Diane Moreau Hemmings: first-class volunteer and friend page 8

notllocal.com AUGUST 11, 2021 Volume 3 • Issue 32 Controversial Queenston Mile subject of second planning appeal

Penny Coles able to disclose the nature of The Local the discussion, that council Laura Howarth of Bay would be deciding how to Berry Lane has a back Queenston Mile Vine- proceed. deck overlooking the yard, the subject of contro- “We’ll be looking at our conservation area that versy since it initially sought next steps,” she said. has been cleared. zoning from the town to op- “I suppose if they (the new She’s unhappy that erate as an estate winery, is in owners) carry on with LPAT, some dead ash trees the process of being acquired we’ll have to carry on,” she remain too close to her by Diamond Estates Wine added. “I don’t know what deck and garden. (Mike and Spirits, with an expected their plans are.” Balsom) date of completion of the sale Disero said she wasn’t in September. surprised the winery had There has already been been sold. “They weren’t qui- one Local Planning Appeal et about wanting to sell,” she Tribunal decision between said. the town and the winery The outstanding issue owners — the tribunal ruled with Queenston Mile, a con- in favour of Queenston Mile tinued sore spot with some — and now there is a second councillors, had been the appeal filed by the winery. installation of commercial Councillors were dis- kitchen equipment, and the cussing the issue in a closed winery’s intentions of how session Monday night. Lord they’re going to use it. Mayor Betty Disero said be- fore the meeting, while not Continued on page 4 Neighbours dissatisfied with NPCA tree-clearing Mike Balsom any leaves. end up causing damage to lights and a bird house, and Manitoba maple trees that dead trees still looming and Special to The Local “When you stand up their yards, and potentially my fencing came out.” are not native to Niagara. the equipment gone. on my deck, you can see their homes. The activity in the area A reforestation of the area, “I got a hold of Dan Laura Howarth stands the height,” she says. “They On the morning of July was part of a forest and with native tree plantings, is (Drennan, NPCA forest- in her Bay Berry Lane back- grow this way, toward the 22, Howarth’s garden was in stream rehabilitation effort planned for spring, 2022. er and forest conservation yard bordering on the ravine sun. All these trees grow this a state of disarray. begun by the Niagara Penin- By the time Howarth bylaw officer),” Howarth that leads to the Two Mile way. And those are dead as “The tops had come off sula Conservation Author- had arrived home after at- says. “He said they never Creek near Butler’s Burial doornails, those two. And the ash trees and they were ity (NPCA) on July 5. The tending some appointments intended to take these trees Ground. The life-long Ni- there’s two more right there. all over my garden, two feet forested floodplain is owned later the same day, the crews down. He said he stood agara-on-the-Lake resident They are tall enough.” from my deck. And I had and managed by the NPCA. from third party Aecon below where the dead ash points to a pair of ash trees Tall enough to wreak just put a new deck in. In June, the NPCA dis- Six Nations had removed trees were and felt that they poking up from the valley, havoc, she fears. There were large branch- tributed letters to nearby all of the heavy machinery would not reach my home.” standing ominously behind Howarth and other Bay es, about 20 feet, that did residents describing the used to tear down the trees Howarth then called the residential homes. Their Berry Lane residents are the damage. “I had to throw planned removal of ash trees and mulch the trunks and NPCA director of land op- tops have been removed and concerned that the dead them down (into the ra- affected by the emerald ash branches. Howarth was they are totally devoid of trees may eventually fall and vine). It knocked out solar borer infestation, as well as miffed when she saw the Continued on page 3 2 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Sherlock opens much-anticipated indoor Shaw performances Mike Balsom the country as an expert di- Special to The Local rector of mysteries. During the pandemic, Vertigo shift- Sherlock Holmes is back ed to offer Vertigo Mystery at the Shaw, right where he Radio, a ticketed online belongs, on the indoor stage podcast in the style of classic at the Festival Theatre. radio dramas. Reprising the role he Opening night for Sher- played in 2018, Damien At- lock Holmes and the Raven’s kins walked the floorboards Curse, written by R. Ham- in front of a sold-out au- ilton Wright, had been re- dience Saturday night for peatedly pushed back until Sherlock Holmes and the the province moved into the Raven’s Curse. It marked the current step of its Roadmap return to indoor theatre at to Recovery. For Hall, whose Shaw for the first time since other commitments pulled 2019. him back to Western Cana- Director Craig Hall is ec- da a week ago, that meant he static. had to miss the debut per- “It’s an absolute relief,” he formance. says on the phone from Vic- “Originally, I was meant toria, where he is preparing to be in Niagara until about for the fall season of his Cal- the 15th of July,” Hall tells gary-based Vertigo Theatre. The Local. “It’s tough. I al- “It’s fantastic. We are the ways say directors don’t only show at the Festival this finish, we kind of abandon Damien Atkins as Sherlock Holmes and Katherine Gauthier as Alice Rogers onstage at the Shaw Festival Theatre in Sherlock year where we rehearsed our babies. Very often by Holmes and The Raven’s Curse. (Photos by Lauren Garbutt) outside, but we always in- the time I’m done, I’ve seen tended to start onstage. It is it two dozen times, and I’m there’s also a common lan- a pure joy.” kind of ready to let it go. guage there.” Hall, who also directed With this one, I feel like I “Damien is a playwright 2018’s Sherlock Holmes and left before I was ready to go, himself,” Hall continues, the Hound of the Baskervilles but not before the show was “and in the short time that at Shaw, says without the re- ready to go.” he’s been doing Sherlock turn to the indoor setting, Hall feels he has left the Holmes, he’s become a bit of this year’s mystery may not show in incredibly capable a Sherlock Holmes fanatic. have happened. hands. He has a deep, deep knowl- “I’m not sure we could Atkins, who also ap- edge of Conan Doyle and have adapted this show,” he pears in The Devil’s Disci- the Sherlock canon. I have admits. “The mystery genre ple at Shaw this summer, is a lot of faith in what they needs, most of all, darkness. back in the lead role of the need from the piece, and You need to be able to have much-loved detective. Also they kind of become de fac- secret spaces. You need to be reprising their 2018 roles to leaders in the ensemble.” able to hide certain things. are Shaw veterans Ric Reid Though the characters And the nature of this piece, as Dr. Watson, and Claire themselves are iconic, the it travels from the streets Julien as Mrs. Hudson. The story is an original, created of London, to Baker Street, remainder of the ensemble by playwright Wright. Hall onto a train, to the Isle of is largely composed of Shaw describes the play as “Sher- Skye. It would have been a regulars. lock Holmes meets Down- Damien Atkins as Sherlock Holmes and Ric Reid as Dr. John Watson are back on the Shaw tough one to do outside.” “Damien, Ric and Claire ton Abbey,” and says it will Festival stage in Sherlock Holmes and The Raven’s Curse. Hall knows what it takes and I all have this short- appeal to fans of both fran- to mount a successful mys- hand, having done one of chises. terious death of his favourite lost cousins, including one says. “It gives a shorthand to tery production. His Vertigo these before,” explains Hall. In The Raven’s Curse, uncle, and to uncover the who might be withholding marketing, to the audiences Theatre company exclusive- “You do sort of build off of Sherlock Holmes is sum- truth about an ancient fam- a dark secret. Holmes and who get to see the continued ly produces mystery plays. what was built before. It’s moned to his childhood ily curse. Along the way he Watson must race against adventures. There’s not a lot He’s become known across also the same playwright, so home to investigate the mys- is reunited with some long- time to get to the bottom of of that happening anymore this mystery before the Ra- in the theatre world.” ven’s Curse claims another Meanwhile, the return to life. an indoor setting in front of “Wright has done a mas- an audience is exciting for terful job of honouring the Hall and the cast, many of canon,” Hall says, “but yet whom had to turn to online expanding the characters, performances during the and maybe humanizing pandemic. them a bit. This one delves “It’s a genre where you into Sherlock’s personal his- kind of feed off the crowd,” tory, and that’s something he says. “They’re much more that Conan Doyle never re- active participants. You get ally delved into. Wright is those reactions when there really able to dig into that are revelations. There’s also stuff, and I think that’s really much more humour in this fun for fans of Sherlock who show. I know that even hav- have never had that access.” ing a small audience is such Hall is holding out hope a big thing for them (the ac- that perhaps some time tors).” in the near future a third Shaw is currently selling Sherlock Holmes mystery tickets for both indoor and may take the stage in Niag- outdoor shows at a reduced ara-on-the-Lake. capacity to maintain phys- He hints at the possibility ical distancing. The exact of another Wright original, percentages of seating varies focusing more prominently depending on each of their on Julien’s character, Mrs. venue sizes and can change Hudson, as a perfect vehicle as the province moves be- for a return in a year or two. yond Step 3. It’s a similar idea to what he Sherlock Holmes and the does out in Calgary with Raven’s Curse is a two-act Vertigo. play, with an intermission. It “I think the idea is to is on now until Oct. 10. Visit build a fan base for it that shawfest.com for informa- you get to capitalize on,” he tion and tickets. notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 3 Residents hope to meet with NPCA about tree clearing Continued from page 1 erations Adam Christie to explain her concerns. He confirmed that the crew was done clearing trees and deferred to Drennan’s deci- sion-making on those near her property. The Local was able to contact Drennan this week. “We have taken down a lot of trees, and we had to leave some standing because of wild habitat, birds and bats,” he stated. “She’s up- slope from the trees, so that’s one of the advantages that she (Howarth) has. We are following up on the dam- ages that she said happened to her property, and we may have to take another look at those trees as well.” Howarth is also con- cerned about the general state that the conservation area has been left in. Her worries are similar to those of nearby Mary Street res- ident Mary Ann Novaco, who often walks in the con- Dan Drennan of the NPCA is asking residents to be patient. About 5,000 trees will be planted in the spring of 2022. servation area. “It’s unbelievable that open, covered in wood d am a g e .” place that ‘road’ that they’ve t h e e y e .” discovered a turtle along the they have to make a two- chips from the felled trees. “What they’ve done made.” Drennan asks the resi- cleared area. Its shell had lane highway to cut down “They’ve been there before, now,” she added, “I can’t Both Howarth and No- dents for patience. been partially crushed, like- dead trees,” Novaco says and took down some of the even begin to think of how vaco fear that felled trees “They will see the plant- ly by a felled tree. She picked about the wide swath left ash trees and didn’t do any many years it will take to re- laying across the creek on ing next year, and they will it up and placed it in the the south side of the road see the results over several creek. may bring flooding this years. It’s not an overnight “They should have just winter. As well, they have thing. We’re creating plen- left the darn things (the ash concerns with the depth of tiful ground for a spring trees) and let nature take its the wood chips left on the 2022 plant of roughly 5,000 course,” concludes Novaco. path, especially in light of stems. Remember, this is Howarth echoes that senti- higher temperatures and not a walking path, it’s not ment. news of forest fires in north- a park, people should stick As for the Bay Berry ern Ontario and elsewhere. to the trails. We don’t want backyards, Howarth points Drennan says there is them walking through and to the information distrib- very low potential for any ruining what we plant next uted to the residents stating kind of fire hazard along the y e ar.” that one of the objectives of creek. “We keep taking away the NPCA operation was “The ground is wet, it’s an natural habitat,” says Nova- to remove hazardous trees actual floodplain-slash-wet- co, “now in the name of con- close to residential areas. land,” Drennan says. “Some- servation. Kids use Butler’s “This has not been done,” body would have to go in Graveyard all the time. God she says. “No one wants there and purposely light a forbid someone lights a cig- trees crashing through their fire for that to happen.” arette or sets off a firecrack- roofs. The trees should be “The intent was to refor- er. And think of the animals removed and others should est that property,” he adds. that they’ve displaced.” be trimmed.” “When you do these oper- Howarth also fears that Howarth and the other ations, and I have 30 years deer, wild turkeys, beavers, Bay Berry Lane residents are experience in this, it doesn’t coyotes, ducks and other hoping to have a meeting The NPCA has left some dead trees standing to preserve wildlife habitat, but nearby resident look pretty. When you fell species may never return with Drennan soon about Laura Howarth is afraid some of them can still damage homes in the area. (Photos by Mike 400 to 600 dead ash trees, it’s to what she considers a safe the handful of trees they feel Balsom) not going to be pleasing to haven. Earlier this week she still threaten their properties. 4 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Appeal over kitchen equipment expected to proceed Continued from page 1 ber has told councillors and town staff that while some wine may be produced at the Councillors have said in Queenston Road location, the past they’re concerned the production of all 50 acres of plan is for the winery to use grapes is not being done on their event space as a restau- site, contrary to the town by- rant, and some councillors law that regulates estate win- are still having issues with eries. what they see as discrepancies “That was the real oppo- of total capacity of people at sition, that people come to events, inside and out. NOTL to visit wineries where Questions about the in- grapes are grown and wine is tent of the winery have con- processed onsite,” said Disero. sistently elicited responses The fear of wineries from Queenston Mile repre- processing offsite is that sentatives, from the earliest wine-making becomes a discussions, that there is no mass production, she added, plan for a restaurant. They and not what estate wineries want to be able to offer food were intended to be. and wine pairings during “It puts an end to that tastings, and they may use quaintness that is associat- the kitchen for special events, ed with farm wineries, that but not to serve patrons in a brought us our brand.” restaurant dining room, they Lawyer Tom Richardson, have repeatedly told council. representing residents, has Also continuing issues also expressed that concern, of residents and council are and has called on the town Queenton Mile Vineyard zoning is back at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal over kitchen equipment. (Penny Coles) what kind of special events staff to investigate, and to are permitted, whether there contact the Alcohol Gaming is enough parking, and even Commission of Ontario for the deciding body if the ap- limit the number of events not supposed to talk to staff give council the answers they the water capacity of the win- an inspection. peal goes forward. and the number of people at or ask questions until those are looking for. ery. Disero says it’s a question At a July planning meet- the events. recommendations have been “We’re expecting LPAT Still outstanding in the that won’t be answered until ing, councillors were being When councillors asked made, but by then, when will decide for the town and minds of some council mem- the fall, when production is asked again to allow the if they could continue to residents speak out, it’s too for us, how the bylaw will bers is whether the processing underway and can be inves- installation of the kitchen impose conditions before far along in the process to re- be written, and give us some of wine is being done on the tigated. equipment to go ahead, lift- granting approval of the com- spond to their concerns, she certainty about what the rules property, as regulated for es- But it’s the delay of the ing one of the town’s earlier mercial kitchen, planning says. are .” tate wineries, says Disero, giv- decision to allow the kitchen conditions for rezoning. director Craig Larmour said Members of the pub- He doesn’t expect the sale en the space that’s available. equipment installation that Disero said for the sake of he was not sure of the answer, lic make their delegations, of Equity Wines to change Ravine Vineyard Estate is the subject of the current the residents, they wanted to and that it could take a month a number of questions are anything for Queenston Mile Winery operator Paul Har- LPAT review, which will be have conditions that would to find out. asked, “and then we’re expect- plans, he said. Disero pointed to this par- ed as a council to approve the Equity owners are also in- ticular situation as a symptom staff report, or be accused of vestors in Diamond Estates, of a problem with the process, making changes on the fly.” and “the handful” of those and the difficulty councillors If that’s the process, she who are involved in winery are facing. They want to do says, “why bother having del- operations will continue to be the best they can for residents, egations? We can’t get the an- involved. but are facing a timeline for swers in a timeline that meets The ongoing difficulties making planning decisions, our deadline. Somehow we’ve with rezoning have been a as set by the province, that got to get this turned around.” topic of conversation with the sometimes makes that im- Andrew Howard, presi- new owners, he added. possible. dent of Equity Wines, which But more important- That leads to applications includes Queenston Mile and ly, Diamond Estates like for a decision from the pro- Creekside Estates and is the what Queenston Mile and vincial planning tribunal, she company being purchased by Creekside have to offer in the explained. When proposed Diamond Estates, says what way of “premiumizing their planning amendments are should have been a relatively portfolio.” the subject of open houses simple matter of zoning for an Equity Wines “comes to and then statutory meetings, estate winery “couldn’t have the party with skills, produc- there is a report on the table been more complicated.” tion and interesting brands with staff recommendations, The application for the they like. We will add to what says Disero. Councillors are first LPAT review was over a they have, and their capability site plan agreement, with the of selling premium wines.” town asking for the entrance As to the question of to be moved from Queenston where the wine is produced, Road to Concession 6, away he says, it has been answered, from nearby residents. “full stop.” All wine produc- The decision was in fa- tion is done onsite, and be- vour of the winery, he said, cause they use more manual with the tribunal agreeing methods than other winer- that “you can’t build a road ies, they don’t need as much through vineyards.” space. “We’re following all the The winery has tried in- rules.” stead to work with the neigh- The Alcohol Gaming bours on Queenston Road, Commission of Ontario has Dr. Kevin Clark and planting some trees, sprucing already sent an officer to look Dr. Rebecca Zabek-Clark up some of the aspects of the at the site, “and he told us ‘ev- Dentists property that residents had erything is in good order, you and their registered complained about, building a guys are good. You’re doing Dental Hygiene Team fence and adding some land- everything you need to do scaping. h e re .’” 