 By Justin Lethbridge
July 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The playoff seeding for the Intercounty Baseball League hasn’t been confirmed yet; there are two games tonight that could change who would play who.
 The Bandits whoop it up after a win – going into the playoffs might we see this more often?
If Toronto wins their game against London tonight then Burlington would play Brantford in the playoffs.
If Toronto loses their game then Burlington would play London.
It looks like the Playoffs will start Thursday August 6th with Burlington having their first playoff game on the 7th
The Bandits might want to pull for Toronto this evening – their record with London hasn’t been that strong.
Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES July 31 to August 6 , 2015
AMY 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 3:00 5:20 7:15 9:30
I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS PG
Fri to Thur 11:40 1:30 3:30 5:20 7:10 9:00
TED 2 14A
Fri to Thur 5:15 7:15 9:20
SELF/LESS 14A
Fri to Thur 1:20 3:05 5:15 7:25 9:30
SAN ANDREAS PG
Fri to Thur 1:00 7:40 9:40
MAX PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:25 3:30 5:30
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL PG
Fri to Thur 11:00 3:20 5:20
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 7:30 9:30
HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:30 1:20 3:30
—
 By Staff
July 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The KooGle Theatre has had a busy couple of months.
 Christopher Gray After completing a successful two week run at the Performing |Arts Centre where their “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. They then did an afternoon performance of A Couple of Swells which was part of their Summer Lunchtime Concert Series held in the Centennial Hall at the Burlington Central Library
 Leslie Kay KooGle is now gearing up for the auditions they want to hold in August for the event they will be putting on during Culture week in September
If you want to dance – touch base – they will be holding auditions for local dancers for their upcoming Culture Days Event (Sunday Sept 27 at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre).
 SUNDAY AUGUST 9, 2015 – 2pm KooGle Theatre Company will be holding auditions for local dancers for our upcoming Culture Days Event (Sunday Sept 27 at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre). Contact us for more details (info@koogletheatre.com)
KooGle Theatre Company is a Burlington based professional musical and dramatic performing arts company founded in 2007 by Equity artists and husband and wife team, Leslie and Christopher Gray; they believe in employing a range of talent from up and coming to professional and always utilizing as much local talent as possible.
By Pepper Parr
July 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Not sure what one does with a piece like this – it does have a character of its own doesn’t it.
 Christina MacEwan’s, Horned Curmudgen Jar, circa 1985 Christina MacEwan’s, Horned Curmudgen Jar, circa 1985 is part of an exhibit with the title Gothic, which opened late in June at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
The exhibit brings a new extension to the word Gothic. As times change, the meaning of our language changes with it.
 Janet MacPherson’s – Monk (2014) Three artists – Christina MacEwen, Janet MacPherson, and Mary Philpott, all create work that could be described as ‘gothic’, but each has developed a unique style that has tapped into an original source.
Each has put their personal stamp on their inspiration. From sculpture, architecture and literature, these sources have each touched these artists’ visions.
Curated by Jonathan Smith, this AGB permanent collection exhibition will run from June 27, 2015 to September 6, 2015.
The Art Gallery of Burlington is located at 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1A9 Gallery Hours:
Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 12 noon – 5:00 pm
 By Staff
July 28, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If they caught you Red Handed – you were lucky – you were probably given a gift certificate and asked a lot of questions as to why you shopped downtown.
The Saturday before last was the Burlington Downtown Business Association’s (BDBA) annual Red Bag day.
 Centro went all out with their window – there was no doubt what the display was about. It worked – the majority of the retailers were onside and several stores featured the event in their windows. There were more retailers involved this year than last.
 Facebook painting always draws the kids – which means the parents are close to a captive customer. Brian Dean, General Manager of the BDBA was delighted when retailers on the street other than Brant got in on the game. “This is the third year we have run the program and it has grown. My retailers are finding it to be a very productive marketing tool.”
 The good people at Scriveners made the best of the opportunity. There were about 50 gift certificates given out – people were delighted to be asked questions as to why they were downtown and what worked for them.
Those retailers that bought into the program are delighted. Several used the word “fantastic” to describe the response they got.
The BDBA is still working through different marketing tools to get the right mix. The telephone directory people sponsored a Yellow Bag program with a contest element to it which Burlington won two years in a row – they are doing something right to make that “vibrant downtown” feel real and effective.
