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notllocal.com APRIL 7, 2021 Volume 3 • Issue 14

Police find man dead on Lakeshore Rd.

Penny Coles a dead man lying on the The Local side of the road. Further investigation On Tuesday, members revealed he had been of the Niagara Region- struck by a vehicle, and al Police were looking Lakeshore, between Mc- for the driver of a Ford Nab Road and Stewart F150 that was travelling Road, was closed for in- eastbound on Lakeshore vestigation by detectives Road about 7 a.m. Mon- with the collision recon- day morning, and struck struction unit. a pedestrian by the pas- Anyone with informa- senger side of the truck. tion is asked to contact Resident Alan Mont- At about 7:18 a.m. detectives at 905-688- gomery received the Monday, police were 4111, ext. 1009137. first pharmacy vacci- called to the area of At press time Tuesday, nation in Virgil Mon- Lakeshore Road and Mc- police would just say the day, from pharmacist Nab Road, to assist para- matter remains under in- Martina Schubert. medics. vestigation, and no fur- (Photo supplied) When officers arrived ther details were being on the scene they found released. Vaccinations underway at Simpson’s Penny Coles Of those, 22 are a waiting list, to be ready through email. By Thursday, he ex- community clinics, or any- The Local in Niagara. In Niaga- to move quickly once they For every 50 emails pects to be ordering more where else, to take whatev- ra-on-the-Lake, Simpson’s receive vaccines. he sends, he gets back re- vaccine, and hoping it will er is offered first. Sean Simpson began PharmaSave on Niagara Simpson says those quests for about 25 ap- be delivered. “I wouldn’t discourage vaccinating people over 55 Stone Road and Simpson’s who have already added pointments, he says. He was hearing from anyone from looking else- years of age Monday, with Apothecary on King Street their names to his waiting Eleven people were some people that they where,” he says. 400 doses of AstraZeneca were the only ones includ- list don’t need to register vaccinated in Virgil Mon- were hesitant about As- “The message we sent he has received to divide ed in that list. again. He is going through day, and 10 at the down- traZeneca, and preferred out was for those who have between his Virgil and The age group forthe names in sequence, town apothecary. to wait for a community an opportunity to get vac- King Street pharmacies. pharmacy vaccinations beginning with those who Simpson was aiming clinic where they would cinated anywhere, to take Premier Doug Ford has been lowered from 60 registered last February, for 40 appointments Tues- receive Pfizer or Moderna, it. The primary goal is to said last Thursday a ship- years of age and over to sorting through those who day, although he wasn’t but he also talked to some- get as many people vacci- ment of 583,400 of the 1.5 those 55 and over. haven’t yet received their planning on ramping up one who received Astra- nated as possible.” million doses that arrived Although the informa- vaccination elsewhere and the King Street location Zeneca at a Public Health Older people will have in Canada will be shipped tion for making appoint- are eligible. quite so quickly. clinic. other options, as more to 700 pharmacies, with ments is available on the Those who were first With a total of 400 dos- “The lines seem to be a community clinics are about 350 new locations provincial online booking to put their names on es, and 3,500 names on his little blurred now,” he says. scheduled, he says. added to the 300 that were system, some pharmacists, Simpson’s list when it was list, those who registered He encourages anyone People who are eligible already offering vaccina- such as Simpson, have made available online Feb. recently might be waiting who has an opportunity to tions. been collecting names on 9 can expect to hear soon, a while, he said. be vaccinated at one of the Continued on page 5 2 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Lockdown could extend another month, says Hirji this week. Projecting to the future, if Niagara’s top medical health officer the lockdown doesn’t change the trajectory of COVID, Hir- advocating for stay-at-home order ji says the next steps could be looking at curfews, requiring Penny Coles That was Dr. Mustafa Hir- with that, we could still be in a passes to travel certain dis- The Local ji’s prediction Tuesday during “pretty dangerous place” with tances, and the province shut- his weekly press briefing, but hospitalizations and ICU ad- ting down travel across public If the province does not he isn’t alone in his thinking. missions.” We should be do- health units. call for further restrictions He, and other medical ing at least that.” He could see that helping or a stay-at-home order soon officers of health across On- The last two lockdowns stop the spread in tourist ar- — possibly as soon as to- tario, wrote to the province “have actually worked,” he eas, as people from the GTA day — it’s likely the current last week asking for further says, but having retail stores and Hamilton travel to Niag- shutdown will not be enough restrictions to be enacted. open doesn’t make sense. ara, but it would have to be a to control the spread of in- “I would absolutely agree The medical officers didn’t provincial initiative. fection, and we’ll be looking with the recommendation receive an answer from their Hirji, the region’s act- at two months of it instead that we should have gone to a letter, but if Ford is paying ing chief medical officer of of one, says the region’s top stay-at-home order,” he says. attention, it may come in the health, says there has been medical officer. The science table shows, even form of an announcement a sharp increase of variant cases in the last two weeks, which was expected, but even the non-variant number is Boots to the ground rising across the province. Hospitalizations and admis- sion to intensive care units are also climbing. We’re close to a peak similar to the second wave, he says, and will likely surpass it within the week. “I Dr. Mustafa Hirji (File photo) expect the third wave is going to be larger than our second a really critical level a month Public Health to do case man- wave,” as a result of what he is from now, and we’re going agement and contact tracing, seeing in Niagara and across to need to stay in lockdown he says. Follow-up has already the province. quite a ways longer before we become much more cursory, If nothing changes, the actually see our cases coming which means contact tracing Ontario Science Table is down.” is going to be less effective at showing the number of daily He’s also concerned about keeping a lid on cases, and cases could double by the end the P1 variant from Brazil, will be contributing to the in- of April, from the 3,000 we’re which has turned B.C. into a crease we’re seeing, says Hirji. seeing now to closer to 6,000. hot spot, coming to Ontario. And that increase, he says, A combination of vacci- “This variant is one I’m is coming in the younger age nations with a stay-at-home going to pay attention to, be- group. There has already been order or similar kind of lock- cause there is a risk that we an increase in the number of down might see cases peak by could see it.” cases in those younger than mid-April and then start to It’s more severe in terms 20, because of school out- come down, but they would of illness, so would put even breaks, he says, adding he likely start to rise again as greater pressure on hospitals, believes it’s starting at home soon as the lockdown is lifted. and is also the most resistant with family members and “You buy yourself a lit- to our vaccinations. spreading to children, who tle bit longer before you lift It could mean that his take it to school. off the lid from the pressure hopes for the summer may While some areas have cooker,” he says, but “that’s be delayed, he says. Just two taken “drastic action” by clos- assuming the province would weeks ago, he was feeling op- ing schools, Hirji agrees with Michael Webber, Sue Henry, Julia Buxton-Cox, Debbie and Mike Maggean, Audrey be in a stay-at-home order,” timistic about the freedoms the province that children Pellett and George Webber have all been part of an effort to get donated boots and which hadn’t happened by we might be able to enjoy, need to be at school, and that shoes to offshore workers. Thanks to Pellett’s contacts at Pepsi Co. and a safety shoe Tuesday. even by May or June, when schools should be the last wholesaler, many workers are able to enjoy safe and sturdy footwear in the coming “It’s quite possible that a we have a majority of the pop- thing to close. Teachers are season. Work boots are an expensive item in addition to the workers’ many pre-trav- month from now we could ulation vaccinated. Instead, next up to be vaccinated, like- el expenses and testing, and many wait until they are literally falling apart before still see cases higher than he says, we might not be able ly through Niagara Health, they invest in new ones. Organizers Buxton-Cox (Buy Nothing Niagara-on-the-Lake where they are right now.” to reopen as quickly as he had which could dedicate some Facebook group), Donna Brown (CWOP and Gateway Church ), Jane Andres (Niag- And if that’s the case, a thought — those freedoms clinic dates to educators, rath- ara Workers Welcome), and Rev. Antonio Illas (Migrant Farmworkers Project, Angli- month from now the prov- are looking like they may be a er than having them book can diocese) have been working together to distribute the work shoes and boots to ince will have to decide on little further off. through the provincial online those most in need. (Photo supplied) extending the lockdown, he “I was really hoping that system, he says. added. by the mid to later part of the The next age group, the He also warned that ad- summer we could start to see 20 to 39-year-olds, is also in- missions to hospital and things looking very similar to creasing, and is dominating ICUs will be later to rise, as what they were last summer, the spread of infection. a “lagging metric compared where most things are open.” They are a driver of the to cases. It’s quite possible The P1 variant “could put community increase, “be- we would still be at that very a damper on that.” cause they’re working service high level of ICU admissions The spread of the British jobs, and they’re working jobs even a month out,” another B117 is the one that is dom- where they aren’t able to stay reason why he suspects the inant now in Ontario, and at home.” lockdown will be more than is really at a point where it is It’s no fault of their own a month. “I see ICUs being at overwhelming the ability of that they are more at risk — it’s a matter of their work en- vironment, he says. The 40 to 59 age group, the parents of the younger people who are getting sick, is also trending up. Deborah Twomey Brown The good news is that the Your Personal Concierge number of vaccinations in the older age groups are having Offering my assistance with errands, an effect, and we’re seeing that decluttering, meal prep, dog walks, etc. impact with cases in those age *COVID-19 strict compliance measures groups considerably lower. Free Consultations 905-321-5428 [email protected] notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 3 V is for vaccine, says local couple David Gilchrist mean. The last month has seen My wife had done a lot of in Wilmington, Delaware. So, Special to The Local us patiently waiting for our age research regarding the Astra- thank you President Joe Biden. group to be announced. Zeneca vaccine, and many of Receiving the vaccine itself For the last year of the pan- With the anticipated roll- my Scottish relatives had re- was no different than receiving demic we have been helping out of vaccine distribution ceived it, some of whom are a flu shot. It was expertly ad- our son, Andrew, and his wife, through pharmacies my wife, quite elderly. So we had no ministered by Amina Sayed, by acting as caregivers for two Claudia, a registered nurse, concerns for those 55 years pharmacy manager at Simp- of our grandchildren in Ham- signed us up online sever- of age and older. We arrived son’s Apothecary. After wait- ilton two days a week. al weeks ago with Simpson’s a few minutes early at Simp- ing for 15 minutes we thanked Our daughter-in-law, Jodi, Pharmacy. son’s Apothecary on King Amina. All done. is involved in COVID research Claudia was thrilled to Street Monday afternoon, and Our second dose is sched- at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Part of get a phone call on Sunday announced we were there for uled for early August, but this her responsibilities has been afternoon from Sean Simp- our vaccine. The night before may change if supply levels testing people who are home- son asking if we would like to we had completed an online increase (fingers crossed). For less, or living in group homes. have an AstraZeneca vaccine questionnaire, but were given a now, we will continue to ex- So, despite all precautions, the following day — Mon- more detailed one to complete ercise caution, wear a mask, there always has been a con- day. Yes!! The pharmacy had at the pharmacy. Although we wash our hands regularly and cern of disease transmission. received doses and wanted to had no concerns, I did ask one maintain other protocols. We Our lives, like that of so begin with a slow rollout of question. Where is this vac- would encourage others to ac- many, have been on hold, and the vaccine to streamline the cine from? The U.S. was the cept the first vaccine offered. Claudia Gilchrist receives her shot at Simpson’s Apothecary on we’ve been hoping for the relief process. We had no hesitation answer, from AstraZeneca’s We want to see an end to this King Street Monday, the first day for Niagara pharmacy vaccina- that getting a vaccine would at agreeing. North American headquarters pandemic! tion sites. (David Gilchrist) Gates calls on province to fix glitches, pay for sick days their communities. My office Ontario Community Support virus. The first is a travel tax this province with a generous be passed to put the frame- began to receive calls from Association, among dozens credit for families, a credit that tax credit to travel and explore works in place to support panicked seniors who were of city mayors and councils. will give residents up to $1000 our great province. these industries as soon as our going as far as to try to flag Supports can and must be ex- of their travel expenses back if The second bill is avaccination program success- rides with strangers to the new tended to businesses to offset they travel in our province. much-needed tax change for fully puts an end to COVID as assigned vaccination centres any concern about costing of Forty thousand of our our local Niagara wineries. we see it today. Wayne Gates, MPP across the region. the programs. Simply put, Ford neighbours in Niagara are out Providing as many jobs in the These are all policies be- Niagara Falls riding While some issues with cannot say we’re listening to of work because of the down- town as they do, they cannot fore the legislature today. Pre- Special to The Local the system are to be expected, doctors and then ignore one of turn in tourism, and we can- be held back by taxes that do mier Ford could call a vote issues flagged a full 11 days their loudest comments – paid not ignore their reality and the not apply to international and fix all of these issues in an The news of the newest in advance cannot go unad- sick days will help stop this vi- financial hardship they have wines. Again, they have taken afternoon. As we go into yet round of lockdowns has ex- dressed. Every senior who rus in its tracks. gone through. Once it is safe a massive hit from this pan- another lockdown, I am hop- asperated us all. Despite Pre- struggles with the system to The other policy that con- to travel – and only when it demic, and a simple tax code ing he will see these are not mier Doug Ford’s misplaced get an appointment, or who cerns me greatly is the con- is safe – we must supercharge fix can help them. lofty ideas, but well thought- hopes that the vaccination is rescheduled or cancelled, tinued resistance to funding our tourism industry, and get No one should be travel- out policies with community process would outpace rising is a senior who continues to lower class sizes. Just looking those families back to work. ling to our region until this support. Policies which are infections, we have returned go without these life-saving at the daily numbers in our My bill provides residents of crisis is over, but these bills can desperately needed today. to an untenable cycle of infec- vaccines. In some cases these province, it is clear that school tion and lockdown. On April seniors are so frustrated they outbreaks are spreading out of 1, we had more residents of don’t book another appoint- control. Students get sick and Ontario in hospitals on venti- ment. Defeating this virus then go home and get their lators than at any time before means breaking lines of trans- parents and grandparents sick. in this pandemic – the vaccine mission, and that means vac- Some of those sick will end rollout has not arrived quickly cinations. Unforced errors like up in the hospital, and some enough, and there’s immediate this cannot be allowed. in the ICUs. We can stop this Your family pet ~ Our family passion steps we must take today to Another policy that sits be- form of transmission. If we stop the health and economic fore the legislature that must ensure our essential workers, damage of this third wave. be immediately voted on is Bill teachers included, are vacci- Last week many of you saw 239, which will provide paid nated, and our classrooms are the comments I raised with sick days for Ontario work- manageable in size, we can get the Premier regarding my ers. The evidence could not through the next two or three concern for the vaccine rollout be clearer, the shutdown will months, which will be critical in Niagara. Any time my office not work if those most like- until our vaccination process Be grateful for is told of an issue – and there ly to contract COVID-19 are catches up. are many – I must remember still working. In our province, I also have two bills before the beauty in that this a large, unprecedent- a huge portion of community the legislature that are criti- ed logistical challenge. We transmission are workers in cal to ensure our community have no choice but to accept warehouse and manufacturing can rebuild once we beat this every day. that a program this large will settings. In the second wave, have bumps in the road that some 65 per cent of Toronto’s are not the fault of anyone in workers were deemed essen- the government or the bu- tial, over 80 per cent in these reaucracy. The issues I raised settings that were ground last week were unforced errors zero for community spread. that should’ve been addressed. The problem we have is that The largest issue was the we cannot expect workers to dozens of residents who re- choose between feeding their ceived calls from the Ministry families or going to work with of Health mere hours before symptoms, and they shouldn’t their appointments, and were have to. Workers must be able told those appointments were to stay home and stay away Dr. Kevin Clark and cancelled, sometimes resched- from others if they are sick. Dr. Rebecca Zabek-Clark New patients uled in a different city. Accord- The list of leaders and experts Dentists ing to the Ford government, supporting these necessary and their registered this occurred because of a measures is long, but includes Dental Hygiene Team glitch in the system. Normally, Ontario Medical Association, this may be understandable, Alliance for Healthier Com- 369 MARY STREET Dr. Jim Turpel | Dr. Stephan Gajadhar except for the fact that this munities, Registered Nurses’ NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE glitch had been raised with the Association of Ontario, Asso- www.niagaradental.ca Dr. Angela Granacki | Dr. Erin Kanerva government 11 days before ciation of Family Health Teams welcome the system went live. Especial- of Ontario, Ontario College of NEW PATIENTS WELCOME 323 Mary St., Niagara.on.the.Lake ly with the 75-plus age group, Family Physicians, Nurse Prac- EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE many of these seniors lacked titioners’ Association of On- 905.468.4100 | www.ucah.ca | [email protected] access to transportation be- tario, Nurse Practitioner Led 905-468-3009 yond the appointments in Clinics Association, and the 4 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Transplant recipient concerned about vaccination rollout Penny Coles qualifies her to go to a phar- lauding the way they have just the three weeks as deter- going to take any chances.” how easily they can be trans- The Local macy for the AstraZeneca handled the difficult feat of mined to be optimum. Phillips says none of the mitted.” vaccine, her doctor has told mass vaccinations,“but there But for Phillips, that’s not other transplant recipients Her dad, who is 83 and Laura Phillips has been her not to take it. has never been a mention helpful when she hasn’t had she knows have had any luck healthy, has been vaccinated, watching as the age group Two other local transplant of individuals with immu- her first dose. getting vaccinated. Hamilton “and he says he would have drops for vaccinations, and recipients spoke to The Local nocompromised systems. I Another local transplant doesn’t have any special op- gladly given it to me.” wondering when it will be about getting their shots, and think that should be looked recipient, Diane Peirce, was portunities for them. Phillips says she will her turn. urged Phillips to keep trying at, especially for those who able to be vaccinated at the “It’s been a rough year. I’m watch the news, and wait for The 57-year-old Virgilall possible avenues. are still working. But there Toronto hospital where she double-masking, keeping my the age groups to get to her, woman is an organ trans- Maria Bau-Coote, about is no thought of those in this received her living liver organ distance, and it’s even more while continuing to pursue plant recipient. Her new kid- to turn 52, is a familiar name situation.” transplant almost a year ago. stressful in the last month any possibility she can to be ney gave her life about five to many after serving two As it is, the vaccination is Her coordinator with the because of the variants and vaccinated. years ago, leaving her with terms as a town councillor, considered much less effec- transplant team arranged for a severely immunocompro- one of them as deputy lord tive for those whose immune both her and her husband mised system that has a hard mayor. She is celebrating 21 systems are already compro- Mike to be vaccinated last time fighting off infections years as a kidney recipient. mised, she says. week, she said. and diseases. Her career has been Although it’s been more “When I found Niag- Contracting COVID-19 spent in health care, includ- than 20 years since she re- ara was so behind, I con- could be fatal for those who ing working for the Niagara ceived her kidney, her im- tacted them and was told have had organ transplants, Health system as a hospital mune system is still compro- I could book an appoint- she says, yet recipients are not administrator assistant, and mised, and if anything, there ment through the University high on the priority list for executive director for the are further complications to Health Network.” vaccinations. NOTL Family Health Team, be expected as recipients age. She encourages Phillips to She received her new before it amalgamated with “We should all be seeing try every possible avenue to kidney in Hamilton, and her the Niagara North team. it as a priority,” she says. “Our get her vaccination. specialist there is willing to She is now executive di- systems are not the same. “She is so much more at provide a letter affirming rector of the Good Shepherd Contracting COVID could risk than a healthy 70 year she is a transplant recipient, Centres hospice, offeringlead to death. Anyone with a old. I don’t understand who which seems to work in other palliative care to the mar- compromised immune sys- is making these choices.” areas, but not Niagara. ginalized, those with mental tem doesn’t have a fighting Peirce is also aware that “There doesn’t seem to be health and addiction prob- chance. I’m very lucky that the vaccination is much less a process for us, other than lems, and the homeless, she because of where I work. I effective for her, and she re- ‘wait for it’.” says. was able to receive the vac- mains very cautious. The She is isolating as much “It’s a very humbling ex- cine.” number of daily cases in as possible, double-masking perience,” and a job she loves, Her husband isn’t at the Ontario, and the fear of the when outside, unless there is but one she had to do from age where he qualifies, and he variants, makes it scary to go nobody around, and is terri- home until, as a health care has to be very cautious, she anywhere, she says, although fied of what the disease might professional, she was vacci- says, because she is still vul- she’s played golf a few times, do to her. Her healthy hus- nated. nerable, even vaccinated. enjoying getting some exer- band, who is older than her, If it weren’t for her job, The province has recog- cise outside. is likely to get his shot before she’d still be waiting, she says. nized that by reducing the “After all I’ve beenDiane Peirce, a transplant recipient who has been vaccinated, her, she adds. “I don’t want to be critical waiting time for transplant through, everything I’ve done suggests others with compromised immune systems should ad- Although her age now of public health,” she adds, recipients’ second doses, to to improve my health, I’m not vocate for their turn. (Photo supplied) OPEN TO SERVE YOU SAFELY THE FARMHOUSE CAFÉ OPEN FOR TAKEOUT Thursday through Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm Call to order 905-468-8814 Follow our Facebook page for pop-up specials!

