Niagara Knowledge Exchange

3rd Annual Fit Cities Fit Towns Canada Conference Alberta
2023-05-30 - 2023-05-31 | University of Alberta or Stream Virtually
The 3rd Annual Conference is anticipated to occur in May 2023. The planned theme for the 2023 conference is “Building Better Communities for People: Introducing the Healthy Community Guidelines”.
The Healthy Community Guidelines consists of evidence-based practice-informed Guidelines co-created by over 100 multi sector partners in Canada and anticipated for release prior to the conference and includes all 3 scales, i.e. Neighbourhood, Site, and Building, that can be improved for healthy living. The 2023 FCFT Canada Conference will highlight best practices in policy, planning and design strategies at the 3 scales.

Garden Plant Exchange
2023-05-29 - 2023-05-31 | Grimsby Garden Club, 19 Elm St, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
As you prepare your gardens this spring consider sharing your extras at the Garden plant exchange.

Future Black Female: Black Girl Improv
2023-05-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Suitcase in Point, 36 James St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 5B8, Canada
How do you express your mental health? Do you keep it bottled up inside you? What if you could turn those wild, unruly feelings and emotion into art?
These mental health x artistic expression workshops are facilitated by Sodienye Wabaso Amajor, a Dora Nominated Nigerian Actor, writer and performer who lives and works in St Catharines, Ontario. She holds a master’s degree in Theatre and Performance studies from York University with a keen interest in African Theory and Development. Sodienye currently works with Suitcase in Point Multi arts company as the Arts Mentorship Program director.
Social Media Handle @sodiandtheboys
​“We reveal our truths so that different characters can live within us for play. We condition our vessels, instruments, and bodies so that the breath can flow through us as we tell the most intimate and intricate stories that pertain to human life. We listen deeply to our heartbeats, our rhythms, our needs, we prioritise our creativity, we don’t “put on” anything, because we, as we are, are more interesting than any preconceived ideas of drama and acting could ever be.” Sodienya Wabaso Amajor.

Healthy Aging Series - Navigating the Healthcare System & Self-Advocacy and Self-Care
2023-05-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Welland Public Library, Seaway Mall Branch
Part Four in our Healthy Aging Workshop Series for older adults: Join our Registered Nurse, Health Promoter, and Occupational Therapist to discuss navigating our healthcare system, communication between health sectors, and the importance of self-advocating and self-care. Register online or by calling 905-704-3660.

Niagara Networks & Industry Collaborative
2023-05-24 12:00 - 18:00 | Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, on, L2G 3Y9, Canada
Niagara Networks is back, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! Taking place on May 24th at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, the event will begin with an industry collaborative lunch, where we will hear about challenges and opportunities that a cross section of sectors are anticipating. Hear firsthand what’s not only driving Niagara, but also what’s holding us back!
Following lunch, the tradeshow kicks off providing exhibitors with an opportunity to connect in person with potential customers, suppliers, and vendors!
12-2pm – Lunch
2pm–6pm Tradeshow
For more information and exhibitor application go to:
Niagara Networks Exhibitor Application
PURCHASE LUNCH TICKETS HERE
REGISTER TO ATTEND FREE TRADESHOW HERE

Healthy Aging Series - Memory, POA, and End-of-Life Planning
2023-05-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Welland Public Library, Seaway Mall Branch
Part Three in our Healthy Aging Workshop Series for older adults: Join our Registered Nurse and Social Worker to discuss how to have a healthy memory, setting up Power of Attorney and substitute decision marker, and the importance of end-of-life planning. Register online or by calling 905-704-3660.

Implementing "Culturally Relevant and Responsive."
2023-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | St Catharines Public Library, 54 Church St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7K2, Canada
Future Black Female is hosting the third roundtable for Niagara Region’s service providers to explore ways in which the programs and services they offer can be more culturally relevant and responsive to the specific needs of the Black community.

Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day
2023-05-11 11:00 - 15:00 | St Andrew’s United Church, 5645 Morrison St., Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 2E8, Canada
Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Action Hepatitis Canada was joined by CanHepC, CanHepB, the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of the liver to mark the inaugural “Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day” in Ottawa. All communities across Canada are working together to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Our Hepatitis C Care Clinic will be hosting our inaugural “Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day” to raise awareness of hepatitis, liver health and the care and services of our program. Our event will encourage individuals to learn about hepatitis testing and immunizations. In addition event attendees will learn about the care and treatment for hepatitis C
Event Details:
Date: Thursday May 11, 2023
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: St Andrew’s United Church – 5645 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls, ON

Healthy Aging Series - Medications, Preventative Care, and Mental Health
2023-05-11 09:30 - 12:00 | Welland Public Library, Seaway Mall Branch
Part Two in our Healthy Aging Workshop Series for older adults: Join our Pharmacist, Nurse Practitioner, and Social Worker to learn about medication management and supplements; cancer screening and incontinence; and stress, anxiety and sleep. Register online or by calling 905-704-3660.

