Voice of Pelham by Ontario Community Newspapers Association

Concerns over Kunda Park page 3 Court appearance in murder case page 8 Panthers part ways with coaches page 17 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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October 21, 2020

Vol.24 No.42 

Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker

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Published every Wednesday

Pelham Cares launches 30th annual food drive

Column Six

A rose is a rose is a rose Memorable scents I have known BY MARJORIE POULI

Special to the VOICE

Target of 3000 filled boxes will provide seven months of supplies for those in need BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

The 30th annual Pelham Cares Food Drive has a lofty goal this year, but the organizers are confident that hundreds of volunteers and thousands of compassionate residents will meet the

challenge and fill their shelves. Keith Moore, Vice President of Pelham Cares (pictured above), gave the Voice a quick tour of the facilities at 191 Highway 20 East. The 2500 square foot building, which is filled with shelves on the main and basement levels, was purchased by the organization in 2014.

“We bought the building because of the thousand pound lift,” said Moore, referring to the elevator which shuttles between the two floors, making movement of products easier. Food volumes are checked daily, with volSee 30th Page 13

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ay, way, back in the ‘50s (that's the 1950s!), every summer for four years, a rattling old station wagon, loaded up with Dad, Mom and their seven children, traveled back and forth between Michigan and California. An aspiring pastor, Dad studied in Michigan, but returned to his hometown in California to work as an electrician for three summer months each year. As we travelled, patient Dad sang hymns and fun songs mile after mile after mile; mom sang along, took care of the baby, or silently stared straight ahead. The kids sang, read, competed in travel games, anticipated and enjoyed the Burma Shave jokes along the roadsides. The bloodthirsty boys peered over the edges of hairpin turns and cliffs in the mountains to see if there were any wrecks below, See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Page 2

The Voice, October 21, 2020

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NRPS impaired driving charges

PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket

Current stats: As of Monday, Pelham had three active COVID-19 cases, with 15 new cases reported in Niagara Region, bringing total active cases to 66, historical cases 1268, and deaths 68. The infection doubling time in Niagara is 109 days. Infections are now predominantly in 20 to 39 year-olds, and nearly two-thirds of spread is through close-contact. Trick-or-treating is not recommended in the GTA or Ottawa, with provincial guidance coming for other regions...Trash talk: As of this week, the Region has moved to picking up garbage every other week, though the amount of garbage we may put out remains the same—two bags every two weeks rather than one bag once a week. I’ve noticed comments online to the effect that this is going lead to a rat infestation, which is a head-scratcher. What rat catnip, so to speak, are people putting into their garbage bags? Delicious, rat-friendly organics should be going into green bins, not the garbage, and green bins, along with recycling, are still being picked up weekly. We should count our refuse blessings in Niagara. When we lived in Nova Scotia years ago, everything was picked up every two weeks—organics, garbage, the lot. Opening those green bins in summer heat after a good ten days of decay was not a task for the faint-hearted...Elsewhere on the odour front: Cannabis stink bothering you? As we reported last week, the Town has acquired a device—the “Nasal Ranger”—that allows bylaw officers to measure whether odour levels exceed those allowed. What’s been less than clear is how residents are to request assistance, with some on council suggesting that complaints be called in directly to bylaw. In fact, the Town requests residents to use the “Report a Problem” link on the Town website, at www.pelham.ca. More on this in our next issue...Just in time for cool autumn evenings: Of course, pizza is delicious anytime, but as the days grow shorter and the evenings chillier, a piping-hot pizza direct from the oven is a welcome sight. I’m happy to report that Peter Piper’s entry into the pizza game is absolutely the best thin crust pizza we’ve had in years. It’s amazing what a difference a thin crust makes—without all that bread, the toppings really stand out, and Piper’s offers a dizzying variety of them. I see that on Saturdays now they are doing a large pizza plus 10-wing combo for $20. Seriously, I don’t make recommendations that don’t come from the heart—or gut. Check it out…And for dessert: Or at least an afternoon snack, check out the bazillion varieties of apples available from DeVries Fruit Farm (ad, p.9)...Are we in your hands on time? We aim to deliver by Wednesday evenings at the latest. How are we doing? If you’re not receiving the paper by then, let us know: circulation@thevoiceofpelham.ca... Set aside some time to take it in: This week's centrespread, by Don Rickers, reminds us to live life, and love our family, to the fullest, for we never know when our time will come. RIP Earl. ◆

Voice

What's That

SIREN Pelham Fire Department Weekly Calls

Charles Duncan trial pushed to spring 2021

Friday, Oct. 9 Grass Fire, Sixteen Rd. Controlled burn (wind picked up and turned into a grass fire), Short Hills Saturday, Oct. 10 Detector activation, Port Robinson Rd. (faulty detector), Fonthill

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Sunday, Oct. 11 Tree fire, Fern Gate (BBQ too close to a tree), Fonthill

Attorney Charlene Robinson, acting as agent for lawyers Michael DelGobbo and Seth Weinstein, in the Charles Duncan sexual assault case, was present in a video conference in a St. Catharines courtroom on October 13 before Justice Deborah Calderwood. Calderwood was in receipt of an email from DelGobbo related to her recent decision to deny a defense application for severance on the charges against Duncan, in which DelGobbo asked to be removed as counsel, so that Duncan could proceed to trial with Toronto-based attorneys Weinstein and Jill Makepeace representing him. Robinson confirmed that Duncan had been consulted by his lawyers, and was in agreement with this decision. Justice Calderwood approved the action. A confirmation hearing date is set for February 18, 2021 at 10 AM in St. Catharines courtroom four. Pre-trial motions

Monday, Oct. 12 Medical assistance, Fonthill Carbon monoxide, Bergenstein Cr. (faulty detector), Fonthill Thursday, Oct. 15 Alarms activated Pelham St. (accidental activation), Fonthill Friday, Oct. 16 Medical assistance, Fonthill

See DUNCAN Page 14

航搜索

on svacation! tay-CAT

The Pelham Fire department responded to seven calls of service from Friday October 9 to Friday October 16.

Dr. Charles Duncan, second from right, confers with lawyer Michael DelGobbo, far left, and his sons outside a St. Catharines courtroom in February. JOHN CHICK

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Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

DSBN wants portion of Town park

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The Comfort Maple myth

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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

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Oops: No fire trucks for you

Column Six

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Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill

Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective

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Column Six

Growing up British

Vol.20 No.32

Wednesday October 12, 2016

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Apple Day comes to Fonthill

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, conﬁrms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN oﬃcials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently conﬁrm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to ﬁx

the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

the chicane the morning it ﬁrst opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a ﬁnal report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staﬀ met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more speciﬁc issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the ﬁrst night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver ﬁsh-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were diﬀerent again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals

ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into conﬁdent and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle trafﬁc travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing

Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Cell 905.933.3049

Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people oﬀered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

Office 905.892.1702

Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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Request made of community still peeved at name change

See DSBN Page 9

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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

Billy J. S. KNARR, 37, St. Catharines James W. CUTTRISS, 46, St. Catharines Carissa M. BOOKER, 28, Hamilton Brenda C. BASCUS, 62, Niagara Falls Alan J. SAKACH, 49, Grimsby Tyler J. MCINTYRE, 20, Fort Erie Cameron MERKUS, 24, Welland Cesar E. SANDOVAL, 54, Niagara-on-the-Lake Christopher J. MOORE, 26, Niagara Falls Laurie M. M. JOHNS, 41, St. Catharines Derrick DOXTATOR, 19, Waterford Jordan B. THOM, 52, Niagara Falls Hailei E. CHRISTENSEN, 23, St. Catharines Gary K. WARREN, 51, Welland Torrey M. M. VAN EVERY, 29, Hagersville Taylor G. FINDLAY, 24, St. Catharines Neil A. CARSON, 28, Niagara Falls Sullivan T. DOMARCHUK, 21, St. Catharines Justin D. A. PHIBBS, 31, Fort Erie Keirah E. LAPOINTE, 22, Niagara Falls 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.

Congratulations

司空公

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.

“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

905-892-8690 Find the Voice at these locations: Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware Pelham Libraries Bob’s Boys Antiques PharmaChoice Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Duffin Appleworks Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Boggio's IDA Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Shell on Hwy 20 Circle-K

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

Page 3

Councillors, public air concerns over Kunda Park expansion Provincial density requirements have changed since 1990s, let alone since 1950s BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Even a decades-old proposed subdivision wasn’t immune to growing pain concerns from Fonthill residents at an Oct. 13 Town of Pelham public meeting under the Planning Act. The meeting was called to hear preliminary details on the expansion —and subsequent rezoning — of the Kunda Park development, which has sat dormant for almost 20 years. The neighbourhood’s overall plan goes back as far as the 1950s, with the older developments of Stella, John, and Vera Streets, east of Pelham Street and south of Glynn A. Green school,

built first. The most recently constructed homes came online in the 1990s, with Kunda Park Boulevard and Beechwood Crescent. Now, proposed “Phase Four” calls for the conversion of existing greenfield east of Stella and west of the Steve Bauer Trail into 84 homes, some of which will require a zoning amendment from R1 (single family) to R2 (medium density, multiple unit) residential designation. Plans for phase four were originally submitted to the Town in 2002. Ten years See KUNDA Page 6

Resident Natalie Stickles, bottom right, tells council that Stella Street isn't suitable for construction traffic.

Yoga and Yogalates at the Meridian Community Centre Hatha Yoga Yoga helps tone, lengthen, and strengthen muscles. This gentle form of yoga is perfect for beginners and those with experience. This class focuses on alignment and breath.

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Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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Please bring your own yoga mat, 2 blocks and a yoga strap/old tie to each class.

Chair Yoga Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Though yoga is beneficial for all, chair yoga is the perfect way for seniors to discover yoga. Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Please bring your own yoga mat, 2 blocks and a yoga strap/old tie to each class.

Yogalates Yogalates is a fitness routine that incorporates Yoga postures, breathing techniques, and Pilates. There are age requirements in place for this activity. Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. Please bring your own yoga mat.