369 MARY STREET “We want to be good The file is closed, added NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE neighbours,” he said. “All Howard. www.niagaradental.ca we’re asking for now is the He questions why some right to use some cooking wineries are opposed to what equipment.” Queenston Mile is doing, and NEW PATIENTS WELCOME EVENING HOURS AVAILABLE They have applied for a others are supportive. “non-decision appeal,” given “When we do a good job, 905-468-3009 the planning department’s as- when we support each other, sertion it could take a while to it’s good for all of us.” notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 5 6 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal EDITORIAL notllocal.com Border openings good news for local businesses Opening Canadian borders capacities at events. Only about and negative COVID tests are hotels and local accommoda- be wary of giving up their jobs to getting back to normal, but to allow American visitors is 50 per cent of U.S. residents are still required. tions, and eating in restaurants. to return to local restaurants we’re not there yet. We are still understandably good news for vaccinated, and the Delta vari- Unless the Delta variant, One word of caution. where they were formerly em- in a pandemic. local businesses. ant’s high rate of infection has which is also causing an in- We’ve heard some rumbling ployed, fearing another lock- Waiting a few minutes longer They’ve been hurting for a driven the number of new cases crease in cases in Ontario and from people who are happy to down could be in the future. for a meal isn’t going to hurt us. long time, and although they are through the roof, to more than other parts of Canada, changes be finally able to eat out, but are Some local businesses are It’s nothing compared to what open now, and indoor dining at 90,000 a day. plans for the future, internation- upset about slow service at some struggling to find experienced we’ve been through. We can dine restaurants is welcome, it’s nev- Although there is grum- al visitors may also be welcome of their favourite dining spots. people to employ, and are train- out with friends and family, when er going to be enough to make bling about our prime minister soon, with the same restrictions We’ve also heard from some ing new staff. for months we couldn’t even see up for the many months they’ve opening the borders, when the as those crossing from the U.S. servers who are the brunt of the We’ve heard similar stories them. We should be grateful to been closed. U.S. isn’t reciprocating to wel- We’ve done what we can as impatience and anger of diners, about people angry about wait- be out and enjoying that meal, Opening the borders is excit- come Canadian visitors, maybe a community to support local making them go home at the ing for service in retail stores, or grateful that our favourite eating ing, but it is not without risk — for now we should be grateful. businesses throughout the pan- end of the day, wondering why having to wear masks, and not spots managed to stay in busi- there are far more COVID cases For those who are con- demic, but international travel- they wanted to work in the hos- hesitating to take their frustra- ness through a very tough time, in the U.S., and the Delta variant cerned about American visi- lers will do more than we ever pitality industry. tion out on people who are just and grateful to be among family, is seeing a dramatic increase. tors heading this way, happy to could. We’re excited to see Shaw Let’s remember a lot of trying to help them. friends and neighbours. Protocols are so different be able to travel, even if only to plays ourselves, and to eat out in restaurants lost their experi- Please, please be kind. Be The future remains uncer- south of the border, with few border towns, Canada is doing our favourite restaurants, but it’s enced staff members when patient. Remember how we felt tain, and everyone is doing their restrictions imposed on res- it in a way that feels like it’s safe. also great to know there will be dining rooms were shut down. when we had to wait in line to best. Let’s keep this in mind. idents. There aren’t the same Only visitors who are fully Shaw theatre-goers and other Many were forced to find work even get into stores? We did it, Penny Coles mandates for masks, or reduced vaccinated can cross the border, visitors back in town, staying in in other industries, and might and we survived. We’re closer The Local Lots of blame to go around for condition of Four Mile Creek ating our summer thunder- storms, drifts over an orchard and power-line field near Stamford, Niagara Falls. The rain drop penetrates the soil and begins its inevitable and Owen Bjorgan gravitational journey down the Special to The Local Niagara Escarpment. The rain drop joins others I am going to take you on in the soil, often underground the journey of a water drop and invisible in the waterway’s from Four Mile Creek’s headwa- early journey. A depression ters on the Niagara Escarpment, begins to form around Eagle right down to the shore of Lake Valley, where the water col- Ontario. This is NOTL’s most lects into a proper stream and voluminous creek, and it speaks begins to descend down the volumes in both its biological tiers of Niagara Escarpment. and civilian history. It is also By the time this creek reaches Kirstyn Smith is seen in the Virgil Dam area, in the shallow and sediment-filled water, largely our town’s longest creek system the new suburbs and Chocolate due to the human effects that wash down from St. Davids upstream. (Owen Bjorgan) and largest watershed, which is FX at the bottom of St. Davids, defined as the area in which a the rain drop will have traveled a couple of manmade ponds, All around these ponds lie a This was painfully obvious raindrop falls and collects into a through nearly 420 million which are located between the coating of relatively older for- after a few hefty precipitation certain geographical region. years of rock history. railway over Four Mile Creek est ecosystems on the slopes. events over the past six years. A cumulonimbus cloud, Following the scenic golf Road and Townline Road as These trees and their associated These powerful rains have oc- the kind responsible for cre- course, the creek takes form as you traverse the escarpment. roots, rocks, and logs are fil- curred in the past, and they tering the water which begins were soaked up by woodlots A satellite image, courtesy of to collect into the Four Mile and farmlands that no longer Google Earth, which broadly Creek valley, which is about to exist. As I have iterated in past depicts the path of Four Mile View from the couch enter the developed area of St. articles, I am not anti-devel- Creek’s journey. Readers Davids. Fortunately, NOTL’s opment, as that would be un- can try to spot the descrip- Donald Combe farming (Clarkson’s Farm, English teacher who loves largest creek starts its life off reasonable given our growing tions of the creek from the to go to movies. Until he re- Special to The Local Prime, 2021). The series pro- with reliable, cool, and clean human population in southern article based on the water’s vides real insight into the sumes going to theatres, he water because of such features. Ontario. However, I am cer- journey. Jeremy Clarkson, best complex difficulties faced by has graciously agreed to share Now, enter the St. Davids tainly against short-sighted, know as host of the popular every farmer. I have learned his opinions, through “short “concrete bowl, ” which is now profit-driven developmentsural features as a causal agent TV show, Top Gear, has now much while being vastly en- and sweet” exclusives, of factually observable. In my which perpetrate environmen- of flooding is as shallow as the achieved a different kind of tertained. Netflix series and movies for lifetime, the explosive sprawl tal wreckage. On top of the loss Virgil Dam itself. What did the fame as he tries his hand at Donald Combe is a retired The Local. of development in St. Davids of actual biodiversity and water town of NOTL expect when has allowed Four Mile Creek’s quality, we pave the way, quite it approved several develop- upper reaches to become a gi- literally, for avoidable residen- ments in St. Davids adjacent ant impermeable bowl, where tial issues. I’m talking about the to the creek, which was already surface water runs unabsorbed risk of flooding. geographically in a valley-like and unchecked into the creek. Sticks and stones belong pinch point? When all the This is the recipe for residen- in creeks, as they always have water flows inwards at hyper- tial flooding risk, let alone in- before modern mankind was speed, down the walls of the creased point source pollution. around. To blame these nat- concrete bowl, we can expect flooding events. It is interesting to watch NEEDNEED HELP?HELP? MAKEMAKE THETHE CALLCALL the “blame the creek” mindset unfold, when in fact, we have P.O. Box 430, 1596 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, L0S 1T0 DISTRESS CENTRE KIDS HELP PHONE ASSAULTED created a flooding issue by our For depression, Service for youth WOMEN’S Editor: Advertising Sales: own developments in the com- distress and crisis. 416-586-5437 HELPLINE Penny Coles Karen Skeoch munity. Perhaps these develop- 24 hour help line: 1-800-668-6868 Mobile calls to: [email protected] [email protected] • 905-641-5335 905-688-3711 (Crisis Line) #SAFE (#7233) ments could have been placed 905-246-5878 kidshelpphone.ca 1-866-863-0511 in less sensitive or risky areas, Julia Coles Publisher: MENTAL HEALTH (Toll Free) but hey, I don’t have the money [email protected] • 905-934-1040 AND ADDICTIONS ALCOHOLICS The Niagara-on-the-Lake Local ACCESS ANONYMOUS CRIME STOPPERS to comment on that. The ongo- Helen Arsenault Meetings every (Toll Free) Wednesday evening 1-800-222-8477 ing muddied waters in the creek Graphic Designer: Local Business Directory, 1-866-550-5205 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (TIPS) and decision-making alike are Rosie Gowsell Local Happenings, Classified Sales St. Mark’s Parish Hall niagaratips.com now predicated toward who [email protected] [email protected] GAMBLER’S 41 Byron St., NOTL Text 274637 (CRIMES), ANONYMOUS or find a meeting keyword: Niagara, might be, or should be respon- notllocal.com facebook.com/notllocal instagram.com/thenotllocal @thenotllocal 905-351-1616 905-682-2140 then your tip Continued on page 7 THE NOTLLocal August 11, 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 Almost 25,000 Canadians have Bird bangers are noise pollution died from COVID For many Niagara residents, innovative solutions that would to really understand the im- the civic holiday weekend is an ultimately benefit our environ- pact of these unrelenting bird One last letter on the subject: stance use and misuse.” able by public health measures unfortunate milestone. It’s when mental ecosystem. We have cannons. Last year we endured Yes, 5,335 more people under During the study period is one too many. some of our Niagara farmers innovators in our community over 90,000 blasts from dawn age 65 died in the first year of 24,682 people in Canada died Maybe we should have start their practice of using bird that we can look to as best-in- to dusk (and don’t worry about COVID-19 than would be ex- from COVID-19. followed Florida’s lockdown cannons again, 120 decibels of class examples. Wineries like showing up too early, every pected were there no COVID-19 Canada has been in the example and now have a re- un-strategic explosions starting Ravine Vineyard Estates and day starts with a thunderous epidemic, but to suggest the ex- midst of an opioid overdose cord of 1,835 COVID deaths every morning at around 5:45 Southbrook have embraced si- cannon blast well before 6 a.m.) cess deaths were due to lock- pandemic for the past few per million population in- a.m. If the dawn-to-dusk blasts lent solutions and have set the Our own province defines down measures is a stretch. years, admittedly exacerbat- stead of Canada’s 699 deaths weren’t enough, some have benchmark on how the farming noise pollution as “any form of The facts are that 1,380 peo- ed by the COVID pandemic. per million? At that rate we in added acoustic distress devices community, and their resident sound that disrupts a natural ple under age 65 did die from However the tone of a recent Canada could have had an- so there is no respite from the neighbors can live in harmony ecosystem or causes a person’s COVID-19 up until April, 2021 letter (The Local, Aug. 4) sug- other 38,000 excess deaths at- invasive noise. The detonations with one another. property to become unusable (and given the Delta variant gests that the thousands of tributable to COVID-19 and and squawking are relentless We were happy to read or unpleasant.” The province affecting more young people lives lost to COVID-19 don’t be having 20,000+ new infec- and being used even if there’s that town council is tabling the also continues to say that “noise since April, I’m sure the number matter, because the majority tions daily. I appreciate our not a bird in sight. Hundreds of issue of noise from fireworks pollution may have negative is higher now). Over the same of them were old and would government’s approach and town residents are concerned and noise complaints from impacts on human health, in- period 3,955 people under age have died anyway. By the same only bemoan that we didn’t go about this unnecessary and short term rental properties. I cluding loss of sleep, increased 65 (5,335-1,380) excess deaths logic, maybe the excess deaths harder and faster like New Zea- excessive noise pollution, and would hope these initiatives stress levels and hearing loss, in were “in large part, related to of those under 65 would have land and Australia did. yet some farmers hide behind would also apply to those of us severe cases.” other factors such as increase in died too because they were ad- archaic policy created many who must endure unwanted Pollution is pollution. No the number of deaths attributed dicted to opioids. To my mind Bob Bader years ago. Modern technology noise from bird cannons that exceptions. to causes associated with sub- any “excess” death prevent- NOTL has created silent and very effec- can last up to five months. I tive solutions, yet these farmers welcome any member of coun- Bob Oleksiw lack the motivation to try new cil to visit our neighbourhood NOTL Let’s not go overboard in St. Davids For goodness sake, let ev- are not “highlights” on tourists’ would work. Lots of room for improvement eryone take a step back !!! agendas. Tourists are looking for The immediate future does First, St. Davids is not a Niagara-on-the-Lake. St. Da- not seem to have major threats Continued from page 6 would later learn is actually by humans and time alike. quaint village. vids is a great little quiet place to disrupting the current status Four Mile Creek in a manufac- Although the scenic exit into Secondly, the junction settle into a calm lifestyle. of traffic flow. Timed traffic sible. The town of NOTL? The tured, straightened character Lake Ontario is accompanied of York Road and Four Mile Keep the four-way stop lights could be very flexible Niagara Peninsula Conserva- form. My St. Davids school by old-growth forest and wet- Creek is just a road junction. zone or establish a controlled when needed. tion Authority? The region? All buddies (the Martens, Steip, lands, it is still the last point of Thirdly, there is very little traffic light junction but do There are so many more I know is that there is enough and the Welke families) would Four Mile Creek’s diverse and pedestrian activity. not go overboard. worthy areas of concern in Ni- knowledge, resources, and fi- play in that waterway in won- troublesome journey. If St. Davids was a quaint his- Stop paying designers and agara-on-the-Lake that can ab- nances between these bodies, der of its relative joys, such as When something hits rock torical site attracting wonderful architects to play around on a sorb my high local taxes than so therefore, protection of the fish, bugs, and little rapids. bottom, that means there is tourists it would need far more well-established area of land. pretending that my environ- creek doesn’t seem unattainable. At Line 5, the creek then as- plenty of space for improve- than a convenience store, a post Traffic flow currently -var ment needs drastic change. Four Mile Creek took its sumes on original form again; ment. Improvement starts with office and a nearby Lions Hall ies dramatically throughout most recent blow to its remain- that water droplet now flowing two things. One, we need our to attract attention. The gas sta- the day. Either of the above Stu Mac ing identity when the creek was and winding as it should be town council, the NPCA, and tion and school a few steps away mentioned controls work, or St. Davids literally rerouted at the base of until it reaches the Virgil Dam. the region to take a more pro- St. Davids. This was done in or- I have written about the Virgil active stance on where future der to maximize development Dam area before, and although developments happen. They space opportunity. For a brief it harbours a solid quantity of can work together, rather than How to deal with poison ivy toxin? moment at the bottom of this noteworthy wildlife, its quality each delegating the effort and I am not a Facebook sub- me. These pants I washed im- only for gardening. A previous hill, the creek actually retained of water and surrounding envi- blame onto the others. Stop scriber, if so I might get an- mediately after the exposure wash had no effect. They are some of its original historic ronment cannot be celebrated blaming the creek for a situa- swers to the question I shall with hot water and detergent made of a cotton/hemp mix. composure as it grooved like a yet. The water is deceptively tion that our town has created, pose. I am hoping that this tack (pity I couldn’t put my arms Could the hemp be affected by serpent through the landscape. lacking in depth, with an aver- and let’s get to work on pro- might get a similar result. in the tub), and dried them on the toxin? I remember being a kid age depth of about two feet. The tecting it. Further altering its I got poison ivy! It was hor- the line in the sun. They have How did this happen? I biking along Line 8, a step back sediment that has washed in course may have good inten- rid and the effects have lasted emerged with lots of black wonder if I can bleach them in time where a clean creek from farmlands and urban areas tions on paper, but I fear for the 10 days. That is not unusual spotted lines on the front, just with the hemp content? flowed under a dirt country upstream has created a shallow environmental repercussions. I am told, but I was wearing where the toxin might have got. road. The cicadas buzzing, the abyss of murky water before it Secondly, it takes people white pants in order to see any What could have caused this? Cynthia Rand frogs and turtles swimming flows over the final dam. like me at my desk, and you as ticks which might converge on I have worn these pants NOTL up and downstream, and the From here until Lake On- the reader, to get outside and pleasant human view of a gen- tario, Four Mile Creek retains appreciate Four Mile Creek. tly meandering creek. Follow- a natural form of bends and We can clean up garbage, we ing this spot, and well before banks, but unfortunately, it is can plant trees on our prop- Letters! We want letters! my time, Four Mile Creek then too late for its water and wild- erties, we can inspire the next If you have a letter to the editor you’d like to see published, please send it to takes on the form of a glorified life characteristics, given the generation with awesome wild- ditch until Line 5. damage done upstream. When life encounters, and we can [email protected]. Please try to keep it to about 350 words. Sorry, but I have fond memories of the water droplet passes under even vote for decision-mak- we won’t publish anonymous letters. And please stick to the issue at hand, hanging out at a friend’s house Lakeshore Road and enters the ers who want to prioritize the rather than attacking those involved. The deadline is Monday at noon. on Line 6, which backed onto Four Mile Pond, said droplet health of Four Mile Creek and this massive ditch, which I would have seen a creek altered our natural heritage.

