City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

CITY SHORTS ART: Members of the Central Station Education Initiative committee gathered for a photo after their  successful Central Fire Station Celebration Saturday morning/afternoon. It offered face painting for children, touch an antique fire truck, live music by various local musicians, local art show, info about the old fire hall and  more. From left: Nora Reid, Karen Anderson, Cathy Horvath, Chris Venditti,  Gilles Boisvert and Claire Masswohl. Wayne Campbell was absent. (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

OKTOBERFEST AT THE WELLAND MARKET
WELLAND – The Welland Farmers’ Market is celebrating Oktoberfest. It’s Saturday, October 6, 9am to 11am. Enjoy face painting, crafts and a photo station. The Nu-Tones perform live polka music. There are lots of delicious fruits and veggies in season. The market is at 70 Young St.

HO, HO, HO TIME!
WELLAND – Want some great exposure on your organization this November? Join in one of Welland’s most celebrated events. On November 17, the Welland Santa Claus Parade will open the holiday season and entertain families with floats, festivities, and treats.
Applications are open until November 12. Come be a part of the excitement and join the 2018 Welland Santa Claus Parade! You can apply on the city’s website.

PRO LIFE PRAYER CHAIN IN NIAGARA
WELLAND – Are you the missing link? On Sunday, September 30 from 2pm-3pm, join thousands across North America, rain or shine, standing in silent, prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life.
Come with your family and friends to pray for an end to abortion – along Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls. Please report to this location at 1:45pm: Participants from St. Catharines area: Highland Ave. & Lundy’s Lane; (No Frills store); Participants from Welland, Thorold, Port Colborne area: Dorchester & Lundy’s Lane; Participants from Niagara Falls area: Prince Edward Ave. & Lundy’s Lane.

MUSIC TRIVIA NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE
WELLAND – Think you know music? Come on out and show what you’ve got in support of your library! The 4th annual Trivia Night Fundraiser will once again feature music trivia by Shawn McCart from “Name This Tune.” If you missed it last year, now’s your chance to experience the fun that everyone is raving about! Join in at the Croatian National Home, Broadway, on Friday, November 2 for their infamous and endless (well, almost) penne and meatballs dinner. Gather a few friends – or enter as a team of up to 10 – for some friendly competition! Prizes for the top three tables.Tickets are on sale for $25 each at all library branches.

TAIZE PRAYER AT THANKSGIVING
WELLAND – A Taizé prayer service is being held the Parish Community of St. Kevin, 303 Niagara St., Welland on Tuesday, October 9 at 7:30pm. Thanksgiving is one of four times of year Taizé prayer is offered at the parish, the others are: Advent, Lent and Pentecost. The prayer service, rich in song, chant, music and scripture readings, is open to the community.

HAVE FUN BETWEEN THE COVERS AT POPULAR BOOK SALE
WELLAND – The annual book sale held by the Canadian Federation of University Women Welland and District is being held Saturday, October 13, 9 am to 3pm at the Niagara Regional Exhibition Grounds, 1100 Niagara Street.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOLDS MEETING
WELLAND – Eastdale Alumni Association holds its next meeting Wednesday, October 3, from 7pm to 8:30pm. Come out to the school library and get involved. More info, visit http://www.eastdalealumni.com or call Barb at 905-735-3778.

ADULT CHESS CLUB AT THE LIBRARY
WELLAND – A new and exciting chess club begins this fall! Players of all skill levels are welcome to join. Come learn how to play or improve your game with new strategies. An experienced chess teacher will be on-hand to assist. Chess boards will be supplied.
For more information, please call 905-734-6210 ext. 2521 or contact: info@wellandlibrary.ca

CELEBRATE HARVEST TIME AT THIS LUNCHEON
WELLAND – A Harvest Luncheon is being held Friday, October 12 from 11:30am to 1pm at Welland Community Wellness Complex Canal Bistro.
The menu includes Oktoberfest sausage on freshly-baked bun with/without sauerkraut, homemade baked potato soup, carrot cake, coffee, tea and apple cider. Event tickets: presale $11 passholder, $12 non-passholder; regular $12 passholder, $13 non-passholder. Limited seating, so get your tickets early.

