 By Pepper Parr
December 12, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Donna Zaffino has been a Gazette reader for some time. She is a frequent commenter and can be, how shall I put this, direct at times. We love her for that.
When we did the piece a few days ago on the contest the Burlington Downtown Business Association was holding for the best dressed window Zaffino agreed with the position we took and said she would make a point of looking at the windows to see how the retailers did this year.
 Zaffino thought the use of Christmas tree branches was attractive and innovative – very much in the season.  Zaffino thought this was one of the best windows this year.  Son of a Peach, a pizza locale took over their part of Pine Street with traditional lights and Christmas wreaths  Dickens really upped their game this year. At night the decorating they did along with their neighbour makes that part of Elizabeth Street look quite festive.  This pathetic store front is that of the city’s Tourism office. Have you ever seen two more limp Christmas wreaths in your life. Sure make you want to visit this city.
The look and feel of a street are probably more important than the products that are on sale in the stores. People are impacted by what they see and that impact determines what they do. If a street is bright and cheerful people feel bright and cheerful.
If a street is decorated during a festive season people pick up the spirit if that season.
Here is Zaffino`s report: “I walked around downtown taking photos of the business that are participating in the contest.
I was not terribly impressed with any of the displays, especially any of the clothiers.
There were a few around that aren’t in the contest that may have been better.
I am not sure if Different Drummer is participating or not. Both nights I didn’t see anything. Maybe I show up after Ian turns off the display. I tried on Tuesday around 6:30 and again tonight.
There are only three windows that stood out for me and have stayed in my imagination. They are Mirella’s, The Olive Oil Dispensary and Anise Apothecary.
1) Mirella’s for the creativity of using cedar boughs as flared skirts on their mannequins.
2) The Olive Dispensary for the vibrant colours and of course the classic little train set.
3) Anise Apothecary for simplicity and the soft blues and white. Nature helped it along today by covering their little evergreens under the window in snow.
I think Wardel’s Insurance was nice but I can’t remember what it looked like nor what the theme was. I recall that it was bright and stood out from a street view.
 The Works decided to focus on just their window this year. Last year the wrapped the store like a Christmas gift box. Given their position on Brant – a stronger message was better  Rayhoon used a nicely decorated Christmas tree they brought in and electric lights to give both their restaurant and Village Square a solid holiday feeling.  Given the position this retailer commands on Brant Street a little more imagination would have made a big difference.  Both the city and the Hospital Foundation did such poor job of creating a sense of season with their store fronts. I wasn’t able to photograph three businesses. Black Pearl, Omega and Deeth and Co. I won’t be able to get them until Saturday.
I’d like to take pictures of places that weren’t on the contest list who did some really nice work. Look for more from me later in the week.
Thanks for the assignment it was fun.
Related articles:
2013: Retailers forget that it is Christmas
BDBA works to make store fronts more festive.
 By Staff
December 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Short notice!
1st Annual Christmas Collage Ice Show.
Mercedes-Benz is presenting a one hour, choreographed on ice performance showcasing local youth talent. The choreography encompasses 7 ice sports; figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating, ringette, hockey, sledge hockey and curling. Free Hot Chocolate! Free Public Skate after the show! Free Giveaway for the first 200 families! Make this event your family’s new Christmas Tradition!
 It will be choreographed on ice performances showcasing local youth talent on the pond tonight. Friday, December 12, 7 – 8 p.m. at the Rotary Centennial Pond (skating rink) in Spencer’s at the Waterfront, 1400 Lakeshore Road
General Admission: FREE – donations to Jumpstart at the event are appreciated!
VIP Balcony: Adults:$30.00, Children (under 12) $15.00, Family Pack (2 adults and up to 4 children) $75.00 (seating, blankets provided, overhead heating)
A portion of the proceeds generated by the event will be donated to Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charity.
 By Pepper Parr
December 11, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
School is out – the kids are now yours – all day – every day until we are into the New Year. For those that are still amazed at the wonder of everything and still have imaginations that are intact – the Jack and the Beanstalk performances later this month might interest you.
