City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

CITY SHORTS ART: Check, mate! A chess club for adults is starting up at Welland library’s main branch. For details, see City Shorts brief below. (City Shorts photo by Joe Barkovich)

Compilation by Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
City Shorts is a compilation, from various sources (government websites, news announcements, press releases, church bulletins, advertisements, community service information and events, bulletin boards, requests, telephone requests, web postings, email requests etc.) of short items (in most cases) about matters of local interest in Welland. Want to submit an item for consideration? Please send to: joe0606barko@gmail.com
NIAGARA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PROGRAMS
WELLAND – The college is  launching two new programs for the new term.
Designed to address a growing international need for qualified English language teachers, Teaching English as a Second is a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program. Visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/english-language-studies/programs/teaching-esl/
Industrial Automation is designed to meet the demand for highly skilled grads in the automation and control systems areas of the industry. This one-year, Ontario College Graduate Certificate program emphasizes programmable logic control, robotics, industrial networks and project management. Visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/technology-studies/programs/industrial-automation/
Classes for most full-time programs will begin for the fall term on September 6.
RESIDENCE MOVE-IN DAY
WELLAND – Tearful goodbyes and cheerful new beginnings will abound on September 2 –  Residence Move-in Day – when college staff and volunteers will help hundreds of students settle into their college dorms on-campus in Welland and NOTL  (9am to 1pm).  A ‘welcome weekend’ is planned for the new student residents, including a roster of activities from September 2-4.

CITY’S LABOUR DAY HOURS
WELLAND – All City Hall Departments will be closed on Monday, September 4, for Labour Day, and will re-open on Tuesday, September 5, at 8:30am
For complete info about city services please go to: https://www.welland.ca/HotTopics/HolidayHours.asp
LIBRARY CLOSURE, LABOUR DAY
WELLAND – The Library will be closed on Monday, September 4 for Labour Day. All online resources are still available on the website. No items will be due on Monday, September 4.
NEEDLE DISPOSAL SITES NEEDED: PETITION
WELLAND – An online petition is asking the city to investigate installing sharps containers in public places, such as parks.
The campaign was launched by Welland resident James Takeo earlier this month.
“What I’m trying to put into people’s heads is that this is not a drug abuse issue, this is a harm reduction issue,” Takeo said.
He has found discarded needles and related paraphernalia in various public places, including the south end of Aqueduct Street this month. Social media posts report sightings in playgrounds, walking trails and other public areas.
The internet link to the petition can be found at: http://bit.ly/2vmQrz2. You can read it and if so inclined, sign it in support.
SEE YOU AT THE POOL, RUFF, RUFF!
WELLAND  – Memorial Park Pool is going to the dogs for one last swim before it is drained for the season. Dog owners are invited to bring their pets to Memorial Park pool for an all-dog swimming party, Monday, September 4.  Time: Small Dogs (under 30 pounds) 4pm to 5pm; Larger Dogs (over 30 pounds) 5pm to 6pm.
SAFE TO SWIM AT YOUR FAVOURITE BEACH?
WELLAND – Check the water before you go swimming this weekend, or any day. Make sure the water is safe. This is a great service provided by Regional Niagara.
For latest results, visit http://www.niagararegion.ca/living/water/beaches/default.aspx?topic=1
MARSHVILLE FESTIVAL LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
WAINFLEET –  A big draw for many in Welland year after year  is the annual Marshville Heritage Festival. This year’s, the 29th annual, is on Saturday, September 2, Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 10am to 5pm all three days.
The festival takes place at Wainfleet Village Sports Complex, Hwy. 3 West. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
The event features high quality handcrafted merchandise by more than 130 artisans from across the province.
CHECK, MATE! FOR ADULTS
WELLAND – The Welland Library’s ’NEW’ Adult Chess Club begins Monday September 11 at 7pm and will continue every other Monday at the Library’s Main Branch. Chess boards will be provided. No registration required. For more info call the Welland Library at 905-734-6210 ext. 2521.
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB AT THE BLACK SHEEP LOUNGE
WELLAND  – The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. The Afternoon Book Club returns this fall to The Black Sheep Lounge (64 Niagara Street). Due to high demand, the afternoon book club will now run the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month. It starts Wednesday, September, 13,  2pm. Copies of each month’s title can be found at the Information Desk at the Library’s Main Branch. The Library will provide a complimentary coffee or similar beverage at Black Sheep. Registration is limited. Please register early to ensure your place at the table. For more info call the Welland Library at 905-734-6210 ext. 2521.
FROM THE WELLNESS COMPLEX THEATRE, IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!

