The Voice of Pelham

12
VOICE The Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara Vol.15 No.50 Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Thinking of Buying? Thinking of Selling? Call Me Today! Call Me Today! 905.733.8996 www.pennylanesold.com [email protected] Office 905.892.0222 Genuine ALL LEATHER Larson Recliner Reg. $1199 $ 999 DREAMTIME $899 VAIL $399 HOT BUY EVENT Hurry in for the hottest prices on our coolest recliner styles! www.lampmanfurniture.com Niagara’s Only Now through March 14 only! Today, in Washington D.C., Canadian and U.S. lawmakers are meeting with Canadian diplomats to raise awareness about the First Special Service Force (FSSF) to help surviving veterans receive the Congressional Gold Medal. While the talks are happening in the American capital and the bill to have the FSSF receive the medal was introduced by two U.S. senators, it’s a meeting that could have major impact for one local man. Jim Summersides, a member of Fonthill’s Royal Canadian Legion, is a veteran of the FSSF, a joint American and Canadian elite operative of World War II that became known as the Devil’s Brigade. The soldiers were trained for the most daring and dangerous missions of the war, their tasks often considered suicidal. The Devil’s Brigade, says Summersides, had a casualty rate, either death or injury, of 130 per cent. That staggering number means some of his comrades were injured more than once. Summersides says he had no concept that his job was so dangerous, until he contemplated his regiment’s role in hindsight, long after the war had ended. At the time, said Summersides the soldiers were young and had no sense of the danger they faced. Looking back, he says, he thinks they were “nuts.” The Devil’s Brigade has become a legendary unit and is credited with tens of thousands of enemy casualties and changing the way the military operates, so the recognition of their efforts with this medal is considered by some to be overdue. Summersides says the joint nature of the brigade and political opinion has kept some veterans from receiving proper recognition. The soldiers were recommended for a unit citation during the war, but politically some didn’t think it was right that Canadian soldiers wear an American medal. Members of the brigade were also awarded the American Combat Infantryman’s Badge - a medal given to soldiers who meet the enemy face to face. For many years Canadian soldiers were not permitted to wear the Infantryman’s Badge, says Summersides, because it was a U.S. honour. To now be considered for a Congressional Gold Medal, also awarded to the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Nelson Mandela, and the astronauts who did the first moon walk, is “humbling, really and truly,” says Summersides. “We were doing a job. A job we knew how to do.” Summersides says he feels proud to be a member of the famous Devil’s Bridage, but “not too proud.” He also thinks it is fabulous that his comrades are being considered for the Congressional Gold Medal. “It’s an honour,” he says. “When you consider the time lapse, it’s more of an honour after all these years.” MP Dean Allison says he fully supports the push to have Canadian veterans receive the medal. “I think it would be well deserved,” he told The Voice. “It’s something I’m glad a couple of senators in the states are trying to spearhead.” Allison, representative for Niagara West G l a n b r o o k , acknowledged the contribution one if his constituents has made to the Devil’s Brigade and the war effort in the 1940s. “I’m sure they’ve seen and experienced some things you and I will never have to,” said Allison, noting how amazing the operations Summersides and his fellow soldiers undertook were. Lawmakers and diplomats are meeting today with representatives of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and the American Green Berets, both trace their origins to the Devils’ Brigade, as well as American congressmen. It is estimated there are about 230 veterans of the brigade living in Canada and the U.S. The bill to have the veterans recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal requires approval from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. News reports suggest joint bills are working their way through the legislative process and supporters hope to pass them in time for the unit’s reunion in Washington at the end of September. Summersides will be in Washington for that reunion in September, and if the bills pass, will receive the Congressional Gold Medal at that time. It will be added to his other medals, the 39/45 Star; the Italy Star; west Europe Star; Volunteer Service Medal; Canadian 150th Medal; Bronze Star, a U.S. medal; the Combat Infrantyman’s Badge; and the Dutch Medal. BY SARAH MURRELL VOICE Staff Congressional Gold Medal considered for vets Monster Mash Page 6 Sports! Pages 8, 9 & 10 Story of strength Page 3 JIM SUMMERSIDES, a member of the Fonthill Branch 613 Royal Canadian Legion, could be receiving a Congressional Gold Medal for his role as a member of the Devil’s Brigade, elite First Special Services Force. /Voice File Photo “The Black Devils are all around us every time we come into the line. We never hear them come.” The words, found written in a dead German officer’s diary, refer to members of the First Special Service Force who painted their faces black, sharpened their bayonets and under the stealth of night infiltrated enemy lines during World War II. Local veteran Jim Summersides was one of those “devils”. Summersides, a member of Fonthill’s Royal Canadian Legion, enlisted in the army early in April of 1943. He was not quite 19 years old. Before his twentieth birthday he would march triumphantly into Rome as a member of the First Special Service Force (FSSF), soon to become known as the Devil’s Brigade. Summersides explains he shipped out to England after enlisting. While in base camp “a gentleman” in an American Colonel’s uniform asked for volunteers for special service. That gentleman, says Summersides, was a Canadian and told the privates they would be volunteering for a joint A Black Devil’s story Please see Jim/page 2

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Locally owned community newspaper from the heart of Niagara, reporting on events in Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville and North Pelham.

Transcript of The Voice of Pelham

Page 1: The Voice of Pelham

VOICEThe

Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara

Vol.15 No.50 Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thinking of Buying? Thinking of Selling?Call Me Today!

Call Me Today! 905.733.8996www.pennylanesold.com

[email protected] 905.892.0222

Genuine ALL LEATHERLarson ReclinerReg.$1199 $999 DREAMTIME $899 VAIL $399

HOT BUYE V E N THurry in for the hottest prices on our coolest recliner styles!

www.lampmanfurniture.com

Niagara’s OnlyNow through March 14 only!

Today, in Washington D.C., Canadian and U.S. lawmakers are meeting with Canadian diplomats to raise awareness about the First Special Service Force (FSSF) to help surviving veterans receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

While the talks are happening in the American capital and the bill to have the FSSF receive the medal was introduced by two U.S. senators, it’s a meeting that could have major impact for one local man.

Jim Summersides, a member of Fonthill’s Royal Canadian Legion, is a veteran of the FSSF, a joint American and Canadian elite operative of World War II that became known as the Devil’s Brigade.

The soldiers were trained for the most daring and dangerous missions of the war, their tasks often considered suicidal.

The Devil’s Brigade, says Summersides, had a casualty rate, either death or injury, of 130 per cent. That staggering number means some of his comrades were injured more than once.

Summersides says he had no concept that his job was so dangerous, until he contemplated his regiment’s role in hindsight, long after the war had ended.

At the time, said

Summersides the soldiers were young and had no sense of the danger they faced. Looking back, he says, he thinks they were “nuts.”

The Devil’s Brigade has become a legendary unit and is credited with tens of thousands of enemy casualties and changing the way the military operates, so the recognition of their efforts with this medal is considered by some to be overdue.

Summersides says the joint nature of the brigade and political opinion has kept some veterans from receiving proper recognition.

The soldiers were recommended for a unit citation during the war, but politically some didn’t think it was right that Canadian soldiers wear an American medal.

Members of the brigade were also awarded the American Combat Infantryman’s Badge - a medal given to soldiers who meet the enemy face to face. For many years Canadian soldiers were not permitted to wear the Infantryman’s Badge, says Summersides, because it was a U.S. honour.

To now be considered for a Congressional Gold Medal, also awarded to the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Nelson Mandela, and the astronauts who did the first moon walk, is “humbling, really and truly,” says Summersides.

“We were doing a job. A job we knew how to do.”

Summersides says

he feels proud to be a member of the famous Devil’s Bridage, but “not too proud.”

He also thinks it is fabulous that his comrades are being considered for the Congressional Gold Medal.

“It’s an honour,” he says. “When you consider the time lapse, it’s more of an honour after all these years.”

MP Dean Allison says he fully supports the push to have Canadian veterans receive the medal.

“I think it would be well deserved,” he told The Voice. “It’s something I’m glad a couple of senators in the states are trying to spearhead.”