DROp-iN fEE $6 pUNch pAss $80

Punch pass permits 20 drop-in sessions

As of October 19, 2020

Blue, Green, Grey every week Garbage pick-up every-other-week To find your garbage collection week visit niagararegion.ca/waste, download the ‘Niagara Region Waste’ app or check the new Collection Guide.

YOU TUBE

Page 4

The Voice, October 21, 2020

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OPINION

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

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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Gas pumps may be headed the way of the hitching post

oth the Federal and Ontario governments each anted-up $295 million dollars as contributions to Ford Motor Company’s $1.4 billion dollar plan to start producing zero-emission vehicles and batteries by 2025. This plan, announced a few weeks ago, aims to convert Ford’s Oakville plant from producing gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries, at that familiar facility alongside the QEW. These investments are expected to protect thousands of auto sector jobs and, equally importantly, to reinforce the fight against air pollution and climate change. It has long been established that gas and diesel fueled vehicles are significant contributors to smog and air pollution. Despite some experts’ assurances that electric vehicles and battery production represent huge technological opportunities for the economy, many Canadians are reluctant to give up their gas-fueled vehicles. Some of these reasons appear to be the perception that EVs are initially more expensive to buy, their range before a recharge (110 to 220 miles)

is less than a full tank of gas, and the small number of recharging stations. According to University of Michigan research, the average cost to operate an EV is about $485 per year whereas that amount

Canada lags behind the United States, Germany, Japan, and China in making electric vehicles

is $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle. Other researchers estimate an EV is 75 to 80 percent cheaper from a fuel and maintenance perspective. Bloomberg (BNEF), a researcher in clean energy, and Consumer Reports estimate that the lifespan of the battery pack to be around 200,000 miles and years before replacement is needed. With regard to battery manufacturing, these require elements such as co-

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balt, nickel and lithium. The government needs to invest in and encourage developments in the mining and refining of these materials to ensure adequacy of supply, and secure these resources within Canada. Also, in the future, the government will likely introduce incentives for condos and housing complexes of all types to install charging stations to accommodate the fast-growing number of EVs. Canada lags behind the United States, Germany, Japan, and China in making electric vehicles. Perhaps investments cited above may help to lay out the red carpet, inviting other EV manufacturers to locate here. While Ford’s target is to begin production in 2025 might appear to be far off, it does allow time to build the infrastructure needed to support EV drivers. According to expert forecasts, electric vehicle marketshare of global car sales is currently about 3%. They estimate it will be about 28% by year 2030, 58% by 2040 and the goal for the year 2050 is 90%. Such a conversion will also likely See POWER UP next page

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Gratitude for community support in face of loss My daughters and I would like to publicly thank the Fenwick Lions Club and Jonathan Tucker for organizing the procession on Thanksgiving Monday, which began at Centennial Park in Fenwick and passed by our home on Centre Street. And thank you to all of those who took time from their Thanksgiving preparations to participate. With my daughters, my extended family and special friends in attendance, we stood for half an hour as vehicles drove by. As people passed by, they handed us flowers, blew kisses, made the motions of a hug... We were in tears; they were tears of loss,

but even more, they were tears that reflected our deep appreciation for the support of the community. We saw the tears of many as they drove past, reminding us that we are not alone and that the community stands against the evil that was perpetrated on Earl on October 2. Thank you for reminding us there is more good than evil, and that Earl mattered. You have forever made a difference for our family and proven again that our community is a special place to live. Tillie, Jodie, and Elisha Clapp Fenwick

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The Voice

Letters

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986 Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Councillor Wayne Olson wolson@pelham.ca 905-892-2607

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Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805 Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

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Page 5

OPINION COMMENTARY / OP-ED Crispin Colvin

PELHAM AND COVID-19

Rural landowners and changes to private railway crossings

ntario farmers and rural landowners will be impacted by new amendments made to the Grade Crossing Regulations issued by Transport Canada. These amendments apply to all public and private railway crossings across the country. Farmers and rural landowners with private railway crossings on their property may be required to upgrade or improve their crossings in order to comply with the new grade regulation standards. In March 2019, Transport Canada amended its Grade Crossing Regulations, resulting in new requirements that all public and private railway crossings must follow. These new requirements have been shared with all railway companies and they have been instructed to work with property owners to upgrade or improve railway crossings. The purpose of the improvements is to enhance safety measures related to sightlines

and grade levels. Tailored safety guidelines to all grade crossings must be enforced by November 28, 2021. Transport Canada regulates all at-grade or level crossings over railway tracks. In Canada, there are more than 9,000 private, federally-regulated grade crossings. These regulations were established to maintain the safety of these crossings. Private railway crossings are those where there is no public use of the crossing, and the same individual or farm business owns the land on both sides of the tracks. There are a significant number of farm properties across the province that have an active railway line passing through their farm, and a private level crossing over the rail line that serves as the farmers only means of access to fields on the opposite side of the tracks. See CROSSINGS Page 7

Steve Bauer Trail—it may be all downhill from here Two weeks ago we celebrated the shiny new asphalt surface of the Steve Bauer Trail. Now it is apparent that the trail may be at its zenith as a pleasant, close-to-nature, walking and cycling route, protected from traffic, fumes and noise. Why? Despite the bold words in the East Fonthill draft Urban Design guidelines, “The Steve Bauer Trail is to be preserved,” the Town public meeting held last Tuesday revealed the plans for development on both sides of the Port Robinson-Merritt Road section of the trail. The developer wants to have two separate roadways cross the trail, the hedgerows with their trees and bushes on both sides will be less wide due to lot placement, and immediately on the east side of the trail a 2 metre x 250 metre-wide strip will be cleared and graded for an enlarged stormwater drainage ditch. This is not yet finalised, and this is an appeal to those of us who treasure preservation of natural heritage in public spaces over destructive development to lobby the Mayor and your councillors to keep the promise made 20 years ago. Dave Nicholson Fonthill

POWER UP

continued from previous page occur in the mass transit industry and the number of internal combustion engines will be at a minimum. So if you are in love with the suck, squeeze,

bang, and blow engines (a mechanic’s indelicate abridgement of the internal combustion engine cycle) you best get your jollies in over the next few years. These soon will become boat anchors and follow the same path as James Watt’s steam engine. Happy motoring everyone. ◆

Mayor Marvin Junkin

Stay vigilant—no one wants to see a move back to Stage 2

hile areas on the north shore of Lake Ontario continue to see rising COVID-19 numbers, Niagara numbers remain impressive. For the period of Oct 4 to 11, Pelham’s numbers were static, with two active cases, and one new case. None of these cases required hospitalization, with these residents self-isolating at home. For the same period, the Niagara Region as a whole had 86 new cases, joining the 82 active cases. As stated earlier, these numbers are remarkable, when one hears that on this past Friday alone, Toronto registered 213 new cases for the day, with Peel Region showing 135, and Ottawa showing 108. Niagara Health had between 7000 and 8000 tests

performed for this week, the percent of positive cases being well below the target of 5%. As the Marvin Junkin n u m b e r s continue their rapid increase in the Toronto area, the Province has decided to move York Region to a modified Stage 2 for at least 28 days, which started Monday. York now joins Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa in the closing of indoor dining, gyms, cinemas, and casinos, as well as placing limits to ten people indoors and 25 outdoors. In the above areas, high critical-care admissions to their hospitals are a major concern to the authorities. Niagara Region will contin-

ue in Stage 3, because of our low new case numbers, and very low COVID-19 hospitalisation. Authorities believe that one reason why Niagara’s numbers remain low is that residents are restricting the number of trips they are taking outside the Region, and of course, the cooler weather has effectively eliminated outsiders from travelling to Niagara’s beaches. Residents must continue to do their part to keep new infections to the minimum—frequent hand washing, use hand sanitizers when they are made available while out and about, and when social distancing is not possible wear a mask. Of course masks must be worn indoors when visiting businesses or in any public buildings. ◆

Kudos to council for tendering decision This is a letter to publicly thank Mayor Junkin for leading the council in voting down a request from Town staff to award a contractor a job without going through the bidding process. In this October 5 council meeting, Mayor Junkin, with the support of all councillors, objected to the manner in which the sanitary sewer diversion upgrades in the Station Street/Summersides area were brought to their attention at the “11th hour,” and made to feel that this was a “do-or-die” decision in which the council had no choice. Thank you to the council for not folding under such pressure and standing up for what is fair but also in the best interest of the Town’s financial position. It has been proven time and time again that when projects go out for tender the Town benefits by receiving a competitive price rather than writing a blank cheque to a contractor who

happens to “be in the area.” It has been proven that some of the savings in the past have been over 30 percent, which to my mind is quite a savings! Pelham residents have voiced their opinions loud and clear when they voted the last council out of office for exactly this type of behaviour. Think of the money that could have been saved on the East Fonthill development if this council were in place at the time. Pelham citizens want transparency and no cover ups where contracts are being awarded without the proper tendering process to ensure that the Town is not overpaying for the work. I am pleased to see that the Mayor and the present council have not forgotten why they were elected and will continue to monitor the East Fonthill develSee TENDERS Page 7

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

KUNDA

KUNDA PARK

continued from Page 3

PORT ROBINSON

ROAD

PELHAM

We just don't want to be living in another suburb of Toronto

VERA ST

STELLA STREET

PELHAM STREET

later, the property was sold to a different developer. Pelham resident Bill Heska was one of several members of the public to speak at the virtual meeting, and made note that the 2002 plan called for only 67 new homes, some 17 fewer than now. Matt Kernahan, of Upper Canada Consultants — a representative for the developer —said that the density of the project is actually considered low for similar “greenfield” developments. When Councillor John Wink suggested Kernahan had “glossed over” the reasons for the R2 designation requests, the consultant said the developers are merely following contemporary guidelines. “The Provincial, Regional and Town planning legislation which governs our decision making in the planning realm has changed pretty drastically over the last 18 years,” Kernahan said. “While the subdivision itself is held to some older standards, the zoning of the property is held to today’s standards.” That includes smaller lots zoned R2 on the west side of the new development, backing onto existing properties on Stella Street. When Councillor Lisa Haun asked Kernahan why the smaller lots were placed against Stella while larger, single home lots are planned at the southern end of the development, Kernahan replied, “I’ll take that under advise-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

JOHN ST

STELLA ST

DRAFT

LE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL

EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL

GEO

REG

EXISTING RESIDENTIAL

ment.” Stella Street resident Lina Lianga said that while she understood the plans have existed in some form for decades, she wants a “buffer” between her and the new development. “I think we can agree a lot has changed since then,” Lianga said. “We just don’t want to be living in another suburb of Toronto.” However, the biggest factor regarding the proposed development is that it’s predicated on the extension of Station Street south to Merritt Road from its current terminus at Port Robinson Road. That yet-to-be-built avenue would provide two of the new neighbourhood’s access/egress points, with the third planned for a spur lane that exists at the north end of Stella, just before the Glynn A. Green property. Because NPCA regulations mandate that two hectares of woodlot and wetland remain untouched on the property, a road connection with either John Street or Kunda Park Boulevard is not in the plans.

