Blasts from the past: The Platters and the Ink spots in town for one night - good tickets still available.

Event 100By Pepper Parr

November 5, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

I was supposed to get together with a friend but he cancelled –“Can’t make it – when we learned that Platters were going to be in town we couldn’t order our tickets fast enough.

“They were part of what I was raised on: he added – “you don’t get chances like this to take a trip down memory lane.  I can see me and the misses getting out for a drink after the show and reminiscing. You should join us?”

The show, which is in town for the one day – Friday – tomorrow – and there are still some decent seats available. I notice the box seats don’t seem to be sold – wonder why? Will look into that.

Platters coverMeanwhile – the show. The audience will hear both the Platter and the Ink Spots – both were category breaking for their time.

For those of you who lived your lives then – you know what I’m talking about. If you’ve never heard of them – Google the guys and listen to a few tunes on You Tube – you are in for a treat.

The Platters was an American vocal group; one of the most successful groups of the early rock and roll era. Their distinctive sound was a bridge between the pre-rock Tin Pan Alley tradition and the burgeoning new genre. The group had 40 charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1955 and 1967, including four no. 1 hits.

The Platters were one of the first African American groups to be accepted as a major chart group and were, for a period of time, the most successful vocal group in the world.

They were part of that ground breaking, ground shaking era when the segregationist views were being taken apart.

Ink SpotsThe Ink Spots gained international fame in the 1930s and 1940s. They preceeded the Platters and had a unique musical style that was more rhythm and blues and the subgenre doo-wop. The Ink Spots were widely accepted in both the white and black communities, largely due to the ballad style introduced to the group by lead singer Bill Kenny.

The Ink Spots disbanded in 1954; since then there have been well over 100 vocal groups calling themselves “The Ink Spots” without any right to the name; they have claimed to be “2nd generation” or “3rd generation” Ink Spots.

If there is a good thing going – someone was bound to take up the brand.

In the visuals of the Ink Spot – especially in the album covers the men are portrayed as railway porters because that was the way American then saw what they then called Negros – time have changed and today they are called African Americans in a country led by a black president.

Neither the Platters nor the Ink Spots ever thought such a thing could ever happen.

Seat selection is at: Click here

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295,671.77 lbs of food raised through the Giving Back project; bit more to come.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

November 4, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Not quite the number that was hoped for (305,000 LBS) but a fabulous number nevertheless.

Giving back - loaded bins

Some of the 295,000 lbs plus food collected in a two day period – ready for the trucks and the fork lifts

And there are bits and pieces that will arrive on Thursday that will take that total of 295,671.77 lbs up a notch or two.

The efforts of the various teams went like this:

In 1st Place: Minor Atom AA with 22,132.7 lbs!
2nd Place Team: Minor Atom A with 18,889.04 lbs!
3rd Place Team: Tyke 1 (AAA) with 17,127.88 lbs!
4th Place Team: Tyke 2 (AA) with 16,998.5 lbs!
5th Place Team: Novice A with 14,503 lbs!

295,671.77 lbs. of food to be distributed to organizations across the community.

Final numbers announced tomorrow.

Giving back - boys with cans

Citizens in the making – learning how to give back to the community.

One final step in what is truly a magnificent effort – and that is to instill in the minds of the thousands of young people who were on the floor of the gymnasium lugging bags and boxes of food from the weighing scale to the sorting tables and then to the bins that will be used to transport the food to warehouses from which it will be distributed – that this is what community is all about.

We are so very fortunate to live in a city that is safe, healthy, prosperous and when called upon exceptionally generous.
This is not something to be taken lightly. Those young people are tomorrow’s leaders – help them understand how big an event they were part of and why it is important for them to carry that tradition forward.

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Giving Back well past the half way mark of the 305,000 lbs of food they planned on collecting.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

November 4, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

They came trooping through the door – lugging boxes and bags of food that would be weighed, tagged and then distributed to one of the close to 100 bins that were set out on the floor of the gymnasium of Nelson High School where the Giving Back project, celebrating its tenth year was taking place.

Kavanaugh puttng up the totals

Judie Kavanaugh updates the tally of food as it gets carried into the Nelson gymnasium and weighed

At 11:30 last night Judie Kavanagh told us that they had 164,908.93 lbs of food and added the comment that it was “not a bad start” – more than half way to the target – expect them to reach and pass the target.

Boy caring box

The food comes into the high school gymnasium in boxes and bags.

All the planning and preparing done at endless committee meetings came to a head as food kept arriving and young people were scooting back and forth with boxes and bags.