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THE NOTL LOCAL COMMENT November 21, 2019 7 How one mosquito can change your life with it, leaving behind a deep places, most of us are fortunate depression or hole in the My emergency contacts enough to go our entire lives certainly have potential to sur- ground where it once valiantly picked me up from a road to- return to the city the night prior without getting hypothermia. round and influence us, and stood. Sometimes, these holes ward which I had bushwhacked. was filled with much-appreciat- Here’s how you can get it: go that includes the living organ- inevitably fill up with water. I thanked them immensely, and ed calories and adult beverages hiking for four days straight in isms that come paired with They become little ecosystems then I may have drained their (it was an epic hike). But noth- Owen Bjorgan early spring when rain is falling these environments. When I’m unto themselves, occasionally a whole hot water tank in their ing too crazy, so why did I feel Special to The Local but snow is still on the ground. not cold and wet in Canada, I’m few feet deep. cottage. I didn’t believe standing like death in the morning? This double feature of un- Sleep alone in the tent, but wake hot and drenched in the tropics, I accidentally tread on one in a hot shower and chattering Turns out a mosquito car- nerving stories, I promise, were up next to the exact same foe ev- my favourite playground. of these frozen pits and it gave my teeth for hours was possible. rying the Dengue Fever virus worse for me than for those ery morning – this grey, heavy, After a five-day excursion way immediately. My snowsuit The core temperature returned sunk its proboscis (that’s the about to read them. My lifestyle biting presence of wind and rain into a tropical section of the An- NOTL LOCAL and little body pierced directly about a day later, but my body needle-like mouth part) into a and career see me outdoors sev- that’s waiting outside again. Get des mountains in Ecuador, I came through the ice. I remember the was damaged. Let’s say I needed bare patch of my skin at some en days a week, so when I have directly rained on all day so hard back to civilization with more cold water seeping in through to run off of the trail or out of point on that trip. The virus the spare time to enhance the that even your sponsored gear than just notes about the weather. the wool and cotton and touch- my tent almost 15 times a day. which causes the fever began adventures, I usually go all in. seems to have given up on the sit- I woke up and thought I was ing my warm body. Slowly, The elements of nature The first time I went “all in” uation. nursing a mild hangover, as my getting heavier, I remember Continued on page 8 set the tone for the cold, wet, Rinse, dry, repeat – minus the cold soup up to my chest and sometimes painful stories I the drying. and its putrid smell, my elbows will now tell you about. In hind- Wake up, eat some cold and head thankfully well above sight, they are all positive stories food, and put on the least wet the ice. My feet kicked off the for me now that were created by pair of socks and sweater you bottom where worms, rotting time in nature. They come bud- can find. The one thing I ex- leaves, and hibernating frogs ding with valuable lessons, too. perienced on that Bruce Trail probably rested. I got out pretty I was nearly 10 years old expedition in 2014 was that easily, but pretty damned cold. here in NOTL, enjoying the neither the weather nor I slept Apparently I developed a newfound liberties of parental much those first few nights, and strange affinity for this feeling. I trust and walkie talkies. Alone, I found myself physically and learned to gain mastery over mis- as I still like to go sometimes, I mentally exhausted. ery in outdoor conditions, because followed the creek down and off The cold came creeping misery can beat you up faster than the yard, where it crossed un- from the inside out. It felt like the weather itself sometimes. der a couple of roads and then the inside of my bones had I not only found joy, but broadened out into a beautiful turned into the same wet clothes personal growth and stamina floodplain. It was March, and I was wearing. My muscles felt in my years of winter camping, ice was still sealing the deal in porous to the cold, as the feel- 7 intentionally hiking in storms, our forests. ing trickled its way through my September 24, 2020 hence why I also love the annual Editorial Banner Bookings When a large tree falls, it body like a spilt drink,THE slowly NOTL LOCAL Penguin Dip in NOTL. This is a massive ceiba tree, says Owen Bjorgan, tucked into the Andean mountains of running across a table top. This takes up the roots and earth Ecuador. It might be the largest living thing in the rainforest. In contrast, a mosquito from the Living in Canada, of all was only the beginning. same area nearly ruined his trip and changed his life, says Bjorgan. (Owen Bjorgan) notllocal.com Auchterlonie on Astrology The opinions expressed in submitted commentary, and letters to the editor,COMMENT are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of The NOTL Local. been enduring and rarely fal- just yards away, out of reach, but Bill Auchterlonie sit though the sign of Libra, tering and she likes Canada a kids on my left nusand inright Taurus leaning bringingnot really. sud- Special to The Local Mercury and Venus and the My takeawayterm from goals. this If we are up for the lot with homes in British Co- in to see the prayingden changemantis with which could be on June 21, Neptune, plan- gently swept theSun five-inch and Chiron insect make con- challenge of change. Married This week I look at the lumbia and Muskoka. maximum interest,dangerous their toes either upexperience as in an ac-is that kids are truly et of Pisces and ruler of all third week of November,back toward the the building for in-off the wall, andnections from there, that, the while some- meant to be withwith nature. Children star, Christina Friday Nov. 22:praying The mantis Sun walked around against the whitecident lines. of note – or a warning things unconscious, began to Students lookweek ofto the Sunnature movingdoor duties, from and I see somefor kids playgroundwhat stressful, if well-handledAs I walk entertainmentbetween the rect- When theyApplegate aren’t allowed turns 48 today. within an urban schoolyard, moves from the sexyon myconstel- hands and coffee cup about a health matter. Later in move in retrograde motion. sexy Scorpio into lookingall-knowing at these “super giant promise improvedangular relation- cohorts, I notice a pecu-to play tag, they resortTuesday to ripping Nov. 26: The and hopefully leave a lasting im- lation Scorpio intowhile all-know- I showed it to all the kids the day the Sun in Sagittari- Today Neptune turns direct, Sagittarius on Friday,mosquitoes” Nov. 22, on the side of the ships, more moneyliar and phenomenon. heal- Only two of up grass and throwingMoon moves it at their from secretive pression on some kids during ing Sagittarius at 9:59at recess. a.m. us makes a tense connection unleashing positive energy school portables. We’ve all seen ing of old wounds.them This have is access to a tree. friends. I wasScorpio really impressed into sassy Sagittarius the two weeksand I hadthe there.New Moon in Sagit- I must have showed 100 with Saturn in Capricorn sug- and making dreams come While I was spray paint- them withoutIt’s knowing the start what of a month of all It was a remarkable obser- with the creativetoday approach. in preparation for the tarius on Tuesday, Nov. 26. people, the Wayne praying Gretzky’s mantis week. On The symbology is at the true. Bill Nye, the science guy, ing the lines that separate the they are. Theythings show big, up especially in show- ideas vation to seegesting how much it’s timephysi- to come clean And more. seemingly understandingNov. 23, 1988, its he scored his fingertips ofNew the Moon youth which when happens cohorts of students out in the ers, cornersand of thedeeds. barn, Today, and on the Moon cal activity andwith curiosities yourself. cen-And finally the turns 64 today. Thursday Nov. 21: On universal truth600th that goal! it can And be super quar- they rip theat grass 10:05 up this from morning. the It’s the Owen Bjorgan soccer field for recess, I noticedthe cottagein dock. Libra These adds aare friendly to- and tred aroundMoon the one and tree. Mercury It’s a connect Next week I look at the this last full day of Scorpio for part of an terback,important Doug education- Flutie, threw earth. Evenstart when of field a new trips lunar and month, a Special to The Local some divots in the ground. tally harmlessmore crane laid-back flies. edge to the little tree, too.at the Kids same would place meet in the sign last week of November, and 2019 we see the Moon move I tell the kids, “these flies al moment.his “Hail Flutie” end-to-end singing andday playgrounds of new beginnings are de- where Some of the younger kids had proceedings, but still mayA few kids hover around there and ofchat. Scorpio They’d bringing hang off a meet- the start of December. Also from discriminating Virgoaren’t even related to mosqui- pass for Boston College on nied, natureintuition is always is goingstrong to and be confi- Here’s a wild one for you. taken to digging into the grass. push for improvementswhen that I visit their cohort. The the one oring two of little heart branches, and mind. On the week of the First Quarter DON’T MISS OUT! toes. They just look like huge this day in 1984. there as andence effervescent is high. source,Happy birthday There areinto no balancingtrees, sports Libra toys, just be- fan the leaves, and make leaf or As an outdoor guide for the are not easy to accept. praying The mantis leaps off of my Sunday, Nov. 24, 1963,even Lee during these strange times. Moon in Pisces on Wednes- or gamesfore of tagmidnight. going on. It’s So, a today mosquitoes, when but they’re not, Sunday Nov. 24: Whatgrass a“hats.” Let’s remember, the number 102 to the National District School Board of Niag- Great One, Wayne Gretzky,hands and then flies. Did you Harvey Oswald was shot and day, Dec. 4. the soilMars they go.and Chiron makeand a con- they can’t even hurt peo- mixed bag of events weclosed see in playground and gym are Hockey League, and It was ara, I was deployed out of the ple. Lookwas at inducted how tall and into skinny the Hock-know they can fly? It’s rarely wit- killed on live TV. And please visit my website Thenection little kids which call canme overbring some nessed,the but sky they today. are more First, than the Moon Nov. 26, 1922 that the brilliant woods, and into a Niagara Falls they are,ey likeHall a ofcrane. Fame Mosqui- on this day in Monday Nov. 25: The www.LookingUpWithBill.com. elementary school to assist with to the healing chunk of opportunities soil and grass to those capable.moves from laid back Libra cartoonist who gave us Pea- they’ve carved up. They pull it toes can’t1999, even his get jersey, this big, number ever!” 99, changes continue today as It’s all new with a new pod- the pandemic reopening. in need of physical help. Or If you Google crane fly, Theinto visually intense terrifying Scorpio crea- just past nuts, Charles M. Shulz, was over. A few worms and a beetle retired forever by the NHL. Venus moves from outgoing cast featuring the connections I could write scores of arti- maybe with help at work. The ture thenmidnight. landed Thenon the face Venus of aand born. Also Nov. 26, 1922, the larvae (grub) lie exposed on the you’llAnd be surprised it was Friday how many Nov. 22, Sagittarius to commanding between the planets, the astro- cles about what I did, saw, and ‘sock it to me girl’ from Rowantimes you’ve seen this harmless GradeJupiter 2 kid. Heare goes together cross-eyed in Scorpio discovery of King Tut’s Tomb dirt. Their curiosity is ramped 1963 that John F. Kennedyand bug-eyed at once — the Capricorn while the Sun in logical signs and the houses of experienced during these past and Martin’s Laugh-In, Goldie“super giant mosquito” in your before sunrise, which brings opened up a new era in fasci- two weeks. I was on the front- up for such a simple but creative was shot in Dallas, Texas. look of surprise and unsureness Sagittarius makes a stressful your horoscope. As well as the discovery.Hawn, It celebrates made me numberhappy to own 74 house. good fortune in relationships nation with all things ancient line of the very situation that I goSaturday outside to Nov. my van 23: in While theequally as pronounced. Within connection to Uranus in Tau- cosmic news for all seven days seetoday. this moment Her acting unfold. career has for all. Just before noon, Mars Egyptian, an interest that is we’ve all been talking and hear- the Moon continues her tran-one second, he tried to swipe it rus bringing an opportunity to of the week. While they gaze upon the parking lot, remove the mask in Scorpio is opposite to Ura- ongoing even up to today. ing about. I promised myself but chickened out. I reached out change direction on some long As Joni said: We are stardust. closed playground and gym justand sip some coffee on my Wednesday Nov. 27: Back I would be there for the kids break. The radio tells me how and grabbed it in an instant. The We are golden. So shine on! 