 By Staff
August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are of an artistic bent and you have something you would like to say about sports in Burlington there is a call for Expressions of Interest from artists for the creation of a series of permanent public artworks relating to the theme: ‘The Spirit of Sport.’
A series of three (3) small to medium-scale, exterior public artworks will be installed at three separate sports fields / facilities in the city of Burlington, Ont., Canada.
This competition is open to all Ontario-based, professional artists* and/or artist-led teams.
Click here to view the full Expression of Interest document (pdf)
You can submit your expression of interest on-line
 Burlington is currently spending on public art. This one is in the Alton community – there are to be three that are sports related installed and plans in place to put one mural in each ward. Burlington has a long history of sports excellence, on both and amateur and professional
level. The city boasts a wide variety of sports facilities, parks, fields and other infrastructure
that provide community-wide access to sport and active living. These opportunities range
from children’s programming to training for high performance athletes.
 Frank Hayden has a rich sports history – he represents what sport can be in a community. Burlington is also home to a number of notable sports figures including: Dr. Frank Hayden,founder of the International Special Olympics Movement; Melville Marks Robinson, founder of Commonwealth Games; Melanie Booth, Olympian-soccer; Angela Coughlan, Olympian-swimming and numerous professional and Olympic athletes and coaches.
 A masterful freestyle swimmer, Coughlan was 16 when she won an Olympic bronze medal in Mexico in 1968 as part of Canada’s 4×100-metre relay team. As such, sport is an important element of Burlington’s unique culture as it touches the lives of people young and old, of diverse cultures and geography.
Deadline:
Tuesday September 8, 2015
Budget:$100,000
CAD (maximum, all inclusive)
For more information:
Kim Selman: 905-548-0111 |
kim@cobaltconnects.ca
 By Staff
August 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The annual Sandcastles Festival that takes place in the Beachway Park Saturday August the 8th will get a big dollop of the city’s Pan Am spirit.
That Pan Am spirit is being poured onto and into almost everything going on in the city.
 Can you improve on this? Then get yourself down to the Sandcastle Festival in the Beachway Park. The city issued a media release that said: “Burlington is proud to be part of the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games celebrations and felt that the Sandcastles Festival would make an ideal Panamania event,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “As the games come to a close, we encourage everyone to come out, see sand sculptures take shape and enjoy a day of Pan Am-themed activities on the beach.”
This year’s Sandcastles Festival will feature a Pan American theme. Saturday’s main attraction includes a sandcastles competition held at Beachway Park and Pavilion, 1100 Lakeshore Rd. Sculptors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register in one of three categories:
Family, noon to 4 p.m.
Friends, ages 13 and older, 1 to 4 p.m.
Child, ages 4 to 12 years, 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday also includes sand-sculpting demonstrations by sand-sculpting masters Sandi “Castle” Stirling and Nick Blandin (winners of several North American sand sculpting awards), Sharon Nesbitt, (2010 First Place Adult and People’s Choice award winner), Raymond Poirier and Dale Andrews (2014 First Place Adult and People’s Choice award winner). Their creations will incorporate the Pan Am theme of this year’s event.
The Sand Sculpting Competition will award first, second and third prizes in each category as determined by the master sand-sculptor judges. A People’s Choice Award is selected by festival attendees who fill out a ballot. Prizes include a custom sand-sculpture trophy for first prize for each category and great prizes provided by Canadian Tire Burlington stores for all prize levels.
A nominal fee is required to enter the competition. Entrants are strongly encouraged to preregister at any city facility or via RecExpress to guarantee a spot. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. and is first-come, first-served, if any spots are still available.
 This has the look of a production line – serious stuff and a lot of fun as well. Imagine families from different parts of the city competing against one another. Saturday event attendees are encouraged to use active transportation and bike, walk or roll to the festival using the Waterfront Trail. There is also a free shuttle to Beachway Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Two shuttles will be running between the beach and two free parking locations: Inland Waters, located at 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington and the City of Burlington parking garage at 414 Locust St. This shuttle bus will be waiting in the bus lane at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (located north of the parking garage).
Parking is free on Saturdays in all downtown municipal parking lots (with the exception of the Waterfront east and west lots at Discovery Landing/Spencer’s Restaurant).