WINE BOUTIQUE is still mixing things up! We are offering Curbside Pickup and & TASTING BAR FREE Home or On-Site Delivery NEW HOURS OF OPERATION: Open for Curbside Monday to Friday - 8 am to 5 pm, and In-Store Pickup Saturday 8 am - 12 pm Orders can be called or texted to 905-329-2077 7 days a week or emailed to [email protected]. STAY SAFE NOTL FREE NOTL Wine Delivery 1573 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 5 Town asking for feedback PUBLIC NOTICE on park restrictions Notice of Study Commencement and Penny Coles idents and visitors enjoy for large gatherings. The Local year-round,” says Lord Temporary signs are Public Information Centre #1 Mayor Disero. “While our being posted in some When the town passed parks are intended for the parks, with permanent 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing a parks bylaw, restricting use and enjoyment of the signage going up in all or banning many activi- public, it is important that town parks and green Plan Update ties, councillors discussed we regulate various activ- spaces prior to the sum- Niagara is expected to gain 214,000 new residents and 81,000 the need for public input. ities to ensure our shared mer season. In order to get the by- spaces are kept safe, clean, Members of the “mu- new jobs by 2051. We need to plan now to make sure we have the law passed for the coming and welcoming for every- nicipal park patrol team” water and wastewater infrastructure we need to support this growth, warm weather, council- on e .” will be rotating through- including water/wastewater pipes, pumping stations and water/ lors agreed, on the advice The bylaw sets hours of out parks on weekends wastewater treatment plants. The update will be coordinated with of director of operations operation for each park, to educate and assist with Sheldon Randall, that the and prohibits activities compliance, the town’s other Regional Plans including: summer could be consid- such as barbecuing, light- news release says. • Development Charges Background Study and By-law ered a trial period, before ing, building or stoking Town bylaw officers deciding whether changes campfires or bonfires,will respond to complaints • Transportation Master Plan Refresh to the bylaw are required. setting off fireworks, con- made throughout the • Regional Official Plan - 2051 Population and The bylaw was passed suming alcohol, erecting week, as required. Employment Forecasts in March to regulate the tents, amplifying sound, The public is now being use of municipal parks allowing pets off-leash,asked to provide feedback In 2016, Niagara Region completed a Water and Wastewater Master and green spaces, to es- using motorized vehicles on the bylaw throughout Servicing Plan that charted infrastructure needs to the year 2041, tablish rules for the shared and parking (except in the spring and summer. public use and enjoyment designated parking areas), A public survey will while maintaining levels of service. This 2021 update to the plan will of such spaces, and to aid damaging property, using be published at the end of incorporate recent knowledge and current priorities to ensure we can in the protection of the a metal detector, feeding the summer to solicit ad- accommodate further growth expected by 2051 and beyond, as per natural environment, a wildlife, commercial ac- ditional feedback, as well the amended Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. recent town news release tivities, and more. as a summary of all com- says. Some of the previously ments received. The study follows the master planning process as established by the “Niagara-on-the-Lake listed activities are per- To comment on the by- has many wonderful parks missible by way of a per- law, visit jointheconversa- Municipal Engineer’s Association Class Environmental Assessment and green spaces that res- mit, which can also allow tionnotl.org/parks-by-law. process for Master Plans, which is an approved Ontario Environmental Assessment process. The Master Servicing Plan Update will satisfy phases 1 and 2 of the Class Environmental Assessment process Best advice is take first including developing and evaluating alternative servicing strategies for the Region’s systems and facilities. Public and stakeholder input will be sought throughout the process and a Master Servicing Plan Update vaccination available Report will be prepared and filed for public review. /niagararegion

