15th annual Easter egg hunt
Hop on over to the Battle of Beaverdams Park next Saturday, in downtown Thorold.
The Easter Bunny will make a special visit on March 31, and children up to age 10 are invited to mine the park for eggs.
Sponsored by the Thorold Volunteer Firefighters Protection Hose Co. #1,with the help of Henderson’s Pharmasave and other local businesses, the annual event will run rain, snow, or shine, says volunteer firefighter Matt Dittrick.
At age 36, Dittrick recalls taking part in the annual Thorold tradition as a child.
“It’s an important community event. We like to continue doing this for the kids of Thorold.”
Following the hunt, “Everybody gets a bunny,” said Dittrick. “Then we do a special draw for special prizes for each age group, for kids up to age four, ages 5 to 7, and ages 8 to 10.”
Hot chocolate will be available for $1.
Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Community Care, and following the Easter Egg Hunt, volunteer firefighters will be stationed outside Thorold Foodland at the Pine Plaza until about 4 p.m., collecting more food for the local food bank.
Thorold Art and Craft Show’s 40th anniversary
Since 1980, Thorold has become a renowned hub and haven for artisans and art-lovers alike.
And it’s largely because of Cathy Henderson.
“Folks know they can count on us, at spring and at Christmas,” she said, referring to the annual spring arts and crafts shows she’s organized for 39 years. The Christmas show, held each year at Thorold Secondary School, came later, and now attracts crowds of up to 5,000 people.
“Vendors are always commenting how they love coming to Thorold.”
Known for her keen eye and ability to attract talented artists, along with her vast experience and organizational expertise, Henderson has led the successful event since its second year.
It all started in August, 1979, led by Ursula Grosse, she recalled.
“Dr. (Don) McMillan was the mayor then and he asked Ursula if she wouldn’t mind putting together an art show because she was an artist, and to commemorate the Welland Canal’s 150th anniversary. I think she got about 12 artists together” that first year.
Grosse was Henderson’s neighbour from two doors down.
“She asked me if I’d be interested in helping her.”
And the rest is history.
After enduring rained-out shows, the event moved from the Battle of Beaverdams Park to the Thorold arena “because of the weather,” said Henderson. “Outdoor shows are nice but people want to be protected. I remember one year watching a small tornado jump the stone fence and swirling around the park.”
The last three spring shows have seen crowds of 1,000 to 1,200 at the arena, filling their trunks. Henderson keeps close tabs on various categories, ensuring there’s a balance of bath and beauty, paper crafts, jewellery, and other homemade products. It’s a year-long job, as she treks across the province “to see what’s new and what the latest trends are.”
“I’ve always been rather strict: no mass-produced” items. “The appeal is that people can usually find something different they can’t find in the stores and know it’s created and not mass-produced.”
The Thorold Community Activities Group has been the charity beneficiary of the craft shows since 1997. CAO Dan Pelletier calls it “an important fundraiser for us, as it helps support the programs for families and children who otherwise would not have access to healthy and fun programming in TCAG.”
Connor Timmins signs with Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed defenseman Conor Timmins to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2018-19 season.
Timmins, 19, is in his third season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL), where he has tallied 35 points (6g/29a) in 30 contests while helping the Greyhounds to the league's best record. Selected by Colorado in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Timmins won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo. The 6-foot-2, 184-pound defenseman collected five points (1g/4a) during the event-including an assist on the game-winning tally in the gold-medal game against Sweden-and was a tournament-best +15.
"Conor had a great training camp with us and we are excited with the growth he's shown this season," said Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic. "He's had another strong year in the OHL and played important minutes for Canada's gold medal team at the world juniors. We are proud to have him with our organization."
A native of Thorold, Ontario, Timmins led all Sault Ste. Marie defensemen and tied for fourth among OHL blueliners with 61 points (7g/54a) in 67 games last season. His 54 assists and +53 plus/minus rating were both team highs and ranked third and fourth, respectively, among OHL defensemen. He added eight points (1g/7a) in 11 playoff games, sharing the team lead in postseason assists.
Thorold Firm Wins Entrepreneur Award
The 24th annual Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (NEYA) were handed out on February 23 and the Thorold based. Landlord Web Solutions collected the award for Technological Entrepreneur.
In an interview with the Thorold News, president and co-founder Jason Leonard said, “For us, this award is about becoming part of the fabric locally. One of the challenges we have is finding talent and if this gives us a little more profile in the region and causes a developer to submit their resume, that’s what we hope for. We’re constantly looking for more developers.”
The company was started by Leonard, Michael Mottola and Dave Koski.
Richmond and Ormond Street S. bicycle lanes
Council approved the removal of on-street parking on Richmond Street from Ormond Street South to Pine Street South and Ormond Street South from Lynden Street to Richmond Street, and the implementation of bicycle lanes in those designated areas.
Council also approved the addition of painted harrows on Ormond Street South from Lynden Street to St. Davids Road to create a shared bicycle route on both sides of the road.
Hana's Place and Summit Tavern are back
Although it wasn't the path Hana, Joe and Peter set out upon, it's a road that has brought them to a place of renewed excitement.
Social Media in Thorold was buzzing last month when it was revealed that local iconic businesses, The Summit Place Tavern and Hana's Place were closing. A farewell party seemed to close the last chapter on a book that's been open for over 30 years. But, as it turns out, goodbyes and bittersweet memories were premature.
Hana' Place and the Summit Place Tavern will re-open tomorrow (Saturday March 24).
“I'm excited about the future. We'll keep the original Hana's recipes but we're adding a new focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes as well, with natural homemade dressings. Hana's will be open from 8 a.m. Until 3 p.m serving breakfast and lunch. The Summit Tavern will have a brand new bar menu served from noon until 2 a.m.” he outlined.
“We also want to bring back live music to the bar and re-kindle our partnership with the Canal Bank Shuffle committee. They always pack a room so I want to be part of that,” he said.
“We'll obviously remain warm and welcoming to our steady clients, but just before closing we saw a growth in younger crowd and we believe that will continue. We're welcoming everybody back.”