SURV

REQUIREM OF T

FUTURE RESIDENTIAL

LAN

FOREST PARK

Draft plan of Kunda subdivision dated April 30, 2020. Top is west. "Existing institutional" refers to Glynn A. Green school property. Station St. is shown extended south from Port Robinson Rd. SUPPLIED Kernahan conceded that the Station Street extension is likely required to be built before the development, mainly so construction vehicles could access the site. Pelham Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens said that extending Station was previously identified by the Town as “a growth-related cost,” and pegged at happening by 2025 at the earliest. Wiens added that the Town usually pays for such things through development charges, and said the developer in this case could

upfront the cost of extending the street if they wanted to do it sooner. Naturally, that calls into question the presence of the newly paved Bauer Trail, necessitating two traffic crossing points to the new roadway running parallel to it. Kernahan said that safety would be a priority along the trail, providing “stop control at a minimum,” but added that details would be worked out in the design stage. “Our intention is to integrate the development as best we can with that

amenity,” he said. DENSITY CALCULATIONS: proposed Forest Park resHeska meanwhile, took idential development — issue with possibility that immediately west of the roundabouts — a grow- site, across the Bauer Trail ing trend across suburban and the theoretical StaOntario — could be used tion Street extension — are for traffic control on the known. new road, citing pedestrian Wiens said it’s hoped that safety and the challeng- staff would have some doces large trucks and school uments regarding that projbuses can have navigating ect in December or January. tight ones. Kernahan added that the “They don’t make the two developments would roundabouts, they go across ideally be built simultanethe roundabouts,” he said. ously. Haun said it would be “Phasing would be highly easier to get a better grasp integrated,” he said. of the Kunda Park develCouncillors unanimously opment once plans for the voted to receive the report. Page 6 of 96

KUNDA DRAFT P SUBDI

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

CROSSINGS

continued from Page 5 Inspectors from Transport Canada and/or the railway will be visiting all crossings to determine what safety upgrades need to be made. Essential things for farmers and rural landowners to keep in mind is the landscape around your crossings, the structure of your crossing, the types of vehicles you cross the tracks with, how long the combination you're pulling across is, and how you use the crossing. Inspectors will take that information and determine what upgrades that your railway grade crossing needs to meet these newly implemented safety guidelines. Under the regulation guidelines, private property owners share the responsibility for managing and maintaining safety at these grade crossings. Removing brush, trimming trees or building up grade levels approaching railway tracks from field entrances will be the responsibility of the property owner. However, the railway will be responsible for all work necessary

The Voice, October 21, 2020 to upgrade or improve the track itself. Changes and improvements to private crossings will be determined based

By not complying with the guidelines, farmers and landowners risk restricted access

on guidelines and decisions made by the railway company operating the rail line on that property and Transport Canada. By not complying with the guidelines, farmers and landowners risk restricted access to their crossing, making it challenging to utilize both sides of their land. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) encourages members to speak with their local Member of Parliament and railway

TENDERS

continued from Page 5 opment to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated. In this same session, Councillor Hildebrand had a brilliant idea when he suggested that the Town exercise their right to commence a third party investigation into the engineering design of the project. Perhaps

crossing companies about their concerns. It is unclear at this time how our members and rural landowners will be expected to share in the cost of meeting the new regulation guidelines. Without assistance from the federal government, farmers and landowners will be faced with the financial burden of these improvements or risk losing access to their crossing. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is aware of the issues presented with the changes to these regulations and is working with their general farm organization partners across the country to continue discussions with Transport Canada on implementing these changes as efficiently as possible. OFA will be working alongside CFA and other industry stakeholders to monitor the process and implementation of these changes to help reduce the financial burden on the farming community. ◆ Crispin Colvin is an Ontario Federation of Agriculture director.

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they will find that the upgrade work that the Town is being pressured into paying for should be covered by the developer/engineer. I wonder if these sewer upgrades are the result of the East Fonthill development, and should have been completed and paid for as part of their development agreement. Why should Pelham residents foot the bill? Rose Galway Fonthill

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

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Court appearance for accused in Clapp case Lawyer for Matthew MacInnes says he has been unable to speak with his client BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

One of two men charged with second-degree murder in the death of Pelham resident Earl Clapp made a brief appearance via video link in a St. Catharines court on Friday, Oct. 16. Matthew MacInnes, 39, of Wellandport, spoke only to give his name before his lawyer Andrew Burton told the court he has been unable to connect with his client since MacInnes’ Oct. 9 arrest. “One of the issues with respect to this matter is that I haven’t been able to speak with Mr. MacInnes since he’s been taken to the detention centre,” Burton said. “I’ve been in touch with his family, there have been a number of different discussions — the details of which are all important that I want to share with him privately.” The attorney asked the court to be able to speak with MacInnes one-on-one via the video booth at the St. Catharines courthouse on Monday, Oct. 19. Justice of the Peace Linda Pearson agreed. Burton added that he had been barred from visiting his client at the Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold. “For the record, I’ve been to the jail to try and see him in person there, and I’ve been denied access to him … the assertion is [MacInnes has] been quarantined on a COVID droplet protection protocol,” Burton said. “Despite

my actual attendance at the jail, I haven’t been able to speak with him, and for whatever reason he hasn’t been able to reach me.” Burton did not reply to a Voice request for comment. MacInnes and 49-year-old Jason Lusted, of no fixed address, have been charged with second-degree murder in the Oct. 2 death of Clapp. Niagara Regional Police believe the 74-year-old Clapp interrupted an attempted theft of a trailer on his Centre Street property, and was then struck and dragged to his death by the suspect vehicle. Lusted was also scheduled to appear in court via video link on Monday. Because of Lusted’s involvement in a still-unresolved 14-year-old murder case, his proceedings are subject to a court-ordered publication ban. However, a source told the Voice last week that after being detained in Clapp’s death, Lusted attacked a guard by biting them at the Niagara Detention Centre, and was subsequently placed in solitary confinement. A Ministry of Solicitor General official didn’t name Lusted, but told the Voice there was an incident. “The ministry can confirm an incident involving an inmate and staff member at Niagara Detention Centre on Oct. 11, 2020. The

staff member was not injured,” spokesperson Kristy Denette said. “Violence within our correctional facilities is unacceptable and the ministry has zero tolerance when it comes to assaults or threats against staff. If staff are assaulted or threatened, the police are contacted to investigate.” Niagara police confirmed they were contacted by the jail on Oct. 11, but didn’t provide details. “That investigation remains ongoing, as such we have nothing further to provide at this time,” Const. Phil Gavin told the Voice. Lusted was a star witness in the Hamilton murder trial of Jeremy Hall, accused of killing 27-year-old Billy Mason in 2006. Lusted and Hall testified at that trial they both ran a profitable auto theft ring and chop shop throughout the Golden Horseshoe. Lusted testified against Hall, claiming he was merely a bystander when Hall abducted and shot Mason to death, then drank beer with Hall as Mason’s corpse was burned. Hall was convicted of first-degree murder in 2013, with Lusted pleading guilty as an accessory after the fact. However, the Hall conviction was later overturned on appeal, with a Hamilton judge scheduled to deliver a verdict in the retrial this Oct. 30. Coincidentally, a woman identifying herself as MacInnes’ girlfriend is due in court Nov. 3 on unrelated weapons charges from 2019. Tamara Aubertin of Welland lists that she is “in a relationship” with MacInnes on her Facebook account. Aubertin did not reply to a Voice request for comment.

Matthew MacInnes, from his Facebook page.

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Courtroom sketch of Jason Lusted, testifying in the first-degree murder trial of Jeremy Hall, Feb. 4, 2013. MARCELA PRIKRYL ILLUSTRATION/SPECIAL TO THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

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Page 9

Cabinets to caskets The historical connection between furniture stores and funeral parlours BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

It may seem incongruous today, but several generations ago, hardware stores and furniture retailers often dispensed funerals along with tools and stools. But the combination is not really that odd when you think about it. Many early furniture makers built coffins as a side-line business, and hardware proprietors had wood, hinges, screws and nails. Some of these enterprising businessmen realized that in addition to caskets, they could expand their service to provide funeral services to families. One of the local examples is the Lampman family, which opened a funeral home and hardware store in 1911 in Wellandport, relocating to Canboro Road in Fenwick in the late 1940s. To this day they offer a showroom with 25,000 square feet of home furnishings and appliances, while funeral services are handled next door. Glenn Muir, co-owner of Lampman’s and the great-grandson of founder John Lampman, said that

Lampman Funeral to the east, Lampman Furniture to the west, on Canboro Rd. in Fenwick, where the company moved in the late 1940s back in the day, the family patriarch was a craftsman who built caskets when business was slow. Today has its own challenges. “In the last ten years, I've seen three or four Niagara furniture stores close their doors,” said Muir. “It’s a tough business nowadays, with competition from the big box stores.”