The Test Kitchen’s Pop Up is doing just fine; CineStarz is building their audience and the outdoor patios are very close to full much of the time.
Photographs provided by Jon Root
By Pepper Parr
July 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Arts are often seen by people as something that is nice to have but when there are budgets to be cut – the arts get cut.
Those within the arts community will argue that entertainment is an economic engine that brings in more in the way of revenue and business that its costs.
There is hardly an arts organization that can get by without some form of subsidy – that’s just an economic fact.
Are the subsidies worth what we spend? Is the half a million given to the Performing Arts Centre each year a worthwhile expenditure.
The Sound of Music gets grant from the city – they argue that they pump a solid $6 million into the local economy and buy services from the city that equals or exceeds the grant they are given.
It’s a debate that goes back and forth and one that the politicians have to deal with every budget – having said all that – the Art Gallery, the Performing Arts Centre and Royal Botanical Gardens have a WORDS program for the week we are going into – check it out!
 Mary Poppins – A perennial favourite for the kids. Things are a little on the quiet side at the Performing Arts Centre – The Mary Poppins Student Theatre Summer Camp takes place at the PAC on Thursday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $18.
Seems a bit of a shame that the space isn’t put to some use – Shaw and Stratford make the summer season real revenue opportunities.
PAC Executive Director, Brian McCurdy, who got the Centre on a solid footing after a bit of a shaky start, has advised the board that he will be retiring in October. The Centre now has a new board chair: Ilene Elkaim.
Perhaps a new expanded direction will be put forward.
The PAC does have an excellent Friday evening Jazz program that will be held throughout August.
The Art Gallery of Burlington has a recently appointed President in place. Robert Stephen brought an excellent track record with him – now that he has a sense of the place and knows much more about Burlington we should soon see where Steven takes the gallery. He is fortunate to have a well led board that will urge him to break new ground,
 Taking ten minutes or so to just sit and contemplate the sculpture – is time well spent. The week ahead has the Jordi Alfaro, abstract nature of the design in the Courtyard. It is a series of monolithic forms that complement the straight horizontal and vertical lines of both the architecture and the plantings of the space. His single large sculptures and his stacked round forms have the evocative sense of prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge in England,
Alfaro is originally from Spain but now a resident of Dundas, Ontario.
 The craft community is streaming into Burlington for this exhibit – if crafts matter to you – get to see it. The Naked Crafts Exhibit continues in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery. This international project brings together the best of contemporary Canadian and Scottish crafts. Makers from these two countries are united in this exhibition to celebrate the shared sense of northern resilience as both of them rest to the north of a southern powerhouse. People in Scotland and Canada have a tendency to identify themselves by what they are not; Not English, Not American, and our countries appear to struggle to retain our freedom from those southern neighbours. Contemporary craft builds upon traditions and heritage that are place holders that aid in defining our identity and cultures.
The exhibition strips ideas of craft back down to four themes that bridge the past and the present, traditional and changing ideas:
 Reid Flock – his work will give you a whole new perspective on ceramics. The Permanent Hallway collection has drawn pieces from the Permanent Collection of Canadian Ceramics. The current offering traces the history of ceramics in Ontario over the last forty years.
Starting with the refined functional ware of Ruth Gowdy McKinley and her effect on the program at Sheridan College and elsewhere, this exhibition looks at the development of the more sculptural approach by younger artists such as Reid Flock and Mary Philpott.
Flock is one of the most exciting ceramic artists in the country. His use of colour and the shapes he uses are not what you think of when you go to look at ceramics – an artist not to be missed.
The Royal Botanical Gardens have just completed their very successful Panorama and are a little on the quiet side except for their Red Hot Jazz and Cool Blues Wednesdays offerings.
 Jack de Keyzer – a jazz guitarist that you won’t forget. Jack de Keyzer plays on Wednesday the 29th – 6:00PM – 8:30PM in Hendrie Park. A two time Juno and seven time Maple Blues Award winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer De Keyzer is always very pleasing
Country Tuesdays will have Ally Howatt playing Hendrie Park from 6:00PM – 8:30PM. Ally has shared the stage with top artists Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, and Tim McGraw.”
 Ally Howatt brings her Caledonia roots to Burlington at the RBG No one doubts that Howatt grew up country. She loves the music and honours it with every show she plays. Her passion to share country music with every audience is evident as she sings from the heart and draws a crowd on the dance floor. “I want the fans to enjoy the music as much as I love playing it.” The crowd finds her inspiring, just as she finds inspiration in the songs that she plays.
 Aboriginal dancers have traditionally been a part of the annual Joseph Brant Day held at LaSalle Park Late in the week we will move into the beginning of a long weekend when the annual Joseph Brant Day Festival takes place. This year the event is an official partner of the Toronto 2015 PanAm / Parapan Am Games.
The the captivating Beshano Bike Trials and the Burlington Soccer Club field games will be added to the music, art and cultural performances of the “Americas” will be part of the program.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite stretches of great play, the Bandits were handily beaten by 2nd place Kitchener 9-3 in their final home game of the season. While both teams struggled with the gusty conditions at Nelson Park, Kitchener stuck to hard, ground hits to get players on base and wear the Bandits down.
 The Bandits were swinging – they just weren’t hitting the ball. Kitchener got off to a quick start in the 1st inning thanks to four earned runs. Despite a poor first, Bandits pitcher Brandon Nemeti upped his play and allowed only three hits and one run over the next six innings to finish the game with a 9.82 ERA in seven innings of work.
 The home town crowd would have liked to see a win at the last home game of the season – it wasn’t to be. Last game of the regular season is against Toronto in Toronto The Bandits would score off a wild pitch in the 3rd inning before the teams went scoreless through the next two innings. Although Kitchener increased their lead to 5-1 in the 6th, a Justin Gideon two-run blast in bottom of the inning narrowed the lead to 5-3.
That was as close as Burlington would get as the Panthers would add two runs in the 8th and hit back-to-back home runs to the exact same spot in the 9th.
Panthers First baseman Sean Reilly was especially potent with three runs and two RBI’s in five AB’s.
Burlington’s last game of the season on Monday night at 7:30pm as they hope to break a three game losing streak in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
By Staff
July 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 The crack of the bat hitting the ball during a cool quiet evening when the game is played under lights is about as nice as it can get. Whatever wind the Burlington Bandits had in their sails that carried them through a six game winning streak seems to have gotten away from them, – they lost 6 – 1 to the Majors In London Friday night
Luis Pina threw a complete game five-hitter to shut down the Bandits in a game that saw the London lefty improve to 7-2 this season after allowing one run – striking out five and walking four.
At the plate, first baseman Cleveland Brownlee had two hits and drove in four, while shortstop Paul Lytwynec added three hits and scored a run.
Third baseman Kenta Nishii hit a solo home run.
London improved to 18-15 after its third straight victory.
Burlington shortstop Keith Kandel had two of the Bandits’ five hits, and first baseman Kevin Hussey singled and scored the Bandits’ run.
Matthew St. Kitts (1-2) went 6.2 innings in the loss, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, striking out eight and walking two.
Burlington dropped to 15-19.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Bandits were unable to muster much offence in a 7-1 loss against rival Hamilton Thursday night. Despite the score it was a very defensive affair for most of the game as the teams combined for only 13 hits.
 Burlington pitcher Steven Dressler was great through seven innings despite allowing six runs on seven hits to go along with five strikeouts. A couple of errors resulted in a sloppy 4th inning that allowed Hamilton to score six times on only five hits, all while the Cardinals had two outs.
Adam Odd hit a home run in 5th inning to get Burlington on the board but they were unable to solve Hamilton’s Tim Black. Through just over eight innings of work he allowed only three hits and one run while earning 4 strikeouts.
The loss snaps Burlington’s six game winning streak, a run that has seen them vault over the Toronto Maple Leaf’s for fourth in the League.
With only a few games left before the playoffs, Barrie sits in 1st followed by Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Burlington in 5th,Toronto in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
 By Staff
July 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, voted on Wednesday, July 22, to accept a new collective agreement that includes significant wage increases and other improvements in their contract.
 Thirty three unions workers care for the acres of plants at the Royal Botanical Gardens. They settled with management on a new wage package “We are happy that we were able to secure significant gains for our members in this round of negotiations,” said Sandra Walker, president of CUPE 5167, representing RBG workers. “Over the years, our members have fallen behind in wages and were forced to accept minimal increases to keep the RBG afloat.
For this round of contract talks, we were very focussed on rectifying this problem – the employer also recognized that this was a recurring issue and worked with us to address the wage issue for our members.”
The new five-year contract includes wage increases of 10.75% over 5 years with a $1.00 hourly wage enhancement, for all workers, effective immediately.
The new agreement also includes improvements in education funds for the workers, increased meal and clothing allowances and other improvements. The new contract will expire on January 15, 2020.
“In the past, there were lean years at the gardens and our members suffered economically,” continued Walker. “But, now, RBG is on a better financial footing and we are glad that workers are benefiting from that as well, as our members worked hard to ensure the success of RBG.”
“We want to thank supporters from the community and RBG patrons for helping us achieve this contract,” concluded Walker. “Our members take great pride in working for the RBG and will continue their work to tend and maintain the ecological jewel that attracts visitors from around the globe.”
In addition to representing the 33 RBG workers, CUPE 5167 also represents 4200 workers who work with the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton International Airport, DARTS (Disabled and Aged Regional Transportation System), Good Shepherd Women’s Services, and the Macassa and Wentworth Lodges.
By Pepper Parr
July 22, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They began the evening singing O’Canada – I heard the voices as I was approaching the back entrance to St. Georges Anglican Church where the Lowville Festival was being held.
The first inaugural festival was a moving enterprise that worked its way from local to locale – the Saturday events were at the Lowville School house and the Sunday event at the Lowville United Church.
 Loretta Bailey and Robert Missen on stage with the choir who later did Rise Again – which just blew the audience away. The attendance Friday was – small but there was nothing small about the performances which ranged from two pieces done by Loretta Baily of Les Miserable fame, who kept forgetting her lines and turned to the audience for help; then there was Simone Caruso doing the laughing song from Die Fledermaus. The opera piece was followed by a Rachmaninoff piece done by Renee Barabash – her performance was superb
Allison Arends sang and Lawrence Cotton let us hear his voice.
 Renee Barbarash – played Rachmaninoff David Warwick tickled the ivories for several of the performers; his style reminded me of those days when the better clubs had men and woman who styled the music in a way that was all their own.
Lorraine Foreman did “From this moment on” and you knew you were listening to someone with great timing and style. Don’t hear that kind of voice live very often.
 Simone Caruso, who sang the laughing song from Die Fledermaus, talks with an admirer. Foreman used to work with Gordie Tapp and said she was looking forward to seeing him again – it had been 50 years when they last worked together.
Lawrence Cotton reminded us what Frank Sinatra sounded like – “Its quarter to three…” The audiene knew the words that followed.
It was eclectic, there were several solid performances and a choir that had people on their feet when they finished Rise Again. Whew! Most people had to blink when they finished.
The audiences were small but that took nothing away from the quality of the performances. Bob Missen said what the audiences heard was some of the very best that exists in Burlington. “These were very, very good performers, some with national and international reputations. They are here, part of our community and we put on an event that let the public hear what we have amongst us.
 Bob Missen and Loretta Bailey were two of the three event founders. Barbara Anderson-Huget was the third founder. Making it happen was not easy. Loretta Bailey found that they were pretty thin on the ground when it came to getting the word out. “I think I put up two thirds of the posters we had printed.
“Getting the program put together and ready on time proved to be a herculean task and we found that people who wanted to help just weren’t able to do what they had hoped to do:, added Bailey
Andy Griffiths, who did an event for children Saturday afternoon, just may have launched a new niche in his career. Andy tends to do events for adult audiences in small bars and cafes. His program for the children at the School House in Lowville Park adds to the stylings of Sharon Lois and Bram. ”Raffi isn’t doing his work much more and Robert Munch doesn’t perform much anymore” noted Missen.
Loretta Bailey added that the fist Lowville Festival just may have launched a new act for children.
The Sunday evening event at the Lowville United Church – held on one of the hottest days of the year in a building that wasn’t air conditioned – isn’t going to be seen as a highlight of the festival.
But listening to Gordie Tapp tell jokes while the technicians beavered away at making the sound system and the recording equipment work was a highlight.
Tapp is a master performer and for those who were in the room it was an occasion they will not forget.
