The Voice, September 9 2020

Candidate Olson's op-ed page 3 Fonthill's first couple of acting page 9 DSBN dips into reserves over COVID page 19 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Published every Wednesday

GIANT

tomatoes on Balfour Vast vegetables fruits spawn informal contest

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Botanically speaking, tomatoes are fruits because they form from a flower and contain seeds.

But from a culinary perspective, everyone informally calls them a vegetable.

However you choose to classify them, they are growing huge in Pelham, and have germinated a competition amongst family and friends.

It’s a story that has its roots in the old country.

Storm Hair Group proprietor Michael DeProphetis told the Voice that his father came to Canada in the early 1960s from the Abruzzo region of Italy, east of Rome. He brought with him seeds that he had collected over the years from the biggest tomatoes in his garden. DeProphetis inherited the tomato plants and the super-seeds, and grew plants on his porch as a tribute to his dad. Ultimately, he decided to offer some of the plants to his green-thumbed clients.

Deborah Rohrmoser of Balfour Street was one such salon regular.

As her husband Fred relates the tale, she came home from the hairdresser a few years ago in the middle of July with two rather dried-out little tomato plants. It was late in the season, but Fred planted them anyway. And they immediately grew like crazy.

“I got some nice tomatoes about the middle of See GIANT back page

Fred Rohrmoser's sister-in-law, Kerstin Fowler, holds one of the Rohrmosers' giant Abruzzi tomatoes.

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Page 2

The Voice, September 9, 2020

WARD 1 BY-ELECTION TRACKING POLL

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

NRPS impaired driving charges

RESULTS

If the election were held today, who would get your vote?

by Dave Burket

50%

A first for the Voice: Our Ward 1 exit poll

I

t seemed a simple enough idea and it was—a Voice exit poll at the first Ward 1 by-election advanced voting on September 3, the only advance poll that would occur before this, our last issue before Election Day on September 15. (A second advance poll happens this coming Saturday.) Pelham, as it turns out, may be the first municipality in Canada to conduct an election during a pandemic.

It’s a credit to Clerk Nancy Bozzato and her team for what appeared to be a smoothly run event last week, in which Ward 1 voters living at odd-numbered addresses were invited to cast early ballots at either Fire Station #2 in Fenwick, or Fire Station #3 in North Pelham. Both locations featured extensive safety protocols. On Friday, Bozzato told the Voice that 201 ballots in total were cast—150 in Fenwick, 51 in North Pelham. She characterized this as a good turnout, particularly considering the pandemic. Indeed, the last by-election in Ward 1, in 2011, saw only 164 voters turn out for early voting. To get a more accurate measure of candidate performance than our online polling provides, the Voice asked an occasional contributor to the paper, a 15-year-old high school student, and one of her friends, to interview voters as they left the polling stations. Known as an exit poll, it’s one of the most reliable indicators of how voters are leaning. I’ll have considerably more to say about the girls’ experience in the next issue of the paper. For the moment, see the results at right. As commonly happens, about 50% of those asked declined to answer. The girls ended up getting answers from 35 voters in total, mostly in Fenwick. Among all voters, 80% appeared to be over the age of 60, and slightly more females than males turned out.

There are some important caveats here. First, these are not official vote tallies—this is still an opinion poll—and the Town won't start tabulating votes until after the close of polls on September 15. Second, it’s only 35 voters out of 201 that showed up on the day, from 4398 registered voters in Ward 1. (However, only 805 voters turned out in total at the last Ward 1 by-election, in 2011.) Third, exiting voters may not have told the girls the truth. Frankly, I think that this last caveat is a non-issue, but that’s just my faith in Ward 1 residents being honest. Taken together—our online poll plus the exit poll—Wayne Olson seems well positioned to win. That said, the only poll that ultimately counts happens on Election Day. If you’re a Federico or a Soos supporter, you have your work ahead of you to get out the vote. If you’re an Olson supporter, it would be unwise to rest easy, assuming it’s in the bag. But, realistically speaking, if you’re a Braun, Brigantino (zero exit poll votes each), or Kenyon supporter, better luck next time. Now get out and vote! ◆

Voice

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Aug 5

Aug 12

112 VOTES

Sept 2

99 VOTES

Sept 9

128 VOTES

145 VOTES

Percentages rounded to the nearest whole number

■ BRAUN ■ BRIGANTINO ■ FEDERICO ■ KENYON ■ OLSON ■ SOOS

W

ith less than one week to go before Election Day, and one of two advance polls already conducted, the final opinion poll numbers see Olson with a healthy lead of 41%, some 15 points over Federico's 26%. Soos drops to 21%. The bottom three of Braun, Brigantino, and Kenyon have not budged from low-to-mid single digits since polling started.

SOOS 14%

OLSON 57%

Under 60 18%

FEDERICO 26% KENYON 3%

Over 60 82%

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.

September 3 Exit Poll Results, Fenwick and North Pelham Polling Stations NOT OFFICIAL RESULTS. See discussion in Publisher's Corner, this page.

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Column Six

Growing up British

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

Vol.20 No.32

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

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

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

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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

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-

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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

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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region.

None of the following charges have been proved in court.

In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.

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

Patrick PURBS, 53, Pelham Peter W. STUP, 20, St. Catharines Richard M. WILSON, 28, Niagara Falls Marvin L. WEIR, 37, Mississauga Joshua J. SINGLETON, 29, Wainfleet Joseph E. R. CASTELLANO, 36, Fort Erie Jordon D. LARABIE, 38, Welland

“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

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The Voice, September 9, 2020

Page 3

Annual Report includes a series of prudent financial measures to “Ensure Financial Stability.”

Debt is addictive: easy to acquire and hard to retire. A sound foundation has been established by this council. I am hoping to be able to patiently work with these policies to restore financial strength.

My opponents in this election have not given the matter of our financial stability enough attention. It is almost as if the only way out of our financial situation is more development. I fear that just as much as debt is addictive, so is development. Progress will not stand still but past experience should tell us we need to be careful and patient.

My second positive would be our volunteer community, including our non-profits, our faith communities, and our service clubs. Our world would grind to a halt if it wasn’t for our wonderful volunteers. Imagine trying to address the needs created by the pandemic without them. With our vast reservoir of capable and talented people of all ages, we need to create more opportunities for our residents to volunteer in our community.

The third positive would be our homegrown, true Canadian success stories. Our stables, commercial nurseries, growers and farmers have taken impressive steps to ensure biodiversity in their operations. Congratulations to all of them for succeeding and expanding in challenging times.

There is nothing better than shopping for fresh produce, baked goods and preserves at our

able for those connecting to Niagara Transit. Very importantly, transportation is a major controlling factor in enabling seniors to age at home. There are lots of people who need to get to appointments, treatments and to visit loved ones. As a member of council, I will be looking for the high impact, low cost, important services.

If I was building a company from scratch, I would build it from the “outside in,” meaning from the direction of the suppliers and from the direction of the customer. In business, most really great suggestions come from the suppliers and customers. In the case of our Town, our individual citizens and committees of council serve the purpose and achieve superior results. The town committees are an excellent means of communicating with residents and accessing citizen creativity.

After establishing the positives, I would typically move on to the deficiencies that attention.

Our community is being defined by our excessive debt levels.

Excessive debt is forcing us to think very differently than if our reserves were full and our debt low. The options are limited because the vast majority of our spending is structural. There are lots of other communities who have done this better. I would want to look at all of the revenue and cost options and I would focus on our debt and make our future decisions based upon good old, practical farmer’s common

WARD 1 CANDIDATE OP-ED Wayne Olson Put first things first—financial stability At the start of the Ward 1 by-election campaign, the Voice invited each candidate to contribute a commentary on topics they judged important. This week we hear from Wayne Olson, the last in the series before Election Day, next Tuesday, Sept. 15.

I

n our family, we have always honoured public service and volunteerism. With that in mind, I want to greet and thank our Mayor and council and my fellow candidates for their service. It is an honour to be a part of such an important event for our community. I also want to thank our award-winning newspaper, the Voice, for the opportunity to present my Op-Ed. During my career in business and manufacturing, I was exposed to many different and challenging situations. My job was to rebuild dysfunctional companies using creativity, common sense and leadership. Most often I would be engaged by a consortium of customers, banks and unions; each party had a different perspective, which meant I had to juggle conflicting demands and expectations.

My first task was to restore the dignity of work by rebuilding trust and the capacity to make incremental and no-cost improvements to the production process. We called them “low hanging fruit.” Once operational and financial stability was established, we would begin to work to establish a robust production system to run the business.

Since there is more to learn from problems than successes, I would always establish a formal

problem-solving process, including a comparison to Best Practices. There are lots of nearby municipalities who have better managed Wayne Olson. their debt and DON RICKERS services, and there are opportunities for shared services like line marking. After years of varied and global experience, I can tell you that the problem was never the people. It was always the process. My motto could have been: “Fix the problem, not the people.”

