Art As An Alternative To Chocolate

 

Charming market square is one place to look for hidden eggs. (File photo/Joe Barkovich)

WELLAND (Special) – A family-friendly free event! Why pay to go look for an egg to get chocolate when you can get some amazing art for free!

 

It’s that time of year! EASTER ART HUNT is just around the corner. The 5th annual Easter Art Hunt will take place Easter weekend and will involve eggs being hidden throughout a predetermined area of the city.

Anyone who is interested in adding some new artwork to their collection can hunt for the eggs which will contain a slip of paper with a number that corresponds with a piece of art! Everyone that finds an egg will be able to redeem their tickets at BLX Studio for a free piece of art!

So tomorrow,  Saturday March 31, starting at 8am, start searching the downtown area for one of the eggs that have been hidden downtown. Bring the egg to the new BLXStudio at the Seaway Mall to pick up your free piece of art! Eggs will be hidden in the downtown area bordered by: East Main Street, Division Street, Hellems Avenue, and King Street, as well as the Market Square and Civic Centre.

This is the fifth year of the hunt, and BLX is proud to support and encourage art and art appreciation through events like this every year. It is also an opportunity to get out and enjoy the community after winter.

This event is not possible without the contribution of various local artists as well as BLX.

Stations Of The Cross This Evening

 

Stations of the Cross, by Notre Dame drama students (2017 file photo)

 

WELLAND – Notre Dame College School drama students will animate Stations of the Cross today, Good Friday, at St. Kevin Church, 303 Niagara St. The dramatization starts at 7pm. The presentation, traditionally an emotionally moving experience, is open to the community.

Barky’s Billboard

Please Support/Attend This Worthwhile Community Event

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

City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

 

City Shorts art: Always outstanding local at this annual event. (Supplied graphic)

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

 

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.

HOLY CROSS CEMETERY SPRING CLEANUP
WELLAND – The annual cleanup begins Tuesday, April 9 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Niagara Street. All wreaths, tin cans, glass jars, flower pots, and similar articles not removed will be disposed of on April 16. If anyone is unable to pick up their items by that date, call the cemetery at 905.734.4172 and make arrangements for staff to hold the articles.

STUDENTS PRESENT STATIONS AT LOCAL CHURCH
WELLAND – Notre Dame College School drama students will animate Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, March 30, at St. Kevin Church. The dramatization starts at 7pm. The presentation, traditionally an emotionally moving experience, is open to the community.

WELLAND LIBRARY EASTER HOLIDAY HOURS
WELLAND – Holiday hours at Welland Public Library and its branches:
Main Branch & Seaway Mall Branch:
Good Friday: Closed
Saturday, March 31: 9am– 5pm
Easter Sunday: CLOSED
Easter Monday: CLOSED
Diamond Trail Branch:
Good Friday: CLOSED
Saturday, March 31: 11am – 3pm
Easter Sunday: CLOSED
Easter Monday: CLOSED
No items will be due on closures. All online resources will still be available.

MOONLIGHTERS TO ROCK WELLNESS COMPLEX STAGE
WELLAND – Go back in time to your first date, high school dances, penny loafers and cool cars. The Moonlighters specialize in early rock and roll songs from the 50s and 60s. Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Searchers, Wilson Pickett, the Beatles, and more. The free concert is on Friday, April 6, 7pm in the Welland Community Wellness Complex theatre.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANDIDATE ELECTION INFO SESSION
WELLAND – An upcoming Candidate Information Session will be held on Thursday, April 19, at 7 pm at the Gale Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls. This presentation will be provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Office to provide information to all interested parties.

CANALSIDE PLAYERS PRESENT BARE BEAR BONES
WELLAND – The Canalside Players are pleased to present performances of Bare Bear Bones. The performances are Friday, April, 13 and Saturday, April 14 at 7pm and Sunday, April 15 at 2pm, all in the Theatre at the Welland Community Wellness Complex. Other performances are Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 also at 7pm. Tickets: $15 for passholders and $17 for non-passholders. A hilarious comedy about love and communication.

