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2008 Regional Chair's Bursaries
This year marks the seventh year for the award of the Regional Chair's Bursaries approved by Council in 2002. The Regional Chair's Bursaries, have each been increased to $1,500, and $350 for each of the finalists, given the increasing cost of tuition. They are awarded to a first-year student entering Brock University and to a first-year student entering Niagara College.
Regional Council congratulated Ms. Amanda Fazzalari this year's recipient of the Regional Chair's Bursary for Brock University who is a graduate of École Secondaire Catholique Jean-Vanier in Welland entering Brock University in the Community Health Sciences program to pursue her career goal of becoming a paediatrician. The finalists were Mr. Gordon Irvine a graduate of Denis Morris High School in St. Catharines entering Brock University in the Biochemistry program to pursue his career goals of becoming a doctor of medicine or biochemistry and working as a pathologist or in the field of medical research; Ms. Kristen Soucy a graduate of Thorold Secondary School entering Brock University in the Concurrent Education program to pursue her career goal of becoming a grade seven/eight elementary teacher; and Ms. Frances Nicolaides a graduate of South Lincoln High School in Smithville entering Brock University in the Concurrent Education program to pursue her career goal of becoming a high school visual arts and biology teacher.
Regional Council congratulated Ms. Carrie Pahowski this year's recipient of the Regional Chair's Bursary for Niagara College who is a graduate of Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne entering Niagara College in the Graphic Design program to pursue her career goal of becoming an Art Teacher. The finalists were Ms. Crystal Veres a graduate of St. Francis High School in St. Catharines entering Niagara College in the Practical Nursing program to pursue a career in nursing; Ms. Jillian Eden a graduate of Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School entering Niagara College in the Police Foundations program to pursue a career as a police officer; and Ms. Andrea Kerton a graduate of the Lifetime Leaning Centre in St. Catharines entering Niagara College in the Accounting Co-Op program to pursue her career goal of becoming a bookkeeper in the Niagara Region.
Niagara Region Represented Well at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing
Regional Council congratulated Tonya Verbeek from Beamsville who won a Bronze Medal in the 55kg freestyle wrestling category and Melanie Kok of St. Catharines who won a bronze medal in the Woman's double sculls, lightweight.
Regional Council also recognized other Niagara residents who participated in the Beijing Olympics, namely, Saeed Azarbayjani of St. Catharines who competed in Freestyle Wrestling; Buffy Williams of St. Catharines who competed in the rowing competition; David Davidson of Thorold who competed in Baseball; Nick Weglarz of Stevensville who competed in Baseball; Frank Dancevic of Niagara Falls who competed in Tennis; Brady Reardon a Brock Health Science Student competed in the Canoe/Kayak, Flatwater; Roland Moses of St. Catharines competing for Grenada in Boxing and Marty Calder of Thorold, a wrestling coach.
Take Part in the Jill Hildreth 1K and 5K Fun Run/Walk
Once again, Regional staff are participating in the 2008 Jill Hildreth Walk & Run, which is taking place on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 5 p.m. followed by a bar-b-que.
The entry fee is $25.00 and if you register by September 5, 2008, you will receive a free t-shirt. To register contact Judy Sobchak at Ext. 3809 or by e-mail at judy.sobchak
The proceeds from this year's event will be a donation of running shoes to low income children and youth.
Closure of the John Deere Facility, Welland
John Deere announced that they would be closing their plant in Welland, Regional Council was advised that the closure of the John Deere plant in Welland would cause the loss of 800 jobs and the loss of a significant employer within Niagara.
Councillor Goulbourne extended his appreciation to the Regional Chair, Minister Pupatello (Ministry of Economic Development and Trade) and her staff for their support following John Deere's announcement.
A formal strategy has been developed, with the assistance of the CAW and Councillor Goulbourne will be supporting the CAW, when they ask John Deere to revisit their decision.
There are Healthier Choices for Eating
Members of the Public Health and Social Services Committee enjoyed slices of "healthy" pizza at their last meeting, The alternative demonstrated that pizza can be prepared in a nutritional manner and meet the criteria for "healthier" options for Special Event days in Bill 8, Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act, 2008, which was endorsed by Regional Council.
Be Entertained by Mr. Don Cherry at the Scotia Bank Luncheon
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Scotia Bank Luncheon, which is part of the Niagara Wine Festival festivities on September 17th, with guest speaker Mr. Don Cherry.
West Niagara Mayors Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Niagara Community Foundation
The West Niagara Mayors held their golf tournament on August 27th, which raised $40,000 for the Niagara Community Foundation.
Regional Chair's Golf Tournament
The Regional Chair's Golf Tournament is being held on September 11, 2008, registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
2009 Meeting Schedule - January to August 2009 Approved
Regional Council approved the 2009 Meeting Schedule - January to August 2009. Copies of the schedule are available by contacting the Clerk's Department.