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For more details check out our Continued from page 1 niagararegion.ca Brand Guidelines. @niagararegion Virgil Fort Erie Public feedback is important. Information about the project will be Simpson’s Pharmacy - Rexall - PUBLICavailable on Niagara NOTICE Region’s website as part of Public Information to attend a Public Health 1882 Niagara Stone Road 310-C Garrison Road Center No. 1. You can learn about how this project will contribute to clinic should take those appointments, which will Niagara Falls Crescent Park Pharmacy - Niagara’s overall growth plan, key servicing issues being considered open up more spots for Shoppers Drug Mart - 5-1264 Garrison Road and how you can have your voice heard. others at pharmacies. 3701 Portage Road, Unit 1 AstraZeneca is not Grimsby A recorded video and information regarding this project will be made available to those 55 and Costco Pharmacy - Shoppers Drug Mart - available for Public Information Centre No. 1 on the project website under, and everyone has to 7500 Pin Oak Drive 43 St. Andrews Ave., Unit 1 beginning Wednesday, April 21, 2021. This will be followed with a make the best decision for themselves, he says, add- WalMart Pharmacy - Port Colborne two-week period to submit Public Information Centre No. 1 related ing, “the best advice is to 7481 Oakwood Drive Boggio Pharmacy Ltd - comments to the Project Team. get the first vaccine avail- 200 Catharines St. able to you.” Shoppers Drug Mart - Access the project website at He has 10 trained staff 5125 Montrose Road Ridgeway niagararegion.ca/projects/www-master-servicing-plan able to administer the Boggio & Edwards doses, and says the ability Boggio and MacKinnon Ridgeway IDA - If you have any questions, comments, or wish to be added to the to get shots in arms is not Pharmacy - 307 Ridge Road N study mailing list, please contact: the limiting factor — it’s 6680 Drummond Road the time-consuming job Beamsville Ilija Stetic of filling out the necessary Rexall - Rexall - Project Manager, Niagara Region documentation to report 6485 Lundy’s Lane 4486 Ontario Street to the province that will be 289-668-4536 the challenge. Welland Smithville [email protected] Niagara residents Shoppers Drug Mart - RX Drug Mart - 70 or older in 2021 (born Seaway Mall (H2-800 144 Griffin Street Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public in 1951 or earlier) can Niagara Street North) meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of book an appointment Recently added Niagara Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal online at Ontario.ca/ Shoppers Drug Mart - Public Health clinics: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). bookvaccine or by call- 595 South Pelham Road April 11 to 12 ing 1-888-999-6488. Res- Niagara Falls: MacBain The written submissions including names, contact information and idents can book an ap- Loblaw Pharmacy - Community Centre reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should pointment at any clinic 821 Niagara Street North be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or across Niagara. April 13 to14 [email protected]. For those 55 or older, Rexall - 399 King Street Port Colborne: Ontario.ca/bookvaccine Vale Health and If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend will direct residents to the St. Catharines Wellness Centre pharmacies nearest them. Shoppers Drug Mart - and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance 1-387 Scott Street April 15 to 16 so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please Niagara pharmacies of- Grimsby: contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905- 980-6000 fering vaccinations: WalMart Pharmacy - Niagara West YMCA ext. 3252 or [email protected]. 420 Vansickle Road Niagara-On-The-Lake April 17 to 18 Simpson’s Apothecary - Loblaw Pharmacy - Welland: 223 King Street 221 Glendale Ave. Niagara Centre YMCA /niagararegion

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For more details check out our niagararegion.ca Brand Guidelines. @niagararegion 6 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal EDITORIAL notllocal.com It’s time to look at who is most at risk While the province has Disappointment. Even anger. be vaccinated. It seems the their immune systems, may sooner rather than later. and admitted to ICUs, not made some mistakes, and Each province has had its province is finally recog- be a small category, but also But it seems for it to do because of their bad choic- glitches have occurred, the list of priorities for vaccina- nizing that, and will begin seems obvious. These peo- the most good, not just to es or dangerous social be- vaccination process is pro- tions, and residents of each offering the choice to edu- ple are at great risk if they get the individual but for the haviour, but because they ceeding. province have ideas of how cators. That’s so logical it’s COVID, and not all can just greater good of the commu- depend on their pay cheque For those who are eli- they would choose to prior- surprising it’s taken so long sit at home in isolation. Let’s nity, there are risk factors to pay their bills and support gible and have either been itize, if they were in charge. to get there, but at least it’s move them up on the list. that are more important their family. vaccinated or have an ap- One comment heard happening. Essential workers, often than age. Last January, the goal pointment, there is a feeling frequently in Ontario has The issue of those at the grocery store or phar- We all want to reduce across the country was to get of euphoria. been that if kids are going higher risk, because of ill- macy clerk, or at larger work our chances of becoming se- needles into arms as quickly For others, frustration. to school, teachers should ness that has compromised places such as factories, riously ill or dying, that goes as possible. should also be priorities, not without saying. Most of the It still is, but now, if this only for themselves, but for elderly, most at risk for that, is a race against time, as all those in the community have been vaccinated, a de- new provincial cases, vari- who will be infected as part cision that has never been ants, hospitalizations and View from the couch of a workplace outbreak. It questioned. Now let’s have admissions to ICUs rise at sounds like the province is a look at those who have to an increasingly alarming Donald Combe This new documentary, Donald Combe is a re- not only lowering the age go to work, who come into rate, maybe it’s time to take Special to The Local Audrey (Netflix, 2020), al- tired English teacher who group to 65 but also look- contact with a large number a step back and look at how lows a more intimate look, loves to go to movies. Until he ing at those circumstances, of people, and by working to be smarter as well as fast- Audrey Hepburn had showing us not only the resumes going to theatres, he although at press time, we in risky situations, are more er. Winning a race is always a remarkable life. To her glamorous aspects, but has graciously agreed to share didn’t have a lot of details as likely to pass it on in the about more than speed, or many admirers her career also the many difficulties his opinions, through “short to when or how that would community. They are there the turtle would never have as actress, fashion icon and and sadnesses in the life of and sweet” exclusives, of happen. to serve the rest of us, in one beaten the hare. humanitarian proved she this amazing woman. She Netflix series and movies for We know everyone way or another — and they had achieved the ultimate. died at age 64 in 1993. The Local. who wants to be vaccinated have become the people Penny Coles will be, and it’s looking like who are being hospitalized The Local Auchterlonie on Astrology

Bill Auchterlonie ter understanding on an a list of things you want. Special to The Local old wound, and while that Today’s the day to make might be painful at first, it big steps toward making The full week of Auch- quickly changes into some- them come true. The New terlonie on Astrology can be thing sweet that sets you Moon is very Aries, featur- found on the Facebook page free. Be on your toes this ing five planets in the first for The NOTL Local, and afternoon, as there is a risk sign on the zodiac. The on the website www. auch- of an accident which hurts, new Moon is sextile Mars terlonieonastrology.ca most likely in a lower ex- in Gemini, sextile Saturn Thursday, April 8: With tremity like a foot or toe. in Aquarius and square Moon in Pisces making It was April 9, 1869, that Pluto in Capricorn. All the a friendly connection to Canada became the huge planets involved in this lu- Uranus in Taurus, this land mass that we know it nation have a “let’s do it” Thursday can bring a nice to be today. That’s because vibe. And of course, when financial surprise – or152 years ago today, the we have a new Moon in some good news health- Hudson’s Bay Company Aries, we want to do Aries wise. Or best of all – both! gave all their lands to the stuff: pioneer, explore, take Today would be the 129th new (two-year-old) gov- a stand and get involved birthday of Hollywood’s ernment of Canada. in projects that define the Audrey Hepburn in a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. first superstar. Mary Pick- Sunday, April 11: At truth of who we are. Back ford was born in Toronto 10:30 p.m., it’s the New in 1936, the Toronto Maple on April 8, 1892. I met her Moon at 22 degrees of Ar- Leafs were in the Stanley Letters! We want letters! when I was a film student ies. Close by are Mercury Cup finals against the De- and Venus, making this a If you have a letter to the editor you’d like to see published, at York University five troit Red Wings. On April years before she passed. day when new starts are 11, the Red Wings won please send it to [email protected]. Please try to keep it She was soft-spoken, and possible, and a clever and game three of a best of to about 350 words. Sorry, but we won’t publish anonymous still radiant and magnetic. generous day shot with four, by a score of 3-2. letters. And please stick to the issue at hand, rather than Friday, April 9: A dream new ideas, and boldly-im- That’s AonA for now. attacking those involved. The deadline is Monday at noon. holds the insight to a bet- proved relationships. Make Until next time – shine on. NEEDNEED HELP?HELP? MAKEMAKE THETHE CALLCALL