He characterized their funeral operation as “consistent.” Five generations of the family have been active in the business. Pre-dating the Lampman operation was a furniture maker and undertaker's shop at 53 East Main Street in Welland, opened in 1857 by Bavarian immigrant Franz Sauter. His son Edward inherited

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“He wa C

arpe Diem. A Latin aphorism, “seize the day.” Earl Clapp had th his wrist about 20 years ago, sh heart attack. His wife, Tillie, and Elisha, said the health scare changed his too became a daily reminder to embrace w near and dear to him. To live in the mom ing hand to a friend or stranger in need. A group of Earl’s companions, with a penchant for gathering around an autumn campfire, had cocktail glasses produced, engraved with Carpe Diem and Earl's name, so as to offer toasts to their friend. A fitting tribute to a life well-lived. Earl Clapp died on October 2, the victim of a robbery attempt. His body was found by a passing motorist on Highway 20, a kilometre and a half from his home in Fenwick. Last week the Voice sat down with Earl’s family to get a sense of the man and his passions, the tragedy which befell him, and the aftermath for his loved ones. arl moved to Pelham from Sudbury 40 years ago with Tillie, and founded a successful business, Niagara Farm Metal Products. Decades later he remained healthy and robust, an active man who, at 74, still climbed roofs to make repairs. He had a knee replacement last year, and the other knee was due to be done this December. He had some issues walking down steps, and didn’t ride his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle much anymore. A cherished Clapp family photograph has Earl standing next to his bike, wearing a black T-shirt with the message, “Life is simple. Eat. Sleep. Ride your Harley.” The large group of motorcyclists who participated in the drive-by procession at the Clapp home on Thanksgiving morning was testament to the friendships Earl had built within the two-wheeled community.

Earl with his grandchildren, 2018.

Tillie fon of touring b “For man ger. Then o ter Jodie sa to ride a m that I woul The minute thought to on the back then onwar we took lot big passion His grea was reserv both daug (Jodie resid Elisha in O they were thoughts. “He was ters,” said worked in t still doing der, cutting grandchild the light of ‘Papa.’” The busi devotion. “Whethe ing or a Sat the same to as getting labour of lo Earl enjo the work, contractors point that h getting a yo the busines it off.

CLAPP FAMILY

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

Page 11

as like Superman to me”

which translates to he words tattooed on hortly after he had a d daughters Jodie and s perspective. His tatwith both arms those ment. To offer a help-

ndly remembers the days by motorcycle. ny years, I rode as a passenone day my younger daughaid she wanted to learn how motorcycle, and I told her ld take the course with her. e I got on the bike solo, I myself, ‘That's it, my days k seat are over.’ And so from rd I had my own bike, and ts of road trips. That was a n of Earl’s.” atest affection, of course, ved for his family. Though ghters had left Pelham des in Port Colborne, and Orchard Park, New York), always in their father’s

s so proud of his daughd Tillie. “Both of them the business when he was construction, up on a ladg steel, whatever. And his dren, Ella and Alex, were f his life. They loved their

iness he built was a third

er it was a Monday mornturday morning, it was all o him. He didn't think of it up to go to work. It was a ove,” said Tillie. oyed the physical nature of and the interaction with s. He had also reached a he was considering maybe ounger partner to help run ss, or perhaps even selling

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

illie related details of that fateful night, imperfect and incomplete, given that no witnesses were present save the accused, who can hardly be trusted to provide the unvarnished truth. Earl was sleeping with the bedroom window open, facing the area where some company trailers were stored a distance away. He had gone to bed early, but must have heard a noise sometime around midnight. Earl had a habit of getting up early, said Tillie. “If the truck was not in the driveway when I awoke, I often would have no idea where he was. And even if the truck was there, he could have met a contractor, and they would have gone in another truck to a job site together. It wasn’t unusual for Earl.” He had a new hydraulic dump trailer on the property, replacing one which was stolen in January 2019. After the initial theft, Earl hired a contractor to put in a strong set of gates, and bought some expensive locks. Tillie had recommended installing surveillance cameras, but, as she recalls, Earl said, “You know what, Tillie? I'm not going to lie awake at night and worry about the trailers. I have insurance. I've done what I can. And that's it.” Tillie thinks that if Earl knew there was someone down there attempting to steal the trailers, he would have woken her and called 911. She thinks he just heard a noise, and went to investigate. What happened next is open to conjecture. Did the thieves panic in the dark when confronted? Was there a physical altercation? How did Earl end up being dragged for over a kilometre? “They cared more about evading the police than running over a 74-year-old man who was on his own property, trying to see what the noise was. They chose not to stop and

free him from underneath their vehicle, as they dragged my husband down the road,” said Tillie in an anguished tone. Tillie doubts that Earl fought with the thieves. “I was married to him for 53 years. I know my husband, and he was pretty wise. I can’t see him getting into a fight…he would know he wouldn’t be a match for two younger men.” The grandkids received a sanitized version of what happened. “How do you tell a seven-year-old that their Papa has been ripped away in an instant?” asked Tillie. The family realizes that at some time in the future, the individuals charged with this crime will be in court, and that there will likely be an opportunity to give victim-impact statements. “I’m determined not to focus on [the men arrested],” said Tillie. “We did look them up online…we needed to get a sense of who they are. And the more I read, the more negative my impression. But I needed to see their faces.” Tillie has compartmentalized her anger, to preserve her sanity. “We were like zombies, those first few days,” she said, struggling for composure. “Earl and I were robbed of at least ten or 15 years together. So now I'm taking those horrible visions of those unsavory people, and I am putting them in a box. I'm letting the professionals — the police and the courts — deal with it. I'm going to concentrate on our daughters and our friends. My daughters idolized their father, and they will never be the same. We need time to grieve for Earl. And I want to concentrate on good things…not on those criminals.” Jodie’s pain is more raw and livid. “I hope they rot in prison for the rest of their lives. And I'm angry at the criminal justice system that lets these criminals out on parole,

lets them out early. I have moments where I don't know how I can spend the rest of my life seeing these pictures in my head every day. There are times where I'm so angry that I don't know how to function…because I don't understand how anybody can do what they did to another human being. They could have stopped. Dad might have lived. What are they going to get, 15 years in prison? They took a big chunk out of our lives. It’s hard to understand how our peaceful existence intersected with these horrible people.” Her eyes welling, Jodie described a poignant moment with father. “Dad and I went to see a concert once, featuring Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy. Rock and blues music. Jonny played a song called Red Light, about stopping at a red light in your car, and thinking about your life.” You sing a song, while sitting at a red light You think of home, while sitting at a red light Too slow to roll, put your life on hold An open path with nowhere to go You break the molds, when running through the tolls Speeding through your whole life A chance to breathe while sittin' at a red light You look around, reflecting on your life Should I keep going, lose the life that I love A second glance, when coming to a red light “In my younger days, I had some struggles, some hard years,” said Jodie. “As the song was playing, I looked at Dad, and he looked at me, and we both had tears running down our cheeks. Because we'd been through a lot together, and I came out okay on the other side. I will never forget that moment. He was kind of a big, tough-looking guy with a beard, always wearing black shirts and jeans. But he was like Superman

to me.” Elisha stayed for part of the past summer in Fenwick, and has warm memories of getting up in the morning and seeing her kids cuddle in a chair with their Papa, driving the tractor around the yard with him, and working on a treehouse together. “I was seeing all the special things we had when my sister and I were growing up with him…but this time with his grandkids,” she said. The summer also allowed Elisha and her dad to enjoy some quality father-daughter time. “We would sit out in the yard every night with glasses of wine, until the mosquitoes drove us inside. We would sit and talk for hours. And I when I got home to Orchard Park, I sent him a little citronella candle in the mail. I attached a note, saying how much I had enjoyed our talks. ‘Here's for next time,’ I wrote. And I'm so mad that now, there is no next time.” Tillie recalls Earl saying, “This is the best summer I've ever had. I just love sitting out here with my wine or my coffee and watching the birds and the butterflies, feeling the breeze through the trees, watching the sunset.” She is grateful that he had that experience. he family received a card from a young woman who was a business acquaintance of Earl’s, in which she said that there are not a lot of men who are easy to deal with in the roofing industry. But from the first time she met Earl, he always treated her with kindness and respect. He helped her learn the ins and outs of metal roofing, and she always appreciated how willing he was to come to a site to offer a little extra help, or a fresh pair of eyes to ensure the job would run smoothly. illie is effusive in her praise of the Niagara Regional Police, both for their sensitivity, and their dogged determination to track down those

See CARPE DIEM back page

Opposite: Earl on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, 2008.

Earl with Tillie and his daughters, at a family wedding, 2014.

CLAPP FAMILY

Elisha, Tillie, and Jodie Clapp gather at one of Earl’s favorite yard chairs.

DON RICKERS

CLAPP FAMILY

Page 12

The Voice, October 21, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

IN THE NEWS Waste collection changes are here

The Region of Niagara has shifted to collecting garbage once every two weeks. Green bin organics and blue/grey box recyclables will still be collected weekly. Residents may still put out the same amount of garbage. For example, residents currently limited to one garbage bag / can per week, will be able to put out two garbage bags / cans ev-

30TH

continued from Page 1 unteers doing the counts. Rooms are organized according to the type of food stored on their racks. They even have a toy section, mainly for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. Back-to-school backpacks are distributed in September, and socks and pajamas are also available. This year’s target? “We are looking to fill 3000 wine boxes,” said

ery other week. Extra garbage bags over and above the one-bag limit per unit need a garbage tag. Buy garbage tags online or at a store. Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet and West Lincoln saw every-other-week garbage collection start this week. Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne and Welland will have every-other-week garbage collection start

Moore. “And we want to do that over five weeks…15 days of collection. That will give us approximately seven months of supplies.” Financial donations are always welcome. “Quite frankly, we have volume buying power that individuals don't have at a retail level. Plus, we need cash to keeps the lights on,” said Moore. With a dozen years under his belt with Pelham Cares, Moore has been on the board of directors for seven. He and his wife relocated to

the week of Oct. 26. In addition, large appliances and scrap metal, such as stoves, dishwashers, etc. will no longer be collected at the curb. These items may still be recycled at drop-off depots free of charge, or through scrap metal haulers / dealers. Appliances with CFCs, such as freezers and refrigerators, are subject to a $20 fee per unit at the drop-off depots. For large household items, such as

Pelham from Mississauga in 1989, and have participated in numerous food drives. “I've been here Friday mornings for 12 years. I'm the facility coordinator. If the toilet doesn't flush, I pick up a plunger,” he said with a laugh. Clients come in once a month on Friday mornings for non-perishables like soap and personal hygiene products, condiments, infant care items, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter. Also available are fresh,

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furniture, there's a four-item limit for each residential unit, each collection day. Large items must be booked for collection two working days before regular collection day.

