2013 Montebello Park Summer Band Concert Series

Montebello Park Summer Band Concert Series

Head to Montebello Park Sunday and Tuesday nights for great live, local music. Admission is free.

Montebello Park is at 64 Ontario St, St Catharines, which is  the main park in Downtown St. Catharines. The park is located along Ontario Street at the south end of Lake Street.

Make sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating, and remember to bring your dancing shoes so you can dance in the pavillion.

Performances start at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Summer Band Concert Series Line Up

June 30 - Walter Ostanek Bank (Polka/Variety)

July 2 - Marty Allen Band (Country/Rockabilly)

July 7 - Lincoln & Welland Ambassadors Swing Band (Big Band)

July 9 - Kindred (Celtic)

July 14 - Solid Brass (Big Band)

July 16 - The Juliet Dunn Quintet (Jazz)

July 21 - Winston James (Country/Pop)

July 23 - Vinyl Flux (Classic Rock)

July 28 - Niagara Old Tyme Fiddlers (Traditional Fiddle)

July 30 - Jermaine Cowan (Reggae/Soul/Pop)

August 6 - Vox Violins (Folk/Blues)

August 11 - Solstice (Latin/Carribean)

August 13 - Dragon Ritual Drummers (World/Afro Beat)

August 17 - The British Invasion (60s British Pop/Rock)

August 18 - Sandy Vine Trio (Top 40 Hits)

August 20 - Wendy Lynn Snider (Country)

August 25 - The Rock 'N' Ray Michaels Retro Rockers (50s-70s)

August 27 - Lambs Become Lions (Indie Pop/Rock)

The City of St. Catharines has a webpage as well for this series at http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/experiencein/ConcertsinMontebelloPark.asp

Free Concerts at Montebello Park in St. Catharines - 10 July 2012

Here is the Calendar of Band Concerts in Montebello Park for 2012 -

This summer visit the Walter Ostanek Pavilion at Montebello Park. Free concerts every Sunday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 2012. Montebello Park is the main park in the Downtown St. Catharines. The park is located along Ontario Street at the south end of Lake Street.

Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, etc..

2012 Concert Schedule

July 3 - Marty Allen Band (honky-tonk, rockabilly)

July 8 - Lincoln and Welland Ambassadors (swing band)

July 10 - Lincoln Concert Band (concert band)

July 15 - Walter Ostanek (polka)

July 17 - Vox Violins (accoustic/ambient/folk)

July 22 - Winston James (50s, 60s Rock 'n' Roll)

July 24 - The Cruisers (50s, 60s do-wop)

July 29 - Sandy Vine Trio (party band)

July 31 - British Invasion (60s music)

Aug. 7 - Frankie Phelan Five (jazz)

Aug. 12 - MacPherson Rant (celtic, blues and pop)

Aug. 14 - Kindred (a cappella to swing)

Aug. 19 - The Retro Rockers (pop, rock and R & B hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s)

Aug. 21 - Solstice (Latin)

Aug. 26 - Solid Brass (big band, 40s)

Aug. 28 - Old Thyme Fiddlers (traditional, old time fiddle)

City seeks public input on $50-million spectator facility

Redbuds at St. Catharines Central Library

I was walking by the St. Catharines Central Library today when I saw the annual display of the redbuds in front of the entrance.  As readers of this blog know, I find the redbud's display in Spring to be a constant joy and a sign that lilacs will soon be in bloom.

The Eastern Redbuds at the library are not large but their planting is well placed to delight the library patrons when they are near the library's entrance.The library's architecture is Brutalist but once inside, it is welcoming.

Below is a short video of the redbuds blooming in front of the St. Catharines Main Library and views of the immediate environs. The blooms are beautiful this year. The images below were captured 24 April 2012.

The Library is an under appreciated institution and I suggest that residents of St. Catharines visit and use the excellent service that the library and the helpful library staff provide.

Cedric's Barber Shop

I needed to be shorn this past week.  So I chose a local professional barber, Cedric.

Cedric is the owner of "The Head Shop", which is located at Welland St., which is near the intersection of Welland St., and the QEW in St. Catharines.

I phoned Cedric at 905-988-9772 and made an appointment for 1 p.m..  As Cedric's shop is less that 1 km from my home, I had planned on walking or bicycling over but I had some other errands to run beforehand and I was pressed for time so I took the car and arrived 5 minutes early as there was plenty of available street parking.

Cedric's shop is clean and tidy with a few barber chairs and a bench for those waiting their turn in the chair. As I had made an appointment, I was in Cedric's chair at 1:00 and my shearing and our conversation began.

