Four-part virtual event series will help prepare golfers for the upcoming season
Virtual workshops will be held bi-weekly on Wednesdays beginning on March 3rd, with full details and tickets available at niagaraparks.com/fitness
NIAGARA FALLS– Niagara Parks will host a four-part virtual workshop series focused on preparing players of all ages and skill levels for the upcoming golf season. The interactive sessions will cover everything from health and wellness to tips for improving their fundamentals and adding power their swings.
The workshops will feature live instruction from Niagara Parks Golf’s head teaching professional Geoff Law and former LPGA player and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee Cathy Sherk. They will be joined by renowned Strength and Conditioning Coach Nathane Jackson, who will begin the series on March 3rd and host the final session on April 14th.
The hour-long interactive online workshops will each focus on a unique golf topic.
March3: Nathane Jackson, Health and Wellness for Golf Performance
March 17: Cathy Sherk, Classic Golf Fundamentals
March 31: Geoff Law, Play Better Golf in 2021
April 14: Nathane Jackson, Strength and Power
Additional event details and tickets are available at niagaraparks.com/fitness. Tickets are $15 per session, with access to all four events available for $45. All sessions will be broadcast live at 10am via Zoom, with registrants also receiving a recorded version following the event.
For the sixth year in a row, Niagara College has earned the honour of being in the top 10 colleges in the country for research funding, according to a special report released today.
In its report called Canada’s Innovation Leaders, Research Infosource Inc. announced the rank of eight for Niagara College, based on total research funding numbers for 2019. The publication includes its national study “Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges,” which shows a steady placement of six years in a row in the top 10, since NC earned spot No. 10 in the 2014 research funding year.
“We are proud of our continued recognition among Canada’s top 10 for research funding, as research and innovation have been a growing focus for our College. These extraordinary times have served to highlight the important role of innovation in our College and our community,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “By leveraging the expertise of our researchers and capabilities made possible within our state-of-the-art facilities, Niagara College helps local companies stay competitive. We are pleased to have been providing healthcare with made-in-Niagara solutions during the global pandemic – all while equipping our students with essential applied experience.”
Looking at colleges with applied research funding in Canada, NC earned the No. 8 spot by having attracted $7.828 million in funding to conduct innovative projects involving industry partners in the food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, and related environmental technologies sectors.
Niagara College also jumped to the No. 2 position in the category of completed research projects, with a total of 262. Further, the College increased its paid student researchers to 105, a rise from 83 the previous year.
Looking closely at the number of interactions with industry – small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) who turn to colleges for help on expertise and resources to innovate – NC’s total for the number of research partnerships was 208.
Marc Nantel, PhD, vice-president, Research & External Relations at the College, noted that remaining in the top 10 among research colleges is an ongoing source of pride for NC’s Research & Innovation division.
“We are delighted to acknowledge this demonstration of the exceptional work our staff, faculty and students are doing on industry partner projects,” said Nantel. “Our priority has always been to provide innovative solutions to help local companies compete, while also enhancing our students’ education through real-world research opportunities.”
Research funding allows the College to partner with SMEs in the region to conduct projects and services, which provide innovative solutions for industry. These include producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved products and processes. NC Research & Innovation conducts applied research, technical services and business and commercialization solutions with industry partners through its Agriculture & Environment Innovation Centre, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre.
Niagara College also administers the funding for two multi-institutional research networks, including the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), and the Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN).
The College’s innovative solutions have helped one company commercialize Canada’s first non-alcoholic gin product following a product development research project with NC’s Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre and industry partner DistillX Beverages Inc. Now sold in 20 stores, as well as online, Sobrii Ø-Gin (zero gin) has since received praise in national print, TV and radio media this past year.
“Expertise from Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division was instrumental to being able to sell a product that was not only superior tasting, but something I can commercially scale and replicate safely,” said DistillX president Bob Huitema. “I think it’s important to support local academic and manufacturing resources as this is a ‘made-in-Canada’ initiative.”