Allison, representative for Niagara West G l a n b r o o k , acknowledged the contribution one if his constituents has made to the Devil’s Brigade and the war effort in the 1940s.

“I’m sure they’ve seen and experienced some things you and I will never have to,” said Allison, noting how amazing the operations Summersides and his fellow soldiers undertook were.

Lawmakers and diplomats are meeting today with representatives of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and the American Green Berets, both trace their origins to the Devils’ Brigade, as well as American congressmen.

It is estimated there are about 230 veterans of the brigade living in Canada

and the U.S.The bill to have the

veterans recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal requires approval from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. News reports suggest joint bills are working their way through the legislative process and supporters hope to pass them in time for the unit’s reunion in Washington at the end of September.

Summersides will be in Washington for that reunion in September, and if the bills pass, will receive the Congressional Gold Medal at that time.

It will be added to his other medals, the 39/45 Star; the Italy Star; west Europe Star; Volunteer Service Medal; Canadian 150th Medal; Bronze Star, a U.S. medal; the Combat Infrantyman’s Badge; and the Dutch Medal.

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

Congressional Gold Medal considered for vets

Monster MashPage 6

Sports!Pages 8, 9 & 10

Story of strengthPage 3

JIM SUMMERSIDES, a member of the Fonthill Branch 613 Royal Canadian Legion, could be receiving a Congressional Gold Medal for his role as a member of the Devil’s Brigade, elite First Special Services Force.

/Voice File Photo

“The Black Devils are all around us every time we come into the line. We never hear them come.”

The words, found written in a dead German officer’s diary, refer to members of the First Special Service Force who painted their faces black, sharpened their bayonets and under the stealth of night infiltrated enemy lines during World War II.

Local veteran Jim Summersides was one of those “devils”.

Summersides, a member of Fonthill’s Royal Canadian Legion, enlisted in the army early in April of 1943. He was not quite 19 years old.

Before his twentieth birthday he would march triumphantly into Rome as a member of the First Special Service Force (FSSF), soon to become known as the Devil’s Brigade.

Summersides explains he shipped out to England after enlisting. While in base camp “a gentleman” in an American Colonel’s uniform asked for volunteers for special service.

That gentleman, says Summersides, was a Canadian and told the privates they would be volunteering for a joint

A Black Devil’s story

Please see Jim/page 2

Page 2: The Voice of Pelham

Page � THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February �9, �01�

Canadian and American unit.

Summersides signed up, saying rations in the base camp were atrocious. He still remembers his first meal as part of the special service unit - real coffee and carnation milk with all the sugar you wanted; canned chicken; fruit cocktail for dessert, instead of dried apricots or peaches.

“I figured the rations were worth it,” says Summersides, adding as a private he earned $1.50 a day but as a member of the FSSF he earned additional danger pay of $0.75 per day.

The insignia of the First Special Services Force is an arrowhead, read with USA in white horizontally across the top and Canada vertically, and spearheading the army’s push into enemy

territory was exactly what Summersides and his fellow soldiers would be doing.

The brigade spent several months driving the Germans back, at times 1,500 behind enemy lines, by painting their faces black and quietly infiltrating the enemy at night.

It was during this time, on the Anzio Beachhead, that the German officer’s diary was found and the term Devil’s Brigade was coined.

“We were constantly well within the range of enemy artillery,” said Summersides. “When you’re spearheading there is no one between you and the enemy.” “When we first went to Anzio no man’s land was 200 to 300 yards wide,” said Summersides. “When we left...it was a mile wide.”

That, he said, was due to the constant night patrols and continually pushing back the

Germans - causing the Germans to refer to them as “those black devils.”

Despite their success on the battle field, and their losses, at times the FSSF did not get the respect they deserved.

Books have been written, says Summersides, that refer to his unit as the “champagne campaign” or the “D-day dodgers”, even though they were liberating Rome two days before D-day.

“That hurt,” he says. “We lost a lot. Too many.”

Summersides recalls

being in a fox hole, “no bigger than that,” he says gesturing to a folding table set up at the Legion, with another solider. A shell hit the side of the hole and the two men were buried.

“I dug myself out and started digging for him...I’ll leave it at that,” says Summersides of the man who died just feet from him.

“It’s hard to think of him. I often think of him,” says Summersides who admits to wondering why he was spared when so many of his unit did not come home.

“Ours is not to question

why,” he says.Summersides says

there were at least two other occasions when he should not have made it, but he still finds it too difficult to discuss and wouldn’t share the stories.

“But for the grace of God I’d still be lying in the dirt over there,” he says, emotions visible in his blue eyes.

The Devil’s Brigade was disbanded in December of 1944 and by Christmas Day Summersides was on the front lines with the troops, where he remained until the end of the war.

After coming home, he met and married Margaret, who he has been married to for 65 years. They have two children and two grandsons. An active member of the local Legion branch, Summersides spends most Friday’s serving soup to the weekly lunch crowd. Summersides also gives talks to local schools about his war experiences. He wonders if those talks, and the impact they may have, are the reason he was lucky enough to make it home.

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

Jim Summersides recalls his days as a Devil

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NATALIE Kita (left), owner of Chez Fromage, Patti Fagan, owner of Cafe on Main, and Tamara Steele, of Sapphires Thomas Steele Jewellers, toast their success following a wine and cheese pairing event on Feb. 11. Guests were treated to the sounds of Notre Dame’s Jazz Band, wine tasting from Peller Estates, cheese pairing from Chez Fromage, and desserts from Rocco ?? of Gelato Village. Sapphires was on hand to inspect and clean jewelry and showcase exclusive jewelry. A silent auction with gifts donated from participating businesses was also part of the evening. Fagan has already committed to a second event next year - Have a Heart for the United Way. Proceeds from this year’s event, totalling $1,000, were donated to the United Way of South Niagara.

Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo

HAVING A HEART

Page 3: The Voice of Pelham

THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Page �

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

Restaurant owner feels fortunate to be here

For Laing Thon the opening of Tasty Thai restaurant in Fonthill is more than a dream come true. It is the realization of a changed life, the result of working hard and, literally, fighting for life. It is a dream that she never dared to dream as a child.

Thon grew up in Cambodia. Losing her mother at the age of six she took over care of her younger siblings, ages five and one.

Her father was a police officer in the city. When war arrived in Cambodia in the 1960s, Thon was 14 years old. The family fled to her grandparents rice farm, as did most city people at that time.

Thon talks about the harsh years that followed, working physically hard labour on the farms, the years the war was very bad and her father’s sickness and death in the 1970s.

“I worked so hard to keep my life,” says Thon, describing acting “dumb” so the Khmer Rouge would think she knew nothing and allow her to live, of hiding and destroying paper and tools to hide any sign of intelligence.

In 1972 Thon was married, to a man she didn’t really want to marry at the time, but was told to marry.

The couple’s first child, a daughter, was sick from lack of food and passed away when she was just four years old.

Thon had two more daughters, born in 1975 and 1976.

Escaping Cambodia through the jungle, Thon’s youngest baby was

sick and died there, in the jungle she says. The other child almost died as well, says Thon, recalling her swollen belly and tiny frame from lack of food.

Walking through the jungle, eating handfuls of leaves or fish caught in the river, wearing a single outfit of clothing night and day, through rain and sun, Thon says she kept one tiny piece of gold, hidden among her meagre possessions, although she admits she didn’t know why she kept it as Cambodians had no need for gold.

At the Thailand border, Thon’s daughter was close to death, and Thon says she knew if they didn’t leave Cambodia that night her child would die.

When the Thai people came to sell the refugees food and other items Thon says she used that tiny piece of gold to buy a bag of rice, a can of sardines and a kilo of sugar, feeding her daughter immediately on what seemed like a feast.

Through it all Thon says she only focused on working and fighting for her life and that of her daughter’s. They did

survive the Cambodian Genocide, the hard labour on the farm, and the starvation of many of their people.

“I am very strong. I always fight.” she says. “You fight for your life. You don’t feel sorry for your life. You do what you can do.”

