If you can, please support this seasonal initiative!
Do you have an abundance of vegetables in your garden? You can donate your vegetables to The Hope Centre and provide healthy food for your neighbours who visit our food bank.
You can drop off your donation at The Hope Centre, 570 King Street, Welland. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. On Wednesdays we are open 11 am – 7:00 pm.
Come to the back of the building to access our main entrance. If you need assistance unloading please call 905-788-0744 ext 221.
Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the site.
The Central Station Education Initiative (CSEI) gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Niagara Community Foundation’s David S. Howes Fund, a public foundation serving the people of Niagara since 2000.
NCF connects donors to causes and communities to resources through permanent endowment funds, providing grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors. NCF turns intent into impact.
The CSEI recently received a grant in the amount of $26,532.00 from the Niagara Community Foundation through their David S. Howes Fund.
This grant will fund interior plaster repair on the staircases, a new metal basement door, accessible washroom fixtures, blinds throughout the building, a laptop computer and printer and three display cases for the main floor Firefighting Heritage Display.
Central Station Education Initiative (CSEI) is a Registered Charity, incorporated in March of 2017, and an outgrowth of many organizations and Committees working over the last three decades to find a way to save and transform Central Fire Station into a public heritage building.
The CSEI is a not-for-profit, that is reliant on donations, and is staffed by volunteers.
Members of the public who wish to make a donation may do so by e-transfer to wellandcentralfirehall@gmail.com or by cheque to CSEI, 30 Hellems Avenue, Welland, Ontario L3B 3A7
Please include your contact information if you wish to receive a tax receipt.
One of the few, little-known streets in Welland is Lock Street, just off Merritt on the east side of Niagara Street. When driving east on Merritt you could drive right past it on your right because it is truncated by the Welland River as seen here (photo below) looking past the siphon and towards the Main Street Bridge.
How then could this passageway receive such a name?
Well, this next photo (photo above) taken from the book, Celebrating 150 Years, Walking Through Welland, shows the same location over a hundred years ago featuring a number of canal structures. Located closest to the camera is a lock that allowed traffic on the river to lock into and out of the third canal thus Lock Street ended there. Beyond the lock was the third canal aqueduct and beyond it, the second aqueduct. Looking down the canal you can see the swing bridge at Main Street and associated buildings nearby.
What is amazing are the number of cut-stone blocks that make up the material used on these structures. It is estimated that it took between 18 and 22 thousand cut-stone blocks to build the second aqueduct shown elsewhere in the book that later became the Cross Street Swimming Pool.
Remember that each of these blocks of limestone was hand-made using a hammer and chisel to make and shape them to fit them into place. Now, if you take into consideration the number of these blocks shown in the other structures what an immense job that was to complete! And now you can deduce how both Lock street and Aqueduct Street got their name.
(Terry Hughes is a Wellander who is passionate about heritage, history and model railroading. His opinion column, Heritage Lives In Pictures, appears on the blog occasionally.)
A milestone anniversary for the Hungarian Hall, Hellems Avenue near the corner of Lincoln Street. Happy Anniversary/Boldog évfordulót! / Sign Language is a recurring feature on the blog. Joe Barkovich photo.
Let’s Get Busy Living Together! Michael Petrachenko is hosting this 3 live bands fund-raising event at the Welland International Flatwater Centre Saturday, July 6 2024 at 7 pm. He will be at For Pizza Sake, Broadway Ave., Welland, the next two Fridays selling tickets 5-9 pm./ Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog./Supplied graphic
Caption: Paid a visit to the rose garden in Chippawa Park this afternoon. The roses were beautiful, even though some were past peak bloom. The beds, although always well maintained, could have used some weeding but it’s not the fault of parks staff who have so much work to do this time of year and not enough hands to do it. The garden is named the Joseph L. Mocsan Memorial Rose Garden after the eminent rose grower and mentor to many, Joe Mocsan who passed May 31, 2003, aged 71. It merits a look every now and then, whether you’re a rose grower or not. The two bottom photos are from my photo archive, bottom left, June 2021 and bottom right, August 2017.Gadabout Gardener will appear on the site once or twice monthly until fall./ Joe Barkovich photos.