Over the years, I have developed a particular method of discussing issues and solving problems. I always start with the positives and then move into the deficiencies. I would have to say that, in general, our community is getting a lot of things right.

My first positive is the establishment of a policy framework to address our financial issues. One component is timely reporting, which led to the early completion of Pelham’s Financial Information Report to the provincial government, and the completion of the first Annual Report for the Town of Pelham. Accountability is the essential first step to trust and stability. I congratulate the CAO and the staff on these significant achievements.

Putting it mildly, our long term debt is high and our financial resources are limited, and we are not able to sustain our infrastructure. Accordingly, the

My opponents in this election have not given the matter of our financial stability enough attention local producers. In doing so, we are helping to ensure our food security and our food sovereignty. The Ontario government has announced $215 million dollars of support for our producers. As a member of council, I would want to advocate government-to-government to make sure that our farmers and producers get a fair share of these funds.

My fourth positive would be our Town staff. In my work as a volunteer crossing guard, I got to know our staff as respected colleagues. I give full credit to the staff for handling the COVID-19 crisis, working to develop the new on-demand transit option, and keeping the infrastructure operating. It is inevitable that we will be asking our staff to do more with less. This is common with every recession. As a member of council, I would work make sure they have the tools, including the training, to do their jobs.

NRT OnDemand is precisely the sort of incremental and innovative program that we need in our community. It is invalu-

See OLSON Page 14

Election Day | September 15, 2020

2020 By-election Voting dates The next advance poll for the 2020 by-election is September 12.

Election Day is Sept. 15. www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020 September 12, 2020 (For Ward One electors only) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Advance vote poll #2: Even even house #s Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3 September 15, 2020 (For Ward One electors only) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3

Walking track Now open!

The gradual integration of services at the MCC follows Provincial and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association’s guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19.

• The walking track is open to 20 walkers at a time; no running is permitted.

• The track will be cleaned daily and floor markings will direct users.

• Walkers can reserve 30 min slots, with a maximum of 60 min of use per day.

• Times can be booked back-to-back.

• The track is open from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

To register, call 905-732-7872.

Page 4

The Voice, September 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

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

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

As We See It Endorsing the right future for Ward 1, and for the Town

T

echnically speaking, there are seven candidates on the ballot in the Ward 1 by-election being held to fill the seat vacated by Councillor Mike Ciolfi, who passed away in April, having been one of four individuals present in council chambers on one fateful evening who later tested positive for COVID-19. The loss to his family, to the residents of the ward, and to the entire town cannot be measured.

Realistically speaking there are actually six candidates—given that Cari Pupo declared herself out of the race almost before it began, but not soon enough to see her name removed from the ballot.

Four of these remaining six do not live in Ward 1, and of these, two have barely lived anywhere in Pelham long enough to pay property taxes, and one just rents a room.

For reasons obvious to everyone but those who think that familiarity with your neighbours shouldn’t matter, the councillor elected to fill Mike Ciolfi’s seat should live in Mike Ciolfi’s ward. This leaves two options: James Federico and Wayne Olson.

Both are highly qualified for the job. Both have lived in Fenwick for some time and know the ward and its people well. Both are volunteers committed to the community. And both have pertinent profession-

al chops: Olson is an accountant with extensive business and government experience, and Federico is a professional engineer running his own firm. We have no reason to imagine that either man sees council as merely the entry point for a career in politics—voters have learned an expensive, “legacy” lesson on that score.

But only one can be elected. How should voters make their choice?

In our view this by-election is about Pelham Town Council’s future—thus the Town of Pelham’s future—since the successful candidate will doubtless enjoy a great advantage at re-election in 2022.

While Olson is the older of the two, he is ultimately the candidate of the future—a future that we need to see happen in our town.

Federico has strong ties to the past, to the administration of the previous council and to former Mayor Dave Augustyn. He was part of that council’s community centre design committee, as well as that council’s committee of adjustment. His by-election nomination papers—open to public inspection at Town Hall— are signed not just by one Augustyn, but a trinity of them.

Federico’s campaign has borne the marks of these associations.

On the issue of marijuana, he has expressed hope that the Town and local industrial marijuana

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The Maple Leaf, flying at half-mast in Fenwick to mourn Mike Ciolfi, April 15, 2020. RIC GRETSINGER

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

(905) 892-8690

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

ny apartments, yes. But Fenwick, and rural Ward 1, needs residential dwellings consistent with the essence of the community, which does not include row homes and condominium complexes.

Wayne Olson has distanced himself from the previous council and staked out the need for a clear path to financial health for the Town. He has committed to a strong stance against offending industrial marijuana growers.

He has committed to a wiser approach to development—especially in Fenwick—pledging to make decisions based not only on his financial acumen but also on good old “farmer’s common sense,” by which principles he was raised as a youth.

In his retirement, Olson has served as a crossing guard for our students. In mid August, he told the Voice that such duty was a wonderful way to serve the community.

“You get to practice integrity every day,” he said. “That is healthy.”

We suggest that on September 15 the voters of Ward 1 put Olson to work practicing integrity on Pelham Town Council—some of whose members could benefit from a refresher as to what this looks like—for the benefit of not just their own ward, but for the town as a whole. ◆

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

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

Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

operations can move toward a “collaborative” relationship. The sentiment is nice, surely, but this is precisely the approach that the last council took—and was badly burned by. Marijuana growers have proven repeatedly that what really counts is their bottom lines.

They are uninterested in following Pelham’s—or even Canada’s—rules. Indeed, after being cited recently for alleged illegal growing, one operation unbelievably continues to raise cannabis at their site on Foss Road, as seen in photos submitted to the newspaper last week by a local resident.

The previous council allowed this wolf in the door. The time to appease it—as the last council did and as Federico appears to want to do now—is long gone.

Federico’s ties to the Augustyn council also raise an eyebrow when it comes to development.

Seemingly everything that could have gone wrong in East Fonthill did. The same must not happen in Fenwick, where major development set to more than double the population is in the works. Development here must be done far more responsibly than was the case in East Fonthill. Federico, maintaining that it would help seniors stay in their homes longer—a laudable goal, for sure—supports increased residential densification. Gran-

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

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

Today's forgotten business stopped advertising yesterday

Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

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

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

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

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The Voice, September 9, 2020

Page 5

OPINION Colleen Kenyon proposal doesn't respect health protocols I would like to offer some comments regarding Ward 1 candidate Colleen Kenyon’s statements about her views on returning to school [Op-Ed, “Hopeful action, not wishful thinking,” Sept. 2, p. 7].

While in former times, her idea of people stepping up and volunteering to help with the students would be commendable, in the time of COVID it is unrealistic. At this time, the schools are doing everything possible to keep students safe and groupings small and traceable.

The DSBN is using its allowable reserves to hire 60-70 more teachers/support staff in order to lower class sizes. The schools are limiting interaction between students, and no volunteers, delivery people, etc., will be

allowed into the schools. Utilizing public spaces, such as libraries, is not necessary at this time. Also, using public spaces would negate the efforts being made to provide accurate tracing of school-based contacts.

As to matching up students with seniors, once again this would interfere with keeping groupings small and many seniors also fall into an “at risk” category.

I know we are all trying to find ways to make the school year as easy as possible for our students, but we must remember that this year is totally different and we must respect health protocols set in place by the School Board and the Health Department.

Nancy Beamer DSBN Trustee for Pelham/Thorold

Steven Soos pro bono plan ultimately anti-democratic In a recent edition of the Voice, Mr. Steven Soos, a Town Council candidate for Ward 1, advertises that “if elected to Town Council” he will “work pro bono” and give back his salary to the Town.

This offer, although well-intentioned, is dangerous to the democratic process.

If we accept Mr. Soos’ offer, we are setting a precedent for future councillors to also work “pro bono.” In doing so, we would be creating a situation that could

limit participation on Town Council only to those that are financially able to say no to an annual salary of $15,890.

Working for free is a privilege that many people in our community can’t afford. Single parents on one income, individuals working minimum wage jobs (or multiple minimum wage jobs), families facing unexpected medical bills—there are many people for whom, when faced with a choice between serving their community or putting food on

their table, will make the obvious decision.

I know that statistically Pelham is, on average, a financially well-off community. But nonetheless, Statistics Canada shows that there are 5,255 individuals who make less than $30,000 a year—almost a third of our community. We also must remember that it is also true in Canada that income inequality is both gendered and racialized: women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) earn less.

Diversity is key to inno-

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vention,” Aug. 19, p. 4] pertaining to an earlier Faith Lift column.