Jean Longfield, a recipient of the Burlington’s Best Citizen of the Year award, and John Tate roamed the room answering questions, doing interviews and guiding people who were not quite sure what to do next.

Weigh scales

The scale sits on the floor where it is weighed and recorded.

Tate stood in the background greeting people and congratulating those who came through the door with cartons of food.
Parents who normally pack the kids into the vans and take them to hockey games were now sitting at tables tabulating the totals those same children were bringing into the gymnasium.

Girls placing food in bins

Hockey players take packages from the sorting tables to the bins.

It is a significant logistical challenge – the Gazette will report on where all that food goes and how the team that makes it happen debriefs and plans for the next year.

Longfield CHCH + Tate

Jean Longfield during a CHCH interview – with John Tate in the background keeping an eye on things.

Last year, The Gift of Giving Back collected more than 278,000 lbs of food and this year, hopes to exceed that amount and collect more than 305,000 lbs.

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CineStarz showtimes for Week of Friday, November 06, 2015 through Thursday, November 12, 2015

Cinestarz logoCiné-Starz Upper Canada Place, Burlington, ON
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6

 

Week of Friday, November 06, 2015 through Thursday, November 12, 2015

The Last Witch Hunter (14A)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 3:15, 5:20, 7:20, 9:20
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:20, 7:20, 9:20

Crimson Peak (14A)
Fri – Sun: 1:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

Pan (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:05, 5:10
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10

Sicario (14A)
Fri & Sat: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sun: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

Everest (PG)
Fri & Sat: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Sun: 7:25, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 7:10, 9:40

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG)
Fri & Sat: 7:15, 9:30
Sun: 7:15, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 7:15, 9:30

War Room ()
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40

Minions (G)
Fri & Sat: 11:10 AM, 1:15, 3:15
Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:15, 3:45

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri & Sat: 11:00 AM, 3:10, 5:10
Sun: 11:00 AM, 3:10, 5:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10

CineStarz - popcorn

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Giving back gets a number attached to it: 1 million lbs of food collected by young Burlington hockey players and donated to families in need.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 2nd, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

On Tuesday, November 3rd and Wednesday, November 4th, more than 2,000 young hockey athletes and students will come together at Nelson High School to turn over all of the food they have collected from the Burlington community for The 10th Annual Gift of Giving Back Food Drive — the largest food drive of its kind in Canada.

It is an amazing event and one that to a large degree defines the city.

Gift of Giving back logo - 10thCelebrating its 10th Anniversary, the annual Fall community food drive supports, educates and empowers thousands of young male and female hockey athletes and high school students to compassionately give back to their community.

Baracudas - Burlington - girlsThese are young men and women who are being taught to give back to the community they have grown up in and been educated. The community that is one of the safest in the country and offers opportunity for personal growth to our youth at every socio economic level.

These are young people that play hard and enjoy the life they live – some may not appreciate how fortunate enough they are – but the leadership that created The Gift of Giving Back Food Drive deserves credit for making it happen. They of course won’t hear of any credit going to them – they will tell you that it is the kids that make it happen.

Eagles - BurlingtonNelson LordsThe Burlington Eagles; The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas); Burlington Cougars; and Nelson Lords.

The food collected by more than 85 male and female youth hockey teams from: The Burlington Eagles; The Burlington Girls Hockey Club (Barracudas); Burlington Cougars; and Nelson Lords.

Cougars - BurlingtonSince its inception, more than 1 million lbs of food has been donated to families in need. That is the accumulative donation of $2.5 million. Last year, The Gift of Giving Back collected more than 278,000 lbs of food and this year, hopes to exceed that amount and collect more than 305,000 lbs.

How does it happen – see for yourself – Click here.

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The Platters and the Ink Spots - on the stage of the Performing Arts Centre this Friday - one show only.

eventspink 100x100By Pepper Parr

November 2, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If you are of a certain age – there is a piece of entertainment coming to town that you might want to take in.
Remember the Platters? And the Ink Spots? Of course you do – well they are going to be in town on the 6th of November for a single show at the Performing Arts Centre – 8:00 pm

Platters coverThe Platters were one of the top vocal groups of the ‘50s scene, achieving success with a crooning, middle-of-the-road style that put a soulful coat of uptown polish on pop-oriented, harmony-rich material.

Their distinctive sound was a bridge between the Tin Pan Alley tradition and the burgeoning new genre of Rock n Roll. As one of the first ‘black’ groups to be targeted towards a predominantly ‘white’ youth audience in the US, they toured the world as international ambassadors of musical goodwill.