‘POLKA KING’ OSTANEK HERE FOR LIVE CONCERT
WELLAND – Mark your calendars for November 3, when Walter Ostanek and his friends Big John T Bone Little and Roger Wyatt perform at the Welland Community Wellness Complex starting at 7pm! Tickets: Advanced (until October 21): $12.50 passholder & $14.50 non-passholder; Regular (October 22 onward): $13.50 passholder & $15.50 non-passholder. All tickets plus HST

‘HOMETOWN CULTURE’ THEME OF MAYOR’S FUNDRAISER
WELLAND – Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation on Friday, November 9 presents Hometown Culture – an evening with Mayor Campion. An evening of great food, music and more. Proceeds go to the following organizations: Niagara Community Foundation Welland Mayor’s Children & Youth Fund; Niagara Nutrition Partners; Family and Children Services Niagara; and YMCA Pro-Kids. Hometown Culture is being held at Croatian National Home, 6 Broadway Avenue, Welland. Doors open at 6pm, casual dress. Tickets are $150 per person (all inclusive). Please call 905-735-1700 Ext. 2338 or email matthew.bosnich@welland.ca

JOIN THE MAYOR’S WALK ON MERRITT ISLAND
WELLAND – Put your best foot forward! 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 Saturdays or Sundays.)

 

 

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.

October
1
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
3:00 PM Monday Oct. 1  –
LOCATION: Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street (Library)

3
City of Welland Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
5:00 PM Wednesday Oct. 3  –
Room 108, Civic Square, 60 East Main Street

4
Welland Community Wellness Complex Advisory Committee Meeting ≫
3:00 PM Thursday Oct. 4  –
Welland Community Wellness Complex, 145 Lincoln Street

(Source: City of Welland website)

 

Barky’s Billboard

Please Support/Attend This Worthwhile Community Event

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

Niagara College’s O’Keefe Wins Leadership In Sport Award

In July 2018, Michele O’Keefe began her role at Niagara College as associate director of Athletics and Recreation. (Niagara College photo)

WELLAND – Niagara College associate director of Athletics and Recreation Michele O’Keefe was awarded the Leadership in Sport Award on September 20 at the Canadian Sport Awards in Ottawa. The country’s premier event for national sport achievement and leadership recognition, the 41st edition of the event took place for the first time since 2012.

The Leadership in Sport Award is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes the outstanding contribution of a sport leader or organization who exemplifies True Sport Values as demonstrated by ground breaking organizational leadership, innovating practices, influential communications, cutting edge sport marketing and/or positioning in the sport sector.

“To win this award is a tremendous honour, and a testament to all those that I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career,” said O’Keefe. “It is very humbling to have been nominated with such a tremendous group of individuals, especially fellow Welland native Sandra Gage.”

Other nominees for the award include Richard Crepin, John Furlong, and Sandra Gage. Crepin is the chair of the Gymnastic Canada board of directors. Furlong was the CEO of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, and currently serves as the executive chair of Vancouver FC. Gage is the chief marketing officer of Soccer Canada.

After nearly two decades with Canada Basketball, O’Keefe returned to her hometown of Welland in July to assume her current role with Niagara College. However, the path she has forged has not gone unnoticed by her peers.

Aside from the successes experienced by Canada Basketball on the court in recent years, O’Keefe played a vital role in the development of basketball across the country. She was instrumental in laying a foundation for the continued growth of the sport in Canada.

Along with her work domestically, she is also one of the top female policy-makers in international sport. She is currently the FIBA Americas vice-president and lone female on the executive board, while also serving as one of five women on FIBA’s 20-member Central Board.

In her position at Niagara College, O’Keefe now plays a bigger role in the day-to-day development of student-athletes on campus. She sees a great opportunity for sport development in the Niagara region as a whole, and feels that the College can take a significant role in making that happen. O’Keefe also serves as a board member with the 2021 Canada Summer Games Host Society.

(Source: InsideNC)

Hoops Program Hosts Elimination Draw Fundraiser

WELLAND  – The ND basketball program will be hosting the 3rd Annual Elimination Draw fundraiser on Friday, October 19 at 7pm at Club Castropignano.

Tickets are $80 each and that includes an all you can eat (pasta, chicken, veggies, salad, dessert) and all you can drink dinner with the chance to win one of three cash prizes: $1,000, $350 and $150.

There will also be penny sale draws and a grand prize draw featuring a 50″ HDTV. Last year’s draw was a great evening and a big success: we sold close to 200 tickets; proceeds will go towards the purchase of a shooting machine.

If you are interested in attending, tickets can be purchased from Chris Biggar or Mark Gallagher at the school, 905-788-3060. If you are interested in making a prize donation, contact Chris or Mark. Your support would be very much appreciated.

(Source: News release)

Barky’s Billboard

Please Support/Attend These Worthwhile Community Events

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

 

Head Of The Welland Showcase

 

South Niagara Rowing Club’s Head of the Welland from start, top left, to home stretch, bottom right, with assorted images along the way. Athletes from 42 rowing clubs took part in the event.  Results are posted  at https://www.regattacentral.com/ng/regatta/5629/results  (Photos by Joe Barkovich)

City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

Athletes in Saturday’s Head of the Welland Fall Bridges Fall Classic held in Welland.  Main Street Bridge is  in the background. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

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

HO, HO, HO TIME!
WELLAND – Want some great exposure on your organization this November? Join in one of Welland’s most celebrated events of the year. On November 17, the Welland Santa Claus Parade will once again open the holiday season and entertain families with floats, festivities, and treats.
Applications are open until November 12. Come be a part of the excitement and join the 2018 Welland Santa Claus Parade! You can apply on the city’s website.