 By Clinton Dixon and Justin Lethbridge
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
A huge comeback victory by the Burlington Bandits has given this first round series a whole new complexion. While the Majors have outscored Burlington all year, the Bandits have stuck around in most games including in Game 2. Despite losing 7-4, Burlington went toe-to-toe with London up until an eighth inning collapse.
A Bandits win on Thursday would even the series but it won’t come easily. Especially if London turns to Oscar Perez to pitch. Perez was not only their season leader in Strikeouts with 49 and 2nd on the team in wins with six, both marks good for 3rd in the league, but is 3-0 with 17 Strikeouts against Burlington this year.
 Will the Bandits be able to do the high fives Thursday night when the game is over. They have a solid chance of evening up the series. While London has outhit the Bandits so far this series, Burlington’s 12 runs in the 9th inning of game three gives them the momentum. The last two games have shown Burlington that they can hold their own and if the Bandits can get it an early lead in game four, it could give them the confidence they need to overcome the higher seeded Majors.
Two things are clear going into Thursday night’s game 4 between the London Majors and the Burlington Bandits in the Quarterfinals of the IBL Playoffs.
One is that there will be a lot of runs scored; the two teams have combined to score 40 runs in the first three games alone.
The other is that this series is a long way from over. After Tuesday night’s comeback in the ninth-inning by Burlington, the Bandits still find themselves trailing 2 games to 1, but with a revitalized team that will look to make some noise going forward.
“The Box Score doesn’t really show it, but we actually hit the ball hard all night,” said Coach Kyle MacKinnon, who admits that the team was starting to become frustrated after not being rewarded for their good approach at the plate. “Once it did happen, the floodgates kind of busted open. Hopefully we can carry that over into Thursday night.”
If the Bandits do want to make a serious run at this series on Thursday night, they’re going to have to slow down two of the leagues hottest hitters – Cody Mombourquette and Paul Lytwynec, who have a combined batting average of .538 so far this series. The man who is tasked with slowing them down is Matthew St. Kitts.
 Is it an offensive game or a defensive game: the Bandits need to get early runs and then keep the momentum – they have been 9th inning heroes in the past though St. Kitts gave up 8 hits and 6 runs before he was pulled in the middle of the fourth-inning when the two teams opened their series on July 31. Even though the numbers sound terrible, Coach MacKinnon isn’t worried. “I was talking with someone else in the league; they were saying that we’re probably in pretty good shape because they haven’t seen Matt St. Kitts have back-to-back bad starts. Now obviously you don’t want to bank on that, we’ve got to do our part as well, but it’s always good knowing that the rest of the league sees how good he is and hopefully he can bring it Thursday night.”
Giving St. Kitts that help will be Keith Kandel, Justin Gideon and Adam Odd, all three are new to the team this year. Gideon and Odd have been absolute superstars this season and this series especially. Adam Odd has hit 0.333 so far this series, while fellow IBL rookie Justin Gideon has hit an outstanding 0.571 with eight hits and three runs scored. Veteran Keith Kandel has been chipping in as well, batting 0.500 in the series so far, but it’s his leadership that’s helped the Bandits more than anything else so far.
“Keith Kandel, he’s our shortsop, he’s an import from the States. He’s played the last two years in Guelph and the year before that in Kitchener – so he knows what it’s like to be in the league and to go deep in the playoffs and make a run. He’s added a calming veteran influence to our team, which is nice.” Said Coach MacKinnon.
 This is about to become an exciting series – will the public fill the stands? All that’s left in Coack MacKinnon’s eyes is the bullpen. The Coach seems confident that the Bandits can win a close game if they take a lead into the eighth or ninth-inning, but is quick to point out that his middle-relievers need to step up and deliver on Thursday.
If they’re able to do their job, there is no reason that the Burlington Bandits couldn’t come from behind and shock the London Majors, but for now they’re going to take it one game at a time.
The game will get underway Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Nelson Park.
By Staff
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a bit of an experiment – one that should produce excellent results for the Performing Arts Centre.
Free public Jazz concerts that will start at 6:30 pm on the plaza of the of the Centre
 Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer Jude Johnson, a Burlington native, is a vocalist, songwriter and performer and is Hamilton’s Special Music Ambassador. She was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2009. She also received the Hamilton Arts award for Arts Education in 2011.
Jude has released nine recordings including her most recent Live on Pine (2013) with Mike Malone on horns and Carl Horton on piano.