DISTRESS CENTRE KIDS HELP PHONE ASSAULTED For depression, Service for youth WOMEN’S distress and crisis. 416-586-5437 HELPLINE 24 hour help line: 1-800-668-6868 Mobile calls to: 905-688-3711 (Crisis Line) #SAFE (#7233) P.O. Box 430, 1596 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, L0S 1T0 kidshelpphone.ca 1-866-863-0511 Editor: Advertising Sales: MENTAL HEALTH (Toll Free) Penny Coles Karen Skeoch AND ADDICTIONS ALCOHOLICS [email protected] [email protected] • 905-641-5335 ACCESS ANONYMOUS CRIME STOPPERS 905-246-5878 Meetings every Julia Coles (Toll Free) Wednesday evening 1-800-222-8477 Publisher: [email protected] • 905-934-1040 The Niagara-on-the-Lake Local 1-866-550-5205 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (TIPS) Helen Arsenault St. Mark’s Parish Hall niagaratips.com Graphic Designer: Local Business Directory, GAMBLER’S 41 Byron St., NOTL Text 274637 (CRIMES), Rosie Gowsell Local Happenings, Classified Sales ANONYMOUS or find a meeting keyword: Niagara, [email protected] [email protected] 905-351-1616 905-682-2140 then your tip notllocal.com facebook.com/notllocal instagram.com/thenotllocal @thenotllocal notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 7 The opinions expressed in submitted commentary, and letters to the editor, are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of The NOTL Local. COMMENT LocalLETTERS LocalLETTERS Council urged to reconsider Please don’t outlaw barbecues heavy-handed park restrictions in town parks Dear Editor: overtaxing the bylaw en- the money to enjoy our I want to raise my dis- government-controlled ra-on-the-Lake with their I remember, as the forcement system already stellar restaurant district appointment over the new bylaw that anyone could family and friends, and en- youngest son of an immi- in place? Erecting a small but can still enjoy a day out bylaw of no barbecues or think of. joy a casual barbecue and grant family, having picnics tent or shelter throughout in the park with their loved alcohol in town parks. I have mentioned this maybe have a drink. in Niagara-on-the-Lake the day to shade young ones and all of the other at- Welcome, tourists. to friends and family and You need to rethink parks and along the beau- children or older adults tractions that this area has However, if you are visit- all laughed, and couldn’t your priorities, and make tiful Niagara Parkway. My from extreme heat or rain- to offer. ing our town, be aware you believe such a bylaw would this a welcoming town brothers and I would play fall should not be seen as To be frank, it’s not po- cannot enjoy family gath- be enacted. where people can enjoy a catch with a baseball or bylaw infraction. lite to invite visitors and erings in our parks by hav- I’m sorry, but this is barbecue if they wish in toss around a football or As a retiree, I’ve made guests to the area only ing a barbecue or a glass of government overreach at our parks. a frisbee. When I became NOTL my home and have be told to refrain from wine or beer, or else you its finest, and surely will A disappointed resident a teenager, I enjoyed the always thought of this area enjoying yourself in the will be charged by our by- tick off not only town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, parks with friends and as being inclusive and in- parks but make sure that law officers. residents but tourists used a hibachi or the park viting. I walk throughout you have enough mon- This is the most absurd who like to visit Niaga- Kirby Davis bbq’s to whip up some NOTL and along its majes- ey to spend in NOTL’s burgers or sausages. As an tic trails on a daily basis and Old Town and at many of adult, with a young family, have not experienced any of NOTL’s wineries. It smacks Sunshine attracts visitors I introduced my children the incidents that this bylaw of being told to “stay off my to the beautiful Niagara seeks to prevent. In the ab- lawn,” but support the local River landscape and would sence of extremely dry con- businesses. end the day with an ice ditions, small barbecue fires There are bylaw en- cream cone from one of are not a problem. forcement officers pa- the many stores in NOTL’s I’m sure that our local trolling throughout Ni- Old Town. My parents fire prevention department agara’s parks that should and other family members can tell you that the inci- be able to monitor and loved bringing us to this dence of out-of-control, fine drunk and rowdy be- area for picnics and fellow- unattended barbecue fires haviour when it occurs, ship on weekends. My dad doesn’t justify such pun- along with aid from local and his friends would play ishing actions. law enforcement. If more dominoes on a picnic table Thus, my surprise read- bylaw officers are need- while Mom and the ladies ing that our lord mayor ed then it’s incumbent on would present us with deli- and council had passed a council to find creative cious prepared side dishes draconian bylaw prohib- ways to hire more of them. and desserts to be enjoyed iting activities that were a But to enact offensive by- with food cooked over the staple of enjoying a day out laws that paint all of the barbecue. I can’t tell you along the Niagara Park- picnicking visitors and how grateful I was to live in way, in my earlier years. If guests with the same brush a country with such beau- there was a public outcry as a few rowdy visitors is tiful vistas and encouraged against such activities, I’m not fair and robs us all of its visitors and guests to sure that most locals would the wonderful experience take it all in. have been aware of it. that is NOTL. Having a barbecue Has the welcome mat I urge council to amend and a few drinks through- been pulled out from un- or reconsider the enact- out the day was never der us? Our lord mayor ment of this bylaw and looked at as being intru- and council must realize, allow visitors, guests and sive. I am not condoning even in these times, that locals to fully enjoy what drunkenness or rowdy and people need to get out into this historic and ‘inclusive’ reckless behaviour. I’m our great outdoors and area has to offer. I wonder sure that incidents such enjoy the park spaces that if NOTL’s third “friendliest as these are mitigated by are available to us. Being place in Canada” ranking the public complaints to hassled by bylaws designed will be re-examined after bylaw enforcement and to keep visitors and locals the upcoming tourist sea- are handled expeditiously. from enjoying a day out son? Are complaints of exces- with their families cannot sive smoke and a backlash be what NOTL is all about. Art Thomas against physical activity Many families do not have NOTL

The weekend saw some busy days on Queen Street, and more visitors are anticipated as the weather warms up. (David Gilchrist)

Mistletoe Bride reading at Silversmith page 11 The trusted voice of our community. NOTL LOCAL Front and notllocal.com DECEMBER 12, 2019 Volume 1 • Issue 48 ‘Tis the season for Candlelight Stroll