He concluded by pledging, “Right now we're running lean but we'll be back on our feet and keep going.”
Bridging Meaning in Niagara Project
A Canada 150 grant applied for by the Niagara Region in 2017 was successful.
The Bridging Meaning in Niagara project was unveiled at Thorold’s Regional headquarters Wednesday.
Six Niagara artists were commissioned to create a multi-media collective art installation that will serve as a lasting legacy of Canada 150 celebrations.
The project was made possible by artists, including Emily Andrews, Cosmo Condina, Luke Gillett, Sandy Middleton, Leiona Skye-Grandmond, and Kim Van Stygeren.
Following a traditional greeting and blessing by Allan Jamieson, Elder of the Cayuga Nation, Wolf Clan, of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Regional chair Alan Caslin welcomed the crowd in the Region’s foyer, where the installation was unveiled. It reflects a visual, aural and emotive interpretation of Niagara, its Indigenous communities, seniors, youth, tourists, newcomers and residents.
According to Mayor of West Lincoln and regional councillor Doug Joyner, “We are living in a unique part of the world, where culture surrounds us. Our culture is what brings people here. With the Canada Summer Games coming in 2021, it’s good to know that these will be here for five years.”
People are encouraged to share their story and be part of the project, by posting publicly to twitter or instagram using the hashtag #bridgingmeaning.
Renowned Niagara jazz singer Juliet Dunn performed a song about a slave lady named Cloey Cooley, who was “about to be sold on the auction block but she didn’t go quietly,” Dunn explained, “and her friend wrote it all down and wrote a letter to John Graves Simcoe. He was touched by her story. We don’t know anything else about her, her struggle but it began the process of anti-slavery.”
Camp Thorold - History Column
By Keith Dewar, What’s Up Niagara
At 3 a.m. on March 9, 1866, the bell in the St. Catharines town hall began ringing loudly. Bugles sounded, rifle shots and cannon fire filled the air, and soon the entire town was awake and heading to the hall to see what was happening.
Rumours were heard that a group of Fenian Raiders were hiding on the U.S. side of the Niagara River, planning to attack, burn and plunder St. Catharines. Crowds joined a Company of the 19th Lincoln Militia that formed along James Street.
The town hall bell rang all day, and outlying militia companies marched to St. Catharines to help, including Company No. 2 from Thorold.
Although the town was on full alert, nothing happened, and it wasn’t until June 1 that 800 Fenian Raiders crossed the river at Buffalo and attacked Canadian forces at Ridgeway. It was feared that St. Catharines would be attacked from the direction of Buffalo, so plans were made to post a large force of men in that direction.
Where Collier Road meets St. David’s Road stood a large open field on John Keefer’s farm. Solid clay and flat, situated atop the escarpment, it was near the Welland Canal, and the Welland and Great Western Railways; a perfect spot to practice marching and drill formations. It was also a safe distance from the enemy frontier.
The largest flagpole ever erected in the Niagara peninsula was installed at the camp, telegraph poles led into the camp, with lines connected to Toronto and Montreal to inform the camp of Fenian activity. Thorold had formed a volunteer Militia company in 1864, quartered in Grenville Hall at the corner of Albert and Pine Street, whose men would become stationed in the new camp, a mere few blocks away.
On August 17, troops started to arrive. First, sailing from Toronto and landing at Port Dalhousie, the Upper Canada College Rifles marched up Ontario Street to the new camp in Thorold. The next day, the Tenth Royals and the 13th Regiment from Hamilton arrived by train at the Thorold station, and were marched down Albert Street into the camp. Within a few days, more than 200 tents were set up, with more than 2,000 soldiers camped on the grounds now occupied by Westmount and St. Charles schools.
Cavalry units charged across these once open fields, and mock battles were practiced weekly on lands which—before the surrounding subdivision was built in the 1950s—was known as Soldiers Field, or the Queen’s Bush. Albert Street, which had been surveyed in the mid-1800s, was intended to stretch straight west to Collier Road, but was never built. Albert Street led into the campgrounds, near the Thorold Medical Clinic on Whyte Avenue.
Regular troops were stationed there for the summer, but volunteers would pitch their tents, camp for seven days, then pack up and go home, to be replaced by another 2,000 men the same day.
By the end of the season, almost all the Upper Canada regiments were trained at Camp Thorold, including the Queen’s Own, Her Majesty’s Regulars, the 16th Regiment, the Royal Artillery and Calvary regiments, and the famous Grey Battery, whose members all rode grey horses, had actively served in the Crimean War, and helped quell the Indian Mutiny.
Every town and village had a volunteer company, and they were all sent to Camp Thorold. A ship was hired to pick up the units along Lake Erie shores, and brought through the Canal to the Albert St. lock.
Bugle call woke the men at five a.m. each day. By 9:30 at night, all lights were out, except the guard huts and hospital tents. The only beverage sold at night was beer, and each man was allowed only a few drinks. Discipline was very strict, but the troops were well-fed and trained. Most evenings, the regiment brass band played, and village people were often invited to attend.
Sir John A. MacDonald, who was visiting Niagara Falls, arrived in Camp Thorold on Sept. 3 to inspect the troops, and was very impressed.
As fear of the Fenians diminished and cold weather set in, it was announced that the camp would close on Oct. 6. After a little more than six weeks, more than 10,000 men had been trained there. On the final day, everyone in Thorold was invited to join the troops on the parade square for a big party. Late at night, the volunteers were marched to the station and a special train took them home.
In years to come, various regiments came to the campgrounds for a week or two to practice their drills. By 1895, the volunteers were disbanded and the camp was never used again, until Soldiers Field became surveyed for a residential community in the 1950s.
Clancy consolidation gets $5 million from Ministry
Educating all Catholic students in Thorold under one roof is one step closer to reality.
The Rev. Father Paul MacNeil, Chair of the Board of Trustees and John Crocco, Director of Education for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, announced at Monsignor Clancy School Tuesday more than $5 million in funding was received from the Ministry of Education, so the Board can commence planning the closure of St. Charles School and the enlargement of Monsignor Clancy to accommodate students from both schools.
