America to drive down and kidnap—sorry, rescue—the young fella from academia and return him north to his true mission, news reporting. Well, an editor can dream...Speaking of youth: Are you sending yours out to collect candy from strangers this year? As a homeowner, are you ready yet to have kids at the door? Take our poll, this page. Answers in next week’s edition...About that other poll: Last week’s poll on Ward 1 voter attitudes provided some interesting results. We’ll have them for you next week as well. They would have been in this week’s paper, but yours truly managed to let too much time slip away before getting to them. With answers to 18 (!) questions to tabulate and create graphics for (those pie charts don’t cook themselves, you know), we ran out of steam—plus we can hear, figuratively speaking, the press operators yelling for these pages. And so off they shall be shipped. Please stay masked and stay safe. This is no time to let our guard down. See you next week. ◆
Voice
NRPS impaired driving charges
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With what appears to be the arrival of the second wave of COVID-19 infections in Ontario, including Niagara, with eight school-based positives as of Monday, how comfortable are you sending your kids out trick-or-treating? How comfortable as a neighbour are you with the ghoulish little munchkins coming to your door?
TELL US! www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/tricky
What's That
SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls
Jennifer Dubé, Coordinator, Client Services, with some of the loot on offer. SUPPLIED
Sunday, Sept. 20 Structure fire, Twenty Mile Rd. All three stations responded
Last chance for raffle tickets
Remote alarm (faulty alarm), Hwy 20 West, Fonthill and Fenwick
BY VOICE STAFF Sales have gone very well, says Pelham Cares, but there are still a few tickets remaining for their Pelham Cares Gives Back Raffle, with prizes including $1000 in gift cards for dining and shopping in Pelham. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25, and are available by calling 905-892-5300, emailing info@pelhamcares.org, or in person this Thursday at the Pelham Farmers Market. The live Facebook draw is this Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 AM.
航 搜索
on vacation!
The Pelham Fire department responded to four calls from Friday September 18 to Friday September 25.
Thursday, Sept 24 Detector activation (faulty alarm), Sixteen Rd., Shorthills
The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
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CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
DSBN wants portion of Town park
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The Comfort Maple myth
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Growing up British
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Wednesday October 12, 2016
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Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14
BY VOICE STAFF
While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
www.pennylanesold.com
H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES
BY JOHN SWART
VOICE Correspondent
and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Cell 905.933.3049
T
Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
Office 905.892.1702
Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
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Request made of community still peeved at name change
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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
Get
Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Gurveer S. GILL, 20, Tottenham Tonya L. MURRAY, 40, Niagara Falls James LAMMERS, 47, St. Catharines Jessica G. MARTINELLI, 31, St. Catharines Bryan J. COX, 36, Hamilton Terry J. SNIDER, 46, Niagara Falls Thomas J. OPATOVSKY, 47, Fort Erie Dana M. MARTIN, 32, Niagara Falls Tommy TZOGAS, 47, Burlington Donna M. DAGENAIS, 36, Pelham Troy BAXTER, 22, St. Catharines Jeremy MACDONALD, 19, West Lincoln Ashley V. LEPERA, 28, St. Catharines Zachery N. MARTEL, 35, Kitchener Joseph A. R. LENNOX, 28, Niagara Falls David J. MEREDITH, 48, Niagara Falls Evan G. BESNER, 33, Hamilton Kristen L. ATACK, 22, Welland Nyomi BARKWELL, 28, St. Catharines
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
905-892-8690 Find the Voice at these locations: Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s 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
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Page 3
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Pancake Lane townhome plan shot down for now BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
Pelham Town Council unanimously voted down a developer’s proposal to convert a single-dwelling Fonthill property to townhouses at its September 23 meeting. The proposal, first heard by Council on August 10, involves demolishing a house on the northeast corner of Pancake Lane and Haist Street and replacing it with three townhomes. As the matter came up in last week’s council video conference session, Ward 2’s Ron Kore — the councillor for the area in question — was seen urgently raising his hand. Given the virtual floor, Kore appeared to read from prepared text. “I will not be supporting [this] … for two main reasons,” Kore said. “This recommendation does not benefit the people in this neighbourhood and our community at whole. The only people that are benefiting will be the developers. Number two, the residents who purchased their properties in the last 40 years did so with the understanding that the neighbourhood was zoned [for single-dwelling units] … the
residents did not buy into this, by rezoning it we are letting them down if we approve this recommendation. Thank you.” Other councillors agreed. “I don’t believe it’s in the benefit of the neighbourhood,” Marianne Stewart said. “To take a lot in an existing, established community and jam townhouses into it, I think it’s inappropriate.” Despite members’ strong feelings on the issue, their decision runs counter to virtually all modern urban planning directives set forth by multiple levels of government. Councillor John Wink appeared to realize this when he attempted to call an immediate closed-session discussion to receive a legal opinion. However, no other councillor seconded his motion, and it failed. Members were left to discuss publicly what will likely happen next. While Wink voted against the proposal and said he was “willing to take the chance” that the decision could ultimately be overturned, he asked staff what they thought. “No matter what we do, this will end up going to LPAT [the provincial government’s Local Planning Appeal Tribunal], and what See COUNCIL Page 14
Join a Town of pelham committee
Pelham Town Council and some senior Town staff meet by Zoom video conference on Sept. 21, 2020. YOUTUBE
Brock Fit is back! register today
The Town of Pelham has several council committees designed to improve and shape the community’s future, providing advice and feedback on various issues. Joining a committee is a great way to get involved and bring your voice to the table on the most critical issues to you and your community. The Town of Pelham is currently accepting applications for: • Committee of Adjustment • Summerfest Committee • Public Art Committee • Municipal Heritage Committee. Deadline is October 19, 2020. www.pelham.ca/committees or 905-892-2607 x322 for more information.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-10 a.m. at the Meridian Community Centre - 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill Register now for this supervised cardiovascular, strength, and balance class designed to help with everyday living, all in a one-hour circuit class. Exercises will benefit and resemble daily activities to maintain independence. Equipment such as rowers, steppers, kettlebells, dumbbells, and slam balls are just some of the circuit’s equipment.
$135 including tax. Fall registration is now available.
Registration is limited. For more information, please contact: Julie Cook at jcook@pelham.ca or 905-732-7887
Starting October 19, 2020
Blue, Green, Grey every week Garbage pick-up every-other-week
Learn more at niagararegion.ca/waste or call the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 | 1-800-594-5542 Download the “Niagara Region Waste” app today.
Page 4
The Voice, September 30, 2020
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OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Don Rickers American pandemic deaths reach grim milestone
I
magine a city like Burnaby, BC or Saskatoon, SK being wiped off the map. That’s roughly equivalent to the 205,000 deaths in the United States due to COVID-19 since March, as reported by the Coronavirus Resource Centre at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. An average of 770 each day. Four times as many Americans as killed in Vietnam, and nearly half as many killed in the Second World War. The US accounts for 20 percent of the world’s nearly 1 million COVID deaths, despite having only 5 percent of the global population. Brazil has recorded 141,000 deaths, followed by India with 94,000 and Mexico with 76,000. Behind these statistics are countless devastated families and unfulfilled legacies. The situation can potentially get even worse south of the border. Infectious disease modelling at the University of Washington predicts that the grisly tally could reach 400,000 by the end of 2020, fueled by the re-opening of schools and colleges. American cases of COVID-19 infection hit 7 million over the weekend, and by the time many readers are seeing
these words there will likely be tens of thousands more infections reported. Many accuse President Donald Trump of prioritizing politics over science, spurning medical research and hyping that a vaccine will be
Trump has been, shall we say, economical with the truth throughout much of the pandemic
ready before election day on November 3 (leading experts say that immunization shots won’t be widely available until well into 2021). Trump has commented that, in retrospect, there is nothing he would have done differently, aside from his messaging to the public. He told Fox News, “On public relations I give myself a D—on the job itself we take an A-plus.” Investigative journalist Bob Woodward, document-
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ing Trump’s presidency in his recent book Rage, quotes the president as saying of the coronavirus: “I wanted to always play it down…I still like playing it down because I don’t want to create a panic.” Trump has been, shall we say, economical with the truth throughout much of the pandemic. He recently suggested to the press that Canada is pushing to open the international border, whereas Bill Blair, our federal public safety minister, has told the CBC that the border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least October 21, and government sources indicate a further extension is certainly possible. Don’t be surprised if it is Christmas before ski enthusiasts from Niagara can make that trip to Ellicottville, masks and ski-masks in hand. Johns Hopkins estimates that here in Canada, our numbers are about 155,000 infected, with 9,300 deaths. A third of the infections have been in Ontario, where almost 3000 have succumbed to COVID-19. Niagara has recorded 1048 cases—with a jump of 24 on Sunday alone—and 64 deaths. The See GRIM next page
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Objection to message misses messenger's point In response to my letter of September 16, “Faith, Fear and COVID-19,” Theron Jordan muddies the water by invoking the two meanings of faith [“Faith doesn’t necessarily imply religion,” Letters, Sept. 23, p.5]. Faith- (1) a religious spiritual conviction; or (2) a complete trust in someone or something. My first paragraph clearly indicates that I was writing about religious faith. I state that “church is good for you,” particularly during a time of social isolation. I then question whether a passive reliance on religious faith is useful or appropriate when faced with dire and dangerous
situations. The whole thrust of my argument is that a response to these situations requires not passive faith, but timely pro-active action. In the case of COVID-19 it is clear that those countries which implemented best practices experienced much reduced death rates. Contrast that with the USA, which failed to implement best practices. In a rather lengthy discursive letter Theron Jordan fails to address my argument. Instead he offers this: “If I can help instill faith in my See MESSAGE next page
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
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Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Electoral District: Niagara West
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Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840
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Page 5
OPINION Reaction to Councillor Kore's recently reported conduct Kore states—after his own coronavirus experience and the scandal he created by continuing to work while infected—via his self-serving apology, that he learned a lot, but we can see that nothing has changed. He has been seen not wearing a mask, and demands in-chamber meetings. When is this man going to take the pandemic seriously? He continues to be ignorant and arrogant. While there are people who cannot wear masks due to health issues, it is still prudent for those individuals to stand at least some distance from others. Kore, unfortu-
nately, is a “talk in your face” kind of person. It is a known fact that a person who has had COVID can get reinfected by another strain or variant of COVID-19. Wouldn’t you want to be more careful having contracted the disease once already? Perhaps avoiding public contact if he can’t wear a mask would be the cautious thing to do, as we are constantly reminded that aerosol and droplets are key COVID spreaders. Let’s practice some guideline adherence. Sophie Zaworski Voice website
Local federations give back In recent months, farmers and county federations of agriculture have banded together to show their generosity, spread positivity and offer support to their local communities across the province. Despite the extensive pressures and challenges faced by Ontario’s agriculture and food industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not deter the agriculture community
from continuing to find ways to help those in need and support our rural communities. The nature of farming results in farmers being faced with tough situations on a regular basis. They’re forced to make difficult decisions that impact the future of their business. However, farmers have an innate
MESSAGE
P.S. I notice that neither Theron Jordan nor I include our titles or credentials when writing to the Voice. I regard this as good practice. In a public, open debate, titles and credentials should not give extra weight to the words employed. However, throughout his letter Theron Jordan inexplicably refers to me several times as "Mr. Bown." Consequently, to correct this error, I include my full title and credentials.