It is too early to define what the Lowville Festival will become or even if the event will grow roots.
Missen believes it is fair to say that “it was a wonderful evening and if you paused for a bit you would realize that you were experiencing the rural part of Burlington where events took place in church halls.
With the event over – it was time to take stock – how did it work; was it a worthwhile effort and should it continue?
That decision will get made by the three people who came up with the idea; got it off the ground and made it happen.
It is too early to hold the get together that will make some decisions and it may take a fund raiser to cover some of the costs.
An earlier promotional start will make a difference and finding a way to use the natural beauty of Lowville Park is something that can be thought about.
Is July too early for a corn roast – that would add to the rural touch.
By Staff
July 21, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 Traffic alert – Pine will be closed while a waste water main is replaced For the months of July and August there will be construction on Pine Street in Burlington from Elizabeth Street to Pearl Street, due to the relining of a wastewater main.
 One of the best coffee shops in town might experience a little less traffic – there is a back door from the Village Square We are halfway through the month – the construction hasn’t started yet – going to be tough on Tapp Coffee and that great cigar store on Pine Street.
Son of a Peach I say – they might take a bit of a hit – Paradiso too.
Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES July 24 to 30 , 2015
TED 2 14A
Fri to Thur 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30 9:30
SELF/LESS 14A
Fri to Thur 11:20 3:05 5:15 7:25 9:30
SAN ANDREAS PG
Fri to Thur 1:00 7:40 9:40
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON PG
Fri to Thur 12:30 3:00 5:10 9:20
MAX PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:25 3:30 5:30
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:20 3:15 7:40 9:35
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00A 7:30P 9:30P
HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:15 3:05
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Thur 5:00 7:10
PITCH PERFECT 2 PG
Fri to Thur 1:00 5:35
 By Staff
July 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
When we see a fire truck racing through the streets of the city many voice a quiet prayer and hope that no one is hurt, But people do get hurt in fires – especially children.
They may not have physically harmed but the trauma is not insignificant.
Fire fighters are there to suppress the fire and save as much as they can. The fire fighters have families and they understand how harmed some children are – they see it first hand.
 Deputy Fire Chief Ross Monteith, Deputy Fire Chief Karen Roche and Burlington Firefighters Daniel Everett (far left) and Andrew Bourque (far right) joins Aldershot Lions Club members at a special presentation held at the Lions Club meeting earlier this month. The Aldershot Lions Club recently donated 50 stuffed teddy bears that will be placed on the department’s fleet of fire trucks for on-duty firefighters to give to children involved in traumatic emergency response calls.
“We are grateful to the Aldershot Lions Club for providing us with these teddy bears that will help calm children involved in stressful situations, such as car accidents or home medical calls,” said Deputy Fire Chief Ross Monteith.
The Aldershot Lions Club wanted to partner with the fire department to do something special to help children in our community. The club plans to buy more bears in the future by setting up a public sponsorship program.
“We gave each bear a yellow, hooded sweater printed with the Burlington Fire Department crest and the Lions Club logo,” said Ron Hardy of the Aldershot Lions Club. “We’d like to make the bears available for purchase and use the proceeds to replenish the teddy bear stock on fire trucks.”
For more information about the teddy bears, please contact the Aldershot Lions Club at 289-337-5558 or hardy2504@hotmail.com.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On a humid Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park, the Burlington Bandits overcame the tough Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in the first game of a double-header. Both teams got off to a slow start but still managed to have an exciting seven-inning game.
 Bandit pitching was steady – but it was the batters that took the game. Toronto finally broke through the great pitching of Burlington’s Steven Dressier in the fifth, scoring the games first run. The Maple Leaf’s followed it up by bringing two more runs in with the bases loaded. Burlington would fire back in the sixth with a home run. Than, with two on base, Jim Martin stepped up and hit a ball right to the fence to bring two runners in to even the game. Immediately afterwards Toronto changed pitchers to no avail as Martin would score on the next hit to take the lead.
The Maple Leafs would tie it up at 4-4 but weren’t able to take the lead in the seventh inning allowing Burlington up to bat needing a single run to win. After a bunt and wild pitch, a deep hit brought in the winning run for the Bandits.
Burlington would go into the break with the momentum as they looked to make up more ground on Toronto in the standings.