Mr. Fowler found it “amusing” that a

This, in an era where fear has greatly enveloped the world

By-election process moving smoothly—don't forget to vote

A

s of Friday noon Pelham had zero active cases of COVID-19, and since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 41 in total active cases. The Niagara Region as a whole has 10 active cases, with seven municipalities reporting zero active cases. The numbers in the Region continue to be great, especially when one considers the number of people visiting the area, either in the typical tourist areas, such as N-O-T-L and Niagara Falls, but also the higher than usual numbers of tourists visiting the beaches in Niagara.

Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato and her staff have been tasked with running an election in Ward 1 during this pandemic.

L ast Thursday

was the first of two advance polls, located at Fire Stations 2 and Station 3.

The next advance poll is this comMarvin Junkin ing Saturday, September 12, with Election Day occurring net Tuesday, September 15, at these same two locations.

My wife, Candi, and I voted last Thursday at Station 3, located just north of Sixteen Road, on Cream Street.

As I expected, everything went like clockwork, from the staff screening at the entrance, to the individuals taking names, checking I.D.s, and the last person showing voters how to place their ballot in the voting machine. Sanitizing of the

booths is done after each use, and an added bonus because of the pandemic, is that each voter gets to keep the pen they used to mark the ballot.

Two hundred and one people voted at this first advance poll, with the votes not being tabulated until after 8 PM on Election Day. Municipal government is the grassroots of the three governmental levels. This is the level you phone when your road isn’t plowed in the winter or has too many potholes in the summer; and yes, every once in a while, a resident will phone either myself or Town staff to say “Job well done.”

I encourage all Ward 1 residents to do their democratic duty and mark their choice! ◆

vation, and if we only have councillors that can afford to work for free, we may be losing out on people that could bring to council their varied perspectives, opinions and experiences — if only they could afford to

hire a babysitter, skip a shift at work or pay for transit to meetings and community activities.

I recognize that Mr. Soos thought it would be a generous offer that would show his commitment to our

town. I hope he reconsiders his decision.

So Mr. Soos, if elected, take your salary and spend it according to your needs and values—donate it to the See SOOS Page 7

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Professional SERVICES Directory weekly column with the title “Faith Lift” by a pastor would include a suggestion that “church is good for you.” This, in an era where fear has greatly enveloped the world, and the only known antidote to fear is faith. Full stop.

If Mr. Fowler has any other prescient insights into how to live a more full and complete life, and would like to share them with us, I would suggest he contact the editor. I surmise that the editorial staff of the Voice would love to have another weekly column for its readership.

Theron Jordan Whistler, BC

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

You call, we haul.

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Everyone has a story. Tell us yours!

Trash, scrap, garages, clean-outs.

NOW ALSO ACCEPTING FICTION— SHORT STORIES UP TO 2000 WORDS! Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca

302 Canboro Road @ Effingham

(You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

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VOICE OF PELHAM

Mayor Marvin Junkin

MATH TUTOR

Whistler checks in to defend Padre Rob I was born in Welland, and raised in Fonthill. I attended Fonthill Public School, as did my father before me. Memories include, of course, Keith’s Restaurant, but also Stallwoods, Stedman’s, the John Deere store, the Pelham Herald, and the glory days playing outdoor hockey at the Fonthill rink. To further validate my youthfulness, I remember when the mayor was Harold Black.

But I digress.

I am writing this letter to the editor to say how much I enjoy being a subscriber, thanks to the subscription thoughtfully purchased by my octogenarian mother, who still resides in Fonthill. I am also writing to say how much I enjoy the weekly column “Faith Lift”

by Pastor Rob Weatherby.

Dutifully each week —week in, week out — he writes an inspiring, uplifting religious column that often references key historical figures and events. The column is always enlightening and helpful, and never disparaging. It may not be for everybody, but it is always positive.

Enter Mr. David Fowler.

He wrote a letter to the editor [Letters, “Happiness doesn’t require divine inter-

PELHAM AND COVID-19

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Page 6

The Voice, September 9, 2020

Letters

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

Same result, different pandemic

Praise for Lloyd and crew

The pandemic rages on.

To date, almost 1000 Canadians have died this year, and the outlook is for about 500 more by Christmas.

No, I’m not talking about COVID-19. This pandemic is much worse—it’s the ongoing slaughter of citizens killed by drunk drivers. I say that it’s much worse because there seems to be no end in sight. It has been ongoing for almost a century, and people seemed resigned that there is nothing that can be done about it.

So, year after year after year, 1500 Canadians die at the hands of totally irresponsible people.

The worldwide statistics are horrifying—in the U.S. about 10,000 people die each year in alcohol-related car crashes. Imagine the outrage if we were told that there was nothing to be done about COVID-19 and that we can only get used to losing thousands of people worldwide every year for as long as we can foresee.

Every week this paper

Beamers Hardware has been a rock solid support to both rural and urban residents in the Pelham area for decades. Wilson’s started it in 1946 and Lloyd Beamer took over the business in 1986. They have really knowledgeable sales staff who can answer your questions and recommend the appropriate solutions.

publishes the names of about 20 people who are charged by the Niagara Regional Police Service with

They have a repair department that can fix your broken windows and screens, TVs, lawnmowers, appliances, all at reasonable rates. They also provide a key cutting service.

I recently needed an item fixed. A new part was going to cost $175. They checked their used spare parts bin, found one, tested it and it worked per-

fectly and only charged me $25 for it.

What other repair centre would even suggest that as an option.

A special thanks to the staff at Beamers for looking after me all these years.

Frank Feeley Fonthill

Clearly our justice system doesn't offer Would criticism of Christian faith extend to Indigenous rituals? enough deterrence

impaired driving, and these are just the ones who are caught. Clearly our justice system doesn’t offer enough of a deterrence to impaired driving.

If you’ve had enough and want to try to do something about it, contact MADD— Mothers Against Drunk Driving—and offer your financial support to their efforts to end the carnage.

David Fowler Wainfleet

More reaction to Colleen Kenyon op-ed It’s too much asking for a little town of 17,000 people. Her ideas would get lost in trying to ask for too many things.

Maybe Toronto would be okay for all of that. Here things are smaller, and her stand that we have too many old people is shocking. I am one of them.

Gordana Cica Laban Via Facebook

Catching up on missed Voice issues after holidays, I came across David Fowler’s personal worldview reply to Pastor Weatherby’s Aug. 12 submission [Faith Lift, “Why church is good for you,” Aug. 12, p. 19].

The fact that Fowler is chiding a pastor for doing what pastors are supposed to do makes little sense. Yet his ideological response is exactly what is expected of an atheist.

But would Fowler dare voice his atheistic rant to, let’s say, an Indigenous chief happy to pray in his native tongue encouraged by government funding for aboriginal language

revival? One longhouse ritual participant said, “When we’re conducting ceremonies it feels like we’re doing it for the Creator.”

On an interesting note, Jesuit Priests helped the learning process along via their linguistically rich records of native languages.

Today’s politically correct tyranny means a lot of cherry picking goes on.

Janet Gritter Wellandport

Call to stop upcoming double-breasted cormorant hunt Sunday morning, the last one of the long weekend, has proven to be beautiful and peaceful. Peaceful because there are presently no sights or sounds of hunters assaulting and warring on nature, but soon that will quickly change.

The Doug Ford government has given the green light to allow the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Minister John Yakabuski to hold a 106-day hunt from September 15 to December 31 against the double-crested cormorant.

According to what I’ve seen online, there is an open letter to Minister Yakabuski from 51 wildlife experts—

both Canadian and American—who signed on to announce in their learned opinion the hunt is totally wrong-headed.

Surely Minister Yakabuski will have the courage to learn and do the right thing and stop the hunt completely.

Upon researching I have learned these birds fought their way back from near extinction through the use of DDT, and now only to come to this. The experts above believe they could be totally eliminated this time around.

The cormorants are being blamed solely for sports fish being taken.

Never to realize that humans play a large part in this with their habits of spewing millions of tons of plastics, chemical runoffs, garbage, human feces when accidents happen all too often, the list goes on.

What hypocrites humans are.

The hunters will be allowed to kill 15 birds a day, which are said to be inedible. So where will those dead bodies be left to decay and thus kill more wildlife?

Faye Suthons Wainfleet

R

Budget Open House September 23, 2020 - 5:30 p.m.

Residents and businesses are invited to participate in the upcoming virtual open house to provide input into the 2021 Town of Pelham capital and operating budgets.

Residents unable to attend the Sept. 23 open house are encouraged to provide written input via email or regular post. Email correspondence can be sent to

ourbudget@pelham.ca

and, if email is not an option, residents can mail their comments to 20 Pelham Town Square, P.O. Box 400, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0, c/o Town Clerk.

2021 Budget Schedule Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, September 28, 2020 Monday, October 19, 2020 Wednesday, October 28, 2020 4 p.m.