Kim Wade sage for locals. Special to The Local “To the residents of Niag- ara-on-the-Lake, thank you “This is the season and for supporting this special YOU are the reason why evening. It is events such as we gather to celebrate the tonight that remind us how bounty of this year in our fortunate we are to live in community, said Town Crier such a generous and warm Tom Pekar, as he welcomed community. Attendance re- the hundreds of people who cords continue to be broken gathered at the Court House, every year and I can’t imag- wrapped in scarves, topped ine a place on earth at this with hats and holding can- moment where the human dles to this year’s Candlelight spirit is stronger. My heart is Stroll. full, being up here,” he said, “By the powers invested addressing the crowd from in me,7 I declare the open- the small balcony over the September 24, 2020ing of the 2019 Candlelight Court House steps. stroll. Huzzah! Huzzah! Editorial Banner Bookings THE NOTL LOCAL Thirty years ago, the Can- HUZZAH!” dlelight Stroll was started by Pekar introduced Paul local residents Arthur Nieu- MacIntyre, the chair of the wdorp and his wife Irene. board of directors for the Ni- Nieuwdorp developed the notllocal.com agara-on-the-Lake Chamber idea in 1988 during the lead- Emmy Wise and Will Marley pose with of Commerce. up to the Calgary Winter Father Christmas in front of the Court MacIntyre thanked the Olympics. He watched the The opinions expressed in submitted commentary, and letters to the editor,COMMENT House, as they wait for the Candlelight crowd for participating in are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of The NOTL Local. just yards away, out of reach, but Olympic torch relay as it Stroll to begin. (Fred Mercnik) the 30th anniversary of the kids on my left and right leaningnot really. travelled across the country My takeawaystroll, from and this visitors for attend- gently swept the five-inch insectin to see the praying mantis with ing, but had a special mes- maximum interest, their toes upexperience is that kids are truly Continued on page 4 back toward the building for in-off the wall, and from there, the meant to be with nature. praying mantis walked around against the white lines. Students look to naturedoor duties, and I see somefor kids playgroundAs I walk entertainmentbetween the rect- When they aren’t allowed within an urban schoolyard, on my hands and coffee cup 200-year-oldlooking at these “super giant stonesangular need cohorts, I notice aprotection pecu-to play tag, they resort to ripping to survive and hopefully leave a lasting im- mosquitoes” on the side of the while I showed it to all the kids up grass and throwing it at their pression on some kids during at recess. liar phenomenon. Only two of school portables. We’ve all seen them have access to a tree. friends. I was really impressed the two weeks I had Pennythere. Coles around four military I re- must have showed 100 While I was spray paint- them without knowing what 1853, he told councillors,It was a remarkable obser- with the creative approach. The Local serves, as ordered people, by John the praying mantis ed in the 1600s, Rumble The symbology is at the ing the lines that separate the they are. They show up in show- in areas that includevation the to see how much physi- ner of Johnson and Nassau seemingly understanding its explained, and the fingertips arrow of the youth when documented, repaired where cohorts of students out in the ers, corners Gravesof the barn, Simcoe and inon 1796. cal activity and curiosities cen- Streets has been damaged There are 11 ordinance universal truthformer that Mississagua it can be Re- they rip the grass up from the they are damaged, reposi- Owen Bjorgan soccer field for recess, I noticedthe cottage dock.Rumble These firstare to- discovered tred aroundon the them one tree.is a symbol It’s a called stones in the Old Town that part of an importantserve, now education- the NOTL Golf earth. Evenby when construction field trips equipment,and some divots in the ground. tally harmlessone crane of the flies. stones on the cor- little tree, too.a board Kids arrow,would meetused to des- tioned to their original height Special to The Local are 200 years old, and they I tell the kids, “these flies al moment.course; the Garrison Re- singing andhe playgrounds said, showing are councillorsde- Some of the younger kids had ner of Prideaux and Simcoe there and chat.ignate They’d the property hang off of the “so they can be properly ap- deserve to be celebrated and A few kidsserve, hover which around includes Fort nied, naturea stone is always with going a large to be chunk taken to digging into the grass. aren’t evenStreets, related and to mosqui- his curiosity the one orBritish two little government. branches, preciated,” and protected DON’T MISS OUT! Here’s a wild one for you. protected, council heardtoes. They just look like huge when I visitGeorge their cohort.and the The Commons, there as anchipped effervescent out of source, it. “It’s 200 There are no trees, sports toys, about its history and his fan the leaves,There and make is another leaf or beside by barriers erected around As an outdoor guide for the Monday. mosquitoes, but they’re not, praying mantisand four leaps other off lotsof my that in- even duringyears these old,” strange he emphasized. times. or games of tag going on. So, to ensuing research led tohands the and then flies. Did you grass “hats.”the Let’s bench remember, at the entrance the them. District School Board of Niag- Ted Rumble, a mem-and they can’t even hurt peo- clude Simcoe Park. closed playground and gym are Rumble asked the Town ara, I was deployed out of the the soil they go. discovery that there wereknow they can fly? It’s rarely wit- to Simcoe Park, which has Two are on Parks Can- The berlittle ofkids the call Niagara me over Histor- ple. Look at how tall and skinny The best preserved to enlist its heritage and woods, and into a Niagara Falls originally 36 such stones.nessed, but they are more than sunk into the ground, as ada property, he said, sug- to the chunkical Society, of soil and was grass at council they are, like a crane. Mosqui- stone, he said, is at the cor- operations departments to elementary school to assist with toes can’tHe even has get only this been big, able ever!” tocapable. have some of the others, he gesting they would need to they’ve Mondaycarved up. to They ask the pull Town it to Thener visually of Simcoe terrifying and crea- Queen recognize the historic sig- the pandemic reopening. If youfind Google 11 remaining. crane fly, said — a stone by Queen’s work together, along with I could write scores of arti- over. Adocument, few worms repairand a beetle and pro- ture thenStreet, landed by onthe the Charles face of Inn. a nificance of the stones, and you’ll be surprisedThey are how solid many limestone, Royal Park has sunk so low the Friends of Fort George, larvae tect(grub) the lie stones, exposed which on the were Grade 2 kid.The He BOgoes engraved cross-eyed on celebrate them, “as a direct cles about what I did, saw, and times you’veengraved seen and this numbered, harmless it could disappear within a and the Niagara Historical experienced during these past dirt. Theirplaced curiosity as property is ramped markers and bug-eyedeach stone at once stands — for the the link between us and the “superand giant shown mosquito” on a map in your of couple of years. Society. two weeks. I was on the front- up for such a simple but creative look ofBoard surprise of Ordinance, and unsureness found- very founding of our town.” discovery. It made me happy to own house. The marker at the cor- line of the very situation that I go outside to my van in theequally as pronounced. Within He hopes to see them we’ve all been talking and hear-see this moment unfold. one second, he tried to swipe it Continued on page 3 While they gaze upon the parking lot, remove the mask ing about. I promised myself but chickened out. I reached out closed playground and gym justand sip some coffee on my I would be there for the kids break. The radio tells me how and grabbed it in an instant. The and teachers in the best capaci- yards away from where they boy then proceeded to run a few play, the kids get inventive with many COVID cases were re- ty I could, during a transitional ported in Ontario today, but mylaps within his area, laughing time. their environment. It’s probably and shrieking about the wild- been a long time since kids dug heart tells me to focus on what Although I was no longer matters, the next generation. ness of that experience. Contact us today. There are just a few dates up bugs in the soccer field and Phew! He handled it like a socializing with oaks and ma- Heading back indoors once ples, I felt welcomed and com- found it fascinating. champion. “Mr. B, why does this worm again, I see a giant praying man- fortable within an instant at this I later saw the same kid have . . . legs?” asks an excited tis on the wall of the school. It’s school. The staff and students just out of reach. I could catch ittalking to his vice-principal made the building feel like student. about the experience with that “It’s not a worm. It has thoseand do the ultimate show-and- home, with a seamless transi- classic story-telling grin. little legs and mouth parts be- tell for these kids. I kind of have As Owen Bjorgan relaxes against a tree near downtown NOTL, he tion. I feel both spiritually and I’ll never forget the visual (Owen Bjorgan) cause it’s actually a baby beetle, to. thinks about today’s youth learning about nature as school play- professionally fulfilled by these Imagine me, masked up and of walking up the invisible hall- basically.” grounds remain off limits to them. two weeks. leaping up and down the wall ways in the soccer field. I had It seems my hours logged in A couple shrieks, a couple helped spray paint these fields, oohs and aws, and they learned like a cat chasing a fly. Looks the woods have stuck to me, and like Spiderman gone wrong. I the woods follow me from time something new. As I wear a mask and walk to time. I was curious to see how ligions even within their own I could make the most of nature tion comes in all shapes, sizes, sect. Discrimination is prev- ethnicities, ages, genders and alent in every single group, lition demonstrates that Ni- something we need to recog- agara Region recognizes the sexual orientations. told The Local that signing the We often speak about how nize and call out. And it is this Region, mayors agree to join Coalitionimportance of inclusivity of and Inclusive Municipalitiestwo per cent that creates most left for these premium positions for 2O21! lition, Niagara Region and its declaration is, to her, “signifi- we need to stop discrimination cant on all levels. It is how we is committed to addressing of the issues within the groups communities are committing equity for the whole commu- of all kinds, but we seem to all should be living our lives, only be pointing to incidents that are the problem. to join others in fighting rac- nity.” Remember that Bible ism and discrimination in all with tolerance, understanding between groups. There is also Riley Zimak, director of quote that says we need to take its forms. Living in Niagara, I and compassion.” discrimination within groups To that end, the municipal- the Fort Erie Native Friend- the plank out of our eye before am looking forward to seeing that we need to address before ity has an inclusivity commit- ship Centre, also spoke at the we try to take the sliver out of the accomplishments that the event. “On behalf of the Fort we can solve this problem. tee, with members working Ninety-eight per cent of our neighbour’s eye? municipalities can make.” Erie Native Friendship Centre, So, my challenge to those Ted Mouradian With this signing, there are on a review of town policies. all of humanity is made up of Special to The Local we are very happy to see this who are fighting to get a seat now 83 municipalities across When completed, Disero said, good, caring individuals who day occur, where the ancestors at the table, please don’t stop On Friday, Sept. 18, I was Canada who have joined the the committee will be making simply want to get along as recommendations to town of those who helped form this others from getting their seat honoured to be a speaker at coalition. country, work with this com- they make their way through Jim Bradley, regional chair, council, a positive next step. this journey called life. But, at the same table. Do some the signing ceremony where Among the other speak- munity and continue to be the self-examination to see if you the Region and all 12 munic- said, “Those of us who hold there is a small minority that ers at the regional signing was inclusive community we all are part of the two per cent, or ipalities joined the Canadian elected positions must strive love,” said Zimak. creates problems for the rest Rashmi Biswas, a member of of us, yes, the two per cent. the 98 per cent. Coalition of Inclusive Munic- to hold ourselves to a higher Although this is a fantastic Ted Mouradian is the pres- standard, not only recognizing the Gender Equity Task Force These individuals are present ipalities. step forward, and it’s great to ident of the 2% Factor Inc. and Dr. Liette Vasseur applaud- privilege, but also strengthen- of Niagara. “We cannot talk in all groups in our society. about inequity without exam- see every single mayor repre- creator of the Law of Cooper- ed the move. “As president of ing our resolve to learn, listen There are LGBTQ people NOTL businesses: Call Karen at Businesses outside NOTL: Call Julia at ining intersectionality. Not all sented, I focused my remarks ative Action. He is an author the Canadian Commission for and take action to build an who discriminate within our women are mothers, married, more on what we must do next and professional speaker and UNESCO, I am thrilled that inclusive and welcoming Ni- community. There are blacks heterosexual, or white,” she than simply signing a piece of can be reached at ted@the2per- the Niagara Region has joined agara. This declaration is our who discriminate against said. “The pandemic has high- paper. centfactor.com this network, which includes shared commitment to work This is not just a black/ blacks. There are religions who lighted the social and econom- cities, regional governments, toward policies that eradicate discriminate against other re- ic inequities facing women in white issue. It must be seen as and smaller communities racism and discrimination, general, and women of colour more than that, as discrimina- across the country,” said Vas- and promote human rights in particular. Joining the coa- seur. “Sadly, racism continues and diversity.” to plague communities across Lord Mayor Betty Disero Canada. By joining our coa- Learn more at niagararegion.ca/waste 9O5.641.5335 or email [email protected] 9O5.934.1O4O or email [email protected] Waste Info-Line Starting October 19, 2020 905-356-4141 | 1-800-594-5542 Changes are coming to waste collection 8 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Dog walkers fear loss of off-leash privilege Penny Coles and chat while their dogs says. pedestrians and cyclists, The Local interact and run free. It’s “To me, it’s a privilege and the gravel path for an opportunity for people to have this space. I can’t dog-walkers. Local dog walkers are to walk across the Com- think of another town that Clark says that while hoping for some new sig- mons, their dogs following has this. The locals love it, Gemma is trained and nage on the Commons, to along, off-leash. There is a and the dogs love it. It’s so respectful around walk- alleviate some of the prob- big difference in the way beautiful. I’d be really up- ers, joggers, cyclists, kids lems resulting from the dogs behave in those two set if Parks Canada took it and anyone else using the explosion in popularity of situations, she says. away because of a few bad path, they are not always the paths for those out for “We don’t stand around, apples, people who don’t respectful of the dogs and a stroll, a run or a bike ride. letting our dogs interact. understand it’s not a dog dog-walkers. Many of the Julie Clark, a profes- When people are talking, p ar k .” users of the path, espe- sional dog trainer, has been they’re not paying atten- Dog walkers are afraid cially on weekends, are walking Gemma, her Ger- tion. Their dogs are being the complaints are reach- from out of town, some of man shepherd/border col- ignored.” ing the ears of Parks Can- them bringing their dogs lie cross, daily on the gravel Recently, with the num- ada staff, and the off-leash and treating the area like path of the Commons for ber of people using the privilege might be revoked. a leash-free park, creat- several years. paths on the Commons There is one sign at one ing issues with both local She’s out there 365 days “skyrocketing,” she says, end of the gravel path that dog-walkers who want to a year, and like many other there have been some is- shows a dog in a green keep moving, and others locals, takes advantage of sues, and some people circle, indicating dogs are without dogs, who she too what has been an informal complaining. allowed, but doesn’t spec- believes would be better off agreement with Parks Can- There have been a few ify off-leash, says Lind- sticking to the paved path. ada, which owns the prop- occasions of dogs jumping say Gazzard, another In a letter to Parks Can- erty, that allows dogs off- on people, or running into dog-walker hoping Parks ada, she says, “I would like leash in the area around kids, she says, leading to Canada will continue to you to consider the locals the gravel path. That ar- the complaints. allow the practice for the who are out there 365 days rangement is thought to go “It’s a temporary thing, many locals who use it. a year in all weather, before back 25 years or more. because of the increasing There is another paved you rescind the off-leash It’s not a leash-free population on the path. It path across the Commons, privileges. Please consider park, says Clark, where will go back to normal af- and she would like to see putting up better signage . . . A Parks Canada sign shows a dog without a leash in a green cir- dog owners stand around ter the pandemic,” Clark the paved trail signed for at both ends of the gravel dog cle, but the off-leash arrangement is thought to be an informal, path so that non-dog walkers “hand-shake” agreement. know to stay off the path and stick to the paved paths. This would make things clearer for all.” A poster beside the sign that says dogs are permit- ted asks residents to email Parks Canada and tell them why they want the area to remain for off-leash dogs, “or they may shut it down.” “What we need is really good signage at both ends of the trail,” Clark says, “a sign with a few rules, so that people with dogs use the gravel path, and everyone else uses the paved path.” Clark received a reply to her letter from Parks Can- ada, saying “we’ve received dozens of messages similar to yours in the last week,” and her email would be forwarded to the manage- ment team at Parks Cana- da responsible for the site. A question from The Local to Parks Canada Dog owner and professional trainer Julie Clark asks Parks Canada to allow time for busy Com- could not be answered by Dog walkers are being asked to tell Parks Canada why the off- mons path to get back to normal. (Photos supplied) press time. leash area is so important to them.

NIAGARA’S LUXURY LEADER Chilly day for an outdoor bake sale 1652 Four Mile Creek Rd. #102, NOTL LISTING NEW

$799,900 | MLS# 40091572 | Doreen Ibba* 125 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-lake 487 Victoria Street, NOTL

direct: 905.468.4214 LISTINGNEW

$849,900 | MLS# 40080676 | Lucy Continelli** Grace United Church on Victoria Street held an outdoor sale of baked goods and jam Saturday, a chilly day but a success nonetheless. Peggy Larder picked up Easter baked Based on residential unit sales $500,000+ 2018 year to date ORTIS MLS ® in Niagara Region* | Brokerage *Sales Representative **Broker ***Broker - Royal LePage NRC Realty KRDS goods from Donna Seymour and Esther Giesbrecht at the church. (David Gilchrist)

notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 9 Jo Zambito to become Niagara Falls fire chief Penny Coles It’s been really nice hearing He remembers the day it’s a huge part of it. And it’s on the family peach farm “Farming taught me a lot. The Local from people I haven’t heard he went outside to put some something the community in his spare time, to ensure I want that for my kids. I from for many years.” gas in one of the town vehi- really appreciates.” that lifestyle and work eth- want them to learn how to Virgil resident Jo Zam- He takes on the title of cles, and saw Bruce Little, His first full-time job ic is passed on to his kids. w or k .” bito wasn’t one of those kids chief June 30, when the cur- then the NOTL fire chief, in the NOTL firefighting who grew up wanting to be- rent chief is set to retire. looking very smart in his service was in 2005, with come a firefighter. The Niagara Falls Fire formal dress uniform, fill- a complement of 110 fire- His childhood was spent Department has 146 full- ing the tank of his vehicle. fighters, when he moved on the family farm on Hunt- time personnel, and a vol- Zambito offered to help, from his volunteer position er Road, and farming has unteer complement of 104. not wanting Little to get his as captain to deputy fire always been in his blood, he When Zambito heard uniform dirty. When he was chief. said, but he thought his pas- the position would be finished, Little suggested he It was 11 years later that sion was in architecture. posted, it took him some consider becoming a volun- he took the job of deputy However, once he be- time to prepare mentally teer firefighter. chief of operations with the came a volunteer firefight- for the possibility of being In those days, it was Niagara Falls Fire Depart- er in Niagara-on-the-Lake, chief. Once he decided he a simpler process — he ment, which has some sim- that became his passion, was ready, he had to work showed up at the Virgil fire ilarities to the NOTL fire and he began working his through the process, with station on a Monday night, department he left behind. way up through the depart- virtual interviews, and it and the training began, Some of the stations are ment, knowing he aspired was nerve-wracking, he leading to attending fire col- staffed with volunteers, who to one day become fire chief. says, “but it was all worth it.” lege. on occasion work side-by- Last week, when his pro- He is also an alternate “That was the start of my side with the professional motion to Niagara Falls fire fire co-ordinator for Niaga- career,” says Zambito, who firefighters in the depart- chief was announced, his ra Region, an appointment would run across the street ment, he says. “They work days became a little crazy, by the Office of Fire Mar- from the town hall to the well together, and have a he says. shal and Emergency Man- fire station when a call came great relationship.” “I’ve heard from so agement. in. And while it may not many people, so many Before becoming a vol- He also recalls his in- have been his dream job as friends. People I went to unteer firefighter for the volvement in community a child, looking back, Zam- school with, worked with, Virgil station, Zambito events as one of the best bito, 42, says, “I can’t think people in the fire service worked for the Town of parts of being a volunteer of a better profession. I love past and present. It’s been a NOTL as a building inspec- firefighter. “It’s a side of what I do, and I can’t imag- very humbling experience, tor and municipal enforce- fire service you don’t think ine doing anything else.” and a good kind of crazy. ment officer. about when you join, but Except, maybe, working Jo Zambito (Photo supplied)