That vibe continues as their music lives on in such legendary titles as “Only You”, “The Great Pretender”, “The Magic Touch”, “My Prayer”, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”, “With This Ring”, “Earth Angel” and “Twilight Time”.

How long has it been since we’ve heard those songs? Heavy metal and whatever they call the other stuff just doesn’t cut it the way the Platters did.

Expect to hear these and many more that have become indelibly ingrained in the hearts of a planet.

Ink SpotsThe Ink Spots gained international fame from the ‘30s through the ‘50s. Their unique musical style made them the godfathers of rhythm and blues, rock n roll and doo-wop. Their wide acceptance made them superstars of their time with more than 20 Top 10 Hits including “If I Didn’t Care”, “My Prayer”, “Java Jive”, “I Don’t Want to Set The World On Fire”, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “I’ll Get By (As Long As I Have You)”, “I’m Making Believe”, “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall”, “Prisoner Of Love” and “To Each His Own”. The Original Ink Spots (Bill Kenny, Deek Watson, Charlie Fuqua and Hoppy Jones) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

If you are of that certain age – take the Missus out for the evening – you might even want to take one of the grandchildren if they are well into their teens so they can get a taste of what the great music was like.

The two groups who come out of Vancouver are part of the playbill former Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Brian McCurdy included in the program Susanne Haines now oversees while she works towards developing the program for the 2016 – 2017 season.

Not to be missed – we don’t hear groups like these two all that often. There are still some good seats left

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It will be the Mother of all photo ops - can the Mayor get to them all?

News 100 blueBy Staff

October 29, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

This was clearly the Mother of all photo ops.

As part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington Community Launch – Chalk It Up event Thursday, October 29, 2015 the beavers in the Parks and Recreation department have designed a challenge designed to create and adapt healthy behaviours for children aged zero to 12 years through healthy eating and physical activity.

Beard - hoola hoope - run jump play

Tax dollars at work – all part of a program that is designed to get the under 12 set out to run, jump and play

The first theme of the challenge is “Run. Jump. Play. Every Day.” This theme encourages physical activity through active play, sports, active transportation and structured activities. Chalk It Up events will be taking place at YMCA after school programs and at city recreation centres from Thursday, Oct. 29 until Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.

The Burlington YMCA After School Care program is participating in the Chalk It Up event as are four school sites after school on Thursday, Oct. 29:

Central Public School, 638 Brant St.
Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School, 1350 Headon Rd.
St. Mark Elementary School, 2145 Upper Middle Rd.
Tom Thomson Public School,2171 Prospect St.

Not to be outdone city facilities are also participating in the Community Launch, including:

Goldring + Tina 4 run jump play

Mayor Rick Goldring gets an approving glance form a four year old during the kick off of the Run Jump Play initiative the province has put $1.1 million into.

Aldershot Pool, 50 Fairwood Pl. W.
Angela Coughlan Pool, 2425 Upper Middle Rd.
Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
Centennial Pool, 5151 New St.
Haber Recreation Centre, 3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.
The Burlington Music Centre, 2311 New St.
Student Theatre, 2131 Prospect St.
Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way

What the Gazette really wants to know is – will the Mayor find a way to be at ever one of the locations?

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CineStarz Showtimes: Week of Friday, October 30, 2015 through Thursday, November 05, 2015

Cinestarz logoCiné-Starz Upper Canada Place,
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6

 

 

Week of Friday, October 30, 2015 through Thursday, November 05, 2015

Pan (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:10, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:15

Everest (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 3:20, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 5:10, 7:25, 9:40

Black Mass (14A)
Fri – Sun: 5:00, 7:20, 9:35
Mon – Thu: 3:20, 7:20, 9:35

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 7:15, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:20

War Room ()
Fri – Sun: 1:20, 5:20, 7:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:25, 7:30

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG)
Fri – Sun: 7:15, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 7:00, 9:30

Minions (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:15 AM, 1:15, 3:35, 5:35
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:05 AM, 1:00, 3:00

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:00, 5:25, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 9:40

Graveyard Story ()
Fri – Thu: 9:40 PM

CineStarz - popcorn

Great popcorn – good service.

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Community garden applications to be available on November 2nd - closing date is November 22nd. Lottery draw will decide who gets a space.

News 100 greenBy Staff

October 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Shucks – they aren’t advertising the seed catalog offerings yet are they?

The city however is ready to accept applications to secure a garden plot in 2016 at one of the city’s three community gardens starting November 2 through to the 22nd, 2015.

Rob Peachey

Rob Peachey says he is excited.

Rob Peachey, the city’s manager of parks and open spaces, who doesn’t get excited very often said today that the city is entering the “fifth growing season with the community gardens program,” and he is “excited”.