A colourful cast of characters will sing and dance their way to the top of the beanstalk in a brand new imagining of the classic tale. With performances on December 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, this traditional British pantomime makes for the perfect family activity or holiday gift. Tickets start at $24 for children and $29 for adults.
 The exceptional cast and crew includes local Burlington and Hamilton natives such as the witches played by Lynne Scott, lead singer of ska band Skaface, Pamela Farrauto whose TV appearances include The Ron James Show and Murdoch Mysteries, and Janine Heaven who in addition to being a talented stage actress is also a licensed Officiant.
The audience may remember Marisa Ship and Stephanie Lynn-Russell who played Princess Lotus Flower and Aladdin in 2012’s Aladdin, and who will this year be turning their attentions to the roles of Jack and Georgina Goose respectively.
The show is directed by award winning playwright, director and actress Francesca Brugnano who describes the experience as a “thrill to be directing an unmitigated eruption of talent in this clever and hilarious pantomime.”
This zany brand of family friendly fun is being shared with families most in need of festive cheer by providing tickets through various charities such as BigBrothers BigSisters, United Way and Halton Women’s Place.
“It’s all about giving back to the communities we live and work in,”. “At this time of year” said Rikki Wright, writer of the show, “everyone should have something to look forward to, not just the privileged few.”
You can help by buying a giggle seat, which will be donated on your behalf to a family in need. The producers of the show will also match that seat with one more of their own so you can be responsible for putting smiles on two faces. For more information about the Gift of Giggles program and to purchase Giggle Seats, visit www.pantomime.ca/giggles.
Tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk can be purchased online, by phone (905) 681-6000, or in person at the Box Office located at 440 Locust Street in Burlington.
By Staff
December 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It took a while – but a source sent us the location of the People Choice vote for the best float in the Santa Claus parade.
 He`s making a list – checking it twice. Turns out it was city hall making that list. It`s lengthy and you had better remember the name of the float because there are few hints.
The site is really a data mining effort on the part of the city. Sobeys put up a miserable $50 to collect names, addresses and email addresses. You know what they are going to do with that data.
It was a nice idea, poorly executed and turned out to be more in the interests of the city than the citizens.
Find out for yourself at
By Pepper Parr
December 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Santa Claus parade did take place; the streets were well lined and there were no incidents.
Viewers were supposed to be able to vote for the People`s Choice – choosing the float they thought was the best in the 49th annual parade.
All they had to do was go to the city web site and cast their vote.
Christmas Parade
cms.burlington.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=29585
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
Dec 2, 2013 … Guelph Line to Brant St. and Caroline St. NEW! 2013 People’s Choice Award. Vote for your favourite float at www.burlington.ca/parade.
 Date was wrong and there was no place to actually vote. Problem was the city web site didn`t have any place for people to vote. There was no place to enter your choice.
At another location on the city web site there was a large graphic showing the parade route – but the date of the parade taking place was wrong. Now the Gazette knows all about typographical errors – but we don`t have the resources city hall has.
There were a couple of parade sponsors – corporations who got behind the idea of a People`s Choice – hope they get their money back.
Good idea with strong community support – but the Grinch`s at city hall wouldn’t let it happen. Coal in their Christmas Stockings.
Breaking news:
Location to vote for the People`s Choice in the Santa Parade:
By Staff
December 8, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The Hamilton- Burlington Society of Architects (HBSA) has announced the recipients of the 2014 Architectural Awards of Excellence.
The award winners were honoured during the HBSA Celebrate 2014 Gala on November 27 at the Hamilton Art Gallery, where they raised $9,000 for the United Way.
Biannually, the HBSA recognizes the exceptional work of architects from Hamilton, Burlington, and Milton across a range of categories of projects built in Ontario. The jury panel this year consisted of:
• Tania Bortolotto (Bortolotto Design Architect, Toronto)
• Alex Lukachko (Building Science Consulting, Waterloo)
• Michael McClelland (ERA Architects, Toronto)
• Michael Leckman (Diamond Schmitt Architects, Toronto)
• Kathy Renwald (Freelance Journalist, Hamilton)
The jurors were extremely impressed with the quality of the submissions from HBSA members.
Awards were given in a number of categories.
Architecture creates the texture of a community. Well-designed buildings make public and private space work – and when space works for people we are all better off.
