March 3, 2006 12:37 - Welcome to My Blog
This is my first entry. I look forward to filling this blog with lots of great info.
March 4, 2006 14:48 - Canada tightens borders to try and stop avian flu.
European visitors, especially from France, can expect to face pointed questions and sniffing airport dogs as Canada strives to keep the highly lethal H5N1 bird flu strain from entering the country."We've asked the customs agency to have a higher awareness of anyone coming from any countries in Europe not just the ones with isolations that have been identified" - Dr Jim Clark of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Feb 28, 2006.
The greatest potential for spreading the disease to Canada is now believed to come from international travel not the flyways of migratory birds, according to animal health experts.
Travellers from France are the latest to join a long list from countries exposed to the H5N1 virus who are being closely questioned by Canadian authorities about any visits to European farms; they can also expect to be questioned about hunting, birding and whether they are importing feathers or other bird products.
These exerpts are from an article by Rita Daly in the Toronto Star-March 1. 2006.
March 8, 2006 20:48 - Laura Secord - Canada's Paul Revere
The Canadian 'Paul Revere' did not ride through the countryside alerting the citizens that 'the British were coming, the British were coming'. Laura Secord, the best-known Canadian Heroine of the War of 1812, had an even harder task ahead of her. Laura overheard American officers billeted at her home, planning an attack on British, Canadian and Native forces. She had to forewarn them.
Laura Ingersoll Secord began a torturous hike through wild, unsettled terrain, stifling heat and enemy occupied territory. Her objective: To warn the British forces that 'the Americans are coming, the Americans are coming.'.
There were many dangers along the way. Wolves, wildcats and rattlesnake were common throughout the peninsula at this time. And unfriendly Native forces as well. It's a stirring tale.
March 18, 2006 16:09 - Niagara March Events - March 13 to March 19, 2006
Niagara Events - March 13- 19,
2006
The Niagara Events Blog will keep you up
to date with what is going this week in the
Niagara area. Find out more details by
following the Details links back to
Visiting-Niagara-Falls.com
March 1 - March 30, 2006
Art Exhibition by Frank Spadafora
Exhibition open during library
hours/
Niagara Falls Public
Library,
Rosberg Gallery, 4848
Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ont
Phone: 905 356-8080 Email
Website
March 1 - March 20
Poison Dart Frog Exhibit
A fascinating new Exhibit will be
featured at the Niagara Parks Butterfly
Conservatory this winter. Come out and jump
into the wild world of Poison Dart Frogs.
9 am ~ 5 pm, Location: Butterfly
Conservatory
March 6th ~ 20th, 2006
"Bookbinding Materials and
Techniques 1700-1920"
Enjoy the travelling display courtesy of
the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists
Guild.
12:30 -4:00 pm -The School of
Restoration Arts at Willowbank,
Queenston.
March 12th - 16th, 2006
Sheraton Fallsview Kids
Extravaganza
Sheraton Fallsview Hotel &
Conference Centre
6755 Fallsview Blvd.,
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2G 3W7
(905) 374-1077 or
Toll-Free: (800) 618-9059 ; Fax (905)
374-6224
March 13 - March 17
March Break Programming
Jump start this March Break with a
"Toadally" different experience.
Children will leap into the world of
Ontario's native frogs and toads that live
right in our own backyard. Kid's will learn
why these amazing amphibians are called
"environmental indicators" and
will see how their simple actions can
affect the world of frogs and toads.
1 pm - 3 pm; Location: Butterfly
Conservatory Classroom
Saturday, March 18, 2006
SHAYE WITH MEMBERS OF THE NIAGARA
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
One of the most talked about
performances from last year is back, only
7:30 PM ; Sean O'Sullivan Theatre,
Brock University, St Catharines
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Brock University Film Society presents
BREAKFAST ON PLUTO
(IRELAND/UK,2005)
The Film Studies Program, in the
Department of Communications, Popular
Culture and film, is the oldest academic
film program in Canada. For 35 years we
have been bringing unique and critically
acclaimed Canadian and international films
to the Niagara region.
7:00pm in the David S. Howes Theatre,
Brock University, St Catharines.