We had an interesting conversation about shaving and razors and related paraphernalia as well as the importance to all of us in the region and on both sides of "the river" to buy and use local goods and services whenever possible.

Cedric's 1950's Marvy Barber Pole Sign

While in the chair a family entered with their son. They waited on the bench until I was finished and then the very well behaved young fellow took his turn in the chair.

I was delighted with both the conversation and the professional haircut. Clearly Cedric knows what he is doing and I encourage my readers to give him a try. I think that you'll be pleased - I was.

The Head Shop has relocated to:
20 Hartzel Rd.

Unit 10
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 1M3, Canada
+1 905-988-9772

 theheadshop.blogspot.com

Open House at Linda Crago's Tree and Twig - 4 December 2011

It started out cloudy and raining when I left St. Catharines to visit Linda's Open House at her Tree and Twig Farm. I entered the hoop house where the people were gathered and where the temperature was warmer than outdoors.

Then the sky cleared and the sun shone. Outside the temperature quickly rose to 13C (55F) and the hoop house became a summer like 23+C.

There were home made jams, pies and art pieces made by Linda, friends and neighbours. I put a dent in the inventory and I have to tell you, the blueberry pie is fabulous.

Linda took visitors on a tour of part of her farm and explained winter growing in her hoop houses. Joey the pig was in good humour but it is obvious that he doesn't like dieting - at all.

All in all, a good time was had by all. I encourage every one of our readers to get to know the people who grow your food and support them.

Community is not just a word, it is a lifestyle. If you live in the Niagara Region, participate in the community, your life will be much richer for it.

Linda, thanks for the inviting us, see you in February for the seed sale.

Late Fall at the St. Catharines Farmers Market - 3 December 2011

It is a beautiful fall day here in the Niagara Peninsula. So this morning I decided to head out to the Farmers Market and just walk across the street the St. Catharines Library main branch.

There were Carollers

The market was very busy and people other than food stuffs, the shoppers were gathering Christmas season related items.

 The colours of the plants were very festive

 

People should get out to their Farmers Markets and take in the ambience. Reality sure beats "Reality TV".

Food Day at Niagara College's International Education Week - 14 November 2011

It all started with a tweet by @AwesomeRedhead: "International Buffet today at Niagara College's Niagara on the Lake Campus. If you're around come check it out! Starts at 11:30".

So off we went at 12:30 to the Niagara on the Lake campus of Niagara College. The event was part of the series of events taking place Nov. 14-18, 2011 and is part of Niagara College's Bachelor of Business Hospitality (BABH) program. The college will be hosting a series of events at its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses all week long, celebrating the unique cultures and traditions that international students bring to the college’s educational experience. Here is a link for more information.

We arrived and followed the young crowd to what we found to be, and this explains the large number going there, free food. It turned out to be very tasty free food. The student participants acquitted their duties well with confidence and charm.

We thank the students and staff for putting on such a pleasant event. I gather that it was a success and I encourage the Niagara community to support the efforts of the students. 

Please forgive the poor sound quality of the video below. The acoustics were very challenging with the large number of people in such an acoustically lively room.

Annual Bazaar at Centre Immaculée-Conception - Saturday, Nov 5th

The Catholic Women's League of the Paroisse Immaculée-Conception had their annual bazaar on Saturday. We stopped by and purchased a few tickets for the draws.

Annual Bazaar  -  Here is a map to the bazaar.

Saturday, November 5^th

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centre Immaculée-Conception

99-101 Garnet Street, St. Catharines

There was a penny sale, raffles, baked goods, light lunch, Christmas decorations and much more.

 

Food and Harvest Festivals and Celebrations - 1 October 2011

First, the Niagara Food Festival -

Unfortunately, it was a cold, damp and windy Saturday morning that I chose to visit Welland's Niagara Food Festival. The normally crowded festival, which is a seasonal highlight in the Niagara Region, was barren of visitors, although I was told that it was much better in the afternoon and on Sunday.
I have to say though, the hot ginger carrot soup at 7:22 of the  video was exactly what I needed.

Second, Apple Fest  at 300 Scott St., St. Catharines -

This indoor event was clearly organized by a group that must have been affiliated with the school in which it was held. There was a strong community feel to the event but I have to say that I get tired of these events where most of the booths are trying to sell you something rather than be party favours for the event. The folks at the event seemed to be having a good time. 