Fiddlin’ Around

WELLAND –  You won’t be able to sit still once Fiddlin’ Around takes to the stage as part of the Friday Night Live Concert Series.
Enjoy a mix of Celtic, East Coast and toe-tappin’ fiddle tunes with a guitar, fiddle and Bodhran. Come out and enjoy this free event, the kickoff  for Culture Days in Welland.
When: Friday, September 29, 2017,   7pm, in The Theatre at the Welland Community Wellness Complex. This is a FREE event.
More Information: 905-735-1700 Ext. 4000 or recreation@welland.ca
3D PRINTING BASICS
WELLAND  – This introductory level course covers the history of 3D printing, how to use the Library’s 3D printing software, and the printing process itself. Library patrons interested in using the 3D printer are required to first take this class.
This course takes place on Tuesday, September 5 @ 7pm at the Main Branch. To register call 905-734-6210 ext. 2521 or use our Events Calendar. Please register in advance as spaces fill up quickly.
AUXILIARY SEEKS  VOLUNTEERS
WELLAND – Welland Hospital Auxiliary gift shop is in need of new volunteers and auxiliary members. Interested, call 905-732-6111 ext. 33141 or email whauxiliarygs653@gmail.com
SCRABBLE CLUB AT THE MALL
WELLAND –  A brand new Scrabble Club begins this fall at the Welland Public Library’s Seaway Mall Branch. Come test your word skills at the library. Everyone is welcome to join. No registration is required. It starts Friday, September 8, 1:30pm. For more info call the Welland Library at 905-734-6210 ext. 2521.
DON’T MISS JAMMIN’ AT THE MARKET
WELLAND – The 2017 music series Jammin’ at the downtown market is nearing its end. Upcoming performers are: Jessica Wilson, September 2 and Tracks, September 9. Great entertainment while you shop at the farmers market. Performances are 9:30am to 10:30am.
JOIN THE MAYOR’S WALK ON MERRITT ISLAND
WELLAND  –  Meet Mayor Frank Campion at the Merritt Island parking lot Monday mornings at 7:30am for a 40 Minute Walk on Merritt Island.  Because of the Labour Day holiday, the next walk is  Monday, September 11.

 

 

Warm Welcome For Niagara College’s International Students

WELLAND – More than 1,500 new international students arriving at Niagara College for the new academic year will be greeted with a variety of sessions and activities designed to introduce them to life at college and in Canada.
NC’s International Division will be hosting International Orientation prior to the campus-wide Orientation Week. Most activities will take place on September 1 at both the Welland and NOTL Campuses (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
“International Orientation is designed to support international students on their transition to Canada, the Niagara region and to their studies at NC,” said Sean Coote, director of NC’s International Division.
Several orientation features have been enhanced for international students this year, including a NC International Orientation app; a ‘Canada corner’ featuring Canadian themed activities; and a pal mentor program (including online mentor selection with instant chat feature). International Orientation continues with a trip to Niagara Falls on September 2, including a Hornblower boat tour and shopping.

(Source: Niagara College news release)

College Preps For Record Enrolment

WELLAND – Niagara College is preparing to welcome its largest ever intake of first-year and international students for the fall term, with a full slate of Orientation activities at its Welland and Niagara-on the-Lake Campuses, from September 5 to 8.
With more than 5,000 first-year students arriving at the College in September, including 1,500 postsecondary and ESL international students, its total enrolment is projected to exceed 10,000 this fall.

 Dan Patterson

“All of us at Niagara College are excited to welcome our largest-ever intake of students,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Students from around the world have been drawn to Niagara by our unique approach to applied learning, and we look forward to providing them with a great start to their college experience.”
Lesley Calvin, manager of Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services, notes that Orientation is a key time for students who are taking a big step into college life, and NC has many supports for them in place.
“Through all of our Orientation Week activities, we aim to provide our new students with the tools and information they need for a successful transition into college life,” said Calvin. “In addition to providing relevant and engaging programming for them, we want to make sure they have fun and start building connections to their academic programs, campus staff, and their new peers.”
Orientation officially kicks off September 5 at the Welland and NOTL campuses, with program information sessions, campus tours, student services fairs, free lunch and live music. The day concludes with an all-ages Glow Party at the Welland Campus (beginning at 9 p.m., The Core).
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Orientation Week will be NC’s first Carnival and Vendor Fair on September 8  at the Welland Campus (1 p.m.- 6 p.m.). Carnival rides, obstacle courses, food, prizes and a variety of vendors will be on site for the event.
Orientation Week activities also include:
BBQ lunches for students (Welland Campus Sept. 7, NOTL Campus Sept. 6);
Speed Friending (Sept. 7 at the Welland Campus and NOTL campuses);
Arcade and video games (Welland Campus Sept. 6, and NOTL Campus Sept. 7);
A Desserts in the Vineyard reception for mature students and residents of the NOTL community (Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wine Visitor + Education Centre); and more.
For a full schedule of Orientation activities, visit http://orientation.niagaracollege.ca/