Even after coming to Canada in 1981, sponsored by a group in Quebec, Thon’s life was still a struggle. She learned French and got a job. But living in a small town it was hard to find work and her husband went to Toronto. A month later he said she should come. But in Toronto, they only spoke French and still found it difficult to find work. Through friends, the family decided to come to St. Catharines. Here, they learned English as a second language at Niagara College and, once again, were looking for jobs.

“I can’t sit and collect money from government,” said Thon, talking about years of ups and downs, finding jobs and then being unemployed once again.

Over the years Thon worked two jobs to make ends meet. Picking fruit during the day and worms at night. Working as a cleaner at Niagara College until 6 a.m. then starting a shift at Pinty’s at 7 a.m. Working at East Side Mario’s until 4 p.m. then going to Johnny Rocco’s for a 5 p.m. shift.

Thon says her daughter told her she should do something for herself, and not work so hard for someone else all the time. It took hard work and a lot of help from friends, but Thon eventually opened

a Thai restaurant in St. Catharines.

“We were very busy. Very successful,” she says.

A bad health inspection at the Asian restaurant nearby, however, affected business at her restaurant as many people assumed her Asian restaurant was the one to avoid.

“After that I worked so hard,” she said, but it was a slow process to build the business back up.

Thon sold the restaurant, paid off all of the debts she had and was, once again, without a job and without money.

It was then she worked at East Side Mario’s and felt the strong desire to run her own restaurant again.

Remembering cooking

for her siblings at the age of six, Thon says she has enjoyed cooking since her childhood in Cambodia and says she likes to make good food for people.

“I wanted so bad to open another restaurant,” she says.

A good deed for her daughter’s boyfriend, helping the couple buy a house, allowed her the opportunity to open Tasty Thai in Fonthill, she says, when the boyfriend won the lottery and gave her an opportunity to buy a house, get a mortgage, and have a down payment for the restaurant.

“I’m happy,” she says, explaining she feels so lucky to be in Canada where even if she has no job, she has somewhere

to live and clean water to drink.

Now, she works hard for herself, ensuring every dish that leaves her kitchen is top quality. Thon says her food is imported from Thailand, explaining coconut milk or curry bought from a grocery store here does not taste like curry or coconut milk in Thailand.

All of her vegetables are fresh and even the rice is purchased specially to be top quality.

Thon explains she chose to open a Thai restaurant, even though her background is Cambodian, because the foods of the two countries are very similar and Thai food is more popular here.

In Cambodia, Thon says she never dreamed she would own her own business, calling that bit of food she bought at the Thailand border a life changing moment when she could escape war in her country and begin the dream of a better life.

Now, Thon gives back to Cambodians as much as possible. She doesn’t want to be rich with possessions, she says, explaining it takes so little to make a change in Cambodia that whenever she has extra money she helps her homeland.

“When life is over, they will say I helped people,” she says.

What Canada has done for her has not gone unnoticed either.

“I’m thankful for Canada to bring me here and allow me to stay. If I didn’t have Canada maybe I would die a long time ago.”

TASTY THAI owner Laing Thon feels lucky to be in Canada and owning her own business, after literally fighting for her life in her home of Cambodia.

Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo

Earlier this year local artists Dianne Gibson and Nina Stahlschmidt asked for local photographers to submit photos to be used in the 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada Textile Art Project.

Now, the women need the artists who will render the chosen photographs into textile art and have issued a call for entries, through the Niagara Region, for textile and mixed media artists.

Textile and mixed media artists will work collaboratively to create an artwork comprising various images that showcase the beauty and textures of

Niagara. The artwork will be based on jury-selected photographs made by local photographers.

The final work will be unveiled at the closing ceremonies of the Cultural Capital of Canada celebrations in December 2012 and will be displayed at Niagara Region Headquarters. Photographic, textile, and mixed media artists will be recognized in materials accompanying the artwork.

The call for entries is open to textile and mixed media artists of the Niagara Region.

The project requires a number of textile and mixed

media artists, including hand and machine quilters, traditional and contemporary quilt artists, hand and machine embroiderers, felters and beaders, and artists who work with metal, paper, plastic, and other materials.

To be considered, artists must provide samples of current work, which illustrate quality of craftsmanship and artistic styles

Selected artists will be compensated $1,200 for their work.

Successful artists will be notified by phone or email on March 16, 2012.

Artists must submit a maximum of three samples of recent work. The size of samples should not exceed: 20 lbs. in weight, 48” for framed items, or Quilt-sized for soft pieces that fold.

All samples must be packaged safely and labeled clearly with your name and phone number. Include a copy of the completed entry form inside your package.

Artwork samples must be delivered to: Niagara Regional Headquarters Integrated Community Planning Department - Campbell West, Second Floor 2201 St. David’s Road, Thorold, ON.

Samples must be delivered on March 14, 2012 between noon and 4 p.m.

All work must be picked up on March 16, 2012 between noon and 4 p.m.

If unable to pick up your work yourself, you may make arrangements for another person to collect it for you. A signed note authorizing the individual will be required.

The form is available online http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/culture-plan/call-textile-artists.aspx

For further information, contact Nina: 905-562-4859 or Dianne: 905-892-0908

Region calls for textile artists for art project

“You fight for your life.

You don’t feel sorry

for your life. You do what you can do.”

- Thon

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The Voice is a member of:

VIEWpointsI am humbled this

week. I spend my work day

talking with interesting people all the time, but this week was different. The conversations I had this week were very humbling experiences.

I (finally) sat down with Jim Summersides as he served soup at the Legion’s lunch on Friday to talk about his time in the armed forces, as a member of the famed Devil’s Brigade. Jim shared with me some of his experiences, but more importantly refused to share with me other experiences. His refusal to talk about the worst of his memories spoke

volumes about the things he saw and experienced overseas.

As we ended our talk, in which Jim was his usual humble and honest self, he asked me not to make him out to be a hero, adamant that he is not a hero.

I told him that as a Canadian who grew up in a peaceful, democratic, free country, he and every other person who served, is a hero to me.

Throughout my career I’ve had the privilege to know and talk to many veterans. Most are reluctant to talk about their experiences in World War II. I asked Jim about this and he

said the reason is simple, the experiences were so great, so tragic, and the memories are still so vivid that it hurts too much to put words to them.

I think about men, and women, like Jim. Just coming of age, barely adults, putting their lives on the line and witnessing some of the worst scenes in human history and I am in awe at their strength and ability to endure.

Sadly, the human need to endure is not a rare thing.

The second humbling conversation I had this week was with a tiny restaurant owner with a

big story to tell. Laing Thon shared with

me her tale of growing up in Cambodia, of being a young teenager as war broke out in her country.

I’ve heard, and read, of the Cambodian civil war and Cambodian Genocide as part of the larger Vietnam War. I knew, in a logical part of my brain, that terrible things happened there but had no true concept of what it all meant, until I talked with Laing.

Sitting inside the Tasty Thai in Fonthill on Monday, listening to Laing tell her story, I was amazed to find myself talking to a woman

who had not only survived those events in Cambodia, but fought for her life and escaped the country looking for a better life.

Here, sitting across the table from me, was a woman who had hidden from the Khmer Rouge, who had walked for days through the jungle, who had lost two children to sickness and starvation, and who feels lucky in her life.

Laing has shown a great ability to endure as well as a great strength. Not only surviving war in Cambodia and escaping to Thailand, but working hard once here in Canada to find a dream and make

it real. I am honoured and

privileged to have had conversations with Jim and Laing, humbled by their character and inspired by their strength.

Conversations a humbling experience this week

During the recent meetings to discuss the Town’s Heritage Master Plan, it was impressed upon us that heritage is not just about buildings but about places significant to the community. One such place is the Fonthill Park, now the Marlene Stewart Streit Park, named for the famous golfer who grew up nearby.

