Summer is over… busyness returns …
Summer is over and busyness returns … the hiatus from group activities, special events, travel and vacations draws to a close and the days fill with more “Things to Do’ in and around our City and Parks …
Monday September 3rd … celebrate the final day of summer with the young ones and teens as schools re-open, new adventures await them and us
Tuesday September 4th … 3:30 PM, the Mayor‘s Graffiti Group meets at City Hall after its summer pause. The WCNA is actively represented on this group.
Wednesday September 5th … 9:15 AM … Brock University’s ‘Community Learning’ leaders meet with WCNA Directors to plan for “Conversation Cafes” in our area …. November 5th at Ina Grafton Gage Village and November 19th at the Grantham Lion’s Club.
2:00 PM ... “Scenic St. Catharines” Executive meets to consider direction for the coming year. This volunteer group of dedicated folks seeks to improve, enhance and give direction to making our City an attractive community in which to live, play and work. The WCNA works closely with this group.
7:00 PM … The WCNA Directors meet at the Grantham Lion’s Club to plot the coming months
Thursday, September 6th… 10:00 AM … This first seasonal guided ‘Walk in the Parks” happens in Walker’s Creek South … meeting at the Linwell Road entrance and enjoying the uniqueness of this Park, with commentary and explanations by a WCNA Director who is very familiar with the Parks. Each subsequent Thursday in September, “Walks” in the Parks happen, weather permitting, with the schedule available in the new “Leisure Guide” on page 77.
7:00 PM, a Guided “Spirit Walk” in Victoria Lawn Cemetery presented by the St. Catharines War of 1812 Bicentennial Steering Committee and the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canal Centre … reservations are required … 905-984-8880 … an $8 fee is being charged.
Saturday September 8th … 11:00 AM … The unveiling of the Hostetter Commemorative Plaque, being installed by the City’s Heritage Committee at the west end of Jarrow Street, will recognize an early Settler Family and its contribution to the early development and life in what is now our City. “Bringing the past into the present!”
5:00 PM and 7:00 PM … repeats of the “Guided Spirit Walk” in Victoria lawn Cemetery.
7:00 PM … Dusk … the annual “Star Gazing Night” hosted by the WCNA in Cindy Drive Park and provided by the Niagara Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society, providing a grand night of sky gazing with telescopes and leadership provided by these knowledgeable amateur astronomers.
And that’s just the first week of September …
>>> The WCNA is currently working closely with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) in the development of a booklet, entitled “Landowner Stewardship Guide”, dealing exclusively with the Walker’s Creek water shed. This booklet, planned for distribution in the New Year deals with information and educational advice on water quality and land issues along the Creek’s course. Expert advice and suggestions by NPCA staff, with pertinent local direction by the WCNA, this very professional booklet with enhance our use and understanding of the beauty of the nature we enjoy in the Walker’s Creek Parks and areas while promoting our neighbourhoods.
>>> The WCNA continues to cooperate and work closely with the City’s Recreation and Community Services Department in developing programs, encouraging interaction with other Community Groups and seeking solutions to concerns and issues that arise within the Parks. Last autumn 80 new trees were planted in the WCNA Parks by the City as we encourage the placement of native species in locations where they can grow to their full maturity.
>>> With the acute awareness of people with mobility and handicapped issues, the WCNA is working with members of the City’s Accessibility Committee to improve the Parks’ pathways and facilities , seeking to make the Parks accessible to all. This is a multi-year project, presently in the survey, recommendations and priority setting stage.
>>> The WCNA is about to consider the development, in association with the Ina Grafton Gage Village leadership, of a shady restful area close to the Ina Grafton Gage Village entrance to the Parks, encouraging further use of the Parks by the many nearby residents. Similarly the WCNA continues to urge the City to consider the necessary budget to provide for a functional pathway from Grantham Street to Niagara than can ease access to the new Pool and Library for residents of the Kenworth Apartments and nearby homeowners, students attending Laura Secord Secondary school and enjoyment of the wonderful Arboretum which the City’s Green Committee is reviewing with possible enhancement plans.
>>> The WCNA Directors meet regularly with our Ward Councillors, giving them an opportunity to share plans the City may have for our area and allowing the WCNA to bring members’ concerns to their attention. This cooperation has and is proving most beneficial to all. Membership in the WCNA gives you an extra voice in happenings in your neighbourhood and we welcome new members all year long. Membership information can be found elsewhere on this website.
