 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON June 4, 2012 Is that culture with a K Sir ?– and would you like fries on the side?
Just what is culture? There is a gang of guys that meets at the Queen’s Head on Friday’s for games of pool and conversation – they’ve been doing that for years. This city has numerous Bible Study groups, a number of book reading clubs. The crowd that gathers at the Legion for Fish and Chips on Friday – does they constitute culture? Or is it just “the arts” that are culture.
 Is this culture or is it craft and does it make a difference which it is? Burlington has realized that culture is business – big business of you do it right. The Sound of Music is said the bring $4million to the city (we would like to see how THAT number was arrived at); The Burlington Arts Centre will have 100 artisans selling their wares later this month and Art in Action will be holding a Silent auction at which 36 artists will put their work up for sale with the proceeds going to fund two scholarships.
Lots going on – but does the city really have a handle on the cultural file and are we making the most of the opportunity? Sometime back the city became aware of some provincial funding that was available for the development of cultural plans and decided to add funds of their own to the pot and is using the $100,000 to develop a Cultural Plan for the city.
During the first cut of the idea that was made to a Council workshop Jeremy Freiburger, the cultural honcho behind the drive, was asked by Councillor Meed Ward – what is culture. Like beauty – it is in the eye of the beholder. That and $5.00 and you’ve got a cup of latte, to which Freiburger is very partial.
So what do you get for $100,000 – it could turn out to be quite a bit more than first realized. Freiburger has made culture a business and he’s good at it. He has taken a number of old buildings in Hamilton and found a new life for them – getting different arts groups in space that works for them in terms of décor and setting and at a cost they can manage.
 Is Freiburger up a ladder on this assignment or is he up there getting a good look at the bigger culture picture in Burlington? Now he has to apply his expertise and experience to Burlington’s situation. The exercise is going to consist asking a lot of questions – and to get the answers to the questions Freiburger plans to go right into the community to the grass roots level and ask questions.
He has set up a Cultural Conversation in each of the six wards and managed to tick off the Council member for the wards when he sort of “uninvited” them to the event. Freiburger wants to hear from the citizens and he felt he would have a better conversation with the Council members out of the room. The politicians didn’t particularly like that one – but Freiburger knows what he is doing.
During his workshop presentation he asked council members some very direct questions. “Do you want more direct input throughout the process? And :How would you like to be kept up to date?
 Councillor Lancaster wants people that don't work at city hall on the Steering Committee. Blair Lancaster wanted citizens on the Steering Committee in a leadership role and “not just sitting there once a month getting an update”. She felt it essential that this look into culture “not be led by staff at city hall”. The Steering Committee currently keeps the following people occupied:
Chris Glenn, Director Parks and Recreation
Karen Sabzali, Manager, Community Development Services
Angela Paparizo, Recreation Planner
Brenda Heatherington, Executive Director BPAC
Jody Wellings, Special Business Area Coordinator (Downtown)
Ian Ross, Burlington Art Centre
Carla Marshall, Festivals and Event, City of Burlington
Barbara Teatero, Museums of Burlington
Maureen Barry, Burlington Public Library
Andreas Kyprianou, Royal Botanical Gardens
There are a couple there that won’t do much more than warm a seat; remove them and add at least four citizens, with at least two of them university students and Freiburger will have more in the way of bench strength. He is going to need it.
 Freiburger wants to get to the grass roots and ask questions; Councillor Lancaster wants to see some of those grass roots on the Steering Committee. Freiburger tends towards having data, fresh data and using that data to drive his decision making process. He mentioned during the Workshop presentation that there were two data bases that had approximately 650 names each – but when they dug down into the data there were something just over 150 that were still active. Freiburger wants better data, and his focus is to go to the community and to the stakeholders and ask a lot of questions.
 Freiburger and his team expect to have thousands of dots placed on maps - that data will tell him what people do culturally and where they do it. For example he wants to know what Burlingtonians identify as “cultural” locations. He will be asking people to put a little sticker on a map. By the time he has finished he will have a very valid representation of where people think culture can be found in Burlington. Then he takes it one step further and asks people: Where do you spend your money on culture? This is an excellent question. He may find that people tell him there are all kinds of cultural locations in Burlington but they don’t spend their money at these locations. His next question is to find out why.
In order to set out a Cultural Action Plan there has to of course be a plan to work from in the first place. Freiburger points out that culture is unique to each community and that what works in Kingston may not work in Burlington and what they do in Hamilton just isn’t a fit for the people of Burlington. It would be kind of nice though wouldn’t it, if there were Art Crawls in Burlington?
Freiburger wants to determine just what we have in the way of cultural resources. Yes, there is the museum, the Art Centre, the Performing Art Centre, Drury Lane and a dozen or so others. But Freiburger wants to go deeper – is there something that is being missed.
One of the things he will be doing is setting up a booth at the Sound of Music Festival and pulling people in to ask questions. He then plans to take part in the Children’s Festival and has some very unique ideas for learning what the young people think culture is and what it isn’t.