Monday, November 9, 2020, 5:30 p.m.

To provide a presentation on Sept. 23, residents must register as a delegation. A delegation form can be found at: www.pelham.ca/council-meetings or you can contact the Town Clerk at njbozzato@pelham.ca or 905-892-2607 x315.

Public meeting - To receive input into Town’s 2021 budget Strategic Planning meeting - Council and Senior Leadership Team Draft Capital, Operating and Water & Wastewater budgets available for Council review Draft Capital, Operating and Water & Wastewater budgets Finance and Audit Committee review Capital budget special meeting - presentation at general committee

Monday, December 7, 2020, 5:30 p.m.

Capital budget consideration for approval at council Late 2020 Operating and Water & Wastewater budgets Special Meeting - presentation at general committee Early 2021 Operating and Water & Wastewater budgets consideration for approval at Council *Dates subject to change. Changes will be posted on the Town of Pelham website: www.pelham.ca

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

ACTORS

continued from Page 9 cided, of all the possible sites in Canada, that the region would be home to his festival, and the place where all of his new plays would premier.

The sentiment is shared

by Oriold.

“I love living and working in Niagara,” said Oriold, “collaborating with local artists and building relationships with the many people and businesses that make up the fabric of this community.”

The response from theatre-goers living in the region has been heartening. “We had 5000 patrons in the first season, which grew to 12,000 by the fourth season,” said Weay.

Oriold said that quite a few theatre patrons from Fonthill have discovered the Foster Festival, but that many in Niagara have no awareness of its existence. She is working to change that.

“We're always looking for ways to reinvent the festival. Where else in Niagara can we go with little ‘pop-up’ productions to engage people? Poetry

The Voice, September 9, 2020 and short-story readings, concerts drawing on various genres of music, and of course comedy?,” said Oriold.

To provide arts-enrichment opportunities for children and youth in the region, the Foster Festival has partnered with local not-for-profit organizations The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara, The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, and The Niagara Children’s Centre.

The festival has recently gone online and created a series called Normflix (tip of the hat to Netflix). It’s a three-part series, with readings from Foster’s plays, questions from patrons that Foster answers live, and a trivia game called Tic Tac Foes, based on the classic Hollywood Squares game show. Festival artists, plus St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik and St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, are contestants.

Oriold said that the Foster Festival is planning a special play in downtown St. Catharines for the Christmas season, but that she is not a liberty to discuss details at this point.

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

The department responded to five calls from Friday August 28 to Friday September 4.

Sunday, Aug. 30 • Medical assist, Fenwick • Motor vehicle accident, Valleyview Ct., Fonthill Tuesday, Sept. 1 • Assist Niagara Regional Police with a vehicle leaking gasoline on Hwy 20 West, Fonthill • Remote alarm from security company, Haist St., Fonthill (faulty detector) Wednesday, Sept. 2 • Remote alarm from security company, Philmori Blvd., Fonthill (faulty detector)

SOOS

continued from Page 5 library, to Pelham Cares, to the Bandshell Committee—but please don’t start a process that makes Pelham a place where your personal income defines your ability to run for public office.

Andrea Johnson Fonthill

Join Us

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.

• 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.

SEPTEMBER 12 KICK-OFF From 10am-5pm @ Everyday Market In the Back Parking Lot for our Outdoor Market.

Event will run every Saturday from 10am - 5pm until December

DIFFERENT ARTISANS EACH WEEK, INCLUDING: Hot Empanada Seasonal Baked Goods Fresh Cheese Curd Kids Masks Yard Games - Yardzee Fresh Floral Arrangements Home Decor Health & Wellness Kids Clothes & Much More

Admission is

FREE Indoor Market will also be open with over 60 local artisan.

Visit ontario.ca/ReopeningSchools

1433 PELHAM ST.

Page 7

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 8

The Voice, September 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Steve Bauer Trail improvements underway Championed by Active Transportation Committee to increase accessibility

BY BRIAN GREEN

Special to the VOICE

The long-planned paving of the Steve Bauer Trail, from Port Robinson Road to Pelham’s southern border with Welland, should be wrapped up by Friday, according to Public Works Director Jason Marr. The concept had been approved in the 2019 capital budget but was red-circled because the estimated $100,000 cost was over budget.

However, by combining a $75,000 grant from the province to improve cycling infrastructure with a $20,000 Canada Summer Games legacy grant, the Town’s share became an affordable $25,000 and the project was approved by council in July (figures rounded).

Chair of the Active Transportation Committee, Bea Clark, says there was significant demand for the paving as it is “requested frequently by cyclists, pedestrians, seniors, and residents seeking an accessible trail in Pelham.” The committee strongly advocated for the project and noted that it will improve cycling and walking connections between Fonthill and Welland.

Not everyone is pleased with the paving project.

Resident Lisa Erickson is a frequent user of that section of the trail and is

disturbed by the number of trees that were cut down to accommodate the paving equipment.

“There are at least three spots where healthy trees were cut down, when there were dead trees beside them that were left standing. What is going on?” she asked in a letter to the Voice. Responded Marr, “Our arborist selectively pruned low overhanging branches that need to be removed in advance of the paving operation [and] only branches that would have been damaged by the paving operation were trimmed.”

Erickson is also opposed to the paving of the trail, objecting to the use of asphalt that may impact frogs and other amphibians that inhabit the surrounding area.

“Certainly the desire to make the trail accessible for everyone should not be at the expense of the environment and the species that rely on a certain habitat to survive.”

Commenting on the necessity for the paving, Bea Clark says there has been increased demand for a more accessible trail in recent years.

“In addition to being a safe and important connector route for cyclists and pedestrians, by paving this section of the SBT, it will be-

The Steve Bauer Trail from Port Robinson Rd. to Line Ave. in Welland will get a coat of asphalt one to two metres wide to link up with Stop 19 Trail in Welland.

BRIAN GREEN come the only section of the trail that is accessible for those who use mobility devices. This has been a request from seniors and others who use mobility devices.”

The Steve Bauer Trail, opened in 1994, is named for Canada’s most famous professional cyclist, now 61, an 11-time entrant in the Tour de France who grew up in Fenwick. Through Fonthill the

trail is built on the railway bed of the old Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto Railway line, which used electric rail cars to transport freight and passengers from St. Catharines to Port Colborne. The service ran for almost 50 years, ending in the late 1950s.

Station Street is named for the NS&T station that stood on the northeast corner of Station and

Canborough Road (now Highway 20). Stop 19 on the NS&T was on Thorold Road in Welland, and it gives its name to the trail that joins Pelham’s Steve Bauer Trail. The walking/cycling trail was constructed of crushed gravel along the old railbed to link up with other area trails including the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Circle Trail.

OTE STEVEN SOOS  CANDIDATE FOR WARD 1 COUNCILLOR

Elections are about the future.

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STEVEN SOOS, CANDIDATE Pelham Town Council Ward 1

ADVANCED VOTING: SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 • 10AM-8PM ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 • 10AM-8PM Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road, Fenwick) Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street, North Pelham)

YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, September 9, 2020

Page 9

Fonthill actors share the gift of comedy Foster Festival delivers “humour with heart”

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

In the fall of 2015, Emily Oriold knew it was time.

Time to honour Canada’s most prolific playwright with his own festival.

Her rationale was simple.

“We've got a big festival in Stratford dedicated to a dead old English guy [William Shakespeare] and another big festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a dead old Irish guy [George Bernard Shaw]. It’s time we showed some appreciation for a Canadian icon.”

And thus was born the Foster Festival, in tribute to Order of Canada recipient Norm Foster.

Born in Newmarket, Foster currently lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick. A playwright for 40 years, he is in his early 70s now, but makes the trip to Niagara every year for the festival. Foster has over 60 plays to his credit, with about 150 productions of his stage comedies performed annually across Canada and abroad.

Quoted in the Niagara Falls Review in 2015, Oriold said, “Norm’s work is so popular with theatre-going audiences because they feel a range of emotions deeply, while laughing themselves silly.”

Oriold led the festival through its first four years as executive director, and has returned as incoming artistic producer, to help steer the organization through the

COVID crisis. The 2020 season’s plays have been cancelled, but the festival will maintain a robust online presence to keep in touch with its supporters. The Foster Festival’s home base is the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, where the couple said the summer productions of Norm Foster stage comedies had a $2 million economic impact on the local economy in 2019.

Foster heaped praise on Oriold in a message on the festival’s website. “Starting a theatre company takes time,” Foster wrote.

“You do not just open your doors and find an audience. I was constantly amazed at Emily’s determination and energy. I cannot wait to begin working with her on our 2021 season. It will be the best one yet.”

Fonthill is now home to Oriold, her actor husband, Darren Weay, and their young son. She grew up in rural Ontario, attended high school in Listowel, studied drama at the University of Waterloo, and has been an actor/director/producer/writer since 2001.