continued from previous page fellow mankind during this time of acute crisis I will strive to continue to do so.” Take your pick. Which approach is more likely to keep you alive? Professor Alan W. Bown. B.Sc., Ph.D.
See BACK next page
Mayor Marvin Junkin
Budget process begins, MCC offers more activities
W
ith the arrival of autumn the Niagara Region has seen an increase in COVID-19 infections. As of Monday, our days-to-double rate has jumped to 77. There were 50 new cases in the preMarvin Junkin vious three days, bumping the reproductive number to 2.3, well above the desired 1. Although the last six weeks had seen zero cases of COVID in area hospitals, I see that the average number of cases hospitalized by week has moved from 0.0 to 0.1, so I assume that during that last week, someone was admitted to a hospital. I could not reach anyone at Public Health to confirm this. The predominant age group continues to be 20 to 29 that makes up the majority of the infections, which is good in one way, as this is also the age group that is most likely not to need hospitalization, but can self-isolate at home if they do test positive. On the Town front, the Recreational staff continue to bring more activities into play at the community centre. The walking track is now open, with users having to call ahead to schedule their desired times. No running is allowed, and of course, face masks must be worn. Ice rentals continue to be near the maximum, change rooms are being used, but no showers allowed. With the Region’s COVID-19 numbers remaining on the low side, and Town staff carrying on with very stringent cleaning protocols, Town residents can feel safe when using
any Town facility. Along with the coming of fall, this time of year also marks the beginning of municipal government’s budget process, with Pelham being no different. After passing the budget meeting schedule, the Town always holds a public meeting, where residents can offer suggestions on worthwhile community projects. This meeting was held this past Wednesday, with four citizens/groups coming forward. The active transportation committee, through their spokesperson Bea Clark, brought several projects to council’s attention, ranging from Town trail improvement to making bicycling safer on Canboro Road. A shop owner, representing a group of merchants, appeared before council, again, to request a part of the water station parking area, which is currently in grass, to be converted to eight parking spots. While driving through that part of Town last Tuesday I noticed that all on-street parking spaces were filled. Hopefully this coming year council can find the funds to get this project done, so more people can enjoy shopping at these businesses. Rounding out the groups appearing before council was a member of the Pelham Tennis Association. The members would like to see re-surfacing work done to the courts, which are open to the public, along with a reconfiguration of part of the courts, to include pickle ball facilities. On behalf of council, I thank all of these groups for taking the time to bring these projects to our attention. ◆
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continued from previous page Region is the tenth most infected geographical area in the province, though substantially behind Toronto, Peel, York, and Ottawa. A recent upsurge in new infections in Ontario has many worried that we are on the cusp of the “second wave,” which could prove to be more lethal than the first go-round. Sunday saw 491 new infections reported, the highest single-day total since May. It is abundantly clear that no one wants to go back into full lockdown mode, but alarm bells are starting to sound. There is a rush on COVID-19 testing, and often delays in getting lab results. Can long lines at Costco and a return to hoarding of toilet paper be far away? Far more alarmingly, will ICUs once again be pushed to capacity? To date, some 100 Ontario public schools and 30 licensed childcare centres have reported children testing positive— with eight students in Niagara positive as of Sunday evening. The largest single group of active cases is found in those aged 29 and younger. The best advice? Continue following the trinity of pandemic safety: wash your hands frequently and wear a face mask, limit your social circles, and continue to practice social distancing when out and about. And seriously consider a flu shot to potentially ward off the seasonal variety. ◆
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!
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Page 6
The Voice, September 30, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Oosterhoff acclaimed as Niagara West PC candidate
POETRY
BY VOICE STAFF
You can't put a young head on old shoulders We are your foundation Your structure, your base. We are your elders Who for you, set the pace. We started our marathon So long ago, By our actions, our words We wanted to show YOU The young generations What is needed to thrive To be tough, to be strong, To always survive. To learn how to cope From the crib to the grave, We thought you had learned What it takes to be brave. But instead you have shown us The chaos you've brought, Your help in this crisis, Not a lesson we taught. To follow the rules Is all that was asked But sadly we learned You're not up to the task. Your thoughts don't reach outwards But rather within Your priorities, always, With you they begin. Your rights, and plans Your needs, your dreams You care only for them Or so it seems. I'm saddened dear readers Some entitled and young, For you, true compassion Has never begun. Shirley Lazareth
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
BACK
continued from previous page ability to adapt, evolve and persevere through uncertainty, and the COVID-19 crisis was no exception. Farmers forged through spring planting season and a pandemic to continue producing healthy, safe and affordable food for all Ontarians. Their resiliency and optimism carried into new measures this spring, expanding beyond individual farm operations, with countless examples of community support and contributions across the province. Media outlets featured stories on local federations collaborating with community members, agri-food businesses and organizations across the sector to spread goodwill and support those in need. Contributions included organizing tractor parade tributes in support of our frontline workers, generous donations of funds and surplus food products for food banks, retirement homes, healthcare facilities and assisting with the production
SUPPLIED
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, has been formally acclaimed as the riding's Progressive Conservative candidate leading into the next provincial general election. In an online Zoom meeting held Saturday, chaired by riding president, Tony Joosse, the executive and membership of the Progressive Conservative Constituency Association of Niagara West endorsed the acclamation. “Whether advocating for the redevelopment of our new hospital in Niagara West, standing up for rural Ontario or
of non-medical face shields and masks. On social media, videos were shared of donations being mailed to food banks, and photos highlighting pop-up events such as local food drives and county-wide non-perishable food collection days. In northern Ontario, a map that had initially been prepared for use at upcoming fairs and festivals promoting local food was distributed by mail as well as being converted into an online resource to promote direct to consumer sales. Local federation representatives also found new ways to make personal deliveries, donning masks and respecting social distancing protocols to express their gratitude towards essential healthcare workers. Once the reality of the lockdown set in, the reaction from the agricultural community was swift. Farmers found alternative ways to pay it forward to ensure our healthcare system was supported and that Ontarians could rely on our value chain to keep food on their tables. County
assisting constituents in the context of COVID-19, Sam is not only a strong voice for Niagara West, but the region in general,” said Joosse through a party statement. Oosterhoff said that it was a privilege to be acclaimed in the riding where he was born and raised. “I look forward to continuing to faithfully represent and actively advocate for the needs and concerns of families and job creators in Niagara West at Queen's Park,” said the MPP, who has served the riding since 2016.