 As a video it was called The Sweater as a book it was The Hockey Sweater - a book for every boy and girl in the country. But is it culture ? Freiburger wants his data to be cross cultural and that means getting to the sports groups and hearing what they have to say. While sports at first glance may not fit the cultural lens a lot of people use – watch the British at their soccer matches – that’s cultural. Don Cherry doesn’t fit my cultural lens – but I would argue that Wayne Gretzky and Maurice Richard and Roch Carrier ’s book The Hockey Sweater is as Canadian culture as you’re going to get.
The first step in the developing of a Cultural Plan for the city is a “launch” which will take place at the Performing Arts Centre this Wednesday – June 6th. Go to eventbrite.com and enter Cultural Plan – Burlington and get yourself a free ticket.
There is more to tell about how this Cultural Plan is going to be developed – let’s see how the launch goes and we will follow up from there. In the meantime – check out the dates and times for the Cultural Conversations – and if this stuff is important to you – make a point of getting together with your neighbours and getting your views out on the table. Jeremy Freiburger is sincere, passionate about what he does and he not only wants to listen but he knows how to listen and when he isn’t sure he fully understood what you wanted to say – he will ask you questions.
Freiburger is one of those guys that you would describe as a bon vivant; the kind of person you want at a dinner party.
The question for Burlington as we go forward with the development of a Cultural Plan is this. Freiburger knows how to listen, and wants to listen. Will he be listened to?
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON June 4, 2012 More than 100 artists and artisans will be selling their original fine art and crafts in and around the Burlington Art Centre (BAC) on June 9 and 10.
 Work by Billy-Jack Miligan There will be two events – The Fine Art and Craft Festival and Kaleidoscope of the Arts, both taking place on the same weekend, and both at the BAC
The place will be filled with a unique selection of artwork to see and buy, from jewellery, clothes, accessories, and home décor to pottery, photography, fine art, weaving and unique crafts, all created by Canadian artists and craftspeople. It’s one-stop shopping at its best, with the added bonus of hands-on activities for all ages and entertainment by musicians John and Sheila Ludgate and friends.
 Rich Baker of Richcraft Ironworks The Fine Art and Craft Festival attracts artists and artisans from Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, Dundas, Mississauga, Toronto and beyond.
Kaleidoscope features sales of the work of members of six guilds at the BAC, plus hands-on activities for the family in guild studios: create and develop a photogram, weave a mugmat on a loom, finish and decorate a woodcarving or make and paint a sculpture, try rug hooking, and decorate a raku bowl and watch the firing (Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, $8) or create an urban smoke-fired pendant (Sunday, 12 to 3 pm, $5).
John and Sheila Ludgate and friends will perform throughout the weekend. John and Sheila are award-winning Burlington-based musicians known for their strong rhythms, vocal harmonies, and original and cover songs. Special guests Ian Reid, David Lum, Jericho (Jeremiah Budnark and Eric Bower), Dave Jensen and friends, and Shawn Brush also will entertain.
The whole weekend is a great way to see art in action. There is no admission charge. The BAC also is participating in Doors Open Burlington.
 John and Sheila Ludgate will perform throughout the weekend.
Hours are: Saturday, June 9, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday, June 10, from 11 am to 5 pm.
You would have to try hard to miss the Burlington Art Centre – on Lakeshore right across from Spencer’s and the Discovery Centre. Plenty of parking in the rear off Elgin Street.
By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON June 2, 2012 If Monday evenings are quiet for you – give some thought to getting out for part of an evening on June 11th, and taking in the Art in Action’s silent night fund raising auction taking place at Rayoon’s Persian Fare, a Burlington secret in the Village Square.
Tickets are $30.00 each and include a drink and appetizers. The food at Rayoon’s is an experience you don’t want to miss.
 A Helen Griffith's piece of fine art should tempt many bidders to the Art in Action Silent Auction. Thirty six artists are donating their work to the Silent auction. Included are hand turned wood bowls, fine art paintings, goldsmithing, iron and stained glass works as well as photography and jewellery.
New this year is the $50 table – bid $50 and you take it home. You might want to get there on time for this table.
This is the 10th anniversary year for Art in Action and to celebrate the event they will be creating two $1000. Scholarships for Halton Region students intending to pursue full time, post secondary education this fall.
THAT is Art in Action.
 A necklace by Terry Silvana will be amongst the items up for the Silent Auction. The group holds an art studio tour every fall – the dates for this year are Saturday November 3 and Sunday November 4th , 2012. If you’ve not been – mark the dates on your calendar – it is a fun experience driving from studio to studio.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON June 2, 2012 It’s sort of like what the big marketing organizations do – they call it brand extension. When you take a brand – say Tide, which every one knows is washing detergents with a very distinctive look and extend that brand say, into hand soap – always a tricky thing to do.
Ian Cameron over at Different Drummer Books is extending his brand from books, for which he is well known, into music – small quintets, trios, quiet, dignified. There will be no Silverstein at A Different Drummer Books, if you don’t mind.