‘Persevering is a choice you make on your own,’ top grad tells Class of 2024
Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development graduate Becky Sciliberto (centre) is presented with her Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal by Niagara College President Sean Kennedy and Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic. /Niagara College photo
Nearly 1,000 graduates from programs within the School of Business and Management were the latest to join Niagara College’s alumni community during the fourth day of Spring Convocation ceremonies inside the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus, Thursday, June 13.
Among them was Becky Sciliberto, the recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal, whose 94% average was the highest of all students studying in a degree program at Niagara College.
This is only the second year that an NC student was awarded a Governor General’s Academic Medal at the Silver level. Governor General’s Academic Medals are presented annually to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs.
Earlier in the week, Recreation Therapy graduate Julianna Pennings was presented with a Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement (98% average) in a diploma program.
Already a Niagara College alumna (Business Administration-Accounting, 2007), Sciliberto graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in International Commerce and Global Development program. As she was writing her speech to her fellow graduates, she said she was inspired by an art piece by street artist and political activist Banksy that reads, ‘Be someone who makes you happy.’
“I realized that over my lifetime, that has always been my goal,” she said, and she offered three insights that have guided her.
“One, you will not always receive the validation and support you need from others. To succeed, persevering is a choice you make on your own every day. Two, we all have a unique path ahead; make sure you’re proud of the one you’re on. And three is simple: Be kind. Be kind to yourself, others and the planet. Generosity through kindness goes a long way and is proven to have a multiplying effect.”
It was a sentiment Niagara College President Sean Kennedy also shared in his address to the Class of 2024.
“I hope that you’ll always remember the power and importance of kindness,” Kennedy said. “Be kind to your family, your friends, your colleagues, your neighbours and to total strangers. Small acts of kindness can be a strong antidote to life’s struggles and challenges, to all of the bad news that we are so often surrounded by.
“Strive every day to make a difference in the lives of others through being kind. And, perhaps most importantly, remember to always be kind to yourself.”
NC’s Spring Convocation will continue on June 14 with two more ceremonies for the Schools of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, Academic and Liberal Studies, Business and Management, and English Language Studies.
On June 15, the week will conclude with two final Convocation ceremonies for the School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker.
This year’s graduating class marks Niagara College’s largest ever – 5,500 – warranting an extra day of Convocation ceremonies.
A full schedule and list of programs graduating within each School is available in the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of Niagara College’s Convocation website. All ceremonies will be livestreamed and available for later viewing.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
The Stanley Cup finals open tonight and it should be a dandy series between the Florida Panthers, the Eastern Conference champions, and the Edmonton Oilers, the Western champs.
With the Panthers, it marks the fifth straight year a team from Florida has represented the Sunshine State in the finals. The Tampa Bay Lightning earned the right three consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022) winning the coveted Cup the first two years before bowing to the Colorado Avalanche the third time around.
Meanwhile, the Panthers qualified last year but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games and now they are back again
So you ask what is so special that Florida teams have qualified five consecutive years for the BIG Dance? Is it that Florida Sunshine that has given these two NHL clubs extra energy come playoff time? Or is it some smart trades or some excellent free agent signings that sealed the deal for the two clubs?
No question numerous trades plus free-agent signings paid dividends for the Lightning during their three-year run to the finals and the same can be said about the Panthers.
What I also considered a contributing factor was head coaches for both clubs. Jon Cooper seemed to push the right bottoms at the right time in guiding Tampa Bay three straight years. And Panthers’ Paul Maurice has been very patient at the controls to lead his squad the past two seasons.
