Don’t let a sedentary life be the beginning of the end
I have been a fan of John Swart’s contributions to the Voice since the get-go. His articles are always timely, relevant and liberally infused with humour. Having worked for too many years as a nurse in occupational and mental health, as well as chronic disease management, I can attest that his October 12 column, “How do we get people to exercise more?” was one of his best.
Starting the piece by describing “Joan’s” fall is so typical of (1) The beginning of the end for many people who lead sedentary lives, or (2) A dusting off, then “keep moving’ on down the road,” for those actively living—and in John’s world, preferably on a bike.
For readers who fit into the first category, please look up “The Stages of Change,” then SMART goals. Figure out which stage you’re in, then read John’s article again, twice. It will add a skip to your step, and life to your years.
Yvonne Van Lankveld Ridgeville
Questions Adamson’s ethics
It has come to my attention that mayoral candidate Frank Adamson was recently campaigning at the Pelham Non Profit Seniors Apartments by hosting a meet and greet during the tenants’ weekly coffee hour in their lounge. He also brought coffee from Tim Hortons for everyone.
In view of the fact that he also sits on the Board of Directors of the seniors apartment building—thereby making him one of the landlords—does this not amount to a conflict of interest? I wonder who arranged this, as apparently it was not advertised, not even in the building itself.
Moreover, I am left wondering if all candidates were given the same opportunity to have a meet and greet with these seniors.
Doesn’t seem above board to me. It also raises the question of ethics.
Pam Young Fonthill
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Voice reached out for comment from Frank Adamson as well as Mayor Marvin Junkin. “I enquired if there was an opportunity to meet and greet members of the [building’s] Tenants Association as a mayoral candidate,” responded Adamson, “and their President contacted me and invited me to attend a coffee and birthday cake social. I agreed to their offer. And I informed them that I was a member of the Board in my opening comments, but was there to discuss my platform and their issues, which we did.” Adamson said that other municipal candidates have also campaigned door-to-door in the building, an assertion that the Voice has not independently verified. “Marvin Junkin would have been afforded the same opportunity if he contacted the President of the Tenant’s Association or the building manager... It would appear he did not.” For his part, Junkin asserted that it was up the building’s board and staff—which includes two former Town Councillors who served in the widely criticized previous council under controversial Mayor David Augustyn—to ensure a level playing field. “I am disappointed that the board of directors didn’t consider that, in the interest of fair play, they should have extended an invitation to me to make a presentation to the residents,” said Junkin. “Contrasting this action, the Lookout seniors building immediately contacted me with an invitation to speak to their residents, after being approached by Mr. Adamson with such a request. I have heard from a number of residents that they are upset with what they call the politicizing of some of Pelham’s longtime non-profit organizations.”
Backyard chickens need a rethink
We were very disheartened to read about Town Council's lack of public consultation in regards to the bylaw restricting poultry within the urban boundaries of Fonthill and Fenwick. It seems that so often a few folks complain and council rolls along with what the squeaky wheels want. Evidence-based decision making should inform council, not just complaints.
Backyard chickens and ducks are not the only possible cause of rats in town. Bird feeders, compost bins, and garbage are also likely draws for mice and rats. In addition, the development of the town is moving rodents of all sorts into the residential areas. So, why just blame the chickens and the ducks?
Urban agriculture creates sustainable food practices and allows for folks to gain an appreciation of where our food comes from. Ducks, in particular, are a helpful addition to any backyard, as they eat ticks and other biting pests. Perhaps council should look at size and care of flock instead of just banning them outright. Good owners care for their flock in sustainable ways and ensure that any challenges with vermin are dealt with promptly.
We love the variety of homes and homesteads in our town but are growing increasingly frustrated with the cookie cutter and nimbyist preferences.
Cathy and Cameron Whitehead Fonthill
They’rrre [not] Great!
I went shopping this morning at Giant Tiger, in Fonthill, and when I got to cash out I discovered there was only one human cashier and some open automated tellers—three I think— and there was a LONG line. I stood in line and when I got almost to the front I heard a crash. When I looked behind me I saw that an elderly woman had fallen onto the floor, hitting a couple of metal carts together causing the loud clanging crash sound.
She said her legs had given way. A man younger than myself and the woman's daughter lifted her up off the floor and walked her out to their car. She was talking and appeared okay.
It is sad to have to use automated tellers now in order to NOT have to stand a long time in line.
Ron Mascoe Fonthill
COTE'S COMMENTS | Larry Coté
The cost of urbanization
There is a price to pay for everything we do. Actions we take, words we proclaim, items we purchase, and even the progress we claim to make.
One of those so-called elements of progress will likely have a significant impact on the nature and character of the community of Fonthill, once regarded as a quiet residential area where living space communed gracefully with the surrounding rural landscape devoted to agriculture.
Over the years many exurbanites admired the attractiveness and quietude of the small residential commune of Fonthill and chose to relocate to this community. It was near enough to necessary services, shopping and recreational facilities but far enough from all the commotion that such amenities make.
However, that former character has changed rather dramatically over the last decade or so. The restive nature and quiet character has changed. The once peaceful town is trending to become more urban-like than rural and at a rapid pace. As a measure of that pace the number of traffic lights in the town has increased nearly tenfold. At times, lines of idling traffic span the town’s boundaries.
The number of new residential subdivisions that have sprung up is one of those dramatic changes that the alleged progress has brought about. The number of majestic older houses on large lots with tree-lined drives that added to the charm of this place have been overtaken by the large number of cookie-cutter houses on postage stamp-sized lots. To accommodate these new living quarters much of the previous flora has been paved over by roadways lined by houses with double-wide drives and lawn areas so small they can be trimmed with garden shears.
One of the looming costs of progress for the community will be the eventuality of overwhelmed infrastructure, such as roads, sewers, water, fire protection, and electricity that accompanies this progress.
Recently, a couple who moved to Fonthill from the highly urbanized city of Mississauga were heard to say they are selling their home and moving to Fenwick or Wainfleet. They were attempting to escape the chaotic lifestyle of large city living that was Mississauga and which they believe Fonthill may now be becoming.
It is likely that the next stage of progress on the horizon for Fonthill will be the introduction of residential high rises such as those that obscure much of the horizon in highly urbanized cities. The population increases will attract the introduction of large corporate-owned shopping and other facilities with large blacktop areas replacing the greenery that once added to the charm of the landscape that was integral to Fonthill.
It is inevitable that progress brings about change. The urbanization of the once village-like character of Fonthill is just one of the inevitabilities associated with progress. As our French amis lament, c’ est la vie.