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 this premium position 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 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Respected volunteer, treasured friend recognized at museum Penny Coles she received a master of science her a news junkie, he says, an The Local degree in nursing, she became interest that never left her. the first psychiatric nurse to Although she had visit- Those who knew Diane publish her research with her ed many beautiful cities, “she Moreau Hemmings would colleague doctors at medical loved this place very much, for know of her extensive volun- conventions around the world. all sorts of reasons,” says David, teer work in Niagara-on-the During her early career, she “primarily its cultural heritage.” Lake, and her extremely wide was a psychiatric nursing con- Once settled in NOTL, Di- range of interests. sultant with several medical ane embraced herself in several But they might not realize institutions, and on the teach- different interests. the extent of her education, the ing staff at various universities “We weren’t people to sit wide range of her skills, the many in three countries. She also around in retirement and watch places she has lived, the diversity received a master of science at TV,” says David. “That wasn’t of her careers or the number of Wichita State University, before for us. It was more like starting organizations to which she lent pursuing a PhD in communi- a new career. We both felt pas- her time and talents. cations in Wales. sionate about giving back to the In short, Diane was an en- More recently, says David, community, and its importance gaging and talented woman, her husband of 48 years, Diane during this stage of retirement. and one who shared her many taught at Brock University in Diane felt that very strongly.” interests and skills to help make three faculties. The list of her volunteer her community better for all She had lived and worked in interests is proof of that — she who live here. many areas of the U.S., in South continued to put her skills to Her husband David Hem- Wales and Canary Wharf in work, including helping NOTL mings, an author of several Britain; and finally told their win the international Commu- books on local history, says about family in 2008 she was going to nities in Bloom competition. his presentation during a plaque live in Niagara-on-the Lake. The two books she com- dedication and tree-planting for David says that had been piled on the town’s activities, Diane, that he missed her word- her goal for many years, but interests and environment to smithing skills. Her passion for he was finishing up his career that end “are truly a unique speech-writing and understand- in Britain, not quite ready for reflection of who we are – and ing of rhetoric stemmed from retirement. He asked her to they thoroughly impressed the her persuasive speech studies give him a bit of time, which judges who gave this town the that led to her doctorate, her days stretched into six years. Finally, honour of being international as a political lobbyist on Capitol she said to him, “I’m going to champions,” says David. Diane J. Moreau Hemmings (Photos supplied) Hill in Washington, and her time move to Niagara-on-the-Lake. “She was particularly proud as a docent at the Library of Con- What are you going to do?” of the work the CIB did, a com- didn’t want anything in return,” essary, “at a time when that “She was a nice person, she gress, he says. She had travelled to several mittee she chaired for as long as adds David. needed to be done. That was was generous, and she could be David spoke of his wife to a foreign parts around the globe, she could.” “Her accomplishments have her skill,” he says. brutally honest.” group of friends and fellow vol- by destination cruises, confer- Diane “had a strong sense spread across several disparate She was also a member of She was also very intelli- unteers during a ceremony for ence attendance and train trips. of being a responsible volun- community-run organizations.” the Shaw Guild, not a cerebral or gent, adds Disero. Diane at the NOTL Museum She used her French and Span- teer for the community, and As co-chair of the NOTL onerous task, but one which gave “Anything I asked her to do, Tuesday, one of the many local ish to get by in many places. making it a better place for all,” Horticultural Society, she re- her great pleasure — by helping she could do it. She didn’t want organizations she supported. And her deep academic pas- and, as a private person who wrote its constitution to meet to seat people as they arrived at publicity. She just wanted to Born in Montreal, where sion for political rhetoric made never sought publicity, “she requirements of the ministry of the theatre, she and David got to roll up her sleeves and get the agriculture, and helped to create enjoy Shaw productions. job done. She was a very private the basis for a stable, well-man- Diane also took great plea- person.” aged, community-financed or- sure in playing mahjong and She was quick to tell the ganization whose membership participating in a community lord mayor what she was doing many have enjoyed over the current affairs group, a knitting wrong, and what she was doing succeeding years. group and a book club. right. If there was an issue that FORM 2 She was a member of the Diane’s volunteer ethic was needed attention, she would Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26 NOTL Museum, enjoyed its exemplary, says David, and “her say so. And since Diane was many programs and lectures, astute mind, her empathy for connected to so many people NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR and supported its fundraising others and her ability to make through her volunteer work, she efforts for the expansion. things happen for the good of sometimes heard about issues APPROVAL TO EXPROPRIATE LAND On the board of Music Ni- the community will be missed.” before the lord mayor, and never IN THE MATTER OF an application by The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the- agara, Diane helped to bring Lord Mayor Betty Disero hesitated to pass along what she Lake for approval to expropriate all right, title and interest (fee simple) for municipal sensible management to the agrees. Diane was not only a had heard, so something could purposes and to permit the construction, maintenance and use of a sanitary sewer with all necessary appurtenances including equipment, pipes and related infrastructure. acclaimed Performance Acad- passionate volunteer for the be done about them, says Disero. emy for young musicians, and town, but a treasured friend. “She was also a wonderful NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that application has been made for the approval to the leadership of Music Niag- Anything that needed to be conversationalist, about all kinds expropriate all right, title and interest (fee simple) for municipal purposes and to ara. She raised over half of the done, Diane would tackle — there of things. I liked just hanging out permit the construction, maintenance and use of a sanitary sewer with all necessary necessary funds from grants was nothing she wouldn’t do. with Diane and David. It was appurtenances including equipment, pipes and related infrastructure, in the lands for the first Choral Festival In addition to building the always interesting. In terms of described as: two years ago — her skill at community profile books for current events, world politics, Part of the Common Elements of Niagara North Vacant Land grant-writing was duly noted the Communities in Bloom and even locally, she was well-in- Condominium Plan No. 302 by those who benefitted from competition, she organized the formed and knew what was go- Being Part of PINs 46502-0001 (LT) to 46502 – 0038 (LT) inclusive it. Her persuasive skills made garden of the week contests. ing on. I could always rely on her Parts 1 and 2 Reference Plan 30R- 15739 her “highly capable” of bring- “She was a wonderful for an honest opinion,” says Dis- Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Regional Municipality of Niagara. ing people together when nec- friend,” says Disero. ero. “I’m really going to miss her.” Any owner of lands in respect of which notice is given who desires an inquiry into whether the taking of such land is fair, sound and reasonably necessary in the achievement of the objectives of the expropriating authority shall so notify the approving authority in writing, (a) in the case of a registered owner, served personally or by registered mail, within thirty (30) days after the registered owner is served with the notice, or, when the registered owner is served by publication, within (30) days after the first publication of the notice; (b) in the case of an owner who is not a registered owner, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of the notice. The approving authority is: The Council of The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake 1593 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 The expropriating authority is: The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake 1593 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-3266 Fax: 905-468-2959 Email: Acting Town Clerk Colleen Hutt [email protected] This notice first published on the 4th day of August, 2021. David Hemmings poses by a tree planted at the NOTL Museum in memory of his wife, Diane. notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 9 Shred-it returns to raise funds for palliative care Penny Coles caregivers in NOTL, says Ba- programs were offered at the The Local gnulo. start of the pandemic, Bag- The palliative care service nulo says volunteers are back Once again, with the sup- has moved from the former to home visits, masked and port and sponsorship of the nurses’ residence behind the safely distanced, as well as Niagara-on-the-Lake Merid- former hospital building to providing outside and virtual ian Credit Union, Shred-it the lower level where doctors’ one-on-one visits. returns. offices are still located, she Long-term care visits are The only thing that has says. opening up slowly, says Bag- changed since last year is the While they are look- nulo. location — Sean Simpson has ing forward to a permanent “We are now back into offered the Simpson Phar- home, they’re not sure where two of three homes we service macy parking lot on Niagara that will be yet. following COVID protocols, Stone Road. “This is working out for us and hopefully the third is just It’s happening this Satur- now,” she says. The organiza- around the corner.” day, Aug. 14, so it’s time to go tion had hoped to move to the Bereavement Walking through the boxes of old doc- new building in The Village Groups are offered for anyone uments piling up and taking when the doctors relocate looking for extra support, she space in local basements. in the fall, but there won’t be says, on Thursday mornings, The goal of the event is room, she says. safely distanced and masked. two-fold — to get rid of those An alternative may be in “We also continue to pro- papers safely, avoiding the the Niagara Stone Road med- vide bereavement telephone possibility of identity theft, ical clinic, where some of the support. We are looking for- while helping a very import- other Niagara North Family ward to facilitating Advanced ant local organization. Health Team doctors are lo- Care Planning workshops The event is 9 a.m. to cated, if there is room there. and are hopeful to announce 1 p.m., or until the two Shred- “We’re unsure of where a date this fall.” it trucks are full. A banker’s we’re going to end up,” she And all programs for box of paper can be shredded says, but what is more import- lending equipment, care-giv- for $8, or three boxes for $20. ant is that residents, families er support and the lending Meridian Credit Union and health care providers are library are also running, free pays for the Shred-it trucks, aware of the palliative care ser- of charge, and for as long as so all money raised can go vice and the programs it offers. needed. Bonnie Bagnulo, executive director of the NOTL Community Palliative Care Service, says directly to serving palliative Although there were For more information call the annual Shred-it event has been moved to Simpson’s Pharmacy on Niagara Stone Road. care clients, their families and some changes to how those 905-468-4433. (Photo supplied)