After the first game the Bandits were 1.5 games back of the Maple Leafs for fifth in the league.
By Staff
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Mountainside Pool, Nelson and LaSalle Wading Pools now closed for the day due to rainy conditions.
 Pools closed due to the amount of rain that has fallen. Outdoor pools will reopen Saturday July 18, 2015 weather dependant.
By Pepper Parr
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If the Kick Off event is any indication of what the Lowville Festival is going to be like – this isn’t something you want to miss.
Driftwood Theatre put on a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet on an outdoor stage where people got to hear phrases that have become part of the English language: “Take thee to a nunnery” was the one that brought a smile to my face. It was something we said years ago – can you imagine saying that to a young woman today?
 The setting for the outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet was superb – the performance was just fine. Everyone needs to hear Shakespeare at least once a year The play started in the cool of an evening and ended with people gathered around camp fire to talk about the play and the way it was performed with the Driftwood Director.
The THiNKSPOT location in Lowville, amongst Walt Rickli sculptures, is about as good as outdoor theatre can get.
The Lowville Festival ramps things up Friday evening with:
 Will Laughton play Sinatra tunes on his trumpet? A gift to all if he does. SWINGIN’ ON A STAR
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2015 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Loretta Bailey and Robert Missen, hosts.
Artists include Stuart Laughton, Renee Barabash, Andy Griffiths, David Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Michael Mulrooney, Jude Johnson, Charles Cozens, Wayne Strongman and the Lowville Festival Choir,
The first Lowville Festival with a Gala Concert featuring a wide range of superlative performers, most of whom hail from Burlington.
Classical, pop, jazz, blues, folk, musical theatre. The second half of the concert will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frank Sinatra. Proceeds from this benefit concert will be dedicated to the establishment of the festival.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
 Andy Griffith – breaking new ground at the Lowville Festival – his Kids event should be a real hoot! MY CAT FLASH’S SOPHISTICATED SONGS FOR KIDS
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
ANDY GRIFFITHS and FRANK KOREN
Burlington singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths launches his new kids’ show, which will also entertain the kid in all of us.
$10
ROOTS N’ ROLL: ACOUSTIC ROOTS IN THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 8 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
Andy Griffiths and Frank Koren and Kim
Join Andy and his Burlington musical friends for an intimate evening with local songwriters in the Victorian stone schoolhouse in the centre of Lowville.
$20
NIA; a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 11 AM
LOWVILLE PARK, between the playground and the creek, under the trees
ADMISSION FREE
NIA is a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice, incorporating moves from dance, martial arts, yoga and other alignment arts, as well as individualized, free form movement. NIA offers fun and fitness to men and women of all ages and fitness abilities. Join Nia Black Belt teacher Anna Schantz for a NIA dance fitness experience in Music, Movement, and Magic. Theme: Psychedelic Sunday. Bare feet, hippie attire, and flowers most welcome. Suitable for everybody. www.nianow.com
 Gordie Tapp – will he do some of his naughty routines this time? He did when her took part in the Blue Jeans event at the Performing Arts Centre FOR LOVE OF LOWVILLE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE UNITED CHURCH
Lorretta Bailey and Robert Misen, hosts
Artists include Melissa Bel, Janet Turpin Myers, Loraine Foreman, Jude Johnson, Lorreta Bailey, Robert Missen and Daryl Webber.
Special Guest: GORDIE TAPP
Celebrating the rich historical and Escarpment heritage of the hamlet of Lowville in a concert that combines music and the spoken word. Local musicians Melissa Bel and Lorretta Bailey are joined by novelist Janet Turpin Myers. Legendary Burlington entertainer Gordie Tapp, formerly of Lowville, will be reunited with Lorraine Foreman, his colleague on Country Hoedown, one of the most popular Canadian television shows of the fifties.
$20 ADVANCE/$25 AT THE DOOR
 Rebecca Caine – going to be great to see what she decides to do on stage. SUMMER SERENADE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Rebecca Caine of Les Miserables fame will be part of the Lowville festival
ROBERT MISSEN is hosting this event.