Weay was born in Nova Scotia and attended Acadia University in Wolfville, before heading overseas to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He has performed in theatre productions across Canada, and also has television and film roles to his credit.

t c e El

Darren Weay and Emily Oriold.

Weay is an active member of the Foster Festival acting company.

“Early in my career, I performed theatre for young audiences, which is almost full circle to what I'm doing now, working a fair bit with Carousel Players in St. Catharines,” said Weay.

They met at the Blythe Festival in Huron County, which specializes in the production and promotion of Canadian plays. Weay was an actor, and Oriold an assistant director.

Why relocate to Fonthill?

WAYNE

OLSON FOR

WARD 1

“We were living in Cambridge at the time, and Emily’s sister had friends in Fonthill who were always talking about it,” said Weay.

“We didn’t know the area at all.

And then lo and behold, we found out that a great couple in town were selling their house, and they were very kind to us. That was 2016. We both have roots in small towns, and that's what totally made us fall in love with this place.”

Oriold had actually envisaged a Foster Festival ten years ago.

DON RICKERS

“I even designed a logo for it,” she recalled. “I was just a young actor in Toronto living in a bachelor apartment…what did I know about starting a theatre company?

But I held on to it, and carried that logo for a decade until the festival became a reality.”

It was during a 2006 run of one of his plays at the Port Mansion Theatre in St. Catharines (Port Dalhousie), that Foster became passionate about Niagara. He deSee ACTORS Page 7

Sound financial leader with experience managing large budgets and challenging environments Supporter of businesses, farmers, growers and commercial nurseries as contributors to our community Independent candidate funding his own campaign who is free to vote the interests of Ward 1 A seat on council will be my full-time job with no business or funding conflicts of interest In favour of full enforcement of cannabis bylaws

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Election Day: September 15

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Page 10

The Voice, September 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

ONE LAST DIP The closing date was extended at the Pelham Pool until this holiday Monday, for a family swim. Above, in late August, lifeguard Matthew Roda keeps a watchful eye.

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BILLET

continued from Page 13 Hunter, who is now a the University of Western Ontario, keeps in contact with the family.

“Chris and Bryony were amazing,” Hunter said.

“They did everything possible to make me feel comfortable. From my first day there to the last, it felt like home. Every time that I needed help they were there for support. Any time of day and night they would do what they could for me to make me feel better. Words can’t describe how much me and my parents appreciate them.”

Billet families are given a monthly stipend to offset the cost of groceries, and instructions to help the players settle in.

“Basically we were told we had to take care of pregame meals and make sure there was food around, show them how to do laundry so they can take care of themselves, but we’re not like that,” Bryony said.

Indeed, Bryony and Chris go above and beyond for their billets.

Bryony won’t let anyone near her washing machine and takes care of the wash, including making sure the king-sized bed has fresh sheets every week. She also cleans the apartment.

Chris, meanwhile, is responsible for the food.

“I like to cook so whenever possible there is a good meal made — breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he said proudly.

The Voice, September 9, 2020 Hunter stayed with the Hawthorns for almost two years and quickly became a mentor and buddy for Chris and Bryony’s 10-year-old son, Jack.

“Jack is a young hockey player and it’s been amazing for him,” Chris said.

We would even go to road games to cheer Drew on because his family couldn't always come

Jack, who is slated to enter Grade 5 at Woodland Public School, loves having a billet.

“Adrien [Beraldo] and Drew would come and ask to play with me even without me asking,” Jack said. “We’d play mini sticks or NHL. It’s fun to hang around with them.”

When Hunter was traded to Erie, it was difficult on the family.

“We would even go to road games to cheer Drew on because his family [from Michigan] couldn’t always come,” Bryony said. “When Drew was traded last year it was tough. It was a sad day and then three or four days later we got Adrien.”

The billet experience has

converted the Hawthorn’s into big IceDogs fans.

“Went to a few games [before becoming billets] but that definitely changed,” Chris said. “You’re helping the community out and maybe one day Jack will go away and I would wish that would come back around.”

“We really got into hockey when the IceDogs began living here with us,” Bryony added. “We look forward to going to the games. That was our night out.”

The Hawthorns are hoping to having Beraldo back again this season once the Ontario Hockey League begins play again.

“We’re waiting. For me, it’s just delayed. It’s still going to happen,” Bryony said.

The family plans to continue to offer their home to billets for the next three or four years and then see where Jack is in his hockey development.

“We hope Jack can become an IceDog one day,” Bryony said.

The team has also opened their homes to several other players who often come and hang out in their spacious backyard.

Chris doesn’t regret a second of the experience.

“We have had quite a few kids over from the team over the last few years and you get to meet them all and they are all really good kids,” he said. “You heard horror stories and there are jerks out there but we’ve never seen that with any of the IceDogs. They have all been really respectful and nice.”

Page 11

High school sports still on hold

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

High school athletes won’t be chasing provincial championships when students return to school this fall.

The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations announced it had come to the difficult decision to cancel fall championships that were scheduled for October and November. The sports affected are girls basketball, boys volleyball, cross country, girls field hockey, golf and football.

“The decision is in alignment with the province’s Stage 3 reopening regulations.

Those regulations apply a number of restrictions to sports and recreation activities that ultimately prohibit the possibility of OFSAA events,” read a statement from OFSAA president Nick Rowe.

The statement noted OFSAA’s Return to Sports Working Group, made up of school administrators, teachers, a director of education, a public health official and OFSAA

staff, will continue to monitor the situation as time goes on.

“Decisions concerning the status of OFSAA winter and spring events will be announced at later dates and when those decisions have been finalized,” Rowe wrote.

On Aug. 7, the District School Board of Niagara announced athletics for fall season sports and all in-school extracurriculars and clubs were on hold and the board would reassess the situation again in October.

Meanwhile at the Niagara Catholic District School Board, an Aug. 5 letter from Director of Education John Crocco stated that schools shouldn’t plan field trips and activities requiring group transportation until public health data suggests otherwise; and schools may offer clubs and organized sports only if physical distancing is possiSee ON HOLD Page 16

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Page 12

The Voice, September 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

PHOTOS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL—THE FINAL PUSH

James Federico met with Mark Young, who is launching a new business in the former North Pelham Avondale. The two discussed how specialty retail and services tuned to the needs of the community can bring jobs to Ward 1.

SUPPLIED

Steven Soos with supporter Karen Fraser on the move with Soos' mobile campaign headquarters.

SUPPLIED

Wayne Olson and supporter Gary Chambers. Wayne will host two more Meet and Greets on Wednesday and Saturday in Fenwick. SUPPLIED

Bipedal and by pedal, from left, Myranda Hartley, Sydney Doussept, Parker Triano, Calum MacMaster, and Bryan Hysert help distribute candidate flyers in Fenwick for Colleen Kenyon. (No other candidates supplied photos.)

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“Why is a puck called a puck?

Because dirty little bastard was taken.”

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The Voice, September 9, 2020

Page 13

Sporting Green The Niagara

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18

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | September 9, 2020

IceDogs’ home away from home

BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

About four year ago, Chris Hawthorn and his wife Bryony were sitting outside relaxing when Bryony dropped a bomb.

Bryony had been doing charity work with Niagara IceDogs president Denise Burke, who repeatedly spoke to her about becoming a billet family.

Bryony finally mentioned it to her husband, who wasn’t quite sure what to make of the idea.

“It was a last-minute decision. We were sitting outside here and I said, ‘Do you want to have a kid?’ Bryony recalled with a smile.

Chris mulled it over and then quickly began to think what needed to be done to their home in order to get it ready for a boarder.

“I didn’t have the basement ready yet,” he recalled.

“It’s going to take two weeks so I guess I gotta get going!”

Chris, who is a contractor by trade, called some of his buddies and they quickly revamped the basement into a spacious mini-apartment/man cave complete with a bar, huge TV, bedroom and spacious bathroom.

A couple of weeks later, defenceman Drew Hunter moved in and the Hawthornes quickly realized they made the right decision.

“He became a member of our family very quickly,” Bryony said. “Our family is very open. You’re just part of the family right away.”

“With Drew, when we went somewhere, he came with us,” Chris added.

See BILLET Page 11

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Page 14

The Voice, September 9, 2020

OLSON

continued from Page 3 sense.

It has been suggested that our existing industries are placing a strain on our infrastructure, our environment and creating too much traffic. I differ with that assessment. I think that our businesses have been very responsible in matching their needs to to the available resources. The primary corridor to the QEW is Victoria Avenue. Most of our businesses are located within a couple of kilometres of Victoria. If our industries are straining our resources and they are already located on transportation corridors, where should they go?