SOLD SOLD NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

1034 CONCESSION 7 ROAD 720 KING STREET 379 SCOTT STREET #103 410 JOHNSON STREET $998,000 $1,758,000 $480,000 $1,400,000 MLS 40089675 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40089634 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40083001 • Viviane Elltoft and Jane Elltoft MLS 40082959 • Viviane Elltoft

SOLD SOLD

84 QUEENSTON STREET 72 KENMIR AVENUE 15 SAMUEL STREET 539 SIMCOE STREET $968,000 $1,295,000 $1,034,000 $1,395,000 MLS 40088906 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40069325 • Randall Armstrong MLS 40022549 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40088294 • Christopher Bowron and Nicole Vanderperk and Nicole Vanderperk

94 PRIDEAUX STREET 14555 NIAGARA RIVER PARKWAY 11 HARMONY DRIVE 177 KING STREET $2,998,000 $1,065,000 $1,795,000 $3,898,000 MLS 40080197 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40080386 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40022872 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40072950 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft and Nicole Vanderperk and Nicole Vanderperk

Christopher Bowron*** .....905-468-2269 Nicole Vanderperk* ...... 905-941-4585 Christine Bruce* ...... 905-328-9703 Kim Elltoft** ...... 905-380-8011 Viviane Elltoft* ...... 905-468-2142 Linda Williams* ...... 905-401-4240 Randall Armstrong** ...... 905-651-2977 Thomas Elltoft* ...... 905-380-8012 Caroline Polgrabia* ...... 905-933-4983 Victoria Bolduc* ...... 905-941-3726 Jane Elltoft* ...... 905-988-8776 Patricia Atherton* ...... 905-933-4983 Philip Bowron* ...... 905-348-7626 Cheryl Carmichael* ...... 905-941-0276 Weston Miller* ...... 289- 213-8681 Bonnie Grimm* ...... 905-468-1256 Sarah Gleddie* ...... 905-685-2458 ***Broker of Record ** Broker *Sales Representative 109 Queen Street 905-468-3205 • St. Davids Office 905-262-6996 10 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Rescued dogs almost ready for adoption Penny Coles The Local Marlene Sibbald was one of many Niagara-on-the-Lake residents who saw the photos of a large number of dogs rescued from a Niagara Falls property, and wanted to help. A dog lover who has orga- nized fundraising dog shows in NOTL, she signed and shared a petition about the situation, made a donation toward caring for the dogs, and reached out to John Greer, executive director of the Niagara SPCA, to learn more about the situation, and what else could be done to help. She was relieved to hear that while the dogs were being kept under deplorable circumstanc- es, they were in good medical condition, and will soon be ready for adoption. Greer says after several vis- its to the property, beginning March 20, 27 dogs, all husky/ shepherd mixes, were rescued. Three or four were under- weight, he said, but “not mal- nourished in any way.” John Greer, executive director of the Niagara SPCA, holds one One dog had a cataract over of the six four-month-old puppies rescued last week from the one eye that had been treated Montrose Road property in Niagara Falls. The dogs will soon be by a vet “years ago,” but the rest ready for adoption, he says, so watch the Niagara SPCA Face- were all in good shape, and after book page for more information. (Photo supplied) being gently cleaned up, were dewormed and vaccinated, with in his intent at all. He didn’t see you’re interested in offering one the socialization process leading anything wrong with what he of these dogs, ranging in age up to adoption already underway. was doing.” to about four or five years old, a The situation was brought He helped capture some of home. to the attention of the SPCA the more skittish animals, and “There’s lots of life left in when a loose dog was spotted it was obvious, says Greer, that them, and they can all make on Montrose Road. there was a bond between him good pets once they’re social- On arrival, SPCA staff and his dogs. He and his wife ized. They’re still stressed, and found almost two dozen dogs in were taken to hospital by a cri- a little afraid, but they’re not ag- various cages outside. sis team to have their health as- gressive.” What Greer found when sessed. As for the protestors and he arrived was a situation that “We’ve taken some criticism their petition calling for justice, could not have been seen from for not laying charges,” Greer Greer said, “we should keep in the road, or by neighbours, he said, aware of the comments on mind the human component, said. social media. While the SPCA the need for compassion for Going back about 20 years, rescues animals, it’s the respon- humans, now more so than the property had been the site of sibility of the five inspectors ever. We want to help the ani- a licensed kennel, but that was working for the province under mals, but let’s also think about no longer the case, and the cages the Provincial Animal Services the people. This was a positive and outbuildings were in rough Welfare Act, assigned to the outcome.” shape, dilapidated, with roofs Niagara Region to investigate While it’s important to re- caving in. and make a decision regarding port situations of animals in “This was not a puppy mill,” charges, he explained. distress, people can go too far, he said. “None of the dogs were “I was an inspector for 17 going onto private property, being sold.” years,” said Greer, “so I know hindering the rescue and creat- Rather, it was a case of a sit- what I’m looking for, and I’ve ing a dangerous situation for the uation that got out of hand, and seen much worse. If there were officers on the scene, he said. could have continued for years, charges laid, it would be because During the Montrose Road res- becoming much worse, if that of the living conditions, not the cue, they also made exaggerated one dog had not been running condition of the animals.” claims that tied up SPCA offi- loose on a busy main road. Greer and other SPCA staff cers, police cars and fire trucks. Greer calls it a case of men- returned several times to the Following the rescue, Greer tal illness, not ill intent. The man large property to rescue dogs said, the SPCA received an out- who was caring for the dogs had that were running loose, setting pouring of support, with dona- kept them to honour the mem- humane traps for them, and also tions of blankets, food, toys and ory of his mother, who had for some cats on the property. wipes, which were used to clean owned the kennel on the prop- Animal rights protestors the nervous dogs, rather than erty. His wife had asked him who had arrived at the site bathing them. over time to get rid of the dogs, when they heard what had been “The outreach from the but he couldn’t part with them. discovered said they had seen community has been over- He surrendered them will- several puppies, and bones of whelming.” ingly to the SPCA, once he was many dogs, but Greer said he Sibbald says she’s happy to assured they wouldn’t be eutha- asked them to walk the proper- hear the dogs are in good con- nized. ty with him, and they could find dition, and hopes people will “He was actually quite only one puppy, and the bones “step up” when they’re ready for thankful,” says Greer. of one cat. a good home. “He was compliant. He just After 14 days in quarantine Donations for the care of wanted the animals to be looked and some time with volunteers animals at the Niagara SPCA after. He had definitely bond- for socializing, the dogs will be are always welcome, and can ed with them — they all had put up for adoption. Watch the be made online at www. names. He was not malicious Niagara SPCA Facebook page if niagaraspca.org. notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 11 NIAGARA NURSERY SCHOOL Kids have fun preparing for Easter Local Staff Easter with a twist — pack- ages packed with crafts, Niagara Nursery School some sweet treats, and children were making sure lots of other goodies from they were ready for Easter community sponsors — with some fun Easter crafts, for youngsters, which were while staff and volunteers picked up in a safe drive- put together take-home through Saturday. packages for local kids to The purchase of Bunny help celebrate the holiday. Trail packages will support The popular annualthe ongoing expansion of Bunny Trail was cancelled the Niagara Nursery School last year, but returned this and Child Care Centre.

Mckenna Tissen paints Easter eggs at Niagara Nursery Dawson Paget proudly displays his Easter bunny to take School. (Photos supplied) home for the weekend.

Mckenna Tissen and Walker Meleskie work together on their Milo Hipwell gets some help painting his Easter egg. Merritt Hawley concentrates on painting eggs to take home bunnies. for Easter.

Candice Penny, Nicole Tissen, Amanda Mirabella, Olivia Friesen and Karen Den Besten are Amanda Mirabella hands out one of 400 bags of goodies to Patti Moore, with Brady, and ready for people to pick up their Bunny Trail packages. Bruce Read.

No job too small ($100 minimum) ANDREWS LAW Trimming, pruning PROFESSIONAL and removal of all small to medium sized trees. CORPORATION MICHAEL GRAY'S This includes clean up, Barristers & Solicitors ARBORICULTURE planting of trees and assessments. 905.468.0081 Michael Gray ISA Certified Arborist [email protected] [email protected] REAL ESTATE WILLS BUSINESS 905 964 3682 12 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Grade 6 students meet cast of Detention Adventure Local Staff ed to a Zoom call with the Grade 6 students had four main actors from the watched the show as part of show — Jack Fulton (Hulk), a media literacy unit they Last week, the Grade 6 Simone Miller (Raign), Ali- recently completed. They Class at St. Michael Cath- na Prijono (Joy) and To- were granted the opportu- olic School enjoyed an ex- masso Sanelli (Brett). nity to share final projects tra-special virtual meet and The ‘interview’ style ses- such as collages, novel cov- greet with the cast of the sion lasted about 30 min- ers and board games with CBC Gem show Detention utes and, thanks to Miss the four cast members. It Adventure. Ricci’s outstanding efforts, was a one-of-a-kind expe- Grade 6 students Christian Tomic and Maya Hubbard, along with Theodora Zhilinsky, Simon Students of teachers students were able to ask rience for the boys and girls Regier, Gavin Contini, Denaesia Osborne and Katherine Vanderkaay from the Grade 7/8 class, Kristin Lingerfelt and Sele- questions and engage with in Grade 6, one they are sure learn about catapults in their STREAM challenge. na Ricci’s classes were treat- the teen actors. to treasure for a lifetime.

Superheroes, Matthew Ramirez, Shakeem Lynch and Elliott Epp take part in a student-organized, fun learning event. During Faux March Break, St. Michael student council members planned and delivered a Superhero STREAM (science, tech- nology, religion, engineering, art and mathemat- ics) event, entirely organized and executed by students, who showed great leadership and or- ganizational ability, says principal Janice Barretto Grade 6 students take part in an interactive Zoom meeting with four of their favourite TV stars. Mendonca. She simply explained the goal of the (Photos supplied) assignment, and the students took it from there.

As St. Michael Catholic School students approached the one-year anniversary of the life-changing pandemic, Grade 8s reflected on its impact through poetry.