SOLD NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

658 KING STREET 240 NASSAU STREET LOT 19 LAKE STREET UNIT #19 – GRIMSBY 424 SIMCOE STREET $1,549,000 $2,495,000 $1,599,000 $1,300,000 MLS 40146556 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40150638 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40150679 • Thomas Elltoft and Weston Miller MLS 40132783 • Thomas Elltoft and Viviane Elltoft and Nicole Vanderperk

NEW PRICE NEW PRICE NEW PRICE

28 ABERDEEN LANE S 14554 NIAGARA RIVER PARKWAY 14729 NIAGARA RIVER PARKWAY 17 SHAWS LANE $1,299,000 $2,195,000 $3,995,000 $1,139,000 MLS 40143321 • Thomas Elltoft and Weston Miller MLS 40129783 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40040891 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40148923 • Viviane Elltoft and Jane Elltoft and Nicole Vanderperk

24 PLATOFF STREET 94 PRIDEAUX STREET 222 RICARDO STREET #10 736 RYE STREET $1,195,000 $2,795,000 $1,849,000 $3,295,000 MLS 40144171 • Christopher Bowron MLS 40080197 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft MLS 40147112 • Victoria Bolduc and Sarah Gleddie MLS 40108729 • Thomas Elltoft and Kim Elltoft 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 Giovanni Rodriguez Martinez*... 905-328-2145 ***Broker of Record ** Broker *Sales Representative 109 Queen Street 905-468-3205 • St. Davids Office 905-262-6996 10 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Motown classics, originals featured in online concert Mike Balsom My Girl. Professor Emeritus at Bran- and said that we should finish Special to The Local It’s an obsession the don’s School of Math and five or six songs, release an EP 45-year-old Stoney Creek resi- Computer Science, remembers (a mini album), and maybe do Canadian singer-songwrit- dent says came about as a result that moment well. a show together.” er Luke McMaster brings his of his father taking a trip to the “He went to university and McMaster shifted focus soulful tribute to the masters Motor City. came home one day and said then to become a full-time as part of Music Niagara’s At “My Dad was a university ‘Dad, I’m going to be a rock songwriter. He was involved in Home Concert Series. professor at Brandon Universi- star,’” George said. “I had nev- that role with Canadian Idol, It’s a performance recorded ty,” McMaster explains. “They er heard him say that or play penning the song October Skies, in front of a small live audience would send him out to different anything. I told him I would which was recorded by first-sea- by Niagara College’s broadcast- conferences. He fatefully took a support him, but that he had son winner Ryan Malcolm. ing program July 21 at Chateau trip to Detroit when I was just a to show me something to go He went on to write hits for des Charmes Winery, to be little kid, and he came back with on. He went downstairs and he artists such as Rihanna, Nick presented online Aug. 12. a stack of vinyl. It was all the showed me a book of lyrics. I Lachey (of Backstreet Boys Formerly of the blue-eyed classics: Supremes, Four Tops, asked him where he got them. fame) and Joanna Wang, a bi- soul duo McMaster and James, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder. I He said ‘they go by, and I just lingual Taiwanese singer. the Brandon, Manitoba native became like Rain Man, totally pull them down.’” McMaster released an EP has a deep love of the Motown obsessed with that music.” With his family’s blessing, called Time in 2008, but it wasn’t sound evident throughout his While in high school, Luke went on to attend Win- until 2013 when he truly moved oeuvre. His 2018 release Icons McMaster taught himself to nipeg’s Contemporary Music back into the spotlight with the of Soul was a collaboration with play guitar, and began writing College. His first band was release of his debut album All Luke McMaster’s online performance for Music Niagara was legendary Motown songwrit- songs. But he kept his musical called Double Vision, with Roads. His collaboration with recorded in July at Chateau des Charmes Winery. er Lamont Dozier and Felix pursuits hidden from his fam- drummer/singer Sean Miller. pianist Jim Brickman on that Cavaliere of the Rascals, while ily until he decided to leave They had an Everly Brothers/ album, Good Morning Beautiful, Motown deep cut. It’s actually a cy, and George McMaster, who 2020’s Songs of Smokey saw him Brandon University after just a Simon and Garfunkel two-part climbed to the number three song the two worked on about called out for an encore when take on Smokey Robinson clas- short stint there. harmony feel to their music. position on the U.S. Billboard Dozier’s life. Luke and the band were start- sics such as Shop Around and His father George, now Then, in 1997 he met up Adult Contemporary chart. “I half-jokingly said to him ing to wrap things up. with Rob James. The two began Not surprisingly, there are that we should write a song McMaster was knocked out collaborating on songwriting, a couple of Motown covers on about him,” McMaster remem- by the beauty of the winery and and that resulted in the 2000 re- that debut solo album, too. bers. “He kind of sat there for the town itself. “The show was lease McMaster and James. The McMaster’s set for Music a minute then said ‘it’s a great so fun, and it’s really such a spe- album went gold in Canada on Niagara features many of those idea.’ He’s a really smart, affable cial area,” McMaster says. “Last the strength of such songs as Motown songs as well as his guy. I really wanted to borrow night Tracy and I were saying Thank You, and Love Wins Ev- own compositions, which fit the James Jamerson bass lines. ‘why don’t we live here?’ It’s one ery Time. seamlessly in with the tried and He wrote that bass line.” of the nicest towns I’ve ever Sadly, that was the only re- true classics. In between he tells McMaster’s band seemed been to. I’m hoping my agent lease from the duo, often com- stories about his inspirations, inspired by the bucolic setting can book me a wineries tour pared favourably to Hall and such as the time Smokey Robin- under the tent, with the Cha- for next summer. That would Oates. McMaster says a batch of son himself tweeted his approval teau des Charmes vineyards be fantastic.” songs exists, though, that could of McMaster’s version of one of directly behind them on a hot, With any luck, that might someday see the light of day. his well-known soul numbers. sunny summer day. The pres- include another appearance for “I was recently cleaning A highlight of the show ence of Kesha Wint and Selena the Music Niagara Festival. up my catalogue, getting it or- is My Life is a Song, a collab- Evangeline was a real highlight, Luke McMaster’s perfor- ganized,” he tells The Local. “I oration with Lamont Dozier, providing the authentic Mo- mance for the Music Niagara have about 500 songs, many who was one-third of the Hol- town-style background vocals Festival At Home Concert Se- that I had forgotten about. I land-Dozier-Holland Motown to most of the numbers. ries debuts Thursday, Aug. 12, Luke McMaster performs with Kesha Wint and Selena Evange- came across so many songs songwriting team. Without Among the audience was at 4 p.m. Visit musicniagara.org line, who provide Motown-style background vocals to most of that Rob and I had been work- McMaster’s backstory, most McMaster’s sister-in-law and or the organization’s YouTube the numbers. (Photos by Mike Balsom) ing on. I actually contacted him would think it’s a 1960s-era her two children, his wife Tra- channel to watch the show. notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 11

James Paterson sculptures at Art Space 106 Submitted by enough to show works and beautiful fibre art. Pat Art Space 106 by Campbell Scott, a well Hafter and her incredi- known local artist who ble Canadian scenes. The Art Space 106 started worked in so many differ- raku pottery by Shu-Chen life as a contemporary gal- ent mediums. MJ Dominey Cheng is some of the best lery, featuring the works of with her serene water im- you will find. Joe Speck Romero Britto and other ages, Susan Holly and her with his wonderful fused international contempo- beautiful stained glass, Al- glass offers everything from rary artists. We had a small ison Sawatzky monoprints, beautiful plates to garden group of local and native Darlene Monroe with her stakes. And then there is artists to compliment these fantastic painted furniture James Paterson. works. Gradually we evolved into what we currently are. Victor Packard and Barbara Cole wait for local author Jean Baker to sign a copy of her latest A gallery that specializes in novel, Albatross Hall. (Mike Balsom) Canadian art, with a focus on Ontario and local artists. This has proven to be the right direction for the gal- lery. Our artists and artisans Local author has next are amongst the best, show- ing their work in glass, raku pottery, stained glass, furni- new book in the works ture and jewellery. Our walls Hall, making sure she got all ra-on-the-Lake. Jean immedi- are adorned with canvases Mike Balsom representing realism as well Special to The Local the dates correct and ensuring ately immersed herself in the its historical accuracy. Two dic- community. as abstract, with mediums Any book lover will tell you tionary-like compendiums of “I joined eight (organiza- ranging from encaustic, cold that there is something special British history helped in that tions) as soon as I moved in,” wax and oil, monoprints, fi- about buying a book directly process. she says. “Two weeks later I bre, photography. from its author. Jean is a delight to chat was in the church choir. I was It is our goal to bring a That’s especially true when with. During a quiet moment a member of the church choir selection of beautiful art to the author happens to be a on Saturday she shared her for 24 years, but I retired be- our gallery and to be part fascinating 85-year-old histo- own story, which itself begins cause my voice is not quite (as of the vibrant artistic com- ry buff who lives right in your in a historical time and place. strong).” munity that abounds in our View James Paterson sculptures at Art Space 106 in town. “During the war years, it The Niagara Historical So- area. We have been lucky Niagara-on-the-Lake. Jean Baker parked her- wasn’t quite so easy,” she re- ciety, Amnesty International, self under the Niagara-on- members. “I grew up during the NOTL Horticultural Soci- the-Lake Museum’s Commu- the Blitz. Our house was ety and the Newcomers Club nity Courtyard tent last Satur- bombed. And after the war, are just a few of the local orga- day morning to sign copies of we had to continue rationing. nizations that have benefitted her new novel, Albatross Hall. There was no sense of being from Baker’s wisdom, wit and And she was more than happy able to go out and buy what we energy. to chat about the circumstances wanted. Coupons were in effect She also began studying pi- that brought her to this point. for many years after the end ano, taking music alongside the Described by the author as of the War in ’45. We were al- organist at St. Mark’s Church. historical fiction, Albatross Hall lowed two ounces of butter per She continues this pursuit to- takes place during a dramatic person per week.” day with current St. Mark’s or- period of European and North But she pushed on, attend- ganist James Bourne. American history, set as it is in ing college as a history major, Unfortunately, Peter began the reigns of George III and IV, eventually becoming an ele- experiencing dementia in their with a flashback to the reign of mentary school teacher in the early days in NOTL. While she Elizabeth I and Oliver Cromwell. U.K. She married Peter Baker, had the idea for Albatross Hall The Elizabethan manorand the couple moved to Can- back then, it took many years house of the title is the ancient ada in 1957, where Peter took for her to get organized to put family seat of the aristocratic a position as an engineer with it all down on paper while she Ponsonbys, whose fortunes the federal government. helped her husband with his interact with the lives of prom- Peter, who passed away in struggles. inent historical figures such as January, 2020, eventually be- Baker says she has an idea Napoleon, the Duke of Wel- came a statistician, and was for another novel that she may lington, U.S. President Thom- involved in a landmark federal get down to finishing soon, as as Jefferson, and General John lung cancer study in 1972. long as she can squeeze her pia- Burgoyne. Jean was able to pick up no practice in as well. “The slave trade, witch- a job as a teacher in nearby “I’m waiting for the cooler craft, daylight robbery, mur- Gloucester County, but left that weather,” she laughs, “for the der, adventure — it’s got ev- position to become a successful brain to work. It’s a different erything,” says Baker. “I love realtor when it became clear era, set in Scotland. It’s about history, and every detail in she needed more time to spend a gentleman who believed in that book, including the Cato with their three children, Adri- the underworld. And he was Street Conspiracy (an attempt an, Helen and Richard. Later, a preacher. I’ve done part of it, to murder all the British cab- she opened a craft store in the but it needs some fine-tuning.” inet ministers and the Prime Ottawa area. It’s pretty much a given that Minister, Lord Liverpool, in Along the way, she studied when that novel sees the light 1820) is verifiable.” creative writing at Carleton of day, it will be just as interest- “It covers three continents,” University, and regularly in- ing and engaging as Albatross James Paterson brings life to steel wire and colour. she continues. “It covers the dulged in her passion for writ- Hall and, more importantly, as Twisting and bending the wires, adding splashes of colour Battle of Waterloo, that’s one of ing. Baker’s work has been pub- its author. to make stories out of art, many with moving parts. These the principal highlights. It also lished in several magazines, Albatross Hall is published sculptures are sure to capture your heart and compel your covers the ball on the eve of including British Heritage, the by Victoria, B.C.’s Friesen Press imagination to a place of joy. the battle, the Duchess of Rich- Canadian Medical Association and available via its website. It mond’s Ball. And I’ve got two Journal, Canadian Living and is also available at the NOTL Now represented by Art Space 106 crazy old ladies in it too.” Classical Music magazine. Museum, as well as at local 106C Queen St., Niagara on the Lake | 289 868 9211 Baker took almost four In 1994, after Peter retired, bookstores and via Chapters years to complete Albatross the couple moved to Niaga- and Amazon online. 12 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com