Artists include Rebecca Caine, soprano; Robert Kortgaard , piano; Rachel Mercer, cello; Stuart Laughton, trumpet; Renee Barabash, piano; Michael Mulrooney, piano
Missen says they will be bringing the inaugural festival to a glorious conclusion with a concert featuring some of the country’s finest classical and musical theatre artists. Rebecca Caine, the original Cosette in Les Miserables and star of the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera; Oakville-born cellist Rachel Mercer; and virtuoso trumpeter Stuart Laughton will present a concert featuring Bach, Chopin and Schafer as well as a special tribute to The Sound of Music.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
Lowville doesn’t see this much action even during the Winter Carnival. Getting around Lowville is easy once you know where you are going.
The United Church is at the corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road with a decent parking lot behind the church.
St. Georges isn’t actually in Lowville, it isn’t even in Burlington. It is on Guelph Line just above Derry Road – can’t miss the place – it is a beautiful stone building built in 1896
By Pepper Parr
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Andy Griffiths is beginning to move with a different crowd these days.
This weekend he will be in Lowville taking part in the weekend Festival that is being held in that community for the first time.
Andy Griffiths – moving the sound through the microphone. Andy would like you to show up and listen to him share a stage with the likes of Stewart Laughton and David Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Renee Barabash, Charles Cozens, Lowville Festival Choir (Wayne Strongman, conductor) plus Michael Mulrooney.
“There will be a BIG kick off concert at St. George’s Parish Hall with many great performers and a Frank Sinatra Tribute” explained Griffiths who added ” I’ll play a couple of tunes early in this show. It starts at 7:30 and is sure to be a spectacular evening.”
 The Lowville School house – location for several of the Festival events – close to the free parking. On Saturday Griffiths breaks new ground for him – doing his very first Kids Show – ‘OUR CAT FLASH’ on Saturday, July 18 at 2pm. Frank Koren will be part of the gig with special guest and Lowville resident Loretta Baily sharing the stage – Stage might not be the appropriate word – the event is taking place in the Old Lowville School House located beside the entrance to Lowville Park. Lots of free parking available. )
The show will appeal to kids of all ages as the audience joins in some of the songs that are sung. The crew will be acting out parts and generally having a great time. There will be face painting and crafts as well … before and after the show.
Later the same day …….. Saturday, July 18 at 7:30pm
‘ROOTS AND ROLL’ at the Old School House
Performing folk, roots and folk rock. Special guests at this event will be Kim Koren, Frank Koren, and Fred Magie. He group will be performing original songs, well known to their faithful followers and sure to grab you, if you are a new to these talented performers.
This evening event will also take place in the atmospheric and intimate … Old Lowville School House.
By Staff
July 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They do it every summer – they use red bags to boost sales for downtown retailers – and it works for everyone – the retailers and the consumers.
 Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association was out drumming up business for those of his members that took part in the Red Bag Sale. He doesn’t exactly make a fashion statement does he? The event begins at noon on Friday and runs till 9:00 pm in the downtown core.
Celebrate summer in Downtown Burlington! They’ll have you seeing RED all day with activities & events throughout the core.
Look for the red balloons! Get Caught Red Handed for Prize Giveaways!
If you’re spotted with a red retail bag you are in for a chance to win prizes from downtown businesses!
 For every $50 spent, you get entered to win a $500 Shopping Spree! Participating businesses will being handing out the ballots upon purchase, fill out and hand in at our Burlington Downtown tent at Civic Square – set up outside City Hall.
 By Pepper Parr
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an infectiousness to the guy.
He doesn’t stop – every idea is a great idea.
He’s been in show business forever and knows all the players – he drops names like rainfall.
 Bob Missen – one of the founders of the Lowville Festival – which takes place this weekend The arts, the arts, the arts – they are what Bob Missen lives and breathes and if there is an opportunity to advance a cause or an idea or an event – he will be at the front of the line
When he delegated during one of the Stakeholders meetings that were held to ”inform” the Strategic Plan, the people in the room had to lean back a little to absorb the flow of words.
Missen knew that this was his opportunity to state his case – and he didn’t miss much of that opportunity.
Missen doesn’t speak from a script – he does wave his hands a lot and the passion just flows out of the man.
He promoted the Lowville Festival and certainly had the ear of the people who were in the room.
Missen’s mission if you will, goes far beyond the limits of Lowville where he is hosting the inaugural Lowville Festival; he sees no reason why the Nelson Quarry that is close to the end of its productive life can’t be converted into a park with an amphitheatre set beside the lake that would get formed when the quarry eventually fills with water.