Third, Start Me Up Niagara's Harvest Festival, St. Catharines -

It was still cold, damp and windy on Saturday afternoon when I chose to visit Start Me Up Niagara's Harvest Festival in St. Catharine's Centennial Gardens - which by the way is adjacent to part of the first Welland Canal.
This gathering of very community oriented and well meaning people was to mark the harvest. Start Me Up Niagara has helped members of the community with many life skills and this was to celebrate their community garden and gardeners.
This is an organization that is helping folks in Niagara and we should be supporting them any way we can. For more info go to www.startmeupniagara.ca . Here are more photos of the event.

Fourth, a peek of Oktoberfest at the Royal Legion Branch in Niagara on the Lake, St. Catharines -

Oktoberfest at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Niagara on the Lake was my fourth and last stop of the day. The sun had come out and people were talking, laughing and eating.
I had just missed the local German Dance Troupe's performance but I was told that it was "marvellous".
I very much enjoy these types of gatherings where people take tie to reconnect and chat with old friends and make new ones. I kept this video short so as not to intrude in the close surroundings.

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A visit to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George in St. Catharines - 20 September 2011

I had just finished visiting with the ladies at the Church's Parish Hall when I was invited to see the Church itself. The Right Reverend Archpriest Pawlo Berezniak was very welcoming and permitted me to record some of the aspects of the interior of this beautiful church. Importantly, the viewer should know that the church welcomes guests to services.

Clearly this is a congregation that cares greatly for their religion and this church. It was beautifully appointed and spotless and obvious to me that the people of this parish care deeply for their religious traditions.

I will let the video and photographs of this church speak for themselves.

We thank the Right Reverend Archpriest Pawlo Berezniak and the members of the congregation for permitting us to share their church with us and with you, our readers.

 

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George

65 Facer Street, St. Catharines, Ontario  L2M5R2
Tel. 905-397-8340

Google Map

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A visit to Baba's Supper and Kitchen - 16 and 20 September 2011

 

Every Tuesday morning the ladies (all volunteers), most in their 60's, 70"s and 80"s, come to the kitchen / dining facility (the Hall) at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George Parish Hall in St. Catharines to make "varenyky" (Perogy).

Here is a video of the ladies of the Parish making varenyky

 

Younger women who no longer work also come to help. There are two cooks and their helpers, who also make cabbage rolls, meat sticks and borscht (a wonderful beat & cabbage soup). All these tasty dishes are available to buy directly from the Church Hall at 4 Augusta Ave. (off Facer street) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30am to 12:00pm. The selection includes potatoes / cheddar cheese or potato / sauerkraut perogies, cabbage rolls with or without meat, borscht and meat-on-a-stick. Special bulk orders can be pre-ordered by phoning the cook (Mary) at 905-980-0881or the parish hall at 905-397-8340.

How many varenyky have these hands made?

 

They also host a "Baba's Supper" (Baba means Grandma in Ukrainian) on the third Friday of every month. The menu alternates between an all-you-can-eat perogy supper and a full "Ukrainian Supper" of borscht, a cabbage roll, some perogies and sausage. All this work is done to raise money for the church but it is also a chance to give back to the community - and of course it's a lot of fun and very delicious too.
 

Here is a video of the over-flowing Parish Hall for the Baba's Supper - 16 September 2011



 

 

 

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George Parish Hall was given a special honor last June during Access Awareness Week, when they were awarded the "Breaking the Barriers Award" by the Ontario March of Dimes as well as the NAAAW 2011 "Breaking the Barriers Award - Employment" from Jim Bradley. They were given these awards because of the good work they have done including hiring a young man through the March of Dimes, who had suffered a brain injury.

The lovely ladies of the Ukrainian community were kind enough to show me how it's all done. I enjoyed it very much and I recommend that you come by for a visit and try the food - you will be glad you did!

 

Parish Hall of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. George

4 Augusta St., St. Catharines, Ontario

Tel. 905-397-8340      

Google Map

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A visit to the Welland Farmers' Market - 10 September 2011

Here are a few vignettes and photos taken at the Welland, Ontario Farmers' Market . The official location is Welland Market Square, 50 Market Square, Welland, Ontario.

The shoppers are a varied bunch. I heard several languages being spoken: English, French, Polish, Russian, Italian and Portuguese. It was wonderful to hear everyone talk and rejoice at the bounty of the season.

The produce was beautiful and soooo fresh.  I was glad to see some heirloom vegetables and free range meat for sale there as well. I wish that there were more vendors of heirloom veggies. The taste is heirloom vegetables is so superior to the modernized hybrids so as to be a different vegetable.