Navigating Your Wellness Journey: Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 24, 31
2023-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wellness Hub, 19 Elm St, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Through a series of 4 workshops, assess your wellness & learn how to set short and long term goals to stay on track to “be well” – it’s all about self-care.

The Empathy Effect: Countering Bias to Improve Health Outcomes
2023-05-09 09:00 - 14:00 | Online
The Empathy Effect: Countering Bias to Improve Health Outcomes presents an extensive research base on the importance of empathy and the harmful impacts judgement has on individual outcomes. This training focuses on practical skills that learners can bring to their daily work immediately.
The EE workshop is based on three foundational premises:
*Empathy is healing and judgment is harmful,
*Vulnerable populations experience greater harm by judgment and lack of empathy, and
*We all have judgments, and we can learn to mitigate them.
Participants will learn an effective empathy conveyance model that includes six essential techniques, each of which is treated in detail and with learner participation.

Ontario Nonprofit Network Regional Event in Niagara
2023-05-04 09:30 - 15:00 | Meridian Community Centre (Accursi Room), 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, Ontario, L0S 1E6, Canada
This Regional Event is an opportunity for nonprofits, charities, and community organizations to deepen relationships with each other, think big picture and at the local scale, and work together for a thriving nonprofit environment.
What to expect:

Provincial scope: Explore policies, strategies, and partnerships happening in Ontario’s nonprofit sector.
Regional focus: Discuss how broader issues and trends are showing up in Niagara region
Strategize and collaborate with a network approach to address key issues facing the Ontario nonprofit sector on a regional and provincial level.
Enjoy a light breakfast and lunch

Cost: $30 for ONN members and Niagara Connects Subscribers; $40 for non-members (includes a light breakfast and lunch)
This event is co-hosted by Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and Niagara Connects.
Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/onn-regional-event-niagara-region-tickets-560640560007

Healthy Aging Series - Diet and Exercise Considerations
2023-05-04 09:30 - 12:00 | Welland Public Library, Seaway Mall Branch
Part One in our Healthy Aging Workshop Series for older adults: Join our Dietitian to learn about healthy eating, cooking for one, and food security. Next, our Occupational Therapist will discuss falls prevention, staying active, and home safety modifications. Register online or call 905-704-3660.

Healthy Aging Workshop Series
2023-05-04 09:30 - 12:00 | Welland Public Library, Seaway Mall Branch
On Thursday mornings in May, we are holding our Healthy Aging Workshop series at the Seaway Mall branch of the Welland Public Library. Our Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker, and Health Educator will present information and answer questions about various topics related to healthy aging. Sessions are free to attend, and you can register for all of them, or just the ones that are applicable to you. Register by calling 905-704-3660 or online https://wellandmcmasterfht.com/index.php

City of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) Deadline
2023-05-04, 2023-04-13 | Online
The St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) is designed to support the creative sector and strengthen the overall cultural ecosystem in the City of St. Catharines. The program invests in new music, arts and cultural activities to revitalize our downtown and enhance our public life in the community.
Before you apply
SCCIP has six different program streams each with their own distinct priorities, eligibility and evaluation criteria. To make sure you find the right program for your project, we require all applicants to contact our staff to discuss your plans and application before applying.
We also recommend checking out our SCCIP Cultural Investment Policy to learn all about our program, eligibility, and evaluation process.
Application deadlines

April 13 – Sustaining – Core and Midsized Programs
May 4 – Arts Development, Culture Builds Community and Culture Days Activity Programs
September 21 – Arts Development, Culture Builds Community and Sustaining – Festival Programs

How to apply
All applications must be submitted online. Online applications will open in phases starting February 2023.
If you have any questions about the application process contact our staff.
Are you eligible?
Core and midsized arts organizations, and festival producers can apply for Sustaining Funding grants. Small and emerging arts organizations, and culture-related projects, can apply for Development Funding grants.
All applicants must:

Be active in St. Catharines
Provide programming or services that are open to the public and publicized city-wide
Have a diversified revenue base (Culture Days funding excluded)

Bone Health Series: 4-Week Program Every Wednesday
2023-05-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Meridian Community Centre (Accursi Room), 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, Ontario, L0S 1E6, Canada
Join our team of professionals for our 4-week series covering topics important to your bone health, plus practical exercises you can learn to do safely in your own home. Topics include information about osteoporosis, medications, eating, and fall prevention.
Please register online or by calling 905-704-3660

Integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals
2023-05-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presentation Summary:
Join us Tuesday, May 02, 2023, from 10-11 AM to be inspired by practical ways people are integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their work in Niagara. Webinar presenters will share concrete examples of how they are including the SDGs in education and other campus activities. The intent is to give you some ideas that can be applied in your workplace!
Presenters:

Taryn Wilkinson, Manager of Sustainability, Niagara College. Taryn and her team build capacity to implement the SDGs by mapping activities, projects and community actions taking place in Niagara and beyond, while educating and engaging diverse stakeholders to increase literacy and support integrating the SDGs into existing and new activities.
Jocelyn Baker, Researcher for the UNESCO Chair (Liette Vasseur) on Community Sustainability, Brock University; Environmental Science Professor, Niagara College; and Canadian Co-Chair, Niagara River Binational Ramsar* Designation Steering Committee. Through an entrance-level E-Campus Module, Jocelyn helps learners to understand the everyday relevance of the SDGs, and why it makes sense to care about them. *Ramsar is an international convention for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Connection Details:
A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event date.
The Living in Niagara and the SDGs learning series, hosted by Niagara Connects, is designed to help diverse people and organizations in Niagara make a local connection to the SDGs, and discover how the Goals can be applied at the community level.

Housing and Service Providers Implementing the Right to Housing. 6-Part Series
2023-05-02 09:30 - 11:00 | Webinar
This series has successfully trained nearly 200 folks working in the housing support sector on Ontario housing and human rights law, as well as principles of the right to housing. This training is free. Please share this email with colleagues you think might be interested in joining us.
Please register at the following link: Registration Link
Our 6-module series will run as follows:

May 2, 2023: An introduction to the right to housing, Residential Tenancies Act, and Human Rights Code
May 9, 2023: Applying to housing, discrimination in housing applications, leases, illegal lease provisions and rent
May 16, 2023: Reasonable accommodation, harassment, discrimination and the Human Rights Tribunal
May 23, 2023: Ensuring habitable housing, housing standards, pest control, heat/air conditioning, entry by landlord and tenant applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board
May 30, 2023: Eviction notices, eviction prevention
June 6, 2023: Landlord and Tenant Board processes, referrals and alternative dispute resolution

All sessions will run from 9:30AM – 11:00AM. Each session will include substantive trainings as well as opportunities to practice new skills and knowledge.
This training series also includes complimentary training or legal consultation for your organization’s tenants/clients. Please let me know if you be interested in having us provide education for those you serve.

Summer Camp Grants Program Application Deadline
2023-04-24 12:00 | Online
Our Summer Camp program will help Niagara children in financial need participate in a variety of camping and recreation experiences. An opportunity to go to summer camp or be involved in a neighbourhood activity not only helps our children develop new skills, make new friends and raise their self-esteem, it also gives them the chance to get their hands dirty and have lots of fun.
Click here for general information about Niagara Community Foundation Grant Programs: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/charities/

Charity BBQ for Alzheimer's disease
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Sobey’s, 343 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines, On, L2T 0A1, Canada
The Niagara on the Ice co-ed hockey team is hosting a BBQ in order to raise funds for Baycrest. Baycrest is the leader in helping individuals and their families coping with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. 100% of the proceeds raise will go directly to Baycrest in order for them to complete research and develop programs to help ‘stick it to Alzheimer’s!’

Bicycling in Niagara
2023-04-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Rotary/Bankers Room, Central Library, 54 Church St, St Catharines, Ontario, l2r 7k2, Canada
Discover bicycling in the Niagara Region with a focus on support resources available, cycling safety and how to plan a bike trip to some of the area’s key bike routes and destinations. Components of safe cycling will be provided by Bike Niagara’s safe cycling courses and Niagara Freewheeler orientation rides.
This talk is presented by Rita Dillon, President of the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, and Dave Hunt, founding member of Bike Niagara and member of Niagara Freewheelers.
Location: Rotary/Bankers Room, Central Library (54 Church St.)

Reimagining Volunteerism
2023-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Webinar
Join us as our binational panel explores the impact, trends, opportunities, and challenges facing volunteers today. We will have a conversation about how organizations are coping and thriving — and discuss some next steps. Open to Rotarians and community groups as part of National Volunteer Week 2023. To attend please register as Rotarian or a guest via the following link:
https://rotary7090.org/event/online-workshop—reimagining-volunteerism/
Hosted by Rotary International District 7090 – 75 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs distributed throughout Southern Ontario, Canada, and Western New York, USA
http://www.rotary7090.org

The impact of urban greenness on aging, physical and mental health among CLSA participants
2023-04-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Where we live can have an important impact on how we feel and how we age. Recent studies have suggested links between neighborhood greenspaces and improved health, both mentally and physically. The CLSA dataset provides valuable insight into this connection, and how the make-up of a neighborhood can influence and improve aging outcomes for different populations.
The next CLSA webinar, presented by Susanna Abraham Cottagiri and Irmina Klicnik, will explore the impact that urban greenness and neighbourhood factors can have on an aging body and mind, including how they relate to mental health, physical activity, sedentary time, self-rated health, and geriatric health outcomes. Join us on Wednesday, April 19 at noon.
Susanna Abraham Cottagiri is a second-year PhD candidate in Epidemiology at Queen’s University. For her thesis, she is looking at cancer incidence in the vicinity of Canadian nuclear power plants using the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts (CanCHEC) cohort. Her supervisors are Dr. Paul Villeneuve from Carleton University and Dr. Will King from Queens University. She currently works part-time on the CLSA data as an FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program) student with Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Dr. Villeneuve and Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson.
Irmina Klicnik is a third-year PhD candidate in Health Science, working under the supervision of Dr. Shilpa Dogra. Her dissertation focus is on the topic of “active aging”, defined as the intersection between social participation and movement behaviour. Irmina has published two papers utilizing data from the CLSA and is especially interested in exploring the role of neighbourhood factors as they relate to active aging. Irmina is also a trained therapeutic recreation specialist, with nearly 15 years of experience working with older adults. This professional experience has influenced her research interests and given her practical insights into the challenges facing seniors as they strive to remain active and engaged in their communities. Her research on active aging promises to contribute to a growing body of literature on the topic and provide valuable insights into the factors that shape healthy aging in our society.

Women in Action - Newcomer Needs and Community Involvement!
2023-04-19 08:00 - 19:00 | Online
THE NIAGARA AND DISTRICT COUNCIL OF WOMEN
{Estb. 1918)
Invites you to join us by Zoom on Wednesday April 19th 2023 @7:00 p.m.
for our 2022/2023
105th Annual General Meeting

Topic: Women in Action – Newcomer Needs and Community Involvement!
The Panel Presentation features two Niagara Area women and their work in organizations that help provide support to newcomers from other countries. There are many grass roots organizations working to offer assistance when a need is identified in the community. This session features local women sharing their involvement through two Community organizations that offer help to the diverse and growing number of people moving into Niagara and in need of a wide variety of refugee and immigrant settlement supports and services.
Panel Speakers:
Emily Kovacs -Executive Director Niagara Folks Arts Multicultural Centre
Janet Madume -Executive Director Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre
To register please send an e-mail request to gracia.janes@bellnet.ca
Information: Gracia Janes 905 468 2841

Biodiversity Supporting Nature in your own Backyard
2023-04-18 15:00 - 16:00 | The Wellness Hub, 19 Elm St, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
Heather Franks from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority joins us for an interactive presentation. Receive seed packets and learn about environmental stewardship right where you are.

Treating Patients with C.A.R.E.
2023-04-18 08:30 - 12:30 | Webinar
Treating Patients with C.A.R.E~ Connect. Appreciate. Respond. Empower. (virtual)
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register on or before Friday, April 14, 2023
This half-day workshop enhances individual clinicians’ and staff members’ abilities to communicate with clients, and with one another, in ways that promote health. This workshop provides evidence-based skills to help the members of healthcare teams meet their clients’ needs and work together more effectively as teams and how to deliver impressive healthcare service. Treating Patients with C.A.R.E. (Connect, Appreciate, Respond, Empower) provides a model and specific techniques that guide all staff to communicate in ways that will enhance satisfaction and encourage client partnership.

Mini-Grants Program Application Deadline: April 17, 2023 & October 23, 2023
2023-04-17 12:00 | Online
The Mini-Grants Program provides $750 grants to eligible organizations for projects that address the Foundation’s granting priorities. This program provides a time-sensitive, streamlined and responsive process for smaller projects. This grant is not suitable for projects that have a budget exceeding $2500.
Grant Making Priorities

Addressing the issues/indicators in the Living in Niagara Report 2020, or,
Assisting with the development and implementation of tools and resources that would contribute to an organization’s success; including professional and organizational development and training

Click here for general information about Niagara Community Foundation Grant Programs: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/charities/

GO Open Data Conference 2023 - Early Bird Pricing Deadline
2023-04-17 | Online
We’re THREE weeks away from GOOD23 – don’t miss this awesome annual event!
Our colleagues at GO Open Data have announced that the GOOD23 program is essentially complete. As an update, they’ve also decided to go virtual for both Thursday workshops May 4 and May 5 Friday Conference program.
GO Open Data has also extended the Early Bird rate (15% discount) until April 17. You can register here to gain the Members discount which can save you $115 from the non-member rate.
For those who enjoy meeting your peers in person, GOOD will be hosting an Open Open House in the GTA vicinity early the following week during Open Government Week. Details will follow shortly.
We look forward to you joining us and our colleagues at GO Open Data, and if you have any questions, please contact them at connect@go-opendata.ca