What Is The Deal With Real Estate Prices? Submitted by about folks who have sold business. My team and I delaying their weddings ReMax Greg Sykes their home and NEED to invested in the best video and buying a home instead purchase a home? marketing tools available of paying for the wedding, In mid March, 2020 I re- Thankfully, technology, and we begin to offer full enticingly low interest member huddling around lawyers, banks, land reg- virtual tours to our clients rates, rising costs of con- the TV at the ReMax office istry etc have been able to etc and by May 1st, we had struction and the mass (before social distancing pivot and continue to serve sold more properties than unloading of rental prop- was implemented!) wait- - albeit in ‘different than we typically would sell in erties (investors cashing ing to hear Prime Minister we’re used to’ ways. an entire year. Somehow, in while the market is hot) Trudeau address our great My father used to tell 2020 ended up being the - to name a few. Personally country. There were so me that often, devastation busiest year in my 14 years I believe that at some point many questions: Was trav- leads to innovation and I as a real estate agent. the market needs to - and el allowed? Would schools would concur that there Sometimes the biggest likely will - regulate itself, close? Would the markets have been many changes setbacks can be our biggest but in the meantime, prices crash? In my own little to how we “do life” in gen- set ups. Now, I do not want continue to rise. world I wondered what eral! Multiple real estate to be insensitive to the We don’t have a crystal would happen to the beau- agents, businesses own- very real fact that Covid ball but we do know that tiful listing I JUST posted ers and advertisers did a has devastatingly impact- people will ALWAYS need on MLS THAT morning mass exitus/reduction in ed millions and millions to a place to live, and living at 53 Queenston in Niaga- advertising on billboards of people in a negative way in Niagara-on-the-Lake is ra-on-the-Lake. and signs throughout the and I would be remiss if the best place to live in our Would anyone come to region in an effort to save I did not commend ev- beautiful country! see it? Would I be allowed money. However, I decid- ery essential worker for As a resident of NOTL, to show people through? ed it may be a good (albeit their heroism this past 18 I know and love this area Could I sell a property in risky) time to double down months. We salute you! and if you are thinking of a pandemic? There was in advertising: so I took out In conclusion, although buying or selling but don’t a brief moment where I nearly 40 new billboards/ prices in some markets in know where to start, please was sincerely worried. I signs around Niagara as Ontario have nearly dou- call me today. I would be had some clients call and they became vacant in an bled in the last two years, delighted to have a cup ask me to help them sell effort to take the oppor- no one can claim to know of coffee with you, let you everything and liquidate tunity to get the word out March 22 I navigated just of March, the Real Estate precisely WHY. In my pro- know what your home is their real estate portfolio, that I was still in business ONE real estate deal and Council Ontario imple- fessional opinion, SOME worth and let you know but for a few days, I wasn’t and set up to serve. otherwise it was the qui- mented some excellent of the contributing factors what properties are avail- even sure we would be My phone began ringing etest week of my career. Covid regulations to al- in Niagara are: people flee- able for you to consider! able to complete a real es- more than it’s ever rang! But I had no idea what low us to continue trading ing the big cities to work Thanks for reading. tate transaction! But what From March 15 to about was coming. By the end in real estate, to conduct from home, young people ~ Greg Sykes Welcome to FOR 41 Melville Street. SAIL The most exclusive SAIL in Niagara!

This luxury freehold end unit home has THREE balconies with spectacular water views, overlooking the Niagara River and the NOTL sailing club, boasts three finished levels, MAIN FLOOR has a beautiful den with a murphy bed included which makes for a perfect THIRD bedroom if needed, FOUR bathrooms with floor to ceiling Italian marble, double shower heads in main bath, a high end kitchen with upscale appliances and a view of the Toronto skyline and balcony number 3 off the kitchen has a gas bbq line. Top quality hardwood floors, TWO floor to ceiling stone gas fireplaces, updated gas furnace and central air in 2020, natural stone and Cedar exterior, an attached single car garage PLUS a dedicated parking spot directly behind the home, street parking out front and a public parking lot behind lot line. This executive luxury townhome has an elevator rough in, is located within walking distance to the finest hotels, shops, restaurants, theatres, wineries, nature trails, the Niagara River Parkway, a short drive to the US/CANADA Border, Niagara and Buffalo Airports and just 20KM to the world famous Niagara Falls. This is a RARE opportunity to BUY, to LIVE, to VACATION, and to ANCHOR in the RIVER BEACH area of the best small town in the country. Come and fall in love! Yearly common element fee of just $1,100 covers all your snow removal expenses and gardening! Come and fall in love.

CALL OR TEXT GREG DIRECT 905.329.3484 notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 13

Celebrating 10 years of Keeping it Local Submitted by open again is one more sign There is a familiar and perience. ing to pick up their takeout to express their thanks in Sandtrap of life returning to the way neighbourly kind of culture Inside, the restaurant of- dinners, and they’re grate- person to those who are as it should be. about the Sandtrap that has fers a spacious, meticulous- ful for being part of such a anxious and ready to get For some, walking into The Dietsch brothersattracted locals from the ly cleaned area with tables, great community. back to a more normal way the Sandtrap Pub and Grill have ensured the extensive beginning, from those who and large booths separated They can’t wait to be able of life as they are. after a long absence feels a menu of comfort food is al- gather there for lunch on with plexiglass. All COVID little like returning to their ways well-prepared — pizza their work day, to friends protocols are being fol- second home. and wings are always a pop- and families who enjoy din- lowed, making for a safe That’s the ambianceular item — the decor and ner out. That’s the ambience indoor dining experience, restaurant owners Paul and atmosphere is always wel- the owners have created, but for those who aren’t Matt Dietsch have created, coming, and the amazing and the regulars have em- yet comfortable with that, and having the dining room staff friendly and efficient. braced. the entire menu selection Paul and Matt are hop- is still available for takeout, ing those new to town who and regulars also enjoy the may not have visited the large patio space added last Sandtrap will give it a try summer. and realize why the Mary “We want to welcome Street restaurant has be- you to come and enjoy come a go-to for locals, why our dining room, whether they leave smiling, and why you’re one of our great reg- they return. ulars, new to town, or just The Sandtrap ownersvisiting,” says Paul. made sure they kept their And as regulars appre- core staff employed during ciate, there are lots of TVs the shut-down, while they for those who want to enjoy continued with takeout, their favourite sports. which was always surpris- As they look forward to ingly busy, says Paul. welcoming new and return- That has allowed them to ing customers, Paul and reopen with experienced Matt want to say thank you servers and kitchen staff, to all those who supported and they’ve had no trouble them, and other local busi- hiring a few more experi- nesses, during the pandem- enced people to continue ic. It’s meant a lot to them providing a great dining ex- to see friendly faces com- Paul and Matt Dietsch thank you for your continued support.

358 Mary St., Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-TRAP (8727) | sandtrappub.com 14 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Successful cross-lake swim begins in NOTL Penny Coles one helping her along the way,” off their route, says Chisholm. Shaun finished his crossing in the Welland Canal and back in celled. It would have been dif- The Local Local Tony Chisholm, at That was an issue as Shaun, just over 19 hours, and has since five hours, 10 minutes, he says. ficult to train for those events, the beach to see her off, was then 40, approached Toronto. become a swim master. He and He also opened his home to with pools closed and unavail- There is another name to one of those who helped Best The lake, says Tony, who gave Tony have gone on to assist 10 her the night of the lake cross- able for the important training add to the plaque at Queen’s behind the scenes. a lecture on cross-lake swims more cross-lake swimmers since. ing, where she covered herself — preparing to successfully Royal Park, following the suc- He has been involved with for the NOTL Museum last One of Solo Swims’ regu- in lanolin — long-distance make the crossing can take 18 cessful swim across Lake On- Solo Swim Ontario, the orga- year, has a wicked ability to in- lations is to complete half the open water swimmers use it months of training. tario of a woman determined nization which regulates lake vert temperatures, treacherous distance in a specified amount to prevent chafing — before When Best finished her to raise money to speed up or- crossings, since his son Shaun waves, and a current from the of time before attempting a heading to Queen’s Royal Park. swim, in the same spot Marilyn gan transplants. completed his crossing in 2008, Humber River. He had a tough lake crossing, and Tony accom- It was the first swim from Bell landed after her famous Jillian Best, a 34-year-old which, as a Toronto firefight- time convincing Shaun to panied Best on that swim. The NOTL since 2018. There were swim in 1954, she called to con- from London, Ont., is herself er, he had undertaken to raise swim to the left of the CN tow- trial swim has to be 16 kilome- two swimmers scheduled to gratulate the London swimmer. a liver transplant recipient, and funds for the burn unit at the er — aiming for it would have tres, and must be done in less make the crossing in 2020, says her mother is a two-time trans- Hospital for Sick Children. thrown him off-course. than six hours. Best swam to Chisholm, but they were can- Continued on page 18 plant survivor, both of them Tony was accompanying suffering from a genetic condi- the swim in his power boat, tion that over time attacks and helping to navigate the route to destroys the body’s organs. Marilyn Bell Park, where many Best left Niagara-on-the- cross-lake swimmers, includ- Lake at 11 p.m. Tuesday, and ing Best, end their journey. reached Marilyn Bell Bark That too is regulated by in Toronto just before 6 p.m. Solo Swim, an organization Wednesday, 18 hours and 36 that was formed in 1974, after minutes after she walked into a swimmer was lost and died the water, a crowd cheering her during a crossing. Its long list of on from Queen’s Royal Park. rules is intended to keep swim- Sponsors and a crowd-fund- mers safe, says Chisholm. ing campaign have helped One of those rules is to start Best raise about $130,000 for from NOTL and swim to To- her foundation, Move for Life, ronto, rather than the other way which is dedicated to reduc- around, due to the strong cur- ing the wait time for organ rents that can help a swimmer transplants. The money raised get out to Lake Ontario from from her swim will help pur- the Niagara end, but that would chase equipment for the Lon- be exhausting for a swimmer don Health Sciences Centre heading toward Niagara. Multi-transplant Organ Unit. Although the distance from When talking to the press NOTL to Marilyn Bell Park is following her swim, Best said 52 kilometres, most swimmers she couldn’t have done it alone, travel further, due to waves and Jillian Best covers herself in lanolin in Tony Chisholm’s kitchen, before heading to Queen’s Royal Park and entering the water for thanking her crew and “every- strong currents that push them her cross-lake swim. (Photos by Tony Chisholm) TO SERVE YOU SAFELY notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 15 Summer Art and Craft Market at museum Saturday Local Staff to the museum. tiques, and more. Their goal with the col- There will be musical en- lective, she says, is to support tertainment by local singer/ The Niagara-on-the-Lake businesses owned and oper- songwriter Vibi (Valerie Bor- Museum is a beautiful loca- ated by women, and is espe- ghesi), and the event will be tion to hold an event, says lo- cially important now, with so held rain or shine at 43 Cas- cal resident Bianca Sorrenti. many businesses suffering due tlereagh St. Sorrenti and Stephanie Pa- to pandemic regulations and For more information, vis- nucci, “sisters in spirit,” have closures. it www.NOTLMuseum.ca, or formed the Sorella Niagara They will have more than call 905-468-3912. Collective — sorella means 30 artisan vendors, offering a ‘sister’ in Italian — and have variety of products: handmade organized their first event, the jewellery, both Bohemian and Summer Art and Craft Mar- elegant; antique, vintage and Bianca Sorrenti and Stepha- ket, in the museum courtyard custom clothing; mixed media nie Panucci, “sisters in spir- and on the lawn around it. artworks; art and home décor; it,” have formed the Sorella In addition to being a pottery; handmade macramé; Niagara Collective, and are beautiful venue, says Sorrenti, hair accessories; wooden char- holding a Summer Art and Stephanie Iannacchino of Lumbercino she is hoping those visiting the cuterie boards; soaps and skin Craft Market, in the museum is selling repurposed wood art at the Old Town will make their way care; embroidery; candles; an- courtyard. (Photos supplied) museum art and craft sale Saturday. TO SERVE YOU SAFELY

Erinn, James, Liam, Sophie, and Daphne is still mixing things up! are very happy to have our café Open for in-store shopping in the NOTL Community Centre (5 Customers at a time) open for customers to sit down again! Monday to Friday - 8 am to 5 pm, Many thanks to all the extraordinary people in our community Saturday 8 am - 12 pm that have supported, encouraged, and sustained our business Place your order in advance and over the past 72 weeks by ordering our weekly offerings. we can have it ready for you. We plan to continue this service. Call 905-468-2412. For more information or to get on our weekly email list, send an email to: [email protected] The Café is currently open 9 am to 3 pm - Monday to Saturday. 1573 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil OR you can join us at the Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

THE FARMHOUSE CAFÉ Open For Lunch 7 Days a Week Indoor and Patio Dining Available Reservations Strongly Recommended 905-468-8814 to book a table