(Source: Niagara College news release.)

 

 

New Wellness Guide Rich In New Programs

WELLAND – There are new programs popping up this fall at the Welland Community Wellness Complex (WCWC). All new and continuing programs can be found in the city’s newly released fall/winter Wellness Guide.

Program participants will continue to enjoy their favourite programs, but also have the opportunity to try something new. Staff are happy to announce that children’s programming has expanded again to better accommodate a wide range of activities and interests. The fall/winter Wellness Guide features Happy Healthy Kids and the importance of extra-curricular activities in relation to social and emotional independence.

The city’s Recreational Program Coordinator, Krista Bowie, is thrilled with the progression of child and youth programs. The new Wellness Guide offers 12 new programs and drop-in activities this fall.

“Child and youth programming has evolved considerably at the complex. Today’s children are wonderfully unique and need to find a program that suits them,” said Bowie. “We try to fill in all the gaps the best we can to have a list of programs to choose from that will challenge even our youngest members.”

For more information on City of Welland Programs, how to register, and to view the fall/winter edition of the Wellness Guide visit welland.ca.

(Source: City of Welland news release)

Out And About

A seagull flies solo over Cedar Bay beach near Port Colborne, Ontario, Sunday afternoon, August 27. (Photo by Joe Barkovich. Out And About is a recurring feature on the blog.)

Gadabout Gardener: Merritt Park’s Breathtaking Rose of Sharon

 

Saturday’s Heritage Market Celebrates 110 Years of Welland Farmers’ Market!

Local Talent

South Niagara’s Sam Tate and David Coyne, pictured, competed in the K-2 1000m final at the Canadian Canoe Kayak championships in Welland. The kayakers did not medal. The races are being held on the Welland International Flatwater Centre north course and continue Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

CITY SHORTS ART: A rescheduled date for walking tours in two Welland cemeteries is to be announced soon. The tours are of Welland Canal Fallen Workers gravesites and markers in Woodlawn and Holy Cross cemeteries. Three recently installed markers in Holy Cross are pictured here. The rescheduled date will be announced on the blog. (Photo by Joe Barkovich.)