By fall of 2020, it’s anticipated that St. Charles School will close.
“This is an important day today in the rich and vibrant history of Catholic education in Thorold,” Crocco stated, outlining key events of the past 90 years.
In 1928, Holy Rosary School opened its doors, followed by St. Charles School in 1952 and Denis Morris High School in 1958.
“In 1964, this school opened as A. T. Clancy Senior Elementary School,” he added. “Today is another monumental milestone.”
The Ministry’s funding includes nearly $3.5 million for an additional 104 pupil spaces at Clancy and a little more than $1.5 million for three new child care rooms—one for infants, one for toddlers, and one for pre-schoolers.
In addition to renovating some of the existing facilities, Crocco said the Board will accept input from “students, staff and the community to see what we need to do inside and outside the school to maximize the $5 million. There will be a tendering process and then a groundbreaking ceremony before the construction of the new consolidated school” starts, in about 12 to 16 months, he said.
An architect will be selected by the Niagara Catholic’s Facilities Services department.
The Board’s Vice Chair, Pat Vernal, who also taught at Holy Rosary, St. Charles and Clancy schools, recalled when “The first Catholic school was in the basement of the church, before it grew to include three schools. Now, we’re in a time of change again. The Catholic community will be housed again under one roof.”
Addressing students from a grade five Monsignor Clancy class who were standing by, “You will be the first graduates of the new consolidated school in 2020/21,” she told them.
“One of the things we aimed for was to make it easier for parents,” said Jennifer Hamm, representing the Parent Councils of St. Charles and Clancy schools. It will eliminate dropping one child off at one school and another at a second location, then picking each child up at two schools, she added.
“We came together as Team Thorold and brought the two schools together as much as possible. These children are very important to us, to making the transition easier. With Team Thorold, we’ve tried to build mentoring programs between them (students), so it’s good for everybody. It’s creating resilience with the children.”
“I’m super excited to have all my kids under one roof,” said Marci Morandin, whose twins are currently in Senior Kindergarten at St. Charles and another child is in grade four at Clancy.
“We’re in a place of awe and wonder, and we’re going to make it work,” said Clancy Principal Dan Trainor, “Kindergarten to (Grade) 8 together.”
Council Briefs from Meeting of March 6, 2018
Council is taking a pro-active approach in attempting to resolve issues ranging from excessive skunks to student partying.
Preparing for a Peaceful St. Patty’s Day
Council has taken precautions to prevent excessive partying from spiralling out of control and disrupting neighbours on St. Patrick’s Day.
Hoping to prevent a repeat of the Winterberry Blvd. student street party that went viral last September, Coun. Terry Ugulini said city officials met with Niagara Regional Police, Brock University, and city of St. Catharines staff “to devise a strategy where both communities could work together.”
Extra police enforcement on St. Patrick’s Day will be paid for by Brock University, and policing for the evening will be covered by the NRP, Ugulini said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
A new pilot project launched last weekend whereby Brock University security patrolled student neighbourhoods, “which works in conjunction with the policing and our bylaw,” said Ugulini.
“There will also be extra bylaw control in Thorold and St. Catharines and we will work with Fire Services.”
Easter Egg Hunt in Port Robinson
Using funds raised from their successful pasta dinner held Family Day, the new board of management from the Darlene Ryan Port Robinson Community Centre will host an Easter Egg hunt at the centre on March 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stop Spread of Skunks
The prevalence of rats in Thorold—and their associated problems—has now grown to include skunks.
“We’ve got a serious issue,” said Coun. Ugulini. “Skunks are out already and they are out in the daylight hours, which is scary. Residents are afraid to walk their dogs. South Confederation is really bad.”
Director of public works and community services George Stojanovic said he’s been trying to “determine the scope of the issue. We’re assessing to see if it needs a formal response.”
Ugulini said one probable cause is construction of the city’s new subdivisions displacing the animals.
“A lot of this is because our city is growing, and it’s because we’re digging,” he said.
“I’ve lived in Confederation for 25 years and I’ve never had a problem like this. We don’t need to spend tons of money but we need to be part of the solution. A lot of this is education; putting information on our website,” he said, explaining his motion’s intent.
Opposed by councillors Anthony Longo and Jim Handley, the motion was carried to have staff prepare a report on what initiatives can be taken to control the rodent issue in Thorold.
Handley Halts Fire Station Reno Meeting
A meeting among fire services staff regarding making minor renovations at the downtown fire station was curtailed, due to concerns about accessibility and other factors.
“It was brought to my attention in February that some work is going to proceed in Station 1 on the second floor,” stated Coun. Jim Handley.
Quoting a report commissioned by the city and dated April, 2013, “Before any work is done, a full structural review should be undertaken,” said Handley, adding that moving staff to the second floor would create hardships for people with accessibility issues, and contravene the city’s accessibility policy.
“The building is showing signs of aging,” he said, adding the building has “asbestos tiles from 1964, and any work done would cause a disturbance. Any meeting (regarding renovations) should cease until a comprehensive report comes back through the Operations department.”
Coun. Fred Neale concurred, saying, “We haven’t decided whether to build a new fire hall or renovate the old fire hall yet. If they want to put temporary dividers upstairs at this time, that would be appropriate but I think we need to look at Station 1. Accessibility is a big thing and I don’t think we should move ahead with it at the present time.”
“All we’re doing is putting offices up there,” explained Fire Chief Brian Dickson. “We don’t need anything major. I’m a building code inspector. We’re running out of room. Station 1 is old. We need to look at the replacement of it.”
A motion was made to suspend the meeting and Facilities Manager Curtis Dray was asked to bring forth a comprehensive report about the optimum location for fire services staff offices.
New Seats and Sewers
Further to Council’s budget meeting of Feb. 13, two items were reinstated to the 10-year capital forecast Tuesday from the original budget. First on the list was $300,000 for new arena seating. Secondly, Broderick Avenue will undergo $1,971,000 in improvements, including sewers, water resurfacing and rebuilding.
Student Lounge Downtown
The many students residing downtown should have their own dedicated study space within walking distance, said Coun. Fred Neale. His motion to ask Brock University to fund a satellite study area downtown was passed by Council.