ROBERTBRADLEY Linda Attoe, RP DECORATING Counselling • Psychotherapy • Psychoanalysis Painting in Niagara-on-the-Lake By Phone or Videoconference for more than 40 years. Robert Bradley www.lindaattoe.com | 905•468•0046 Serving the Niagara Region since 2005 T: 905.380.0298 E: [email protected] notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 13 Members of local Ferrari Club planning summer events Club members welcome questions, attention from curious spectators

Mike Balsom for restaurants. It’s close do is we try not to hot-rod Special to The Local enough that people from around and attract atten- Toronto can come here for tion. We want to enjoy the The members of the the day, it’s a nice place to cars in a safe, organized brand new Niagara Chap- d r i v e .” fashion and not anger peo- ter of the Ferrari Club of In the past, Gillespie ple or show off.” America (FCA) are excit- and fellow local chapter It’s hard not to attract at- ed to begin planning their member Todd Trinder par- tention with a Ferrari, even own events in the region ticipated in many events with the car parked. That this summer. in the GTA. But neither of kind of attention, though, The local chapter isthem ever really enjoyed is welcomed by the owners. the brainchild of Niaga- the trip to and from the big “I just love when I see a ra-on-the-Lake resident city. kid around my car,” Trind- Lindsay Gillespie, who “The stop-and-go traf- er says. “If the father looks moved to town 10 years fic on the QEW is not an okay, and if the kid doesn’t ago when he retired from a enjoyable drive in any car, look like a mischievous career as a music industry never mind a manual trans- soul, I’ll let the kid sit in executive. mission Ferrari,” Gillespie it. Then I’ll pop the engine Many Ferrari owners are happy to lift their hoods and answer questions for those curious The Ferrari Club oflaments. “To get to those bay, and the father will ask about the luxury cars. (Photos by Mike Balsom) America, founded in 1962, events, you have to leave to take some pictures. I love has more than 11,500 mem- at least an hour-and-a-half t h at .” Gillespie, whose rural 400 horsepower and 280 COVID, it’s hard to sit bers and is divided into 16 early just to get there, then Trinder also owns a NOTL garage is full of mo- pound-feet of torque, the down and plan it, and you regions and 54 chapters you do the event, then you classic Oldsmobile 442 and torcycles, a dune buggy, a 360’s 0-60 mph time is can’t go anywhere and sit across North America. have to drive an hour-and- just took delivery of a 2021 few Porsches and a clas- rated at 4.6 seconds. But down at the same table. It’s Gillespie and other mem- a-half back. And the traffic Corvette, while his every- sic 1970s Fiat Spider, also Trinder and Gillespie are still early in the year, too. bers of the new Niagara jams on the weekends are a day car is a BMW M3. But drives a 2004 360 Spider. He both quick to point out that Normally the cars aren’t chapter were all part of the nightmare.” the retired partner from a concurs with Trinder. they only stretch the per- out until mid-April when Canada East Region of the So Gillespie spoke to Toronto sales agency says “A Ferrari has a different formance aspects of their it’s warm enough and the club, based out of Toronto Trinder, and about a dozen there’s nothing like driving kind of soul,” he explains. Ferraris on those occasions roads are clean enough.” and covering an area to the other local Ferrari owners, his 2004 360 Spider, his first “The Porsche is German, when they are able to visit Once it’s time, though, east coast. For five years, and they all agreed it made Ferrari. it’s very exact and precise. tracks such as Toronto Mo- and once the pandemic Gillespie was the regional sense to start a chapter “There’s no equivalent,” The Ferrari has a little more torsports Park. Gillespie restrictions allow, Gillespie director of that chapter. here to organize their own the Virgil resident raves. personality. It has a differ- boasts a top speed of 120 and the rest of the Niaga- For Gillespie, basing a drives and other events. ”You just can’t duplicate a ent feel, a different sound. mph on the track. ra Chapter are hoping to chapter out of Niagara was “We’ve been officially Ferrari. It’s the engineering, People react differently to a As for the Niagara turn the tables a bit on the an obvious choice. “The recognized as a chapter, the design. It’s the perfor- Ferrari. They look fast even Chapter’s plans, nothing is Toronto members, inviting roads are great, the scenery so we are part of the FCA mance, the character. Each when they’re sitting still. In set in stone for 2021 as of them to brave the congest- - everybody loves the vine- now,” Gillespie explains. one is hand-built, there’s fact, they look faster than now. ed QEW with their Fer- yards,” he says. “Everybody “When we do events, we no production line. When t h e y are .” “We don’t have a sched- raris to attend official FCA loves Niagara-on-the-Lake, have to sign waivers for you’re driving this car you Make no mistake, ule yet, but we have a lot events here. You’ll hear you know, the history, the liability and that kind of are one with the car. You though, both of their cars of ideas,” Gillespie informs that distinctive Ferrari roar wine and the reputation thing. The other thing we definitely feel the road.” can go very, very fast. With The Local. “Because ofwhen that happens.

Todd Trinder and Lindsay Gillespie look forward to summer and Ferrari Club events. 14 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Bravo Niagara! launching second virtual Amplified Series Amplified memberships will keep festival going and help support artists

Mike Balsom othy Chooi, cellist Stéphane ing a collective experience. Special to The Local Tétreault and 19-year-old “We wanted to have more of multi-genre composer, pia- that connection between art- Heading into their second nist, songwriter and singer ists and audiences. Adding season offering an online ver- Emily Bear. that interactive Zoom after, sion of their usual jazz, classi- Bear participated in the gives audiences an opportuni- cal and world music fare, Bra- Bravo Niagara! Amplifiedty to meet and say ‘hi’ to Jesse vo Niagara! Festival seems to version of We Are the World, Cook or the Chooi Brothers. have things figured out. the first entry in last spring’s It’s something different from This month, their Am- online series. Her album Di- what we did last year.” plified Series, which de- versity, recorded when she The second April show buted in 2020, kicks off with was 11, was produced by will celebrate Internation- a performance from Juno Quincy Jones. In 2016, at 14 al Jazz Day with a program Award-winning flamen- years old, she performed in titled Sing About Freedom. co-style guitarist Jesse Cook. front of a sold-out Bravo Ni- Curated by Céline Peterson, It’s the first of six shows that agara! crowd at Stratus Vine- it includes Robi Botos Bravo form Bravo Niagara!’s Spring yards. Recently, she’s made Niagara!’s 2021 artist in resi- 2021 Amplified Membership waves worldwide via her col- dence, as well as Molly John- Program. laboration with fellow young son, Lara Driscoll, Laila Biali, “Last year, we launched singer-songwriter Abigail Monty Alexander and others. Amplified as our response Barlow on Bridgerton - The A conversation between bass- to COVID, and we had over Musical, sharing their prog- ist John Clayton and retired 60,000 views and counting, ress via social media plat- Chicago Tribune jazz and Emily Bear, 19-year-old composer, pianist, songwriter and singer, returns for Bravo Niaga- and it allowed us to con- forms. classical music critic Howard ra!’s 2021 season. (Photo supplied) nect to new audiences,” says “She’s just phenomenal,” Reich follows. co-founder and executive Spieldenner raves. “They’re The June 11 Amplified director Alexis Spieldenner. basically musical theatre’s performance truly steps away “This spring, we decided new songwriting duo, they’ve from what one might expect to launch a new Amplified gone viral, they’ve been fea- from Bravo Niagara! Toron- membership, which will give tured on every media for the to-based singer, songwriter our audience an opportunity last month now.” and multi-instrumentalist to experience exclusive con- Besides the performance Royal Wood is featured that tent from some of the leading by the young virtuoso, Bear night, in a show to be record- artists of today, and the stars will be featured in an inter- ed at Ravine Vineyard. His of tomorrow.” view hosted by actress Brigitte repertoire swings more to- Of Jesse Cook, Spielden- Robinson. In fact, each of the ward the pop and folk genres. ner says, “I’m a big fan. Hope- shows features a similar ex- “Like Jesse Cook, he’s an fully in the future he is an clusive value-added extra for artist that we’ve been want- artist that we can present live Amplified members, includ- ing to bring for a long time in concert to an audience in ing meet-and-greet sessions as well,” says Spieldenner. “He Niagara. But we thought this with Cook, Tétreault and the performed at Massey Hall would be an opportunity to Chooi Brothers. recently, and released that on share his music with our au- Without the ability to record. To be able to hear him diences now.” bring musicians and mu- in a more intimate perfor- In addition to Cook, Bra- sic-lovers together in a phys- mance will be very special.” vo Niagara! will welcome vio- ical venue, to Spieldenner, Also special is the ex- linist siblings Nikki and Tim- these extras are a key to build- clusive that follows Roy- al Wood’s performance. A Bravo Niagara!’s spring 2021 season kicks off with a performance from Juno award-winning trained sommelier, he will be flamenco-style guitarist Jesse Cook. (Matt Barnes) showcasing that talent as well, HAPPENINGS with a wine-tasting alongside port world-class musicians, Spieldenner says, “because week after their premiere. Local Ravine’s winemaker, Lydia as they have since their incep- we don’t have live audiences. Access to Bravo Niagara! Unfortunately, the Legion’s Tomek. tion in 2014. That financial Without that revenue, that Amplified Membership Se- Fish Fry scheduled to restart Spieldenner and support is a key to ensuring support is vital to continue to ries events is $100, but readers co-founder and artistic direc- audiences can enjoy quality be able to support the artists.” of The Local can save 10 per this Thursday, April 8th is tor Christine Mori continue musical experiences this year, Members will be provided cent using the discount code now CANCELLED due to plan for that elusive day and in the future. access to all six virtual shows, NOTLLOCAL. to the new Provincial when they may be able to “It’s been crucial, the sup- and their accompanying on- Jesse Cook starts things Emergency Shutdown again present their events to port we’ve received from the line meet-and-greet and in- off on April 23, while the final Restrictions. an in-person live audience. donors, the sponsors, and terview sessions. Using a new performance by the Chooi We apologize for the inconvenience Meanwhile, this year’s mem- the government funders who digital platform via the Bravo Brothers is scheduled for July and appreciate your support. bership fees will enable the have been able to help Bravo Niagara! website, each of the 9. Visit bravoniagara.org/am- Royal Canadian Legion Br. 124 | 410 King St., non-profit organization to Niagara! and other charita- six events will be available for plified-virtual-series for the 905-468-2353 | [email protected] continue to present and sup- ble organizations right now,” members to enjoy for a full full schedule and to register. MAD SCIENCE ~ DANCING JELLYFISH! WORSHIP April 12 @ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. NOTL Public Library Staff-led virtual 4 week session Local for infants and caregivers. Encourages a lifetime love of reading, a look at developmental milestones, and of- fers community connection and support for caregivers. To advertise your Caregivers please visit: https://notlpubliclibrary.org to Sunday, April 11th pre-register for April 15th. Upon registration you will re- 10 a.m. Worship Gathering ceive an email with information regarding ZOOM Link (Register at www.ccchurch.ca) and a pick-up time for your free welcome kit! Partici- Speaker: Kevin Bayne Worship Services Message: The Slave Market: pants need to be able to access Zoom. Jesus our Redeemer in this section, please contact: PLACE YOUR COMING EVENT Live stream available Sundays at 10:00 am COMMUNITY SOCIAL HERE Please be advised that with the With or without a border, colour graphics optional. current state of COVID-19, your safety [email protected] Include your Logo! Prices starting at $20. is of utmost importance to us. Deadline: Monday 3 p.m. Call Karen 905-641-5335 www.ccchurch.ca or email: [email protected] notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal April 7, 2021 15 Compassionate Transparent No Pressure CLASSIFIEDS www.morganfuneral.com Local [email protected] CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU OBITUARY

DR. MARGARET ISABEL SWAYZE PH.D.—Margaret passed peacefully following a lengthy illness at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital March 16, 2021. She was the adored daughter of the late Owen and Agnes Swayze. Margaret was raised on a farm in St. Davids, Ontario, and graduated from Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1970. She obtained her first doctorate at the University of Birmingham Shakespeare Institute, UK, in 1973. She then started her teaching career at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, where she taught for many years. As a teacher she pursued further studies on a part- time basis, obtaining her doctorate in education from the University of Birmingham in 2000. Margaret was devoted to all her students, whether at St. Mildred’s or those whom she tutored privately as recently as the past year. She was particularly focused on the needs of students facing special challenges in achieving the educational system’s expectations, for whatever reason. Margaret will be remembered by her students, friends and colleagues for her kindness, generosity, sense of humour, loyalty and caring, as well as her unwavering commitment to education. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Margaret was always mindful of the needs of many less fortunate in our community. With that in mind, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or, in accordance with her wishes, to the two institutions that were the foundation of her life’s work, Trinity College, University of Toronto, and Across: 52 Unpleasant to look at 21 Prius maker the University of Birmingham Shakespeare Institute. A celebration of 1 Grouches 54 Conjured up 23 Choice morsels Margaret’s life will be held at 12 pm on Saturday April 17th at Oakview 6 Female supporters 56 Attila, e.g. 25 Interest charge 10 Flat-topped hill 57 Aught 26 Two identical things Funeral Home in Oakville. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, 14 Misbehave 58 Political top dog (Abbr.) 27 Shoppe adjective capacity at the church is limited, and attendance is by invitation only. 15 Arizona city on the Colorado 59 Brief swim 28 Manage The service will be livestreamed. Please visit oakviewfuneral.ca to offer 16 In addition 61 It’s worth ---! 32 Be in debt 17 Latin American dance 63 Start playing tennis 34 Old kind of computer an online condolence and to find the link for the livestream of the service. 18 Side 67 Skin monitor 19 --- Christian Andersen 68 Film genre 36 Fighter ace NOTICES 20 Sharp flavor 69 Flowing and ebbing 37 Lower 22 Note hastily 70 Roman wear 39 “Rosemary’s Baby” 24 34th President 71 Large and scholarly book actress --- Farrow 25 Moonshot program 72 Heap 40 Provides input for an amp. 28 Sound of a lion 41 Observe 29 Louse egg Down: 42 Levelheaded 30 Washed out 1 Coverts rotary motion into 44 Cook in hot oil 31 Watch --- step! linear motion 46 Central bank To place an obituary 33 Not odd 2 Appliance and electronics 47 Artist’s workshop in our Classifieds, 35 Free maker 48 Diminishing 36 Settlement 3 Bill dispenser 49 Extremely please contact Julia at: 37 Nudge repeatedly 4 Hollow gas globule 50 Snap 38 Aloof 5 Mar 51 Map [email protected] or 40 Conductive elements 6 Unit of computer memory 53 Enormous 43 Hoppy brew 7 Regret 55 Kevlar garments 905.934.1040 44 Conforms 8 Key with three sharps 58 Funeral woodpile 45 Blockhead 9 Pacific country 60 Electronic helper just for you Deadline is Tuesdays at 1 p.m. 47 Pirate’s plunder 10 Speed measure 62 Border 49 Mischievous 11 Seinfeld cohort --- Benes 64 Old food label letters 50 Solitary 12 Clicked 65 Carpet cleaner (Abbr.) 51 “L” operator 13 Valuable possession 66 Moose