In the 19th century before Highway 20 was extended up the hill, the hillside fell away steeply north of the part of Canboro Road that is now one way. There was a spring on the hillside from which water was carried by a wooden pipe to the hotel, and this was why Henry

Giles suggested the name Fonthill for the village. The area of the park was called Chestnut Grove for the stand of chestnut trees which grew there, where, as Chester Phillips said in his poem about the old days in Fonthill “We used the trees to climb/In each and every autumn time/to jar the nuts from every bough.”

In June 1854 Chestnut Grove was the site of a public debate between Rev. J.R. Lavell of the Universalist Church Fonthill and Rev. G. P. Harris, a Methodist minister, on whether the scriptures taught “final holiness and happiness” or “endless misery” for

mankind. Fortunately the weather was good because the open-air debate went on for two days, from eight in the morning till six at night with a break for lunch. It was attended by “upwards of 1500 people from the surrounding country assembled in the finely-shaded romantic spot.” Every word was faithfully recorded in “phonetic shorthand” and transcribed it runs to 135 pages. “No decision was asked of the audience…and when the debate was concluded they left for their respective homes, seemingly satisfied that their time had not been mis-spent.” The Universalists did not

thrive in Fonthill; a few years later, they sold their church to the Methodists.

The Grove was a place for picnics as well as serious meetings. In the Women’s Institute History of Fonthill, Mrs. J McClellan, writing in 1929, records that “There used to be swings and tables built on top of the hill; then at the foot of the hill….there was a pond dammed and a small bathhouse built on the bank, just cold spring water, but people used to go there and bathe.”

Some of the chestnut trees were cut to provide the first village flagpole, and the rest no doubt succumbed to the chestnut blight.

The water source in the Grove enabled Fonthill to build a waterworks to supply water to village households in 1923 and to establish the Fire Hall.

It wasn’t until 1939, after the 20 Highway was put through that this area officially became the Park. It was opened on May 24, with sports and fireworks. Trees were planted and a tablet erected with the names of the Village Councillors for that year. In 1959 the swimming pool was constructed for community use, and in winter there was an ice rink. In 2006 the John Nemy Nature Trail was opened giving access to the beautiful woodland

to the north-west of the park.

As well as being a priceless asset to the Town, the park, the place that gave Fonthill its name, surely qualifies as a heritage site.

Heritage also about places significant to Pelham

MY VOICE

Sarah Murrell

Pages FromPelham’s Past

Mary Lamb

SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN THE VOICE OF PELHAMAND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Letters are welcome provided the submission contains the writer’s full name, address and phone number, although only name and city will be published, as well as the writer’s signature. Email submissions must contain contact information and full name so the writer can be contacted to verify the authenticity of the letter. The editor has the right to change, condense or reject any letter for brevity or legal purposes.

Submit Letters to the Editoreditor@thevoiceofpelham. ca

Page 5: The Voice of Pelham

THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Page 5

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T h e C o r p o r a t i o n o f t h eTOWN OF PELHAM

NOTICEWinter Maintenance Of Town Roads

PARKING AND SNOW REMOVALCitizens are reminded that Section 170(12) of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits the parking or standing of vehicles on any roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement of traffic or cleaning of snow from the roadway. Any vehicle parked or standing in such a manner as to interfere with municipal snow clearing or preventative road treatment (or maintenance) operations may be ticketed or towed away. Vehicles towed may be moved or taken, and placed or stored in a suitable place, and all costs and charges for removing, care and storage thereof, if any, are a lien upon the vehicle.

Furthermore, the Town of Pelham’s Parking and Traffic By-law #89-2000 prohibits overnight parking on all highways (including all roadways, except Church Hill), from 2:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. from November 1 until March 31 of each year. The efficient and timely ploughing of snow and preventative maintenance of Town highways benefits all residents. Please cooperate with the Town’s Community and Infrastructure Services Department by keeping your vehicle completely off the highway overnight.

Your cooperation is very much appreciated and will allow Town staff to better serve you during periods of snowfall and icy highway conditions in general.

DEPOSITING OF SNOW ON ROADWAYCitizens are reminded that Section 181 of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits any person from depositing snow or ice on a roadway.

Please cooperate with the Town of Pelham By-law #3013(2008) prohibits a person from depositing snow and ice upon any highway and from relocating snow or ice within 1 metre of a fire hydrant, or within the road allowance (including roadways and shoulders). Please cooperate with the Town’s Community and Infrastructure Services Department by refraining from depositing snow or ice on the highway or onto a sidewalk, and from relocating snow and ice within the road allowance.

Your cooperation in helping the Community & Infrastructure Services Department keep our maintenance operations efficient and our roadways safe this winter is greatly appreciated.

Not wanting Pelham to be “the clown with the shovel”, but actually part of the parade, Councillor John Durley suggested council should meet and develop a discussion paper on Regional Governance review.

Durley brought up the

issue under new business, saying news of the initiation of a governance review by regional council is interesting to him personally and many others and it is important municipalities are able to offer input.

“Small municipalities may not receive the attention they deserve,” says Durley, suggesting Pelham councillors get together, give their input,

and develop a discussion paper outlining what councillors feel is important to the town’s interest.

Saying local council can provide some valuable criticism and suggestions, Durley asked for staff direction for the creation of a forum.

Councillor Gary Accursi pointed out the scope of the review has not been defined yet, noting it

would be better to wait until regional council defines what issues about governance they will be reviewing. Until the scope is defined, he said, council won’t know if the Region is looking at one, large Niagara city or other, minor issues.

“It’s a very astute observation,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn of Accursi’s comments.

Augustyn noted the

review is part of the Region’s strategic plan, but the plan only refers to a “governance review.” The regional chair asked for input and direction, said Augustyn, and the majority of the feedback from mayors and regional councillors suggested the review focus on service delivery, the size of council, and internal matters.

Those issues are to be prioritized, said Augustyn, before the review is undertaken.

The mayor suggested Pelham councillors wait until that report is

available, which he will forward to all councillors, until providing input.

Accursi said he would endorse that approach while Councillor Peter Papp said the overall intent is Pelham wants to “emphatically state our intent.”

Clerk Nancy Bozzato noted it is on record that Pelham intends to reply to regional governance review and the mayor will forward information as it is available.

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

Pelham chooses to hold off on governance input

Town of Pelham March Break Camp

March 12 - March 16th Registration forms available

at the Town of Pelham Town Hall or at www.pelham.ca

“ZUMBA FITNESS” Thursday March 1, 7:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday March 6, 7:30pm-8:30pm

“ZUMBA GOLD” Thursday March 1, 9:30am-10:30am Tuesday March 6, 9:30am-10:30am

Drop in and try any session for $6.00 or purchase your 10

+ 2 bonus pass for $60.00 Need more info – contact (905) 892-2607, ext. 329

New For 2012 Zumbatomic Turn up the music, wiggle, shake

and have a blast with your friends in these rockin, high-energy fi tness-

parties packed with specially choreographed kid-friendly routines.

Tuesday’s –Pelham Arena- 1120 Haist Street

(4-7 yrs) 5:30-6:00pm(8+ yrs) 6:00-6:30pm

Thursday’s Old Pelham Town Hall- 46 Canboro Rd. Ridgeville

(4-7 yrs) 5:30-6:00pm(8+ yrs) 6:00-6:30pm

Cost $40 for a 10 class pass + 2 bonus classes.

OR $4.50 for drop in class Purchase your passes at Town hall-

20 Pelham Town Square Fonthill, ON. Public Skating

Friday, March 2, 2012 8:00pm – 9:30 pm

Sunday, March 4, 2012 1:00-2:20pmTuesday, March 6, 2013 7:30-8:30pm

Women’s Learn to Play HockeyThursday, March 1, 2012

9:30am- 10:30am Women’s Shinny

Thursday March 1, 2012 10:30am-11:30am

Full equipment is required. LTP/Shinny - drop in rate $10.00/$5.50

For more information contact (905) 892-2607, ext. 329

Men’s ShinnyFriday, March 2, 2012 8:30-10:00am. Tuesday March 6, 2012 8:00-9:00am.