Smart design, clever design – design that reflects a communities past and its aspirations for the future is what architects strive for when they design a building. Along with making the most efficient use of space an architect needs to give a building a feel, a sense of belonging where it is being built.
With imagination and the intelligent use of space and construction materials the public ends up with a building that just works for them; and in doing so they make the community a better place for all of us.
The recipients of the HBSA this time were
Heritage or Adaptive Re-Use
Award of Excellence
95 King Street East Studios and Lofts, Thier + Curran Architects www.
 95 King Street East Studios and Lofts, Thier + Curran Architects “Even viewed from across the square (Gore Park), this building, with its innovative social program is distinctive and inviting … the historic character of the upper floors is maintained while the contemporary-industrial treatment of the ground floor stands out and anchors it in the urban realm”
 Carnegie Gallery Revitalization, Perkins + Will Heritage or Adaptive Re-Use
Award of Merit
Carnegie Gallery Revitalization, Perkins + Will ca.perkinswill.com
“The simple moves are well-done and well-tuned to the existing building … the new entrance, the new gallery, and the accessible areas in the glazed space are a modern addition with a nice bridge between old and new.”
Renovation Mixed Use/Commercial
Award of Excellence
118 James Street North, Thier + Curran Architects www.tcarch.ca
 “This building is a surprise. The interior space is dramatic, the connection to heritage vocabulary is really strong, and the experience at the street level is very successful … the building echoes the street’s urban signature.”
New Institutional, Award of Merit . Waterloo North Hydro Head Office and Fleet Service Centre, McCallum Sather Architects
“A remarkable amount of sustainable thinking in what could have been just another drive-by building on a service road … the right proportion of windows, solar shading, and great placement.”
Renovation Mixed Use/Commercial
Award of Merit
Phoenix Pub and Restaurant, McMaster University, McCallum Sather Architects / MSA
 Phoenix Pub and Restaurant, McMaster University, McCallum Sather Architects “The execution is so clear [that] it seems simple – but it’s very complex.”
Renovation Institutional
Award of Excellence
McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind, McCallum Sather Architects / MSA www.msarch.ca
 “A creative response to an intriguing program … the addition on top of an existing building [is] aesthetically pleasing and done in a way that successfully rebrands the building.”
Renovation Institutional
Award of Merit
Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre, Thier + Curran Architects www.tcarch.ca
 “Well-crafted, welcoming, with careful attention to detail … handsome interior spaces filled with light.”
New Residential
Award of Merit
Burlington Avenue House, Cynthia Zahoruk Architect
 Burlington Avenue House, Cynthia Zahoruk Architect “A joyful play on Arts and Crafts … very appealing and sensitive to context, and to the client’s needs.”
New Institutional
Award of Merit
Waterloo North Hydro Head Office and Fleet Service Centre, McCallum Sather Architects
“A remarkable amount of sustainable thinking in what could have been just another drive-by building on a service road … the right proportion of windows, solar shading, and great placement.”
 By Staff
December 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
There has been no comment whatsoever from the Art Gallery of Burlington on the parting of ways with Ian Ross as the President and Chief Executive Officer of that organization – the Board is now advertising the position.
 In a recent release the Board said: “The AGB is a unique organization that combines quality gallery programmes with a range of creative activities. Its 44,000 sq. ft. facility includes three galleries, two exhibition spaces, and seven well-equipped studios that are home to seven guilds, used by many of the region’s emerging and working artists and ‘makers’. It is the venue for courses and workshops organized by Gallery staff and/or guild volunteers and also for community and private events. “The Creative Hub includes drop-in art-making activities for families and individuals, and a Children’s Clay Studio is a favourite for youth. The AGB occupies a distinctive position having the largest collection of Canadian contemporary ceramic art. The 2,400 piece collection ranges from functional to conceptual sculpture, from fine craft to fine art, and, like Canada, its diversity reflects many international influences. The AGB is in the early stages of working with the City towards the future development of the Gallery within an overall vision for urban development.