 Can the city get it hands on the quarry and turn the site into a healthy addition to the economy and social activity in rural Burlington – will the locals go along with such an idea o do they want to be left along to enjoy their piece of paradise? Missen is talking the language that John Taylor lives – there are already people planning on a second conversation with the Nelson quarry people about having the city acquire the property.
A quarry in Action was recently acquired by the Region for a reported price of $1 – Missen likes that approach.
Burlington’s city council did a bus tour of the quarry site and were briefed on the time frames the Nelson quarry people were looking at – Councillor Marianne Meed Ward came away from that event feeling that there were potentialities.
The Lowville Festival event is pretty catholic in its breadth – there is just about something for everyone. “We are not at all sure where this is going to go” said Missen. “We just saw the locale as something with great potential and we put out the word and are now bringing all the wonderful talent this city has and letting the citizens hear for themselves.”
 Teresa Seaton, centre, discusses where her cultural hot spots in the city are located. Donna Graddon, on the right is thinking that one over. Missen is convinced there is great potential for an explosion of artistic activity and it doesn’t all have to take place on the edge of the lake. The Escarpment is just as big a part of the city adds Missen and we want to take advantage of that setting.
“Losing Brian McCurdy as the executive director of the Performing Arts centre is close to tragic” said Missen “but there are some very good people in place and their focus now on community groups and encouraging local talent is something Burlington has needed for some time.”
“Hopefully” adds Missen, “McCurdy will be deeply involved in the selection of his replacement – he knows everyone and can be of immense help.”
Missen is of the belief that Burlington will create an Arts Council and that the city will fund it on an ongoing basis – and go so far as to give the Council a significant sum to be handed out to different arts groups – an amount of $100,000 has been floated.
The discussions taking place at the Strategic Plan sessions make mention of a role for the arts but the focus there is on vital neighbourhoods.
There was a time when individual council members listened to requests for funding and some dollars were handed out – it is unlikely that any of the seven politicians that lead us through the darkness are going to give up that perk.
 The Collective had done their homework – they knew what they wanted – now to actually get it – that’s their challenge. The arts community has certainly come to the surface and are now clearly visible on the radar screen – what kind of influence they can have on the bureaucracy is another story.
Culture Days is taking place in the city in September. Missen takes a lot of the credit for getting the city on board with that program which was a success last year.
The city currently has a Culture manager – she was upgraded from a culture planner – but other than a half time helper Angela Paparizo struggles with a large workload without the kind of senior management level support and direction.
Up until the appointment of Paparizo as a cultural manager, arts programs got stuffed in with sports and recreation – the two didn’t mix all that well.
 Robert Steven. president of the Art Gallery of Burlington has yet to make any kind of a mark on the cultural scene – he is still working his way through the organization he was brought in to run. The newly appointed president of the Art Gallery of Burlington, Robert Steven, came to us from Grande Prairie, where he ran a full slate of programs as the Director of Arts and Culture – Grande Prairie had a 2011 population of 55,000 – Burlington is three times its size. That city proved to understand that the arts was not only healthy for a public but was also a real business. Burlington isn’t there yet.
The city struggled with an ongoing subsidy of more than half a million dollars each year for the Performing Arts Centre; when they place first went operational Ward 2 councillor Meed Ward said she wanted the place to be self-sustaining if not profitable – she has since learned the arts don’t work quite that way.
The current council is not likely to lay out all that much money in 2016 – they are still trying to digest the possible 4% tax increase the finance department trotted out a few weeks ago.
 Cultural projects manager Angela Paparizo and Trevor Copp have been leaders in pushing for the creation of a Cultural action plan – the task now is to network and create some momentum at the bureaucratic level. The emergence of a younger active more mobile demographic in Burlington has opened some eyes and resulted in the creation of an art collective that is not shy about getting their story out.
There is a Cultural Action Plan – in print at least – that needs to get some meat on its bones. It was in the hands of General Manager Kim Phillips who has since retired and really hasn’t found a home or a strong advocate. The Cultural manager has some networking to do.
Missen had hoped she would be a very visible presence at the Lowville Festival – Paparizo is on vacation that week.
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