March 19, 2006 19:02 - Butterfly Conservatory - Adopt a Pond makes sense
Butterfly Conservatory -March Break Delight
This week, during March Break, I took my son, 2 of his cousins and 2 family friends to the special March Break workshop on Frogs and Toads. The ticket also incuded admission to the Butterfly Conservatory. I wish all my supervision tasks were this informative and fun.
We learnt all about the frogs and toads that live in our own neighbourhood from the American Toad to the disappearing Leapord Frog.
The kids (me too) found out why these amazing amphibians are called environmental indicators. As our wetlands disappear so does their natural enviroment.
We learnt how to recognize the sound the various frogs and toads made and how many were croaking (roughly) at a time.
The different calls and other recognition information is available on a special CD from Frog Watch Ontario. After listening to the CD my group of kids are all excited and confident that we can help save our environment.
Its easy. Its interesting. And you CAN help.
For more information: Adopt A Pond
or Call 416 392-5999
March 20, 2006 14:52 - Niagara March Events - March 20 - 26, 2006
Niagara Events - March 20 - 26, 2006
The Niagara Events Blog will keep you up to date with what is going this week in the Niagara area. Find out more details by following the Details links back to Visiting-Niagara-Falls.com
March 1 - March 30, 2006
Art Exhibition by Frank Spadafora
Exhibition open during library hours/
Niagara Falls Public Library,
Rosberg Gallery, 4848 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ont
Phone: 905 356-8080 Email Website
March 1 - March 20
Poison Dart Frog Exhibit
A fascinating new Exhibit will be featured at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory this winter. Come out and jump into the wild world of Poison Dart Frogs.
9 am ~ 5 pm, Location: Butterfly Conservatory
March 6th ~ 20th, 2006
"Bookbinding Materials and Techniques 1700-1920"
Enjoy the travelling display courtesy of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild.
12:30 -4:00 pm -The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank, Queenston.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Centre for the Arts presents
DAVID WILCOX
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Friday, March 24, 2006 7:30 PM
David Wilcox is a brilliant entertainer, a virtuoso guitar player, a natural performer and a soulful singer/songwriter. The impact that he has had on Canadian music is endless.
DETAILS
Sat., March 25, 2006
Make a Spring Bouquet Workshop at Willowbank
Marsha Howe Flowers, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Floral designer, Marsha Howe will show you how to cut, arrange and display your spring flowers
All supplies included
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. $40.00
The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank,
14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston.
Phone: 905.262.1239 email: willowbankschool@bellnet.ca
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Brock University Film Society presents
A SIMPLE CURVE
David S Howes Theatre
Sunday, March 26, 2006 7:00 PM
The Film Studies Program, in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and film, is the oldest academic film program in Canada. For 35 years we have been bringing unique and critically acclaimed Canadian and international films to the Niagara region.
BUFS is a member of The Film Circuit, a project of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, a non-profit charity. All films are shown on Sunday, at 7:00pm in the David S. Howes Theatre, Brock University.
Tickets at the door: Members $6; Non-members $8. Students with valid Brock University or Niagara College ID $6
DETAILS
March 21, 2006 20:59 - First Niagara Falls nightly lighting a magical event - London Times 1860
Niagara Falls at night is special. The first time it was attempted was during the Royal visit of 1860 by the Prince of Wales.
200 colored and white calcium , volcanic and turpedo lights were placed above and below the banks of the American Falls. Along the road down the banks of the Canadian side of the forge and . . . behind the water of the Horseshoe Falls.
The lights were called Bengal Lights, the kind used by ships at sea to give warning or send a SOS signals. The burning lights along with rockets, spinning wheels and other fireworks were so imprssive that the London Times reported it as
"grand, magical, and brilliant beyond all power of words to portray the likes of which the Prince would 'probably never see again' " - London Times 1860
It's a facinating journey through time as developing technology and increasing demand have taken us from 200 Bengal lights to 21 Xenon lights. Each Xenon light has the effect of 25 million candles.