Peachey overseas the Windows on the Lake program for the city. It isn’t a part of his job that brings smiles to his face.

The city is accepting the applications a bit earlier than in past years, to give gardeners more time over the winter months to plan and prepare their gardens for the spring.”

Bennett M in church garden

This lady knows what a difference a community garden can make. Michelle Bennett was one of the people who taught city hall ho yo go after provincial money and get community gardens in place. she started with one – there are now three.

Located at Amherst Park, Central Park and Francis Road Bikeway, the community gardens are open for planting from May 1 to Oct. 23, 2016. There are a total of 80 plots available, plus six raised, accessible plots suitable for persons with disabilities. Applicants may indicate a preferred garden location and plot style on the application.

The cost to rent a plot for the season is $50. Water, soil and compost are supplied and all plots have full sun. Plots will be allocated by lottery at the close of the application period, and all applicants will be notified of their lottery result by early December 2015.

Community garden application forms will be available online beginning November 2 at community centres, the Seniors’ Centre, or City Hall, 426 Brant St., at the Service Burlington counter. Completed applications must be received by the city no later than Nov. 22, 2015.

For more information about Burlington community gardens, visit www.burlington.ca/communitygardens.

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Culinary and ceramic arts combined at the Art Gallery of Burlington - November 19 – 22 for the annual Soup Bowl sale. It is usually a sold out event.

artsblue 100x100By Staff

October 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It is a well-established tradition in Burlington – 19 years and they are still slurping soup from hand crafted soup bowls.

Soup - bowls on the trolly

The AGB volunteers prepare for the 800 people they expect to slurp soup at their annual fund raiser.

The Soup Bowl Event is a celebration of both culinary and ceramic art. From November 19 – 22, Burlington’s favourite fall fundraising event will feature all of the best loved Soup Bowl elements – beautiful handcrafted bowls donated by potters from across Ontario ready to be filled with delectable gourmet soups from some of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, including Spencer’s at the Waterfront, Emma’s Back Porch, The Queen’s Head, Honey West, and many more.

Soup Bowl is an important fundraiser for the AGB and supports children’s programming, including vital education initiatives such as school outreach and financial assistance for youth.

This event traditionally sells out. Tickets are on sale now – $50 ($40 for AGB members) for all lunch (12pm – 1pm) and Thursday evening (6pm – 7pm) sittings. Tables of eight can also be reserved, the perfect opportunity for a staff lunch or family outing.

Order tickets online or by phone hone (905-632-7796, ext. 326) or in person at AGB 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington.

The AGB has prepared for 800 guests who will choose their handcrafted bowls, fill them with a gourmet soup to enjoy with the rest of their meal, and then take the bowls home after they are cleaned and packaged by our hardworking volunteers.

The people at the AGB don’t want you to forget the annual Christmas Sale of Fine Art and Craft presented by the seven Guilds of the AGB, and also to the seasonal beauty of the Art Etc. Gallery Shop’s Christmas Boutique, brimming with gift items carefully selected for quality and design.

Soup bowl artist Wayne C

Wayne Cardinalli: one of the hundreds of potter who donated a bowl to the annual soup bowl event that takes place at the AGB November 19-22

Shopping at the Arts Burlington Christmas Sale is an added bonus during the Soup Bowl Event. There is free admission to browse and buy at the Arts Burlington Christmas Sale, which features a wide variety of handcrafted items produced by the Guilds of Arts Burlington with Christmas in mind. It is open to everyone on November 19 from 11 am to 9 pm; and November 20 – 22 from 11 am to 4 pm.

The Art Gallery of Burlington is located at 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, and is an accessible facility with lots of free parking over the course of the event.

 

 

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Run jump play: city gets behind a three year initiative to get young people outside playing.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

October 22, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Run, Jump, Play – every day. That’s the drill and Burlington got it off to a decent start with children and some staff skipping and twisting with hula hoops outside city hall as the Healthy community initiative got kick started.

The Healthy Community initiative involves the school boards, community groups including Community Development Halton and staff from the Parks and Recreation department and the YMCA.

Hula hooper - Run jump play

Hip swiveling and chalking are the recreational tools that will be used during the first phase of the three year Healthy Community initiative being funded by the province to the tune of $1.1 million

The funding comes from the provincial Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that wants to get kids to those under 12’s that spend more time in front of some kind of screen and get them outdoors.

The program is a three year effort to get children outside and away from the screens – television and computers.

