Welcome to our gossip (shorts) section

Photo © 2025 supplied by Art Gallery of Welland

Art Gallery of Welland founding board and advisory committee members, front row, from left: Chris Lagesten, David Bagarozza, Sylvia Parrotta, Debi Katsmar. Back row, from left: Brianna DePaulo, Aldo Parrotta, Evan Bernier, Anthony Corrizzato, James Takeo. Absent: George Mora.

The Art Gallery of Welland becoming a reality

Updated March 14, 2025

The Art Gallery of Welland is taking shape with the goal of elevating the Rose City's standing as a premier arts and culture centre in Ontario, and look for a major fall fundraising event to help get the ball rolling.

A dedicated space for the gallery is the works, ensuring a permanent home where exhibitions, workshops and artistic innovation can thrive, Aldo Parrotta, founder and director, said in a media release following the gallery's first board of directors and advisory committee meeting.

"We are making history. This is more than just a gallery: it's a transformative movement that will reshape Welland's identity as a leader in the arts," he said. "We are moving forward with a commitment to artistic excellence, economic impact, and a deep community engagement."

Parrotta said the fundraiser will offer attendees an exclusive opportunity to engage with the arts while supporting the gallery's growth.

Click here for more information on this exciting venture!

Photo © 2025 supplied by Jamie Williams

Niagara theatre professional to be featured in upcoming print issue

Updated January 28, 2025

We're going to do a full interview for the upcoming print issue of Homegrown Niagara Magazine with veteran St. Catharines, Ont. actor, director and playwright Jamie Williams. His list of achievements in the theatre world is absolutely impressive in a career that's spanned more than three decades.

He's now in his third season as artistic associate with the Garden City's own Foster Festival.

See you soon, Jamie.

Photo © 2025 by Blair Burgess

The Polka King loves his Timmies!

Updated January 21, 2025

Niagara's own three-time Grammy winner, Walter Ostanek aka The Polka King, loves to hang out with the boys at a north end, St. Catharines, Tim Hortons, where I chat with him daily while ordering my XL DD with milk. Walter's looking great at the young age of 89! I also see the master accordion player at least once a week picking up his dry cleaning at our shop, Manor Cleaners, one street over.

Quebec-born Walter has promised me a full interview for the upcoming print edition of Homegrown Niagara Magazine. I'm hoping he'll let me hold one of those coveted musical awards!

Niagara Podcast for Music Lovers

Updated January 20, 2025

St. Catharines music aficionado David Brown has launched a podcast, Your Favourite Artist, for music lovers of all genres on Spotify. He reports it's getting plenty of listens! Click below for the link...