The NC community will have a chance to learn about the hero mindset and resilience from alumnus and Paralympian Kevin Rempel.

Hosted by the School of Business and Management, the virtual event will take place on March 28 at 9:30 a.m. It is open to all students, employees as well as alumni.

“I will be speaking with the students about how to become a hero in your own movie,” said Rempel. “It all begins with having the right mindset to overcome the adversity you’re facing.”

Rempel has become known for his hero mindset. He reinvented himself as an entrepreneur after a motocross accident left him as an incomplete paraplegic in 2006 and has since devoted his career to making the world a better place for people with disabilities.

The 2013 World Champion and 2014 Sochi Paralympic bronze medalist in sledge hockey, is an author, corporate motivational speaker, and Founder/CEO of The Sledge Hockey Experience. As a speaker, he has been inspiring audiences with his keynote on The Hero Mindset and coaches leaders using The Resilience Toolbox.

“After I came home from the Paralympics, everyone kept calling me a hero, and I didn’t see myself as a hero,” he recalled. “So when I thought about it, if people see me as a hero for all that I have accomplished and wanted to understand my mindset, that is how The Hero Mindset was born.”

The event will be held via Zoom. Those interested in attending may  register at this link.

Rempel, who graduated from Business Administration – Marketing in 2005; and Event Management, 2009, has become known for his hero mindset. He reinvented himself as an entrepreneur after a motocross accident left him as an incomplete paraplegic in 2006 and has since devoted his career to making the world a better place for people with disabilities.

The speaker event featuring Kevin Rempel was originally scheduled for March 14 and rescheduled for March 28.

Documentary filmmaker Graeme Bachiu, who graduated from NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program in 2003, is behind a new docuseries Canfield Roots which debuted early during Black History Month and will continue to air on PBS and Bell through February and March. The docuseries shares stories of Black families who made rural Southern Ontario their home after escaping enslavement, whose descendants now work to save an abandoned cemetery.

Through his company Windecker Road Films, Bachiu produces broadcast and branded documentaries and works on projects from other producers on a work-for-hire basis. Prior to 2015, he had a career in broadcast news with CHCH-TV and, earlier in his career, he worked for Rogers in community television as a producer, director, and more.

View Windecker Road Films’ February 23 news release about Canfield Roots below.

Celebrate black history month with homegrown Canfield Roots docuseries

Windecker Road Films invites you to add the Canadian-made documentary series Canfield Roots to your Black History Month viewing this February and March. The six-part docuseries is premiering on WNED PBS Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., as well as a dozen other PBS stations, as part of the Public Media station’s offering of Black History Month programming – and will air a second time starting in March. The series is also available 24/7 on TV1 to Bell Fibe TV On Demand subscribers and available for rental or purchase at www.windeckerroadfilms.com.

Sharing the history of some of the Black families who lived and thrived in a small rural town, Canfield Roots follows present-day descendants in Canada and the U.S. as they learn about their family history, share their early experiences, and fight to preserve the Street cemetery, now the focus of a restoration project. Located on private land, the cemetery is the final resting place of freedom seekers and the last remaining evidence that Black people lived in Canfield.

“Canfield Roots details efforts to save an abandoned cemetery – only an hour from Buffalo – where formerly enslaved people, including Harriet Tubman’s niece, were buried. The series uncovers the history of freedom seekers and the lives they led following their escape into Canada that should not be forgotten, and we’re excited to bring it to our viewers on both sides of the border,” said Kathryn Larsen, VP of Broadcast Services, Buffalo Toronto Public Media.

“I expect the majority of viewers will be very surprised to learn the history of the area,” said Director/Producer of Canfield Roots, Graeme Bachiu. “As a filmmaker, I find it meaningful to shine a light on lesser-known history. And, in this case with Canfield Roots, if I can help elevate the voices of those working to save the Street cemetery, I’m proud to do so.”

To view the Canfield Roots trailer, visit windeckerroadfilms.com.

The History

In the mid-1800s, Black American freedom seekers journeyed north to Canada on the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and hiding places that took people north. Some families put down roots near the small village of Canfield, building homes, raising families, and contributing to the cultural fabric of the community. Over time, the children of those families married into other families across Ontario and the United States, including a connection with the family of Harriet Tubman, the heroine known for making 13 return trips on the Underground Railroad to help liberate other freedom seekers.