One of the school board trustees recently advised her colleagues that more than 2400 requests for courtesy space on school buses has been requested by students who would not normally be within the area where school bus transportation is provided.

Beard - hoola hoope - run jump play

City hall staff show how its done with Hula hoops – the expectation is that they can get these things out into the community and have children under 12 swiveling their hips.

There was a time when there was more phys- ed in schools – Stuart Miller, Director of Education explained that liability issues have made it difficult to provide the kind of physical education classes that used to be held. You don’t see ropes for kids to climb in the schools anymore; there are no more wall bars either he added.

Miller did say that students must get 20 minutes of exercise each day and that there are physical education classes – but it doesn’t look as if society is looking to the schools to ensure that children get the exercise they need in an educational setting.

That task has been taken up by the province and shifted to the city who in turn look to Community Development Halton who know where the pockets of the population who are not on good healthy diets and who don’t have the money to buy the equipment to play hockey or football live; those communities where running shoe’s come in at over $150 a pair are not in the household budget in the marginalized communities in the city.

Does this mean that Run Jump Play is for a particular sector of this city’s population?  Difficult to say at this point – the maps outlining where Community Development Halton is going to focus their work have not yet been completed.

The program is a three year initiative with $1.1 million of funding in place.  The intention is to collect a lot of data to determine how much weight can be lost with this kind of program.

Goldring + Tina 4 run jump play

Mayor Goldring showing the four year old daughter of a city hall staffer how well he draws with chalk

This kind of program was used in France where the results were reported to be very positive.  Measuring  Body Mass Index (BMI) changes is seen as a simple way to determine if there has been a change.

It is a positive program and it got off to a good start.  The Mayor didn’t twist and turn with a hula hoop around his waist  instead he drew with a piece of chalk – this after saying at the opening of his wife’s art gallery earlier in the week that he was so bad at art that his teacher gave him a 50 mark and suggested he leave the program.

Related article:

City gets $1.1 million in funding for health initiative.

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How to manage parking and get people out of their cars - they have found a way in Aldershot

element_strategic_planBy Pepper Parr

October 22, 2105

BURLINGTON, ON

The photograph shown in an earlier version of this story was the wrong building.  The photograph shown now is of the Aldershot branch of the Public Library.  Our apologies and thank you to the reader who pointed out the error to us.

While he might be a little on the brittle side and a sense of humour is not the dominant part of his personality – ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven usually finds the facts that makes the point and drives it home.

Rick Craven: Best committee chair the city has; not big on the warm fuzzy stuff through.  Needs a hug badly.

Rick Craven: Best committee chair the city has; not big on the warm fuzzy stuff through. Needs a hug badly.

Aldershot library branch 540 Plains Road Cropped 1 July 10 2013

The library works for the public; the library parking lot doesn’t work all that well – which doesn’t bother the ward council member – he wants people to get out of their cars and walk as much as they can.

Parking and transit at times dominate discussion in this city – usually in the form of complaints.

Getting people out of their cars and walking the short distances to services they use has been a consistent thread through all the Strategic Plan debates.   Councillor Craven explained how it has been made to work in his ward.

The new city library in Aldershot is part of a mixed use structure that works quite well. Parking is at the rear of the building, there is retail and services on the ground levels and the library.

People will complain about the lack of parking said Councillor Craven adding that the library is a very short walk for thousands of residents. Complaints about the lack of parking – there are 24 parking spaces at the rear of the building at Plans Road and Waterdown.

Craven makes a very solid point when he said that library registration is up by more than 400%.

It is a new library – so all it could do was grow – and if Craven’s numbers are right – the lack of parking space has not hurt library usage – and it has gotten people out of their cars.

A candidate in the municipal election didn’t see it quite the same way – he complained loudly that there wasn’t nearly enough parking and that it was difficult for his wife to get to the library pushing a three year old in a stroller.

It is going to take the city some time to break the “use the car” habit.

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CineStarz - Showtimes Week of Friday, October 23, 2015 through Thursday, October 29, 2015

Cinestarz logoCiné-Starz Upper Canada Place,
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6

 

 

Week of Friday, October 23, 2015 through Thursday, October 29, 2015

Everest (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:15, 3:30, 5:15, 7:25, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:05, 7:20, 9:25

Black Mass (14A)
Fri – Sun: 1:15, 3:00, 5:10, 7:25, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:25, 9:30

The Visit (PG)
Fri – Sun: 7:45, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 3:15, 5:15, 7:45, 9:40

War Room ()
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 5:00, 7:20, 9:35
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:20, 7:00, 9:30

Minions (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:15, 3:30, 5:45
Mon – Thu: 1:15, 5:40

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:05, 3:00

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00

CineStarz - popcorn

 

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City is now in the healthier youth business - using $1.1 million of provincial money to get the under 12 set from behind screens

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

October 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Denise Beard is pumped.

