My City of Welland Rose To….

City of Welland Rose (File photo/Joe Barkovich)

By Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large

My ‘City of Welland Rose’ this week goes to: Three local mayors for their united stand on Welland Hospital.

The three mayors are Frank Campion, Welland; April Jeffs, Wainfleet; and John Maloney, Port Colborne.

They gave their views in a story that appeared in the local weekly newspaper, Niagara This Week. The story can also be read on-line.

I like the mayors for their feistiness, their independent thinking and their determination to do what they feel is right and best for their respective municipalities, rather than kowtow to the powers that be.

They want Welland hospital to stay open rather than close when a new hospital is built at a site in Niagara Falls.

“We all feel south Niagara deserves to have fair, equitable access to hospital services” Campion says in the newspaper’s story,  adding “Niagara Falls is not in south Niagara.”

(My City of Welland Rose To…is a recurring feature on the blog, appearing most Fridays.)

Out And About: Trails We Follow

Looks like fun, doesn’t it? Got this shot while out and about for a Trails We Follow photo feature. Photographed today along the Welland Recreational Waterway, Woodlawn section, it shows a group of boys with a rope swing on the east side of the waterway. Trails We Follow will be posted Saturday. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Out And About

Shot this while out and about earlier this week, walking a canal trail: ‘Sunset Over Bridge 13’, part of Welland’s canoe art project. (Photo by Joe Barkovich. Out And About is a recurring feature on the blog.)

Water Sports

Top: Women on their paddle boards strike yoga poses while on the recreational waterway near the Welland Community Wellness Complex Monday evening; rowers go through workouts on the waterway. (Photos by Joe Barkovich)

Gadabout Gardener

Just dropped by for a drink and a splash! (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Out And About

A cormorant has a bird’s eye view of the surroundings from atop a perch on the old railway swing bridge in Welland. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Hey, Where Is Everybody?

Canada geese come in for a splash landing near the Welland International Flatwater Centre Monday evening. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Old Canal Memories

Anglers try their luck fishing from what used to be the Union Carbide dock off Canal Bank Street in Welland Monday around sunset. The old canal, as it was called, was a popular summer holidays fishing hole for kids and teens over decades.(Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Out And About

Got this while out and about recently. You heard the saying: ‘learning is a lifelong process.’ So, it’s never too late. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Excessive High Heat Alert Issued

The temperature at 2:30 today although it was feeling more like the mid 30s with the humidex factor. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

 WELLAND – An excessive high heat alert is in effect for Niagara, according to a news release issued by Niagara Region.

A high heat alert in the Niagara area is initiated in the following circumstances:

The humidex is forecast to rise to 40 C or higher;

The humidex is forecast to rise to 38 C or higher, and a smog alert;

Environment Canada issues a humidex warning for the Niagara area.

Precautions to Take during Excessive High Heat

During an excessive high heat alert, residents should:

Plan  outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day;

Rest frequently in shaded areas;

Drink plenty of fluids (unless fluid is restricted by your physician);

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car;

Dress in cool, loose clothing and shade your head with a hat or umbrella;

Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.

Heat Stroke is a Medical Emergency

Call 911 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.

A person with heat stroke may feel one or more of the following symptoms:

Confusion;

Dizziness;

Nausea;

Muscle swelling;

Heart disturbances;

Headache.

Other symptoms include seizure, unconsciousness and/or coma. Seek immediate medical attention for heat stroke.

People at High Risk during Excessive High Heat

During excessive high heat everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

Infants;

Children;

Elderly;

People with high blood pressure, heart and/or respiratory problems;

People who are on medication;

People who work or exercise outdoors;

Check on elderly or shut-in neighbours during an Excessive High Heat Alert. You could save a life.

Tuesday’s high is forecast at 32-33C before the humidex is added in.