City Shorts

Compilation by Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
City Shorts is a compilation, from various sources (government websites, news announcements, press releases, church bulletins, advertisements, community service information and events, bulletin boards, requests, telephone requests, web postings, email requests etc.) of short items (in most cases) about matters of local interest in Welland. Want to submit an item for consideration? Please send to: joe0606barko@gmail.com
NEEDLE DISPOSAL SITES NEEDED: PETITION
WELLAND – An online petition is asking the city to investigate installing sharps containers in public places, such as parks.
The campaign was launched by Welland resident James Takeo earlier this month.
“What I’m trying to put into people’s heads is that this is not a drug abuse issue, this is a harm reduction issue,” Takeo said.
He has found discarded needles and related paraphernalia in various public places, including the south end of Aqueduct Street this month. Social media posts report sightings in playgrounds, walking trails and other public areas.
The internet link to the petition can be found at: http://bit.ly/2vmQrz2. You can read it and if so inclined, sign it in support.
MOANA LAUNCHES CITY’S BIG MOVIE NIGHT
WELLAND –  The City of Welland is releasing its second annual Big Movie Night series on Saturday, August 26, with Disney’s animated film Moana. Initiated in 2016,  Big Movie Night series offers free blockbuster movies and refreshments for families to enjoy.
Big Movie Night is an initiative to bring families to Welland’s downtown core, stimulate economic development, revitalize public space, and encourage civic pride. The film series followed a very successful live broadcast of the Tragically Hip in August 2016, where close to 3,000 people gathered at Civic Square to view the concert on the BIG SCREEN.
Moana kicks off the 2017 series, followed by three other scheduled movies on September 22, October 27, and ending with a Christmas film after the Santa Claus Parade on November 18.
“Civic Square has a lot of potential to bring more engaging and entertaining events downtown,” said Cassandra Magazzeni, Arts and Culture Coordinator for the City of Welland. “We’re planning a Moana Hawaiian themed movie night along with treats for the kids.”
City staff remind participants to bring their own lawn chairs to view the movie. Viewers are also welcome to bring snacks; however, Sweet Sunshine Ice Cream will be on site selling dairy-free ice cream. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown in the Community Room at Civic Square (seating capacity of 100). The movie will begin at dusk.
SAFE TO SWIM AT YOUR FAVOURITE BEACH?
WELLAND – Check the water before you go swimming this weekend, or any day. Make sure the water is safe. This is a great service provided by Regional Niagara.
For latest results, visit http://www.niagararegion.ca/living/water/beaches/default.aspx?topic=1
MARSHVILLE FEST LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
WAINFLEET –  A big draw for many in Welland year after year  is the annual Marshville Heritage Festival. This year’s, the 29th annual, is on Saturday, September 2, Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4, 10am to 5pm all three days.
The festival takes place at Wainfleet Village Sports Complex, Hwy. 3 West. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
The event features high quality handcrafted merchandise by more than 130 artisans from across the province.
MP HOSTS BBQ IN PARK
WELLAND  –  Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey is holding his end of summer BBQ on Sunday, August 27 from 1pm to 4pm in Memorial Park. Enjoy food, games and activities for the youngsters. Open to the public.
SEE YOU AT THE POOL, RUFF, RUFF!
WELLAND  – Memorial Park Pool is going to the dogs for one last swim before it is drained for the season. Dog owners are invited to bring their pets to Memorial Park pool for an all-dog swimming party, Monday, September 4.  Time: Small Dogs (under 30 pounds) 4pm to 5pm; Larger Dogs (over 30 pounds) 5pm to 6pm.
AUXILIARY SEEKS  VOLUNTEERS
WELLAND – Welland Hospital Auxiliary gift shop is in need of new volunteers and auxiliary members. Interested, call 905-732-6111 ext. 33141 or email whauxiliarygs653@gmail.com

POP-UP IN THE PARK
WELLAND – The City of Welland has more than 447 acres of parkland for children to enjoy! Join playground leaders for some truly extraordinary summer fun! Informal games, activities and creative crafts in the park for absolutely free!
Tuesday, August 29 10am- noon Maple Park
Thursday, August 31 10am-noon Memorial Park
CONCERT ON THE CANAL
WELLAND  – The free concerts on the floating stage at Merritt Park have been great!Tonight’s  (Friday) is the wrapup to what many attendees say is a very successful concert series. Friday, August 25:  – The British Rock Invasion, 7pm  – Hot Rocks: Tribute to the Rolling Stones. The British Invasion with the music of The Beatles, The Dave Clark 5, The Kinks, The Who, Freddy and The Dreamers, more.
WELLAND HERITAGE MARKET
WELLAND – On Saturday, August 26, go back in time at the Welland Farmers’ Market. Bring the family for a corn roast and some carnival games. Enjoy the photo booth, make your own ice cream, enjoy the old tyme fiddlin’ and much more. Lots to see and do, 9am to 11am. Welland Farmers’ Market, 70 Young Street, Welland.
FALL PROGRAM GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
WELLAND – Curious about fall programs at the library?  The library has  released the Fall 2017 Program Guide online (take a peek here!) and it’s filled with a variety of programs for all ages!
The program guide is available at all branches. Registration for fall programs began Monday, August 14. To register call 905-734-6210 ext. 2521 or register through our Events Calendar.
DON’T MISS JAMMIN’ AT THE MARKET
WELLAND – The 2017 music series Jammin’ at the downtown market is in full swing. Upcoming performers are: Niagara Region Old Tyme Fiddlers, August 26; Jessica Wilson, September 2 and Tracks, September 9. Great entertainment while you shop at our local farmers market. Performances are 9:30am to 10:30am.
JOIN THE MAYOR’S WALK ON MERRITT ISLAND
WELLAND  –  Meet Mayor Frank Campion at the Merritt Island parking lot Monday mornings at 7:30am for a 40 Minute Walk on Merritt Island.

 

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(Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog)