The Welland Canal

By: Rudy Siemens. The Welland Canal is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway which allows ships passage from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. A total of 9 obstacles (waterfalls and rapids) were overcome through imaginative engineering feats. The following locks were built starting from near Montreal to Thunderbay: St. Lambert, Cote St. Catherine, Upper and Lower Beauharnois, Snell, Eisenhauer, Iroquois, Welland Canal (8 locks) Soo at Sault St Marie.

At English Cafe, we explored the geographical, the physical, the economic, and social implications of this great waterway.

Happy Thanksgiving

On Monday, October 11, 2010 Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving. Of course enjoying a big turkey dinner is a highlight, but more importantly, gathering together with friends and family adds to a feeling of togetherness.

We can say that our English Café gathering is a newly acquired family for many. Last Friday we met to learn about Thanksgiving traditions. The chatting, enjoying of snacks and sharing of things for which we are grateful, reminded us to "count our blessings" as we face the challenge of making Canada our new home. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

(To read further information please go to the page list at the top line and just click on the Cool Facts link) Thank you.

Fifth Anniversary

After Fairview Church completed some renovations with our facilities, many believed it was only right that we open our doors to the community for other activities. At that time, our pastor's wife had become involved with the Host Family program which the Folk Arts Centre sponsors. This led her to the idea of having informal sessions where newcomers could practice their English speaking skills. In addition, many members in our congregation have come from families who immigrated to Canada thus making them aware of the challenges that all newcomers face as they adjust to a new life. (To read further information please go to the page list at the top line and just click on the Fifth Anniversary link) Thank you.

Thank you to English Café

Claudia Quintero is a former English Café Student. Claudia and her family are living in Saskatchewan. She is from Colombia.

Just click the arrow to watch the video.

The Second Annual Bike Rally

Sunday, June 27, 2010 turned out to be a typical hot, humid, summer day for our Bike Rally. 42 participated out of which 9 represented our English Café group.

One group began in Port Colborne, the second group started in Welland and the last group headed out from the Allanburg Bridge. The ride concluded at Lock 1 in Port Weller. There were no major problems but one person had to deal with a flat tire and some cyclists "complained" of having sore bums.

Around 5 pm. we gathered on the front lawn at the Fairview Church for a BBQ. It was a good occasion to chat and connect with people. Fortunately the rain held off so we could enjoy the afternoon.The rally was in support of the Niagara Life Centre.

Bike Rally

We would like to invite you to our 2nd annual bike rally hosted by Fairview Church. It will take place Sunday, June 27, 2pm-7pm. This is a fundraiser for Niagara Life Centre. You may pick up a sponsor sheet at the church. We are currently seeking participants to take part in the bike rally or volunteers to help with the rally. To register for the rally please call Kenn @ 905-562-7565, Rudy @ 905-957-1151 or Wally @ 905-682-9743. Registration fee is $5.00 per rider. This includes a barbeque at the conclusion of the rally at Fairview at 455 Geneva Street.

For Bird Watchers

Click on for a better view. If you want to share your life experiences with us, please let us know.