Notre Dame’s Rovenston Jean-Baptiste (top left), David Jones (24), Brandon Graziani (3) and Jones (bottom pic) go up for baskets against A. N. Myer Marauders Thursday evening at Dillon Hall. The Irish won a back-and-forth nailbiter, 75-71 to advance to SOSSA action next week. (Photos by Joe Barkovich)
(Photo source: Niagara College website)
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) has announced that Niagara College has been selected as the host of the 2019 CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship.
The event will see the top eight women’s volleyball teams from colleges across Canada face off at NC’s Welland Campus Athletic Centre from March 6-9, 2019.
“Niagara College is no stranger to hosting National Championships,” said Fred Batley, CCAA Women’s Volleyball Convenor. “With world-class athletic facilities and the Niagara area hospitality and attractions, the student-athletes, coaches and spectators will be in for an amazing and exciting National Championship in 2019.”
Since its completion in 2010, Niagara College’s Welland Campus Athletic Centre has twice hosted CCAA Championships (2011 women’s basketball and 2013 men’s volleyball). Niagara also hosted the OCAA provincial championship in 2015 for women’s basketball, and will host the 2018 men’s basketball championship from March 1-3.
“We are excited to be selected as the host of the 2019 CCAA women’s volleyball championship,” said Niagara College Associate Vice President – Academic & Learner Services, Dave Taylor. “Events like these allow Niagara College to showcase its facilities and athletes, and enhance the broader student experience by providing experiential learning opportunities for students in a broad range of our programs, including Broadcasting: Radio, Television and Film; Police Foundations; Event Management; Sport Management and more. We look forward to welcoming Canada’s collegiate volleyball community to Niagara in 2019.”
The Niagara Knights volleyball programs have a long history of success. Knights are four-time OCAA men’s champions, most recently in the 2014-15 season that also saw the team earn the CCAA Bronze Medal. On the women’s side, the Knights have stood on the OCAA podium for three consecutive seasons, capturing OCAA bronze medals in 2015 and 2017, and the silver medal in 2016.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Niagara College community to see a premier national level championship right here at home,” said Niagara College’s Interim Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation Michael Santoro. “We are really looking forward to giving our women’s volleyball program the chance to compete for CCAA gold on their home court, in front our passionate and loyal supporters.”
Niagara College’s Welland campus athletic centre includes a double-varsity gymnasium with seating for 1,000 spectators, as well as expanded fitness and aerobics areas, a central athletic therapy area, change rooms for athletes and officials, and a two-storey entry concourse. In 2017 the college expanded the athletic facility with the completion of a third academic-use gymnasium designed to provide experiential learning opportunities for Niagara College students.
“It is our intention, with the support of our corporate partners, the Niagara College campus community, and the region’s volleyball community, to stage yet another successful CCAA National Championship,” said Ray Sarkis, championship chair and Niagara College’s intercollegiate coordinator. “Our host and organizing committee are excited and honoured to host this prestigious national event.”
Niagara College’s intercollegiate athletics program was formed in 1969 and has won nine national championships and 40 provincial championships. More than 130 student-athletes compete on Niagara College’s six varsity sports programs, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and volleyball and three tournament teams, including golf, curling, and cross country.
(Source: Niagara College website)
Top photo, left: Ice jam in the Welland River near the aqueduct. For a sense of perspective, the building at left, with red wall, is the Black Sheep Lounge. Other photos show collection of ice and detritus at the aqueduct, as photographed on this mild Wednesday afternoon, February 21. The aqueduct looks to be in somewhat sorry condition. (Photos by Joe Barkovich)
Ice and other debris moving down the Welland River Wednesday afternoon, as viewed from the Niagara Street bridge over the river. Photo at bottom right shows high water level at the bridge mid-afternoon. (Photos by Joe Barkovich)
Canada geese gather on this rooftop for a bird’s eye view of a north Welland neighbourhood during their Family Day flight Monday morning.(Photo by Joe Barkovich)
Waiting for the action to get underway are pond hockey fans attending Julia’s Hope Cup tournament this morning in Welland’s Chippawa Park. The seventh annual fundraiser for Hope Centre also offered food, games, a silent auction and kids tournament. The City of Welland and its parks workers were publicly thanked prior to the start of action for flooding of the ice on Friday, once in mid-afternoon and again in the evening. Ten teams are participating in the three-on-three tourney. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)
Meeting Calendar
Meetings are open to the public unless otherwise noted. Information is obtained from the applicable agency, board, committee, or commission and downloaded to this calendar as it becomes available. Information is subject to change. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information, including cancellations.
