Yappy Hour delivers a barking good time for NC’s canine enthusiasts

Finding comfort in the middle of a global pandemic looks different for everyone.

While some have turned to activities like baking, yoga or binge watching a favourite show, others have relied on the unconditional love and companionship provided by their furry friends, especially at a time when human-to-human interaction is limited.

This was apparent in the latest webinar from NC Development and Alumni Relations dubbed ‘Yappy
Hour.’ Co-hosted with Community Employment Services (CES), the August 12 live Zoom event provided an opportunity for NC alumni and staff, along with their four-legged companions, to socialize virtually and discuss all things dog-related. Professional dog trainer Celine Loguasto, who operates Celine’s K9 Training from her property in Niagara-on-the-Lake, joined the conversation.

Celine Loguasto

Celine Loguasto, Master Trainer and owner of Celine’s K9 Training.

“We did trivia during our last connecting-themed webinar and this time we wanted to do something fun with pets in mind,” said NC’s alumni engagement officer Jana Boniferro, whose family unit consists of Basha, an eight year old German Shepherd, and Charlie, a six year old King Cavalier Spaniel. “We’re busy taking care of our families, but we also have our fur babies too, so it’s great to get some valuable advice from someone who has been working with canines for over 25 years.”

Loguasto did just that, offering training tips and alleviating the participants’ concerns about new habits and behaviours picked up by the pups with changing household routines during the pandemic.

With new work-from-home situations, many participants have been spending more time with their dogs and have noticed patterns of attachment and separation anxiety.

Jennifer Gammon has experienced this with her 10-year-old Cockapoo Murphy. Although she began working from home long before COVID-19, she says Murphy has struggled with separation anxiety ever since and never leaves her side when they are together – she doesn’t mind the company from her trusted sidekick, though.

For those concerned about how their dogs will react when they return to work outside of the home, Loguasto put their worries at ease. She assured the group that their pups will likely go back to the routine they had before, especially older or trained ones.

Michele and her dog

Michele and Gwinney

Michele O’Keefe, NC’s associate director of athletics and recreation, plans to sign her six month old Shih Tzu Gwinney up for training with Loguasto. She welcomed Gwinney into her home in April for companionship and found the webinar helpful.

“I’m very new to the world of puppies and to hear from an expert like Celine as well as other dog owners made me feel better with some of the decisions I’ve made with my pup so far,” said O’Keefe. “Gwinney has been a great addition to my life and helps me get out of my head. She seems to be a happy puppy with a fun personality.”

Madison Garratt, who works at CES, has managed to find the “pawsitives” in the current situation. She has enjoyed spending more time with her two year old German Shepherd Ginny and creating special memories together. “I live near the Falls, so we’ve had a few fun photo shoots when there was literally no one there a few months ago,” she said.

It’s clear that for this group of canine enthusiasts getting through the dog days of summer, and the COVID-19 pandemic, is more tolerable with the presence of a furry friend.

“This pandemic is very serious, but if we can find silver linings in it, it’ll make it easier for all of us,” said Boniferro. “We know our fur babies are a breath of fresh air and so comforting to us, so it was nice to talk doggies for over 90 minutes!”

Development and Alumni Relations’ webinar series focuses on the three pillars of wellness, learning and connecting.

For information on upcoming offerings in the series, held bi-weekly on Wednesdays, visit NC’s alumni Facebook page here.

Related articles:

Alumni Relations launches webinar series

Niagara College 2020 Civic Holiday hours

While there is limited activity and restricted access to campuses at this time, due to measures related to COVID-19, Niagara College is offering many services virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are either open or offering curbside pickup.

Below is a list of what will be open or closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, August 3.

Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Retail store and patio will be open August 3. Tasting, shopping, patio drinks and snack service is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Products include NC wine, beer, cider and spirits. For curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping across Ontario, please call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.

Community Employment Services: (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed August 3. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, August 4 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the CES office is now open for in-person visits Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Visit the CES website for more information.

Enrolment Services:
Closed August 3. Students may continue to submit requests online via email and student portal, which will be reviewed in priority sequence when Enrolment Services reopens on Tuesday, August 4.

NC Teaching Greenhouse:
Closed August 3. Open for curbside pickup only resuming Tuesday, August 4. Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.

ncLibraries and Learning Commons:
Student support, academic drop-ins and peer tutoring services will be closed on August 3. Virtual services will resume on Tuesday, August 4 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.

