Monthly Archives: January 2019

Forecast In A Word Or Two: Frostbite Warning!

Warnings
POSTED AT: 2:40 AM EST Thursday 31 January 2019
Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:
Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region
St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region
A prolonged period of severely cold wind chills is expected.

Bitterly cold arctic air combined with strong westerly winds have resulted in wind chill values of near minus 40 over some areas early this morning.

The cold air will remain in place today. Conditions should improve Friday as milder air moves into the region.
Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.

If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

Happy Trails To You!

Skating trails at Woodlawn Park were being groomed by Welland parks staffers this morning around 11a.m., with the temperature at -10C. The ice looked good for the most part, with only scattered bumpy spots, great for enjoying a skate or some robust pond hockey action – as long as you can withstand the cold. But hey, this is Canadian winter. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)

Forecast In A Word Or Two: Not Good!

Get ready to put these to use today! (File photo)

Statements
POSTED AT: 4:51 AM EST Monday 28 January 2019
Special weather statement in effect for:
Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region
St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region
Significant snowfall likely today.

Snow, at times heavy, will develop this morning or early afternoon and persist into tonight. Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm are possible by later tonight. Snow may be mixed with or change to rain for a brief period of time this evening.

Travel may become hazardous due to the reduced visibilities in heavy snow and blowing snow. There may be an impact on the commute this evening in more urban areas.

This snow is associated with an Alberta Clipper tracking over Southern Ontario on Monday.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

City Shorts, Try ’em On For Size

Annual pond hockey fundraiser for a great cause. (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

NIAGARA PARKS TO HOST ANNUAL JOB FAIR
One of area’s largest employers set to fill over 350 seasonal positions
NIAGARA FALLS – Niagara Parks Commission, one of the region’s largest employers with over 1,700 full-time and seasonal employees, will host its annual Job Fair on Saturday, February 2 at Niagara Parks’ Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex.
The Job Fair allows Niagara Parks to showcase the seasonal job opportunities that exist within the Commission each year, while providing individuals with an opportunity to connect directly with various departmental hiring managers. Representatives from Niagara Parks’ Human Resources Department will also be on-hand to help answer any questions.
Over 350 positions will be available in 2019 in the following departments: Culinary, Retail, Attractions, Parks, Golf, Heritage and Transportation. Niagara Parks also welcomes all those who qualify, to consider a student co-op or an Apprentice Cook placement.
Applicants should come prepared for an on-site interview and are encouraged to bring their resume. Each applicant will also be required to create an online profile to submit their formal application, prior to the Job Fair, at niagaraparks.com/employment.
Time: 10 am to 2 pm, Location: Legends on the Niagara Clubhouse (entrance off Willoughby Rd.) 9561 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Free parking on-site.

CITY NEEDS YOU, YES YOU!
WELLAND – The city is recruiting for a variety of committees. If you’re ready to make a difference and want to help improve your community, this just might be the opportunity for you. Follow the link & click on NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC for more info and apply online. https://www.welland.ca/Media/Notices.asp
Note: Applications must be received in the Office of the City Clerk on or before 4:30 p.m., Thursday, January 31.

WELLAND – SUCCESS IN THE MAKING
WELLAND – Join Mayor Frank Campion Thursday, February 7, 8am to 10am at Welland Public Library for the Mayor’s Third Annual Fundraising Breakfast. All proceeds go to United Way of South Niagara. Tickets: $40 per person, breakfast buffet provided by Blue Star. To reserve your tickets call:
Theresa Ettorre 905-735-1700 Ext. 2101; Anna Smith 905-735-1700 Ext. 2122

TOQUE TUESDAY NEARS, SUPPORT HOPE CENTRE
WELLAND – Toque Tuesday, a national initiative led by Raising the Roof, takes place annually on the first Tuesday in February with events and toque-selling happening in locations across the country.​
This year, Hope Centre is participating by holding a pop up toque shop outside Welland’s City Hall in Civic Square. The unique event will have volunteers and staff braving the February elements and selling toques and serving Tim Hortons coffee from 8-10am.
​ Members of the community are invited to stop at City Hall on their way to work to purchase a Raising the Roof toque and when they do they’ll get a Tim Hortons coffee free!​ Proceeds from toque sales help fund homelessness initiatives run by The Hope Centre, programs that support the most vulnerable citizens in Welland who struggle with poverty related issues like homelessness, housing and food insecurity.
​Throughout February toques can also be purchased by visiting The Hope Centre at 570 King Street, in Welland. A variety of toques are available for $15, and additionally ball caps and mittens are also available for purchase for $20.

CALL FOR MUSICIANS
WELLAND – The city is looking for performers for the 2019 Friday Night Live Concert Series. Fill out an application today online or pick one up at the Welland Community Wellness Complex Located at 145 Lincoln Street.