Tuesdays 8 – 9 am $5.50 Fridays 8:30am – 10 am $8.25

9:00am – 10am. $5.50 Parent/Preschool Skating

Friday, March 2, 2012 10am – 11 am Tuesday, March, 5 2012 1-2 pm

Adult Skating Thursday March 1, 2012 1pm– 2 pm

Interested in Walking in Pelham? Interested in joining

a Walking Club? Join us!Walking Schedule

Wednesday February 29th7-8pm

Pelham ArenaThursday March 1st

1-2pm Fonthill Bandshell.

Meditation MorningMarcia leads beginners and

those who have meditated before through a number of different types

of meditations for stress relief and focus. Please bring a pen and

notebook. Mar. 3 from 9:30 – 11:30. $3.00. Please register ahead.

Osteoporosis and YouLearn how to maintain healthy bones for a lifetime. Steps in

the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis will be covered.

Tues., Mar. 5 at 6:30. Free. Please register ahead.

Spring Card-Making WorkshopAt this workshop you will make

four unique cards using a variety of techniques such as: origami,

stamping, plus tea bag and iris folding. Make a unique bookmark. Tues.

Mar. 6th (1-3 pm). Cost is $10.00. Register ahead as space is limited.

Understanding ArthritisThe Arthritis Society will give a general overview of arthritis

with an emphasis on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis will be provided as well as tips on

managing the condition and what services are available in the Niagara

Region. Wed., Mar. 7 at 6:30. Free but please register ahead.Tom Thomson in Algonquin

100 years ago this spring, Thomson made his fi rst trip to Algonquin Park. This presentation by local

photographer Peter Ferguson follows his years in the park, from the beginning to his tragic death in 1917. Join us to explore new

evidence surrounding Thomson’s death. Tues., March 6. 7:30 p.m.

$4.00. Please Register Ahead.Hearing Clinic

Connect Hearing will be at the Fonthill Branch giving free hearing

screenings and will answer any questions about various hearing

issues. Mar 12 or Apr. 2 from 10 – 1. Free. Schedule your appointment

ahead at: 905-892-6068.Warm and Woolly

Workshops - Frilly ScarfIf you can tie your shoe, you

can learn how to make a gorgeous frilly scarf. No knitting skills

required. Ages 10 - Adult.Tues., Mar. 13 7:30 - 9:00. $22.00 includes materials. Register ahead in person.

Sony E-readerLearn step by step how to download

and use the Pelham Public Library’s Overdrive e-books on a Sony E-

reader. You must have basic computer skills. A laptop computer will be provided. Please bring your Sony,

your email address and a Pelham Public Library card in good standing. Mar. 14th at 6:30 p.m. or Mar. 28th at 10:00 a.m. or Mar. 29th at 6:30 p.m. Register ahead in person. $5.

Experience IrelandSee this ancient, mysterious island

through the lens of Elaine Anderson. Hear about attractions such as the 5,000-year-old Megalithic Tombs

which predate Stonehenge, the spectacle of fun, light and noise which

is “This Fierce Beauty - Macnas” parade, the breathtaking views of the

Ring of Kerry and the old world charm of Irish cities. Thurs., March 15 at

7:30 p.m. $2.00. Please register ahead.Making it Through Menopause

Dealing with hot fl ashes, forgetfulness & mood swings.

Decreasing the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. Ladies, let’s get together & talk hormones! Natalie, a Physician

Assistant student from McMaster University will be here to answer questions & provide info on the

risks of hormone therapy, relief from symptoms and what really is going on with your body! Wed. Mar. 21 at 6:30. $2.00. Please register ahead.

Giant Book SaleOpens Tuesday, March 27 at

9:30 a.m. Closes Saturday, March 31 at 1:00 p.m. Great deals! Fill a library bag for $16.00. Books,

puzzles, movies, games, and more! Open during regular library hours. Final Saturday is Bargain Day. Fill a grocery bag for $2.00

(some restrictions apply).Adult Book Clubs

Long-awaited space in one of three book clubs is now available.

Third Mon. at 7:00. Last Mon. at 2:00. NEW: Second Wed. at 7:00. Please register ahead. $5

includes book and refreshments.IMPORTANT TO DOG OWNERS

Please be reminded that Town of Pelham Dog Control By-law

97-2010 requires that any person who owns controls or harbors a dog shall remove, forthwith, any feces (excrement) left by such dog on

private or public property. Remember to be responsible! Stoop and Scoop!

ONTARIO ONE CALL 1-800-400-2255

All requests for waterline and sewer locates must be

directed to Ontario One Call

Town of Pelham e-mail address: [email protected]

Visit our Web site at www.pelham.ca

Page 6: The Voice of Pelham

Page � THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012

In The Orchard Programming for the Arts (ITO) is taking a monster bite out of the landfills thanks to a new grant and their ongoing Art2 program.

ITO has recently been awarded a grant from the Cultural Strategic Investment Fund (CSIF), which is offered through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Spor (MTCS), for the Art2 program.

Through the Art2 program ITO works closely with their partner The Salvation Army in order to divert abundantly donated items from landfill sites. Items that cannot be sold by The Salvation Army are donated to ITO, which are then transformed into art thereby kept the material out of landfills.

ITO Executive Director Angie Geiss says the funding is great because it allows ITO to develop

lesson plans and partnerships for Art2 and to engage the youth in the program.

Not only do the youth have an opportunity to learn artistic techniques, says Geiss, they’ll learn how to take an item, give it their own design and create art.

As part of ITO’s ongoing commitment to building young leaders and artists of tomorrow, the youth will also be introduced to the idea of selling their work in an effort to educate them about entrepreneurial creativity.

ITO will be working closely with E.L. Crossley student, offering the Art2 program within the tech, marketing, visual arts and fashion design classes, as well as marketing and business classes.

Geiss said ITO will work the Art2 program into Crossley curriculum, and once the students have created art, or fashion, they will learn how to market themselves and their work.

That aspect of the program, said Geiss, introduces students to the idea of retail and marketing, gives them the potential for an income and teaches financial responsibility.

In The Orchard will set up an artist market that is slated to run every Thursday in sync with the Fonthill Farmer’s Market (located at the Town of Pelham building), said Geiss. The Art-2-Market program will continue throughout the rest of the year as an on-going workshop series.

The coming March Break Art Camp will have a heavy Art2 influence as well, says Geiss.

For the first time ever, the art camp will be separated into primary and intermediate age groups. The intermediate age group (9 and up) will be working with textiles and design using the brand new sewing machines that were made possible through the CSIF funding. The primary age group (ages 4-8) will be

painting and working with sculptures.

The theme this year is ‘Monsters’! Using discarded and donated items from The Salvation Army and members of

the community the camp participants will be creating cute – and sometimes scary – monsters.

The primary camp classes will be run by Stephanie Kondvsky, a primary education teacher.

Kondvsky is not a professional artist, although Geiss acknowledges with children under nine the importance of her experience as a teacher is more important than her talent as an artist.

“It’s a good thing I don’t have to teach someone who can draw better than me,” Kondvsky says.

The older kids, who are better artists and looking for experiences that teach them technique, will be taught by Melissa Mander, a graduate of fashion design and retail management and merchandising.

“She fits right into the Art2 program,” says Geiss.

Geiss said the kids will be having fun with Monster Camp, but for her as the director of ITO it is about getting the kids interested and trying to find a purpose for items that no longer have a purpose and are headed for landfill.

The new art created from old items will have meaning, said Geiss, noting they will be hand made locally and not manufactured.

Geiss added the funding will allow her to research the items the Salvation Army has in abundance, because they are donated in abundance but also because they are difficult to sell, and create lesson plans for Art2 using those items that can be used by other schools and programs.

“I’m excited at the potential in the community,” said Geiss. “We set an example for others to follow, it’s one of the reasons for the program.”

ITO’s Art2 recycling programs have already had an impact on the environment, said Geiss.

“When I think of the amount we’ve kept out of landfills I get goosebumps, she said. “And we’re not even at full throttle yet.

Geiss expressed her appreciation to the MTCS as well as the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, which supplied a year-long grant last year to help ITO hire 12 employees, for their support of the programs and helping ITO achieve it’s goals.