Indecent act investigation in Welland

On October 14, at approximately 11:30 AM, 3 District Welland uniform officers with a K9 unit re-

dried, and canned fruits and vegetables. In-season, local farmers donate apples and cherries, lettuce, cucumbers, and other veggies. Even dog food is available, contributed by pet stores. In this age of COVID, clients simply back up to the garage door, pop their trunk and stay in their car, as volunteers load them up. The office is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until noon. Moore said that the food bank has 50 to 55 regular clients, potentially representing some 200-plus family members. Once a month they can pick up five wine boxes of non-perishables, plus fresh food. Frozen chicken, hamburger, ground beef roll, milk, eggs, and margarine are available. To qualify for the food bank, one simply needs to be Pelham resident, and demonstrate need. The need has been increasing because of the aging population in Pelham, and Moore noted that COVID has created a ten to 15 percent increase in demand. “People have lost their jobs and their source of revenue over the short-term,” he said, “and we need to be here for them.” There's often a high level of anxiety with a new cli-

ent, lamented Moore. Some feel ashamed, having to go to a food bank out of desperation. They're reluctant to admit that they need help. “But there is no judgment whatsoever,” said Moore. “These are difficult times.” Moore likes the analogy of a three-legged stool to summarize Pelham Cares’ services. “We have our food bank, which is what everybody thinks of. We also have a reserve connected to kids activities. If a child needs a ball-glove, or wants to take skating or swimming lessons, we have funding for that. And finally we have a volunteer ride program for seniors, who need to get to a doctor’s appointment or the drug store.” In past years, the food drive has been the first Saturday of December, a oneday event. In 2020, however, the campaign will run for five weeks, three days a week (Friday through Sunday) starting on Saturday, November 5 and ending on Saturday, December 5. Donations can be dropped off at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) on Thursdays and Fridays between 8:30 AM and 7 PM, and Saturdays between 9 AM and 3 PM. Residents are asked to stay in their cars,

and allow volunteers to unload their donations. “When the Town of Pelham reached out to us recently and offered the MCC as our food drive receiving centre, we were thrilled,” said Moore. “It solved the traffic problem at our home site on Highway 20.” Volunteers are of course needed for the food drive. Those interested in helping out should pre-register by calling Pelham Cares at (905) 892-5300, emailing info@pelhamcares.org, or completing an online form at www.pelhamcares.org/ events. Masks are required, and sanitation stations will be available. The annual food drive functions like a welloiled machine, with Pelham Cares’ 50 regular volunteers swelling to some 300 in number. Only non-perishable food items are solicited from the public. The greatest need is for chili and stews, canned fruit, juice boxes, flaked ham/turkey/chicken, Jello and pudding mixes, cookies and school snacks, baking products, toiletries, and household items like dish soap and paper towels. Community support for the food drive is provided by Fonthill and District Kinsmen, Fonthill Lions, and the Fenwick Lions.

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CABINETS

continued from Page 9 Street location, once earning the business the distinction of being the longest-operating retail establishment in Welland. Meanwhile, in Wellington County, Christian Dreisinger purchased an undertaking business from Charles Ruppel in 1905, who had been offering furniture and burial services since 1878. In 1906, Dreisinger moved his undertaking business to a downtown corner in Elmira, and established a retail furniture store. The building was modernized over the years, and by 1940 he had the first funeral chapel in the region. Four generations of Dreisingers worked in the family business, which was sold in 1977 and still operates today with significant renovations. Until the 20th century, “do-it yourself” funerals were the norm, usually held at home, with the body buried in a family plot or even the backyard. There wasn’t much government paperwork to fill out, and no need to contact a mortician, since embalming was rare. The only outsider called upon would be the local carpenter, who would prepare a simple coffin for the deceased. As villages grew into cities, the funeral profession grew with them. Rural homes were traditionally built with large living rooms, or parlours, where it was common to hold the funeral service. As more people became urbanized, homes were built smaller, and it became necessary to find a location

The Voice, October 21, 2020 outside the home for visitation and burial ceremonies. Funeral homes were established to relieve the family of the logistical problems presented by a death, undertaking responsibility for the funeral arrangements—hence the term “undertaker.” The process of embalming the dead grew in popularity in the USA in the mid-1860s. The practice became popular during the last years of the Civil War, as soldiers killed in battle would be infused with fluids to preserve their bodies for the trip home for burial. In earlier eras, morticians would come to the family home and embalm the body, usually in the kitchen. Gradually, cabinet makers decided to attend specialized schools in the art and science of embalming. There are still some rural communities where funeral homes and hardware or furniture stores are entwined, but for the most part, the funeral home is now its own entity. Like most businesses, the funeral industry has undergone an evolution. Handmade wooden coffins gradually evolved into caskets. In the 1950s, some 700 companies manufactured caskets in the USA out of cloth-covered wood and cardboard. Metal caskets were gaining in popularity, and today represent over half of the industry. Because the process of manufacturing metal caskets is very capital-intensive, only a few companies control most of the market share. Funeral homes have traditionally been small, fam-

ily-owned businesses, passed down to successive generations. But starting in the 1960s, a consolidation occurred, with large companies acquiring family operations. Death is big business in Canada, an annual $1.6 billion industry which employs some 10,000 staff at over 1700 funeral homes. With approximately 269,000 deaths every year in this country and an aging population, the demand is predicted to grow, not least during the current pandemic. Ontarians alone have $2 billion invested in burial pre-arrangements. It is also an industry that has come under some scrutiny, due to claims of high-pressure sales practices, significant price markups, and aggressive upselling. Investigative journalists for the Toronto Star in 2017 discovered markups on caskets and urns ranging from 185 per cent to nearly 500 per cent compared to industry manufacturers’ wholesale price lists. This practice appears to be less prevalent at independent, family-owned funeral homes, than at the corporate chain operations which now represent a significant proportion of the industry. These days, there are plenty of options for those who have, to quote one of Hamlet’s soliloquies, “shuffled off this mortal coil.” Cremation has become popular to alleviate costs of more elaborate funerals. For those in search of a “no frills” approach, there are basic caskets and funeral-related products available online. Embalming is not required by law in Canada, but

Page 13

Dreisinger Furniture and Undertaking, Elmira, Ontario, 1920. is a common practice, especially if there will be a delay before interment occurs. “Green” or “natural” burial focuses on reducing the environmental impact on the earth. All materials used in the process, including the casket, are made of biodegradable materials. Concrete vaults and grave liners are not used. An Italian company, Capsula Mundi, eliminates the coffin by burying the deceased in a biodegradable urn or pod, with a seedling tree on top. The decaying body literally nourishes the tree as it grows in a memorial park. In 2017, a Catholic cemetery in Granby, Quebec, became the first in Canada to have a garden exclusively dedicated to biodegradable

urns. Called the “Boisé de Vie” (tree of life garden), the deceased’s ashes, along with seeds from one of the tree varietals native to Canada, are placed in an urn made of natural materials which decompose in a month. The entire process is completely “green.” Looking for something really unusual? A company called Eternal Reefs will take the cremated remains of an individual, mix them with cement, and deposit the concrete orb at a site in the Florida Keys to create an artificial reef, which becomes a habitat for marine creatures. For whose who are are into pseudoscience, financially loaded, don’t mind the cold, and want to live forever, then cryonics might be their tick-

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et to eternity. Instead of being buried, a corpse is placed in a metal chamber at almost -200 degrees Celsius, frozen in time as it were, awaiting their speculative resurrection. Some 250 bodies have been cryopreserved thus far, mainly in the USA and Russia. Baseball player Ted Williams and his son are among them, and television host Larry King is on the short list. So are PayPal founders Luke Nosek and Peter Thiel. It’s a good thing they have deep pockets, because the price tag can be as much as $200,000. And contrary to the urban legend that Walt Disney had himself cryogenized, he was actually cremated and interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, in Glendale, California.