Get all the details at Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks
March 22, 2006 10:35 - Adrift above Niagara Falls -
Niagara Falls and the surrounding area has so much to offer during your visit. Even if you are on a budget. There is lots to do and see in Niagara that is free. There may be a parking cost occasionally but often that can be avoided as well. Usually you can park on the road and just walk to the attraction. Just make sure you write down the name of the street you parked on.
Old Scow
As a child, my favourite story to tell any visitor while showing them the Falls was the story of the Old Scow.
In 1918, a steel barge with three workers on board was being towed through the upper rapids leading to the Falls. The toe line broke and it was set adrift with the strong current carrying the barge towards the brink of Niagara Falls. Rest of story
March 23, 2006 11:48 - Welland Canal opens 177th season.
The first ship passing through the Welland Canal was an upbound tug and barge. The tug Sea Eagle II and the barge St. Mary's Cement II are operated by Fettes Shipping Inc. The unit loaded 16,000 tons of cargo at St. Mary's Cement Corp's plant in Bowmanville, Ontariio and is bound for Detroit, Michigan.
To transport what one of these vessels carries would require 25,000 additional trucks on Ontario's already crowded roads or 10,000 more rail cars. That is, without a doubt, a positive alternative, to our congested roads.
"The canal is the most environmentally sensitive and economical method of transporting goods and resources we have", said Mirek Gassowski, president of Fettes Shipping. "Yet governments change regulations and rules without properly consulting the industry", he said.
"By persuading the public of the canal's importance to Niagara's economic and environmental prosperity, government can also be persuaded", said Gassowski.
Read Angus Scott's article in the Welland Tribune
March 24, 2006 10:52 - Local golfers get a break!
It's Golf at a Discount.A new $5 resident’s card will give area golfers a discount at two of the Niagara Parks Commission golf courses.
As a resident, you can get 20 percent off selected green fees and regularly priced merchandise at Legends on the Niagara and Whirlpool golf courses.
“When we undertook our community consultations last year, residents told us they wanted the chance to play our facilities and they wanted to do so at more affordable prices,” said Jim Williams, parks commission chairman.
“Whirlpool has such a nice tradition and is a very mature and beautiful course and Legends is a world-class facility. This is definitely an opportunity to broaden our local golfing base.”
To purchase the card, an individual’s residence must be located within the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
Williams said the program, along with others like the parks’ season’s pass, show Niagara Parks facilities are “open and accessible to all residents in our neighbouring communities.
“If you go down to Florida or any golf-friendly tourist area, they usually offer resident discount fees,” he said.
“It will be a great way to give back to the community, while not taking away from the revenue from tourists.”
Read Ray Spiteri’s article in the Niagara Falls Review
For more information, visit Niagara Parks Golf
March 25, 2006 10:54 - Tax Refund for Visitors
Do you qualify for a Visitor's Tax Refund? With the high taxes applied in Canada wouldn't it be nice to get some money back?As a non-resident visitor, you can claim a refund for goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) you paid on eligible goods and short-term accommodation while visiting Canada.
However, to qualify for a tax refund, you have to meet a number of conditions.
Non-resident business - As a non-resident business, you can apply for a refund for your non-resident employees travelling on business anywhere in Canada. Get the details.
March 26, 2006 23:20 - Niagara Falls Events - March -April 2006
Niagara Events - March 27- April 2, 2006
The Niagara Events for March-April 06 is filled with many different choices all throughout NiagaraMarch 1 - March 30, 2006
Art Exhibition by Frank Spadafora
Exhibition open during library hours/
Niagara Falls Public Library,
Rosberg Gallery, 4848 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ont
Phone: 905 356-8080 Email Website
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Centre for the Arts presents
CHEKHOV LONGS...IN THE RAVINE BY THEATRE SMITH-GILMOUR
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 7:30 PM
Chekhov Longs...in the Ravine by Theatre Smith-Gilmour
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Following up on last season’s Chekhov Shorts, Theatre Smith-Gilmour returns to the Centre for the Arts with Chekhov Longs…in the Ravine, the second installment in its critically acclaimed Chekhov Cycle Productions.