Student centres and NCSAC offices:
Closed August 3. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, August 4.

For a comprehensive list of services and resources available to assist students, visit:
Virtual Campus: Remote Services, Resources for Students

Transit

Please check with individual transit providers for the most up-to-date information and schedules.

Niagara Region Transit
St. Catharines Transit Commission
Welland Transit (including Port Colborne)
Niagara Falls Transit

Important note: The student U-Pass has been suspended for the Spring and Fall term during COVID-19. All student riders are required to pay the adult fare as of July 1, 2020. Monthly passes are available for purchase at the Welland, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls terminals and some transit providers offer a mobile Transit App.

For fare information and the latest updates, visit the transit websites listed above.

Visit yourncsac.ca/yourtransit for more information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.

Niagara College 2020 Canada Day hours

While there is limited activity and restricted access to campuses at this time, due to measures related to COVID-19, Niagara College is offering many services virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are either open or offering curbside pickup.

Below is a list of what will be open or closed for the Canada Day holiday on Wednesday, July 1.

Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Retail store and patio will be open July 1. Tasting, shopping, patio drinks and snack service is now available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Products include NC wine, beer, cider and spirits. For curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping across Ontario, please call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.

Employment Services: (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed July 1. Virtual services resume on July 2 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the CES website for more information.

Enrolment Services: Closed July 1. Students may continue to submit requests via email and student portal, that which will be reviewed in priority sequence when Enrolment Services reopens on July 2.

NC Teaching Greenhouse: Closed July 1. As of Monday, June 29 the Teaching Greenhouse will open for curbside pickup only. Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.

ncLibraries and Learning Commons: Student support, test centre, academic drop-ins and peer tutoring services will be closed on July 1. Virtual services will resume on July 2 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.

Student centres and NCSAC offices: Closed July 1. Virtual services resume on July 2.

For a comprehensive list of services and resources available to assist students, visit:
Virtual Campus: Remote Services, Resources for Students

Transit
Please check with individual transit providers for the most up-to-date information and schedules.

Niagara Region Transit
St. Catharines Transit Commission
Welland Transit (including Port Colborne)
Niagara Falls Transit

Important note: The student U-Pass has been suspended for the Spring and Fall term during COVID-19. All student riders will be required to pay the full fare, effective July 1. Monthly passes are available for purchase at the Welland, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls terminals.

For information, schedules and the latest updates, visit: Niagara Region Transit webpage

Visit yourncsac.ca/yourtransit for more information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.

NC to celebrate Class of 2020 with Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies

NC’s Class of 2020 is unlike any other in our  history and the College is planning convocation celebrations to match.

Plans are underway for NC’s first-ever Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies to be held during the week of June 15.  View ceremony schedule here. Graduating students will be able to mark the milestone #ncTogether with their classmates, professors and the college community, and invite their friends and families to celebrate along with them.

The live-streamed virtual ceremonies will feature many of the treasured traditional elements of the in-person convocation ceremonies. Participants will be able to hear each graduate’s name read aloud, and listen to inspiring speeches from College officials and special guest speakers. Student awards will be announced and well wishes from faculty and staff will be shared in the moment.

A custom social media experience will be incorporated into the virtual events featuring live reactions, photos and messages to connect graduating students with their classmates, professors and loved ones.

More details regarding virtual convocation will be available in the weeks ahead.

The College also plans to invite the Class of 2020 back to campus for an in-person celebration in the future, once public health circumstances allow large groups to gather safely.

Please view the video message from College president Sean Kennedy and NC Student Administrative Council president Tom Price above or click here.

Niagara College donates more than 30,000 personal protective items to front-line healthcare

Niagara College sent the ultimate care package to the region’s healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic today – loading a truck with more than 30,000 items of personal protective equipment, with more on the way.

The supply of items was picked up from the Welland Campus on April 2 for donation to the Niagara Health Foundation. The hundreds of boxes contained items collected from various program areas and departments across the College’s two campuses, including: 23,000 gloves, 3,130 masks, 3,760 protective garments (gowns, polypropylene suits, hair covers, shoe covers and caps), more than 330 cleaning supplies (antiseptic towelettes, disinfectant), and almost 150 safety glasses and shields.

“We are extremely grateful to Niagara College for their support and generosity. This donation will provide our frontline workers with critical protective equipment to help them respond to COVID-19,” said Roger D. Ali, president and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation. “These items will protect our healthcare professionals as they treat our friends, neighbours and loved ones.”