February
20
Council Meeting in Committee-of-the-Whole In-camera (Closed to the Public) ≫
6:35 PM Tuesday Feb. 20 – to discuss the following:
Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
– Committee Appointments for the following Committees:
Waterway Advisory Committee
Dog Control Appeal Committee.
Non-union vacancies.
In the Council Ante Room
20
Council Meeting in open session ≫
7:00 PM Tuesday Feb. 20 –
in the Council Chambers
21
City of Welland Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
5:00 PM Wednesday Feb. 21 –
– Civic Square, Room 108, 60 East Main Street
21
Committee of Adjustment Hearing(s) ≫
5:00 PM Wednesday Feb. 21 –
Council Chambers
21
Market Square Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
6:00 PM Wednesday Feb. 21 –
Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street.
22
Welland Arenas Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
12:00 PM Thursday Feb. 22 –
LOCATION: Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street
(THE WEEK AHEAD is a recurring feature on the blog, appearing Fridays)
CITY SHORTS ART: Nominate an athlete, coach, administrator or volunteer for a sports award or induct them into the Welland Sports Wall of Fame! Deadline is extended until February 20th.
Sport Awards: https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/…/2017SportsNomination.pdf
Sports Wall of Fame: https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/…/2017SportsWallofFame.pdf
Compilation by Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
City Shorts
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
HOT CENTREFOLD IN WELLNESS GUIDE MERITS CLOSE LOOK
WELLAND – The city’s spring and summer-edition Wellness Guide is now available.
The popular guide, which presents a wealth of information about programs, activities, events and more, was an insert in the current edition of Niagara This Week. It has an eye-popping, full colour Welland centrefold – don’t miss it!
If the guide did not come to your home, copies are available at the Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street. The Guide is free.
FAMILY DAY SCHEDULES, CITY OF WELLAND
WELLAND – All City Hall departments will be closed on Monday, February 19 for Family Day, and will re-open on Tuesday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m. View holiday schedule and hours at: http://www.welland.ca/HotTopics/HolidayHours.asp
WELLAND LIBRARY, BRANCHES CLOSE FOR HOLIDAY
WELLAND – The library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 for Family Day and will resume regular hours on Tuesday, February 20.
No items will be due on this day. All online resources will still be available.
FAMILY FUN DAY AND FAMILY DAY FREE SKATE
WELLAND – Looking for something to do on Family Day, Monday, February 19? Have some fun with the family at the Welland Community Wellness Complex and the Welland Main Arena from 10am to 2pm. Donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated. This is a FREE family-friendly event.
VARIETY SHOWCASE AT THE WELLNESS CENTRE
WELLAND – The city’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee is holding a free evening of singing, dancing and music at the Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln St., today (Friday, February 16) from 7pm to 9pm. Donations of non-perishable food are appreciated.
DAY FEATURES CULTURE, TRADITIONS
WELLAND – Welland Museum is hosting Métis Day on Saturday, February 17 from 10am to 4pm. Join museum staff for a day of family activities featuring dot art and presentations on Métis culture and traditions.
NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
WELLAND – T. Roy Adams was an eminent Niagaran, well known throughout the Region, Canada, and abroad for his service to God, his country and his fellow citizens.
In memory of the late councillor, Niagara Region initiated a memorial award in 2003 in his name to honour a resident of Niagara who best exemplifies his values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life. The 2017 recipient was Tom Rankin.
Application info and other details are available on-line: niagararegion.ca/government/awards-bursaries. Nominations close March 31.
MARCH BREAK PROGRAM GUIDE HOT OFF THE PRESS
WELLAND – The March Break Program Guide for 2018 is available online and at all branches of the local public library.
This March break, WPL is celebrating the “Do-It-Yourself” spirit. Come to our programs and find out how you can build, colour, play, grow, code, and more!