Don’t Take Tracks
Coun. Fred Neale wants to schedule a meeting with officials from the cities of St. Catharines, Welland and Port Colborne, as well as the Niagara Region, to ensure Trillium Railway doesn’t remove train tracks currently running in a north and south direction in Thorold.
Neale wants to keep the tracks so that when the GO train comes to Niagara, it can hopefully extend south from St. Catharines through Thorold, then to Port Colborne.
Council Supports Anti-Human Trafficking
Council voted in favour of supporting a request from the Town of Fort Erie to contribute $5,000 to the YWCA’s anti-human trafficking division. The funds will go toward training and awareness in preventing human trafficking, and come from the city’s encumbrance reserve.
Council Briefs, March 20, 2018
Protect our Parks
Council passed Mayor Ted Luciani’s motion to add measures to prevent development of the city’s passive and sports parks. “We’ve experienced a lot of very, very severe weather… and expect it to get worse.” He cited climate change as the reason, creating increased runoff, and also highlighted the need to generally preserve green space. Under the new rule, Council will require a unanimous vote in favour, as opposed to the usual 50 per cent + 1. An amendment by Coun. Anthony Longo added the Richmond Street Forest and the stipulation that any future new parks be added automatically to the list.
City staff to be trained in cultural competency
The City, following Coun. Fred Neale’s motion, will adopt recommendations by the Working Group on the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. They will explore Cultural Competency training for employees, as well as post contact information for services for Indigenous peoples on the City’s website. Thorold hosts a monument that symbolizes reconciliation at DeCew House Heritage Park, is home to a Native Cultural Centre in town and the Education Centre in St. John’s, was the site of the 1813 Battle of Beaverdams, which was the only battle fought and won for the British entirely by Haudenosaunee fighters, built a monument to the battle with the Native version written by Six Nations staff, and hosted the 2013 reconciliation of a rift between Haudenosaunee nations caused by the battle.
Wanted: long-term care beds, x-ray clinic, and service Ontario kiosk
Council advanced a motion to endorse the recommendations of two Age-Friendly Committee subcommittees. As a result, the city will explore options for long-term care beds in Thorold through the Niagara Region and through private and public partnerships. They will also explore options for obtaining an x-ray clinic in Thorold, and a Service Ontario kiosk in a Thorold retail store.
Council pay and expenses
The Council remuneration report was presented Tuesday, showing the amounts in pay of $9,906 each, and expenses for 2017, which included totals ranging from $10,987 each for Councillors Sergio Paone and Shawn Wilson to $13,173 for Coun. Jim Handley. Higher expense amounts were primarily due to attendance at the annual AMO Conference.
Grant status
Grants applied for by the Clerk’s department resulted in revenue to the city of $96,294.55 in 2017. Of the eight grants applied for, four were accepted, two were denied, and two await an answer. Since 2011, the City has successfully applied for grants totalling more than $3 million.
Snow plough parking by-law exception
On a motion by Coun. Terry Ugulini, an exception is being added to the City’s parking by-law. The reason for the change was a complaint by a resident that he moved his car off the road onto the apron of his driveway to allow for snow clearing and received a ticket for parking on the apron. Under the new rule, residents will be allowed to park on the apron during a snow event, but will be required to move their vehicle back to the street after it has been ploughed.
St. Patrick’s Day patrol successful
Coun. Ugulini also announced that there would be a St. Patrick’s Day post-mortem meeting with Brock University, the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), the Niagara Regional Police (NRP), and all others involved in the planning. He thanked all those involved and announced that Thorold had experienced a relatively quiet holiday.
New firefighter to reduce overtime
Thorold will be getting a new probationary firefighter to temporarily replace one who is off disabled for an indeterminate amount of time. This will presumably greatly reduce the amount of overtime the city pays to cover the vacant spot and, at such time as the injured firefighter returns to work, the probationary employee would be laid off, as per the collective agreement. Coun. Handley, seeming sceptical that this measure will resolve the overtime costs, managed to have a requirement for a quarterly overtime report.
How to protect yourself—and your family—from scammers
Each year, Canadians lose millions of dollars to criminal scammers as a result of being bombarded by online, telephone, mail and door knock solicitations.
Detective Jeffrey May of the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Central Fraud Unit invites everyone to stay on top of the current scams and be informed about the myths the NRPS are busting, as he presents a special anti-fraud seminar to the public at the Thorold Seniors Centre on Thursday, April 5 at 1:30 p.m.
“The presentation is designed to increase participants’ awareness of targeted Canadians,” May explained. “Scammers do not discriminate, affecting all levels of ages and incomes. Unfortunately, seniors are hardest hit. The idea of the NRPS Fraud Unit is to proactively go to the communities we serve and thereby prevent our citizens from being caught in the imaginative and manipulative world of how scammers produce the results they want from unknowing and innocent individuals.”
The presentation will cover a variety of ways criminals take advantage of people, including Internet scams, sucker lists, emergency scams, wireless scams, romance scams, employment scams, service scams, health scams, investment scams, and scams surrounding power of attorney.
“Join us and educate yourself about what you should and should not be sharing.”
In addition, the recent license suspension of Ontario funeral providers (one in Niagara) has caused some consumers to become suspicious of the funeral industry. Rick Westlake of Bocchinfuso Funeral Home in Thorold will present a brief explanation of how to protect yourself and your loved ones from disreputable and aggressive funeral service providers.
The Seniors Centre is located at 8 Carleton Street South in Thorold.
Niagara Ice Evolution nails bronze in first season of skating
Niagara Ice Evolution, Thorold’s premiere synchronized skating team, captured a bronze win in Windsor last week, after only one season of skating together.
Ranging in age from 10 to 14, March marked the team’s first year skating in the Elementary category, with a program theme of Moana, at the Deveau/Winfield Synchronized Skating competition in Windsor.
Under the guidance of head coach Karen Olsen, and program assistant Kristen Chadwick, this new team has been building skills and gaining competitive experience over its first season.
Many are in their second year of synchro and began on a beginner team last year in the Thorold Figure Skating Club.