“How can I keep from Singing” is a collection of vintage inspirational gospel/spirituals. Reaching Indie Gold is her CD, “This Heart of Mine” (2001) featuring Carl Horton on piano, guests Jackie Washington on vocals, Carlos del Junco on harmonica, Brian Lee Griffith on guitar and the string quartet “Panache”.
This classy, entertaining CD is a collection of classic jazz compositions performed with intimacy, grace and joy.
 Free Jazz on the plaza of the Performing Arts Centre – an opportunity for people to see the Spiral Stella and take in some fine music. Jude has also been the unseen voice on many radio and TV commercials, been featured on CBC radio and sung on over 50 albums with such diverse artists as Daniel Lanois, Raffi (more singable songs), Paul Langielle and Stan Rogers (Turnaround), and performed across Canada at countless festivals, schools, libraries and community events.
The performance takes place on our plaza from 6:30pm-8:30pm and our bar will be open!
In the event of rain, we will move from the plaza into the lobby.
 By Staff
August 5, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Dates for people who know how to handle a hammer or are comfortable just tidying up a small construction site and have some time to pitch in and take the Freeman Station to the next level are Saturdays August 8th 15th & 22nd from 8 am to 2pm
The volunteers will get a personally guided tour of the station and a close up view of some of the artifacts that have been donated.
Activities (no special skills required)
• Paint scraping and sanding
• Old wood floor boards restoration
• Site cleanup
• Rubbish and scrub removal
• And the list goes on
If you decide to show up – wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves and a hat. It could be hot! This is a construction site so please do NOT bring children under 14 and NO pets.
 This is the windows in the Station Master’s office which was also the ticket selling room. The space at the far end is where the mural will be done. What’s New and Exciting!
It has been a very busy winter and spring. Interior restoration went on throughout the winter months and both interior and exterior work resumed this spring. The Burlington Public Art Council has selected the Freeman Station for a mural that will be installed on the east end of the wall facing Fairview Street. It will depict a scene from the station, circa 1906. We are extremely honored to have been chosen and we are looking forward to a late fall unveiling.
 The ceiling in the waiting room is the kind of thing they don’t build anymore. It will be restored to what it looked like in 1906. We are delighted to announce that Darren Sanger-Smith of Structured Creations has volunteered his expertise to help us complete this project. He will assist in selecting the materials and finishes to replicate the original station to the best of our abilities.
Some of the highlights of our accomplishments to date are:
• the station now has new shingles; the roof and the entire roof deck have been repaired as well as the soffit and fascia. Roofing was installed by Desi’s Roofing
• electrical service has finally reached the station and we are currently installing the wiring under the guidance of L. Potvin Electrical with supplies from Gerrie Electric
• roughed in plumbing has been installed and the main floor handicapped accessible washroom has been framed. Plumbing was installed by KP&H Mechanical
• new entrance doors have been installed at both the north and south sides of the waiting room
But there is still a lot of work to be done – and work gets done by workers.
 The station sat on wooden pilings for the longest time – it wasn’t until Ashland, a company right next door stepped up and made space available. It took the Friends of Freeman station a couple of years to actually save the station – the city wasn’t able to use the federal funds they were given to move the building, the then Burlington Art Centre didn’t want it; an idea to set it up along Lakeshore Road in the downtown core wouldn’t fly.
The sense many people had was city council just didn’t want the thing. The engineering department staff said the thing was going to just fall over real soon.
It took joint efforts by Councillors Meed Ward and Lancaster to convince council to give the volunteer committees a little more time to find a home.
 Ashland made the space available – then the company got bought by a large conglomerate – the deal is still in place – but it isn’t a twenty year lease. The Friends of Freeman will have to develop a really strong bond with the new owners. While the building really belongs in the Beachway Park that wasn’t on – but a home was found on a piece of property next to the fire station on Fairview.
The building was moved the coupled of hundred yards to its new location, a foundation was put under the building and work on the roof and the outside walls began.
What you see today – while far from complete – is some distance from what was in place two years ago when it was a pile of rotting wood sitting on wooden pilings.
 The grill for the ticket counter has been found – it wasn’t part of the original station but does come from the same period.  The floor for the basement will be poured very soon. The hope is that negotiations with a model railway club will work out and that there will something for people to watch. That would make the Freeman Station a very attractive destination Help to complete the restoration of this beautiful old 1906 Grand Trunk Railway Station is now needed. The vision is to develop an interactive railway display depicting the impact the railway had on the development of Burlington. The Station will also house a model railway and meeting room for public use.
The Friends of Freeman have raised about $250,000 dollars to date and will need about the same amount to complete the project. Over 1700 volunteer hours have been donated to the actual restoration. More than 2400 hours of administrative, planning, and fundraising have also been donated by our members.
We are looking for volunteers in the following areas and there are many opportunities to participate!
• Membership
• Fundraising
• Research
• Newsletter
• Artifact recording
• Audio Visual and Interactive display planning
• Artwork
• Copywriting and Advertising
• Finance
• Carpentry
• Painting
• General Help with both administration and on site.
Interested in Becoming a Member?
Annual Membership is $10.00, a Life Time Membership $100.00 Please contact us at:
info@freemanstation.ca Our website www.freemanstation.ca
You can send a cheque to; Friends of Freeman Station, P.O. Box 91536 Roseland Plaza, 3025 New Street, Burlington ON L7R 4L6
There are still naming rights opportunities. Wiser commercial WORDS will realize that the Friends of Freeman Station are actually going to pull this off – and when the place is officially opened – all the politicians that failed to help make it happen will be there to cut the ribbon.
 John Mello wants to see you one of those stones – and he will tell you why they are worth the $100 asking price. Naming Rights
Put your name, a relative, a friend’s on one of the many items available for sponsorship. Sponsor a Whinstone (What is a Whinstone? Drop by and you can touch one and find out where they came from).
Sponsorships start at $100.00 and you can go right on up to $15,000 for the waiting room. Please contact me for sponsorship opportunities. brianaasgaard@sympatico.ca
If you decide you want to show up on either the 8thj, the 15th or the 22nd – the address is 1285 Fairview Street – next to the fire station which is undergoing a major renovation. Use driveway on east side of the Burlington Fire Department Headquarters
Cine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES August 7 to 13 , 2015
INSIDE OUT G
Fri to Thur 11:10 1:05 3:00 5:20 7:20 9:15
MAGIC MIKE XXL 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 5:15 7:40 9:45
TERMINATOR GENISYS 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:00 3:00 5:05 7:20 9:35
SPY 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 1:10 3:20 5:30 7:20 9:30
AMY 14A
Fri & Sat 1:10 5:00 7:20
Sun to Thur 1:10 5:00 7:20 9:15
I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS PG
Fri & Sat 11:10 1:15 3:30
Sat to Thur 11:10 1:15 3:30 7:30
SAN ANDREAS PG
Friday 1:00 3:15 5:10 9:40
Sat & Sun 1:00 9:40
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:20 5:30 9:40
WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 11:00 3:00
 By Justin Lethbridge
August 3, 2015
BURLINGTON. ON
Friday: – in London, Michael Ambrose and Brett Sabourin each homered and drove in two as the Majors beat the Burlington Bandits 12-2 in game 1 of their quarter-final series Friday night.
Both Ambrose and Sabourin finished with three hits and combined to score three runs.
London shortstop Paul Lytwynec had four hits, an RBI and run, centre-fielder Humberto Ruiz had three hits, two RBI and scored three times, first baseman Cleveland Brownlee drove in a pair, second baseman Cody Mombourquette had three hits and three runs, and Chris McQueen added two hits and two runs.
Luis Pina (1-0) went seven innings for the win, giving up two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out two.
That was the first game of the quarter finals in the InterCounty Baseball League where Burlington is battling the London Majors.
Monday: The Burlington Bandits put up a good fight but dropped game two 7-4 to the London Majors. Unlike the first game in their best-of-seven playoff, the Bandits gave London all they could handle on Monday night.
 Pitcher Rick Corrente came out in the 7th inning After going down 1-0 early, the Bandits fired back in the bottom of the first. First basemen Jim Martin hit a ball right to the back fence to bring two runners in and give Burlington their first lead of the series. Shortstop Keith Kandel would add to the lead in the 2nd inning with a home run.
While the Majors would answer with runs in the 3rd and 5th innings to tie the game, the Bandits pitcher Steven Dressler held his team in the game. Through six innings of work, he gave up six hits and three runs while striking out three batters for a 4.50 ERA. Unfortunately for the Bandits, London’s Oscar Perez was better. Through eight innings, Perez allowed only six hits and four runs while earning eight strikeouts for the win.