CULTURE DAYS WEEKEND HAS MUCH TO OFFER
WELLAND – A National Celebration of Canadian Culture! From Nunavut to New Brunswick, and from British Columbia to Baffin Island – and all points in between – we share all the inspiration, artistry, creativity and expression that reflects the mosaic of Canadian culture. Here in Welland, join in for a weekend of music, visual art, dance and more, Friday, September 28, Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30. Get hands-on and behind-the-scenes in Welland. All activities are Free. Food is available for purchase. For more details visit: https://www.welland.ca/Leisure/eventsinfo/cultureDays.asp

BATTLE OF THE BANDS
WELLAND – Welland Public Library – along with the City of Welland – is hosting a Battle of the Bands competition. This national Culture Days event will take place at Merritt Park on the floating stage on September 29, noon to 3pm. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (provided by the Kiwanis Club of Welland).

FRAZER STREET RECOGNIZED AS WELLAND ROTARY WAY
WELLAND – The Rotary Club of Welland and the City of Welland on Wednesday, September 12 unveiled new street signage at the corner of Frazer and Mill Streets as Welland Rotary Way. The signage recognizes the contributions and community improvement efforts made by the Welland Rotary Club. The new signage is a tribute to the collaboration between Welland Rotary Club and Habitat for Humanity Niagara in developing housing on Frazer Street between 2009 and 2011.
The city’s Commemorative Street Naming Program recognizes local organizations that have made contributions in the community based on historical content and/or community involvement. Although Frazer Street will retain its legal street name, the new Welland Rotary Way signage will stand as a reminder and observe how Welland Rotary Club made significant contributions to the Habitat for Humanity Niagara build on Frazer Street.
“I’m proud of the leadership Rotary Members provide both within the local community and the community at large,” said Welland Rotary President David Alexander. “In this case, four Rotarians, Nick Bodo, Paul Leon, Roman Groch, and Graham Speck stepped up and supported this initiative. We are also proud of our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Niagara.”

PRO-LIFE PRAYER CHAIN IN NIAGARA
WELLAND – Are you the missing link? On Sunday, September 30 from 2pm-3pm, join thousands across North America, rain or shine, standing in silent, prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life.
Come with your family and friends to pray for an end to abortion – along Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls. Please report to this location at 1:45pm: Participants from St. Catharines area: Highland Ave. & Lundy’s Lane; (No Frills store); Participants from Welland, Thorold, Port Colborne area: Dorchester & Lundy’s Lane; Participants from Niagara Falls area: Prince Edward Ave. & Lundy’s Lane.

CITY DELEGATION BACK FROM TORONTO MEETINGS
WELLAND – Welland’s Mayor and members of the city’s Corporate Leadership Team have returned from Toronto after two days of “successful” meetings with various government ministries and public sector organizations.
Mayor Frank Campion, Chief Financial Officer/General Manager of Corporate Services Steve Zorbas, City Engineer/General Manager of Infrastructure and Development Erik Nickel, and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gary Long were in Toronto Wednesday and Thursday of last week for the following meetings:
· Office of Vic Fedeli, Minister of Finance
· Dr. Frances Morton-Chang, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
· Office of Jim Wilson, Minister of Economic Development and Jobs
· Ontario Investment Office (OIO)
· Caroline Mulroney, Attorney General and Minister for Francophone Affairs, and various others.
“I’m really pleased with what we accomplished in terms of continuing the dialogue with our government contacts regarding strategic issues for Welland; establishing new contacts in other organizations and developing mutually beneficial partnerships; and forging relationships with new Ministers and staff and providing an overview of Welland’s current projects and priorities,” said Welland Mayor Frank Campion in a news release. “We covered a lot of issues, reinforced key priorities and messages with several Ministers’ Offices, and discussed innovative ideas and potential partnerships regarding the future of long-term care and seniors housing, economic development, and promoting the city’s Francophone community and culture.”

ALZHEIMER COFFEE BREAK
WELLAND – Tuesday, September 25 from 9am to 3pm at Welland Community Wellness Complex. Join in and support the Alzheimer Society in our community.

‘POLKA KING’ OSTANEK HERE FOR LIVE CONCERT
WELLAND – Mark your calendars for November 3, when Walter Ostanek and his friends Big John T Bone Little and Roger Wyatt perform at the Welland Community Wellness Complex starting at 7pm! Tickets: Advanced (until October 21): $12.50 passholder & $14.50 non-passholder; Regular (October 22 onward): $13.50 passholder & $15.50 non-passholder. All tickets plus HST

OKTOBERFEST AT THE WELLAND MARKET
WELLAND – The Welland Farmers’ Market is celebrating Oktoberfest. It’s Saturday, October 6, 9am to 11am. Enjoy face painting, crafts and a photo station. The Nu-Tones perform live polka music. There are lots of delicious fruits and veggies in season. The market is at 70 Young St.

