Tag Archives: Lake Ontario

Teen who swam Lake Ontario name on plaque in Niagara on the Lake

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Teen who swam Lake Ontario has name added to plaque at Niagara-on-the-Lake park

Published on Saturday November 10, 2012

ALAMENCIAK/TORONTO STAR  Annaleise Carr, 14, swam across Lake Ontario in about 27 hours last August. Carr’s crossing started with ideal conditions, but night brought high winds and waves that slowed her progress dramatically.
Tim Alamenciak
Staff Reporter

Ever since her legendary lake crossing, Annaleise Carr has been waiting to have her name on the plaque at Queen’s Royal Park.

Saturday, as family and friends gathered, the updated plaque was unveiled at the Niagara-on-the-Lake park.

“I’m excited,” said Carr, the 14-year-old who swam across Lake Ontario and raised thousands of dollars for charity. “That’s what I told my dad I really wanted.”

The plaque, mounted on a rock, lists the names of everyone who has made the gruelling lake crossing.

Carr walked in the water at the park on Aug. 18 around 6 p.m. to begin her swim.

She wouldn’t touch land again for 27 hours.

The teen was dubbed the new “Lady of the Lake” by Marilyn Bell, who made the first crossing in 1954 at 16 years old.

Carr has been travelling to schools in Ontario sharing the story of her swim, and according to Solo Swims Ontario, the body that oversees lake crossings, her tale has inspired others.

“We’re getting numerous emails from 12-year-old girls who want to beat her record,” said Greg Taylor, president of Solo Swims Ontario.

Carr’s crossing started with ideal conditions, but night brought high winds and waves that slowed her progress dramatically.

“For what she had to deal with, to stay determined and fight the course, I thought she did very well,” said Taylor.

To date the teen has raised more than $230,000 for Camp Trillium, with more donations flowing in every day. The camp, near Waterford, Ont., hosts children suffering from cancer, providing a reprieve from hospitals and doctors offices.

“The awareness that’s built from her swim alone — there are no words for it,” said Carrie Arnold, manager of special events at Camp Trillium.

Carr has continued fundraising efforts for Camp Trillium and participated in other charity events. She recently completed a half-marathon and cycled 100 km for a Canadian Tire Jumpstart fundraiser.

This month Carr met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“She hasn’t slowed down,” said Debbie Carr, Annaleise’s mother. “The stuff she’s done since is amazing.”

Fireworks at Brock Monument – War of 1812 Battle

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Fireworks at Brock Monument Commemorating War of 1812 Battle of Queenston Heights and the Life of Major General Sir Isaac Brock

from   1 week ago

Fireworks framed the General Brock Monument on Saturday, October 13, 2012. It was here at Queenston Heights by the Niagara River that a battle took place 200 years ago. A massive re-enactment of the battle was enjoyed by over 10,000 spectators. There were lots of activities and this was the day’s last event to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle at Queenston Heights and the life of Major General Sir Isaac Brock.
Fireworks by Garden City Display Fireworks in Beamsville.  Fireworks at the Brock Monument:   https://vimeo.com/51371501

HOPS AND GRAPES IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO

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Oast House Brewery

Hops and grapes in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Beer lovers rejoice! Niagara-on-the-Lake’s first craft brewery is about to open.

Brewery partners Mike Berlis, Cian MacNeill and Kevin Somerville—all from Niagara region—expect to open the doors of Niagara Oast House Brewers within the next few weeks. “Our approach complements the area’s wine and gourmet tradition while adding a whole new dimension,” says MacNeill, the brewery’s marketing manager. “Craft beer consumers have a lot in common with fine wine consumers, so Oast House is using the winery model by offering tours, tastings, and special events—including brewmaster’s dinners.”

 

MacNeill tells me the brewery has enlisted local farmers to grow its hops. “Like the terroir wines whose tastes vary with different soils, we plant hops in three different locations—on the bench, in the interior and by the lake,” he says. Brewmaster Kevin Somerville brings credentials from North American and European schools, and has worked at the Niagara College Brewing Program. You can follow Oast House Brewers on Facebook and Twitter.

For your Accommodation needs call 1-866-226-4730.

Battle of Queenston Heights War of 1812

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About 1,000 historical re-enactors and volunteers are expected to take part in a recreation of the Battle of Queenston Heights on Oct. 13. It’s one of the major events here in Niagara this year marking the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Bullet News photo by John Robbins.

JOHN ROBBINS/Bullet News

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE – As many as 1,000 volunteers and costumed reenactors are expected to take part in a recreation of one of Canada’s most defining moments – the Battle of Queenston Heights.

The battle reenactment is just one of many events planned for the weekend of Oct. 12-14, as Niagara’s War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations continue.

“The weekend of events planned for Oct. 12-14 will allow us to celebrate a lasting peace between two great countries,” Janice Thomson, chairwoman of the Niagara Parks Commission, said during a press conference, Tuesday afternoon near Brock’s Monument.

“It will also provide us with the opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by all of the soldiers, and native warriors of both nations who fought here and all along these lands now protected by the Niagara Parks Commission.”

Here’s a full look at the weekend’s events:

OCTOBER 12

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Educational Day Events
The Friends of Fort George will be hosting a special educational day commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights, at Queenston Heights Park. Guided tours of the battlefield will be offered by costumed interpreters on a pre-booked basis only. There will also be historical demonstrations and period merchants on the heights for school groups to visit. School groups have pre-booked and NPC organizers say they are close to capacity. To book a school group call                         905-468-6621            .

2 p.m. – Twinning Ceremony
The Queenston Residents’ Association will be hosting a twinning ceremony at St. Saviour Major General Sir Isaac Brock Memorial Church in Queenston at 2 p.m. There will be a dedication of a monument celebrating the historical, social and cultural relationship between St. Peter Port, Guernsey (the birthplace of Brock) and Queenston (the place where he fell in battle. A number of Guernsey officials will be speaking at this commemorative event.

Other events on Oct. 12
Throughout the day on Friday, reenactors will be arriving at Fort George and in Lewiston, NY., to set up their encampments. On Friday evening, their will be a bombardment from the shores of the Niagara River in Lewiston, followed by fireworks. The fireworks and the bombardment will be visible from the shore of the Niagara River in Queenston.

OCTOBER 13

9 a.m. – Niagara Parks shuttle buses will start picking up the public at the Butterfly Conservatory, Queenston Heights, Laura Secord Homestead, McFarland House and Fort George.

9:30 a.m. – Reenactors will leave Fort George to make their historic march to Queenston Heights.

10 a.m. – Brock Dead House Dedication. The Queenston Residents Association will be hosting a dedication ceremony at the “Brock Dead House,” located at 20 Queenston St., in the Village of Queenston. This ceremony will mark the site where Brock’s body was taken after he was mortally wounded in battle. Guy St. Denis, the researcher who confirmed the site, will be making a brief presentation of his work.

10:30 a.m. – A commemorative walking tour with Dr. Wesley Turner, author of the book Astonishing General: The Life and Legacy of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, begins. Tickets for this limited space event cost $20 and must be purchased in advance through the Friends of Fort George.

11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend a plaque dedication at Brock’s Monument at 11 a.m. on Oct. 13, where the Historic Sites and Monuments Board will be designating Major General Sir Isaac Brock as a Person of National Significance. Also beginning at 11 a.m., join the Friends of Fort George staff as they take you on a tour of the Queenston Heights battle site. Tours, which cost $5, start at Brock’s Monument. Ian Bell and a group of well-known folk musicians will play early 19th century music at the band shell. Tours and music continue through 3 p.m.

3 p.m. – The re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights

4:30 p.m. – Commemorative Ceremony at Brock’s Monument

5:30 p.m. – A recreation of the procession carrying Brock’s body from the heights in a horse-drawn wagon will take place.

6 p.m. – Guided Tour of the battlefield/More musical entertainment

7:15 p.m. – Fireworks at Queenston Heights

Queenston Heights Park closes following the fireworks display

OCTOBER 14

Recreation of Brock’s Funeral Procession. Niagara-on-the-Lake. At noon, reenactors will form up at Fort George and begin their march down Byron Street to Victoria Street and then along Queen Street. The procession will stop at the Old Court House for a commemoration ceremony. The caskets of Brock and his aide-de-camp Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell will then be placed on horse-drawn wagons and led to St. Mark’s Church and Fort George.

WAR OF 1812 COMES TO WOODLAND

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WAR OF 1812 COMES TO WOODLAND

 

 BRANTFORD, ON –– The Woodland Cultural Centre, in conjunction with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, is elated and honoured to announce the arrival and exhibition of the 200 year old wool cloth British flag believed to be given to Tecumseh during the War of 1812. This artifact will be featured in the upcoming exhibition entitled War Clubs & Wampum Belts: Haudenosaunee Experiences of the War of 1812, and will run from October 29 – December 24, 2012, with an opening reception taking place October 29 at 7:00pm.

Tecumseh, of Shawnee decent, was a distinguished warrior and orator who founded an alliance with Sir General Isaac Brock. Initially, Tecumseh fought to protect First Nations’ territory, and with the assistance of his respected friend and British ally Brock, Tecumseh led a war against the Americans on the Detroit frontier. With their ability to mobilize a large band of Native nations to fight against the Americans, they quickly became a feared enemy.

 

Shortly after the siege of Detroit, Brock bestowed Tecumseh with the title of Brigadier General and bestowed him with a wool British flag. Due to the fragile state of the flag, this will be the first exhibition of this important cultural and historical artifact. Through a partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the flag will be on loan through the duration of the exhibit.

 

Curated by Rick Hill, a Tuscarora of the Six Nations of the Grand River, this exhibit seeks to draw attention to the relatively unknown and significant contributions Native warriors played in the War of 1812. These contributions caused great strife within the Six Nations Confederacy, and caused the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Council to became separated by the actions of our allies. The war not only brought death, but also caused families to bring up arms against one another, which went against the governing principles of the Great Law of Peace.

 

The Woodland Cultural Centre will be hosting a special opening for the exhibit, Monday October 29 at 7:00pm. There will be a brief introduction by the Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, and special introduction by Rick Hill, curator of the exhibit and Coordinator of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre. Woodland is pleased to be able to showcase and utilize his expertise in bringing this exhibit to life. In addition to the exhibit, the Woodland Cultural Centre will be developing and providing educational kits as a teacher resource to incorporate the War of 1812 into their classrooms.

 

Established in 1972, the Woodland Cultural Centre has been an integral cultural and educational centre within the Brantford and Six Nations communities. Its goal is to protect, promote, interpret, and present the history, language, intellect and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe and Onkwehon:we people. Providing several permanent and short-term exhibits, the Woodland Cultural Centre also focuses on language and cultural preservation that includes several special events such as arts and crafts workshops, Snowsnake tournaments, and much more! For more information, please visit www.woodland-centre.on.ca.

For more information please contact:

Paula Whitlow

Museum Director

519-759-2650       ext. 244

pwhitlow@woodland-centre.on.ca

FREE CONCERT IN NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

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Music Niagara is pleased to announce the celebrated US Navy Band will perform a free
concert next WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Simcoe Park, in the centre of
the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The US Navy Band is on tour in connection with 1812 events and Music Niagara managed
to persuade them to cross over to our side for a concert. The band will present a
varied program of ceremonial music and contemporary/pop selections.

Please show your support for Music Niagara.

Vineyard Wagon Tours – Niagara on the Lake

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Niagara on the Lake – Vineyard Wagon Tours at Stonechurch Vineyards

 

Harvest is right around the corner and the colours of the vineyard are especially vibrant. Come and see before they are moved to their next stop en route to bottle!
We offer open air vineyard wagon tours regularly for $6 per person as well as a complimentary walking tour that begins next to our shop.
Take as many photos as you’d like!
Call 905-935-3535  or e-mail winery@stonechurch.com to book.
If your planning a visit this weekend, don’t forget to relax and enjoy our Saturday afternoon tunes! Please note that this weeks music will be from 2:00 – 5:00 as opposed to our normal start time of 1:30. We hope to see you there!
Thank you as always for your continued support.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Cheers!
Hank Hunse
Proprietor
Stonechurch Vineyards
1242 Irvine Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE – UPCOMING EVENTS

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1812_notl_july_2012_newsletter

 

July 29, 2012 -12 noon The Lincoln and Welland Regiment
Band – Simcoe Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake- Free Admission
www.musicniagara.org

 
July 30, 2012 2:00 pm The Music of 1812 at the Niagara
Historical Museum – Tom Allen, Lori Gemmell and Atis Bankas
(violin) present a fascinating story of the development of the harp
and early 1800’s Celtic music. – 43 Castlereagh St – $30
www.musicniagara.org

 
Aug 2, 2012 The Music of 1812 -New Works- The premiere of
two new works for string quartet, fife and drum, and aboriginal
drum commissioned in honour of the 1812 Bicentennial.- straight
from Russia. 7:30 pm at St. Mark’s Church- Byron St – $30
www.musicniagara.org

 
Aug 18 & 19 Special 25th Anniversary Fife and Drum Display
at Fort George – Bicentennial Fife and Drum Muster and Soldier’s
Field Day. A pageant of military music by Fife and Drum corps
from the United States and Canada as well as a competition of
1812 drill teams from Fort George, Fort Malden (Amherstburg),
Fort York (Toronto) and Fort Erie. The 41st Regiment Fife and Drum corps will also be celebrating their 25th anniversary at Fort George. Experience the sights and sounds of the military garrisonduring the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

 

Supported by the Friends of Fort George and the Niagara Bridge Commission. Contact: Peter Martin, peter.martin@pc.gc.ca
Aug 31 RCMP Musical Ride – Sunset Ceremony in Fort George.
6:30 pm. Celebrate the 200th anniversry of the War of 1812 as the
Friends of Fort George and Parks Canada host the world renowned
RCMP Musical Ride. An evening of equestrian precision and music
with an 1812 flare. Doors open at 5:30. Adults $15; Children 6-16
$10; Family $45. Tickets will be available at Friends of Fort George
gift shop – 905-468-6621.

 
BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS – October 13th, 2012
BURIAL OF BROCK – October 16th, 2012
October 12 & 13 – The Battle of Queenston Heights

October 12 is a special education day offering tours of the
battlefield -contact:: admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca

Looking for accommodations? Call 1-866-226-4730 and leave a message.

STREWN WINERY

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STREWN WINERY
UPCOMING EVENTS: 

 

SWEET & SAVOURY – MAKE THE MATCH!  ~ Daily in July

At our Terroir Bar the 2006 Riesling Late Harvest, which is showing all the classic flavours that develop with time in the bottle, is paired with some local classics: Upper Canada Aged Niagara Gold artisan cheese, Caramelized Onion Compote and Niagara Spiced-Peach Salsa for you to mix, match and enjoy. $10

 

COOL OFF WITH AN ICEWINE SHAKE! ~ Daily in July & August
At our Main Tasting Bar enjoy the frothy and flavourful creamy Strewn Icewine Shake (for adults only!). 10:30 am until pm. $5

 

DON’T MISS OUR HANDS-ON GREEN HARVEST EXPERIENCE

&  Picnic-style Lunch (optional) – Sunday, August 12

Join Strewn winemakers Joe Will and Marc Bradshaw for our Green Harvest event! The session begins with a private wine tasting and harvesting instructions. Then you’ll head out to the vineyard to thin grape clusters off the vine to allow the remaining grapes to concentrate more of the sun’s energy to ensure the best fruit for the best wines.

Following the Green Harvest, you will crush grapes to create a tart, fresh green juice called Ver Jus or “Ver juice”; a culinary ingredient produced in many of the world’s wine regions. After the hands-on session you can enjoy an optional casual lunch. Details to follow.

 

2010 FUTURES PICK UP THIS FALL 

 

We know those of you who purchased 2010 red wines on our Futures Program are eager to take them home as we’ve received numerous phone calls. The 2010 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and flagship red Strewn Three will be released mid-September. All future purchasers will receive notification as to when they can pick up these big, bountiful red wines!

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Niagara Fruit Salsa on Old Cheddar and PumpernickelThe colourful fresh fruit salsa from the Wine Country Cooking School is a great topping for old cheddar cheese and bite-size squares of pumpernickel bread. Perfect for nibbling by the pool or on the deck!Fruit salsa:1/4 sweet red pepper, diced1/8 medium red onion, diced2 fresh nectarines or peaches2 fresh plums or apricots

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Old cheddar cheese

Pumpernickel bread

 

To make salsa, combine diced red pepper and onion in a glass bowl. Pit the fruit and cut into small, bite-size chunks (leave skin on). Add to the pepper/onion mix. In small bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice and olive oil. Pour over salsa; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for up to 1 hour.

 

Just before serving, cut squares of old cheddar and pumpernickel. Top with a spoonful of fruit salsa.

Enjoy!

 
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Flames of War an 1812 – Summer Event

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Flames of War  an 1812 Son et Lumiere Starting July 7, 2012 Friday, Saturday &  Monday at 9 pm at Fort George, National Historic Site.  A new and unique attraction, interpreting  the War Starting July 7, 2012  of 1812 through  a spectacular video projected on a heritage  blockhouse inside Fort  George.