“Industrial development” has also been proposed for Ward 1, including “heavy industry.” Heavy industry typically uses vast quantities of water resources both upstream and downstream. Our water resources are really only adequate to support our existing agribusiness and farms. Let’s make sure that we match our industries to our environmental capacities, not work toward some impractical pie-in-the-sky vision of development.

Development doesn’t need to be the answer to

every question.

Rather than fault our businesses, I would prefer to be an advocate. Let me give you an example.

Our commercial nurseries depend upon migrant workers. Our nurseries and growers are doing a great job but one can reasonably expect that new guidelines will be put in place for housing, safety and working conditions for migrant workers because of problems elsewhere. I know the value of industry associations and how much they can influence senior government policy. As a member of council, I would seek associate memberships in various industry associations to stay on top of the issues.

Our agribusinesses are wonderful examples of the entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.

In fact, one commercial nursery has volunteered the full and free use of two greenhouses for a “youth co-op.” Essentially, young people would be given an opportunity to grow vegetables in a coop setting and earn their volunteer hours. Our youth would learn from the best. Produce would be donated to Pelham Cares. Imagine broad community partnerships and links to the University of Guelph, Community Futures, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. As member of council,

I would work toward seeing this exciting idea come into existence.

It has been suggested that we need to identify and develop transportation corridors for heavy trucks. We are pretty well served by our mature road system in Ward 1. North and south, we have Victoria. East and west we have Sixteen, Metler, Highway 20, Canboro and Webber. If you are talking about the village of Fenwick alone, we must be talking about an east-west corridor because we really only have Canboro Road. That likely means that Foss will be developed as an east-west transportation corridor. Is that what we want? It sounds like a needless duplication to me.

If you take a drive around our ward, you really get a sense of place. Read the gate signs on our farms and you will learn how long people have lived here. You will know instinctively why our predecessors settled here and you will be reminded why we happily live here today. If we allow ourselves to be told what to do for two or three generations, we will lose our identity. Our heritage includes our streetscapes, institutions, business and farm associations, and it is the names we gave to our streets and our buildings. I would immediately advocate to establish a Pel-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca ham Heritage Committee.

As I noted earlier, OnDemand is one of the commonsense ways that we can help seniors to age at home. There are plenty of services like Meals on Wheels, home care, snow removal, leaf removal, low cost maintenance, and social contact that help our seniors stay at home. Our Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee is doing a great job in telling our seniors about the services available to them. I would understand and optimize these services before I would ever move into “accessory dwellings” and “laneway homes.”

It is pretty clear that our cannabis industries are not going to comply voluntarily with our reasonable standards of community responsibility. Our capable Cannabis Control Committee has done a terrific job of creating our Interim Control Bylaw. I understand more work will be done in the fall to make our bylaws more comprehensive. I am in favour of full enforcement of our bylaws.

We need to very cautious and precise about the “frills” and “luxuries” that could be cut in the inevitable post-pandemic era of “do more with less.” I am thinking specifically about arts and culture. Our community needs to support artistic excellence, cre-

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o there you have it: Pride in our community and way of life, pride in our people and enterprises, realistic optimism about our future, focus on our threatening financial situation, protection of our heritage, and support for arts and culture. That just about sums it up.

If I am elected as your councillor in Ward 1, it will be a terrific honour and responsibility and it will be my full-time job.

Our future is serious business. I have funded my campaign from my own resources and individual donations. There will be no need for me to remove myself from any of council’s deliberations due to a conflict of interest. I will always be there to vote our interests.

Thank you for reading my OpEd. I hope it gives you the required insight into how I would represent Ward 1 on council. I hope that you can favour me with your vote. Finally, please remember to call those who are isolated by social distancing. Your call will be greatly appreciated. ◆

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Pelham Evangelical Friends Church www.pelhamfriends.ca

Concordia Church Week Lutheran of 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church www.fonthillbaptistchurch.ca

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

Ridgeville Bible Chapel ridgevillebiblechapel.com

Fenwick Church of Christ www.fenwickchurchofchrist.ca

Fonthill United Church www.fonthillunited.com

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church www.stalexander.on.ca

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Pelham Community Church (United Church)

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church www.stannfenwick.com

COMMUNITY Events April 13

Posted Event Submissions Standards April 8United Church Fenwick

If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, www.fenwickunited.com www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com www.pelham.cc you may submit an events profile by sending your community events information to Central editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet Region Ads included the acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will thentree be posted until the date a professor of law and foa walk.

Every rotting trunk ofE. Starrs, HANDLEBARS This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers fered the possibility of a hidden toad rensic science at George Washington of your continued fromevent.

Page 18The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide or spider, each different coloured University, and Washington Post colas much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description berry along the way had to be exam- umnist, awoke to after crossing the And for this event. simpleThe pleasure, of your Voice ofI have Pelhamined reserves the right to edit space. United States three times by bicycle. and categorized, and for Centennial become forever thankful.

There is a huge risk in trying to paint a picture in words of something so elemental as the joy a bicycle can provide, and how it can be there for you like a best friend, and keep you sane. Each of us that embrace a special passion—horseback riding, golf, vintage cars, fishing, whatever it may be—will understand, even though the descriptive effort will surely fall short.

John F Kennedy said, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”

H. G. Wells believed in the power of a bicycle. He famously said, “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race,” an eloquent perception of our ability to reflect on our lives and society in a unique way while riding, and be one with the world.

This week, my personal bicycle adventure was riding the Gerry Berkhout Trail into Fenwick with my 5-year-old granddaughter, seeing this familiar route for the first time through her eyes. Our riding pace was less than

Park’s circular slide at ride’s end was a bonus I’d never valued.

Last week, my adventure was discovering roads in Haldimand that I’d never bothered to ride before. They simply didn’t go anywhere, wouldn’t yield the exact kilometers I needed for that day’s training requirement, or may have gotten me lost. Yet, with a mind open to gentle adventure, experiencing the “lostness” that Streb cherished was delicious, even if the only consequences of a wrong turn, whatever that might mean in the context of a simple bicycle ride close to home, would be a sore butt from riding an extra few unexpected kilometers.

Did these adventures equal choosing which direction to pedal in the mountains of Chile or barren Sudan?

Of course not, yet they were enough to remove the worries or banalities of the day for a few moments, and open one’s mind to the possibilities of adventure, no matter how modest.

“A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness,” and, “Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling,” are quotes that reflect the strong emotions James

Fenwick Sub Golden Grill Devries Fruit Ridderikhoff M

Can a simple bicycle truly provide such benefits in 2020? I would argue that the bicycle is even more important now, connecting us to each other and ourselves at a time when the new normal is still a moving target, and so many people are questioning values and finding their way once again.

The German author Wolfgang Sachs, in his 1992 book, For Love of the Automobile, which traced the history of the motorcar in Germany, ultimately despaired of the futility he felt as society worshiped the technological race embodied by the automobile.

He believed the bicycle was superior, and wrote, “To attack the pedals may be strenuous over the short run, but is an expression of trust in one’s own powers, for with the bicycle everything depends on the self. Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond existence as mere clients and consumers— those people ride a bike.”

Strong words perhaps, but the potential benefits and fun of adventure-by-bike make it well worth a try. ◆

RESERVES

continued from Page 19

District School Board is also planning to reduce class sizes. It’s in-class participation rate should approximate that of the DSBN. Despite the efforts of the Ford government to equip Ontario schools appropriately in these pandemic times, the four provincial teacher unions have filed appeals with the Ontario Labour Relations Board, arguing that safety precautions in place are insufficient to adequately protect teachers and students.

The Premier defended his plan at a daily media briefing, saying it’s been approved by experts, including the province’s Chief Medical Cfficer of Health.

“I’m always going to listen to the doctors,” said Ford.

“I’m not going to listen to the head of the unions that are playing politics.”

Support your local service clubs

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The Voice, September 9, 2020

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ON HOLD

continued from Page 11 ble, and equipment and spaces are cleaned and disinfected between each use.

Rina Rode, the District School Board of Niagara’s sports convenor, agreed her board’s decision was disappointing but the right call.

“I think they are putting the focus on the academic picture to start the school year and going from there,” she said. “You can’t really blame them for what they are doing.”

Rode is sympathetic to the athletes, of course, but also the teacher/coaches.

“They are heading into the school year where they are having to learn all new protocols [in the classroom] and then also have to worry about all the protocols involved with school sports,” she said. “It must be worrisome as well.”

Thankfully for OFSAA and other high school sports governing bodies, they will be able to use all the return to sports protocols being developed by the various provincial sporting groups.

“We also have independent schools within our association and they may opt to try to get some sports done,” Rode said. “That is still a conversation we have to look at. There are lots of questions but not a lot of answers.”

Niagara Catholic Athletic Association sports convenor Chris McLean is still trying to get his head around many of the questions after spending time at a family cottage.

