News/Local

Wednesday

VOTE DAVE HAYWOOD FOR MERRITTON CITY COUNCIL

Merritton, I want to be your voice on St. Catharines City Council!

VOTE for David Haywood as your Representative for the Merritton Ward during the 2014 St. Catharines Municipal Elections on October 27th


David Haywood

Facebook:               facebook.com/VOTEHaywood4Merritton
Website:                  merritton.com
Twitter:                    @dave4merritton
Phone:                    (905) 324- 0123

Email:                      davehaywood@merritton.com


Words from Dave Haywood:

“Making St. Catharines a place where future generations can prosper is extremely important to me. Too many families, younger individuals, and businesses are choosing other municipalities for political, social, and economic opportunities not currently available within our city.  If elected, I will work relentlessly to make St. Catharines a place where my children and future generations will not only succeed, but will spectacularly flourish.  The time is now to RAISE THE BAR as city councilor - please grant me your vote and share in my vision!”

There is a lot of work to be done within St. Catharines socially, economically and politically.

If elected, I will work towards the following goals:





Social Road Map:

·        Work with Panoramic Properties Inc. to ensure that the Old General Hospital site is redeveloped in a sustainable way. A way which follows the smart growth  principals as outlined in the City’s Official Garden City Plan and Official Green Plan
·        Ensure Panoramic honors a planned financial contribution to the city for greening earmarked for the continued restoration and beautification of Centennial Park
·        Increase the city’s tree canopy cover which has sustained serious damage by invasive species during the past few years
·        Continue the beautification of Hartzel Road, Community Park, and their surrounding neighborhoods
·        Work with community groups/organizations to expand local community gardens similar to the one located on Oakdale Avenue (Centennial Park)


Economic Road Map:

·        The City has debt and credit risks set to increase dramatically within the next few years. I will take a leading role to review all city expenditures with the goal of freezing or keeping budgetary increases at or near zero. With stagnant population growth the tax burden on residents cannot continue to increase. Families are struggling financially and need relief!
·        Transit: increased regional and full GO Train transit. We NEED this locally!!! If the employers are not coming to the city, then the City’s residents need access to the employers. We need transit that is affordable, reliable, and sustainable - locally, regionally, and provincially. 


Political Road Map:

City council needs to nurture the current regional/city political relationship. Locally we need to be more active in regional planning from a political standpoint. The current dichotomy which includes sparse city/regional     political engagement which is not helping local residents.  Too many hands in the pot - decreasing political accountability. Regional councillors and city councillors should be on the same page - ALWAYS! Running the city is a full-time endeavor and the time is now to start treating it as such.

A councillor with strong methodological and rational ideals - reinforced through educational pursuits and blended with experience - should be the standard not the exception as a representative of the Merritton Ward. Below are some highlights which I feel will assist me as a City Councillor.


My Education:

In 2006, I went back to school at Brock University. I focused on how a municipality is run - bureaucratically and politically. Additionally, I studied the relationship of St. Catharines with regional, provincial, and federal forces and how these forces influence the day-to-day lives of local residents. 

In 2013, I graduated on the Dean’s list (with distinction) with a combined undergraduate degree in Political Science and Geography.

Notable areas of academic study included:
·        Urban Planning - completed academic research on the City of St.Catharines Official Garden City Plan and Official Green Plan (under the tutelage of retired City of St.Catharines Chief Planner Paul Chapman).
·        Economics - completed academic research on the City’s economy and how it is influenced by different regional, provincial, and federal factors (under the tutelage of Jeff Boggs - a leading academic figure concerning the City’s and Niagara Region’s economies).   


My Experience and Community Service:

·        Supporter and past volunteer of the St.Catharines Boxing Club - working with the youth in the Merritton Area
·        Co-Chair of the St. Catharines Green Committee - a volunteer position appointed by St. Catharines City Council in 2010 (till 2014)
·        Regular Volunteer with local school boards - serving yearly as a honourary judge for the Historical fair; and in numerous schools as the liaison for the St.Catharines Green Committee and their partnership with the NPCA and their Canopy for Kids program
·        Regular Volunteer with the Fresh Air Fund of Niagara - bringing New York State kids to enjoy and experience the natural beauty locally
·        Help administer and run the http://www.merritton.com website - promoting local residents, businesses, and community events.
·        Member of the Merritton Community Group.

Friday

Merritton Lions Club - Vendors wanted for Labour Day Carnival in Merritton




The Merritton Lions Club is looking for vendors of all types for The Annual Labour Day Carnival in Merritton.


The Carnival runs: Friday August 29 2014 5pm - 10pm 
Saturday August 30 2014 12pm - 10 pm 
Sunday August 31 2014 12pm - 10pm 
Monday September 1 2014 12pm - 7pm 

CONTACT: MLions@hotmail.com


OR


Address: 7 Park Ave. St. Catharines, ON Canada L2P 1P9
Phone: 905 682-0098



Vendor spots to fill, filling up fast. Spots are 10'x10' and are a flat rate of $40 per day for regular vendor spots. Pay for 3 Days and get the 4th Free!! You must provide your own tables and set up. This is limited hydro on vendor sites. Vendors have access to area during the day/morning before for set up if required, there will be security on the premises during the night but keep in mind the lions or staff are not responsible for and loss of or damaged property.

Looking for all types of vendors but want a variety, we do not want multiple booths with the same items. Spots are first come first serve and are subject to approval by the show hosts. The $40 fee can be paid in cash or by cheque which must clear no later than the week prior to show.
We are projecting strong numbers, with approximately 3000-5000 weekend visitors. Hoping to create successful show vendor rapport as this event is an annual show.

Some of the specific vendors I'm searching for are booths that sell:
-custom jewelry and body jewelry
-custom clothing
-designer inspired purses, sunglasses, etc
-die cast cars, trucks, etc
-vintage, rockabilly, pinup clothing and accessories by brands such as or similar to Lucky13, Sourpuss, iron fist
-clothing-sweaters, hats, scarves, dresses, etc
-henna and airbrushing tattoos
-artists with sketches and prints of celebrities and/or anything vintage like. Would also be great to have an artist who can do caricatures of their customers
-someone who does feather hair extensions
-Ecigarettes and vapor products
-scentsy
-alloette
-epicure
-pandora charms and accessories
-food trucks(icecream, funnel cakes, beaver tails, blooming onions, pretzels,etc) and packaged food/goods(fudge, candy apples, dried and cured meats)
-cleaning supplies
-psychic, palm readers, fortune tellers
-truck/bike/car cleaning/detailing, maintenance products
-anything car, truck, or motorcycle related
-photographers-especially those who specialize in car and/vintage pinup
-travel agents
-pet accessories and boutique items
-custom audio
-custom paint and body shop
-wheels and rims
-custom interior, accessories
-leather goods and clothing
-hair stylists
-bmx and motor cross swag
-anything tattoo
-cosmetics, bath, and beauty products
-charitable and religious organizations with specific causes or promotion of specific charitable events(eg. Ride for..., or walk for...)etc
-bike, truck, car, or anything vintage styled children's clothing and accessories
-aftermarket products
-helmets and riding gear
-vintage inspired tin wall signs
-flags

Please contact us for any info or questions. Even if what you would like to sell as a vendor wasn't listed please contact us with your products, ideas or suggestions. Variety is encouraged.

Thursday

Words from a Fresh Air Fund host family.






     This summer will be our 7th year with our Fresh Air son!!!  What started out as a slightly awkward first meeting has turned into a very special relationship.  We have done many things during Armani's visits, but I know that it is just being together that is the best part.  The boys feel like brothers (and act like it too)!  

     In fact, everyone was so happy together, that we arranged to have extra long visits for the past 3 summers........the Fresh Air Fund made it work.  This summer I will have 3 teenagers in the house!! As much as I know that we have had a positive influence on Armani, knowing him has changed our lives also, for the better.

Kathy McBride (Host Mom)
St. Catharines  

The Tosse-McBride Family.





Friday

Simple Things




     Imagine not being able to walk barefoot through the grass, go on a picnic, or gaze up at the stars.  It is these simple things that make the Fresh Air Fund experiences so incredible!  

     The Fresh Air Fund is a non-profit organization out of New York City that provides summer vacations to inner city kids and has been serving children since 1877.

     We are looking for families willing to open their homes and their hearts to a child in need of a break this summer from the hot, noisy city.
Our trip dates for Summer 2014 are:
July 21 - August 5 and August 12 - August 22

If you are interested in becoming a host and would like more information please visit www.freshair.org or email whaywood@cogeco.ca. 





Tuesday

LIMITED EDITION MERRITTON SHIRTS & HOODIES


You can own one of these limited edition Merritton tee, long sleeve or hoodie!

Hi quality materials, cotton, white.

The Merritton logo includes the Merritton crest with beaver and bale of cotton.

Limited supply / limited time.... prices start at $13 plus shipping and handling! I make no profit from each purchase.

You can use your credit card or paypal to purchase your tee, long sleeve or hoodie.

Shirts will not be printed nor will you be charged unless 25 shirts are purchased. Eight have been sold so far and there is 2 weeks left in the campaign.

Get your shirt/shirts now!

Purchase here, or share on facebook...

http://teespring.com/merrittonshirts#pid=6&cid=656


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