“One of the inspiring people you’ll hear about in Canfield Roots is Lucy Street, who was born into slavery, made the perilous journey to Canada via the Underground Railroad, with children in tow no less, and then established her home in Canfield, becoming a wife and mother to 13 children, founding a Baptist Church, and becoming a substantial landowner with her husband,” said Bachiu. “We should all know about heroines like Lucy, just as many of us already know and celebrate more well-known freedom leaders like Harriet Tubman.”

The first episode of Canfield Roots garnered over 10,000 viewers on WNED PBS alone. The station has since added a second run for the series beginning March 15 and running weekly until April 19. This is the second documentary series PBS has aired from Windecker Road Films. The first was the four-part docuseries Making Things Count: Pandemic Postcards which aired in November 2020.

“I hope everyone gets as much out of watching Canfield Roots, as we did filming it,” said Bachiu. “Similar to Pandemic Postcards, much of this project was created during the pandemic, and we were heavily affected by COVID-19, so I’m especially happy to be sharing it with audiences now.”

The February/March airing of Canfield Roots on WNED PBS (Southern Ontario and Western New York) and on a dozen other PBS stations including WPBS (Eastern Ontario and Northern New York) and WXXI (Rochester) will be the first time American viewers have seen the series. Canadian viewers with Bell Fibe TV On Demand have enjoyed the docuseries on TV1 since October 2021 (available in cable packages on the mobile app), but this will be the first time all Southern & Eastern Ontario cable subscribers can access the series. The docuseries is also available for purchase (DVD or digital download) or rental at wwwwindeckerroadfilms.com.

Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) is a trusted public media resource that enriches its audiences by providing educational, entertaining programming and services, as well as engaging the Western New York and Southern Ontario communities through cultural and civic involvement. BTPM‘s media properties include three television stations (WNED PBS, PBS Kids and Create) and three radio stations.

Windecker Road Films is a Cayuga, Ontario-based media production company focused on character-driven short films, broadcast, and branded documentaries. Founder and Filmmaker Graeme Bachiu was named a 2021 Breakthrough Fellow by the Documentary Organization of Canada. While Bachiu’s films have been screened at film festivals around the world, they remain rooted in the rural area he lives in. Current projects include Canfield Roots and Music From Windecker Road, a six-part TV series featuring local songwriters and celebrating a different locale in each episode. Join the email list at www.windeckerroadfilms.com to stay updated on all the latest projects. Follow Windecker Road Films on Facebook at @windeckerroadfilms and on Instagram @graemebachiu

 

 

February 11 is the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. In honour of the day, NC’s Research & Innovation is inviting a look back at some of our incredible alumna.

These women are inspirations for the next generation of young women and girls to follow their applied dreams into a career into science and technology. Check out their stories below:

Daniela Cortes (Mechanical Engineering Technician, 2018)
R&I engineering grad lands dream job
(Cortes is pictured above)

Anusha Qureshi (Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2020)
Grad hired thanks to 3D design experience with R&I

Jennie Vallangca (Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program, 2020)
Food science graduate launches career

Rachel Gerroir (Culinary Innovation & Food Technology, 2019)
Where Are They Now?: Rachel Gerroir

Amanda Galenkamp (Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, 2018)
Where Are They Now?: Amanda Galenkamp

Ankita Mathkar (Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, 2018)
Where are they now?: Ankita Mathkar

As the Niagara wine industry is shaken by the sudden loss of one of their greatest talents, the Niagara College community mourns an inspirational alumnus, dedicated industry partner, and friend.

Winery and Viticulture alumnus (2006) Paul Pender, who was the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Tawse Winery, passed away suddenly on February 3 at the age of 54.

Pender and his wife Allison Findlay (2014) – head winemaker at Flat Rock Cellars – both have a special place in the College community, as prominent alumni from the Winery and Viticulture program.

Pender was enrolled during the early years of the program was a graduate of its trailblazing second class. After completing his studies, his career quickly blossomed within the heart of Niagara’s booming wine industry, and he became one of the most celebrated winemakers in Canada.

He joined Tawse in 2005 and became head winemaker in 2006. Under his leadership, Tawse achieved EcoCert Organic and Demeter Biodynamic certification and was named Canadian Winery of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016 – repeat wins that were unprecedented. Pender was awarded the prestigious title of Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards in 2011.

In 2012, NC nominated Pender for a prestigious Premier’s Award in Technology, in recognition of his early industry success and his leadership in organic and biodynamic farming.

Through the years, Pender kept close ties with his alma mater. He participated in two advisory committees for the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and consulted with the College regarding its Artisan Distilling program. He also returned to the College on several occasions to speak to students and share his expertise.

‘I wanted them to meet Paul and be equally inspired and excited about wine’

“The Niagara wine community has not just lost one of its signature and most important winemaker but it has lost a true friend,” said Canadian Food and Wine Institute Dean Craig Youdale. “My heart is truly broken for Allison and his entire family, but I am also hopeful that his legacy will continue to inspire young winemakers of the future, and they will look to his body of work not just in the bottle, but in the people he inspired and his family he cared so much for.”

Youdale recalled how, when he came to Niagara in 2009 as Associate Dean for the CFWI, Pender was one of the first winemakers he met with. They enjoyed discussing wine, the program and Pender’s vision for the region.

“He was one of our well-known graduates at the time, and Tawse was quickly becoming the jewel of winemaking in Niagara,” said Youdale. “I was met by the most friendly, humble and engaging person you could imagine. His sense of humour, and obvious passion for what he was doing, was infectious and inspiring.”

Over the next decade, they connected countless times, and Youdale noted how Pender never wavered from who he was, and how he viewed his life as a winemaker.

“His pride for his wines, his team, and the region was clear and defined in each conversation,” he said.

“Whenever we had VIP guests to the College, I always chose Tawse as a must-see destination. It was not just about the world-class wines, but it was that I wanted them to meet Paul, and be equally inspired and excited about wine as when I first met Paul.”

‘He trained more established wine professionals in the Canadian industry and beyond than I can name’

College winemaker Gavin Robertson reflected on the tragic loss of Pender, which shocked the Niagara and Canadian wine communities, and beyond.

“This is a devastating loss for everyone who loved Paul dearly, and especially for his wife, Allison, who, like Paul, is part of the NC family,” he said.

“The enormity of Paul’s impact on Canadian wine can only be matched by the impact he had on the people who knew him and by their memories of his good-humoured affability, his spirited sense of fun, his camaraderie and appreciation for a good, cold beer and a joke or two after a hard day’s work. He’ll be missed.”

Robertson recalled how he had just begun working at the Teaching Winery about 10 years ago when they collaborated with Pender and Tawse for a few seasons, selling them grapes from the campus vineyard.

“I would pick his brain at every opportunity on all things viticulture because he seemed to have an uncanny eye for vine health and fruit quality,” said Robertson. “He was endlessly generous with his time and with his palate, eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with a young upstart in the industry.

“He had a cool calmness about him, even in the midst of the most grinding of harvest seasons, that just totally impressed me.”

For Robertson, it was astonishing to learn that Pender had only gravitated into winemaking during middle age, studying at NC as a mature student. He recalled how Pender had settled into his second career so easily and completely.

“He was comfortable in his own skin and he had a charm and charisma which, along with his stellar wines, endeared him to everyone he met,” he said.

Pender never forgot where started out on his wine journey and made an effort to help aspiring winemakers. Robertson noted how Pender hired NC practicum students to work in the vineyards and cellars that he managed for every vintage.

“He trained more established wine professionals in the Canadian industry and beyond than I can name,” said Robertson.

Always eager to host NC classes on field trips, Robertson recalled how he took time to speak to students. He started out by talking about fundamental technique and simplicity of craft and then zeroed in on wine’s true origins in their well-tended organic vineyards.

“But he would also elaborate on all of the innovations and new projects he was endlessly working on, whether it was the new sparkling program that took off like a shot flooding market shelves, their new cider program, or the new still they brought in to make artisanal spirits,” said Robertson. “He was energized and excited to be trying new things, while steadily turning out top-notch Pinots, Chards, Riesling and Cab Francs that remain benchmarks for our region.

“His wines speak for themselves: they are exquisitely balanced, honest, and true to their varietal and vineyard origins.”

Steve Gill, General Manager of the College’s Learning Enterprises, was shocked and saddened to hear about Pender’s passing.

He noted that he first met Paul almost 20 years ago when, as a prospective student, he inquired about signing up for the Winery and Viticulture program when Gill was Program Coordinator.