“**** Theatre Smith-Gilbert works its magic a second time around!” (Globe & Mail)
Set in 1899 Russia, Chekhov Longs…in the Ravine is the dark story of the extended Tsybukin family - patriarch Gregory, his two sons and their three wives. The story is told through the company’s unique physical performance style and comic mastery
Read more...
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Centre for the Arts presents
MICHAEL KAESHAMMER
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:30 PM
Michael Kaeshammer
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Michael Kaeshammer is one of the most exciting jazz pianists in this country today. A charismatic performer, Michael’s combination of boogie-woogie, ragtime, jazz, be-bop and blues is completely infectious. His high-energy style and extraordinary ability have the music industry buzzing and audiences grooving!
Still in his mid-twenties, Michael Kaeshammer has a series of award winning, critically acclaimed recordings. In 1996 and still a teenager at the time, he released his auspicious debut recording, Blue Keys. Critics hailed his “prodigious technique and thunderous left hand bass lines on a repertoire of brilliantly reshaped traditional jazz and blues classics”.
Read more...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Centre for the Arts presents...
HAWKSLEY WORKMAN
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Friday, March 31, 2006 7:30 PM
Hawksley Workman
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
“An eccentric Canadian of enormous charisma…the swagger of Bowie, the dynamism of U2, the poetic intimacy of Tom Waits. Hawksley Workman’s quirky yet perfectly crafted songs are charged with emotional and philosophical content and driven home with anthemic sing-along choruses.” (The Daily Telegram)
Experience an evening of honest, organic and quirky songs by Hawksley Workman and accompanying pianist, Mr. Lonely. Showcasing mostly pieces from his latest release, Treeful of Starling, Hawksley gets back to his reflective acoustic roots.
Opening the show will be another original and eccentric performer, and one of Hawksley's favourites, John Southworth. According to the New York Press "Southworth can remind you of dozens of great pop artists from the past and sound not like anything you've heard before."
Read more...
Sat., April 1, 2006
Shantero Productions presents
RON JAMES - GONE WITH RON
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Saturday, April 1, 2006 8:00 PM
Shantero Productions presents
RON JAMES - GONE WITH RON
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Tickets On Sale Tuesday Dec. 6th!!
Ron James’ new show Gone With Ron is a rocket-fuelled rant on a world out of whack, from a man in collision with cosmic forces beyond his control ... a full-throttle hurtle to the Great Out There, with the audience riding shotgun! With his unique poetic style and performance-driven physicality, James bounces from the War in Iraq to home renovations; mid-life meltdowns to airport security; family vacations to Future Shop 'blue shirts';
Read more...
Sat., April 1, 2006
Willowbank Archaeology Program
Exploring the Bright-Urban Site
for beginning archaeologists Lab workshop: An introductory course* to our rich cultural heritage through practical experience
*($180 for entire 5 course program, call for more details). Bring a Lunch
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40.00
Reservation Required:
The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank,
14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston.
Phone: 905.262.1239 email: willowbankschool@bellnet.ca
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Centre for the Arts presents
THE HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR
Sean O'Sullivan Theatre
Sunday, April 2, 2006 2:30 PM
The Harlem Gospel Choir is hands-down, the most famous and uplifting gospel choir in the world today and to see them live is an opportunity not to be missed.
In this, the choir’s second visit to the Centre for the Arts, you will once again be treated to the jazz and gospel spirituals that The Harlem Gospel Choir so effortlessly belts out! Directed by founder Allen Bailey the choir - once dubbed the “Angels in Heaven” by U2 - will perform a selection of popular inspirational songs that are sure to take you to ‘seventh heaven’.
Read more...
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Brock University Film Society presents
HIDDEN (FRANCE/AUSTR IA/GERMANY/ITALY,05)
David S Howes Theatre
Sunday, April 2, 2006 7:00 PM
The Film Studies Program, in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and film, is the oldest academic film program in Canada. For 35 years we have been bringing unique and critically acclaimed Canadian and international films to the Niagara region.
BUFS is a member of The Film Circuit, a project of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, a non-profit charity. All films are shown on Sunday, at 7:00pm in the David S. Howes Theatre, Brock University.