and regional federations focus a handful of their events and initiatives on in-person consumer outreach. As a result of the pandemic, federations were forced to adjust their efforts, allowing our members to act in support of our communities in new ways. These local federations were not alone in their generosity as many developed new partnerships and alliances as a result of COVID-19. Agri-businesses, commodity groups, farm organizations, community associations and farm families have been donating their time, money, resources and support throughout this crisis. Meat processing facilities have been receiving meals from their local communities in a show of appreciation for their ability to keep fresh meat products on our grocery store shelves. Transporters have been recognized for their vital role along the value chain and retailers have been applauded for their ability to adapt and provide us with their frontline services. Agriculture at all levels has banded
together to spread goodwill and positivity in a challenging time. Earlier this year, OFA launched the #OntAgProud social media campaign to share positive stories, recognize those involved in our dynamic sector and build pride in our industry. The efforts displayed by Ontario agriculture to make our communities stronger and more connected fit into this campaign seamlessly. Each example of community engagement stems from a time of uncertainty, but spreads optimism and hope throughout our rural communities. We have all experienced the pressures, challenges and changes as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. However, the pandemic has also brought generosity, kindness and positivity to the forefront of our industry. Thank you to the members, federations and networks that have joined together to support one another and make our rural communities stronger. Larry Davis, Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture
See you at the MCC. Regular programming returns to the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) at the end of September and early October. Programs returning are: • Ladies learn to play hockey: week of September 27 • Stick and puck: week of September 27 • Shinny: week of September 27 • Public skating: week of September 27 • Brock fitness class: week of September 27 • Pickleball: week of September 27 • Seniors fitness: week of September 27 • Chair yoga: week of October 4 For more information, registration, and safety precautions, call 905-732-7872 or visit www.pelham.ca/mcc
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The Voice, September 30, 2020
Page 7
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Reopening schools safely matters to everyone That’s why the government of Ontario has worked with health officials, school boards and educators to develop a comprehensive plan to keep kids and staff safe. Presentation slide from the Pelham Tennis Association, who appeared before Town Council to request funding for tennis court upgrades. YOU TUBE
Rumblings about rumbles
Pelham Town Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting Sept. 23, with Canboro Road’s rumble strips again making an appearance. Pelham Active Transportation Committee (PATC) Chair Beatrice Clark made a presentation featuring a handful of future requests of the Town. One of those was the eventual removal of the strips on Canboro between Haist and Effingham, which, while designed as a traffic safety measure, creates possible danger for cyclists and pedestrians on the sidewalk-free roadway. “It isn’t just cyclists that have raised the issue of the rumble strips,” Clark told the committee. “In fact, one mother talked about trying to wheel her child in a buggy
down the side of the road and found it very difficult to do so.” If the matter sounds familiar, it’s because councillors Bob Hildebrandt, Ron Kore and Marianne Stewart voted in favour of removing the strips in June — a potentially costly move they later reversed after Clark pleaded with them that the PATC’s priority was a mostly-paid-for extension of the Steve Bauer Trail. Neither Kore or Councillor Lisa Haun attended last week’s committee meeting. As it stands, simply removing the rumble strips would not create necessary space for bike lanes, and major upgrades to this stretch of Canboro are currently not includSee BUDGET Page 16
• Physical distancing measures will be implemented such as desk separation, signs, floor markings and one-way hallways. • Face coverings will be required for staff and students in Grades 4-12. • Hand hygiene will be enabled with hand sanitizer and hand washing. • More nurses will be in schools. • School cleaning will be enhanced.
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Page 8
The Voice, September 30, 2020
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New Business FOCUS
Stylish gifts and decor at Ziya Blue Mother-daughter team offers range of unique accessories BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
Divergent career paths didn’t prevent Jan Reynolds and her daughter Erin from returning to a long-held passion for merchandising unique products. Jan is a retired elementary school teacher from the North Bay area, who relocated to Welland five years ago. Erin earned a biology degree and worked for eight years gazing into a microscope as a cytotechnologist, studying cells and cellular anomalies for disease. A single mom, she hated the daily commute into Toronto. Her father taught graphic design at Canadore College for 33 years, and had immersed Erin in art from an early age. Even while employed as a researcher, she was selling her own custom pillows on Etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade and vintage items and crafts. “The pillow sales kind of took off, so that led me to quit my job and move to Pelham to be closer to my mom, and look for opportunities to retail my products,” said Erin. The Reynolds opened their 1000-square foot store on 111 Hwy
20 East (in the Peter Piper’s plaza) in August, and have enjoyed brisk sales both in-store and through their online mail-order business as well. Erin works with both domestic and American suppliers, and also sells her pillows on Wayfair. The store has an eclectic variety of gifts, from handbags and jewelry, to healing crystals and personalized items. Vendor products are on display, drawn both from local artisans and those from across Ontario. Some of the products available, like doormats and mugs, are adorned with cheeky and irreverent messages. “We really like these inspirational affirmation cards for children,” said Jan, pointing to a display near the register. “They are good to read to children before bedtime.” One popular item is a personalized pillow with a collage of customer-supplied family photos, which retails for $55. Judging by the number of items focusing on dogs and cats, it is clearly evident that the proprietors are pet lovers. In fact, the name of
the store is canine-inspired—Ziya is Erin’s Boston Terrier, and Blue was the family dog during her childhood.
ZiyaBlue is open Tues to Fri, 10 AM – 6 PM, and Sat 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed Sun and Mon. Contact (289) 273-2146, shopziyablue@gmail.com
Top, mom and daughter, Jan and Erin Reynolds. Above, some of the goods on offer. DON RICKERS
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The Voice, September 30, 2020
Page 9
No COVID testing for now at Pelham pharmacies Ontario government rolls out its "fall preparedness plan" BY DON RICKERS
Special to the VOICE
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced last week that COVID-19 testing would be available at 60 pharmacies in Ontario, primarily in Toronto and the surrounding area, plus the Ottawa region. He followed this up with a statement that as many as 18 more pharmacies in southwestern Ontario and Niagara region would also offer COVID-19 testing, with locations in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge,
Ian Bingham.
SUPPLIED
and London. This is in addition to the 150 assessment centres already in place throughout Ontario. In a press release, Health Minister Christine Elliott said, “As part of our plan to ensure that we are ready for future waves of COVID-19, our government is working with pharmacies to help expand testing for Ontarians. With a recent increase in the number of cases, we are making sure people have more options for testing to
WALKING A MILE IN HER SHOES Reports of domestic violence have spiked since the beginning of COVID-19 social distancing protocols, according to a statement by lawyer and onetime Niagara West federal Liberal candidate Ian Bingham, who says that in response the Gillian’s Place Charity is “strutting an annual tradition in a whole new way.” For years the organization has hosted its “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, where funds are raised by Niagara locals—often men —by walking a mile in high-heeled shoes. “This is an excellent cause,” says Bingham. “Donations will support emergency shelters, safety planning and transitional homes for women trying to end the cycle of violence.” Bingham says that Parliament recently made domestic violence a statutorily aggravating factor in the eyes of
identify cases of COVID-19 early. We must not let our guard down. Our best defense is still to follow all public health measures like practising physical distancing, wearing face masks and staying home when ill, so we can stop the spread of COVID-19." The government’s goal is 50,000 tests administered each day. Individuals will be able to visit select pharmacies by appointment only, and they will be pre-screened and tested at no charge. Outside Pelham, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and some independent pharmacies are participating in the testing. To find the closest pharmacy or assessment centre, go to Ontario. ca/covidtest. Residents are encouraged to download the COVID Alert app from the Apple and Goo-
gle Play app stores. Jeff Leger, President of Shoppers Drug Mart, commented in a press release that, “We applaud the government for today’s announcement and for recognizing the role pharmacies and pharmacists can play as we all work together to address this global pandemic. Expanding testing to pharmacies in areas with a higher number of COVID cases will allow more access to these tests, and will help free up capacity at existing centres for those who are ill.” A broad-scoped seasonal flu shot campaign is also part of the provincial government’s fall preparedness plan, which the Premier has referred to as the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario's history.
the courts, “but increased jail sentences for offenders won’t be enough to fix this problem. Public education and empowering women through community supports is an important step as well.” This year, instead of an indoor event, Bingham says he will be taking to the streets on October 17, decked out in pink and wearing stilettos. At 6’2”, Bingham is still tracking down a pair of heels in his size, but has committed to finding and wearing the shoes for the entire mile. “Even if I get a few blisters, I’m proud to be a small part of the effort to end domestic violence. It will take a community effort to achieve our goal, but I believe Niagara West is up to the task.” Bingham’s team and donations page is linked to his Facebook account (/ianbinghamliberal), with a goal to raise $1,500 before the event.