WINE BOUTIQUE & TASTING BAR Open 7 Days a Week Indoor and Outdoor Wine Tastings Available Reservations Strongly LET YOUR CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU ARE OPEN TO SERVE THEM SAFELY! Recommended Running every week until further notice! Curbside pickup still available for online orders! To place your ad, call or email Karen at: 905.641.5335 [email protected] 16 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com Vidal Blanc popular for icewine, orange wine Kim Wade Rayon d’Or, a native North ing the grape skins and seeds Special to The Local American species. Vidal in contact with the juice) on Blanc was developed by Jean its own and in blends. He Many of us living in Ni- Louis Vidal in France in the applauds other wineries for agara-on-the-Lake or having 1930s. It was introduced to experimenting with Vidal to grown up in wine country Canada in the 1940s, and was create interesting and new may not have thought too adopted and cultivated exten- products. However, it seems much about what goes into sively for its winter hardiness, that while most wineries will making the wine we so enjoy. which is especially useful for continue to reserve those pre- If you have thought about making icewine. It was this cious grapes for icewine pro- it, you may still be perplexed grape that helped put Cana- duction, some will continue by all the talk of varietals, da and Canadian icewine on to use Vidal grapes in a table soil, climate, terroir, etc. This the world wine stage when wine or in a blend. series seeks to inform in a in 1991, a bottle of Inniskil- In addition to Southbrook small way, about the common lin’s 1989 Vidal Icewine won Organic Vineyards, Konzel- grape varieties grown locally, Grand Prix d’Honneur at mann Estate Winery, Reif Es- and to simplify some of the Vinexpo in Bordeaux, France. tate Winery and Trius Win- terminology surrounding this This is one of the most presti- ery have used Vidal Blanc for most venerated fruit, begin- gious awards in winemaking. their orange wine. According ning with an exploration of As with most wineries in to Reif’s tasting notes for their the Vidal Blanc grape variety. the area, Palatine Hills Es- 2019 Sun Fermented Vidal, There are two main goals tate Winery grows its Vidal “our first orange wine was of this series. One is to give the Blanc mainly for use in ice- made using fruit from young reader a simple introduction wine. According to Stepha- Vidal vines. The grapes were in grape varieties, their prop- nie Pietruniak, sommelier at fermented on the skins and erties and uses. The other goal Palatine, this hybrid grape is allowed to age a further 36 is to get to know the farmers, “hearty, and its ability to sur- days on the skin.” This fer- vintners and sommeliers in vive harsh winters is derived mentation on the skins results our area and to share some from its parentage.” in the wine’s distinctive or- of their knowledge, thoughts She explains that in order ange colour. John Hare of The Hare Wine Co. appreciates the sturdiness of Vidal grapes. (Photos and insights. to produce icewine, there Another winery that is by Kim Wade) First it is important to put need to be perfect conditions using Vidal Blanc in a new NOTL as a wine-producing and “Vidal produces this con- way is The Hare Wine Co. area in context within Cana- sistently.” Therefore, “there On a recent visit to the win- da. The four main wine pro- is more incentive to use it as ery, John Hare was gracious ducing provinces in Canada an icewine rather than a table enough to allow a visit to his are Ontario, B.C., Quebec and wine.” She says the unique vineyard. We walked out past Nova Scotia. Within Ontario conditions of the soil and the guests at the tasting tables, there are three major areas or climate in the Niagara Lake- crossed the outdoor patio, “appellations” where wine is shore sub-appellation, where past the newly planted Cab- produced. These are Prince Palatine Hills is located, bring ernet Franc vines and over Edward County, Lake Erie out the specific aromatics the bridge to where the Vidal North Shore and the Niagara of the Vidal grapes in their Blanc grapes were lapping up Peninsula. Within the Niaga- 2012 Reserve Icewine. “You the midday sunshine. Hare ra Peninsula, the areas where can smell the aromatics of the notes that some of these vines wine is produced is then ripe orchard stone fruits and are more than 30 years old. subdivided again into two flavours, specifically of peach, Hare appreciates the regional appellations, namely nectarine and plum. It smells Vidal’s hardiness. “It grows the Niagara Escarpment and gorgeous!” she exclaims. like a weed,” he exclaims, NOTL. Each of these appel- Although Palatine Hills as he pulls back the unruly lations are further divided, does use a small amount in vines to expose bunches of based on the soil type, climate their Lakeshore White, which grapes underneath. He ex- and geographic position. contains eight per cent Vidal plains that although the vines The NOTL regional ap- Blanc, according to opera- were trimmed last week, they pellation is divided into four tions manager Thomas Reid, have grown rapidly, especially sub-appellations, Niagara they have no plans to launch with all the rain the region has Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek, a 100 per cent Vidal Blanc ta- received. He notes that trim- Niagara River and St. Davids ble wine. Since they are equal ming is a necessary part of the Bench. The same grape vari- parts grape grower and wine process for all grape varieties ety growing in these areas will producer, most of their Vidal to ensure that the grapes are have different qualities, de- is sold to other wineries for exposed to as much sunlight pending on where it is grown, icewine. “Because it is so ro- as possible to produce the or its “terroir.” Terroir refers to bust, on average, it is easier juices and sugar necessary for Hare has released a limited edition, light Vidal named Frolic. This low-alcohol and low-calorie the particularities in weather to grow,” he explains. “By the good wine production. wine is in keeping with the trend for low carbohydrate beverages. pattern and soil composition tonne, it will be cheaper to Hare notes that last year of a specified area. produce than a Chardonnay.” was a great year for wine pro- without the full effects of al- on the following Saturday and dy and aromatic variety. This week’s edition will He believes “on its own as a duction, including a bumper cohol. They are also looking Sunday alone. Following this Kim Wade, a wine lov- explore the Vidal Blanc grape table wine, it doesn’t stack up crop for his Vidal grapes. Two for a beverage that is lighter in trend, Pillitteri Estates Win- er who enjoys visiting NOTL variety. against other varietals. Others weeks ago, he released a limit- calories that they can indulge ery has also launched a 2020 wineries, studied wine at the Vidal Blanc is one of two make far more intriguing ta- ed edition Light Vidal named in without adding too many Market Collection of low-al- Continuing Education de- white French hybrids planted ble wine.” Frolic. This low-alcohol and extra carbs. Frolic is light, re- cohol Vidal table wine. partment of the Cool Climate in Niagara, and approved by He notes that some win- low-calorie wine is in keeping freshing and easily enjoyed Whether you enjoy Vidal Oenology and Viticulture In- the Vintner’s Quality Alliance eries, such as Southbrook Or- with the trend of low carbo- on a warm August afternoon. Blanc grapes as an icewine, stitute at Brock University. She (VQA). The plant is a cross ganic Vineyards, are getting hydrate beverages. Hare says the response to a table wine, an orange wine plans to talk to the people at pollination of a Vitis Vinifera creative with Vidal and using He notes that people are Frolic has been positive. They or in a blend, the wineries in local wineries, and share their variety, Ugni Blanc, and an- for “orange” wine production looking for a low alcohol wine printed 100 labels for the NOTL are experimenting knowledge of the products so other hybrid variety named (a white wine made by leav- they can drink during the day, weekend, and sold 70 bottles and innovating with this har- many of us enjoy.

ANDREWS LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers & Solicitors 905.468.0081 [email protected] REAL ESTATE WILLS BUSINESS notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 17 Wednesday gatherings intended to offer ‘return to normal’ Mike Balsom should be a sharp.’ I loved it.” Special to The Local Van den Brink draws out the word “loved” with much For a number of years now enthusiasm. Almost immedi- Niagara-on-the-Lake’s St. An- ately he decided that one day drew’s Presbyterian has been a he wanted to be a concert or- church in transition. With the ganist. hiring of 38-year-old organist Realizing that he would James van den Brink, the first have to be “really good” to get puzzle piece for the future has to that point, he looked for an- been set into place. other “fall-back” pursuit, and After substituting for previ- settled on business. While at- ous St. Andrew’s organist Ger- tending Rehoboth Christian zinus Hoekstra, the Norwich, School in Norwich, he became Ontario area native took on the fascinated with accounting. role permanently in February, “My Grade 11 accounting 2020. Just as he was settling in class got me hook, line and behind the organ’s French ter- sinker,” he says. “I was just raced console, though, the pan- smitten with it. I remember the demic shut down all church ac- first time I understood how the tivities. income statement tied into the Working with interim pas- balance sheet, through retained tor Reverend Dr. Clyde Ervine, earnings. Suddenly, when that van den Brink is reaching out clicked, I said ‘that was cool.’” to the St. Andrew’s congre- As he was discovering his St. Andrew’s organist James van den Brink is offering Wednesday evening musical gatherings for the church and larger commu- gation and the larger NOTL new love for crunching num- nity. (Mike Balsom) community this month with bers, van den Brink continued Wednesday night Gatherings honing his craft at the organ, for Gateau and Grace. often being called upon to pro- One might be surprised to vide music for his high school learn that the skilled, knowl- spiritual services and assem- edgeable and passionate musi- blies. cian has had very little formal It was during this time he or academic training in music. would also discover another The Fonthill resident holds a great love. While working at business degree from Brock a grocery store owned by his University and is a certified brother, he met a co-worker professional accountant. He named Tammy, who would be- currently works as the control- come his future wife. ler for NatureKast, an outdoor Another co-worker at the kitchen manufacturer based in time was beginning a small St. Catharines. interdenominational commu- But music, specifically of nity choir. He asked van den the organ and choral variety, Brink to play organ for their has been a part of van den sessions. Soon, that friend was Brink’s life for as long as he can convincing James to sing tenor remember. on hymns such as Holy Holy His father and his paternal Holy, and another step in van uncles all played instruments. den Brink’s musical evolution But the youngest of six children had begun. had very little time to get to James and Tammy ended know his father or his moth- up attending Brock University, Flautist Cynthia Vermeer of Fonthill played with organist James van den Brink at the first Wednesday musical offering at St. An- er. When James was only 15 and his informal musical edu- drew’s Church. (Paul McHoull) months old, his father suffered cation continued. While study- a heart attack and died. Then, ing business, he joined the of joining the RCCO substitute tian, van den Brink is willing gathering, and will debut three The mid-week gatherings three weeks before his second university choir, where he con- list. He spent 9 months at St. to step out of his comfort zone other new originals over the are a chance for a return to birthday a carport collapsed nected with accompanist Leslie Paul Lutheran in Niagara Falls when the time is appropriate. next three sessions, including some semblance of normal for under the weight of ice and Kingham, now the organist at and otherwise took the organ One need only to look at his one from a Hauptwerk-style the community after a tough snow, crushing and killing his St. Thomas’ Anglican Church seat at various churches around selections for the Wednesday composer from the Nether- pandemic stretch. mother. in St. Catharines. Niagara. gatherings this month to see lands. “We open it up to ev- James was raised by his It was also at Brock where And that’s how he ended up evidence of that. The Gateau and Grace eryone,” van den Brink says. sister Marguerite, 23 years his he sang under choir director connecting with St. Andrew’s. “I started following a You- evenings include a serving of “Many people have lost a sense senior, their Dutch Christian and professor Dr. Harris Loe- Van den Brink admits that Tube channel called Beauty in cake, or gateau, safely of course, of community, either from Reformed faith helping the wen, whom he credits as a ma- there are a few differences be- Sound,” van den Brink reveals. along with a chance to mingle clubs or church or family. family cope with the loss of jor influence, along with Dr. tween his Dutch Reformed “He (host Richard McVeigh, on the lawn. Guests are then in- Clyde and I want to have that their parents. And James began Rachel Rensink-Hoff, artistic background and the Presbyte- who has more than 71,000 vited to enter the Greek reviv- sense of community, and to be learning to play the organ at director of the Avanti Chamber rian faith. followers) was a church or- al-style church to experience welcoming to the community.” Marguerite’s side. Singers, with whom van den “In the Presbyterian church ganist in the U.K. He built a the music, along with a short “What do people rally “My sister was an organ- Brink sings. there’s a choir, and in the con- Hauptwerk organ system in his grace led by Ervine. around and feel good about?” ist,” he says. “She studied with “Those two have been my servative Dutch Reformed home during COVID.” Van den Brink has lined up he asks. “Food and music. This André Knevel (a renowned mentors,” he says, “in terms of there’s not,” he explains. “It’s Hauptwerk is a software guest musicians for each per- is kind of a rallying cry for the concert organist and native of choral musicianship. In terms of exclusive congregational sing- program that allows organists formance. Cynthia Vermeer, community.” the Netherlands who lives in specifically the organ and play- ing, as well as exclusive psalm- to digitally sample pipe organs a Fonthill resident and flautist Meanwhile, the humble St. Catharines). I grew up with ing, it’s been my sister and Leslie ody, meaning no hymns. Just from around the world. Van with the Burlington Sympho- organist and his family are not a big, two-manual Baldwin full Kingham. I took lessons from psalms.” den Brink claims most people ny Orchestra, appeared Aug. 4. currently able to fully experi- pedal board organ in the house. Leslie off and on for a few years.” He believes the Book of have a difficult time detecting Two Brock music grads will sit ence their own normal. We had LPs and tapes in the Along the way, he contin- Psalms is the best songbook the difference between the sim- in the next two weeks: trumpet- As he divides his time house. All we listened to was ued to play organ at the church out there, but appreciates both ulated sound and the real thing. er Nathan Pol on Aug. 11 and between St. Andrew’s, Na- organ and choral music.” he attended in Jordan. And in perspectives. Through followingsoprano Emese Zaduban-Van- tureKast and his role with the Other than a brief phase 2012 he joined the Royal Ca- “Just singing God’s word McVeigh, he came across a den Beukel of Grimsby the fol- RCCO, James and Tammy are during high school when van nadian College of Organists back to Him is a beautiful young musician and compos- lowing Wednesday. temporarily living in a trailer den Brink flirted a bit with the (RCCO) local chapter. As often thing,” he tells The Local. “I er from Germany named Paul Van den Brink admits that at Bissell’s Hideaway with their techno and dance genres, he happens with anyone with an don’t think there’s anything Fay, and began discovering he can often feel intimidated four children, aged two to 10, has always first and foremost Accounting background, van more beautiful than that. But I other composers. Then, when a working with musicians such as they await approval to begin been a fan of organ and choral den Brink got roped into be- also love the expression that is friend gave him a gift certificate as these, who have more formal construction on a new home music. coming the RCCO’s treasurer. found in so many hymns. So I for a British music store, he dis- training than him. He often on Canboro Road, their third “She taught me, and I started He’s also the organization’s cur- quite like being able to express covered a set of compositions refers to himself as “not a pro- build in the past five years. to pick up stuff,” van den Brink rent president. it through music during wor- all written for a worldwide fessional” in conversation, but When they finally cross the recalls. “Sometimes she’d be in After 10 years of playing at s h ip.” competition during COVID. says that all of his guests have threshold of their new home, it the kitchen yelling ‘hey that’s the church in Jordan, van den Unlike a typical conserva- He played Fay’s composi- been welcoming and easy to will likely be another occasion wrong, fix that rhythm, that Brink stepped aside in favour tive Dutch Reformed Chris- tion Elegy, at last Wednesday’s work with. calling for gateau and grace. 18 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com CROSSWORD AND SUDOKU ‘It’s the lake Across: 1 Pitcher’s error 5 Hall amphibian? that decides’ 9 Enhancement Continued from page 14 “and almost unconscious,” says 14 Country singer/songwriter Chisholm, by her coach, with Jake --- Bell, just 16 when she be- a crowd of thousands who had 15 S American flightless bird came the first person ever heard about her effort to cross 16 Light gray-brown to successfully complete the the lake and were waiting for her. 17 How to start a pudding race? cross-lake swim, has stayed “She’s a tiny woman, but 18 Bring in involved in the crossing, and impressive, and still supporting 19 Garden tool typically comes to NOTL in the the marathon community to- 20 Slant fall when new names are added day,” says Chisholm. 21 Marx or Warners, e.g. to the plaque at the bottom of In his museum presentation, 22 Adjusted King Street. Successful swim- he stresses the difficulties swim- 23 Longing mers are invited to the cere- mers face, entering the water in 24 Place for experiments mony, which usually involves only a bathing suit, a cap and gog- 25 Series of church a lunch as well, says Chisholm. gles — nothing else is allowed. intercessions When she made the cross- Despite a swimmer’s ability, 26 Prom partner ing, it was from Youngstown, he says, success comes down 29 Sarcastic praise says Chisholm. to weather conditions, and 31 Reluctant That summer, Canadian the day they choose to do the 33 Ugly encounter National Exhibition officials swim. Many choose two days, 34 Oil well equipment decided to sponsor a cross-lake to provide an alternative — in a 37 Arc swim, offering $10,000 to ac- swimming season there can be 38 Apollo 11 lander complish a feat most believed thunderstorms out on the lake 39 New in Tijuana 41 Arid to be impossible. Bell’s coach, every day for days, he says, and 42 Stand-in Gary Ryder, decided Bell could Solo Swims prohibit swimmers 44 Wept do it, and convinced her, with from crossing when there is a 45 Thin pancake her father’s support, to give it a lot of thunder close by. 46 The Volunteer State (Abbr.) 63 College sporting org. 9 Teetotalism (Pinnochio) try, and began training her to It is still considered one of 47 Wooden hammer 64 Commence 10 Second-in-command 36 Deity become a marathon swimmer. the toughest marathon swims in 50 Batter’s stat. 65 Court dividers 11 Actress --- Rigg 40 Gravetop vase On the night of Sept. 8, 1954, the world, and is also one of the 52 A long way 66 Unload for cash 12 Poet --- Nash 43 On a pension (Abbr.) Bell joined U.S. long-distance most popular, he says, although 55 Castaway locations 13 Wanting 45 Brainy swimmer Florence Chadwick only about half of those who 56 Bathtub residue Down: 25 Wolf Man --- Chaney 46 Stopwatches, e.g. and another Canadian swim- make the attempt are successful. 57 Where to find Pikes Peak 1 Dictatorial 27 Off-roader 47 Light fogs mer in Youngstown, N.Y., and Lake Ontario, he says, “is (Abbr.) 2 Up 28 Now 48 --- in the arm when she reached the shores of powerful and unpredictable,” 58 Trim 3 Fabled 30 --- Martin, cognac 49 South American ruminant Toronto, she alone was success- and in the end, he adds, “it’s al- 59 Rent 4 Recognize 31 Flat panel TV type 51 Pop ful, pushed, despite feeling ill ways the lake that decides.” 60 Saturnalia 5 Junior’s voice 32 Belonging to us 53 Kind of pond bloom 61 “Peace on earth, good will 6 Vivien Leigh’s G W T W role 33 Pigswill 54 Kingly ---” 7 Strenuous activity 34 Strengthen 56 Ostracize HAPPENINGS 62 A k a C C C P 8 Aykroyd and Quayle 35 “--- Got No Strings...” 57 Drawbacks PUZZLE ANSWERS FISH FRY Sudoku solution from August 4, 2021 Thursday, August 12th 4 - 7 p.m. TAKEOUT & DINE IN CASH ONLY 1 piece $10