Registration for programs begins on Monday, February 12. Spaces fill up quickly, so reserve your spot soon! Register online through our Events Calendar or call 905-734-6210 ext. 2521.
NOMINEES WANTED FOR SPORTS WALL OF FAME
WELLAND – Care to make a nomination for the Sports Wall of Fame at Seaway Mall? The deadline for so doing has been extended, there is still time remaining.
Forms are available via the City of Welland website, welland.ca, or they can be picked up at Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln St., or the customer service desk at Seaway Mall, 800 Niagara St. People seeking more information can contact committee chair Gary Talosi at 905-834-9444 or by email at gtalosi@lifestyleweath.ca
100 CANDLES FOR HORT SOCIETY
WELLAND – Welland Horticultural Society is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A special event is planned on Saturday, October 20, featuring Carson Arthur from Home to Win, the Marilyn Denis Show and City Line. He will be speaking on Eco Backyards. More information will be made available soon.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GIFT SHOP
WELLAND – Welland Hospital Gift Shop is seeking volunteers and auxiliary members. Interested? Call 905-732-6111 ext. 33141 or email whauxiliarygs653@gmail.com.
YOUR CHANCE TO BLOOM
WELLAND – Welland Horticultural Society invites new members. The society’s meetings offer guest speakers, demonstrations, lessons and projects. More info, call 905-329-4217.
JOIN THE MAYOR’S WALK ON MERRITT ISLAND
WELLAND – Meet Mayor Campion at the Merritt Island parking lot Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. for a 40-minute walk on Merritt Island. (Note: Because Monday is Family Day, the walk will not be held on that day.)
(City Shorts is a weekly feature on the blog appearing Thursdays or Fridays)
By Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
WELLAND – It’s good news for Julia’s Hope Cup friends and followers.
It looks like the 7th annual fundraiser will be played Saturday where it is intended to be played: Chippawa Park pond.
“It’s full steam ahead,” Paul Turner wrote in e-mail correspondence this morning. “Starting to get colder reaching -3 by 2 p.m, and supposed to get to -5 around 7 p.m. and then -8 to -10 early Saturday morning. With the city flooding ice tonight we hope we will be in good shape.”
The popular event had to be played off-ice last year because of weather conditions.
The pond hockey tournament is a fundraiser for Hope Centre. Tina and Paul Turner’s daughter, Julia, a social justice activist, was a dedicated supporter of and volunteer at Hope Centre. She passed in December, 2011. The first Hope Cup tournament was held in February, 2012.
Taking place on Family Day weekend, there is great emphasis on fun, games and activities for the entire family, Turner said in a recent interview.
For complete details about what’s in store, best to visit: http://www.juliashopecup.ca
After a decade of observances, we have grown to see the value of this holiday, Mayor Frank Campion writes:
Ontario launched its first Family Day on the third Monday of February 2008. This year we celebrate the tenth year of this “family in the community” inspired holiday on February 19, 2018. When Family Day was first initiated a decade ago, many people questioned how necessary the holiday was, and believed it was created due to the lack of statutory holidays over the winter season. Now, after a decade of commemorating the significance of family in the community, we’ve grown to see the value of this holiday.
Unlike many holidays, Family Day is nondenominational and inclusive to every nationality and culture. Family is something that we have in common regardless of how big or small our families are. What binds us together on this holiday is the spirit of connecting with the people who are closest to us, and the desire to strengthen those connections. Most of us appreciate Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, but many families could be left feeling excluded if their family doesn’t fit this traditional model. Family Day is much broader and not only includes connecting with immediate and secondary family members, it also encourages us to connect with other families.
Family Day also gives us the opportunity to build parent-child relationships and the opportunity to strengthen sibling ties through team-building games and experiences. Most communities offer free family fun events that stimulate interaction between family members, as-well-as interaction with the community. Join us this Family Day at the Welland Community Wellness Complex to celebrate with free family fun. Staff have organized an array of activities to keep everyone entertained. Come discover a dinosaur exhibit, inflatables, magic, and so much more. There’s also a free skate offered that same day at the Welland Arena. For details on these events visit the city’s events calendar at welland.ca.
(Source: City of Welland website, Mayor’s Monthly Column)
fromareportersnotebook 