HAIR STYLIST SOUGHT
WELLAND – Wanted: hair stylist with a social conscience.
Open Arms Mission Centre, 22 Fifth St., is seeking a Welland hair stylist who would like to give back to the community. All you need do is come out to the mission to cut hair for the needy once a month. If you’re interested call Pastor Rob, 905-788-3800.

SPRINGING INTO NEW PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY
WELLAND – New programs are emerging this spring at Welland Public Library including Ukrainian Egg Painting, Traveling the World on a Budget, and a Wine & Words Book Club! Morning Yoga on the Lawn and iPad Basics return along with many other popular programs. The library will be hosting guest speakers Janice J. Richardson, Darrell Epp, Robert McGill, Louise Davis and more. Take a look at the Spring Program Guide 2018 now available at all branches.
Register online or call 905-734-6210 ext. 2521.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH READING
WELLAND – Do you have a passion for poetry? Then Welland library’s 3rd annual National Poetry Month Reading and Coffeehouse Event is for you! Poets Eva Tihanyi, Keith Inman, Taylor Peebles and Mori McCrae will share their diverse and impassioned works followed by an open mic opportunity and refreshments.
Please register in advance for the open mic session by contacting mbestward@wellandlibrary.ca by April 21st; you will receive confirmation of receipt by email.

AGM FOR  FOUNDATION BOARD
WELLAND – Rose City Seniors Centre Foundation Board holds its annual meeting Tuesday, April 17 at 1pm in the Community Wellness Centre meeting room, 145 Lincoln Street.
If you are 50+ years of age and hold a valid Wellness Complex Pass, you are eligible to vote on all Foundation Board matters.
AGENDA: Accountant’s Report for 2017 will be received; the Chair’s year-end report will be received; Election of Directors will be held, three to be elected.
Any person meeting bylaw requirements wishing to let her/his name stand for election must do so in writing no less than five (5) business days prior to the date of the AGM. There will be no nominations from the floor.
Please bring your Wellness Pass as identification.

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.

BURSARIES FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS
WELLAND – Rose City Seniors Centre Foundation Board is offering up to five $1,000 bursaries for graduating secondary school students and mature students pursuing post-secondary studies in fields that will benefit seniors. Applicants must be residents of the City of Welland, Town of Pelham, City of Port Colborne or Township of Wainfleet. They must be graduating secondary school or a mature student who plans to pursue post-secondary school studies in a field that will directly benefit care of seniors. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm, Friday, May 4. For more information on eligibility and application requirements or where to obtain an application form contact: Rose City Seniors Centre Foundation, Attn: Scholarship Committee,145 Lincoln St.,Welland, ON L3B 1G1. Tel. 905-735-1500 ext 4011 Or email: foundation@welland.ca

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.

(City Shorts is a weekly feature on the blog appearing Thursdays or Fridays)

 

THE WEEK AHEAD: Meetings In Welland

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.

April
3
Special Council Meeting in Committee-of-the-Whole, in-camera (Closed to the Public), ≫
6:35 PM Tuesday Apr. 3  – to discuss the following:
Personal matters about identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
– Committee Appointments for the following Committee: Waterway Advisory Committee
– Labour Relations – Union Negotiations

Council Ante Room

3
Council Meeting ≫
7:00 PM Tuesday Apr. 3  –
Council Chambers

4
City of Welland Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
5:00 PM Wednesday Apr. 4  –
Room 108, Civic Square, 60 East Main Street

5
Welland Community Wellness Complex Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
3:00 PM Thursday Apr. 5  –
Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street

(Source: City of Welland website)

Appointments To Be Made To New Committee?

By Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
WELLAND – Has the city at long last secured members for the new Waterway Advisory Committee?
That could be the case, based on a post for next week’s Special Council Meeting in committee-of-the-whole, in-camera. That meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 3 and precedes the city council meeting.
Among the discussion topics is this, as posted on the city’s website: ‘Committee Appointments for the following Committee: Waterway Advisory Committee’.
The make-up of this important committee is shown in the accompanying graphic.
What isn’t clear is whether some of the positions have been filled or whether it is the entire committee that will be appointed. Hopefully, it’s the latter.
Getting members for the committee didn’t come easy. The deadline for applying had to be extended on at least two occasions, if not more.
It’s possible the committee membership will be revealed at the city council meeting next week. The committee will take the place of the former Welland Recreational Canal Corp.

 

 

McCarthy, Ferren Award Of Distinction Recipients

WELLAND – Eileen McCarthy, a long-time teacher, counsellor and social justice advocate at Notre Dame College School and Peter Ferren, President of the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education and former Director of Education for one of Niagara Catholic’s predecessor Boards, have been selected as the 2018 recipients of the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction.

McCarthy spent 36 years as a teacher at Notre Dame College School, and embraced the principles of the school’s founding Holy Cross Fathers, teaching the virtues of education in faith, academic excellence and commitment to social justice. She recognized that a teacher’s personal faith journey had a profound impact on students and sought to ensure all teachers had the opportunity to continue to grow in faith, and sought ways to bring social justice to life for her students.

She passed away in December 2011 at the age of 70.

Ferren was the founding President of the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education, serving in that capacity since the Foundation was incorporated in 1996. In addition to his more than 20 years of service to the Foundation, Ferren left an indelible mark on Catholic education in Niagara and throughout Ontario as Director of Education for the Welland County Roman Catholic Separate School Board.

He was the driving force behind a number of innovations in Catholic education in Ontario, including leading the only transfer of three schools from a public board to a Catholic board, which allowed Catholic high school students to be able to receive a Catholic secondary school education in their communities.

Under his directorship, the Spiritual Centre and Outdoor Education Program (SCOEP), now known as Journey Retreat, was formed.

Niagara Catholic Board chair Father Paul MacNeil credited both  McCarthy and Ferren for their long-standing contribution to Catholic education in Niagara.

“Catholic educators are at the very heart and soul of Catholic education, and in both Eileen McCarthy and Peter Ferren, we see people who dedicated their lives to ensuring outstanding Catholic educational opportunities across Niagara Catholic,” said MacNeil. “Their servant-leadership is truly an example to those of us who are actively involved in Catholic education today. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Peter and Eileen – through her family – for being two of the pillars of Catholic education in Niagara.”

(Source: Niagara Catholic news release)

Barky’s Billboard

Please Support/Attend This Worthwhile Community Event

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

 

Street Sweeping Cleanup Starts April 3

WELLAND – The City of Welland Public Works Division will initiate the street sweeping program of city roadways on Tuesday, April 3. Although this program has the potential to pause due to weather-related conditions, staff anticipate the program will take approximately four to six weeks to complete.

This year’s program not only consists of cleaning 19 zones but also involves working with Baiocco Construction to recycle the street sweeping material. This pilot project is anticipated to process approximately 80-85 per cent of the street sweeping material into reusable winter sand.  Curb lines within cul-de-sacs will be swept, and further followed up with another sweeping in the cul-de-sac centre areas as required.

Sweeping creates a healthier environment because it reduces dust and other airborne contaminants. The street sweeping program also reduces the amount of material that gets washed into the stormwater system, which ultimately leads to the canal, river, and creeks.

“Removing loose material from the roadway creates a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,” said Vince Beaudoin, General Foreman of Public Works. “This is a community effort and we need community cooperation to make Welland a healthier and cleaner city to live in.”

For inquiries regarding the city’s street sweeping please contact Public Works at 905 735-1700 Ext. 3000

How can you help?
• Please refrain from parking your vehicles on the road during this period;
• Please refrain from sweeping your driveway and sidewalk debris onto the roadway;
• Do not sweep the gutter or edge of road material into a pile;
• Please remove hockey and basketball nets from the edge of the road.

(Source: City of Welland news release)

Barky’s Billboard

Please Support/Attend These Worthwhile Community Events

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