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

COLUMN SIX

DNA

continued from Page 18 oil and promote a cleaner, safer, more body-positive world. Toronto cancelled their event this year, supposedly because of COVID, but my inside sources suggest that once Doug Ford mentioned he might ride, the event was doomed. World Naked Gardening Day is a thing too, allowing participants to feel gentle, pollen-laden breezes on their skin while confident in the knowledge that un-

continued from Page 2

Be happy you're not here! of the desert’s dry air and orchards of fruit and almonds. But...is history repeating itself? Forty years ago my husband and I bought an old house and moved our family into Fenwick, a delightful little country village bang in the middle of the Niagara Peninsula. Orchards and vineyards surrounded us. Clean, cool evening air slipped over us in our beds at night. Fresh country air caressed us as we stepped out onto the porch to breath in the morning and watch the sunrise. Dark night skies held brilliant stars, the Milky Way, and the moon. After our children grew up, we were blessed with grandchildren who climbed out of their cars in the driveway, shrieking, “Grandpa! Grandma!”

wanted ticks can’t hide in their clothing. The day’s origin was not in protest, but arose from the naturalist movement. If the cedar hedges between you and your neighbour are tall enough, the actual date or multiple dates gardeners might choose to personally celebrate the event are not carved in soil. Does this indicate that in the case of buff participation, a cyclist’s motives may be more public-spirited? This appears to be confirmed by photographic evidence that shows each participant

of WNBD actually had a bicycle, while not one of the WNGD celebrants with strategically placed watering cans had any dirt under their fingernails. Cyclists appear to have a wider choice of charity cycling events to participate in, but gardeners can contribute to related causes too. There’s the Ride to Conquer Cancer, the Ride for Heart, the Ride for MS, and more for cyclists. Although I could not find a Ride to Conquer Tomatoes or Geraniums, there are Seeds of Diversity, Plant a Seed and See What Grows, Canadian

But, skip to 2020. We still live in Fenwick, a delightful village. The village has has grown, and now is blessed with a huge marijuana growop about two miles away. Cool, skunky, evening air slips over us in our beds at night. Gagging stench greets us as we step out onto the porch to breath the malodorous morning air and to watch the sunrise. Night skies hold a yellow glow, outlining our giant grandfather maple and extinguishing the stars, the Milky Way, and the moon. And…our little grandchildren, climbing out of their cars in our driveway, pinch their tiny noses, and shriek, “FENSTINKA! FENSTINKA! FENSTINKA!” A rose is a rose is a rose, but...is Fenwick still Fenwick, if it smells like a skunk? ◆

Wildlife Federation gardening events, and more, which exemplify gardeners supporting their community. A shared love of healthy lifestyles and the benefits of exercise bond gardeners and cyclists. Christina Eyers, Doctor of Education, AT, ATC, leads athletic training at Henry Ford’s Center for Athletic Medicine, in Detroit, and says raking, weeding and trimming improve overall fitness. Eyers says 30-45 minutes of gardening can burn up to 300 calories, while a Harvard University

Get all the discounts you deserve I’m here to confirm you’re saving all you can on your insurance. Stop in, call or click to contact me today. Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill ON L0S 1E0 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk@desjardins.com www.bobkilyk.com

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! ca e t an M n ow Downt(Spanish for "lard")

continued from Page 1 while Mary moaned in fear and Arnie moaned from earache. We savoured the once-a-year pop (soda) from a lonely restaurant at the edge of Death Valley, got sea sick from the rollercoaster curves and sharp little hills in the desert, counted the hundreds of dead jackrabbits which had been run over in the night—and sometimes, just sometimes, became cranky. Well, at least I did. Perhaps a little too often. I vividly remember the holding-my-breath dread when Dad sharply braked to pull over to the side of the road, got out of the car, opened the side door, stepped onto its little step, reached back and planted one very sharp slap onto my bare eight-year-old thigh. As he resumed driving, I whimpered, watching a red, hand-shaped welt rise on my leg, and tried not to cry. But I broke into sobs when he pulled over again, thinking I had more coming to me. He silently rummaged about in the lunch cooler, pulled out a cool, wet wash cloth, reached into the back, gently laid it onto my burning leg and went back to driving. He was a loving and truly fine father. After long days of driving and short nights of sleeping in cheap motels (including one which we left rather abruptly, when mother discovered a family of tiny mice living between the sheets on a bed), the end of the trip drew near. Intolerable heat hit us in the San Joaquin Valley in California—wind through the windows scorched; we sat stiffly, trying desperately not to squirm; skin contact was sweat-slimy. Then came the sign, “Manteca.” Six hands instantly pinched six noses. (The baby would’ve if it could’ve!) Six nasal voices shrieked, “MANSTINKA! MANSTINKA! MANSTINKA!” with exaggerated groans and gags. But the sugar beet factory's odors—foul, putrid, choking, heavy and pervasive in the thick, hot air—reminded the children that they were only fifteen miles from Ripon, their destination (not Manteca!) Thankfully, Ripon had only the smell

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Nate and Laurie, Rob and Lesley

commence on March 2, 2021 at 10 AM in courtroom five. A 12-day trial has been arranged for dates in late May, June, and July. The Court Clerk advised the judge that certain details of the charges against Duncan were subject to a publication ban. Duncan, 76, who practiced family medicine in Pelham for decades, resigned from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario last October, after the college commenced an investigation into allegations against him of professional misconduct and incompetence. Duncan agreed to never reapply for registration as a physician in Ontario or any other jurisdiction. After one of his alleged assault victims told her story to the Voice last autumn, several more women came forward with similar allegations. After a Voice editorial ran questioning the Niagara Regional Police’s apparent inaction in the face of the multiple allegations was Duncan formally charged and arrested last November. The Crown is pursuing charges related to five females, and the NRPS have laid a total of seven charges of sexual assault and one of sexual exploitation. Duncan was first arrested and charged in relation to two separate alleged incidents involving a 16-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman. Three more women later came forward, aged between 54 and 64, alleging offenses which took place between Aug. 31, 1994, and Sept. 31, 2018.

study found that a 70- kilogram adult cycling at 18kph20kph can burn 450 calories in the same period. Both gardeners and cyclists can increase calorie burn by adding intensity. Eyers says deep digging will do it for gardeners. “Digging is one of the highest-intensity gardening activities. Pushing down with one foot, turning over the soil, then down on the other foot and bringing the soil to the top engages multiple muscle groups.” She says stretching to reach low-hanging fruit is another way to add intensity, but for most gardeners strength training must be incorporated if they are to reach maximum benefits. “Do mini-squats and engage your core while pulling weeds, do some lunges, and pause while you’re mowing the lawn to do triceps,” Eyers says, and remember to do a 15-minute cool-down afterwards. Move a few rocks and some dirt, and gardening can burn the same number of calories as the cyclist above. The hand-eye coordination of gardeners and cyclists can be breathtaking. A cyclist may have to evaluate trail and road conditions in a split second to avoid spills. For gardeners wishing to retain all 20 digits, intense concentration and superb physical dexterity are absolutely essential when wielding surgically sharp pruning shears and razor-honed hoes. At heart, we may know gardeners and cyclist are kindred souls, but both struggle against societal misconceptions and prejudices. Television commercials are the worst offenders. Bikes are everywhere in them, hinting at youth and vitality.

When was the last time you saw a Dodge Ram truck driven by a Brad Pitt lookalike pulling a load of rakes, hoes, hedge clippers and watering cans? Or a Subaru Outback splashing along a beach with bags of garden fertilizer and top soil strapped to the roof racks? Gardeners are prevalent in antihistamine and backache commercials aimed at seniors, a terrible stereotyping. If it weren’t for the fierce do-it-yourself women in the visceral STIHL ads, brandishing supersonic leaf blowers, potent weed whackers and razor-sharp hedge trimmers, gardeners would be totally misunderstood. That said, gardeners do seem to be shortchanged when it comes to winter opportunities here in Ontario. Cyclists can hop on their stationary Peleton bikes or Zwift trainers and ride for hours accompanied virtually by friends. There’s no limit to the stationary workout distances that can be ridden as the snow howls outdoors. I don’t know exactly what goes on in backyard potting sheds during January and February, or under indoor grow-lights above basement seed-starter trays. I’m sure it’s stimulating and nurturing for one’s soul, but for those gardeners craving the vigorous activity associated with summer gardening, it must come up short. As our outdoor cycling and gardening season winds down in Pelham, gardeners look up and wave to the gawking cyclists pedaling by; and cyclists, shout out to the gardeners your appreciation for the beautifully creative yards that dot our streets and roads. Our DNA is closer than you might imagine. ◆

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Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. Exodus 20:8-10 (KJV) Please visit our website www.clda.ca for more information.Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.

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FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send a Text Message with Your Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have NameBrunet and Mailing Address to Please visit our website www.clda.ca (647)560-4274 beeninformation. exploring and performingfortime-honoured for more your FREE benefitsmelodies package. from the stomping grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy withMancuso the unmistakable vivre found only in Marty at the line- joie thede Redcoats head football BROPHY backer position. coach since then. continued from Page 17 traditional Quebec music.When Showhisrunshigh fromschool 7-9 p.m. It hasn’t all been a joyride Exodus 20:8-10 (KJV)