In addition to performing at Thorold’s annual ice show that featured headliner Elvis Stojko this past February, the team competed at three events this season, including Synchro Capers hosted in Oakville in January, March Mania hosted in Innisfil in March and the recent Deveaux-Winfield competition March 24.
They are looking forward to some training time and tryouts this year and will compete with a new program theme in the coming year.
Team organizers say they are always looking to expand and will post tryout information in the near future for the 2018-2019 season on the Niagara Ice Evolution facebook page.
Names of the team, in alphabetical order, are: Ashlyn Fehr, Daniella Ferrelli, Emily Leitch, Julia Chininea, Karli Flake, Kaylee Elwood, Kaitlyn Bussi, Megan Bussi, Megan Leblanc, Nicole Eves, Sadie Dunham, Sydney Neal, and Vanessa Corman.
Family shares memories of Jeff Yungblut
Seldom is the word “mentor” used to describe the same person by so many different people.
To the 22 teams of hockey players skating in his memory this weekend, Jeff Yungblut was a role model, and so much more. He was a dearly loved son, husband, father, friend, cousin, nephew, coach, volunteer firefighter, farmer, contractor, and teammate, who loved the game of hockey.
While helping run the third annual Jeff Yungblut Memorial Tournament, which started Thursday, Nancy, his mom, shared the tragic story of his death at age 41.
“Jim and I (her husband) were in a car accident July 13, 2012, and Jim spent months recuperating with surgeries. Jeff was amazing and helped with everything, and 10 months later, he passed away.”
On May 11, 2013, “He was at a hockey tournament in Markham with our grandson, Cole,” recalled Nancy, when he died suddenly.
“The last conversation he had was that they had a good game,” she said, in a phone call with his father.
The many members of the large Yungblut family were “in shock for years,” stated Nancy. “We’re a very, very close family. Pleasantview (Cemetery) said it was the biggest funeral ever.”
Jim added, “1,200 people went through the visitation.”
“Then Kory (Yungblut) came to us and said, ‘I’d like to have a tournament in Jeff’s memory’,” said Nancy. “Jeff mentored him. They were friends as well as cousins. The first year had six teams and our goal was to pay it forward and set up some educational bursaries to graduating students.”
Since he grew up on a farm, had his own construction company, was a volunteer firefighter for 10 years, and involved in sports management, bursaries have been given to students having similar goals and interests to Jeff, funded by proceeds from the annual tournament.
This year’s event has teams filling both arenas and will continue through Sunday.
“Jeff was my cousin growing up,” said Mike Law; “a cousin that was like a brother. He was a role model and it was devastating to lose him, so it’s a fitting way to honour him,” said Law; coach of the PHL Leafs team, which won the tournament last year.
“The second year, we had nine teams,” said Nancy, and in June, 2017, the Yungbluts presented two bursaries of $1,000 each to graduating female students from Thorold Secondary School pursuing further education—one in the Paramedic program and one in the Fitness and Health program.
“This year, we’re helping with Adam Egerter, another cousin,” explained Nancy, who is eight years old and was recently diagnosed with aggressive Stage 4 brain cancer.
Adam’s father, Jeramy, was very close to Jeff as well, she added.
“Jeff helped Jeramy build his house and (after Jeff’s death), Jeramy went out and got a tattoo saying ‘JY, 1972-2013’. So this year, all the proceeds from the penny sale” will go to help Adam through his illness.
In addition to A, B, and C levels of hockey, the tournament has grown to include children and female hockey players.
“Cole (now age 16) played a lot of hockey, so we have a kids’ division this year. Kaileigh, his 18-year-old daughter, grew up watching hockey on his lap.”
“We wanted to make it a family event,” said Jim. “Ten of the guys at the fire hall (Station 4, where Jeff was captain) went out and got their Smart Serve so they could help” at the tournament. He added, “It’s a hard weekend.”
“It’s a hard weekend for my parents,” agreed Jennifer, Jeff’s sister, “but it’s a really good weekend. We have people reach out and tell us, ‘I think about you all the time’.”
“It’s nice to hear everybody tell their ‘Jeff stories’,” added Nancy, “and there will be lots of them this weekend.”
Though it’s been five years since his death, “The kids still come to the house and share ‘Coach Jeff stories’,” said Nancy Yungblut, Jeff’s wife.
“He coached Cole’s team. He was truly a great man. They are their dad’s legacy, for sure,” she said, describing their two children. “Jeff lives in both of them.”
Key for Two “A laugh a minute”
It’s a sure sign of spring—Thorold Community Theatre is presenting a new play.
Key For Two is a “typical British comedy,” says director Jeff McKinnon, a 30-year TCT veteran. However, it’s not a farce, with constant opening and closing of doors, he adds. “It’s a lot of laughs—a laugh a minute, with a great cast of seven.”
The show opens Friday the 13th of April, “So let’s just cross our fingers and see what happens.”
Written by John Roy Chapman and Dave Freeman, it tells the tangled tale of Harriet, who lives a very comfortable life in a luxury flat in Brighton, England, until she encounters a series of unexpected guests and “some people who are in need of an identity change,” says McKinnon.
Each man thinks he’s the only one in her life, and Harriet orchestrates their comings and goings with elegant artistry until her friend, whose marriage is teetering, arrives at the flat, pursued by her husband.
McKinnon says it’s suitable for all ages, with some adult content, including women dressed in lingerie.
Key For Two runs Fridays April 13, 20 and 27 at 8 p.m., Saturdays April 14, 21 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Sundays April 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. in the Community Hall of
Trinity United Church, 15 Pine Street South. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before curtain. All seating is by general admission.
Making Thorold age-friendly
To accommodate its rapidly increasing aging population, Thorold aspires to be an age-friendly city.
Today’s seniors are healthier, living longer and more active lifestyles, and contributing to their communities, said Jean D’Amelio-Swyer, chair of Thorold’s Age-Friendly Committee. She highlighted ways of making businesses more welcoming, accessible and comfortable for seniors while launching the city’s guide, Creating an Age-Friendly Business, Wednesday at Club Capri.