“I haven’t had any discussions yet because we have been waiting for announcements to come out and I am anticipating that I will have more direction within the next two weeks.”

McLean isn’t making any predictions about the return of high school sports.

“Is it possible? I am not sure yet,” he said. “I haven’t really sat down with senior management to discuss school sports.”

The OFSAA announcement will be part of those discussions.

“That is obviously going to kick off those conversations,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, we want to get kids active and we will be doing everything we can. If there is a way to get the kids involved and participating in extracurriculars in a way that is safe for everyone involved, we will make sure we do it.”

Golf tournaments are now being played in Niagara and across the province but even that sport has safety concerns at the high school level.

“There is an issue with transporting kids to competitions and to follow all the rules that are mandated, I just don’t know how that all happens,” Rode said. “I’m sure as the weeks go by it is going to be a little bit more of a clearer picture.”

Another complicating factor is the grouping of high school students into two cohorts, each going to school twice a week and then alternating which one has the third day of the week in class.

IN THE NEWS Busy holiday weekend

On Saturday, September 5, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service conducted R.I.D.E. checkpoints within the cities of Welland and St. Catharines.

Throughout the evening approximately 425 vehicles were stopped and the drivers were questioned regarding any alcohol and drug consumption. According to an NRPS statement, within the first 30 minutes, a 46-year-old male driver from Welland was arrested for impaired operation. During the transition from Welland to St. Catharines, one of the officers stopped a vehicle as it sped past him. The vehicle was stopped in Niagara Falls and it was discovered that a 14-year-old male was operating it. He was subsequently charged with unlicenced driving. Police say that in addition to the above incidents, officers also stopped 20 vehicles and requested the drivers provide a sample of their breath for analysis. Six drivers in total provided samples in the warning range and subsequently had their licences suspended for a period of three days. Another driver was charged for driving while suspended and tickets were issued to other drivers for various traffic related offences.

Mock emergency cancelled due to real emergency

The Ontario government announced last Friday that munic-

ipalities will not be required to conduct their annual mock emergency exercise this year. “Recognizing that municipalities and provincial ministries continue to actively engage their emergency management procedures and programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” read a statement, “the Solicitor General has suspended the requirement for exercises in 2020.” This temporary suspension will allow municipalities to “focus on reopening their communities and local economies while keeping Ontarians safe,” read the statement. “The COVID-19 emergency has required all of us to act quickly and respond to challenges none of us could ever have imagined,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.

“Clearly, 2020 has been a true test of our emergency plans, which is why we can safely waive the requirement for practice exercises this year.”

COVID-19 update

Pelham Fire Chief and Emergency Operations chair Bob Lymburner reported Friday that Pel-

ham currently has zero active cases of the coronavirus, with 41 total historical. Seven other Niagara municipalities also have zero active cases. Across the Region there were 10 active cases, with 941 total historical—867 resolved, 64 confirmed deaths. Ontario has seen a total of 42,689 cases with 38,625 resolved and 2812 deaths.

Niagara infection spread has been 52.9% female, 47.1% male, with current infections predominately among 20 to 29-year-olds. Discussions at the Regional level regarding Halloween are continuing.

MCC reopens walking track

On Tuesday, Pelham’s community centre reopened the walking track, team benches in both arenas, and furniture in the atrium. The gradual integration of services at the MCC follows the province’s and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association's guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19, according to a Town statement released Friday, Sept. 4. “People are eager to get back in the MCC for their physical activity, and we’re very pleased we can begin to offer more opportunities to do so,” said Vickie vanRavenswaay, Director of Recreation, Culture, and Wellness.

“We’re moving ahead safely and gradually. We’ll start with the walking track and increased capacity in the arenas and go from there.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, September 9, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD

Don't be afraid

I

once read that the most common message from God to man in the Bible is “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid.” In the popular New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the statement appears 81 times — 63 in the Old Testament and 18 in the New. God sent this message in the New Testament through angels and through His Son, Jesus. Here are a few examples…

A message from angels

An angel told a priest named Zechariah “not to be afraid” but to know that his prayers had been heard and that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son who would become John the Baptist (see Luke 1:11-17).

An angel told Mary “not to be afraid” and that she had found favor with God and was to bear a child who would be the promised Messiah and Savior (Luke 1:29-33).

An angel told Joseph “not to be afraid” to take Mary as his wife even though he was confused and she was already pregnant (Matthew 1:20-21).

An angel told the shepherds at the first Christmas “not to be afraid” but that something wonderful had just taken place in Bethlehem and they should go there quickly to check it out (Luke 2:8-12).

An angel told the women at the tomb at the first Easter “not to be afraid” because Jesus had risen from the dead just like he had foretold (Matthew 28:5-7).

And finally, an angel told the apostle Paul “not to be afraid” during a fierce storm but that he would make it safely to Rome to stand trial before Caesar (Acts 27:23-26).

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Page 17

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A message from Jesus

Jesus told his disciples “not to be afraid” of men who could kill their body but not their soul (Matthew 10:28).

Jesus told his followers “not to be afraid” but to rejoice that the kingdom of God belonged to them (Luke 12:32).

Jesus told his followers “not to be afraid” but to be filled with his peace (John 14:27).

Jesus told the women at the tomb “not to be afraid” but to tell his disciples to go ahead to Galilee where he would meet them (Matthew 28:8-10).

Jesus told the apostle Paul in a vision “not to be afraid” but to keep on preaching in spite of the fierce opposition (Acts 18:9-11).

Jesus told the apostle John “not to be afraid” but to receive his revelation of future events (Revelation 1:17-19).

And finally, Jesus told the believers in the city of Smyrna “not to be afraid” of persecution but to persevere and be faithful to the end (Revelation 2:8-10).

A message for us

After reading all these verses, I get the distinct impression that God has a message for us today during these unprecedented, challenging and uncertain times. We are like the people mentioned above from the first century who needed the assurance that they were not alone but that God was there to help them in their situation or challenge.

Today He wants you to trust Him with whatever you’re facing and…“not to be afraid.”

If your message for Pelham in our pages, If yourisn’t message for Pelham

in ourbeing pages, seen.

Then itisn’tisn’t Then it isn’t being seen.

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Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 18

The Voice, September 9, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

Don't underestimate the value of your bicycle

M

erriam-Webster defines adventure as, “an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks, an exciting or remarkable experience, or an enterprise involving financial risk.”

I have bicycled the roads and trails of five continents, and on occasion these rides have qualified as adventures as defined above.

Yet, with much respect for the many millions of dictionaries Merriam-Webster has sold since 1928, I believe they’re overselling “adventure” as a concept, especially in these times.

Adventure on a bicycle can be a simple thing. It doesn’t have to be dangerous, grandiose, or expensive. It doesn’t require abandoning one’s comfort zone in an airport departure lounge and flying off to dangerous points unknown.

Many times, an adventure is anything but exciting or remarkable. It may be as mundane as cycling for days across windswept desert or flat prairie, with nothing changing except the angle of the sun in your eyes. Your ride will only become an adventure when viewed in hindsight, and the adventure will be

self-discovery. It will be a revelation, an understanding of more about oneself, not of geography or foreign culture.

It comes from opening that closet we call our heart or soul, the one we’ve never been forced to confront and come to terms with in such new surroundings.

Marla Streb, a wonderfully insightful American mountain biker and free spirit whose professional career spanned 1998 to 2005, frequently felt adventure when her life strayed off course, and she was forced to seek a new direction.

She said, “We all possess a predilection for lostness, some of us more than others. But lostness, like all talents, must be nurtured, developed, and practiced in order to enjoy its benefits.

Many of my friends know

The author and granddaughter after bagging five kilometres of the Gerry Berkhout Trail. where they have been, where they are and where they are headed. How sad.”

In fact, by using Streb’s

definition in these restricted times, my bicycle can provide adventure simply by turning right rather than left; and riding

SUPPLIED

a road as close to home as Wainfleet or Lincoln that I’ve never ridden before.

See HANDLEBARS Page 15

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Remember to be careful what you say about others, Aries. If you’re talking about someone who isn’t in the vicinity, act as if he or she is there so you always remain respectful.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You might need some time alone this week to get yourself centered, Taurus. This is especially true if you have been running yourself ragged and are feeling stressed out.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, do not try to fit into some mold that doesn’t represent who you truly are. There’s only one person you need to please, and that is yourself.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Issues around you may be a bit heavy, Cancer. Your role is to lighten up the situation with humor and amusement. Your powers of adaptability will be put to the test.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if one door will not open for you, don’t force it. Simply try another door. Accept that some things are not meant to be and it is time to move on.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, your approach to things may get some push back from others. Don’t let that stop you from being independent and forging your own path.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, the old ways of doing things may butt heads with the new, leaving you scratching your head. Go with your gut instinct on this situation this week.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Unexpected events can shuffle things when you least expect it, Scorpio. Don’t be discouraged; learn how to go with the flow and you can come out on top.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, your confidence may wane a bit this week. All you need is a pep talk from someone to get you out of a funk. Listen to what this person has to say.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Aiming for the latest and greatest may not be the best idea, Capricorn.