Kyle Boggio, pharmacist/owner of the Boggio Family of Pharmacies on Highway 20 West, said that last year his Fonthill location provided some 700 flu shots, and that this year “we are expecting that number to be significantly higher.” Boggio said that the recent announcement is exciting for the recognition of pharmacists as essential healthcare providers, and for the expansion of their role in the healthcare system. Boggio said that his pharmacy is currently undecided on whether to provide COVID testing. “We are exploring all of our options, and even considering alternatives such as an outdoor testSee TESTING next page
Rotary's Pedal for Polio coming in Oct Bicyclists, donors, and sponsors will unite in the US and Canada on both sides of the Niagara River on October 24, coined as World Polio Day by Rotary International in the early 2000s. The “Best of Friends” District Rotarians and community members will pedal for polio eradication with the assistance of sponsorships and donations. Following COVID-19 guidelines, the cycling event will be limited to two members from each of the Rotary District 7090 Clubs. In a statement, Rotary International, a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, asserted that it has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since its first project to vaccinate
children in the Philippines in 1979. Rotary says that some 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been vaccinated due to the efforts of local and worldwide Rotary Clubs, and that the organization “has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating polio.” Rotary District Governor and Pelham resident Frank Adamson is aiming to raise $200,000 through October 24, which amount will be matched dollar for dollar by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For more information on how to become a sponsor or donate, visit https://rotary7090.org/Stories/pedal-for-polio
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Page 10
The Voice, September 30, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Niagara Health recognizes loyal employees with night out for dinner Fonthill restaurant one of five to host "Loyalicious" meals BY BRIAN GREEN
Special to the VOICE
A Fonthill restaurant is one of five chosen to recognize long term employees of Niagara Health. Employees who have been with the health system for 25 years or longer have been recognized in the past with a gala and dinner at a Niagara Falls casino, but with such a gathering for more than 400 people off the table this year, a new way to recognize long term employees has been developed. Each employee along with last year’s retirees will receive a voucher for themselves and a guest to enjoy a specially prepared meal at one of five Niagara restaurants… eat in or take out. The program has been dubbed “Loyalicious.” According to Michelle Ross, Organizational Development Consultant with Niagara Health, the new recognition program was designed both to honour employees
who have contributed over more than two decades, and to support local restaurants, some of which have supported the health system with donations of meals to frontline health workers. Ross suggests that this type of recognition could become a trend even after the pandemic as people rethink large gatherings and look for ways to promote businesses and organizations within their communities. The five restaurants were chosen partially to provide geographic diversity so anyone in the Niagara Region can find a dining spot close to home, and partially from a poll of Niagara Health employees and partners to find recommended restaurants for an enjoyable dining experience. Along with Fonthill’s Root and Bone, the employees will be able to choose from Incoho, in St. Catharines, 355 on the Ridge, in
TESTING
continued from previous page ing centre located in an area of the parking lot, or even an offsite testing centre so that patients who are receiving testing will be completely separated from our regular patients.” Nesrin Habashy, a pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Fonthill Shopping Centre, said that at present the location is not one of the pharmacies in the chain which will provide testing, but that seasonal flu shots will be available. Glen Sisak, owner/pharmacist at PharmaChoice, located in the Fonthill Marketplace,
WASTE
continued from Page 1 mal environment for organic materials to decompose and when it does start to break down, it causes methane gas and leachate which all have to be managed and that comes with a cost,” she said. The new plan helps reduce that cost and Habermebl said there will be an annual “cost avoidance” of $1 million dollars during the next seven years. “I won’t say savings because the costs for collection have gone up across the province anywhere from 20 to 114 percent and there are many factors for those increases,” Habermebl said. There will be savings on the disposal sides of the things, but there will be more costs associated with handling the additional organic wastes. “If our objectives are reached, those materials that are currently going into the landfill will now go to a compost handling facility and there’s a cost per ton to manage that.” The Region has long-term contracts with Walker Industries to process its food waste and provide space in its Thorold landfill site. One-third of garbage collected by the Region goes to that site. Reducing waste going to landfills is important because dumps have a finite lifespan. The West Lincoln landfill, which services West Lincoln, Pelham, Lincoln and Grimsby, has about 40 years space remaining based on the current incoming tonnage. The Humberstone landfill, found on the border of Welland and Port Colborne, was recently granted an
Each Milestone recipient (from five years to 45 years, by increments of five) will receive a pin as part of their recognition. SUPPLIED
Ridgeway, The Old Winery, in Niagara-on- the- Lake, and Johnny Rocco’s, in St. Catharines. Flo Paladino is the Executive Vice President of People and Or-
has no plans to participate in COVID-19 testing. “Our efforts will be focused on administering flu shots in a safe environment. As a relatively new store, we've seen an increase in the number of flu shots each year and expect that to continue this season,” he said. Bruce McAlpine, owner/pharmacist at PharmaSave in the Pelham Hills plaza, suggested that the government will likely start offering more saliva tests, which are less invasive than the nose swab tests. His pharmacy will providing seasonal flu shots on a walk-in and appointment basis, but will not be a COVID testing site, at least at this point. Niagara Health announced last week that
expansion which allows the site to grow vertically. It will add 25 years of lifespan to that site based on the current incoming tonnage. Going through the process which resulted in that expansion cost $11.5 million. “That is another benefit of trying to remove materials going to landfills because it extends the life of those facilities and gives us more capacity,” Habermebl said. “Going out for any type of new disposal, whether it’s an energy facility or a landfill takes time — anywhere from ten to 15 years — and it is quite an expensive endeavour.” As part of the changes to waste collection, there will be a two bag/ can limit on residential garbage. For apartments with seven or more units, bi-weekly collection will see a two-container limit per unit, to a maximum of 24 containers per building, and garbage tags cannot be used for extra bags. Residents who dispose of diaper waste or waste generated due to a medical condition can register for weekly pickup if they cannot manage their waste into the two bag/can garbage collection limit every-other-week and/or are unable to hold onto this waste for a two-week period. There will be a four-item limit on large household item such as furniture and the curbside pickup of appliances and scrap metal will be discontinued. Those items can still be disposed of free of charge at drop-off depots or through scrap metal haulers or dealers. Appliances with CFCs, such as freezers and refrigerators, are subject to a $20 fee per unit at the drop-off depots, unless you have pre-purchased the $20 CFC sticker. The
ganizational Development at Niagara Health, and she says of the recognition program that, “One of the favourite parts of my job is recognizing the wonderful people
COVID-19 testing has been discontinued on a walk-in basis, and will now only be available by appointment. No referral from a doctor or the public health department is necessary. A massive increase in demand for testing has been observed in Niagara in recent weeks, which has caused delays in the ability of labs to process results. The surge in volume has been attributed to the easing of lockdown measures, people returning to work, and the opening of schools. New restrictions in place dictate that those with no symptoms, or who did not have a risk of exposure to the coronavirus, or who are not part of an “at risk” group, will not be given a test. As of Sept. 25, Niagara Public Health has
two closest drop-off depots for Pelham residents are 700 Humberstone Rd. in Welland, and 2800 Thorold Townline Rd. in Thorold. If Niagara residents don't yet have a green bin, they are urged to get one. Green bin disposal helps avoid potential issues with odours and pests that may occur if this material sits in the garbage for two weeks. New homeowners and new renters are entitled to obtain one free blue box, grey box, kitchen catcher and green bin if they do not have them already. To pick up the free containers, visit the locations listed on the Region’s website within 12 months of the possession date or occupancy. Local pickup sites include the municipal offices in Lincoln, Pelham and Wainfleet. Pelham residents need to bring their damaged bins for verification to the Town Hall at 20 Pelham Town Square. You will receive a new bin and a recycling sticker for your damaged bins to be picked up. Because Town Hall remains closed to the walk-in public, an appointment will need to be made. To coordinate replacing or picking up of bins, please contact Rose Azotini at razotini@pelham.ca. For those new to Pelham, they will need to show a copy of their transfer deed as evidence of the possession date of your home or a rental or lease agreement as evidence of occupancy date. For those wanting extra bins, the cost is $6 for blue and grey boxes, $17 for a green bin, $4 for a kitchen catcher and $21 for a composter. As part of the changes, Niagara’s garbage and recycling will also be collected by someone else. Last November, the Region decided to
who work for our organization. We have a remarkable team whose unswerving dedication during the pandemic has made a tremendous difference.” Niagara Health provides recognition to its employees at fiveyear intervals starting at five years, and is this year honouring a 45-year veteran with the system. Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, pins marking the years have been re-introduced in place of gatherings, while social media and the health system website will publicly thank the employees for their loyalty. Paladino adds that a video is being produced featuring some of the longest serving employees reflecting on their time with Niagara Health and offering tips and encouragement to newer employees. “When our employees love what they do they can truly make a difference. I am so proud of our people and thrilled to meaningfully recognize our long-serving employees.” The Loyalicious program starts October 1 and runs through November.
confirmed 1,011 cases of the virus in the region, of which 904 patients have recovered. The death toll due to COVID-19 in Niagara remains at 64. Since in-class schooling has returned to Niagara in September, there have been eight reported cases of COVID-19 at regional schools: one at Ferndale Public School, St. Catharines, one at Mary Ward Catholic Elementary in Niagara Falls, one at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary in St. Catharines, three at Eastdale Secondary in Welland, one at Holy Cross Secondary in St. Catharines, and one at William Hamilton Merritt Elementary in St. Catharines. Niagara Health continues to monitor the situation closely.
replace Emterra Environment, a Burlington-based company that had collected trash and recycling in Niagara for the past seven years. Green For Life will collect in Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet and West Lincoln, and Miller Waste Systems will be responsible for Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, St. Catharines and Welland. The seven-year contract with the two companies will cost the Region about $30 million dollars a year. There is a provision in the contract which provides for a one-year extension. Green for Life will be located in the St. Catharines space where Emterra was based. The company has headquarters in Vaughan and operates in 23 American states and every Canadian province. It has some 10,000 employees. Miller Waste Systems has been in the waste management business for five decades, operating in some 30 locations across Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba. It has 900-plus collection vehicles and 1,700 employees. Its Niagara operations are found on Townline Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and through its sister company, Escarpment Renewables, it owns an organics processing plant in Grimsby. That plant is being retrofitted to a state-of-the-art facility producing electricity and fertilizer for use on local agricultural lands. Having more than one business handling Niagara’s curb-side pickup is nothing new for the peninsula. “Historically, up until this current [Emterra] contract, we have had two or three companies servicing the Region,” Haberme-
bl said. “We felt that having two contractors provides us with a contingency if something goes wrong in one area.” To help Niagara’s residents manage all the changes, the Region has created the Niagara Region Waste app for Apple or Android smartphones. The app includes the garbage/recycling collection schedule for specific house addresses, the ability to sign up for a collection day reminder, and updates regarding collection changes or delays. The app also features a “Where Does it Go?” search tool, which can tell you if your recyclables and waste go in the green bin, blue or grey box, garbage or to a household hazardous waste depot. Residents without Apple or Android smartphones can visit waste management on-line (https:// w w w.n iag a r a reg ion.ca/w a ste/ collection/schedule/default.aspx ) and search their home address in the “Find Your Collection Day” tool. From there, they can sign up for a waste collection reminder by email or phone call, download their collection schedule into their iCal, Google calendar or Microsoft Outlook calendar, or print their collection schedule. “It’s now even easier to learn about solid waste management in our community with our improved mobile app, Niagara Region Waste, and on-line tools,” said Jennifer Mazurek, a waste management program manager for policy, planning and engagement. “The app provides residents with all the information they need to know about their curbside waste collection at the touch of a button.”
