Caption: Spotted this family outing today, Wednesday, May 15 while on my way for a visit to Merritt Island. Their stroll was followed by a scamper down the bank and into the water for a brisk, refreshing swim. You know the old saying: the family that plays together stays together. / Joe Barkovich photos
By Terry Hughes
At the time of this writing only two Canadian teams remain in pursuit of the cup, the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. With the majority of teams found in the U.S. and holding the largest markets that can attract the best players, the odds are against us. Here is a radical idea that would ensure that the cup remains here.
Create an all-Canadian division by adding three teams that would include the Maritimes, Quebec and Hamilton and the winner of that new division would claim the Stanley Cup as champions. That team would play other division leaders for a new prize that would be determined by the N.H.L.
Another change would incorporate the European-size ice surface that would open up the game and hopefully reduce the number of penalties. It would be shameful if the cup’s last appearance in this country was 1993 when the Montreal Canadiens were the last Canadian team to win it. That is quite the drought for this hockey-loving country of ours!
What solutions would you suggest?
Next Column: How different generations have changed the meaning of things.
(Terry Hughes is a Wellander who is passionate about heritage, history and model railroading. His opinion column, Heritage Lives, appears on the blog once or twice monthly.)
Please attend/support this weekend fundraiser
Please support/attend this well-known local band’s weekend concert
Please support/attend this popular Rose Festival event
WELLAND – Welland Public Library is holding its Spring Book Sale tomorrow, Saturday May 11. It’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sale is being held at the main branch only, 50 The Boardwalk, downtown Welland. Find books to curl up with this spring at this one-day only book sale! Other library materials may also be available to browse and buy.
Bring a grocery tote or small box and fill it for only $5. WPL totes will be available for purchase ($2) each. Alternatively, fill a WPL bag for $1 with a donation of a non-perishable food item, going towards our Little Free Pantry. Items of need include granola bars, cereal, and pre-packaged snack items.
All book sale proceeds support library collections, programs, and services.
Please support/attend this musical community event
WELLAND – Get ready for Welland’s annual tulip bulb giveaway.
For residents of the City of Welland, this popular tradition of picking up a bag of free tulip bulbs will take place on Friday, May 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The event will run rain or shine at the Welland Stadium at 90 Quaker Road.
Parks staff will distribute the bag of bulbs, providing one bag per vehicle while quantities last. For a smooth flow of traffic, vehicles should enter from the east side of the parking lot and slowly proceed along the designated route.
Anticipating a strong turnout like years prior, Dave Steven, manager of parks, forestry, cemeteries, operations, and development, said, “This giveaway is an exciting opportunity that lets us engage with our community about the importance of green spaces while adding some vibrant tulips to our landscapes.”
Approximately 15,000 tulip bulbs from the City’s commemorative gardens will be distributed this year. While specific varieties or colours cannot be guaranteed, there will be a pleasing assortment to brighten residential gardens.
(Attribution: City of Welland media release)
WELLAND – The Welland St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 51 East Main St., urgently requires volunteers. You would work one three-hour shift a week, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. You can call store manager Pat, at 905-788-3413 if you are interested
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