“This is an opportunity for a visionary and strategic leader who understands the uniqueness and potential of the AGB which is situated in the midst of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, across from beautiful Lake Ontario, in the city that MoneySense magazine has repeatedly ranked as the best mid-sized city in Canada. The next President and CEO will be passionate about engaging the public with visual arts and culture: growing the impact of the Gallery on the various aspects of the City’s quality of life and on its economic development.
“Creative and entrepreneurial, your respected track record of non-profit executive leadership success and results-based accountability includes a gold standard in fundraising and financial management, innovative and collaborative programming, organizational growth, stakeholder relations, and motivating communication skills.
For more information about this permanent position, see website for Careers.
 By Staff
December 5, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Sunday – starts at 2:00 pm and winds its way down Guelph Line – starting at Prospect and ending up at city hall – the Ho, Ho, Ho man himself. Santa will be at the end of the parade waving away.
 NEW! Vote online for your favorite float. The 2014 People’s Choice Award voting will begin on December 7, 2014. (Link to vote on line wasn’t available at time of publication – when it is available we will pass it along,)
 Mayor Goldring always shows up; this time he was collecting for the Old Timer’s Hockey Team Last year the People’s Choice Award Winner was Keller Williams Edge Realty.
Hosted by the City of Burlington, the 49th annual Christmas Parade features entries including bands, colourful floats, clowns and mascots; paid for out of the float fees the city charges.
Kids will line streets; many of the same community groups will be in the parade. Some of the residents on streets that butt into New Street park vehicles at the intersection and have hot chocolate – we saw a hibachi lat year,
 The hustle and bustle of the malls can never dull the real message – it is always the same. That’s the way it is supposed to be.
 By James Smith
December 3, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
All the other kids wore the Rouge, Bleu, Blanc with nombre neuf. We were Anglos but like Roch Carrier’s book, all wanted to be The Rocket. That is all except me, I wanted to be like my dad’s friend, number four, Jean Beliveau. So on the outdoor rink I was number four.
My dad was a DJ in Montreal, and also did the colour commentary for, I think it was radio station CJAD, hockey, football, and the races at Blue Bonnets race track. Dad was always having us meet stars of one kind or another, and as a kid this really didn’t register.
 Always at the front of the game; always playing the puck; Jean Beliveau at his best. That is except for hockey players. Hockey was different, hockey for me, like from most boys at the time, was what we lived for and I was so very lucky to meet most of the greats of the Hab’s dynasty of the late 50’s & early 60’s. The Rocket, the Pocket Rocket, Claud Prenevost, Boom-Boom Geoffrion, but Mr Beliveau was different, he and my dad were friends.
Several Sunday afternoons I got to go with my dad to the Forum, walk to the rafters into the gondola to watch a game. As a kid this was both terrifying and exciting being so high, watching the game, seeing my dad work on the radio and feeling part of the big people’s world. At the end of the game we’d go to the dressing room, my dad would do an interview or two,
 He would come out of the curve in the rink with more than enough speed to overtake almost every hockey player in the league. I’d get to meet my idols, shake their hands, and learn a new word or two in French. Not sure why but “peut-etre” seems to be the one I remember my dad using a lot. We would never leave without my dad and Mr Beliveau having a conversation, they always had a schtick they would do; he was Jean my day was Gene. Mr Beliveau would greet dad with a smile and “Hello Jean!” and my dad would reply “Bonjour Gene!”. They were both big men, and would shake hands an exchange a laugh, and as a little kid, I would look up in awe. My dad was friends with Jean Beliveau!
I do remember an exchange happing one time shopping in downtown Montreal with my parents. We ran into Mr Beliveau and people paused to look as the two men exchanged a few words. I shook Mr Beliveau’s hand while enquiring “comment allez vous?” Mr Beliveau then remarked about my red white and blue toque.
With my tiny bit of childhood French I informed the captain of the Montreal Canadiens it was a REAL Canadiens “chapeau rouge avec pom-pom bleu”. A little taken back he got a big grin and started to laugh and patted me on the shoulder, said a few more words to my parents, then bid us good-bye.
 Jean Beliveau at 80 – still the captain Today with Mr Beliveau’s passing, I will remember Mr Beliveau a giant of a man, who had time for a little kid, and as a friend of my late father who towered over me on the streets of downtown Montreal, laughing.