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, September 30, 2020
Page 11
Business FOCUS
DeVries Fruit Farm continues expansion Last year it was processing and storage, this year it's new retail space BY DAVE BURKET
The VOICE
Necessity, often the mother of invention, has seen the DeVries Fruit Farm renovate and greatly expand their retail operation on Canboro Road in Fenwick. With farmers markets closed or limited across the Niagara peninsula this past spring due to COVID, the family business opted to invest in a robust retail approach that included a revamped website, partnering with other local food producers, offering touchless curbside pick-up, and the locally grown cherry on top: basically tripling their retail floor space. With a new entrance door added to the south side of the building to safely separate incoming and departing customers, the store has been doing brisk business from the start. Along with the farm’s own produce, there is also a selection of Highland Packers meats from Stoney Creek, fresh local flowers from Niagara Bouquet, and pies from Niagara Food Company (formerly called Sweetie Pies) in St. Catharines. The pies are made with DeVries fruit. Other sourced items include farm-fresh eggs, unpasteurized honey from Lilley Bee Apiaries in Vineland and Charlie Bee in Beamsville, Sovereign Carnation eating grapes from a farmer in Jordan, and maple syrup from a Mennonite family in St. Jacobs. While the farm’s annual strawberry festival was cancelled due to the coronavirus, there’s a new sort of festive energy on hand as autumn begins, with a sea of pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and hay
bales on display. In fact, inspired by the season, the family has partnered with Duliban Insurance to support two local charities—Village of Hope, and Niagara Nutrition Partners— though what they are calling the Hometown Heart Fundraiser and Decorating Contest. Open to Niagara residents only, entrants will compete to decorate their porches in the most creative ways. Contest details appear on this page. Niagara Nutrition Partners has distributed some $400,000 in grocery gift cards to students across the region, paid for with ministry funds, grant money specific to the COVID-19, as well as donations. The gift card program continued through the summer, as families rebuilt and regained work post-lockdown. Referrals were received by school personnel, community members, and through partnerships with local food banks and multicultural centers. The Village of Hope, in Jordan, backed by the Calvary Gospel Church and a number of commercial sponsors, offers a wide range of charitable services from Grimbsy into St. Catharines, and runs a thrift store, according to its website. The organization says that there remains an urgent need for donations of rice, juice, canned meat, crackers, canned potatoes, stews, canned fruit, pancake mix, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. With files from Don Rickers
A plethora of pumpkins and other seasonal decorations fill the farm's front yard. DAVE BURKET
The Hometown Heart Fundraiser and Decorating Contest Contest Prizes Decorate your porch or entry and post a picture for your chance to win one of three prizes: First Prize- Anna Olson will do a porch visit the winning home, plus Anna Olson Baker’s Box set of baking pans, a signed copy of her latest Cookbook, “Baking Day with Anna Olson,” a $250 gift card from The Watering Can Flower Market, $50 gift card from DeVries Fruit Farm, and a handmade porch sign donated from Riverleigh Designs Second Prize- DeVries apples (10 lbs. bag) monthly for a whole year, a family portrait session from Constellation HAUS Photography, and a handmade porch sign donated from Riverleigh Designs. Third Prize- $50 gift certificate donated from Advantage Restaurant and Supply Service,
a half bushel of DeVries apples, and a handmade porch sign donated from Riverleigh Designs. Contest Rules 1. Decorate your porch. DeVries Fruit Farm has wide selection of fall décor to inspire you. 2. Follow Duliban Insurance Brokers Ltd., and DeVries Fruit Farm on Facebook. 3. Post a picture of your display on Facebook and tag Duliban Insurance Brokers Ltd., and @devriesfruitfarm. Don’t forget to use #HometownHeartContest! All entries will be judged based on creativity and overall presentation. A panel of judges will choose three winners. Contest closes Saturday, October 24, at 11:59 PM EST. Open to Niagara residents only. Winner will be announced Monday, November 2, and contacted via Facebook.
Top, the recently expanded retail floor space in Fenwick. Above, staff member Hannah Graat. DON RICKERS
Page 12
The Voice, September 30, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 My father, meanwhile, barely swims at all. He could out-run or cycle her any day, but on a triathlon’s first leg he would be utterly hopeless. Water sticks in his ears for weeks, even months, after his head has been submerged. Long ago he adopted a method to protect himself—a sort of hop into the water with his arms held aloft and his neck craned, which keeps him from going fully under. When I took swimming lessons, there was a test for jumping in without getting your head wet. I got perfect marks every time, all from watching and mimicking my father’s form. (Sorry, Dad. Consider this repayment for all those golf columns during my childhood!) So my mother was my inspiration on this front. Her laps in the pool never had the same effect on me as her swims in open water. Maybe this was because she was still right there in front of me in the pool, safe in the clear water through which the bottom was so easily visible, so very different from when she was but a distant dot in a lake’s lapping murk. I didn’t realize how much I loved doing this too until I was much older, and working in Ottawa for a summer. On my days off, I would cycle up to the Gatineau hills to Meech Lake, the famed site of one of Canada’s doomed efforts to get Qué-
It's unlikely to reproduce sharply enough on newsprint, but the author's arm is barely visible, slightly right of centre, just below the horizon. Glorious sunset courtesy of smoke from the western wildfires. SUPPLIED bec on board with the new constitution. (The conference was not on the beach, though having it there may have eased tensions.) My job that summer was giving tours of Parliament, repeating endlessly the same answers to the same questions from different visitors, informing them that the big building with the tall tower was not, in fact, a church. After those days of talking, those hours at the lake were
a salve. I would swim out into the middle and lay on my back, my ears filled with the water’s silence, my eyes by the sky’s spans. I have taken to open water many times since then, most memorably on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where, once you duck under the breakers and make it out to the swells, you can lie back and let the energy of each pulse heave you up and down as if in rhythm with
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likely prompted the closure of beaches along the lake’s southern tip. Whenever I can, I go to the lake. I nod and smile at those who have spread themselves out on the beach, and then I try to find a spot past them. In the evenings the sun falls directly over the water, and with the Wisconsin shore far out of sight it looks as if the lake itself is swallowing the sun. I would not put it past the water’s power: wind and sandbars rou-
tinely produce roaring rip currents that pull swimmers far from shore. Many do not know that the only way out of these is to float on your back and wait until you have drifted aside from the current’s path. Dozens drown every year. I remember reading that the writer Joan Didion, who apparently loved—and maybe still loves—to swim in the California ocean, said she was once told to “swim with the tide,” and that trying to struggle against it would only exhaust her. You have to go with the change, she decided. Not all see water this way. Robert Moses, the New York civil servant who amassed more power over his decades in office than probably anyone else in US history, was notorious for his swimming prowess. When not dominating his subordinates in the boardroom, he would do so at the beach. Even into his ninth decade, they would send far younger men into the waves to keep watch on Moses as he swam out into the Atlantic off Long Island. He would invariably outlast them all. More than once he was gone from sight for so long that his “Moses Men” deliberated about how best to break the news of his drowning to his wife. The sea was, seemingly, just another thing that bent to his will. Or perhaps not. Perhaps Moses wanted to go so far from shore, and stay there for so long, because it was one place where he could submit to the tides, acquiesce to change that did not—could not—bear his signature. This has been a season of going with the change, locked as I effectively am on the southern side of the border. Lake Michigan is not the ocean, and I do not intend to go looking for rip currents. But I do intend to return to its waters until it is too cold to consider it. And if I am pulled in a rip current, I will flip over, breathe deeply, look up at the sky, and wait until I have drifted out of it. ◆
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“You can always get someone to do your thinking for you.” Gordie Howe
The Voice, September 30, 2020
Sporting Green The Niagara
Page 13
John Swart takes a ride that he won't soon forget 18
The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | September 30, 2020
Jonah Devereaux.
BILL POTRECZ
Panthers counting on veteran forward BY BILL POTRECZ
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Jonah Devereaux is hoping he has finally found a home. The 19-year-old Fort Erie native suited up for three teams in two leagues the last three years until arriving in Pelham late last season. Devereaux quickly fit in with the Panthers, who were in dire need of both offence and experience, something the veteran forward was able to provide over the final 14 games of the regular season and into the playoffs. Devereaux is now being counted on as a centrepiece for the Panthers for the upcoming Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League season. “It definitely exciting,” he said. “I like the pressure of being kind of the guy. Hopefully I can step up and do what they want me to do and do what’s best for the team.” Pelham coach Chris Johnstone has big plans for Devereaux. “We’ve asked a leadership role of him so I think he’s taken to that approach quite nicely,” Johnstone said. “This team will go how he goes and how Devin Sand-
ers goes. We’ve got some real other good players in that room but those two are our engine. He knows that and he knows we’re expecting a lot from him and I think that will be very good for him. I think he’s highly motivated.” Devereaux began his junior career with the Thorold Blackhawks in 2018, where he collected 22 points in 47 games. He then moved to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League where he played for both the Espanola Express and Timmins Rock. But being so far away from home and dealing with celiac disease proved to be too much. “I was having trouble finding somewhere to live so I ended up coming home. I enjoyed my 14 games here so I decided to come back. That made it easier,” he said. Devereaux was diagnosed in Grade 10 and is now able to manage his disease, which sees him unable to eat anything containing gluten. “It’s not too bad to figure out but it’s hard to teach someone that doesn’t understand. It’s not their fault. It’s a process to get where it needs to be.” His mother generally prepares gluten-free pasta for him before games and
Some of the younger guys, when I came it was a pretty young team, but now you can see how much confidence that they have
he carries gluten-free protein bars for snacks. “I just bring my own stuff. I don’t want to put it on other people to worry about my food and do it myself,” he said. If he does eat gluten, the outcome can be painful. “I get stomach pains, headaches, I can’t focus and can’t stay awake. I just have to sleep,” he said. With his diet issues under control, Devereaux is looking forward to a strong season.