In addition to the equipment collected college-wide, the donation also included a supply of college-made face shields. The shields are being produced at a rate of 200 per day at NC’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (Welland Campus) to help Niagara Health address a pressing need for supplies. NC’s Research & Innovation Division recently developed a method of producing the face shields on campus by using computer design tools and laser-cutting technology – which proved to be quicker and more cost effective than 3D printing.

Currently, the College’s Research & Innovation Division has committed to producing 7,000 face shields at no cost to Niagara Health, thanks to support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) through its contribution to the NC-led Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI).

“Niagara College has always come together to respond to the needs of our community – and, during these unprecedented times, we are committed to leveraging our innovative spirit to provide support in any way we can,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing efforts of Niagara Health, and those who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They serve as role models for many of our students who are training to follow in their footsteps as the healthcare workers and first responders of tomorrow. They’re heroes to us all.”

Work is also underway at the College’s Teaching Distillery (Niagara-on-the-Lake campus) to address an urgent need for sanitizer. The Teaching Distillery has been producing a 70-percent-alcohol disinfectant for Niagara Health.

 

NC COVID-19 updates

Niagara College campuses are currently closed; students continue their winter term classes remotely until further notice. For the latest College updates regarding COVID-19, visit niagaracollege.ca/healthservices/coronavirus/

 

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

PHOTO ABOVE:

From right: Katie McQuestion (Campus Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator), Pam Skinner (Senior Vice President, Corporate Services), and Gordon Maretzki (Centre Manager, Advanced Manufacturing, Niagara
College Research & Innovation) gather in front of the Applied Health Institute at NC’s Welland Campus on April 2 to help load boxes containing more than 30,000 personal protective equipment items that the College is donating to Niagara Health.

 

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Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

Cell: 905 328 2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Manager, Corporate Communications

Cell: 905 328 4101

[email protected]

Ways to give: supporting students facing hardship during COVID-19

In recent weeks, an inspiring number of Niagara College students, employees, alumni and others in our community have reached out to ask how they can support students facing financial hardship during COVID-19. This sense of caring and generosity is a testament to our NC DNA, and a source of strength for many of us during this difficult time.

Emergency Grocery Gift Card program (Nourishing Minds Fund)

With the support of corporate and individual donors, Niagara College’s Development & Alumni Relations department has been able to allocate $50,000 to support NCSAC’s Nourishing Minds Fund to help alleviate the food insecurity faced by many NC students. During the COVID-19 situation, funds will support the Emergency Grocery Gift Card program for students in need, providing virtual gift cards to buy groceries. Further fundraising by the college and NCSAC is also underway to help address this growing and urgent need.

“This week’s announcement by President Sean Kennedy about the reallocation of $50,000 from Alumni Relations to the Nourishing Minds Fund highlights the College’s unyielding commitment to support students,” said Price. “The student support provided by trailblazing adaptability, passionate creativity, and the collaborative partnership between NC and NCSAC has resulted in $100,000 of funding that will continue to provide thousands of virtual grocery gift cards to the students of Niagara College.”

Grocery gift cards are made available weekly to students in need via yourncsac.ca/groceryhelp.

Emergency Bursary programs

In addition, to help address the growing income insecurity and financial shortfalls faced by our students, the college is allocating additional funds to emergency bursary programs administered through the Financial Aid and International areas.

Domestic students can access these services by contacting [email protected], and International students via their International Student Advisor.

Ways to give

Please consider making a donation to NCSAC’s Nourishing Minds Fund and/or the Emergency Bursary program. You can make your gift online by visiting: donate.niagaracollege.ca/ways-to-give.

You may choose to make a one-time donation or a pledge over multiple years, and you can select which fund you wish to contribute to. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for donations made by debit/credit card. Gifts made through payroll deduction will be reflected on your annual T4.

“The NCSAC Nourishing Minds Fund has recently received thousands of dollars in donations from staff and students, and with the ease of giving through the new Ways to Give website, NCSAC will undoubtedly see an enormous increase in donations,” said NCSAC President Tom Price.