Beard with Cogeco mike

Denise Beard, Manager of xxx for the city heads up a provincially funded project to get the under 1q2 set outdoors running, jumping and playing every day.

She has her hands on a project that is going to keep her busy for the next three years and she believes the project is going to make a difference.

During a press briefing Beard told media that the city has been given a grant of $1.1 million to get the fat off the bodies of young people who spend more time in front of a screen of some sort rather than on their bikes.

There is an obesity problem in the city – and Beard who was a life guard when she was a teenager, wants to see younger people enjoying better health – and she thinks the program she is going to run for the next three years can go a long way to making that happen.

Beard tends to put everything she has into her projects – it’s just who she is.

So what is the program all about?

It is billed as a Community Challenge – an event that uses provincial money to drive a program that will result in younger people getting more exercise.

For reason’s it only understands the province decided to work with communities rather than schools or the medical community to get young people off the couch and away from the screens and exercise more.

The idea was first used in France where significant results were claimed to have taken place. The Ontario government chose Burlington as the only community in Halton to get funding. Hamilton and 45 other communities in the province were given funds.

chalking

Expect to see a lot of chalking going on at least until there is snow on the side walks of the city – all part of a healthier youth initiative.

Beard talked about “chalking” the community – getting young people to take to the streets and make their mark telling what they are doing to live healthier lifestyles.

The initiative came out of the provincial Ministry of Health and Long Term care that will be putting forward a new theme every nine months.

In order to get the funding communities had to come up with an Action Plan; Burlington apparently had the best one – so we will now see the Mayor pumping and promoting healthy living.

The city wants to see the grade 5 level students Running, Jumping and Playing every day. Data will be collected with the focus on individual Body Mass Index (BMI) – some additional focusing will be done on students at the grade 8 level.

There are five neighbourhoods in the city that that are expected to get special attention. The program will collaborate with the YMCA, parent groups and schools taking a “street to street” and “parent to parent approach” to getting young people – mostly those under 12 out onto the streets and the playgrounds and getting more exercise.

Great initiative – that has to compete with computer games.

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Gallery 2 gets off to a fine start: Anne More and Cheryl Miles Goldring bring a new art destination to the city

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

When Teresa Seaton opened her Stained Glass studio on Spring Garden Road a couple of years ago, a stones toss from the Royal Botanical Gardens – some thought there was the promise of a small cluster of art locations developing. The Seaton Gallery was right beside the EdRoy gallery which and the opportunity for some growth looked as if it was going to fade.

CGold show - more work with viewer

Anne More’s piece is on the right.

Yesterday Cheryl Miles Goldring and Anne More opened Gallery 2 and displayed a very nice collection of the both their own work and that of other artists.
The flow of visitors was consistent during the afternoon – what to make of this newest arrival to the art scene in the city?

Cheryl, who was chair of the Art Auction Committee for the Art Gallery of Burlington last year, is coming into her own rather nicely. The exhibition of her work from a Newfoundland tour was well received – now we are watching her develop the commercial side.

Cgold viewer

Work by Anne More on the left and a piece by Cheryl Miles Golding, second from the right, is appreciated by a viewer during their opening event on Sunday.

Anne More, who brings her own experience to the venture, studied under Gordon Harrison with Cheryl – a Harrison piece was shown at the opening exhibit. Just under a year ago Anne and Cheryl talked about renting the space that EdRoy had vacated; after working out some of the wrinkles they dove in and held their opening event on Sunday.

CGold with friend

Cheryl Miles Goldring listening to Catherine Brady.

Anne wants people to understand what real art is: “I am constantly amazed at how little people know about how art is made.” Tough words from a woman who taught art with a Board of Education for a number of years.

Art is a business as well as a passion – and business means selling something to someone. There is a perception that original art is very expensive – and it can but doesn’t have to be. Anne has been involved in a number of sales that had payment for the art being made over a period of time. “If you like some of my art” Anne will say “make me an offer.” Her work has been shown at Art231 in Hamilton

Anne More with camera and back pack

Anne More on a field trip.

Cheryl sees the Gallery 2 as a place where they can focus attention on local artists who don’t get much of an opportunity to show what they have in a setting that was designed for the public and not done as an afterthought in a restaurant.

The Gallery 2 opening included work by Donna Fratesi, Pierre A. J. Sabourin, A. J. Van Die and Wayne Moore and Don Greaves.