“I was excited when they told us we were starting. I’m fired up. I just want to get the season started and see what we can do,” he said. “We have lot of potential. Some of the younger guys, when I came it was a pretty young team, but now you can see how much confidence that have after they got that first year out of the way.” Johnstone sees Devereaux as a key piece of the offence. “His game is goal scoring,” Johnstone said. “He’ll play hard in our end and do those kind of things but he’s a guy who will get a lot of leeway to be creative as he can because we need him putting the puck into the net. Let the goal scorer be a goal scorer.” The Panthers have had plenty of ice at their disposal and have also been busy doing off-ice team building activities. “We’re structuring certain drills in how we want to impact playing in a game. Everybody is just playing and being creative. I’m just looking for spirit, work ethic and commitment,” Johnstone said. “The key is to keep them busy and engaged.” The GOJHL has set a tentative start date of Dec. 2, pending government approval.
Page 14
The Voice, September 30, 2020
COUNCIL
continued from Page 3 are our chances going to be?” Wink asked. Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens couldn’t say exactly, but pointed to the fact there already are existing townhouse developments in similarly populated parts of Pelham. “We have lots of examples in the town of Pelham where there’s townhouse development adjacent to single-detached development,” Wiens said. “I don’t want to say what your chances are of winning this … but it is supported by the various planning policies that exist.” Wiens also reminded council that the Town will need to retain legal representation if and when the matter goes to LPAT, given that Town staff itself was recommending that council approve the project. Ward 1’s Bob Hildebrandt didn’t criticize the developer’s proposal as strongly as some of his colleagues, but suggested there appears to be a disconnect between developers and residents of neighbourhoods where similar construction is ongoing. “In the last month I’ve particularly had two infill developments in my area —both of them have caused considerable angst to the residents and the problem is communication,” Hildebrandt said. “The developers are nowhere, and the builders are nowhere to be found. The people working onsite don’t know anything
about it and can’t provide answers, so they come to their councillor, which is fine — which is my job. Then I have to go to staff, and generally it’s dealing with two different staff levels and it goes around a circle.” He suggested a system be created where developers and residents are able to freely communicate. Either way, Hildebrandt said he’s heard enough negative feedback from residents regarding the Pancake proposal that there was no way he could vote for it. “I’m not saying this is a bad design, but the number of residents that have come after me now with regards to this property is huge, because they think it’s in my ward. And because I represent the residents, I’m not going to be supporting this motion.”
Design-build debate
Mayor Marvin Junkin took issue with the budget costs associated with a needed culvert bridge in the Balfour Street-16 Road vicinity. The Mayor wondered aloud why “design-build” principles — where a single entity under one contract designs and builds a structure — aren’t used for such projects, therefore causing costs to balloon as the work is split between vendors. “It makes me growl when I talk to people that replace culverts … we’re spending $100,000 to hire engineers … that for the life of me I still can’t accept the fact that we don’t do these culverts … we just put a picture up on the Town website and
say we need this replaced, how would you do it, and how much would it cost,” Junkin said, addressing Public Works Director Jason Marr. “Explain to me again why this is not a possibility?” Marr said there was a legal obligation to have a professional design such structures in accordance with code and Ministry of Transportation specifications. “I appreciate that,” Junkin replied. “But these companies tell me they have their own engineers, they can read government manuals so they know what the specs are, but they pull their hair out and say ‘Marv, you guys, the town, are wasting money. Our engineers can do it cheaper than these other ones you hire.’ When I’m at the grassroots level, and these guys are telling me the town must be doing pretty good to spend $100,000 when you could be putting this out in design-build … I’m not trying to belittle you, I respect you as an engineer, I just think this is not the way to do it, and I remember Mike Ciolfi— god bless his soul—he also made the point that in their industry, that’s what they did, put it on the website, give us a proposal. Again, I’m just a farmer, but I just don’t understand why we’re spending all this money on an engineering firms when the people that are putting these culverts in have their engineering firms with them.” Marr said that design-build projects are more suited for larger-scale
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projects. “Design-build projects are great, and usually when you do a design-build project it comes with a certain ingenuity to the project,” he said. “Replacing a culvert, there’s usually not much innovative insight that goes into the replacement of a culvert or a small bridge.” CAO David Cribbs agreed with Marr after Junkin jokingly reminded him of Cribbs wagging his finger at the Mayor, telling him design-build projects don’t always work. “It was a friendly wagging,” Cribbs said with a chuckle. “[But] my basic point then, and it remains my view today, is design-build can work, but you need a certain size, an economy of scale. The average culvert doesn’t hit that. Design-build works really well for things that are complex and big-bucks.” Junkin said he would “agree to disagree” with the staffers.
Public skating changes
The coronavirus pandemic is expected to bring substantial changes to public skating at the community centre this winter. With skaters and necessary staff currently capped at 50 people, due to provincial regulations, Cribbs said staff will be bringing a report to outline potential options. “We’re just sort of realizing that demand is exceeding supply, and we need to find ways to address that,” the CAO said. It appears that several of Pelham’s neighbouring municipalities will not offer public skating this season, something Cribbs recognizes could exacerbate matters. “We’re going to need to figure out whether it needs to be limited to only residents of Pelham,” he said. One possibility is to offer more sessions with shorter time periods. The report is expected at council’s next meeting.
Niagara Region provides many of the essenstial services you rely on everyday
Haun moves to ask for cannabis cash
Councillor Lisa Haun gave notice that she is planning a motion to ask higher levels of government for funding to deal with Pelham’s emerging cannabis-related legal expenses. “We are already in the receipt of several bills, and going forward we have several more,” she said. “I don’t think we should be looking at raising our taxes, and of course that’s the only thing we can do if we don’t get assistance from the government.” Haun says the plan is to ask for assistance from MPPs, MPs, the Region, and even neighbouring municipalities. She plans to have more information at the next meeting.
Olson takes oath
Newly-elected Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson attended the electronic meeting and virtually took his oath of office — filling the seat left vacant by the death of Mike Ciolfi in April. Olson didn’t speak much during the proceedings, but said his ears were open. “Councillor Olson, you carried yourself well tonight,” Junkin told him at the meeting’s conclusion. “Well, thanks everybody, because I learned a lot just listening,” Olson replied.
Odds and ends
Junkin singled out the Royal Canadian Legion Fonthill’s poppy campaign for praise. “It’s a great community effort that the Legion puts out,” the Mayor said, giving a “shout-out” to Legion members. This year’s poppy campaign runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 11. Due to the pandemic, only one cenotaph ceremony will take place this year —at the Legion’s Veterans Garden on Hwy. 20 on Remembrance Day. Council also voted to extend its own mask bylaw, this time until Dec. 7.
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OBITUARY
GEE, William Alexander 1928-2020 Bill Gee passed away peacefully at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland on September 19, 2020 in his 93rd year. Bill grew up in Vineland and returned there after a number of years in Fonthill. He was involved in sports both as a participant and supporter. He rowed for St. Catharines Collegiate high school at the Henley in St. Catharines and volunteered there during the high school tournaments. He played baseball in the St. Catharines Industrial League for the Cyril B. Smith team and was a founding member of Pelham Minor Hockey. He also loved to golf even into his 80s. Dad was a career employee of Bell Canada, beginning his career at 19. He worked in Saudi Arabia for two years with Saudi Telephone and he and mom travelled much of the world afterwards. Dad also worked briefly as groundskeeper for Peninsula Lakes Golf Club and at Pelham Hydro after his retirement. Dad was a lifetime member of the Lions’ Club, most notably the Fonthill and Jordan branches. He and our mom were strong supporters of the Dog Guides of Canada. He recently discovered a relative who was an original United Empire Loyalist and was granted membership himself through that connection. Family was most important to Bill and he had many wonderful relationships with nieces and nephews as well as his immediate family. He is predeceased by his adored wife Audrey in 2012. He leaves his sister Jeanne Easton, brother and sister in law Jim and Judi Gee, daughter Andrea and husband Dave Sherlock, their sons, Jordan (Rebecca), Phil (Joy), Eric (Heather), great grandson Theodore, daughter Karen and husband Brian Kinsman, granddaughter Katie Clarke (Dan) and grandson Graham (Meg). Many heartfelt thanks to the staff of the United Mennonite Home. Their undying dedication is a priceless gift to the residents and their families. We are forever grateful to them for their care of dad and of our mom when she lived there. There will be a private graveside ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dog Guides of Canada in his memory. Dad will forever be in our hearts.