 By Staff
December 2, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
Watch sculpting master Michael Muli use various techniques to transform ice into art at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
 A master ice sculptor will be at the Royal Botanical Gardens December 6thand 7th. No to be missed. Michael is creating an enormous 3D tribute to the RBG Train Show for kids to climb aboard. You can drop by and get your picture taken with the kids.
Be sure to stop by and get your photo taken with the final piece before it disappears!
Event takes place from December 6 (1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.); December 7 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
By Pepper Parr
December 1, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
 Sign at the western gateway to the city. With the chain of office officially his for the next four years Mayor Rick Golding can settle in and make Burlington a better place.
One of the first things that he did as Mayor for the 2014-18 term was get his picture taken in front of spanking new sign telling traveler’s they are about to enter the village of Aldershot.
Later today the Mayor will give his Inaugural address and possibly even give us a peek at his thinking for the next four years.
 The guy on the left, Mayor Goldring, invited the guy on the right, Ron Foxcroft, to give the keynote speech at the guy on the right’s Inaugural event. The guy on the right is funnier than the guy on the left. Mayor Goldring managed to let himself get upstaged by Ron Foxcroft who will deliver the Keynote address – there will be at least one joke at the Mayor’s expense.
On Thursday the Mayor will glad hand with those invited to a fund raiser to pay off his election campaign debt. Goldring fully expected the 2014 election to be a cake walk; there wasn’t a challenger on the horizon other than Anne Marsden who has run frequently in the past.
Council will begin to take care of business on the 15th when the Standing Committees meet.
Goldring had a campaign team which amounted to a collection of names; no one expected to have to do anything. Then out of the blue came Peter Rusin who did very poorly in the vote count but did manage to keep the Mayor on his toes for a couple of weeks.
Fund raising for Mayoral races usually gets done well before the election. If funds have to be raised after the election it is usually because there was a very hard fought race. That certainly wasn’t the case this time around – did the Mayor get caught flat footed on this one?
Expect anyone who thinks they can curry a little favour with the Mayor to happily accept an invitation to this event. The Gazette wasn’t invited.
By Pepper Parr
December 1, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is proud of its rich tradition in hosting an annual, live art auction. The event is a critical fund raiser for the AGB which sees itself as the heart of arts and culture in the region.
With an inspiring variety of exhibitions, education programs and an acclaimed Canadian contemporary ceramics collection, it is vital that AGB raise funds to continue to offer enriching programs to our community and keep the galleries free and accessible to all, seven days a week. Thus the art sale.
The next will be their 36th year and will be grown into a week-long celebration of visual art with local, regional and national artists.
It all begins May 31st and runs through to – June 6th, 2015. Mark those dates on your calendar.
 The Belle Epoch was a time of new ideas, emerging artists and rife with political controversy. There was a World’s Fair held in Paris – the world was alive with new wealth and ideas – it all ended with the start of the First Great War This week-long celebration features: an Art Sale; a live auction as well as a Silent Auction. This year there is going to be a theme to set a tone. The AGB people are stretching their wings and actually getting creative. They have chosen La Belle Époque as the theme, which we are told came out of the creative mind of Cheryl Goldring, chair of the Planning committee and an artist with a reputation of her own
Belle Époque was a period characterized by optimism, peace at home and in Europe, new technology and scientific discoveries. The peace and prosperity in Paris allowed the arts to flourish, and many masterpieces of literature, music, theater, and visual art gained recognition. The Belle Époque was named, in retrospect, when it began to be considered a “golden age” in contrast to the horrors of World War I.
 For a citizen of France to accuse the President of the Republic in a newspaper front page letter was unheard of – those were heady times. The Art Gallery of Burlington wants to re-create some of that era with a theme for the 2015 Art Auction. In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, the Belle Époque overlapped with the late Victorian era and the Edwardian era. In Germany, the Belle Époque coincided with the reigns of Kaiser Wilhelm I & II and in Russia with the reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II.
All that rich history will be wrapped into a theme that will set a tone considerable different than previous art auctions. The city can perhaps attend an event that has the potential to get away from the stodginess that has at times crept into AGB events. Looks like they are going to zip it up a bit.