In the annual Canada’s Innovation Leaders publication – which includes a comprehensive listing of all categories, analysis and insight – its theme delves into how academic institutions have helped Canada combat the pandemic. At NC’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Centre, researchers produced a total of 37,000 licensed face shields, nearly half of which went to the Niagara Health System, and close to 20,000 shields were donated to other essential workers and community members throughout the province.
Captions, from left: CFWI IC Beverage:Samantha Stinellis (foreground), former research assistant and graduate (2020) of NC’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program;and Kelly Byer, research laboratory technologist, conduct testing using the Anton Paar beer Analyser. 3D Printer: Samantha Jemison, a student in NC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, calibrates an FDM 3D printer as a research assistant with the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC). The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) award will fund the purchase of a biomedically compatible 3D printer for the Research & Innovation division for COVID-19 related research. WAMIC Faro: Dave McKechnie, research laboratory technologist with the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, captures precise measurements with the research lab’s FaroArm coordinate measuring machine.(Supplied photos)
NC’s award-winning Research & Innovation division administers research funding support from various regional, provincial and federal agencies. Students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty researchers and assist industry partners with leaping forward in the marketplace. Students come from a variety of the College’s programs, such as Mechanical Engineering Technology, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration – Marketing, and Computer Programmer.
WELLAND – The City of Welland recognizes the need to further inform our community that the Main Street Bus Terminal is currently available as a Warming Centre for those in need of some reprieve from the cold weather. In addition, staff have been undergoing information sessions as well as working with our Niagara Region partners to ensure those who require assistance can get the information and support they need.
Warming Centres are traditionally activated when an Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) is issued based on a forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada of minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder. While the temperature forecast may not always reach this threshold, the City has deemed the Welland Transit Terminal an activate Warming Station during hours of operation.
The Warming Centre will follow all COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of those using the transit terminal. Protocols include encouraging physical distancing and the mandatory use of masks, ensuring hand washing / hand sanitizing, and enhanced cleaning throughout the facility.
Community members who are concerned about an individual or individuals who they have encountered that are homeless and unsheltered can call 2-1-1 to be connected with the Niagara Assertive Street Outreach Team or visit https://niagara.cioc.ca/record/NIA1831?Number=59 for more information.
Welland Transit Terminal (160 East Main Street) general hours of operation:
With pandemic protocols in place, relatively few students saw the touching —some might say haunting —display at the college campus in Welland where these photos were taken. How sad is that.
Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S+) are being remembered by the Brock University and Niagara College communities during a weeklong display of red dresses and through several virtual events. The initiative started Monday, Feb. 8 and ends today, Sunday, Feb. 14. The REDress Project, which involves the hanging of red dresses in public spaces, began as an art installation by Métis artist Jamie Black first displayed at the University of Winnipeg in 2011 and has since been replicated in communities across Canada. The empty red dresses are meant to signify the loss of thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA) people over the past 40 years to colonial violence. “Being a part of the REDress Project with our partners at Brock University and having the opportunity to display the red dresses on our campuses is very meaningful to the Niagara College community. It will offer a striking visual reminder in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day and Family Day that each and every missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girl was loved,” said Lianne Gagnon, Director, Student Services, Niagara College. Since 2019, Brock University has hosted an installation of red dresses around campus and a public event raising awareness about MMIWG2S+ organized around Feb. 14 in solidarity with the annual Women’s Memorial March held in Vancouver since 1991. —excerpt of a recent news release.
(Note: The Canadian Federation Of University Women – Welland and District, organized a similar campaign, against gender-based violence, in Welland and Port Colborne late last year.)
Caption: Niagara College staff hung red dresses throughout the entrances of its Welland (shown above) and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. They were on display as part of the REDress Project, from Feb. 8 to today, Sunday Feb. 14, to signify the loss of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. (Photos by Joe Barkovich)
WELLAND – On Monday, February 15th, Open Arms Mission will host a Family Day Free Food Giveaway. This generous donation will assist residents to keep food on tables during these difficult times.
We extend our appreciation and extreme gratitude to the anonymous donor who continues to help those in need in our community.
The Family Day Free Food Giveaway will take place at WellSpring Community Church, with drive-thru and walk up options available.
