Fall: Take It Or Leaf It

Caption: Some call it Woodlawn Park, others call it Woodlawn Bush. Whatever you call it, lots of eye-popping colour today! /Joe Barkovich photos

Vacancy

I often wonder: Does anyone ever pause for a moment or two to sit on benches like this one? I tried it, and found it to my liking. I will take time to do it again the next time I am on this trail./Joe Barkovich photo

HALLOWEEN BRIEF: Kids Invited To FD Headquarters

WELLAND – Hey kids, don’t forget to stop by the Welland Fire Department Headquarters on East Main Street, Welland on Halloween for a treat, a photo with a fire truck, and more. We’ll have our doors open from 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Smoke alarm shaped cookies for the first 100 trick-or-treaters. Glow-in-the-dark cups for the first 200 kids.

You’ll be able to see our fire trucks, spray a real fire hose, and learn why flameless candles are safer than real candles. We’ll also have a few jack-o-lanterns carved by our firefighters and we want YOU to vote for your favourite one.

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween.

Attribution: Fire Department announcement

LIBRARY BRIEF: Book Sale!

WELLAND – Prepare to rummage! Join us on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Welland Public Library Main Branch for a one-day-only book sale! 

Fill a grocery tote or small box for just $5, or grab a WPL bag for $1 with a non-perishable food donation. 

All proceeds support our library collections and programs.

Attribution: Welland public library announcement.

COLLEGE BRIEF: Indigenous Scholar Guest Speaker

WELLAND – Join us at Niagara College Welland campus  on November 6 from 1pm to 3pm for Living Library #10, featuring Dr. Kahente Horn-Miller, Associate VP of Indigenous Teaching, Learning & Research at Carleton University.

Dr. Horn-Miller will present “We are Her and She is Us – Sky Woman’s Story,” sharing a modern retelling of the Haudenosaunee creation story that deepens our understanding of Indigenous perspectives.

In-person: Welland Campus, room AH 255

Virtual: Attend via Zoom!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a powerful Indigenous scholar! Register here

Attribution: Niagara College International release

Autumn Palette

From our Sunday morning walk. Recognize the venue?/ Joe Barkovich photo

CITY BRIEF: Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Ceremony

WELLAND – The Welland Professional Fire Fighters Association is conducting a special Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial ceremony.

This service will rededicate and showcase the new memorial gardens, featuring a monument, recognition stones, and beautifully matched benches, located in front of the Welland Fire and Emergency Services headquarters. These elements are set on concrete generously donated by Rankin Construction and surrounded by a natural landscape designed by the City’s Parks and Forestry staff.

This ceremony marks the first memorial service in several years, with the unfortunate task of adding new names to those being remembered. The event will honour firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, along with those who have passed away.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, at Fire Station 1 Headquarters, 400 East Main Street, Welland. Those being honoured include:

Recognized line of duty deaths:

• Platoon Chief Lawrence Domitrek (2020)
• Captain Craig Bowman (2023)

As well as:

• Captain Dan Martin (2019)
• Firefighter Domenic Grimaldi (2020)
• Firefighter Bob Beres (2020)
• Training Officer Al Galpin (2020)
• Fire Prevention Officer John Bouchard (2021)
• Captain Leslie Kukoly (2022)
• Captain Ronold Roy (2022)

Attribution: City of Welland media release

River View

Love the views along the river when out walking on Merritt Island. Hoping to see some spectacular colours in days ahead. /Joe Barkovich photo.

MUSEUM EVENTS: Three To Attend Before Month End

WELLAND – Welland Museum has three exciting upcoming events:

Saturday, October 19 at 2 pm join us for Insights Into Our Past as we discuss the Murals of Welland. The discussion will be a walking tour if the weather cooperates.

Tuesday, October 22 at 6 pm we are hosting a unique paint night. Participants will see a rare artifact and create their own still life painting of it. All supplies will be provided. The cost is $15, registration is required for this event. Register at Paint Night.

 Saturday, October 26 children ages 6-12 can participate in Halloween crafts from 2 pm – 3 pm. Cost is $5 per child, registration is required for this event. Register at Children’s Hallowe’en Event.

Attribution: Welland Museum announcement

Sign Language

Port Colborne Lions Club annual food drive is Saturday, October 19. This event is so crucial to help those in need in our wonderful Port Colborne community. If you can lend a helping hand by donating or coming to volunteer then please show up to Christian Life Assembly Church for 8:30 a.m. High school students can receive community service hours for participation. Any help is appreciated. Please have your donation on your doorstep in a VISIBLE place for 9 am. To volunteer or if you have any questions then contact Lion Laura at 289-407-0106 /Sign Language is a recurring feature on the blog. Joe Barkovich photo.