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care? Or, now that everyone’s six months older, have we reached that age where we’re This is not gender specific. Male cy- suffering from “Deficient Inhibitory ProPELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP clists mark their territory on rides at about cesses?” I searched this on Springer Link, Makerate six as cards learning a variety of techniques. Materials the same malewith dogsfall dothemes, on morna website which “provides researchers with ing walks, with just At a couple to millions scientific documents.” are provided. time of of differencregistration,access please enquireofabout tools needed. es. Firstly, dogs get right at it, marking the When the second sentence in the article Tues., Sept. 10see, – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamfirst hydrant or pole16 they and generalsuggested part of the hypothesis was to ly keep at it until they’re back home. Allibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 fordetermine more details. if inhibition deficit was general, though, to my knowledge, there’s no firm or task-specific, I knew this might be more rule, male cyclists usually get at least a few information than I wanted to know, and I kilometres from home before they start the FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISHclicked FRY out of there. process. ride provided a lot to digest menTasty treats with funds heading straightThe back into the community. Haddock, Secondly, male cyclists seldom sniff the tally, and I was deep in thought as we repolesfrench or bushes first. fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. along the trail. I turned to Port Colborne Back on the trail, Jill (not her real name) didn’t immediately notice we’d entered an decided to avail herself of the trailside flo- area littered with horse buns, or road apra. PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT ples, orSALE whatever euphemism you might “The undergrowth’s thick here, not choose for horse poop. Aimed These to horse buns Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. provide much room,” she said to no one in partic- on the trail were dropped by the well-fed Runs Sept.and 6 from ular. cheaper “Oh well.”options for players in this upcoming steeds of a season. local riding stable, they At that exact second, out of nowhere, were massive—the type that would throw 9-12 in the morning. came a hiker and his dog onto the trail. you over the handle bars if you accidentally Cyclists look out for each other. Six riders rode into one. immediately attempted to strike up a conOur group of cyclists immediately began PELHAM MUDFEST versation with the guy, petting and fawn- complaining as they dodged the offending Menhisand be him backabout in the lumps, mud aswith thecomments second run on the year is ing over dogwomen in turn, will asking like, “If dog ownthe weather if heHideaway. had grandkids, any held at and Bissil’s ers have to stoop and scoop, how can horse nonsensical thing, all in a desperate at- owners get away with this?” tempt to buy time for Jill. But my newfound cyclist UTI was emergPerhaps thinking we were a strange group, NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION ing. Should I embrace it? How high could he pressed on down the trail quickly. Our I bunny hop on bike?exciting Bunnyevent. hopping games andthat livewe’d entertainment headline thisthis years It eyes Rodeo, followed him, hoping see Jill is a mountain biker’s term. Their cycling already walking us. No at such runs from toward Sept. 11-14 theluck. Wellandshoes Fairgrounds. are mechanically locked to their Then, after he’d walked just a few strides, bike’s pedals when they ride, allowing we were rather surprised to hear from the them to quickly jerk their legs upwards and trailside perky, “Hi, how are BIGbushes MOVEJill’s CANCER RIDE lift their bikes vertically off the ground. you.” This bunny hopping is a place technique used The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking on Sept. In another minute, Jill popped out onto when they’re blasting down a trail and ap7. Proceeds for to thewalk Big Move Niagara and support the Walker the trail, and began towardstay us. inproach a log or rock. They can bunny Famhop it She stopped abruptly, pulled at her cycling at speed rather than slowing down. ily Cancer Centre. shorts, and nonchalantly said, “Ouch, I’ve I was quickly bearing down on a pile of got a branch or something stuck inside my fresh road apples. Could I bunny hop them? shorts,” and headed back to the bushes. If I failed, it wouldn’t be pretty. But I had to WALKING CLUB As I turn my head away, there was Scott press on, envisioning myself as Joe and KaInterested walking insignpost Pelham? them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena marking the GordinHarry Trail notJoin mala, speeding toward election day, with a threefrom metres away. 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell 9-10:30 am. There similar mammothfor pile blocking their way. What was going on, and where had this It had to be hurdled to reach success. is no forfrom? this program. For more My information, please contact jcook@ cycling UTIfee come Was I a prude? bunny hop was exhilarating, and I Beingpelham.ca good friends one905 thing, but I don’textwas oriscall 892-2607, 329.hooked. UTI has added a new dimenremember our group being quite so im- sion to my riding too. ◆ modest in the past.
HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.
Nominations are received from across the province and a panel of judges selects 12 final recipients who are honoured during a special ceremony. For more information or to express interest in this unique sponsorship opportunity, please contact Kelly Gorven at k.gorven@ocna.org
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FAITH LIFT
BUDGET
first when she saw me squinting at the blackboard. It’s called “myopia” or short-sightedness and thankfully there was a remedy — glasses. But I also have a second “i” problem which is spiritual. By nature, I want to be at the centre of my life making all the decisions and calling all the shots. Let’s call it “my-opia.” It’s the malady which puts “me, myself and I” at the centre of my life. Thankfully, it too has a cure. Surrendering to God is the divine prescription. This involves sincere repentance (turning from sin) and genuine faith (trusting) in His provision of His Son, Jesus, as Savior, Lord, Leader and Master. Surrendering to Him was absolutely the best decision I have ever made. What about you? ◆
ed the Town’s long-term plans. “The reconstruction of Canboro Road is not in the 20-year forecast,” Public Works Director Jason Marr said. “To get a project like that added would [need] support from council, and engineering would proceed with putting together some rough cost estimates. If we’re talking about a full reconstruction and widening of the platform, which may or may not include property acquisition and utility relocation, I would think that the $1.7 million would seem like a realistic budget.” Marr estimated that removing the strips alone would cost approximately $50,000. However, there remains no real timeline on the project, whatever it ends up being. Town Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services Teresa Quinlin suggested that outside funding could come
continued from Page 19
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
continued from Page 7
possibly come in the form of a COVID-19-related grant for active transportation initiatives. “I think we cannot lose sight of this project,” councillor John Wink said. This month, the Canada Summer Games announced the postponement of the event in Niagara from next year to 2022 due to the pandemic. The Games’ road cycling race prominently featured Pelham, including that particular stretch of Canboro.
Budget schedule
Quinlin presented Pelham’s 2021 budget schedule, which recommended marking Dec. 7 for the consideration of approval of the capital budget. Staff has pushed the authorization of the operating budget to an undetermined date in January — per council’s request that any monies from an expected second round of COVID-19 funding relief from upper levels of government be included. It’s unknown
would go to the Town, with the rest earmarked for the Region and education.
Tennis anyone?
Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin at council's Committee of the Whole meeting, Sept. 23. YOU TUBE when that funding announcement will be made, but the deadline for the passage of budgets is in March. Using 2019 figures as an example, a Pelham home appraised at $348,359 would pay $4,469 in property tax, 40 percent of which
Pelham Tennis Association president Peter Bedard made an appeal to the Town for money for upgrades to the tennis courts at Fenwick Lion’s Park. Citing not only an explosion in the popularity of tennis thanks to the rise of Canadian stars such as Bianca Andreescu, Bedard also mentioned an increased local interest in pickleball, which is essentially doubles tennis on a smaller court. Aside from needed fixes to cracked surfaces, Bedard’s renderings suggested converting one of the existing Fenwick courts into pickleball surfaces. The price tag appears steep, however. Asked for what he called a “guesstimate” of the upgrades, Bedard pegged the price at $250,000. He cited similar improvements at a Welland facility as costing $130,000.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, September 30, 2020
Page 17
Taking comfort from this venerable tree BY LARRY COTÉ
Special to the VOICE
The tree that is prominently displayed on the Town of Pelham’s Coat of Arms is known as the Comfort Maple. This sugar maple tree is estimated to be more than 500 years old. According to MonumentalTrees. com, its nearest competitor, the “Father Maple” in Michigan, is a mere 350 years old. According to our elementary school history lesson, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. If that be the case, then this tree was already a decade-old sapling before Columbus disembarked the Nina onto these shores. According to arborists who regularly and tenderly care for this relic from the past, this historic icon is in reasonably healthy condition, considering its age. It has survived the onslaught of many bouts of stormy weather and has been struck by damaging lightning a number of times. Interestingly, it has been cloned by horticulturists from the Niagara Parks Horticulture School, so when this treasured relic finally succumbs, its unfettered DNA will live on long into the future. So here’s a suggestion. Give the youngsters in your life a bit of a history lesson and take them to visit this memorable icon before its demise. Maybe a picnic lunch would be in order. The youngsters will certainly remember this lesson with fondness for their lifetime. LARRY COTE PHOTO
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Married on September 30, 1950, at the Fonthill United Church by the Reverend Graydon Cox. Mom and Dad: Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all wish both of you much love and great appreciation for 70 years of true love!
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The Voice, September 30, 2020
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FROM THE HANDLEBARS
by John Swart
UTI—Unleashing Two-wheeling Inhibitions
I
n cycling, UTI is an abbreviation for Unleashing Two-wheel Inhibitions, and last Saturday was quite an eye-opener for me. For the first time since March 17, when Dougie declared a State of Emergency in Ontario, I joined a group bicycle ride. It had been a long six months, and I have to be honest, I’d been missing the social interaction. Pre-COVID, you knew how the conversation would go, and what to expect. “What’ve you been up to?” “That’s a new bike [jersey, cycling shoes, saddle, wheels, etc.] isn’t it?”