The March Break Art Camp runs from Monday, March 12 to Friday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For registration rates, subsidies available, to register or for more information check out http://www.intheorchard.org/march-break-art-camp.html.

There will be an information session about the Art2 program and workshops on March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the studio, 1433 Pelham Street. All youth, volunteers, and students are invited to attend.

If you want to become involved in your community through the arts, contact ITO at 905-892-1709 or visit www.intheorchard.org.

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

ITO gets monster grant to run monster programs

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Slither and Squirm TuesdayStart the day with public skating. Refuel with McDonald’s Lunch. A visit from London Reptiles! Learn about the reptiles, touch and get your picture taken!

Winter Wonderland WednesdaySpend the day at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Participate in snowshoeing, camp fires, creating crafts and exploring. Sobey’s lunch will be provided to campers.

Fantastic FridayJoin us for the last and finald ay of March Break Camp for 2012. Zumbatonic dance party in the morning. Spend the afternoon hanging out with Pelham’s own firefighters at the Firehall. Mossimo’s pizza for lunch.

Mad Science ThursdaySpend the morning playing games and skating. Enjoy Lazy Loon pasta lunch. In the afternoon be prepared to meet a Mad Scientist who will teach you about thew onders of science.

Ages 4 - 12Camper to Staff

Ratio 7:1

Pelham Arena, 1120 Haist St.Monday March 12 - Friday March 16

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended care availableMagical Happenings MondayThe day will begin with get to know you games and activities. Get ready to jump and shake during Zumbatonic! The afternoon will start with a Magic Show by Peter Mennie. Finish off the first day of camp with a public skate. Subway lunch.

ITO instructors Stephanie Kondvskyk (left) and Melissa Mander, with ITO Executive Director Angie Geiss, are looking forward to creating monsters through the Art2 program and during March Break Camp.

Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo

Page 7: The Voice of Pelham

THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Page 7

For one Pelham family, the theatre lights, the audience, and pancake makeup are the makings of a great family outing.

The Tarajos family all have a role in this year’s Port Colborne Operatic Society production of Annie.

Graham and Riley Tarajos, now 15 and 13 years old, have been in Port Colborne Operatic Society productions in the past, as munchkins in The Wizard of Oz, and were looking again this year to see if there were any children’s parts available.

They both auditioned for Annie, landing parts as hobos and servers.

Graham, who at 15 is about 5’10” tall, is actually cast in one of the adult chorus

roles, and not only acts but sings and dances as well.

Both Tarajos kids say being in Annie is a lot of fun.

Riley says he looks forward to the first scene, because it is a scene that features him, the girls from the orphanage and only two other characters on stage.

“I have to flirt with the girls in that one,” he says.

“I like dancing a lot,” says Graham, noting his favourite scene is one in Hooverville featuring the homeless people, where he has several lines to speak.

In one Hooverville scene, the boys are not only on stage together, they’re on stage with their mom, Donna, as well.

“I was asked if I wanted to sing in the chorus,” says Donna, explaining she thought that meant she’d be off in a corner simply singing.

She didn’t realize she’d be on stage, doing three costume changes, play-acting with her co-stars, and moving around the stage while singing.

“It’s very new for me,” says Donna, adding she is really enjoying being in the show.

Rick Tarajos is also getting in on the act, although not on stage in front of the audience. Dad watches from the wings as one of the stage crew as the rest of his family enjoys being on stage in front of an audience.

Graham likes it so much, in fact, he’s working on making a career of being on the stage.

Currently in Grade 10 at E.L. Crossley, he is taking drama in school but has also taken acting classes with Silver Mist Production in Niagara Falls.

He also has aspirations to take acting lessons in New York City.

Riley, on the other hand, enjoys acting and being in theatre productions, but only as a hobby. His real interests lie in the stars, where he would one day love to travel to learn more about astronomy.

For right now the whole family has worked hard since September learning their lines, the songs, and how much work goes into community theatre.

“It brings us closer together as a family,” says Rick on the entire family taking part in the production.

Annie is on stage at Lakeshore Catholic High School Auditorium on Friday, March 2 and Saturday March 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 each and are available by calling 905-834-0833 or at the Showboat Theature Box Office, Fielden Street in Port Colborne.

For more information, visit portcolborneoperaticsociety.com.

BY SARAH MURRELLVOICE Staff

Fonthill family enjoying theatre together

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THE FONTHILL contingent of the Port Colborne Operatic Society’s production of Annie, Donna (left), Graham, and Riley Tarajos, Spencer Deaves, Shane Snider and, front, Devon Lawrence.

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Sarah Murrell/Voice Photo

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Page 8: The Voice of Pelham

Page � THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Glynn A. Green students learn value of fitness

Grade 8 students at Glynn A. Green school are getting physical education lessons, English lessons, math lessons and a major life lesson, all in one two hour period.

The students are spending two afternoons a week at Fonthill Fitness as part of their physical education learning, but teacher Stuart MacPherson has involved much more.

MacPherson says he did a similar program five years ago at the YMCA. This year he once again had a smaller class that fits better into a bi-weekly visit to a gym, so he decided to try it again.

When things didn’t work out at the YMCA this year, MacPherson says he thought he’d approach Fonthill Fitness owner Mike Browne.

“He was very receptive,” said MacPherson of Browne’s response, adding Fonthill Fitness has been excellent to work with.

At the local gym the students split into two groups. While one group does a cardio class, stepping, aerobics, zumba, spinning and even yoga, the other group works out in the weight room. Half way through the visit, they switch.

MacPherson says Browne

is always available, circling the gym to correct the students’ form, talk to them about the proper technique and limits for their age, and make sure everyone is safe.

“It’s pretty neat,” says MacPherson of the program, noting the students who are into sports, such as hockey or basketball, are getting some strength training to accentuate their sports performances while the other students are finding fitness activities they enjoy.

“I am so impressed with the kids,” says Browne, noting because of their age he wasn’t sure how they’d react.

“There’s a huge interest, they’re always asking questions,” he tells the Voice, just after talking to a small group of boys about the best way for them to “get big” - by eating and sleeping well now and saving the heavy weights for when their bodies are ready - after age 18.

For Browne, who’s last fitness club catered more to men focused on getting big and preparing for muscle shows, having the kids at Fonthill Fitness is really what his new gym is all about - fitness for everyone and education.

“What a time to be learning,” he says. “It’s a good kickstart.”

As a personal trainer, Browne says he deals

with adults who are often facing problems due to a lack of fitness in their lives. Getting the kids interested and educated now, he says, is the better route.

That’s the goal, says MacPherson, that fitness and activity become lifelong habits for the kids.

And that’s where the life lesson comes in, instilling in the students an interest in staying fit their entire lives.

As for the other lessons, a journal each student has to keep is part of their English curriculum while graphing their results will teach them math skills.

The students themselves are happy to be at Fonthill

Fitness, telling the Voice it’s a lot of fun and they enjoy being able to use all of the equipment and learn about fitness.

GLYNN A. GREEN students are led in a stepping class (top) by Niagara College Fitness and Health Promotion students Mallory McCann and Jenna Knox, finishing a work placement at Fonthill Fitness; Fonthill Fitenss owner Mike Browne talks to two students about the importance of sleep and nutrition, and waiting to lift heavy weights until they’re older; and Matthew Stickles works up a sweat on the machines

Sarah Murrell/Voice Photos

You Know Where to Look For Local Sports Coverage!

Page 9: The Voice of Pelham

THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Page 9

Sports&L e i s u r e

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LANDSCAPING

Fairhaven Gardens can take your ideas and make them a reality!

Edging • Planting • Mulching • Grass CuttingGarden Maintenance • New Sod & Repair

Snow Removal • Spring Clean Up

Call Now! 905.892.8608Clean, Quick & Friendly... Guaranteed!

RENOVATIONS

RENOVATIONS

Additons • Renovations • Custom Homes • Bathrooms Kitchens • Flooring • Basements • General Contracting

[email protected] Nuziato

DIRECTORY

Service

WASTE REMOVAL

Construction Waste Waste Removal

Container ServiceYou fill it! We recycle it!