As for the Oilers, there’s a few questions that have to be answered too. First and foremost, can the Oilers end the Canadian drought of winning the Cup? It’s been 31 years (1993) since the last Canadian-based team (Montreal Canadiens) won the Stanley Cup.
A big question mark for the Oilers is goaltender Stuart Skinner. He looked out to lunch in round two against the Vancouver Canucks. He surprised me in round three against the Dallas Stars, especially in the sixth and deciding game. He delivered in a big way to carry the Oilers into the finals. Now, can Skinner keep it up against the Panthers?
Back in mid-November the Oilers stood 31st as a result of disastrous 3-9-1 start. The Oilers brass fired head coach Jay Woodcroft and replaced him with Kris Knoblauch, who had coached the New York Rangers farm club, the Hartford Wolf. Under Knoblauch’s direction Edmonton went 46-18-5. In the playoffs Oilers have compiled a 12-6 record so far.
Now the question is can the Oilers win four more? Being Canadian, I would like to see the Oilers end that 31-year drought. They certainly have plenty of scoring power and have the top four among the Cup point leaders. That foursome includes: Connor McDavid 31 points, Leon Draisaitl 28, Evan Bouchard 27 and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 20. The Oilers also have the top sniper in Zach Hyman with 14 goals. Bouchard I feel, has been the Oilers best defenceman. He’s been solid going both ways.
In special teams, the Oilers have the edge, especially with a potent power play. In the playoffs to date Edmonton has scored 19 times with a man advantage on 63 attempts. Their penalty kill is outstanding as they haven’t allowed a power play goal in the past 10 games.
So can Edmonton do it? With the Panthers losing out to the Golden Knights last year, I think that experience they gained is very vital this time around. Last year if you recall the Panthers had some injuries and that hampered them. This time around, they are healthy.
Florida has good balance and depth. So far in three rounds 14 different players have contributed in the scoring department. They have a good blend of two-way forwards in the likes of Matthew Tkachuk (5 goals 14 assists). Aleksander Barkov (6 and 11), Carter Verhaeghe (9 and 8), Sam Reinhardt (8 and 4), and Sam Bennett (6 and 4).
On the blueline, the Panthers are solid led by Gustav Forcling, Brandon Montour, Aaron Ekblad, Oliver Emmanuel-Larson and Dimitry Kulikov.
And in goal, Florida has Sergei Bobrovsky whose 12 wins so far tops all playoff goaltenders. And he has been outstanding and he’ll have continue that in facing the likes of McDavid, Draisaitl and Hyman.
In the three previous playoff rounds the Panthers did an excellent job of shutting down the big guns with Tampa, Boston and New York. Now with Edmonton, they will need a repeat performance, especially with McDavid and Draisaitl. And while the Panthers like to play a physical style of hockey, they have to cut down on taking penalties. So far, the Panthers have been assessed 69 penalties in three rounds. The potent Edmonton power play can be trouble if afforded the opportunity.
Prediction: Panthers in seven games. Overtime may be necessary a couple of games.
Overall Record: 9 for 14.
Recap: Round One: 6 for 8 Round Two: 3 for 4 Round Three: 0 for 2
(Wayne Redshaw covered the NHL for 40 seasons. He was named a Life Member of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association in 1987 and was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Hall of Fame as a media member in 2000).
NC graduates: A group of Niagara College graduates at a Fall 2023 convocation ceremony./Supplied photos Niagara College
Niagara College’s Spring 2024 Convocation is approaching with the most exciting ceremonies yet as the College celebrates a record number of 5,500 graduates. This year’s events will highlight the achievements of the Class of 2024 and honour two distinguished guests, including a prominent Niagara business leader and a notable NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder.
The Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at Niagara College’s Welland Campus in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre from Monday, June 10 to Saturday, June 15.
“Spring Convocation is a time of pride and celebration at Niagara College,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “We are thrilled to honour our Class of 2024 and their remarkable achievements. This year, we are particularly excited to recognize two outstanding individuals whose exemplary contributions to their fields and communities embody the welcoming, trailblazing, and passionate characteristics of NC and will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys.”
Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration: Wendy Wing
Wendy Wing, the Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., as well as President of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., will be presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies – Business Administration. Recognized for her leadership in business and construction and her community stewardship in Niagara, she will be honoured during the ceremony on Wednesday, June 12 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Technology and School of Trades.
Wing’s career at Rankin Construction spans over 30 years, during which she has led numerous real estate and renewable energy projects, including wind and hydro power developments. Her expertise in finance and administration has been pivotal in the successful completion of various heavy civil construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and marine work. Wing’s strategic role in the company involves analyzing new business opportunities and assessing their long-term financial impact.
Wing and her family are valued supporters and advocates of Niagara College, contributing to student success by funding scholarships and awards and by helping expand and improve campus so that students have the best teaching, learning, and gathering spaces. Across Niagara, Wing and her family founded the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support for patients. They have generously supported the Niagara Health System and many other community organizations.
Demonstrating her commitment to enhancing education, Wing was a dedicated member of Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2016 to 2021, serving as Chair from September 2021 to August 2022 and as Vice-Chair from 2020 to 2021.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to Niagara College,” said Wing. “I found my time on the Board of Governors enriching, and I am so excited to be back to celebrate with graduates on their special day. I wouldn’t be accepting this honour without the strength and support of our team at Rankin.”
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dave Labbé
Dave Labbé, a member of the Innu from Northern Quebec, will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the ceremony on Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m., which celebrates new graduates from the College’s School of Community Services.
Labbé was part of the first class of students at Niagara College in 1967, graduating from the Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1971. Decades later, he returned to the College as an Elder, drawing on his own education to impart knowledge in a way that mirrors the unique learning he experienced as an NC student.
In 1995, Labbé became a Powwow Coordinator at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, a role that aligned with his calling to help people. He eventually became the Centre’s Youth Coordinator and soon after managed the youth program full-time, dedicating his efforts to supporting young men in overcoming addictions.
Labbé’s dedication to helping others led him back to Niagara College after his retirement, this time as an Elder. In this role, he mentors students, shares wisdom, and participates in college ceremonies.
In 2023, Labbé received the Celebration of Nations Outstanding Achievement Award for Empathic Traditions, recognizing his transformative work and dedication to supporting Indigenous people within Niagara and beyond. Known as “The Eagle that Flies,” Labbé is celebrated for his ability to connect with students, make them feel at ease, and foster a sense of belonging and support.
Twelve Spring Convocation Ceremonies
NC will host 12 Spring Convocation ceremonies at its Welland Campus, marking a record number of ceremonies for the College. Ceremonies include:
June 10, 10 a.m. (School of Justice and Fitness and School of Allied Health)
June 10, 3 p.m. (School of Community Services)
June 11, 10 a.m. (School of Culinary Arts and School of Environment and Horticulture)
June 11, 3 p.m. (School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits)
June 12, 10 a.m. (School of Media and School of Trades)
June 12, 3 p.m. (School of Technology and School of Trades)
June 13, 10 a.m. (School of Business and Management)
June 13, 3 p.m. (School of Business and Management)
June 14, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Academic and Liberal Studies, and School of Business and Management)
June 14, 3 p.m. (School of Academic and Liberal Studies and School of English Language Studies)
June 15, 10 a.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)
June 15, 3 p.m. (School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker)
A highlight of Spring Convocation will be the presentation of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medals to two graduating students who have achieved the highest overall grade-point average (GPA) – one from a diploma program and another from a degree program. Additionally, thirteen graduating students will receive Dean’s Awards for earning the highest GPA within their school of study.
To view the schedule and list of programs graduating within each School, visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website. NC’s in-person Spring Convocation ceremonies will also be livestreamed via the Convocation website and ceremonies will remain on the website for later viewing.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
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