An age-friendly business not only benefits seniors, but also people with injuries, sight, hearing, mobility, speech, and language limitations, as well as pregnant women and parents with strollers, and people with mental health issues.
The guide will be available on the city’s website (www.thorold.com) in coming weeks. Thorold business owners can complete a four-page self-assessment and forward it to the city by May 15. If the business achieves 80 per cent compliance in five of the six categories—which include safety outside and inside the business, comfort for people with limited strength and stamina, comfort for people with poor sight or hearing, and respect for all customers, the owner will qualify for an Age-Friendly Business Recognition Certificate and sticker. A one-page renewal must be completed every two years to maintain the status.
Guidelines are “common sense,” said D’Amelio-Swyer, and include ensuring that premises are well-lit and provide staff to assist with customers who have difficulties with standing, hearing, or seeing.
The “respect” category asks that businesses employ staff trained to be friendly and patient with all customers and try to meet their needs, while avoiding condescending behaviours. Staff should also be trained in managing sensitive situations, and be able to identify if a person is experiencing a medical emergency, and notify the proper authority, while preserving a person’s dignity.
“We’re hoping a number of businesses will apply,” said D’Amelio Swyer, adding that certificates and stickers will be given out at an Information and Presentations Fair at the Senior Citizens Centre on June 20. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Information concerning Thorold’s Age-Friendly initiative will be sent out with city water bills, and distributed at key locations throughout the city. For further information, contact the Clerk’s department.
MasterChef moving to hubby’s hometown, Thorold
Jen Jenkins has decided to stop doubting herself.
The 28-year-old wife of Thorold native, Devin Jenkins, will show the world she’s a MasterChef when she competes on the show’s premiere episode this Tuesday, April 3 on CTV.
In a heartfelt promo for the popular cooking show, Jenkins said she didn’t always do well in school, “But cooking was the class that I nailed every single year.”
Sadly, she added, “I had a chance to go to cooking school, but I didn’t think I was good enough.”
Having faced—and replaced—her doubt with renewed confidence, “I’m ready to show everybody what I’m worth. My food’s going to be the best. I’m going to win me a White Apron. I didn’t just up and leave my family to not come home a winner.”
Raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, the aspiring chef met Devin, who left his home town of Thorold just after high school and headed out to Alberta to work on the railroad, said his mother, Shelley Wilsher. They married and are raising a two-year-old daughter in British Columbia.
Several months ago, she applied to be on MasterChef Canada. When she was accepted, “She had to leave her family in Dawson Creek, where they currently reside, to come to Toronto for the audition process. It was finally announced last week who the top 21 are, and Jen has made it.”
Jenkins won over the judges by preparing Eggs Benedict in a potato nest with Hollandaise sauce for her audition dish, though she also makes a mean Miso beef and Ramen noodle peanut stir fry.
Her dream is to harvest from her own garden and travel with her family in a food truck.
Even if Jen doesn’t come home with the coveted winning MasterChef’s White Apron, Wilsher is looking forward to having her son and family in town again.
“Devin and Jen are finally moving back home to Thorold April 30,” she said.
“Jen has been accepted to Stratford Culinary School to pursue her passion. And we get to finally be with our granddaughter.”
Pillow talk
Need to spruce up your décor for spring?
Darlene Flannigan can make pillows talk.
From clever, inspirational or seasonal phrases to a child’s name and birthdate, the crafty Port Robinson entrepreneur can even create custom stencils, meaning she can make pillows—as well as onesies for babies—that say virtually anything a customer desires.
A long-time professional singer and photographer, she recently launched her home business and called it Flannigan Clan Creations, since her daughter Jenna and sister Cindy have joined in her creative enterprise.
“We want the whole family to get into it if they want to,” said Flannigan. “We also paint and re-finish furniture.”
The clan creates rustic hand-painted wooden signs—featuring Man Cave Rules and other popular designs.
In addition to selling the custom pillows and signs, she’s offering classes in her home, where crafters can come in groups of five or six to make their own creations. For now, she’s teaching how to stencil pillows—which come in durable fabrics in a variety of solid colours—and will add classes in painting and stenciling signs at a later date.
Customers can order her pillows ready-made, or make them in her classes.
“We also deliver anywhere in Niagara for $5.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/flanniganclancreations or call Jenna at 905-324-8114.
Remembering Dennis
Warrant Officer Dennis Brown was 38 years old when his tank hit an I.E.D. (improvised explosive device) while in Afghanistan.
Some of his closest comrades and family friends gathered at the Thorold Legion Saturday, to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice made by the St. Catharines hero.
Brown, along with Chad O’Quinn and Danny Olivier Forten, were killed in the explosion. Two other soldiers survived.
Each year, his loved ones get together to reminisce and tell stories. The annual event was organized by Pamela Hendsbee, who said she’d known him “since grade seven.”
“We just lived down the street from each other. He was also a special constable with the RCMP. He joined the reserves and I joined a year later.”
“He was quite a character,” said Hendsbee. “I know that’s what he would want—to turn this night into a fun time.”
Amy Brown, Dennis’ ex-wife, was in attendance, with their son, Owen.
“My youngest, MacKenzie, is 21 and in the military,” she said. “We’re blessed to have so many supportive family and friends that focus on the positive, and that’s how we deal with it. It’s good for the boys to see. All of us draw strength from them.”
Inspired to re-enter the military after 9/11, Rod Hilton said he, Keith Shannon, and Brown “made a pact with each other to go to Afghanistan.”
However, Shannon didn’t end up going, and neither did Hilton, a decision that still haunts him to this day.
“I got hired on a nuclear response team and Keith went to B.C. for a family obligation. When I was on the course, I got a call from one of the guys in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. They said, ‘Dennis is gone.’
“Over 50 per cent of the troops in Afghanistan were reservers (part-time),” said Hilton; “the ones that chose to go on their own. Dennis and I did some crazy stuff together. He was crazy and he was life. He was so exciting and he was trouble through and through. He had charisma, and it just sucks that he’s gone.”