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49 All too, 50 Lose it, 51 Chart, 53 Giant, 55 Vests, 58 Pyre, 60 60 Pyre, 58 Vests, 55 Giant, 53 Chart, 51 it, Lose 50 too, All 49

Sudoku solution from Waning, 48 Studio, 47 Fed, 46 Fry, 44 Sane, 42 Look, 41 Mic,

March 31, 2021 40 Mia, 39 Nether, 37 gun, Top 36 A, G V 34 Owe, 32 Run, Asset, 21 Toyota, 23 Treats, 25 A P R, 26 Pair, 27 Olde, 28 28 Olde, 27 Pair, 26 R, P A 25 Treats, 23 Toyota, 21 Asset,

Rue, 8 A major, 9 Samoa, 10 M p h, 11 Elaine, 12 Sunk in, 13 13 in, Sunk 12 Elaine, 11 h, p M 10 Samoa, 9 major, A 8 Rue,

Down: Down: 1 Cam, 2 R C A, 3 A T M, 4 Bubble, 5 Spoil, 6 Byte, 7 7 Byte, 6 Spoil, 5 Bubble, 4 M, T A 3 A, C R 2 Cam, 1

Noir, 69 Tidal, 70 Toga, 71 Tome, 72 Stack. Stack. 72 Tome, 71 Toga, 70 Tidal, 69 Noir,

Hun, 57 Nil, 58 Pres, 59 A dip, 61 A try, 63 Serve, 67 Rind, 68 68 Rind, 67 Serve, 63 try, A 61 dip, A 59 Pres, 58 Nil, 57 Hun,

47 Swag, 49 Arch, 50 Lone, 51 C T A, 52 Ugly, 54 Evoked, 56 56 Evoked, 54 Ugly, 52 A, T C 51 Lone, 50 Arch, 49 Swag, 47

Town, 37 Nag, 38 Remote, 40 Metals, 43 I P A, 44 Fits, 45 Oaf, Oaf, 45 Fits, 44 A, P I 43 Metals, 40 Remote, 38 Nag, 37 Town,

Apollo, 28 Roar, 29 Nit, 30 Pale, 31 Your, 33 Even, 35 Rid, 36 36 Rid, 35 Even, 33 Your, 31 Pale, 30 Nit, 29 Roar, 28 Apollo,

Plus, 17 Mambo, 18 Team, 19 Hans, 20 Bite, 22 Jot, 24 Ike, 25 25 Ike, 24 Jot, 22 Bite, 20 Hans, 19 Team, 18 Mambo, 17 Plus,

Across: Across: 1 Crabs, 6 Bras, 10 Mesa, 14 Act up, 15 Yuma, 16 16 Yuma, 15 up, Act 14 Mesa, 10 Bras, 6 Crabs, 1

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER 16 April 7, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Nyanyas part of grandmother groups offering virtual concert Stellar lineup of musicians, dancers, storytellers and drumming artists

Penny Coles elled across Canada to talk Estate Winery last week and The Local about the work of the Ste- record introductions of the phen Lewis Foundation and performers. They met and In support of African what the campaign means to filmed the segments safely grandmothers, 160 grand- African grandmothers, and outside, she says. mothers’ groups from across the programs it’s funding. After many months of Canada are presenting a Canadian grandmothers meetings, “we were beyond virtual concert featuring also travel to Africa to see excited” to see the concert Together in Concert: In Sol- what their counterparts are coming together, and so idarity with African Grand- doing to raise their orphaned close to being a reality, she mothers. grandchildren. says. Along the way, they The Niagara-on-the-Lake The travel is fundedencountered some glitches, group of grandmothers is go- through donations of Aero- “but the committee has been ing one step further, offering plan miles, of great benefit great at finding solutions.” a Tapestry of African Des- to the campaign, says Mac- As much as it has involved serts to enjoy while watching taggart, as women are able a lot of time from last fall to Four grandmothers, Maxine Hermolin, Terry Mactaggart, Sya VanGeest and Jo-Anne Page the 90-minute online concert to talk about the positive get to this point, Mactaggart gathered at Jackson-Triggs to say goodbye after recording performers’ introductions. (Pho- featuring a tapestry of Cana- work that is being done and says it has been great having tos supplied) dian talent, which includes how effective it is, inspiring something to do to help get music, dance, storytelling, groups to carry on the fund- through the pandemic. and drumming. raising. She has also been fortu- The Nyanyas of Niagara That motivation is espe- nate to have a good group is one of 260 grandmothers’ cially important during the of friends to walk with daily, and grandothers’ groups that pandemic, when smaller always safely, wearing masks raises money for the Stephen groups of just a few wom- and distancing, two of whom Lewis Foundation’s grand- en are struggling, and some are members of the steering mothers campaign. have folded. committee, and all members Since the local group With 150 members, the of the Nyanyas. was founded in 2007, the Nyanyas is one of the larger Along their walks, they Nyanyas (Swahili for grand- groups, but still has had diffi- did a lot of talking, and lots mother) have raised more culty fundraising during the of laughing, she adds, al- than $100,000, from two ma- pandemic, although typically though their usual end to the jor fundraisers held each year it has done very well with the exercise, time to sit and chat, and other smaller events. events the women have or- and enjoy treats and coffee at The Grandmothers toganized. The virtual concert, the community centre, was Grandmothers Campaign says Mactaggart, “is a feel- no longer allowed. was launched by Lewis’s good event,” allowing even So once the idea of a foundation in 2006 in re- the smallest of groups to get concert took hold, and the sponse to the crisis faced by involved. “This is something Nyanyas wanted to add an Maxine Hermolin and Jo-Anne Page wait overlooking vineyards for their turn to be filmed for African grandmothers as we can all get behind.” extra fundraising, local el- the virtual Together in Concert: In Solidarity with African Grandmothers, to bring attention to they struggled to raise mil- Representatives of grand- ement to the event, Erinn the Canadian Grandmothers Campaign, helping African grandmothers raise children during lions of children orphaned by mother groups across Can- Lockard of the Sweets & two pandemics. AIDS. Since then, a growing ada have been meeting Swirls Cafe was the obvious number of grandmothers’ monthly by Zoom, she says. place to start. groups has raised funds to Last October, when they Mactaggart contacted support the life-enhancing were brainstorming about Lockard about providing a programs run by African the 15th anniversary, Mac- selection of African desserts, grandmothers, and the com- taggart recalls, “one of the and chose not only three munity-based organizations members said, ‘why don’t we unique African treats, but which support them. put on a cross-country con- “some really good African Today, African grand- cert?’ The idea quickly took teas” to accompany them, to mothers continue to raise the hold, and a couple of weeks be ordered ahead of time and next generation while two later, about 20 people from picked up a few hours before pandemics intersect, HIV across the country joined the concert. and AIDS and COVID-19. to help plan this. From east A $15 box for one person The need has grown even to west, members were so will include three desserts, greater, says Terry Mac- amazing. None of us know plus two servings of African taggart, one of the original each other, we just pitched teas, a creative way to fund- founders of the Nyanyas, in and found our niches of raise for the Nyanyas. while fundraising oppor- where we wanted to help. A $20 box for two people tunities have been limited And now we have two weeks will include three desserts by the pandemic, making it t o g o.” paired with two servings of more difficult to ensure com- In addition to signing African teas for each person. munity-based organizations on the performers, someone “We’re happy to partner Maxine Hermolin is prompting Sya VanGeest, waiting her turn to be filmed, with Charlie Short, in Africa have the resources was needed to look after the with Sweets & Swirls. They’re the camera operator/assistant editor of the concert and Tayvis McCullough, the producer/editor, to support their programs. technical aspect of produc- such a community-minded from Niagara College. This event celebratesing the virtual show, and couple,” says Mactaggart, the 15th anniversary of the Mactaggart put forward Ni- referring to Lockard and other countries where there acclaimed Canadian tal- Orders must be received Grandmothers to Grand- agara College as a possibility. her husband, James Cadeau, are grandmothers involved ent, including Bridge Brass by noon on Tuesday, April mothers Campaign of the “Students help the com- who are always eager to help in the campaign, including Quintet, Canada’s Nation- 13 for pickup on Thursday, Stephen Lewis Foundation. munity in so many ways. out when they can. Australia, the U.K. and the al Ballet School, the della April 15, between 2 p.m. and In an effort to do some- They need the experience There is no charge for the U.S. kit, Feels Like Home, Forte, 6 p.m. at the Sweets & Swirls thing significant for the 15th and they have good mentor- virtual concert, which will After months of plan- Genticorum, Kids of Note & Cafe in the Anderson Lane anniversary, says Mactag- ship through their profes- be shown Thursday, April ning, Mactaggart herself is The Notations, Kym Gouch- community centre. Place or- gart, she joined representa- s or s .” 15 at 7:30 p.m., and available excited about the upcoming ie, Lorraine Klaasen, Sya ders at sweetsandswirlscafe@ tives from across Canada in She approached Niaga- live-streamed for 72 hours event. “If you see it April 15, VanGeest & Nicholas Stoup gmail.com, including your a virtual meeting to brain- ra College, and students of for those who register, until it will be so good. I’m telling and stories from Canadian name and phone number. storm ideas. the broadcast department Sunday, April 17. all my friends about it.” grandmothers who visited Payment can be made by In addition to talented became involved. She also In the countdown to The concert features Ste- Africa. cash or cheque at pickup, or musicians and storytellers, arranged for some of the the concert, the Canadian ven Page, Jackie Richardson, The virtual event is free, by e-transfer to sweetsand- one of the speakers is an Af- grandmothers who had been Grandmothers Facebook National Ballet of Canada, but donations are welcome. [email protected] with rican grandmother, who has part of the planning, and page is highlighting one per- David Myles, Stratford Festi- Registration is required. For the password: sascafe. visited Niagara-on-the-Lake live close enough to Niaga- former or group each day, to val, Sheree Fitch and Stephen more information, to register Credit or debit can be and attended a Nyanyas ra-on-the-Lake for a day trip, entice people to tune in not Lewis Foundation Speakers. or to make a donation, visit used at pickup, or call Lock- fundraiser, and has also trav- to meet at Jackson-Triggs only across Canada but in They will be joined by www.cdngrandmothers.com. ard at 905-468-1024.