CITY BRIEF: Community Grant Program Designed To Strengthen Local Organizations, Enhance Well-Being

Leave a reply

WELLAND – The City of Welland’s updated Community Grant Program is an initiative that provides financial assistance to groups and individuals dedicated to offering services and programs that enrich the lives of Welland residents. The application intake period will run from September 13 to October 15.

From cultural and recreational activities to educational and social services, the Community Grant Program supports a broad range of local initiatives aimed at strengthening the community. By offering financial assistance, the City empowers organizations and individuals to carry out projects aligning with the goals of enhancing community well-being, fostering inclusivity, and promoting civic engagement.

“Our Community Grant Program is a testament to supporting those who contribute to the vibrancy, resilience, and health of our city,” said Jessica Ruddell, director of community services. “The program can support a diverse range of new and exciting arts and culture, event, and social service initiatives to make a lasting impact.”

To provide potential applicants with an overview of the updated program, application process, and tips for submitting a successful proposal, the City is hosting an information session on Wednesday, September 18, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations, charitable entities, and individuals or groups providing services or activities within Welland. This updated program has the potential to support projects that enhance the Welland community, including arts and culture programs and initiatives, festivals and events, and social services supports.

The City of Welland encourages all eligible groups and individuals to apply for the Community Grant and see this as an opportunity to make a positive impact in the city.

Information about the Community Grant Program, including detailed guidelines, key dates, and application deadlines is available at https://www.engagewelland.ca/community-grant-program.

Attribution: City of Welland media release

CITY BRIEF: Council Meetings To Be Virtual During Temporary Council Chamber Closure

Leave a reply

WELLAND – The City of Welland announced the temporary closure of the Civic Square council chamber for maintenance and upgrades. The Council meetings scheduled for September 3, 10, and 17, as well as October 1, will be held virtually.

Public participation will continue during this period, and community members are encouraged to actively participate in these virtual meetings. This emphasizes the City’s commitment to accessibility and engagement and highlights the importance of public input in the democratic process.

To view the meetings, the public is encouraged to visit the City’s website at www.welland.ca/Council, where agendas, livestreams, and recordings of previous meetings are readily available. For those directly participating in a meeting, all arrangements will be handled by through the City Clerk, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.

The temporary closure will allow for the completion of technology upgrades and improvements to the chamber’s acoustics, supporting individuals with hearing impairments. These changes, along with new carpeting designed to enhance the space’s acoustics, reflect the City’s ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive, accessible, and professional meeting environment for all.

The council chamber is expected to reopen for the October 22 general committee meeting.

Attribution: City of Welland media release

Community Booster, Fundraiser, Crooner Lou Pelino Was “First-Class In Every Respect”

Leave a reply

Service Wednesday morning at his long-time Welland parish St. Kevin

By WAYNE REDSHAW

Lou Pelino

The Welland sports community has lost another charter member with the passing of Louis “Lou” Pelino, August 21. He was 92.

Over the years Lou wore many hats on the Welland sports front as an athlete, coach, manager, umpire, referee, avid sponsor of many sports teams and served on executive committees for many organizations.

As a youngster, I remember going to watch him play hockey first for the Crowland Bisons in the late 1940s and then the Welland Combines in the 1950s. Then when I started covering sports for The Tribune in 1962, I met Lou as an executive member the Welland Merchants, which in 1963 became Welland’s first and only provincial OHA Intermediate “A” champions.

Lou was also a successful businessman and he was a partner in Pelino, Mataya & Molnar Collision Shop for many years. It was through the business that Lou became an avid sponsor of many teams in Welland helping minor hockey, minor baseball and minor soccer teams. He also sponsored a team for years in the Greater Welland Fastball League.

Lou was a tireless volunteer and fundraiser. He was a founding member of the Welland Athletic and Benevolent Society which held  an annual elimination draw and dinner. It ran for 47 years and was held the last Wednesday in November at the Croatian National Home. It was so popular it was always a sold-out event. Over the years it raised over $300,000, not only for sports organizations in the city but for community groups and individuals with special needs.

He was the backbone of the Welland Athletic and Benevolent Society  and was an individual who hated to say “no” to any organization or individual. He was first-class in every respect.

He also loved singing. In fact, Lou was best-known for his singing and at the annual dinner it was a tradition. Lou always sang a song or three or four. He sang at many other venues as well.

After the fundraiser ended in 2018, Lou still remained active. He teamed up with fellow St. Kevin parishioner Bryce Musgrave and every Thursday they visited Welland Hospital Extended Care Unit and also Rapelje Lodge and sang to residents.

  Lou was also very proud of his two sons, Dr. Joe and Michael and their accomplishments. Michael became a hockey coach, coaching at the university, junior “A”, NHL and KHL (Russian pro league) levels. If you asked how the boys were doing. Lou always had time to talk about his sons, he could go on and on.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, August 28 at 11 a.m. in Lou’s long-time parish, St. Kevin, 303 Niagara St. 

To his wife Fina, sons Michael and Dr. Joe and their families, I express sincere condolences. Lou left his mark on Welland in many ways. On the sports front there will be a void with his passing.

(Wayne Redshaw has written and covered both amateur and professional sports in the Niagara area spanning six decades. He can be reached at wredshaw@icloud.com).

Welland Zombie Walk Unearthing September 21

Leave a reply

Not Just A ‘Fun And Freaky Event’ But For A ‘Good Cause, Helping Out Our Neighbours’: Takeo

By James Takeo

/Supplied graphic

The 13th annual Welland Zombie Walk (WZW) is happening on Saturday, September 21 at 6 pm. This family-friendly event is open to all ages, and we will be encouraging donations of non-perishable food items for The Hope Centre and pet food items for Pets Alive Niagara. Remember, everyone, this isn’t just a fun and freaky event, but all for a good cause: helping out our neighbours!

Everyone participating is asked to dress in their best zombie costume and meet in Downtown Welland. This is a family-friendly event and people of all ages are encouraged to participate or just come out to watch!

Meet at the Welland Farmers Market at 6pm. The WZW starts after 7, making our way through downtown, and returning to the starting point. We will then be selecting some of the best zombie costumes, and awarding prizes for the best ones, with help from the audience. Prizes generously donated by many local businesses and individuals, in a number of categories.

Our route this year will take us from the Welland Farmers Market to Division Street, crossing at and going up Cross Street, turning onto East Main Street, across Bridge 13, looping back around on to Division Street bridge, following Division Street and retuning to the Welland Farmers Market. After the walk, head over to the Welland Farmers Market, where our DJ will be spinning electrifying dance music as the market will transform into a zombie dance floor, so bring your best moves and let’s keep the party going indoors! Whether you’re a shuffling zombie or a breakdancing ghoul, this is where the real action happens! Come for the walk, stay for the party! 

Let’s make this WZW a fun one for everyone like we all do together every year! Let’s show Welland we care, so please share, and be there!

(James Takeo is one of the organizers for the annual Welland Zombie Walk)