With the score tied at 3-3 in the 8th, Bandits pitcher Rich Corrente would allow four runs on four hits to give the Majors the 7-3 lead. The Bandits wouldn’t go down without a fight, scoring a run in the 9th while loading the bases three times in the final two innings. They just weren’t able to capitalize and now face a two game deficit in the series.
Game three is at 7:35pm, Tuesday August 4th in London before the series returns to Nelson Park for game four on Thursday at 7:30pm. For up-to-date information on all the playoff action, go to www.theibl.ca.
Portions of this report were taken from the IBL web site
By Staff
August 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Day Festival will be the place to be on the August holiday Monday.
Besides partnering with the Toronto 2015 PanAm / Parapan Games the event has taken on a significantly different tone.
It will be a lively day at LaSalle Park where events start at 11 am and runs through to 5 pm.
The captivating Beshano Bike Trials will be featured, the Burlington Soccer Club field games and a slew of music, art and cultural performances of the “Americas” will also be featured.
The day will have an Americas flavour to it recognizing the diversity that the PanAm games brought to the Region. Included in the bill of events are:
 The Beshano Bike Trials will be something to watch – expect crowds larger than those in this picture.  Saúl Torres is capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco! Beshano Bike Trials – 3 shows complete with incredible bicycle stuntmanship!
Musicians from the official band of the Toronto FC Major League Soccer accompanying dancers choreographed by the dance instructor and performer who opens the Mas Band launches for Carnival!
Saúl Torres who has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco!
 Dan Secord native dancer in full dress White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance participants.
Dancescapes Studio with Salsa and Latin dance demonstrations and lessons!
Laura Spada
Farrucas – a Latin Fusion Duo of Laura Spada and Jorge Cuama hailing from Ecuador!
Throughout the day the Children’s Area, Museum Educational Crafts & Activities, Giveaways, PanAm Sports Challenges, Games and Obstacles, Interactive participant events including: Crossfit Altitude, Oakville Fencing Academy, Burlington Youth Soccer Club, Monkeynastic Gymnastics, Bradbury, Splitsville Entertainment & Better State Crew! Splash Park for Kids available, Hands-on Activities, Artisans and Vendors, the Famous Brant Day Silent Auction will be part of an event filled day.
And this year the food offering will be going far beyond the traditional hot dogs and burgers. Sylvia Hentz, Special Events Programmer has arranged for a food truck rally with delicious offerings from gourmet food trucks!
 Taste buds will be in for a real treat given the selection of Food Trucks that are being brought in for the Brant Day Festival at LaSalle Park The rally includes
LUCHADOR – Mexican Fusion / International Cuisine
DOBRO JESTI – Slovenian / German-inspired Cuisine
NUDULZ – Italian Food
MANGO CHUTNEY – Indian Food
URBAN EXPRESS- North American & European-style Steakery
CAFE DU MONDE – French-Parisian & International Crepes
PAPPAS GREEK—Greek Food
TROPICAL TEMPTATIONS –Premium drinks & desserts
Burlington’s taste buds are in for a treat.
 ilaria-spada- Laura Spada will perform at the festival. Parking is always a challenge at LaSalle Park on Brant Day. Shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors from Aldershot GO Station once limited onsite parking at LaSalle Park is filled.
First shuttle bus run leaves the Aldershot Go Station at 10:00 a.m. Last bus leaves at 5:00 pm
 By Pepper Parr
August 1, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has received complaints from a number of residents regarding what they believe to be disturbing material delivered to their mailboxes.
In a statement from the city, it is not attributed to a specific person, the city said it is not in a position to affect the distribution of these materials and add that they have received the following statement from Canada Post:
“We are responsible for the physical delivery of all mail in Canada. We do not have the legal right to refuse delivery of a mail item because we or other people object to its content. Anyone who has concerns about the content should either contact the publisher or simply dispose of it.”
And that’s it – not another word. The Gazette has received dozens of complaints and comments on this repugnant literature.
 Some of the comments on social media:
“You know what really sucks about this all? The images are very painful reminders for many parents who never had a choice. This organization is obviously run by a group of uneducated, immature kids with too much money to blow on junk mail.”