The Gallery 2 intention is to mount new art every month – something this city has not seen in some time. Now the challenge of promoting the location begins

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700 tulips planted in Dutch-Canadian Friendship Garden - Trinity Christian school students take part.

News 100 blueBy Staff

October 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

700 tulip bulbs were planted today in Apeldoorn Park’s Dutch-Canadian Friendship Garden with the help of Trinity Christian School students, members of the Burlington Mundialization Committee and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60.

The City of Burlington was given 700 tulip bulbs by the Canadian Garden Council to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and to celebrate the culture and heritage of the two nations.

Tulip Planting

First Row Left to Right: Retired Sgt. Jim Warford, 35 Composite Company, Royal Canadian Service Corp, Second World War Veteran; Retired Flight/ Lt. Fred Davies, Distinguished Flying Cross, Pathfinder Squadron, Bomber Command Royal Canadian Air Force; Burns MacLeod, Poppy Chairman, Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 60; Jacob Mack; Naomi Wright; Alyssa Glasbergen; Ruby duPreez; Phoenix Slobodian; Second Row Left to Right: Zachary Schwarz; Natalie Behnke; Noah VanStaalduinen; Samantha DeGroot; Arnold Koopman, Chair of the Burlington Mundialization Committee; Aaron Agnew; Jacob Dykstra; Drew Tucker; Leo Peever; Maia Bosma; Christina Douma; Juliana Weinstein; Councillor Blair Lancaster, Mundialization Committee Council Liaison.

“This year is the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “No one will ever forget the sacrifices but these iconic symbols of the Netherlands and our bond will be here for all to enjoy for years to come.”

Burlington crew in Holland

Mayor Rick Goldring, right – rear row in Holland with several city hall staff.

Goldring took part in the 70th Anniversary celebration in Holland last May.

The 700 bulbs were a portion of the 100,000 tulips distributed to Canadian communities to create Friendship Tulip Gardens in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Dutch-Canadian friendship. The 100,000 bulbs replicates the original gift given to the people of Canada as an act of appreciation for hosting the Royal Family during Princess Margriet’s birth and the role of Canadian Armed Forces in the Liberation of Holland.

The City of Burlington was among 140 Canadian communities selected by the Canadian Garden Council to receive tulips.

“I was there on April 17, 1945, the day the Canadian Armed Forces liberated Apeldoorn. I’ll never forget that day and neither will my generation,” said Arnold Koopman, Chair of the Burlington Mundialization Committee. “At the Grand Parade in Apeldoorn last May, mothers brought their children to the veterans to show them that they not only liberated its citizens in 1945, but for generations to come.”

 

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CineStarz Showtimes Week of Friday, October 16, 2015 through Thursday, October 22, 2015

Cinestarz logoCineStarz

Brant Street in the Upper Canada Mall

 

Week of Friday, October 16, 2015 through Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Visit (PG)
Fri – Sun: 3:10, 5:45, 7:30, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 3:10, 5:15, 7:45, 9:30

War Room (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:20 AM, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:00
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:00, 9:15

Vanessa PG
Mon-Thur 7:40

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG)
Fri – Sun: 5:25, 9:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:20, 7:20, 9:30

Shaun the Sheep ()
Fri – Sun: 11:20 AM

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG)
Fri – Sun: 1:00, 3:20, 5:00, 7:00, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:10, 9:20

Ant-Man (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:15 AM, 1:10, 3:10, 7:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 3:00, 5:25, 9:30

Minions (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:25, 3:15, 5:20, 7:10
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 5:30

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:10, 5:00

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:30, 3:30, 7:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00

 

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Royal Botanical Gardens shifts its hours of operation - a little quieter these days

notices100x100By Staff

October 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The autumn hours of operation at the Royal Botanical Gardens have changed.

RBG gardens - lots of colour

Autumn ours have changed at the RBG

RBG Centre will be open 10am through 5pm daily.

– The Hendrie Park/Rose Garden kiosk is now closed for the season. Weather permitting, access to Hendrie Park is available through the RBG Centre entrance.

– Laking Garden kiosk is now closed for the season.

– Extended hours will begin again November 14th for Holiday Traditions.

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Burlington to receive 700 tulips which will be planted at Dutch-Canadian Friendship Garden, Apeldoorn Park

News 100 blueBy Staff

October, 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Councillor Blair Lancaster and grade 6 students from Trinity Christian School along with Retired Sgt. Jim Warford, 35 Composite Company, Royal Canadian Service Corp, members of the Royal Canadian Legion and members of the City of Burlington Mundialization Committee will be planting 700 tulip bulbs from the Canadian Garden Council to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and to celebrate the culture and heritage of the two nations.