TECH TIME – DROP IN
WELLAND – Are you looking for assistance with your new tablet, laptop, or other digital device? Drop-in at the Welland Public Library main branch during these sessions for one-on-one help from a staff member. All skill levels welcome. No registration required. Saturday, February 2 9:30am – noon.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR HUMANITARIAN 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 his memory, Niagara Region initiated a memorial award in 2003 to honour a resident of Niagara who best exemplifies Roy’s values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life. (Welland resident Paul Turner was the 2016 recipient of the award.)
Nominations are now open for the 2019 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award. Nomination info is available online at: https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/awards-bursaries/t-roy-adams/nomination-form.aspx

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
WELLAND – Light therapy lamps are designed to mimic spring and summer light levels and may minimize the effects associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression whose symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, weight gain and sleep disorders.
WPL is pleased to announce that a light therapy lamp will be available at the Main Branch and Seaway Mall Branch starting January 30th. To use the lamp, simply turn it on and sit, read or work in front of it for 20-30 minutes. For sensitive users, gradual exposure is recommended. Sit about 2 feet away. Face the lamp and allow the light to shine on your face but not directly in your eyes. Do not stare directly into the light. Position the lamp in such a way as not to disturb other library users. In the event of a lineup, please limit your use of the lamp to 20 minutes.
All customers are encouraged to check with their healthcare professional if they have any concerns about using the lamp.
Welland Public Library is not liable for any health issues related to the use of the lamp.

NIAGARA HEALTH FOUNDATION’S ELIMINATION DRAW AND DINNER
WELLAND – Draw, dinner Wednesday, January 30 at the Croatian National Home in Welland. Tickets are $95 each or $760 for a table of 8. Ticket price includes dinner, wine at your table, and your chance to win a share of prize money. All proceeds will support the Gifts of Extraordinary Care fund, for the purchase of urgent equipment needs such as defibrillators at Niagara Health’s Welland Site. For tickets, call the Foundation at 905-323-3863.

HARVEST KITCHEN SEASON IS UNDERWAY
WELLAND – Welland’s Harvest Kitchen program started its 23rd season in  November  at Hope Centre, 570 King Street.
The weekly schedule is:
Sundays: Central United Church, 12 Young St., 5pm; Mondays: Eglise du Sacre-Coeur, 72 Empire St., 5:30pm; Tuesdays: Hope Centre, 570 King St., 5:30pm; Wednesdays: St. Kevin Roman Catholic Church, 307 Niagara St., 5pm; Thursdays 5pm for all: first Thursday of the month, Hope Centre, second Thursday, Southridge Community Church, 414 River Rd., third Thursday, Holy Trinity Anglican Church (use the market square door at the back), fourth and fifth Thursdays, Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 300 Chaffey St. and new this season, third and fourth Fridays, 5pm: Southridge Community Church.
For emergency shelter please call 905-714-5007.

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 weekends.)

‘Travel May Become Hazardous’

A travel advisory has been issued as a cold front bringing snow, reduced visibility  passes through the area. (File photo/Joe Barkovich)

Statements
POSTED AT: 4:34 AM EST Sunday 27 January 2019
Weather advisory in effect for:
Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region
St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region
Winter Weather Travel Advisory in effect for this morning.

A cold front is crossing Southern Ontario. Suddenly reduced visibilities in occasionally heavy snow is expected this morning as the cold front passing through. Total snow accumulation of up to 5 cm is possible.

Travel may become hazardous as roads could become snow covered and icy.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

Funeral Mass Saturday For Distinguished Newsman

By Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large

Frank Sernak

PORT COLBORNE – A funeral Mass is being held Saturday, January 19, 2019 for Frank Sernak, the former long-time news director at CHOW radio.
The Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. John Bosco Church, 375 West Main St., Port Colborne. The pastor, Father Peter Walton, will be the presider.
Mr. Sernak, whose real-life surname was Cservenyak, died Sunday, December 2.
He was 83.
He was for many years a popular newsman and newsreader at the local station with a large and loyal following of listeners. His death prompted bouquets of warm, complimentary responses and reactions from them on social media. One of those commentators was former Welland resident Stanley Szymkow, a musician and long-time fan, who said Mr. Sernak was “An institution!”  Another comment was from Russ Findlay, who posted from his home in the Philippines: “Frank was a great guy. Always gracious and kind, and willing to talk. ”
In the Blizzard of ‘77, Mr. Sernak and a few other employees were holed up in the station on Forks Road, isolated from everyone yet in touch – over the airwaves and telephone – with thousands of listeners. Throughout the weekend ordeal, his on-air voice became a steadying, calming, comforting influence during some worrisome, even frightening, hours for many.
He is also remembered for a selfless community spirit that made him part of local events especially in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a dignified master of ceremonies for several Rose Festival coronation balls, a Rose Festival parade commentator and host for Welland Winter Carnival events. This volunteerism also applied to various Port Colborne activities and elsewhere as well.
His authoritative coverage of elections, whether municipal, provincial or federal, gave a respected professionalism to the local station that was “1470” on the AM dial.
The death notice for Mr. Sernak appeared in local media December 4 and an updated notice is in the Monday, January 14 edition of The Tribune. It can be found at:
https://www.wellandtribune.ca/announcements-obituaries-memorials/obituaries-death-notices/9123498-cservenyak-frank-sernak-/

(Note: A Lasting Image feature on Mr. Sernak appeared on the blog December 8.)