“Well that was nice. My 13 year old just handed me the flyer during dinner. She fished it out from behind a desk because she was worried her 9 year old brother would see it and be scared. Disgusting.”
“Us too. Beyond disgusting and obviously oblivious to the fact that this government just legalized the pill version of said procedure.”
 There are thousands of comments like this being made on social media. What we haven’t seen or heard are public statements from the office of the Mayor expressing concern over what can only be described as vile.
There is such a thing as community values that are put forward by our leaders be they political, pastoral or prominent people who have earned the respect of the community.
This is the time for these men and woman to stand up and express the dismay, disgust and inappropriateness of this kind of stuff on behalf of the community.
Most people have a view on abortion; many people discuss this subject amongst themselves and arrive at a moral decision they are comfortable with. My own view is that life is the biggest gift mankind has been given and when it is forsaken – let us not demean it with photographs that can only harm.
To attach the face of a person running for the leadership of the country to this smut is as low as one can get. This is not what political debate is about.
Councillor Sharman did have conversations with the police who told him there was nothing they could do. Councillor Sharman could have said publicly that the distribution of this kind of material was unacceptable and that he wanted the public to know it was beneath the values of the community he represents.
When we do not stand up for our values – we lose them.
Related articles:
Is it hate mail? It is certainly disgusting.
Sick minds that sink below common decency.
 By Pepper Parr
July 30th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Wheelchair Basketball Parathlete, Brandon Wagner is going to be the Burlington community torchbearer for the TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games Torch Relay.
 Brandon Wagner being celebrated by Mayor Rick Goldring The torch relay will visit Burlington on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015
The Parapan Am Games Torch Relay is a five-day inspirational journey of more than 250 torchbearers who will share the Parapan Am spirit in 12 communities. The torch relay is one of the most exciting events as it sets the stage leading up to what
will be the largest Parapan Am Games ever held.
The aluminum torch stands 65 centimetres high and weighs 1.2 kilograms (or roughly the same weight as a baseball bat). With a burn time of 10 to 12 minutes, the flame can withstand winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and is visible in all kinds of weather conditions.
The torch relay will invite communities to celebrate and share the Parapan Am
spirit throughout its five-day journey towards Toronto, the Host City of the Games.
The torch relay starts Aug. 3, 2015, and concludes Aug. 7, 2015, with the dramatic lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto.
Burlington has many reasons to be proud of Wagner – he is a joy to watch when he is on a basketball court.
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 31, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Despite dropping their last four games, the Burlington Bandits managed to hold onto 5th place at the end of the IBL season with a final record of 15-21.
Bandits whooping it up after a recent win – can they take that approach into the finals? The Bandits started the year off on an abysmal 1-7 start but managed to claw their way up the standings. A 7-1 run in mid July is the biggest factor in their final seeding. The run included three wins against Toronto, who also finished 15-21, which gave Burlington the tiebreaker in the standings.
Unfortunately Burlington draws the London Majors in the first round. The Bandits went 0-5 against London this season and while a single run decided two of those games, the other three were blowouts. London handed Burlington a 10-1 pounding on the first game of the season and outscored the Bandits 39-19 through five games.
There is a bit of hope, however, as in three of their five meetings Burlington had an early lead. Even with an 8-0 3rd inning lead on July 9th, the Bandits have been unable to pick up a win against the Majors.
 Justin Gideon earned 32 runs for the Bandits The Bandits must continue to get strong hitting from OF Justin Gideon whose 32 runs are the most from either team and tied for fourth in the league. London has the edge in the pitching battle as Oscar Perez and his 49 SO helped the Majors to a 3.97 ERA compared to Burlington’s 6.14 ERA.
This series marks Burlington’s return to the playoffs after missing out last year.
The best-of-seven series begins Friday, July 31st in London with game two in Burlington on Monday, August 3rd.
 By Staff
July 30, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a new recruit on the Halton Regional Police Force.
 Police Service Dog Arrow Police Service Dog Arrow arrived for training yesterday.
He will begin his training with K9 officer Cst. Tara McLorn but is anxiously awaiting the start of his new partner, Cst Kyle Gibson.
Cst. Gibson and PSD Arrow will begin training together in September, a period that usually takes about four months.
PSD Arrow was imported from the Czech Republic and is 14 months old and like all police service dogs, is very eager to get started.