There is also going to be a 200 for $200 event; 200 painting priced at $200 each. That should appeal to the younger set that wants to begin collecting seriously.
The Planning committee wants the public to party like it’s 1889 when the world celebrated the opening of the World’s Fair in Paris and the coming of age of Impressionism. That might be a bit of a stretch – after all this is Burlington.
The Art Gallery of Burlington will be transformed into a Parisian market as guests are immersed in late 19th Century Paris with all the exciting sights and sounds of that vibrant era; art, music, jugglers, dancers, cafes, bistros and marketplaces.
The committee planning this event includes: Cheryl Goldring, Chair, Susan Busby, Anne Brownell, AGB, Catherine Brady, Cheryl Soderlund, AGB, Louise Cooke, Kim Varian, AGB and Don Graves.
Submission packages for artists can be downloaded here.
By Pepper Parr
November 30th, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It won’t be the cowboy hat and the blue jeans Monday evening for Haley Verrall, the Nelson High student, who will take to the stage and lead the people at the Performing Arts Centre in the singing of O’Canada as they witness the Swearing In of the new city council.
Hayley is a young, 17, Burlingtonian who is fashioning a career as a singer song-writer who wants to change the world with words and music.
She took part in the city’s culture week and was recognized by Angela Pap Paparizo at city hall and then got a call from the Mayor’s office asking if she would be interested in singing the national anthem for the Swearing In.
Both Hayley and her Mom Kim couldn’t say yes fast enough. The question then was – “Do I have to wear a dress” asked Hayley.
 Hayley Verrall at the keyboard. She will sing the national anthem at the Performing arts Centre during swearing-in of new city council. The budding artist has six songs written, a CD with her picture on the cover and more lyrics in the works. Her preference is country and western – with bluegrass where her heart really lies at this point in her career.
Hayley plays piano, trumpet, ukulele, banjo and guitar – you know which the favourite is as she slides the guitar strap over her should and adjusts the instrument to her body and strokes the strings.
Hayley plays around town wherever she can get herself in front of a microphone in Burlington. She has a spot in Waterdown that makes her welcome as well.
 The guitar is her instrument of choice. Hayley Verrall singing “Follow Your Dreams”. Besides being a musician, Hayley is a gamer. She thinks university is in her future with McMaster or Western as the destination for her. Teaching music is something she thinks she could do quite well – but the long term career isn’t the real focus for Hayley. Right now it is writing some and playing wherever she can find people who want to listen
Her Mom, Kim gets a credit as the co-writer for several of the songs written so far. Described as a musician with influences as diverse as country, rock and pop Hayley has been written up as “a versatile performer who blends her instinctive attitude for fresh melodies with a consistent background as a skilled classical pianist.”
Music for Hayley is more than simple entertainment; it is a medium to inspire, share and tell stories that can relate to an audience in a unique way.
We won’t get to hear the true love music on Monday – not unless Hayley rolls from the national anthem to “Young Gambler”, a featured piece on her CD titled: You Ain’t seen Trouble Yet.
By Staff
November 29, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
If you haven’t got your weekend plans worked out and you are looking for something different to do with the kids – what do you think about Synchronized Swimming ?
The Burlington Synchronized Swimming Club (BSSC) invites families and friends to join us for a FREE family swim as part of the Burlington Sports Festival. Celebrate the power of sport that builds strong communities and get active with BSSC!
 Join the Synchronized Swimming Club at the Centennial pool to learn more about synchronized swimming and try some of the moves. Did you know that synchronized swimming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics, consisting of swimmers performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music?
Join us to learn more about synchronized swimming and try some of the moves.
SATURDAY, November 29, 2014 from 3:00 – 4:30 P.M. at the Centennial Pool, 5151 New Street,
Have fun with a FREE family swim that includes a “try it” session offered by BSSC
 By Pepper Parr
November 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Many a political career has been started with a citizen serving on a city board or committee.
There are hundreds of people as well who have served on a board and found immense satisfaction in being able to make a difference.
Burlington citizen advisory committees provide Council and staff with input about a wide variety of subjects through discussions, presentations and recommendations. Some committees also organize and participate in community events.