Material possessions bring you entertainment, but strive for other, more grounding goals.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Make sure you are nourishing your whole self in the days to come, Aquarius. This means being in tune with physical and mental well-being.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 A nervous restlessness may urge you to act this week, Pisces.

You could be excited about something that you just can’t pinpoint right now.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS SEPTEMBER 6 Idris Elba, Actor (48) SEPTEMBER 7 Kevin Love, Athlete (32) SEPTEMBER 8 Pink, Singer (41) SEPTEMBER 9 Lauren Daigle, Singer (29) SEPTEMBER 10 Misty Copeland, Dancer (38) SEPTEMBER 11 Kygo, DJ (29)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Them 2. Aide 3. Blat 4. Eames 5. Sr 6. Malts 7. Brae 8. Dou 9. Remodeled 10. Elea 11. Bunko 12. Slush 14. Taiwanese 17. Prahu 20. Ola 21. Sorus 23. Map 25. She 26. Bean 27. Eases 29. Bostonian 30. Saber 32. Decameter 34. Poi 35. Rube 37. Deter 40. MSB 42. Sid 43. Ylems 47. DNA 49. Hesse 50. Salem 52. Arbor 53. Trace 55. Gari 56. Paca 57. Imam 58. Lilo 59. Yaps 61. Bid 65. SM

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Tabes 6. MBD 9. Rebs 13. Hilar 14. Taro 15. Elul 16. Edam 17. Palau 18. Menu 19. Meteorite 21. Soaks 22. Slaws 23. Mod 24. Oh 25. SBE 28. Aha 29. Bares 31. Head 33. Unpopular 36. Eased 38. Eos 39. Sebum 41. Necessity 44. Debs 45. Satie 46. Old 48. Reb 49. HS 51. Med 52. Anent 54. Eager 56. Primarily 60. Slat 61. Babas 62. Amia 63. Sere 64. Icon 65. Scalp 66. Emir 67. DAR 68. Memos

Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays!

From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, September 9, 2020

Page 19

DSBN dips into reserves for school safety measures

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

If you have been languishing as a teacher on the District School Board of Niagara’s “supply” list, chances are you just received an “occasional” contract. Not a guarantee of long-term employment, but at least a foot-in-thedoor.

In a recent media statement the DSBN announced the hiring of up to 70 teachers to address the need to reduce class sizes in the elementary panel for the coming school year.

“Their tenure will be a reflection of the needs of their school,” said DSBN Communications Officer Carolyn LoConte.

The hirings are being financed through the release of $4.5 million of the board’s accumulated sur-

plus fund.

The statement quoted Sue Barnett, DSBN Chair, saying, “Safety is our top concern, and the pandemic has presented us with unique challenges. By using the accumulated surplus funds to hire more staff, we anticipate we will be able to decrease class sizes by three to four students. We feel this is an important way to support our students.”

This funding is separate from the federal and provincial funding that the school board has already received.

Warren Hoshizaki, the DSBN Director of Education, noted in the statement that public secondary schools in the region will be capped at 15- student

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classes (as provincially mandated), while elementary grade classes will see a reduction of three or four students from previous estimates. Expect average class sizes of 22 in Kindergarten, 17 in Grades 1 through 3, and 20-25 students in Grades 4 through 8.

For those students attending classes in person, enhanced cleaning schedules have been developed, and classrooms have been organized to support physical distancing via

turning to the classroom.

Pelham’s DSBN trustee, Nancy Beamer, confirmed to the Voice that “all three Pelham schools will have staffing enhancements to support in-class learning.”

Principals at A.K. Wigg,

Glynn A Green, and E. L. Crossley declined to comment, instead referring inquiries to the DSBN communications department.

The Niagara Catholic See RESERVES Page 15

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the removal and spacing of desks. Signage has been posted in all schools to reinforce safe separation, proper hygiene practices, and directional flow in hallways. Visitor restriction in schools is also in place.

A staggered start to classroom attendance was to start yesterday, September 8, with virtual, online learning for both elementary and secondary schools kicking in the same day.

Approximately 80% of DSBN students will be re-

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ADD YOUR VOICE TO NIAGARA’S OFFICIAL PLAN NIAGARA IS GROWING!

The region is forecasted to grow to a minimum of 674,000 people and 272,000 jobs by the year 2051. To guide this growth, Niagara Region is creating a new Official Plan.

The Niagara Official Plan will set out objectives and policies to shape Niagara’s physical development, while protecting what’s valuable. It will cover topics like: Niagara’s natural environment, land needs, growth allocations, housing, transportation, urban design, employment lands, agriculture and more.

YOU’RE INVITED

Attend a series of virtual public information centres to learn more about key directives and core policy information that will inform the Niagara Official Plan. Get informed, ask questions to staff, and provide your input on how Niagara should grow.

If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, contact the Niagara Region’s Accessibility Coordinator at 905-685-4225 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.

Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

If you are not able to attend, you can provide input or ask questions by emailing makingourmark@niagararegion.ca, or contact David Heyworth, Official Plan Policy Consultant at 905-980-6000 ext. 3476

niagararegion.ca/official-plan makingourmark@niagararegion.ca

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES

Register for each of the following sessions at niagararegion.ca/official-plan.

Video recordings will also be available online following the sessions.

Wednesday, Sept 23 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: Natural Environment - Natural Heritage System Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: Natural Environment - Water Resource System Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: Growth Management - Growth Allocations, Settlement Area Boundary Review, Regional Structure, Land Needs, Housing Thursday, Oct. 8 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: District & Secondary Plans, Urban Design, and Employment Lands Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: Rural & Agriculture, Mineral Aggregate Resources, Archaeology & Culture Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 6:00 p.m.

Topic: Infrastructure, Water and Wastewater, Stormwater, Transportation

Page 20

The Voice, September 9, 2020

GIANT

continued from Page 1 September. They were beautiful, and the taste was tremendous,” said Fred. “I hadn’t ever tasted tomatoes anywhere near as good.

So I saved the seed. And then last year, I grew more than 50 plants, and I had some tomatoes weighing almost three pounds.”

This year, Fred planted again from last year’s seed. He gave some seed to his brother-in-law, sister, daughter, and friends in Fenwick. They all grew large tomatoes that drew rave reviews.

He even gave some of the original plants to Michael DeProphetis.

Someone came up with an idea to have a friendly competition, to weigh their biggest tomatoes, and share the photos over email. Thus was born the Great Fenwick Tomato Challenge, which currently includes almost a dozen participants.

“It's all about the genetics of the plant,” said Fred. “They are a heritage seed and they produce the same year after year because they are not a hybrid.”

Fred’s brother-in-law Doug said that the tomato plants in his garden cling to an eight-foot long rebar post, and reach the top.

Fred’s sister displayed a photo of her top tomato weighing 3.22 pounds, with a 20-inch circumference.

Typically, tomatoes weigh something in the range of six to 12 ounces.

A pair of tomatoes coming in at a bit over two pounds each adorn the Rohrmoser kitchen counter, dwarfing a bowl of fingerling potatoes, also a product of their garden. The retired couple have been on Balfour for 26 years.

Deborah noted that their fulsome fruits are named Storm Tomatoes, in tribute to the hairdressing salon where it all started.

In case you might be thinking that the Rohrmosers should be on the phone to the folks at Guinness Book of World Records, you should know that a couple from Clinton, New York, grew a tomato last year that weighed 9.65 pounds. They named it “Wilson the Slammer.”

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Deborah and Fred Rohrmoser and their oversize tomatoes.

DON RICKERS

Preserve Our Village & Rural Character Send Council this mid-term Report: Find new revenue sources to combat rising taxes and pay off our $36Million+ Community Centre!

!

Vote to Revoke Our 10-Storey Bylaw

Vote to Tax Polluting Grow-Ops

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Vote to Tax Undesirable Development 

Not Our Homes!

Vote Wally BRAUN

YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM

Details: Inside Facebook, search/share: “Town of Pelham Ward 1 Community Forum”

MEETING ID: 784 602 5197 PASSWORD : 284956

The Facebook format allows us to discuss policy options specific to Ward 1, come to a consensus, and hold Council accountable between elections.

Meet the Candidate Place: Broken Gavel/Fenwick Library When: 1PM-3PM Dates: Sept. 9&10, & TBA thereafter on Facebook page above (weather permitting), or by arrangement: 289-686-8822, wallybraun@mail.com, or PM me.

SEPTEMBER 21 @ 10AM

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