“We had a great meeting and I toured him around to see the Teaching Winery and the campus. He ended up enrolling, being a great student and evolving into an incredible winemaker,” said Gill. “He has been involved with Niagara College through various committees and has always stayed in touch.

“My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and the rest of his family at this tragic time.”

‘Paul was determined to do well’

College Wine Instructor and Technologist Amanda Leduc has fond memories of Pender as a former Winery and Viticulture classmate and friend.

“Paul was determined to do well,” she said. “He always asked thought-provoking questions in class that benefitted all of us.”

She recalled studying for wine chemistry courses together and working with Pender on a viticulture assignment.

“He insisted on planting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (of course). He was always interested in what was happening in the vineyard, truly understanding its role in good winemaking very early on,” said Leduc.

She remembers Pender as one of the students who would often volunteer to help clean up after sensory courses, which allowed him to continue evaluating wines, and connect with professors and fellow students.

“I remember his excitement when he returned from his practicum at Tawse, bringing some great bottles of Riesling to share with the class,” she said. ” I don’t think anyone was surprised at his success there.”

Pender also took the lead in organizing get-togethers, and Leduc will remember the many conversations they had about great wine and food, as well as the other great things life has to offer.

“Paul had joie de vivre that was contagious and will be missed.”

Service details

Funeral Services for Paul Pender will be held on February 11 at 2 p.m. (due to COVID restrictions, invitation only). The event will be live-streamed. For details and to view the obituary visit:

tallmanfuneralhomes.ca/tribute/details/9326/Paul-Pender/obituary.html#tribute-start

 

 

Niagara College is rooting for seven members of its alumnae community who have been nominated for the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Women in Business Awards (WIBA).

The WIBA recognize the leadership and success of women in Niagara’s business community and aim to encourage more women to seek out and reach for leadership roles in business, politics and our community.

Among this year’s nominee finalists is Heidi Levitzky, a part-time faculty member in NC’s School of Environmental & Horticulture Studies and graduate of NC’s Environmental Management and Assessment program (2009).

“I am truly filled with gratitude to be nominated for the Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Award in the Science and Technology Category,” said Levitzky. “In 2008 I made the best decision I have ever made, which was to move to St. Catharines to pursue a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment (EMA) from Niagara College. I had no idea how that would change my life’s course forever.”

Levitzky noted that she has grown and flourished as an environmental leader in Niagara since graduating from the program and is thrilled to be teaching the next generation of environmental professionals.

“My passion for environmental conservation and education has impacted the Niagara Region, from greening public and industrial spaces to educating hundreds of grade school and high school students in STEM education, to finally coming full-circle and teaching at Niagara College in the very program that provided me with the tools to succeed in the environmental field,” she said. “It has been an absolute honour to teach Hazardous Materials Management, Industrial Processes, and Project Management to EMA students, our future environmental managers and stewards, since January 2020.”

NC alumnae nominees joining Levitzky include:

• Kristen Marischuk (General Arts and Science, 2003; Social Service Worker, 2008), Counselling By Kristen, who was nominated for a Community Impact Award;
• Susan Knighton (Visual & Creative Arts – Design, 1993; Public Safety Communications, 1998; Business Basics CNED course, 2004), Earth Angel Landscaping & Property Maintenance, who was nominated for an Entrepreneurship Award;
• Margaret Lockhart (Management of Human Resources CNED course, 2012), Bethesda Community Services Inc., who was nominated for an Excellence in Non-Profit Award;
• Danuela Freel (Business Basics and Self-Employment Benefit Program CNED courses, 2008), Four Point Travel, who was nominated for an Innovations in Hospitality and Tourism Award;
• Agnieszka Krzywinska, (Bachelor of Science, Honours, Game Programming – Joint Credential, 2020), Adjective Noun Studios Inc., who was nominated for a Young Professional Award; and
• Alexandra Lacivita (Business – Sales and Marketing, 2020), The Village Boutique, who was nominated for a Young Professional Award.

The College is a sponsor for this year’s WIBA and NC’s Rebecca Nicholls, Manager of Community Employment Programs and Services, will be presenting the Community Impact Award at the awards presentation, which takes places on Friday, November 19 at the Marriott on the Falls in Niagara Falls from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn more about the WIBA on the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce website.

Congratulations to all nominees!