The event is to take place on Thursday, October 15, 2015, between 11 to 11:20 a.m. at the Dutch-Canadian Friendship Garden, Apeldoorn Park on Elgin Street

Tulip garden

As a token of their gratitude for creating a home for the Dutch Royal Family the government of Holland has given Canada 100,000 tulips every year. 7000f those tulips will be sent to Burlington.

The City of Burlington was selected as one of 140 recipients of tulips as part of the 70th Anniversary Dutch-Canadian Friendship Tulip Garden. Overall, 100,000 tulip bulbs were distributed across Canada by the Canadian Gardens Council.

The 100,000 bulbs replicate the original gift given to the people of Canada as an act of appreciation for hosting the Royal Family during Princess Margriet’s birth and the role of Canadian Armed Forces in the Liberation of Holland.

Princess Holland

Mayor Goldring and Councillor Blair Lancaster being greeted by a member of the Dutch Royal Family.

Councillor Lancaster, Mayor Goldring and a number of city hall staff spent several days in Holland during the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland by Canadian troops.

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Former Toronto David Miller to speak in Burlington - about how to take action.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

October 13, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There is something about former Toronto mayors and the city of Burlington – we keep inviting them out to talk to us.

A couple of years ago Toronto’s Tiny Perfect Mayor, David Crombie visited the city to talk to the then Waterfront Advisory Committee. Mayor Goldring, then in his first term, did not make a practice of attending those meetings but with Crombie speaking the Mayor chose to sit beside him at the table.

If there was ever an occasion for Mayor Goldring to seek the opinions of others on the Beachway PArk - now is the time to do it and on Wednesday he will have an opportunity to listen to one of the best minds there is on waterfront development.  Former Toronto Mayor met with MAyor Gildring at a Waterfronty Advisory meeting a number of years ago.  Time for another chat.

The last Toronto Mayor who came to Burlington was well received but not really listened to – what will we do with David Miller when he speaks?

Crombie got the Waterfront Advisory Committee all excited with what was possible – but before any of the ideas got off the ground the city sunset the committee – they did manage to get two things done – a solid look at the way Windows on the Lake were created and they did get something into the Pump House in the Beachway.

You wouldn't know it - but this is public property and anyone can walk out to the end and look over the lake.  City will now put signage indicating that the land is public.  Great views.

You wouldn’t know it – but this is public property and anyone can walk out to the end and look over the lake. City will now put signage indicating that the land is public. Great views.

The disappointing part about the Windows on the Lake was the loss of a significant piece of land between the two Windows the city is going to gain. A piece of the city’s heritage was lost forever.

Former Mayor of Toronto David Miller is going to be in town November 3rd to speak at free community event called Take Action Burlington. The event is a joint initiative between Mayor Goldring’s Inspire Burlington Series and the City of Burlington and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The focus is reported to be on what individuals, businesses and community leaders can do to continue to work towards fostering a healthy, green community. Miller who is now the CEO and president of World Wildlife Fund Canada, will be the keynote speaker.

Mayor Goldring will give a presentation on environmentally sustainable projects and initiatives in the City of Burlington.

Interactive exhibits from green-minded community groups will be on display before and after the presentations.

One of the stronger traits behind what Mayor Goldring does is his consistent commitment to the environment – he did slip up when he let the turbine get taken out of the pier design, but he has been an admirable advocate for the environment. While he was not in Burlington when the micro WORDS was unveiled at Burlington Hydro recently that initiative was very much in the Goldring view of the world.

Current Green Party candidate Vince Fiorito points out that Goldring was a federal Green candidate who pulled in 3500 votes when he ran – which in Burlington is a number that has yet to be exceeded – Fiorito doesn’t expect to do that well.

Market - Lakeshore-foot-of-St-Paul-looking-west3-1024x682

A piece of our heritage lost forever.

When David Crombie was in town he pointed out that there was a time when Burlington was the leader in the development of a waterfront trail through the city. Crombie probably lost weight when he learned that Goldring went along with the sale of public land that bordered the lake – even though city staff recommended the property be either kept by the city or leased.

We shall all wait to hear what David Miller has to say to us – and then wait a little longer to see if the Mayor heeds any of his advice.

pandas bears

Are there panda bears in our future?

With Miller being the CEO of the World Wildlife Fund and the Mayor returning from a trip to China – is there perhaps a pair of pandas in Burlington’s future – with maybe a zoo somewhere in the Escarpment? This city could certainly use some good news – any news would be nice.

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