“A couple years ago, I apologized to his son Benjamin, who was 10 or 12 at the time,” added Hilton. “I said, ‘I’m sorry I didn’t go.’ He said, ‘It’s okay; I don’t think it would’ve made a difference.’
“My biggest regret was not going on tour and I’m sorry that I wasn’t there. All of us love him to death. He died with honour.”
Thorold athletes awarded at Annual Runway of Recognition
Thorold’s best athletes, volunteers and coaches were celebrated at the annual Runway of Recognition dinner and induction awards ceremony at John Michael’s in Thorold South Wednesday evening.
Thorold Recognition Committee Chair and emcee, Bob Elliott, made special mention of two Port Robinson athletes, who were also heroes, as well as members of the town’s champion softball team.
PORT ROBINSON JR. B 1950 OASA CHAMPION SOFTBALL TEAM
Donald Wilfred “Punk” McComb of Port Robinson recognized his lifelong dream and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1950s. Stationed in Germany during the Cold War, while flying over France in August, 1954, he had a collision and both pilots died.
Port Robinson resident Robert Holditch rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer at age 17. He was also a pilot and in July, 1969, while performing a standard test off the coast of Vietnam, he plummeted to his death when his jet crashed.
Along with Albert Bernstein, both these brave young men formed the Port Robinson Jr. Softball team, comprised of players from Port Robinson, Allanburg, Fenwick and Fonthill. In its first year, the team made it to the Ontario finals and won the first game in Cobourg, scoring the winning run in the top of the 10th, after trailing 13 to 8 in the 7th inning. The second game was won in Port Robinson, led by Allan Vanderburgh and George Densham.
In addition to McComb and Holditch, other team members were Beno Michael, Gary Golloway, Ross Egerter, Frank Ely, pitcher Vic Kowalski, Ivan Siemens, and John Iftody. Coach was Milan Michael, Manager was Morris Bernstein and Bat Boy was George Michael.
GRACE PYATT
This modest lifelong Thorold resident was presented with the Irene McInnis Memorial Award for Thorold Female Athlete of the Year. She was recruited by the Brock University Ladies Volleyball team after a very successful career with the Mountain Volleyball club and the Thorold Golden Eagles.
“Even though I don’t see myself as an athlete, the best part is when they call my name, ‘Grace Pyatt from Thorold’,” she said in her heartfelt speech.
Currently finishing her first year of nursing at Brock University, Pyatt added, “I consider myself to be quite patriotic toward our city. “Thorold High was the most amazing experience and being a varsity athlete is the most exciting thing I could ask for. I cannot stress enough how honoured I am to be receiving this award.”
Twice named the most improved player, Pyatt has been described as “extremely hardworking, with a selfless attitude.”
JEREMY BADGLEY
The winner of the Wilfred Slater Award for Male Athlete of the Year is a softspoken powerhouse whose superb wrestling skills earned a gold and silver medal at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg.
“He made it all the way to the finals on Team Ontario, but his result helped the Ontario team take it all the way,” said Elliott.
Badgley is quick to credit his parents, his high school coach, Heather Sweeze, and the Thorold Firefighters from Station 2 in his hometown of Thorold South for sponsoring him in his many successes.
“I really wouldn’t be here today without them, and the community of Thorold for always supporting me,” he said.
TAAA THOROLD BLACKHAWKS PEE WEE 2017 OMHA BB CHAMPIONS
An outstanding season on the ice resulted in this team being named Thorold Team of the Year. For the first time in 25 years, they brought an Ontario Minor Hockey Association championship to Thorold.
Team members include: Nolan Tanham, Alex Meffe, Ogo Ogunkeye, Matthew Taubeneck, Carter Sentance, Luka Radovanovic, Kyle Prendergast, Brian Loney, Nathan Duplessis, Jesse Syvret, Michael LeBlanc, Jake Hale, Ethan Fisher, Noah DiMaurizio and Curtis Isherwood.
The team was led by head coach Matt Bassett, assistant coach Ritchie Citrigno, assistant coach Franco Meffe, goalie coach Trevor Ward, manager Darrin Hale, and trainer Bob Fisher.
1996 THOROLD SECONDARY SCHOOL 4 WITH COXIE, CANADIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ROWING ASSOCATION CHAMPIONSHIPS
“Thorold started with recruiting some kids to row,” recalled coach Dan Court. ”Mike Charron (Thorold Secondary School Principal at the time) grabbed it. We had no weights or equipment. We raced against Upper Canada College and we went out and got silver that year. The next year, they ended up in a very tight race at the club level, which was fantastic. They had lost every race that year before going into the final.”
After training each day from November to June, running eight miles a day and rowing at 5 a.m., the team stroked its way to a Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association championship at the Henley course in St. Catharines in 1996.
“Rowing taught us a lot about real life and a lot about love,” said team member Kirk Henderson. “I love these guys and we went to battle every day. It taught us about resilience, and I attribute a lot of my success today” to that experience, he added. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this crew. It all started here in Thorold.”
Other crew members include Dean Noiles, Dave McNamara, Justin Rutherford and Coxie Dana Noiles.
1969 THOROLD LEGION TYKE BASEBALL TEAM, OBA CHAMPIONS
In 1968, Thorold Legion Baseball formed a tyke house league all-star team. Coached by Mike Quinn and Peter Buckmaster, the team played three exhibition games against Niagara District teams and won all three, then went on to win the Niagara District championship in 1969, At the OBA tournament, they posted and 8 and 1 record to capture the all-Ontario title.
“We were rewarded because of those two gentlemen teaching us to be a respectful team of baseball players,” said team member Joe Biamonte, referring to coaches Quinn and Buckmaster. He recalled that the team had a bonus in Buckmaster, who was also a bus driver. “Every time we travelled, we travelled by coach,” said Biamonte.
Other team members included Terry Conners, Albert Maddelena, John Williamson, Barry Burkholder, Rick Gazzola, Tim Tronzo, Robbie Hughes, Randy Quinn, Andre Cecci, Chris Buzdygan, John Motchka, Ron Sypes, Larry Chaffe, Mark Plantery, and Chris Buckmaster. Bat boy was Barry Buckmaster.