WHERE: WellSpring Community Church, 370 South Pelham Road, Welland WHEN: February 15, 1:30PM while supplies last WHO: All residents are welcome to the FREE grocery pick-up
All will be asked to wear proper face coverings and to follow physical distancing rules.
Niagara College staff hung red dresses throughout the entrance of the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Monday, Feb. 8. The red dresses will be on display at both NC campuses as part of the REDress Project, from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14, to signify the loss of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. (Supplied photo)
Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S+) are being remembered by the Brock University and Niagara College communities during a weeklong display of red dresses and through several virtual events. The initiative started Monday, Feb. 8 and goes to Sunday, Feb. 14.
The REDress Project, which involves the hanging of red dresses in public spaces, began as an art installation by Métis artist Jamie Black first displayed at the University of Winnipeg in 2011 and has since been replicated in communities across Canada. The empty red dresses are meant to signify the loss of thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA) people over the past 40 years to colonial violence.
Since 2019, Brock University has hosted an installation of red dresses around campus and a public event raising awareness about MMIWG2S+ organized around Feb. 14 in solidarity with the annual Women’s Memorial March held in Vancouver since 1991.
Brock’s Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, Robyn Bourgeois said continuing to raise awareness of the longstanding injustices the week discusses was of critical importance.
“Violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGTBQQIA people has always been a part of colonialism in Canada, and it continues to be a part of Canadian society because Canada remains a colonial country,” she said. “While Canada undertook a formal inquiry into this violence, the government has yet to respond to its findings and, more importantly, take action to protect Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGTBQQIA people from violence. This inaction comes with an extraordinary cost for Indigenous Peoples.”
Along with an array of virtual events to further raise awareness, this year will see red dresses hung at Brock University and Niagara College, the latter of which is participating in the initiative for the first time. Dresses will be hung outside at the University’s main campus and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, and at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland Campus — each including an attached note with information about the project to help increase awareness. The College community is encouraged to share photos of themselves tying a red ribbon to a tree to honour the MMIWG via social media.
“Being a part of the REDress Project with our partners at Brock University and having the opportunity to display the red dresses on our campuses is very meaningful to the Niagara College community. It will offer a striking visual reminder in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day and Family Day that each and every missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girl was loved,” said Lianne Gagnon, Director, Student Services, Niagara College.
“The important issue of MMIWG is in the hearts and minds for all of us at Indigenous Education, and supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community is a vital component of our core NC values to ensure a safe, diverse and inclusive place for all. We hope that our involvement will further engage our College and the public to learn more.”
Bourgeois said the partnership with Niagara College showed awareness of the issue was growing.
“I’m so excited this year’s REDress event is a collaboration between Niagara College and Brock University,” she said. “Partnership and collaboration are the cornerstones of success, and I’m so pleased we can work together to raises awareness about MMIWG2S+.”
Along with the existing red dress display and participating in the virtual events, community members are also encouraged to hang a red dress where they are (for example, in a window or outside) for the week and to send a photo of the dress to REDressBrock@gmail.com to be part of a virtual display.
By hanging red dresses, participating virtually and taking time to learn about ongoing injustices, Bourgeois said participants can contribute to appropriate remembrance and necessary changes in policy going forward.
“We need events like this because the work isn’t done,” she said. “Not only do we need space to remember MMIWG2S+, we also need to continue to press this issue and demand justice for MMIWG2S+, their families and Indigenous communities generally. We cannot be silent as long as this violence continues.”
The REDress initiative is sponsored and supported by Brock University’s Human Rights and Equity Office, Social Justice Centre, Sexual Violence Prevention Committee, Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Discretionary Fund and Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement; and Niagara College’s Facilities Management and Indigenous Education. That support will allow virtual events for REDress 2021 (listed below) to run from Monday, Feb. 8 to Friday, Feb. 12.
Both the Brock and Niagara College communities, as well as the public, are encouraged to attend the virtual events to learn more about the REDress Project, the MMIWG inquiry and the impacts the issue is having in Niagara.