Follow the @HRPSK9 Twitter account to see what the Police Service Dogs are doing and you will catch a glimpse of Arrow as he begins his journey.
Cst Matt Lawless and Storm will head into retirement once Arrow has completed his training.
 The Milton Brookville |School grade 4 class that chose the name for the newest police service dog to join the Halton Regional Police Force In September Arrow will visit with the student at Brookville Public School in the Town of Milton. They were the students who came up with the name and pulled in the most votes.
By Staff
July 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington’s MPP Eleanor McMahon is holding her first annual summer BBQ: August 16th
 Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon will hold her first BBQ in August Is she aware as to just how high the bar is for her?
Does she realize that her Premier set a pretty stiff standard when she was in town a few years ago flipping ribs at the Rib Fest?
 Premier Kathleen Wynne shows the locals how Ribs are flipped at the annual Rotary RibFest McMahon is going to hone her skills over the BBQ in Hidden Valley – probably a good idea – and when she is at the Master flipper level she can hold the event closer to town
The invite to the event went out on the MPP’s email blast. While there was a map on how to get to the location – it wasn’t easy to find.
We’ve shown the map below.
The event takes place Sunday August 16 (rain or shine) from Noon – 3:00 pm
 Location: Hidden Valley Park (Zone 6) in Aldershot
By Staff
July 29th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Poor old Joseph Brant – at least he will be at the day we celebrate his name and what he did for the city in spirit. And there will be WORDS
This year, the Joseph Brant Day Festival is an official partner of the Toronto 2015 PanAm / Parapan Am Games and is taking on a significantly different tone.
It will be a lively day at LaSalle Park where events start at 11 am and run through to 5 pm.
The captivating Beshano Bike Trials will be featured Burlington Soccer Club field games and a slew of music, art and cultural performances of the “Americas” will be featured.
The day will have an Americas flavour to it recognizing the diversity that the PanAm games brought to the Region.
The Beshano Bike Trials will be something to watch – expect crowds larger than those in this picture. Beshano Bike Trials – 3 shows complete with incredible bicycle stuntmanship!
Musicians from the official band of the Toronto FC Major League Soccer accompanying dancers choreographed by the dance instructor and performer who opens the Mas Band launches for Carnival!
Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco! Saúl Torres has emerged as one of the most singular talents of Spanish Rock on the continent, capable of seamlessly tying together Latin, Funk, Rock, and Flamenco!
White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance participant Dan Secord. White Pine First Nations Drum and Dance!
Dancescapes Studio with Salsa and Latin dance demonstrations and lessons!
Laura Spada Farrucas – a Latin Fusion Duo of Laura Spada and Jorge Cuama hailing from Ecuador!
Throughout the day the Children’s Area, Museum Educational Crafts & Activities, Giveaways, PanAm Sports Challenges, Games and Obstacles, Interactive participant events including: Crossfit Altitude, Oakville Fencing Academy, Burlington Youth Soccer Club, Monkeynastic Gymnastics, Bradbury, Splitsville Entertainment & Better State Crew! Splash Park for Kids available, Hands-on Activities, Artisans and Vendors, the Famous Brant Day Silent Auction will be part of an event filled day.
And this year the food offering will be going far beyond the traditional hot dogs and burgers. Sylvia Hentz, Special Events Programmer has arranged for a food truck rally with delicious offerings from gourmet food trucks!
Taste buds will be in for a real treat given the selection of Food Trucks that are being brought in for the Brant Day Festival at LaSalle Park The rally includes
LUCHADOR – Mexican Fusion / International Cuisine
DOBRO JESTI – Slovenian / German-inspired Cuisine
NUDULZ – Italian Food
MANGO CHUTNEY – Indian Food
URBAN EXPRESS- North American & European-style Steakery
CAFE DU MONDE – French-Parisian & International Crepes
PAPPAS GREEK—Greek Food
TROPICAL TEMPTATIONS –Premium drinks & desserts
Burlington’s taste buds are in for a treat.
Parking is always a challenge at LaSalle Park on Brant Day. Shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors from Aldershot GO Station once limited onsite parking at LaSalle Park is filled.
First shuttle bus run leaves the Aldershot Go Station at 10:00 a.m. Last bus will leave La Salle Park at 5:00 p.m.
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
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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.
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