football career ended, he for at Simcoe. Five years ago, tunity to see a lot of success suited up for two years with interest ebbed and the team LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP with PELHAM this program.” Laurier’s football team and almost folded. It managed The mix of junior- and Make six cards with fallone themes, a varietytoofplay techniques. Materials season learning with the Golden an exhibition season senior-aged athletes has Hawks’ field lacrosse squad. and keep thetools program afloat. are provided. At time of registration, please enquire about needed. resulted in a culture of peer He attended teacher’s col“We were struggling to mentorship. Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register Visit www.pelhamlege at Canisius and spent ahead. get numbers out and I think “We see a lot of Grade 11s his first year out of school that was the same across the call 905-892-6443 for more details. and library.on.ca 12s mentoringor Grade teaching and coaching in board. A lot of other schools 9s and 10s,” Brophy said. New York State with Ellicot- were struggling with that “When those Grade 9s and tville Central School. too but you just keeping FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY 10s are mentored well all the It was an eye-opening pushing to try and get the way Tasty through, thenwith you funds see treats heading straight back into the Haddock, introduction to high school kidscommunity. out and let them know those kids able to give back footballRuns in America. it’sp.m. not just about winning,” french fries and much more. Sept. 9 from 4-7 and mentor for the other “It was amazing,” he said. he said. “It’s about building kids.” “It’s kind of like Friday Night character, it’s making you The COVID-19 pandemic Lights. EQUIPMENT Even though EllicotPELHAM MINOR HOCKEY SALE a better person and that’s has halted both football and tville was a small commu- what we are trying to do that mentorship. Buy, sell or trade usednity, equipment at the Pelham here. Arena. Aimed to provide everybody was at the Football is just a me“It’s hard for the Grade 9s cheaper options for players Runs from games.”in this upcoming season. dium for thoseSept. things6 and it who came into the building After one year in the gives kids an opportunity to 9-12don’t in thegetmorning. and they to know States, Bill Brooker brought express themselves.” how close and tight knit of Brophy into West Park and, During the football seaa group we are as a football at age 22, he became the son, he is on the field from MUDFEST teamPELHAM and with the coaches head coach of the West Park 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM every we have.” Men and women will be back in varsity the mudfootball as the second run on the year is Warriors day, excluding game days. And they don’t get to deteam in 1998. If there is a game Thursheld at Bissil’s Hideaway. velop under Brophy’s and his “I was just a young kid day, practice will be cancoaching staff’s philosophy. walking in and it was a lot celled Friday to give players “My hope is that they will but there were some other a chance to recuperate. NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION come out and give everyteachers there like Jim Young Football is never far from thingRodeo, that they’ve gotand andlive entertainment headline this years exciting event. It games and others who were great,” his thoughts in season. leave it all out on the field,” he said. “At that age, you are “Even when I went home runs“We fromareSept. 11-14 he said. going to at the Welland Fairgrounds. so excited, you love coaching at night, I would be thinking support them whether they football and you love being about plays, thinking what win or lose because that is able to build those relation- to do with the roster we had, BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE not our concern here.” ships as a young teacher.” making tweaks and making He The feelsBig football is a big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. He ended up serving as changes all along the way.” part of a high school’s DNA. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in and support thefootball Walkerbut Famhead coach at Niagara West Park He misses the “Based on the numbers until 2007, winning three pandemic has allowed him alone,ily you have soCentre. many kids Cancer championships. to spend more time with his who participate in it that it is “The first two years we wife, Leslie, and children, a culture-builder. You build weren’t winning any games Katie and Josh. WALKING CLUB that level of encouragement and it was a struggle to get “It’s a lot different not through pep rallies and we Interested in walking in Pelham? Tuesdays at football the Pelham kids out. ButJoin then them we built a having on myArena mind felt it last year.” mentality to work hard and but my family is theThere most from who 9-10was amborn and inThursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. Brophy, those kids at West Park, they important thing in the world Niagara Falls is no feebutforhas thisspent program. information, contactmore jcook@ foughtFor for more everything they toplease me and having of an his life in Fonthill, attended got,” he said.ext 329. opportunity now to spend pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, Centennial where he played He moved to Governor time with them and doing junior football for Pat HaySimcoe in 2007 and has been things with them is a gift.” hurst and senior ball for

HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

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FAITH LIFT

PANTHERS

Mark 12:12-17). They send some front men to try to get Jesus to say something incriminating. After some insincere flattery (which Jesus saw through immediately), they ask their trick question about whether Jews should pay the imperial tax to the Roman Caesar. They reason that if Jesus says “yes,” they can accuse him of collaboration with the hated oppressors. But if he says “no,” they can accuse him of sedition and get him in trouble with the Roman governor. The perfect trap! Guess how Jesus replies? With a question. He first scolds them for their trickery — “Why are you trying to trap me?” He then requests a Roman coin and asks a follow-up question — “Whose image is this?” They correctly reply that it is Caesar’s image. Then Jesus utters those famous words —“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Their response? Silence and amazement. So, if you ask me why I believe in a Jesus that I can’t see or touch, I think my answer would be…“Why not?” ◆

the kids, we have to move on and have people who are going to give them 125 percent just like they’re going to give 125 per cent on rink. We can’t have anything but. We can’t have anybody who is going to be here for five games and miss 20. We can’t do it. “Those differences caused us to make the decision that we did.” When contacted by BPSN, both Chris Johnstone and Carson Johnstone declined comment. Toffolo said he will act as head coach for the time being. Assistants Christian Wiley and Liam Conway remain with the team. “This group of guys are excited and when the change happened there wasn’t a miss in a beat,” Toffolo said.

continued from Page 19

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who is continuously amazed at the wisdom of Jesus.

continued from next page

Toffolo said he will continue to explore other options for a head coach, but for now will bring in guest instructors to help run practice. “We’re in the middle of COVID. For me to go out and hire a whole new staff at this time not knowing what the future is, doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “I feel very confident with what we have coming and what we have systems-wise and what will happen with that.” Chris and Carson Johnstone joined the Panthers in October of 2019 after head coach Mark Barrick and the Panthers mutually parted ways. The Panthers finished in sixth place with 17-31-2 record and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the St. Catharines Falcons.

IN THE NEWS

continued from Page 12 man approached the woman and pulled out a knife. The woman threw her coffee on the man which caused him to walk out of the area. The woman lost sight of the man as he fled the area through the trails on foot. 3 District officers and the K9 Unit searched area but were unable to find the man. The suspect has been described as in his 20s, South Asian male (lighter skin tone), approximately 5'10,” approximately 150lbs (thin build), dark scruffy facial hair, possibly wearing a dark hat or tuque, black scarf on face, black hooded sweater with a grey design on the mid-section with a red ring in the center, bluejeans, possibly dark-coloured shoes. Anyone who was on the trails during this time and may

have information about this incident is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, extension 9219.

Adult Learn to Skate is back

The Town of Pelham argues it's never too late to learn to skate. Residents are invited to learn various skills involving moving forward and backward, gliding, stopping, turning, and developing endurance. The Town says that all participants must wear a CSA- approved hockey helmet, and the municipality cannot loan helmets at this time. The fee for the 10-week, instructor-led program is $70. Participants must be at least 18. Register at www.pelham.ca/register. For more information, contact Julie Cook at jcook@ pelham.ca or 905-892-2607 x329 or 905-732-7887.

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“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Vince Lombardi

The Voice, October 21, 2020

Page 17

Sporting Green The Niagara

John Swart on cyclists and gardeners

The Voice and TheVoiceofPelham.ca | October 21, 2020

Building

a culture Jamie Brophy, a coach for all seasons BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

“Whose house?” “Our house.” For the past decade, that question and refrain have started and ended all the school assemblies at Governor Simcoe Secondary School. The words were coined about a decade ago by head football coach Jamie Brophy, a Fonthill resident, and then-football captain Dave Roy. “We developed that, it became our motto and we have run with it. It has been fantastic for the kids because when they come into the school in Grade 9, they feel like they are part of a family,” Brophy said. “It makes a huge difference when those kids feel that and they naturally want to come out and be involved in extracurriculars.” The 46-year-old teacher plays a big role in extracurriculars at the St. Catharines high school. In addition to his football duties, Brophy is head coach of the field lacrosse team, runs the ski and snowboard club, helps organize trips to Europe and other destinations, and is in charge of the school’s Link Crew, a mentorship program for Grade 9 students. “I love doing it because it’s giving kids the opportunities. My coaching is my passion and I love being out there seeing the development in kids and seeing them grow as athletes. I love helping to give opportunities for kids in other areas of school as well because I see the benefits of it.” Brophy enjoys all he does but football has a special place in his heart. “I just love the game of football because there is a position for everybody and every body style, no matter who they are or their speed. There are so many opportunities for kids to come out.” Having just a varsity program is fine with Brophy. “Because we don’t have a junior and senior team, it’s great to see those kids come out from Grade 9 all the way through,” he said. “It’s amazing and we have built a family-type mentality with the Our House thing.” That mentality has grown. “Having that family relationship at school is incredible and it has built to the point where we had our under-the-lights games last year and had tons of fans out. I felt the momentum building back up again and we were going to have the opporSee BROPHY Page 15

Coach Jamie Brophy.

BERNIE PUCHALSKI

Panthers part ways with head coach, assistant BY BILL POTRECZ

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.COM

Carson and Chris Johnstone are no longer coaching the Pelham Panthers.

BILL POTRECZ

The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League season hasn’t even started and there has already been a coaching change. The Pelham Panthers have parted ways with head coach Chris Johnstone and assistant coach Carson Johnstone one month into a scheduled three-month training camp. The GOJHL season is slated to begin Dec. 2, pending government approval. Panthers director of hockey operations/ owner/general manager Tim Toffolo said

he made the change Tuesday, Sept. 29. Toffolo indicated the change was made because he felt Carson Johnstone’s time commitment to the Fort Erie International Academy private school would interfere with his role on the Panthers. “The time commitment with FEIA is insurmountable,” Toffolo. “If FEIA is going to play hockey games, then you’re going to be in FEIA because you’re employed through FEIA and can’t be here in Pelham. “In fairness to the organization and See PANTHERS previous page

Page 18

The Voice, October 21, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

by John Swart

Cyclists and gardeners—shared DNA?

wice each year, autumn and spring, homeowning cyclists temporarily set aside their bikes to tend to their gardens. Leaves need raking, plants trimming and relocating, vegetables need harvesting. It’s then we realize how much cyclists and gardeners have in common, and our shared affinity for one another. There are the obvious, like loving to be outdoors and breathing cool, fresh air. There’s the allure of freeing your mind through physically repetitive tasks, meditating while engaging your passion, and immersing yourself in ped-

alling or in dirt and soil. Gardeners and cyclists both wear costumes of sorts to engage in their activities, but with different motivations. Dickies, the venerable clothing company, explains on their website that, “Gardeners typically aren’t trying to make a fashion statement with what they wear.” Yet they continue by offering 21 choices of work boots and shoes for protection, coveralls with different styles for men and women in sizes S to 6XL, featuring optional pockets, loops, and zippers, gloves, and safety goggles. (Don’t be smug, cyclists—there are size 6XL

cycling shorts too.) All these options shout mouth-watering fashionista opportunities for cyclists. Would the garden workboots be laced, velcroed, or buckled? Would they be leather, common plastic synthetics, or carbon fibre for $400? Colour-coordinated to your overalls, basic black or dirt-coloured? Contrary to Dickies’ opinion, what could be more of a fashion statement than gardening-specific overalls? Gardeners can choose from duck, denim, and traditional hickory stripes, yet style-challenged cyclists are stuck with primarily black spandex shorts and tights, with little chance for creativity. So riders adopt outrageous tops with vibrant colours and body-flattering accents. Could you imagine the joy of gardening in flashy cov-