The market reminded me of the justifiably renowned Atwater Market in Montreal and that is a good thing. This is very much a community market - I advise that you be there by noon on Saturdays as the place is usually vacated by 2:00 p.m.

Here is the video of the Welland Farmers' Market

People waiting in line for baked goods

  This is a very popular market - lots of folks purchasing food

 

 

 

  Have a fresh apple fritter and a tea in the Tea Room

  The Welland Farmers Market is a strong contender for the best Farmers Market in the Niagara Region.

 

Welland Farmers' Market

Market Square, Welland, Ontario

http://www.welland.ca/market/

Google Map

 
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The Annual Tomato Fest at Tree and Twig in Wellandport - 4 September 2011

Linda Crago held her annual Tomato Bash at her Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm in Wellandport, Ontario on Saturday. The weather was threatening but the rain held off and the breeze was a respite from the warm humidity of the day. A good number of people turned out to the function to enjoy the food, the tour, good conversation and to purchase Tree and Twig harvested and saved seeds.

For those readers who don't know about Linda Crago; she is a local hero. While many of us talk about wanting to grow heirloom vegetables - Linda walks the walk. Tree and Twig is a testament to Linda's remarkably clear vision and the gumption to bring that vision to fruition - annually.

Here is Part 1 of the video - the Tomato Fest

Here is Part 2 of the video - The Garden Tour

Our hostess, Linda Crago, in her normal surroundings!

 

  The sampling table was busy

  The musician, Paul Federici's performance was enjoyed by all.

  Friends came to demonstrate dishes:

Nicole and Jason Sawatsky of Mahtay Cafe

  Scott Hunter of Commisso's Fresh Foods

  Kevin Maniaci from Inn on the Twenty

  Shawn Murphy of The Keefer Inn

  Marlie Centawer

 

  and Linda waving goodbye

 

Thank you Linda, for everything.

Tree & Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm
84039 Road 45, Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0
Tel  905-386-7388      
www.TreeandTwig.ca

Google Map

 

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A visit to the St. Catharines Farmers' Market - 20 August 2011

It was another sunny and warm Saturday morning so we decided that today would be a great day to visit the Farmers' Market in St. Catharines.

 

A hive of activity

 

Real fresh food

 

More real fresh food

 

It is important that we remember that when we make purchases from local folks that we are helping people in our own communities. The more we can do to keep the velocity of money high in our own communities the better. Think of it as investing in your food supply - which you are.

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking you to spend your money frivolously, just spend it locally on your needs. Preferably on goods grown or made here - not just sold here. The closer to 100% local content, the much more vibrant this community will be.

 

Mavis from Beamers

 

Alexa From Home Town Ice Cream

 

Vanessa from Vanessa's Cupcakery

 

Wouldn't you rather be investing in your neighbours and community than Chile, China or Mexico? I would and I do.

This is a great place to visit and we encourage you to visit and to buy locally. Keep cash moving locally - it benefits everyone.

The St. Catharines Farmers' Market
91 King St. at James St., St. Catharines, Ontario
Google Map

 
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A visit to St. Catharines BuskerFest 2011 - 13 August 2011

Today I visited the first BuskerFest in Downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. It was a beautiful day and the downtown was a busy place with buskers, vendors and the public.

Below is a video of some of the action and a few photos for those that don't watch videos.

Video

It is nice to see the people milling about.

It certainly is nice to see some colour in the urban environment.

The usual Living Statues were present

and the crowds were out

the Wire, Juggler etc .. all in one act

Here is a map to the nerve centre of the activities Google Map.
 

While I was very happy to see the public out and about and our local businesses doing some trade, I wasn't at all happy with the vendor situation. I realize that the organizers sell space to vendors but the crap that most sell and the money that the vendors TAKE OUT of the community are a problem.

Don't get me wrong, the vendors do what they do, it is the organizers that I have a bone to pick with. It strikes me that the organizers, Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects, a not for profit corporation, have stepped way beyond their stated corporate mandate - "Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects enriches our community by strengthening its identity through theatrical production, theatre arts programming and community-based initiatives. Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects connects the community in its entirety. We do this by offering:
Affordable live theatre of challenging artistic merit
Workshops and theatrical opportunities for the citizens of St. Catharines and Niagara Region
Educational programming and professional development initiatives"

I don't see a lot of enriching with the vendor situation, I see money being removed from the community - I may be wrong, it could be that the vendors are all from the Niagara Region but I don't think so.

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