Remaining events:
Men, Masculinity and MMIWG
Thursday, Feb. 11 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
This panel discussion considers the role of Indigenous men in addressing the issue of MMIWG2S+. It features a panel of prominent Indigenous men: former CFL player JR LaRose, journalist Sean Vanderklis and filmmaker Nick Printup.
Friday, Feb. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. A gala film screening of Brock student and NC alumnus (2015) Nick Printup’s film Our Sisters in Spirit. Printup created the film as a student in NC’s Broadcasting — Radio, Television and Film program to explore the question of calling a national public inquiry into Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director. The event will be opened by Fallon Farinacci, a Métis woman who served as a member of the National Family Advisory Council for the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+. To attend the event, please visit Brock’s REDress website.
Male Hooded Mergansers, Niagara Falls 2021. Photo by Marcie Jacklin.
A bi-national bird festival, and the only trans-boundary event of its kind in North America, will captivate audiences of all ages this weekend from February 12-14. Guests from around the world are invited to participate in this virtual celebration, at no cost, from the safety and comfort of home.
Birds on the Niagara is an international partnership of organizations, agencies, and individuals, dedicated to promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Niagara River Globally Significant Important Bird Area and the Ramsar Wetland of International Significance. The Annual Birds on the Niagara International Celebration of Winter Birds (BON21) was created to celebrate the magnificent winter presence of birds and the nature that sustains them.
“Everyone who participates every year from Canada, U.S. and across the world, shares the common interest and goal of protecting, conserving, and promoting the natural heritage of the Niagara River corridor,” says Marcie Jacklin, Co-Chair of BON21 Canada and member of Bert Miller Nature Club. “We have prepared a great programming schedule, full of exciting and informative lectures and sessions that will surely motivate guests to share in our passion and mission of exploring and activating conservation strategies to support these incredible winter birds.”
The celebration kicks off on Friday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. with a Meet and Greet and Silent Auction in support of Buffalo Audubon and Birds on the Niagara.
With Niagara River being a world renowned full-watching hotspot that attracts bird watchers from near and far, the evening will continue with a presentation on the reasons and approaches for taking a closer look at the gulls of Niagara at by Toronto speaker, Justin Peter of Quest Nature Tours. A virtual Owl Prowl hosted by the Buffalo Audubon Society will follow.
Saturday’s programming begins at 1 p.m. with Tony Beck and Nina Stavlund of Always an Adventure Inc. World travelers and nature photography enthusiasts, the pair will focus on photographing birds on the Niagara, and will explore bird specialties, photographing techniques, and ethical photography.
Given that guests from all parts of the world will be tuning in virtually, BON21 will offer incredible opportunities for new birders to learn and become inspired. TIFFT Nature Preserve will host a family focused session on winter backyard birding, perfect for school groups or families looking to discover new online education topics and for everyone eager to explore their own backyards.
The Niagara River Corridor received designations as a Globally Significant Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1996 and Ramsar Wetland of International Significance in 2019. Jajean Rose-Burney and Jay Burney, the father-son team that played critical leadership roles in both, will explore the history and the impacts of these two important designations that identify the Niagara River Corridor as a world-class area of ecological importance and in need of protection.
This afternoon will place a spotlight on bird safety and the importance of incorporating nature-friendly planning and design in developed areas. Paloma Plant, Coordinator and Co-Founder of the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada will discuss the threats that cause bird-building collisions, such as window design and lighting. Dr. Timothy Beatley, author of “Bird Friendly Cities” and Professor of Sustainable Communities at the University of Virginia, will examine nature-friendly and bird-friendly design in sustainable development.
Keynote speaker, Dr. J. Drew Lanham, will close the night off with his presentation on ‘Coloring the Conservation Conversation’. Dr. Lanham is a leader in the social justice movement and has given voice to raising awareness and conscience as it relates to being an African American man and a profoundly important conservationist. Candid by nature, and because of it, he will examine how conservation must be a rigorous science, and an evocative art, inviting diversity and race to play active roles in celebrating the natural world.
Other topics and themes vary from ethical nature and bird photography to family-friendly backyard birdwatching, bird-friendly development and more!