Niagara College supports local healthcare efforts with made-in-Niagara solutions

Niagara College is responding to an urgent need to protect the health and safety of the community, and those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The College has an assortment of in-demand supplies earmarked for local healthcare – including made-in-Niagara solutions created right on its campuses in both Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Initiatives include face shields created in college research labs at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre; the provision of personal protective equipment, including N-95 masks, gloves and gowns collected from departments college-wide; and the production of sanitizer in the Niagara College Teaching Distillery.

“At Niagara College, we’re training the healthcare workers and first responders of tomorrow, and we know there is no greater inspiration than the tireless efforts of those who are working within the healthcare system in the face of this unprecedented challenge,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “We’re leveraging our college’s innovative spirit to provide support in any way we can.”

Research & Innovation provides face shields

The College’s Research & Innovation Division is responding to the Niagara Health System’s increased demand for protective equipment. Two thousand face shields are being produced at the College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (Welland Campus) using laser-cutting technology and computer design tools.

The project is funded by the NC-led Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) through Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) contributions.

In addition to reaching out to assist local healthcare organizations, the College’s Research & Innovation Division has also approached Health Canada with an interest in assisting with additional projects related to COVID-19.

Teaching Distillery produces disinfectant

Stills at the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been running throughout the campus closure – but not to create its signature artisan small-batch spirits. Since March 16, staff members have been responding to an overwhelming demand for hand sanitizer by producing a 70% alcohol disinfectant, which can be used for hand sanitizer and surface wipes.

Departments donate surplus medical supplies

Staff from departments and divisions across the College have been taking stock of their inventory to identify urgently needed personal protective equipment that can be donated to local healthcare workers.

Thousands of masks (including N95 and procedural masks) and thousands of gloves, as well as hundreds of face shields, will be provided in the coming days.

The equipment was collected from various areas of the College – from Community and Health Studies, Trades and Technology, Campus Safety, Trades and Technology, Academic and Liberal Studies, the School of Environment, and Human Resources.

NC COVID-19 updates

Niagara College campuses are currently closed, students continue their winter term classes remotely until further notice. For the latest College updates regarding COVID-19, visit niagaracollege.ca/healthservices/coronavirus/

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

-30-

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

Cell: 905 328 2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Manager, Corporate Communications

Cell: 905 328 4101

[email protected]

Niagara College supports local healthcare efforts with made-in-Niagara solutions

Niagara College is responding to an urgent need to protect the health and safety of the community, and those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The College has an assortment of in-demand supplies earmarked for local healthcare – including made-in-Niagara solutions created right on its campuses in both Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Initiatives include face shields created in college research labs at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre; the provision of personal protective equipment, including N-95 masks, gloves and gowns collected from departments college-wide; and the production of sanitizer in the Niagara College Teaching Distillery.

“At Niagara College, we’re training the healthcare workers and first responders of tomorrow, and we know there is no greater inspiration than the tireless efforts of those who are working within the healthcare system in the face of this unprecedented challenge,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “We’re leveraging our college’s innovative spirit to provide support in any way we can.”

Research & Innovation provides face shields

The College’s Research & Innovation Division is responding to the Niagara Health System’s increased demand for protective equipment. Two thousand face shields are being produced at the College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (Welland Campus) using laser-cutting technology and computer design tools.

The project is funded by the NC-led Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) through Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) contributions.

In addition to reaching out to assist local healthcare organizations, the College’s Research & Innovation Division has also approached Health Canada with an interest in assisting with additional projects related to COVID-19.

Teaching Distillery produces disinfectant

Stills at the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been running throughout the campus closure – but not to create its signature artisan small-batch spirits. Since March 16, staff members have been responding to an overwhelming demand for hand sanitizer by producing a 70% alcohol disinfectant, which can be used for hand sanitizer and surface wipes.

Departments donate surplus medical supplies

Staff from departments and divisions across the College have been taking stock of their inventory to identify urgently needed personal protective equipment that can be donated to local healthcare workers.

Thousands of masks (including N95 and procedural masks) and thousands of gloves, as well as hundreds of face shields, will be provided in the coming days.

The equipment was collected from various areas of the College – from Community and Health Studies, Trades and Technology, Campus Safety, Trades and Technology, Academic and Liberal Studies, the School of Environment, and Human Resources.

NC COVID-19 updates

Niagara College campuses are currently closed, students continue their winter term classes remotely until further notice. For the latest College updates regarding COVID-19, visit niagaracollege.ca/healthservices/coronavirus/

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

-30-

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

Cell: 905 328 2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Manager, Corporate Communications

Cell: 905 328 4101

[email protected]