Burlington welcomes citizens who represent the diverse backgrounds of the community to participate on these committees. Becoming a member offers residents a unique chance to volunteer their highly valued skills and to strengthen our shared sense of community.
One of the key groups is the Burlington’s BEST Awards Committee. It is made up of 10 voting members, including: six citizens from the community, and four representatives from media and information agencies.
 The committee was established in and is seen as a Planning Committee reporting to City Council through the Community Services Committee.
Their mandate is to recognize citizens of Burlington who have brought favourable publicity and honour to the City of Burlington, to increase awareness of the committee so all citizens of Burlington have the chance to be recognized for their achievements.
The recognition is provided through Burlington’s Best Awards an annual event at which Burlington recognizes the Citizen of the Year; a Junior Citizen of the Year; an Arts Person of the Year, and a Seniors Person of the Year;. The city also gives a Community Service Award, an Environmental Award and a Heritage Award.
These awards are important – but there is a problem. In 2014 the nominations or recommendations did not come from the Planning committee – their task was to vote on the nominations they had before them.
Those nominations came from anyone who wanted to send in a nomination. The result was we had wives nominating husbands, Mothers nominating their children and girlfriends nominating their boyfriends, which, while admirable, is surely not Burlington’s definition of the BEST we have?
In the next few weeks the Clerks department will go through the applications for people who would like to be on the Planning Committee. Let us hope that the committee that chooses the people who will vote for the BEST that Burlington has are people who get to vote on merit.
There are some people in this city who have in the past year served us exceptionally well. They deserve to be recognized for what they have done – not for who they are or what their Mother, Father, husband, wife or girlfriend thinks of them.
Friends and family should be applauding the choice the committee makes – they shouldn’t be sending in nominations – nor should the committee be accepting them.
 By Staff
November 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
It’s not quite Christmas without taking in a performance of The Nutcracker,
There will be four runs of Tchaikovsky`s renowned ballet at the Performing Arts Centre December 18th, 19th and 20th.
 The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble (CBYE) will be presenting their critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker featuring the world renowned National Ballet of Cuba.
The CBYE has been bringing arts and culture to the local community since 1991 by collaborating creatively alongside the National Ballet of Cuba in addition to hosting and producing countless shows with a wide range of Canada’s most captivating dancers.
Under the direction of Hamilton Arts and Entertainment Ambassador Ms. Gurdil-Diamante, The Nutcracker features the National Ballet of Cuba’s finest dancers accompanied by an ensemble of talented children from Hamilton and Burlington. The Nutcracker is the perfect ballet experience to delight both first-time attendees and life-long lovers of the art; a cherished seasonal classic for young and old alike.
 Gary Smith, Theatre and Dance Critic for the Hamilton Spectator said “It’s the most authentic, most moving, most spirited Nutcracker there is. It’s filled with the joy and love of Alicia Alonso’s thrilling choreography and Tchaikovsky’s music. Best of all it’s performed with the passion and heart only these Cuban dancers can bring to ballet.”,
Dates for this limited run are:
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Opening Night Performance: 7:30 pm
Friday December 19, 2014
Evening Performance: 7:30pm
Saturday December 20, 2014
Matinee Performance: 2:00 pm
Final Performance: 7:30 pm
VIP tickets, which include a meet and greet with the award-winning dancers and the best seats in the house are available for each evening performance.
Click here for the Box office or call 905-681-6000
By Pepper Parr
November 27, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
They are the backbone of the community.
There are all kinds of men’s clubs and organizations but they don’t have a hope when they have to go up against a church’s woman’s group.
 The red Flood Relief T-shirts were evident. The Woman’s Group at St. Stephen’s United Church seem to be just that much feistier than many this reporter has met with.
They turned over a cheque for $1,263.80 and broke into applause when Laura Pizzacalla of th3e Burlington Community Foundation told them that the money they raised would be matched by the province on a two for one basis to arrive at total of $3791.40
The women of St. Stephen held a pot luck “breakfast for dinner” that had a $5 ticket price. They apparently had no problems with getting creative about just what a “pot luck” is either. They held their first ever Silent Auction and raised $700 of their total that way.