Tickets at the door: Members $6; Non-members $8. Students with valid Brock University or Niagara College ID $6
Read more...
March 27, 2006 19:54 - Live with Regis and Kelly from Niagara Falls. Soon.
Regis & Kelly are coming to Niagara Falls on Victoria Day. And local residents want in on the two live shows.Sarah Wood, event and public relations manager with the NPC, said the overwhelming response for tickets has jammed phone lines and crashed websites.
"Everybody's been really swamped with phone calls," she told This Week. "Everybody's really excited about it coming here."
Wood said most of the tickets for the shows, which will air live on May 22 to be followed by the airing of a taped show May 23, have already been given out by the producers of the show. A smaller allotment of tickets being reserved for the Niagara area will become available, but not until early April.
At that point, the Fallsview Casino -- which is handling tickets -- will announce draws and media giveaways for tickets, said Wood. Winners will be notified by phone and will have to pick up their tickets.
"They will be putting those details up on their website when they're ready," she said. "There are no tickets for sale.
"People need to sit tight and wait for that in early April."
Read the whole story by Paul Forsyth in Niagara this Week
March 28, 2006 13:12 - Visiting Canada - Rules and Regulations
With warmer weather just around the corner, international visitors are soon expected in large numbers.Every year 35 million people visit Canada. Niagara Falls plays host to 14 million visitors annually. Most of the visitors to Niagara come during the summer months.
To visit Canada you:
-must be healthy
-must respect Canadian laws
-will need a valid passport proof of who you are or other travel documents
-may need a Temporary Resident Visa
-may need a letter of invitation
Find out the details and how they apply to you.
March 29, 2006 10:00 - Niagara Falls - Is it worth the Trip?
For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle.
But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient. Furthermore besides the actual falls themselves, there is little in the way of cultural or natural points of interest in the area.The short answer to why Niagara Falls has such a following is good PR. People from far and wide have heard of Niagara Falls. Most people who grew up in Asia consider Niagara Falls to be one of the most important sites to see in the U.S. Its reputation is also strong throughout Europe and India.
The real key to Niagara Fall’s enduring lure, however, may be simply that it does not disappoint. The falls themselves have an undeniable dramatic beauty. Furthermore, the ever popular Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes tourists directly into the falls is truly thrilling.
To get more insight into what impression Niagara Falls makes, I interviewed 40 people who had visited the Falls in the past several years. The survey, taken from a semi-randomly selected sample, is patently unscientific. However, the results are interesting nonetheless.
Read the whole article by Lila Kahn at DailyIndia.com
March 30, 2006 10:02 - Tax Refund for Business Travellers?
As a non-resident business traveler to Canada you can claim a refund for the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) you pay on eligible short-term accommodations.Conditions:
-continuous accommodations less than one month
-original receipts show the number of nights used.
-list certifies accommodations used by non-resident(s), who were reps of your non-resident business.
-Purchase amount totals over $200 CDN.
If the refund you are claiming is under
$500 CDN, and you are leaving at a land
crossing point, you might be able to get an
instant cash refund.
Find out all the details (including links
to government forms).
March 31, 2006 10:15 - People Mover moves ahead in Niagara Falls
26,000 vehicles daily drive by the Falls during July and August.How do you move the growing number of tourists along a 10.5 km loop connecting Casino Niagara, Marineland and Table Rock House?
This problem has concerned the city, parks commission and tourism industry for years.
'Since the 1960s there has been a common vision to create a transit system which would reduce traffic congestion' according to John Kernahan, parks commission general manager.
'It would provide a comfortable, affective and affordable service for tourists who want to enjoy some to the city's amenities.'
Plans to create a new People Mover System received another boost Friday, March 24, when Parks Commission members voted to move to the next phase in a mass transit system project. It would replace the fleet of green buses the NPC runs along the Niagara Parkway.
The approval follows city council's meeting which authorized a second round of bids from three companies bidding on the project.
Find out what has been decided upon and who the 3 bidders are. Read all the details in Ray Spiteri's article in the Niagara Falls Review.