Call:

905-732-9424

Residential/Commercial

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRCONCRETE SUPPLIES

(905) 262-2000 or Toll free 1-800-881-1628cottoninc.ca

Niagara’s Complete Concrete Contractor

DESIGN & BUILD RENOVATIONS

• Renovations • Additions • Bathrooms • Kitchens• Custom Homes

[email protected] 905-892-1218www.larryclarkconstruction.com

We Service All Makes And Models

HEATING & COOLING

Members of the Niagara Centre Skating Club, which includes Pelham skaters, who have passed their first three Preliminary Dances received jackets. The jackets were donated by a club sponsor Mark Wade of Jack Wade Combustion Co. Ltd. Back row Mark Wade, Kelsea Tomaino, Elaine Cook, Paige Cincio, Amelia Wade, Catilyn Bergeron Front row Carol Wade, Bailea Watt, Sydney Patten, Alycia Bergeron, Gwen Gibson, Danielle Lavigne, Jordan Reeves Absent Mikayla Minken, Emilie Oakes, Camille Waldeck, Maggie Sainty, Cora-Ann MacKinnon, Jessica McGregor, Marie-Eve Barette

Special to the Voice

The Pelham Panthers under-10 girls basketball team made it to the bronze-medal game of Division 1 of the Blessed Sacrament tournament before dropping a 29-22 decision to Stoney Creek Newman Youth.

Ranked seventh in the province, the Panthers lost 25-11 to second-ranked Blessed Sacrament No. 1 and 27-21 to third-ranked Welland, before rebounding to defeat Kitchener-Waterloo 23-16 and fifth-ranked York South 24-18.

Top performers for the Panthers were: Ally Sentance, 37 points, 25 rebounds, 10 steals and five assists; Kaley Demont, 23 points, 21 rebounds and seven steals; Jordyn Britton, 10 points, 31 rebounds and eight steals; Lexia Poitras, eight points, 19 rebounds and three steals; Jessica Acaster, eight points, 14 rebounds and five steals; Sydney Grummett, five points, 14 rebounds, five steals and two assists; Bethany Langelaan, four points and six rebounds; Tess Puchalski, two points, 21 rebounds and three steals; Tess Capra, one point and three rebounds; Emma Melito, six rebounds; Emma Kulik, four rebounds and three steals; and Abbey McCulligh, two rebounds.

Pelham’s record now sits at 20-11.

U10 girls 20-11

ACB ElectricalFenwick

Alex Bover-Master Electrician-ECRA #7003130

Service Upgrades • Energy Effi ciency UpgradesTroubleshooting • New Wiring & Re-Wiring

Commercial • Industrial • Residential

tel.905-892-4988 cell 905-714-2145 for urgent calls

ELECTRICAL

[email protected]

Page 10: The Voice of Pelham

Page 10 THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012

WINE MAKING

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

G E O T H E R M A L S Y S T E M STraditional Home Heating and Air

Fireplaces, Boilers, Hot Water TanksTel. 905.892.1384

782 Canboro Road • Fenwick

Located inFenwick Hardware

LANDSCAPING

Landscape Design & ConstructionInterlocking Stone • Natural StoneRetaining Walls • Ponds & Water FeaturesMini Excavator & Bobcat ServicesFree Estimates

Steven Van Lochem NPD • Tel. 905-892-2188874 Hwy. #20 West, Fenwick • www.naturesownidea.com

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

• Commercial, Residential and Agricultural • Service and Installation • All Makes & Models

Phone 905.892.1974 • Cell 905.651.6663

Matt Bering Heating & Air Conditioning

LANDSCAPING

•Flagstone

•Waterfalls

•Planting

•Interlocking Brick

www.landscapesbybill.com

905 892-4510

PLUMBING

PLUMBING

JEFF OWEN

905.327.6468PROUDLY SERVING FONTHILL

FURNITURE REFINISHING

HEIRLOOMHAND REFINISHING

1825 Hollow Rd., Fonthill

905-892-3023www.filbertrefinishing.com

Established 1976

specializing in

“TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE OF OLDE”

TREE SERVICESPLUMBING

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Regional HVAC ServicesHe a t i n g • Ve n t i l a t i o n • A i r Co n d i t i o n i n g

Sales, Service & Installation • All Makes & Models289.686.0304 CALL ME 905.892.1801

EMAIL ME [email protected] & Integrity • Kevin Flegg

?? Replacing Furnace or Air Conditioner ??Sized for your home, tailored to your budget!

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO • TRUCK • INDUSTRIALREPAIRS

TEST & REPAIR CENTRE

278 Canboro Road WestRidgeville, ON L0S 1M0 905-892-4271

Jeff Pietz

Momentum is gaining during early playoff rounds for Pelham’s Pee Wee body contact team coached by Paul Karasz and sponsored by Mossimo’s Pizza.

Despite being plagued with injuries in the past weeks, players are still motivated to make the best of these playoffs and enjoy the game they’d all love to play every day. Parents are cheering louder from the bleachers and even those who are injured are attending the games, showing support in the dressing room, helping out on the bench or in the scorer’s booth. Thanks for your great show of sportsmanship

Blaise, James, Logan and Josh!! Continue to get well!

The playoff opener at home against Welland on Feb. 11th ended in a 1-1 tie. The game was among the better ones this team has played in the latter part of the season keeping their nail-biting fans on the edge of their seats for 3 periods. Brenden D’Angelo, a solid presence among the forwards had Pelham’s lone goal mid-way through the first period. Minding the net, Braeden Chow proved once again how focused and collected he can be, demonstrating consistency as he has in every game he’s

played this season, and continued to be the pillar that so strongly supports his team. On defence, Rowan McLellan and Josh George held their ground, keeping Welland away from their crease and looked for ways to get the puck up to their forwards. Helping to kill off four penalties, Ryan Rhora and Blaise Zantinge (amazingly just back from injury) hustled back to help their defence when they could and dug into the corners chasing after the puck on offence. Matthew VandenHaak, a great defensive forward also showed relentless effort and stamina, coming back to help out, sometimes

managing to steal the puck away and rushing back into the opposition’s end trying to create some scoring chances. Matthew Theriault was also instrumental in front of the net ready for any rebounds and helping to create some traffic for Welland’s net minder.

Saturday Feb. 18th home game versus Port Colborne had players, coaches and fans engaged until the very end of the 3-2 win. With forward Josh Oussoren thankfully back in the line-up, the number of players on the team’s bench was not only growing but so was their strength and momentum. Seth

Murray, a leading scorer whose long reach allows him to take away pucks and whose fast strides and stick handling allow him to move past and through his opponents, opened up the score late in the first period. Stephen Scott, who’s been helping out at center in Logan’s absence, scored a beautiful goal mid-way through the second period to retake the lead at 2-1. On defence, Denver Parent was strong at the point keeping the puck in for his forwards and pinching in to create more shots on net. Despite all the pressure Pelham put on, Welland came back late in the second to tie it

up. The third period saw both teams playing very well with great scoring chances either way. Just when most thought we might end off in another tie, our own Tucker Inglis persisted with a shot that became the game winner with ten seconds left to play. Elated, players cheered and gathered for lots of hugs and high fives at the end of the game, leaving the ice full of smiles and looking ahead to their next game in Wainfleet.

Momentum gaining for Pelham Peewee playoffs

Service DIRECTORY

Page 11: The Voice of Pelham

THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Page 11

Tony Sibbald, CFPFinancial Advisor10 Hwy 20 EastFonthill, ON L0S 1E0

905-892-9930

www.edwardjones.comMember - Canadian Investor Protection Fund

You talk. We listen. In person.

The service you deserve.

Does your financial advisor know your financial goals? If not, let’s talk. CLASSIFIEDS

COMPUTER

Wheat straw for sale. small bales. Call 905-788-2956 or 905-892-1303

STRAW

COMPUTER

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TELEPHONE CONTRACTOR

CRIPPSTELECOMMUNICATIONSCommercial, Industrial & Residential

Installation or RepairTelephone, Cable, TV

& Network LAN Wiring, Norstar & Paging Systems

1.800.249.5779or 905.658.7182

Robert’s PaintingI only paint & I do it well.