Starting at noon on Sunday, avid naturalist, long-time birdwatcher, and member of three Niagara nature clubs, Marcie Jacklin, will explore the long human and natural history that makes Fort Erie Canada’s Waverly Woods one of the most critical places in the Niagara River Corridor. Jay Burney will join the conversation to discuss Buffalo’s Outer Harbor located directly across the river.
The Niagara River flows 60 km from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and is an important body of water for many gull, waterfowl, and plant species. Amanda Bichel of Birds Canada will discuss the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Program and will provide a fun glimpse of some of the birds and biodiversity along the Niagara River.
“With incredible opportunities to become engaged in bird watching and to learn about the importance and value of winter birds in the Niagara River Corridor, we hope this great celebration will see a rise in new birders, and families, students and school groups exploring these themes in and outside of the virtual classroom,” adds Kerry Kennedy, Co-Chair of BON21 Canada and member of Niagara Falls Nature Club.
To learn more about the Annual Birds on the Niagara International Celebration of Winter Birds, visit www.birdsontheniagara.org. Follow Facebook page and event for frequent updates.
About Birds on the Niagara:
Birds on the Niagara is an international partnership of organizations, agencies and individuals, dedicated to promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Niagara River Globally Significant Important Bird Area and the Ramsar Wetlands of International Significance, also known as the Niagara River Strait. They celebrate the magnificent winter presence of birds and the nature that sustains them, and endeavor to explore and activate conservation strategies to support them.
Canadian participation began in 2018 and the annual celebration continues to grow, from what was once a single outing location and two nature clubs in the first year. In its second year, the celebration saw multiple walks and a busy open house hosted by Niagara Parks, and now in 2021, seven Canadian organizations are now involved in a large, fully virtual event with limitless potential and reach.
The NPCA is a sponsor of Birds on the Niagara 2021, and is also providing in-kind marketing and promotions support.
While developing a guide for the Nature Trails on Merritt Island, the idea of pursuing a similar guide for the canals in Welland was initiated. It was titled, “Welland: Yesterday and Today, A Historical Trail Guide”
It contained two maps with a total of twenty-eight entries that were hand-sketched. They were too busy with details and not professionally done. A series of pictures were supposed to accompany the maps but were not included. With the cancellation of all projects with the federal election in 1984 any further work on this guide was terminated.
Since then a number of tour guides have been initiated by Welland Museum and also heritage groups but with emphasis on other structures that included residences.
The idea of revisiting a guide that would focus more on the canals and associated structures was introduced in 2001. Two themes were used to show the impact that the canal had on the city. They were: Wood, Stone & Sail 1829-1900 and Steel, Concrete And Steam 1901-1973. A total of twenty-three entries were used along with two maps noting their location. Computer enhanced photographs were used. This was achieved thanks to Brian York of Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation who designed the booklet.
The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC), now called Welland Heritage Committee heartily endorsed the product. The accompanying pictures show how much improved the booklet, titled ” Welland and its canals.” was. One of the articles inside was “The First and Last Time I Saw the Noronic”. The Noronic is the ship pictured on the cover.
Mayor Cindy Forster endorsed the it but felt it might be handier if placed using a folder format as a more practical approach. She was able to get someone who could produce the folder, and that was the last time I saw the booklet.
Captions: Clockwise, top left, Cover of the draft copy; draft copy inside pages identifying the two themes; and, cover of the guide which came to an abrupt end with the 1984 election.
Next Column: Ghosts of the WRCC: WRCC, Conflict and Dissolution, last of the series.
(Terry Hughes is a Wellander who is passionate about heritage, history and model railroading. His opinion column, Heritage Lives, appears on the blog once or twice monthly.)
Icy venues were hot, hot, hot today! Clockwise from top left: Making their own rink near the Flatwater Centre; family on cross-the-old-canal trek, Dain City; solitary ice fisher, Dain City; looking down the recreational waterway, old Carbide dock seen at left; tracks across the ice, near the Flatwater Centre; ice fishing huts, Dain City, Jungbunzlauer Canada plant seen in the distance./Photos by Joe Barkovich.
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