Sometimes the stock photo captions do say it best, albeit in Borat English: "Muscular ranch man. Sexy farmer hold shovel. At working place. Working with pleasure." BOB LOBLAW ILLUSTRATION eralls mimicking cycling jerseys, adorned with sponsor’s logos like Miracle-Gro, Yard Butler, or Alaska Fish Fertilizer? Such glowing gardening garments would outshine the most brilliant flowers and blossoms. Gloves and protective eyewear are used by most serious gardeners and cy-

clists, but nowhere were helmets recommended for gardening. The risk of a gardener falling off a ladder while pruning, or sustaining a head injury from falling acorns and heavy leaves must be deemed significantly less than a cyclist falling off their bike. At times, gardeners and

cyclists surely share the need to escape from this competitive fashion treadmill. The World Naked Bike Ride, a clothing-optional event, occurs once each year in 20 countries and 70 cities around the world. Bare cyclists ride en masse to protest world dependency on See DNA Page 14

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Carve out some time to tune into your inner muse, Aries. It’s time to have a little fun and put work and household responsibilities to the side. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, don’t blow off your obligations, but find a way to make work more fun. That may happen by teaming up with a coworker who shares your perspective. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, if things get a little confusing over the next couple of days, don’t feel the need to try to figure everything out. Take the time you need to complete the tasks at hand. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, while you may not be able to engage in all of your wildest dreams this week, you can give yourself permission to take a day off and get started. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Are your intuitive senses ringing off the hook, Leo? Trust your gut when someone asks you to help them with a situation. It may not be all that it seems right now. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Give your analytical brain a rest for the time being, Virgo. Lead with feelings and intuition instead. It may not feel comfortable just yet, but a new perspective may help. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you have been trying to be more healthy or get in shape, focus on what you’re gaining rather than giving up. This can make you more successful in your endeavors. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Romantic vibes are very strong

in your life right now, Scorpio. This is great if you’re connected or seeking a relationship. But resist if you’re currently unavailable. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, your domestic life may start to tug at your heartstrings. If you’re balancing work and family, you may regret not spending more time with the kids. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, if you have been quiet in regard to a relationship with someone, it’s time to let your true feelings be heard. It may be uncomfortable for a bit, but it’s necessary. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, money may is a hot topic in your house lately, particularly how more is going out than coming in. Corral your spending for awhile as you get things under control. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you’re never one for following the pack, so don’t start now. Embrace your unique sense of self and continue to march to your own beat. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER 18 Lindsey Vonn, Athlete (36) OCTOBER 19 Rebecca Ferguson, Actress (37) OCTOBER 20 John Krasinski, Actor (41) OCTOBER 21 Amber Rose, Model (37) OCTOBER 22 Jeff Goldblum, Actor (68) OCTOBER 23 Ryan Reynolds, Actor (44)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Mas 2. Act 3. Shi 4. Tenser 5. Sateen 6. Obi 7. Froe 8. Tanis 9. Yd 10. Adios 11. Penultimate 13. Emended 15. ABM 17. Dressy 18. Mia 21. Diametrical 23. FAA 24. Sac 27. Abies 29. Error 32. UNP 34. Eel 35. Appall 36. Caitiff 39. Rat 40. Bat 43. Palmas 44. Tennis 46. Acres 47. Dey 49. Unsay 51. CIO 54. Sana 59. LCD 60. EDP 61. Lee 62. Lac 64. RD

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe

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The Voice, October 21, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

The questions of Jesus

omeone once observed that in the Gospels Jesus often answered a question with a question. I had never noticed that before so I decided to check it out.

What did Moses say?

In one case, Jesus and His disciples were busy in their itinerant ministry of teaching, healing and helping. Lots of people were following this extraordinary man who spoke like no other and performed miracles that seemed to confirm God’s blessing on his ministry. The jealous religious leaders were getting riled and tried to trip him up with tricky questions. So they asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” (see Mark 10:2). They reasoned, if Jesus says “no” then we’ll remind everyone that Moses permitted divorce and then we can accuse Jesus of teaching against Moses. Jesus’ answer was another question — “What did Moses command you?” This threw the theological ball back to the religious leaders. They ended up giving the answer themselves saying that Moses allowed exceptions for divorce. Jesus then sums up by saying that God allowed this because “Your hearts were hard.” In other words, it was Plan B. Jesus then reminds them what Plan A is — that a man and woman who marry become one and what God has “joined together, let no one separate.” How did the religious leaders reply? Silence.

Why do you call me good?

A few verses later, a man runs up to Jesus and asks him another question — “Good teacher, what must

Page 19

I do to inherit eternal life?” (see Mark 10:17). Now that’s a good question! I would have rushed into my five-point Gospel presentation. Not so Jesus. Instead he asks a question —“Why do you call me good?” Jesus then reminds the man that only God is truly good. The implication is that Jesus is probing the man about his view of Jesus’ identity. Jesus then goes on to summarize several of the ten commandments. The man self-righteously claims he has followed them perfectly since childhood. Not! Jesus doesn’t argue with

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him but seeing into his heart gives him a challenge to sell his earthly goods and become one of his disciples. What an opportunity! This nameless fellow might have become disciple #13 and experienced firsthand the life and ministry of Jesus. Rather, “He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Making money was more important to him than seeking truth.

Whose image is this?

And talking about money, a couple chapters later we see the religious leaders back to their tricks (see See FAITH LIFT Page 16

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

Word Search: Popcorn

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwards. BAG BALL BUTTERY CARAMEL COB CONCESSION

EXPLODE FAIR FLUFFY KERNELS KETTLE MICROWAVE

MOVIE OIL PAN POPCORN POPPER POT

SALT SNACKS SPICES STEAM STORAGE STRINGS

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Page 20

The Voice, October 21, 2020

CARPE DIEM

sit down, and I could sense what was coming next. It was like a nightmare that I will never wake up from.” The Clapps were prepared for the long haul, anticipating a lengthy police investigation to produce leads, evidence, witnesses. And yet it took just eight days to make

continued from Page 11 responsible for Earl’s death. “I saw them in the driveway at 8:30 AM, the morning of October 2, looking very somber, walking up to the house. They asked me to

Voice

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Creamed Spinach with Taleggio A side dish that’s ideal for holiday dinners The holiday season will be here soon. Delicious family-focused meals are a hallmark of the holiday season. It is helpful to have a variety of recipes at the ready to ensure that meals large and small are a success. While the main course might get most of the attention, don’t forget about the side dishes that complement and complete a meal. Creamed Spinach With Taleggio is a flavorful and versatile side dish that can be paired with roasts or poultry.

The police said they never had a case with as much community cooperation

Chevy convertible was last in the procession on Thanksgiving morning. He stopped and got out of his car, and embraced the family. “He’s a dear friend, who lost his son a few years ago, with whom I was very close,” said Jodie. “That man is like another dad to me. And he wanted to be last in the drive-by. He told us that

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2 pounds mature, large-leaf spinach, stemmed and coarsely chopped (3 or 4 bunches) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 3 shallots, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 cup heavy cream 1⁄8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 pound Taleggio, the rind trimmed and the cheese diced Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano Line a very large strainer or colander with a large, clean kitchen towel. Fill the colander with spinach leaves and pour boiling water from a kettle over the spinach to wilt the leaves. When cool enough to handle, wrap up and twist the towel to wring out all excess liquid. Finely chop the drained spinach. (If you don’t have a very large colander, you can do this in batches.) Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan. Then add the butter. When the butter foams, add the shallots and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, until the shallots soften. Add the cream and season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Melt in the Taleggio. Add the lemon juice and finish with the parmigiano-reggiano.

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cept them and move on. But as far as I'm concerned, my world has stopped revolving. I don't know how to live in a world where this kind of thing happens. It’s just so unfair. Dad helped so many people with random acts of kindness.” source of comfort for the family is the way the Pelham community supported them on Thanksgiving morning, with a procession of hundreds of vehicles past their home at 1351 Centre Street. “It was beautiful,” said Tillie. “After the procession, we talked about how cathartic it was...better than a funeral. We've received gift baskets from people I don't know, meal certificates from restaurants. They didn't do it with an expectation of anyone knowing about their good deeds.” A man in a classic 1962

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arrests. The police were working around the clock, and are still searching for a black Ford Expedition implicated in the case. “The police said they never had a case with as much community cooperation,” said Tillie. “People were calling just to say, ‘What can we do to help?’ The police told me they ordered food from a local restaurant, and when they went to pay the bill, the restaurant owner wouldn't take any money from them, on account of the non-stop work they were putting in to find Earl’s killers.” Jodie is perhaps having the hardest time adjusting to the new reality of life without her father. “The only reason I can get out of bed in the morning is because I know Dad would want it. He would say that in life, things happen to you, and you have to just ac-

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the year that Chevy was manufactured, Dad would have been 16 years old, and would have just gotten his driver's license. Dad loved vintage cars.” Tillie smiled as she noted that another vehicle in the procession had been a rusty old truck from the 1950s, stripped clean of its coat of paint. “I’d sometimes find Earl hunched over his computer at night, searching websites for old trucks that needed to be restored,” she said. “He was always looking for projects, to bring something back to life.” Earl never got his rusty old truck. There are small, intimate traditions Earl and Tillie shared that are now lost, such as their habit of watching a foreign film with supper each night. “Every morning when I wake up, for a split second I forget he’s gone, but then reality just comes flooding back,” said Tillie. “My husband was a guy who built playground equipment for schools, and forgave business loans if somebody was going through a tough time. Stuff that he didn't want anyone to know about.” Tillie continues to cling to the cherished images of the past half century with her husband. “I loved our life. Earl made me feel so cherished, so special, like he felt he was lucky to have married me. And I felt the same way about him. The big thing that I remember when I first met him was his character. He was handsome, in a Tab Hunter kind of way. But it was his character that attracted me to him.” Pelham has lost a good man to a senseless act, a glaring juxtaposition on a beautiful autumn day. As hard as it is to reconcile, Tillie Clapp still had the strength to say, with resolve in her voice, “We still need to find that black Ford Expedition.” ◆

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