Interior & exterior, 25 years experience, neat,

reliable, Niagara Region 732-2352

• Brick• Block • Stone• Concrete• Foundations• Repairs

905-892-1924 289-241-4767

A Family Business for 30 YearsALLTYPE MASONRY

For all your masonry needs, call the Deamudes.

Portable sawmill service. I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patter-son, 905-401-4948, Email: [email protected]

Team of Hardworking, Orga-nized, Dependable, Energetic ladies to service your house-cleaning needs. Reasonable rates. Call Elizabeth at 905-386-0082 after 5 p.m.

Kate’s CleaningSurprisingly affordable home cleaning. We will clean your home as if it were our own. Serving Pelham and surrounding area. Call now for a free in-home estimate.

1-855-906-1676or email

[email protected]

Josh DeHaan Flooring“For all your flooring needs”

We offer in-stock specials:

pre-finished hardwood flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2

laminate flooring from $.89/ft2

carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2

fibre flooring from $1/ft2

ceramic tile from $.89/ft2

...and other specials!

Call us to see the products that are available & visit our

showroom.

Phone: 905-892-7898Fax: 905-892-4811 No Sunday Calls, Please

••

FOR SALE

SERVICES

ONGOING• Sundays 8 a.m. Informal

running group, meet at Peace Park bandshell to run with others, share information and running goals. All levels/paces. Info [email protected]

• Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Sing Niagara Women’s A Cappella Chorus at Paroisse Immaculee Conception Church, 99 Garner St, St. Catharines. Call 905-354-4745 or visit www.singniagara.com.

•Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. SPAN (Single Professional Association of Niagara) meets at Bailey’s 111 Highway 20 East Fonthill - for info: Janine 905-688-4358

•Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Kids Club: AWANA, Ridgeville Bible Chapel 905-734-3640

•Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. A Cappella Niagara Men’s Chorus invites singers for fun, fellowship, and fabulous 4-part harmony. Meets at St. John Ambulance, 5734 Glenholme Ave., Niagara Falls. Info: Bob 892-2336

•Tuesdays 7 p.m. Tuesday Night Bingo, St. Ann’s Parish, 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick. Chance to win $100. Wheelchair accessible. Info 905-892-6123.

• Wednesdays - 1st & 3rd of the each month, at 2:00 p.m. Pelham Community Church Worship Service, 461 Canboro Rd, Fenwick.

•Thursdays (first Thursday of every month) 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. SOS (Survivors of Stroke), a welcoming and caring environment to meet other survivors of stroke and caregivers and exchange and receive information in a friendly and social environment. Everyone is welcome. Info call Ann 905-892-1621

• Thursdays 6:30 p.m. Informal running group, meet at Peace Park bandshell to run with others, share information and running goals. All levels/paces. Info [email protected]

• Fridays at 7:30 p.m. - Euchre at North Pelham Youth Hall, 1718 Maple St. $3 admission. Call Rose for info: 905-892-3408.

•Saturdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Bingo at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 Fonthill, 141 Regional Road 20.

Friday, March 2, 2012• 2 p.m. World Day of Prayer

for all Pelham churches at Pelham Community Church, 461 Canboro Road, Fenwick.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012•7 p.m. Niagara Bead Society

meeting at Central Library in downtown St. Catharines, in the Banker’s room. www.niagarabeadsociety.ca

Saturday, March 10, 2012• 7:30 p.m. Friends’ Club St.

Patricks Dance, Westminster United Church Hall, 180

Queenston St., St. Catharines. Live music, prizes and refreshments. All welcome. Information 905-358-8089.

March Break •Monster Art Camp, In The

Orchard9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday

to Friday, ages 4 and up. Youth training also available. Painting, sculpture, textile and design. 905-892-1709 or www.intheorchard.org

March Break at the Pelham Library

Monday, March 12, 201210 a.m. Munsch-a-Mania,

Maple Acre Branch. $3.• 1 p.m. AbriKIDabra magic

and comedy show with Peter Mennie. Pelham Arena Hall. All children must be accompanied by an adult, who also need at ticket. $4.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012• 11 a.m. The Un-Birthday

Party. Celebrate your un-birthday with cupcake decorating and party games galore. Wear your wackiest hat for a chance to win a prize. For kids 5yrs and up. $4. Fonthill Branch.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012• 10:30 a.m. Sock Critters.

Socks will be provided as well as the ‘extras’ like ribbon, buttoms and other glueables. Any age with adult. Fonthill Branch. $4.

1 p.m. Bake and Take. Join Jessica Stewart as she creates magnificent morsels to taste or take home. Hints for even the youngest bakers. Recipes provided. For 6yrs and up, under 5 must have adult present. $4. Fonthill Branch.

Thursday, March 15, 2012• 10:30 a.m. St. Patty’s

Storytime. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a great story, craft and some green punch. Don’t forget to wear green. Ages 2 and up. Fonthill Branch. $3

• 1 p.m. Paperbag Princess by CastleMoon Theatre Pupeteer Carrie Costello performs The Paperbag Princess. Make and take puppet included.Fonthill Branch of the Pelham Library. No supervision required. $4.

Friday March 16, 2012• 11 a.m. Crazy for Popcorn.

It’s a popcorn party for anyone who loves popcorn with popcorn crafts, story and best of all, sampling of all the finest flavours. Fonthill Branch. $4.

• 1 - 4 p.m. Crazy Crafters. Looking for something to do to pass your Friday afternoon? Check out the library’s craft supplies and make your own unique creation. Open to anyone with adult supervision. Free. Fonthill Branch.

Sunday March 18, 2012• 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Soup’s

On. Fenwick Lioness Soup and Bread Lunch, selection of homemade soups, variety of breads, dessert, coffee, tea or juice. $7 per person. Fenwick Lions Hall, Centennial Park.

Friday, April 6, 2012• 5 - 6:30 p.m. Fish & Chips

and Silent Auction, Fonthill Legion, Hwy 20, Fonthill. Lots of great items. Bidding ends at 6 p.m. Proceeds to lounge renovations.

Happy 10thBirthday

(March 5)

Love Mom, Dad & FamilyXOXO

WOWDouble Digits

Already!

William Guitard!

With eternal sadness and profound love, we share our memories of our beloved Valerie Ann Lane, who passed away one year ago.Love with a loveBeyond all telling,Missed with a griefBeyond all tears,Your presence we missYour memory we treasure,Love you always,Forgetting you never,Forever missed and loved, Love always, Greg, Tula, Jim, Andrew and Peter.

Val Lane

Sunglasses, brown/gold frame with JC Logo. Re-ward. 905-788-9500.

LOST

Home Improvements. Cus-tom bathrooms, plumbing, ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, fl ooring, drywall, painting, basement develop-ments, carpentry, windows, doors. Quality workmanship/fair pricing. Call for a free estimate 905-708-9314, 905-937-9314

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Baby steps...... start out by

sharing your joy

FREE!Word Ads

For photo ad prices call our offi ce at905-892-8690

IN MEMORIAM

REAL ESTATE

THINKING OF UPSIZINGOR DOWNSIZING?

Put 25 years of experience to work for you. Call Christa Fraser, sales rep for a confidential evaluation of your home. Coldwell Banker Momentum Realty, Brokerage. 905-892-0700. [email protected]

Page 12: The Voice of Pelham

Page 12 THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, February 29, 2012

TWO LOCATIONSTanya andIan BirrellOwners of the Healthy Cupboard

NEWWEBSITE www.healthycupboard.ca • [email protected]

PORT COLBORNE101 CLARENCE STREET(Across from Food Basics)

905 835-9806

FONTHILL111 HIGHWAY #20 EAST

(Across from Sobeys)

905 892-9054

The first Wednesday of EVERY month!

Join us on Wednesday, March 7th! 9:30-7pm20% OFFVitamins

15% OFFBodycare

10% OFFFood