 Linda Draddy runs the meetings of the Women’s Group at St. Stephens. Linda Draddy appears to run the women’s group – not the kind of woman many people actually say no to – she has a way about her. Sitting off to one side is the groups Secretary, Nelly Ferrell; a quick glance at Nelly and you know she has been taking the minutes for quite a while.
During the fund raising drive the Burlington Community Foundation has run there have been dozens of small groups that found a way to raise funds. Some in the group had their homes flooded but they had time to help others out.
One woman asked if there was still a need for furniture. Another wanted to know how to get the application forms.
With the cheque presentation – Linda Draddy moved the group on to the next item on the agenda; approving the cost of the refreshments for a funeral reception.
 Nelly Ferrell, secretary to the group. She has probably been taking the minutes for years. They are indeed the backbone of the community. This was a small group, tucked away in a corner of ward 3 with a larger Catholic Church across the street and a school couple of hundred yards away. There were no dignitaries on hand; the ward Councillor wasn’t there to get his picture taken, the Mayor didn’t make an appearance. One of the men from the Church Council was on hand,
By Staff
November 27, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
They are going to do it again this year.
Last year with a lot of pushing from ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward the city made all of December a free parking downtown month.
“We heard from many people last year who enjoyed the free parking promotion and took advantage of the offer to do some of their holiday shopping and celebrating in the downtown,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We hope the return of free parking throughout December will encourage residents and visitors to explore the people and places that make downtown Burlington a great place to visit, live and work.”
 Throughout December, vehicles parking at on-street parking meters can park free for up to three hours. For vehicles parked at municipal parking lots or at the parking garage at 414 Locust St., there is no maximum time limit. Overnight parking in municipal lots is allowed except during snow removal activity between 2 and 6 a.m.
The city created a cute video to get the message across.
 The City of Burlington provides more than 1,400 municipal public parking spaces in downtown Burlington and offers free parking year-round in downtown Burlington on weekends, Monday to Friday after 6 p.m. and holidays.
When the city announced the program last year the people working at the local retail locations saw a good deal and made the best of it – it was hard to get a space in some of the more popular lots – they were filled with people who worked downtown – not the people who had come downtown to shop.
The city manager at the time put out a pretty stiff memo but it took a few days to get the needed attitude change. Interim city manager Pat Moyle might want to dig out that memo and re-issue it.
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By Staff
November 25, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
 Bring your pen and pad, come with some ideas or just ready to write.
Prompts will be provided, sharing is requested, but not mandatory.
All writing styles welcome, ages 12 and up.
This workshop is provided for FREE, but donations are accepted.
Thursday – Tansley Woods Library 7-9
 By Pepper Parr
November 24, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
He left us on this day in 1807. Sometime after his community transported his remains to Brantford where he is celebrated and revered.
Burlington was the location of the land grant Joseph Brant was given for his service to the British Army during the American Revolutionary wars.
 Joseph Brant was a part of making Canada what it is today – he just isn’t adequately recognized for his contribution. The city is littered with the history of the land transfers that piece by piece transferred every acre from Joseph Brant to other people in Burlington. The Kerns family was the first to buy property from Brant – 200 acres on the east side of Brant Street.
Each August the city holds an event at the LaSalle Park and Joseph Brant does get a mention.
The Board of the Brant Museum on Lakeshore Road has elaborate plans for a modern display telling the Brant story and the copy of the original Brant home will be part of the structure but the public won’t be able to actually go into the building – that will be used for “administrative” purposes.
 Architect’s rendering of what a “new” Joseph Brant Museum might look like. It would be built on an intersection that will become one of the busiest in the city when the re-developed hospital opens in 2018/19 Poor Joseph Brant – we keep short selling the man and his exceptionally significant achievements.
There is hope. Rick Wilson, the man who corrected a major error in historical fact when he pointed out that an historical sign on the Burlington Heights side of Burlington Bay was incorrect when it described a War of 1812 battle.
That error got corrected and there is now a piece of signage that sets that story straight. Wilson has some thoughts that he hopes will result in the creation and erection of a suitable statue of Brant.
There is hope.
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Citizen finally gets the province to recognize their error.
Signage goes up telling the true story of the Burlington Races.
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