KEVIN BOLIBRUCK
“The first ice” he stepped on was at the “Old Arena” (James Whyte Arena) in Thorold, recalled this year’s inductee for Athlete-Hockey-1970 to present.
Kevin Bolibruck began by playing minor hockey for the TAAA and baseball for the Thorold Legion. After moving on to the Welland Tigers AAA league, his career also included an overseas tour and one year with the Thorold Jr. B Blackhawks, before he was drafted by the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. The team won the OHL championship in 1996 and played to the final game of the 1996 Memorial Cup.
In 1997, Bolibruck joined Team Canada, and they won the Spengler Cup with him as their captain. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL draft by Ottawa and in the seventh round of the 1997 draft by Edmonton. He played six years in the AHL and another seven years of pro hockey in Europe, where two of his three children were born.
After retiring in 2011, he returned to Thorold and became involved in the TAAA development program.
“There’s all these memories about growing up in Thorold,” he said, “and playing baseball at Sullivan and McMillan Parks, and the coaches, like Bruce Orr and Flick Riddle, that aren’t with us anymore.”
BARRY “PEACHY” BURKHOLDER
Like his father before him, Barry started coaching the year his playing career ended. And he was born to coach hockey. For more than 35 years, he was involved with both hockey and baseball, coaching both girls and boys to numerous District championships, along with a Bantam and Tyke OMHA title.
“I want to thank all the team mates I was fortunate enough to play with all those years,” said Burkholder. “Meeting new friends is what the game is all about. I want to thank all the players and all the parents I was able to coach with for 35 years. They made it fun for me. I will always have so many fond memories of every team I was involved with. I had a chance to coach with my dad as well. It is an honour to be on the wall with my dad and my Uncle Murray.”
FRANK McARDLE
Frank McArdle was given the 2017 Daryl Mahler Memorial Award, in honour of Mahler, who “was a wonderful husband, father and teacher,” as well as track coach, according to Elliott. “He was a friend to each and every one of the students. They all knew him and loved him.”
Likewise, McArdle had the patience and willingness to coach youth of all abilities for many years, noted Elliott.
“He started with the very young teams in Thorold, taking whoever came. Working with them, he never, ever raised his voice. He calmly made each young man a little bit better. A great coach, with a knowledge of the game and talent for coaching, but what the men remember is how calm he was, and he brought the best out in every one he coached.”
McArdle’s leadership was responsible for capturing three provincial championships and one Canadian championship.
CARMEN CIOLFI
Long-time volunteer Carmen Ciolfi was the recipient of the 2017 Albert Ciancio “Trombone” Award.
Elliott said this award was created six years ago to honour “someone who doesn’t qualify as an athlete but makes a major contribution as a friend of sport, in a meaningful way.”
Ciolfi has been involved in TAAA hockey for 18 years, and volunteered as timekeeper for the Jr. B teams.
“He’s the guy that does all the paperwork and team reservations, and does all those jobs that makes it necessary to a team to succeed.”
“It’s hard to imagine it all started 28 years ago,” said Ciolfi, “when I volunteered to help the soccer school, then Thorold Legion Baseball. I’m still involved with the senior men’s team and the Blackhawks. In 1998, Ron Sypes asked me to be team manager for the Peewee AE team. I never played competitive hockey, so everything I learned was from Barry (Burkholder). He taught me respect for the game and the parents. ‘You always want to make it fun to come to the rink’, he said.”
Ciolfi also volunteers every Saturday, assisting young bowlers in the YBC.
BEN EVANS
Ben Evans is the 2017 recipient of the James Whyte Memorial trophy, awarded annually to the senior athlete of the year, in honour of Whyte, a founding member of the TAAA, who died suddenly in 1939.
Evans’s mother accepted the award on his behalf, since he was out-of-town playing in the semi-finals for the Wellington Dukes. He has 15 goals and 31 assists.
NICK GIDNEY
Nick Gidney is this year’s recipient of the Mike Eggeroff Memorial trophy, awarded annually to the junior athlete of the year, in honour of Eggeroff, an all-around sportsman and original member of the 1963 Thorold Jr. B team who coached and played in the NCAA before his death in 1973.
In Jessie’s honour
“Hockey was her religion”
It wasn’t long after Jessie Anthony passed away that her many fans began rallying to pay tribute to the beloved long-time volunteer.
“It started online,” explained Coun. Terry Ugulini, who personally witnessed Anthony’s 30-year contribution to Thorold minor hockey and figure skaters in his role as both a player and a coach.
“There was a lot of chatter” about dedicating the canteen in her name, he said. Ugulini was prepared to bring a motion to Council to support the online petition.
“Then I got a call from Jamie Drummond and he said the TAAA and the (Thorold Figure) Skating Club were already on it.”
“We’re all here for one reason,” said Drummond—TAAA president—Saturday, addressing a crowd of spectators at the start of the Bantam BB Blackhawk game at centre ice. The team dedicated their game to Jessie and the Anthony family, who was also in attendance, along with members of the TAAA, Thorold Figure Skating Club, and city councillors.
“Jessie Anthony was a community leader. She spent 30 years in our canteen. That’s a long time, and you get honoured for 30 years of volunteering your time.”
“She was the greatest volunteer of this organization that ever happened,” added Gene Citrigno, past president of the TAAA. “And the reason the children played hockey in Thorold and the reason the rates were kept the lowest in the Niagara region was the money she raised in the canteen. Yes, she was famous for those ham and cheese sandwiches, pizza” and other snacks, said Citrigno. “The smells in the lobby would make you run for it. In Jessie’s honour, there will be a plaque and you will see it in the canteen very shortly.”
Having the canteen dedicated in her honour “would’ve made her very happy,” said Kim Anthony—Jessie’s daughter. She grew up skating in the arena and helping her mom at the canteen.
“It’s been a month today since she passed away,” she told the crowd. “We want to thank you all for coming in memory of our mom. Hockey was her religion. You boys out here know you have an angel here watching you. Her whole life was dedicated to this sport. Thorold is my home town and I wish you the best of luck, and she would, too."