“Where’d you go on your last trip? Where are you going next?” “Really, they’re a couple now?” If you had ridden with the same folks for a while, you’d just go straight to the last question. Most of us would choose gossip over bike gear and travel on any ride. Saturday’s ride was to be an early start, so it would begin with cool fall temperatures and then warm up as we rode. Do you dress to be warm at the beginning, then overheat in an hour, or do you dress light and freeze for the first twenty-five kilometres
to be just right as the sun climbs in the sky? A third option is to shed a jacket or vest layer as you go. Turns out there’s a fourth option that straight-laced me hadn’t envisioned. Un-named female (let’s protect everyone involved here, including me) removed her cycling vest at a stop sign 20 minutes into the ride. Fifteen minutes later, off came her jacket. All good, and pretty normal as the day warmed up. At the next water stop by a farmer’s laneway, she said, “These tights are so hot. Give me a minute to take them off.” Nothing unusual here, except that her tights were underneath her riding shorts. She trots ten metres down the farm lane, and quick as a flash (couldn’t resist) shorts and tights are off, shorts are back on,
Identities withheld for everyone's protection, the author's Saturday posse. and our ride is resumed. Even with all eyes averted, this was a first for me, and seemed a tad uninhibited. Had there been an attitudinal change during the last six months that I was unaware of, or had this been a one-off, so to speak.
Later, a couple hours into our ride down the Gord Harry Conservation Trail, during which we didn’t see a single person other than those in our group, we were about to leave the forest-shrouded trail and head to open, sunny rural
JOHN SWART
roads. As we paused at the trail’s exit, I cautioned the group that this was the last chance for a “nature break” in the relative seclusion of the trail-side bushes before we’d be on the open roads. See UTI Page 15
Voice
HOROSCOPE
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 A debate is growing inside of you, Aries. You do not know whether you should lean toward practical decisions or have a little fun. Why not do both? TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, maintaining balance will be challenging this week. There’s a conflict for which you can’t seem to find a resolution. Give things a little more time. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 You may be daydreaming a bit too much lately, Gemini. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds and focus on some practical matters that need to be addressed. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, when you are in charge of a situation, you have to keep in mind others’ feelings before offering a critique. Take a moment before you give commentary. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Try to keep your emotions in check this week, Leo. This is not the time to let your feelings seep into a work environment. You have to remain focused and firm. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, even if something rubs you the wrong way this week, don’t let others know. Surround yourself with people and activities you love so you can boost your mood. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, your artistic side is ready to get a little attention. Maybe you will redecorate a room or design a website. Channel those creative urges purposefully. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 What was moving along so
smoothly just yesterday may hit a snag now, Scorpio. Don’t let this sidetrack you. You just may have to put forth a little extra effort. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 The pace of your life is bound to slow down a bit in the days to come, Sagittarius. This will be a welcomed change from the hustle and bustle that has been the norm lately. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, something keeps pulling your focus away from the task at hand. This may be the universe telling you that this project needs to be delayed for a bit. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Don’t stress about making hard decisions or commitments, Aquarius. You already have the next few months planned out, as you like to be two steps ahead all the time. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 While someone may be pushing you to take action, it is even better if the motivation comes from you. Take a step in the right direction. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER 27 Lil Wayne, Rapper (38) SEPTEMBER 28 Naomi Watts, Actress (52) SEPTEMBER 29 Zachery Levi, Actor (40) SEPTEMBER 30 Trey Anastasio, Singer (56) OCTOBER 1 Brie Larson, Actress (31) OCTOBER 2 Aaron Hicks, Athlete (31) OCTOBER 3 Tessa Thompson, Actress (37)
SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Plat 2. Abel 3. Sere 4. CRO 5. Arb 6. Lye 7. Sanaa 8. CMDR 9. Has 10. Matinee 11. Unicorn 12. Rejig 14. Mahatma 17. Taj 18. Chine 20. Net 23. Meddled 24. Irate 25. At 26. Dai 29. ID 30. ETA 31. Niagara 32. Toreros 35. Nee 36. Daces 38. Haber 40. Muck 41. Acne 42. Thor 43. Hems 44. Cad 45. Rat 46. Ado 47. New
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Pascal 7. SCH 10. Mulberry 12. Rama 13. Anaerobe 14. Mends 15. Title 16. Ajar 17. Tic 18. Chia 19. Anon 21. Hag 22. Jeremiad 27. It 28. Entertainment 33. DA 34. Ideation 36. DDT 37. Aare 38. Hale 39. Gee 40. Mace 41. Athar 44. Cubed 45. Ranchero 48. Aces 49. Adenomas 50. DKR 51. Towers
Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice, September 30, 2020
Voice
FAITH LIFT
by Pastor Rob Weatherby
CROSSWORD
Do you have an "I" problem?
G
. K. Chesterton, the renowned English author, once responded to an editorial in the London Times. The column asked a simple question, “What’s wrong with the world?” Chesterton’s simple reply was, “I am.” Humbly, he was acknowledging that he was part of the problem that humanity is in. Israel had the same problem. As you read through much of the Old Testament, you realize that over and over God chastised His people for mainly two things. They both happen to start with the letter “i” in English (it doesn’t work in Hebrew).
Page 19
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something else. Many worshipped foreign gods made of wood, stone or metal. Many others compromised by demoting Yahweh (Jehovah in English) to just one of many gods to be worshipped. Again, let’s fast-forward to modern-day Canada. A good definition of idolatry is “anything that takes God’s rightful place in our lives.” What has happened in our post-World War II society? After the trauma of that war, most Canadians attended church and professed faith in God. Several decades later, we
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see today that the pre-eminence of God is gone, effectively pushed to the sidelines. Secularism, materialism, hedonism (and other man-made “isms”) rule. Instead of God, the centre of our lives is now something else of our choosing — money, pleasure, sports, passtimes, pursuit of power. God has been dethroned and “I” have replaced Him.
Me, myself and I
Like Chesterton, I have an “i” problem too. In fact, I have two. I’ve had a physical “eye” problem since my youth. My teacher spotted it See FAITH LIFT Page 16
Immorality
The people of Israel became increasingly immoral. They perverted the God-given gift of sexuality. The gift itself was very good within the boundaries God had placed around it — within marriage as defined as the committed union of a man and a woman. Many Israelites ignored God’s guidelines. Many were promiscuous and adulterous. Fast-forward from ancient Israel to modern Canada. We live in a sex-saturated society which flaunts God’s moral laws as well. The media we read, watch and listen to (magazines, adverts, movies, songs) is filled with sex-laden content. As a society, we’ve lost our capacity to blush. The “new morality” is simply the “old immorality.” And we wonder why the rates of sex crimes and diseases have sky-rocketed!
Idolatry
This is the other “i” problem that Israel had. They had taken God from the centre of their personal lives and their national life and replaced Him with
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!
Word Search: Sports
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. ADVANTAGE BENCHED CALL CONTACT DEFENSE DIVISION
FAN FOUL GAME HANDICAP HUDDLE LEAGUE
LOSING OFFENSE OFFICIAL PITCH PLAY POSITION
RECORD RULES SCORING SPECTATOR TEAMMATE WINNING
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
Page 20
The Voice, September 30, 2020
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Sobeys Fonthill worker tests COVID-19 positive BY VOICE STAFF A worker at the Fonthill Sobeys grocery store has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual's most recent day of work was first said to be Sept. 15, according to a notice initially posted last Thursday on Sobeys' corporate website. However, later the same day a spokesperson for the chain told the Voice that the last day of work was Sept. 16. Asked to clarify which date was correct, a different spokesperson responded on Thursday afternoon,
saying that the latter date was correct. "We endeavour to update customers in a timely manner on our COVID-19 case tracker on our Sobeys Inc. website," said Karen White-Boswell, Director, External Communications. "In this instance there was an error in the statement made on our site. We have since updated the information to ensure the public has current and accurate information." One employee told the Voice that they were notified on Wednesday by a store manager of the test
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Niagara Region Public Health spokesperson Meredith Maxwell would not confirm this, however, telling the Voice that, "It is not our practice to comment on a specific case or location of exposure." The Fonthill Sobeys store and its franchise owner became a national news story virtually overnight back in April, when franchisee Ron Kore, who is also a Pelham Town Councillor, tested positive for the coronavirus. Multiple employees
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came forward to the Voice, alleging that Kore had continued to come to work while visibly ill with a respiratory illness, and dismissed suggestions that he go home until he was well. In late March, to the distress of Town staff, Kore attended a Town Council meeting, also while exhibiting symptoms. Three others in council chambers that evening later tested positive for COVID-19, and one, fellow councillor Mike Ciolfi, died. An official cause of death for Ciolfi has never been released. In August, Kore publicly pressed for the resumption of in-person council meetings, which have been conducted exclusively via Zoom since April. Two weeks ago, a Fonthill business owner told the Voice that they wit-
nessed Kore mingling on the floor of his store without wearing a face mask, in apparent violation of local and Region of Niagara bylaws. Kore did not respond at the time to a request for comment regarding the enforcement of mask wearing in the store. Asked last Thursday to clarify Sobeys' face mask policy, and whether there were exceptions for franchise owners or senior managers, Karen White-Boswell responded, "We follow Public Health guidelines which requires that all persons in an enclosed space wear masks. This includes our teammates— there are no exceptions." Kore did not acknowledge a request for comment. Sobeys maintains a list of stores on its website where employees have tested positive. As of last Wednesday evening the Fonthill store was not listed among them. By Thursday morning, Sept. 24, after this story was originally posted on the Voice website, the list had been updated with the Fonthill information.
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result, and advised that Public Health could be in contact to recommend that the employee also get tested. Last week, Niagara Region surpassed 1000 historic cases of COVID-19. Factoring out municipalities that are home to hospitals, Pelham and Niagara-on-the-Lake are currently tied for most historic infections per 10,000 population. Sobeys spokesperson Jacquelin Weatherbee told the Voice that the employee is currently at home recovering. "Our franchisee is checking-in regularly to see how his teammate is doing," said Weatherby. "We have received notice from Public Health that no other employees are at risk and all employees are cleared to work."
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