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All meals (topped with peameal bacon) 33 Loath, 31 Irony, 29 Date, 26 Litany, come with 25 Lab, 24 Yen, 23 Tuned, 22 Bros,

bottled water. Lions Peameal Bacon & Fries $10

Add a soft drink 21 Skew, 20 Spade, 19 Earn, 18

for $1 Leo’s Hot Dog & Fries $6 Sago, 17 Beige, 16 Rhea, 15 Owen,

Across: Across: 1 Balk, 5 Toad, 9 Add-on, 14 14 Add-on, 9 Toad, 5 Balk, 1 SORELLA NIAGARA ART & CRAFT SUMMER MARKET SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 • 10am - 6pm WORSHIP 30+ local vendors, small business, artists and artisans: candles • home decor • antiques • clothing • macramé goods Local • artwork • plants • skin care • jewelry and much more! Raffle giveaway featuring gift cards to local restaurants/ wineries/breweries in NOTL • Live music by local singer/ songwriter Vibi • New business, SELFIE MODE NIAGARA will Sunday, August 15th To advertise your have an interactive photo backdrop for customers to use! 10:00 a.m. NOTL MUSEUM - 43 Castlereagh St. Worship Gathering - In-Person & Online Worship Services Message: PLACE YOUR COMING EVENT Matthew Unruh - in this section, please contact: COMMUNITY SOCIAL HERE Conflict Our services are also With or without a border, colour graphics optional. streamed online Sunday’s Include your Logo! Prices starting at $20. at 10 AM. Visit our website [email protected] for more information! Deadline: Monday 3 p.m. Call Karen 905-641-5335 www.ccchurch.ca or email: [email protected] notllocal.com THE NOTLLocal August 11, 2021 19 Compassionate Transparent No Pressure CLASSIFIEDS www.morganfuneral.com Local [email protected] CELEBRATION OF LIFE OBITUARY DICK, Arthur — Prof. Emeritis Dr. Arthur Dick passed peacefully in Kentville, N.S. at the age of 81 on August 4, 2021. Arthur spent his The family of childhood and school years in Niagara-on-the-Lake going to Parliament Flora Bjorgan Oak School, Niagara Falls Collegiate and then, to Niagara District High would like to invite you to a School from which he graduated. He went on to get his PhD in Bio- Chemistry from Kingston’s Queens University where he met his life- long companion, Vi, and dear step-daughter Cathy. He took a position celebration of her life. teaching at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S. He was always an avid Sunday, August 15, 2021 at golfer, learning to golf at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf course. From age 12 he swam and collected golf balls that had gone down the bank Red Roof Retreat at 2:30 p.m. into the water. These were sold back to the golfers. He will be missed 1594 Concession 6, Niagara-on-the-Lake by his buddies on the course. He leaves his step-daughter, Cathy and sister Anita Schick (Thunder Bay) and cousins, Victor Dyck and Charlotte Letkemann (Niagara-on-the-Lake). He was predeceased by his parents, Bring a lawn chair and Henry and Helen Dick and his brother, Henry (Hank). umbrella if needed. Refreshments provided. McCARTHY-PULESTON, PATRICIA ANNE—passed away peacefully at home in Hua Hin, Thailand, August 1, PAINTING SERVICES FOR RENT 2021. Daughter of the late Dorothy and Frank McCarthy, residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Pat leaves behind her loving husband Norman FOR RENT: “Chas” Puleston, her son David McCarthy (Karen); granddaughters Aurora Gordan and Georgina McCarthy; sister Mary Albers (Richard) and brothers Michael (Karen) and Leo (Diane) McCarthy. She will also be sadly missed by nephews Louis and John Albers, Sean LUXURY 615 sq. ft. 1 bed CONDO downtown Toronto McCarthy and their families. near CN Tower, hospitals, financial & fashion districts. Enclosed large terrace & mature garden. $2,300 monthly, A graduate of the MAC School of Nursing, Pat worked at GNGH in all utilities included. Access to indoor gym, pool & sauna. Niagara Falls then seeking adventure she worked for several years at Call: 905 468-9856 Email: [email protected] the King Fahad Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to be followed by a happy retirement with Chas in Hua Hin, Thailand. NOTICE We will all miss Pat and remember her for her delight in creatures, feathered, furry and otherwise. For this week’s puzzles, please see page 18 IN MEMORIAM

WERNER, George Lawrence To place an Obituary or September 19, 1985 - August 11, 2020 In Memoriam in our Classifieds, Do not stand at my grave and weep please contact Julia at: I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds [email protected] or that blow, 905.934.1040 I am the diamonds that glint on the snow, Deadline is Tuesdays at 1 p.m. I am the sunlight on ripened grapes. I am the gentle autumn’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the stars that shine at night. Sell your unwanted Do not stand at my grave EARN items or advertise your and cry EXTRA garage sale in our I am not there; I did not die. CA$H We love you and miss you. You will CLASSIFIEDS always be our sunshine. To place your classified ad, contact Karen: Forever in our hearts, [email protected] Love from the family and friends of Cub

Deadline: PLEASE RECYCLE Mondays THIS NEWSPAPER at 3 p.m. 20 August 11, 2021 THE NOTLLocal notllocal.com LocalSPORTS NOTL Tennis Club tournaments resume Local Staff lunches were prepared in A Division consolation & George Schachtschneider place of a buffet by local ca- champions - Roman Korda Third Place B Division The first tournamentsterer Mary Lou Turner of and Nicole Marsh-Burke finalists - Ann Davies & at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Let’s Get Fresh Catering/Lu- A Division consolation Ross Robinson Tennis Club since 2019 were lu’s B&B,” says Anderson. finalists - Kendra Osa and Fourth Place A Division held last Friday and Saturday. “It was a successful event, Hugh Dow champions - Manny Umo- The mixed doubles com- and we hope a tremendous B Division consola- quit & Zeny Umoquit petition held last weekend return to ‘normalcy.’” tion champions - Amanda Fourth Place A Division included some great tennis Results were as follows: Thackray and Jim Thackray finalists - Deb Robert and with extremely competitive A Division champi- B Division consolation Ken McGillivray matches, many going down ons - Kim Laidlaw and Paul finalists - Jennifer Allen and Fourth Place B winners - to the wire with tie-break- Plourde Terry Ratkovsky Natalie Early and Bruce ers to decide the result, says A Division finalists - Third Place A Division Zvaniga member Holly Anderson. Fran Doran and John Pilling champions - Cathy Buis and Fourth Place B Divi- “Judging by the cheers B Division champions - Scott Lewis sion finalists - Margie Lam- and applause, the many Margaret Hobbs-Mancusso Third Place A Division bert-Sen and Maz Sen spectators present enjoyed and Enzo Mancusso finalists - Kathy Goodin and The men’s doubles tour- the event and appreciat- B Division finalists - John Goodin nament will be held Aug. 16 ed the quality of tennis in- Dorothy Booth and Scott Third Place B Division and 22, and the ladies’ dou- A division champs are Paul Plourde and Kim Laidlaw. (Sonja volved. Delicious bagged McGregor champions - Anne Robinson bles Aug. 18 and 21. Schindeler)

​In mixed doubles, George Schachtschneider and Anne Robinson are third place B division A division consolation champions are Roman Korda and Nicole Marsh-Burke, with A division champions, with Ross Robinson and Ann Davies finalists. (Sonja Schindeler) champs Kim Laidlaw and Paul Plourde. (Sonja Schindeler)

A division finalists are Fran Doran and John Pilling.(Sonja Schindeler) Kendra Osa and Hugh Dow are A division con- A division consolation champions are Roman Korda and Nicole solation finalists. (Sonja Schindeler) Marsh-Burke. (Sonja Schindeler)

Paul Plourde and Kim Laidlaw now go down in club history as Amanda and Jim Thackray, father and daughter duo, are B Enzo Mancusso and Margaret Hobbs-Mancusso are B divi- A division mixed doubles champions. (Deb Roberts) division consolation champs. (Deb Roberts) sion champs. (Deb Roberts)