CELEBRATE HARVEST TIME AT THIS LUNCHEON
WELLAND – A Harvest Luncheon is being held Friday, October 12 from 11:30am to 1pm at Welland Community Wellness Complex Canal Bistro.
The menu includes Octoberfest sausage on freshly-baked bun with/without sauerkraut, homemade baked potato soup, carrot cake, coffee, tea and apple cider.
Event tickets: presale (begins Sept. 10) $11 passholder, $12 non-passholder; regular(begins Sept. 24) $12 passholder, $13 non-passholder. Limited seating, so get your tickets early.

‘HOMETOWN CULTURE’ THEME OF MAYOR’S FUNDRAISER
WELLAND – Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation on Friday, November 9 presents Hometown Culture – an evening with Mayor Campion.
Attend the mayor’s annual fundraising event for an evening of great food, music and more. Proceeds go to the following organizations: Niagara Community Foundation Welland Mayor’s Children & Youth Fund; Niagara Nutrition Partners; Family and Children Services Niagara; and YMCA Pro-Kids.
Hometown Culture is being held at Croatian National Home, 6 Broadway Avenue, Welland. Doors open at 6pm, casual dress. Tickets are $150 per person (all inclusive). Please call 905-735-1700 Ext. 2338 or email matthew.bosnich@welland.ca

HAVE FUN BETWEEN THE COVERS AT POPULAR BOOK SALE
WELLAND – The annual book sale held by the Canadian Federation of University Women Welland and District – always a popular event – is being held Saturday, October 13, 9 am to 3pm at the Niagara Regional Exhibition Grounds, 1100 Niagara Street.

JOIN THE MAYOR’S WALK ON MERRITT ISLAND
WELLAND – Put your best foot forward! 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 most often on Sundays.)

SNRC Results From ‘Five Bridges’ Classic

HOME STRETCH – Boats in the home stretch at Saturday’s Head of the Welland Five Bridges Fall Classic. The finish line was on the North Course of the Welland International Flatwater Centre,  the control tower, visible at right. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

WELLAND  – South Niagara Rowing Club results from Saturday’s Head of the Welland Five Bridges Fall Classic:
Mens Junior Single
3rd – David Law
14th – Brice Maidens
15th – Jake Janzen
Womens Junior Single
5th – Rowan O’Neill
12th – Nia Maidens
14th – Sarah Couroux
Mens Junior Double
7th – Andrew Suthons, Jacob Gula
15th – Lukas White, Ethan Speck
Mens Masters Double
12th – Shane McReynolds, James Madronich
Junior Womens Coxed Quad
4th – Riley O’Neill, Rowan O’Neill, Nia Maidens, Sarah Couroux, Krista Zucco
5th – Caitlyn Goodbrand, Tess Capra, Rebekha Law, Carley Couroux, Ryleigh Sliter
Mens Junior Quad
3rd – David Law, Andrew Suthons, Jacob Gula, Brice Maidens
Womens Masters Double
16th – Catherine Timms, Sue Battersby-Campbell
19th – Shari Michaud, Deb Gula
Womens Junior Double
10th – Lily Charlebois, Alyssa Dekker
13th – Tess Capra, Ryleigh Sliter
18th – Natalie Della Valle, Carley Couroux
Mixed Open Double
4th – Rowan O’Neill, Jacob Gula
Mens Junior Coxed Quad
8th – Riley O’Neill, Jacob Janzen, Lukas White, Adrine Szopinski, Ethan Speck
3 Bridge Mixed Open Recreational Eight
1st – Chelsea Smith, Tanya Rodgers, Cheryl Curtis, Lisa Bos, John Walker, Travis McGee, Charlie Nickerson, Collette Gerryts
3 Bridge Mixed Open Recreational Quad
2nd – Christfine Boyko, Kathleen Lamoureux, Rob Fowler, Thomas Dillon
3 Bridge Under 15 Mens Coxed Quad
2nd – Joshua Bernard, Gavin Harris, Patrick Mayr, Lucas Maroney
3 Bridge Under 15 Womens Coxed Quad
3rd – Sierra Humphries, Eve Belfry, Bianca Lariccia, Hannah Holmes
Congrats to all who raced on Saturday!

Source: SNRC Facebook page post.

Next year’s Five Bridges Fall Classic is scheduled on Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Sunset On Summer

Summer’s  last sunset over Woodlawn Road, near First Avenue, photographed at 7:36 p.m. Saturday, September 22.  Fall arrives with the autumnal equinox, at 9:54 p.m. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)