 Cottonwood Brass will play some material from the War of 1812 era, plus some of their usual fine work. Sunday June 10, at 3:00 pm The Cottonwood Brass will be doing pieces under the theme: “Brass from the Past”, it’s a session of rousing vintage music played on antique instruments.
Their repertoire includes two fascinating recently discovered pieces of local origin and a generous helping of music spanning the years from the War of 1812 to the early 20th century.
The artists are Graham Young and Ryan Baker on cornets, Johnny Bissell on horn, Mary Ann Pearson on euphonium and Dave Pearson on tuba.
Tickets are $15, available here at A Different Drummer. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
You can contact Ian at : (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com to reserve.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 28, 2012 There weren’t traffic jams around city hall but there were more than fifty people who made it to the breakfast served by the city to mark the first Bike to Work Day which was part of the Smart Commute Halton, that the city and the Chamber of Commerce got behind this year.
It was a start, marred by some political bafflegab that seems to have to be said. Here`s a sample:
 With a hearty breakfast in their tummies the cyclists that made it to city hall for the first Bike to Work Day in Burlington, pose and are now part of the city's history. Photo supplied by Region) “Transportation is an important issue for Halton residents,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “By partnering with the Metrolinx Smart Commute program, Halton Region is proud to offer Halton businesses and residents an easy to use alternative to driving alone. By working with the City of Burlington and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, we’re excited to have motivating events like Bike to Work Day where cyclists can be thanked for their contribution towards making Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.”
“We encourage Burlington residents and employees to seek alternate means of transport whenever possible,” says Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring. “Whether you’re riding, walking or rolling, we hope to see you get up, get out and get moving.”
It would have been nice to hear an announcement about specific road improvements that would make it possible for people north of the QEW to actually cycle into the downtown core. It`s still a divided city for cyclists.
The next item on the agenda of those who would have us our bicycles every day of the week is two Car Free Sundays – June 10 and July 15.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 28th, 2012 – Biting the hand that feeds you is never a wise thing to do. Ticking off the people who sign your pay check might be called just plain dumb.
Telling a Ward Councillor in Burlington that you don’t particularly want him to attend a meeting you have called in the Councillors Ward and announcing the meeting without informing the Councillor borders on suicidal. It gets better. Jeremy Freiburger also advertised the events in the local newspaper without informing the Council members.
Two of the Burlington Council members are going to be away on the dates the events are to take place in their Ward’s. Councillor Taylor will be on vacation and asked for an “interview with Freiburger. Councillor Dennison will be in Apeldoorn, our twin city in Holland the day the Cultural Conversation is to take place in his ward.
 Cultural guru doesn't make any friends with Burlington council members - tells them they are not wanted at public Cultural Conversations. Freiburger advised the two council members that they weren’t actually wanted at the meeting. Freiburger explained that council members sometimes influence voters unduly. Ouch! Most politicians believe that it is the voters who influence them.
Councillor Jack Dennison looked a little dumb struck when he heard those words and he too asked for an “interview with Freiburger.
Councillor Taylor told Freiburger that he had chosen the wrong place for the event in his ward; Councillor Lancaster added that holding two events at Tansley Woods was a mistake as well.
Cultural has its sensitivities and politics has its nuances – Freiburger may have the sensitivities of culture down pat – but he has a lot to learn about the nuances of politics. Trust Councillors Taylor and Dennison to straighten him out very quickly. Councillor Lancaster may also have a couple of choice words for Mr. Freiburger.
Jeremy Freiburger is the cultural guru the city has hired to oversee the development of the Cultural Plan that will come in at a little over $100,000 – $61,500 of that is provincial money, the rest came from you dear taxpayer. If done properly a sound cultural plan can make a difference – the plan is the easy part – it is the execution of the plan that matters and that calls for as much collaboration as possible.
Telling Councillors that you don’t want them at an event in their ward that will deal with something as sensitive as culture is not what is meant by collaboration.
Mr. Freiburger may find his reception at the “interviews” he will be having on the 7th floor of city hall a little on the frosty side.
Freiburger also oversees the city’s Public Art Plan and is shepherding the choice of art for the front of the Performing Arts Centre, which by the way is progressing nicely – there is interest from local artists, regional artists, national and international artists.
This particular piece of public art is being funded to a very significant degree by local businessman Don Laurie of Dan Laurie Insurance, a company with offices in Burlington and Hamilton.
That one has a bit of a tussle going on over just how much the city has to say about what goes on property, which the city points out to the BPAC people is property that the city owns.
The Memorandum of Agreement between the city and BPAC has yet to be signed, that has been going back and forth between the city and the lawyers for more than a year – so in actuality the BPAC people are basically just squatters. But that’s another story we will follow up on for you.
Freiburger was taking Council through the process he is using to get the Cultural Plan completed and in place by the end of March next year. That is going to be tight and Freiburger is going to need Council on his side – he didn’t have them with him Monday morning.
There are plans for a very significant amount of public involvement beyond the planned ward meetings. Interaction with the Sound of Music and the Children’s Festival is included in the plans.
 Cobalt Connects is a simple concept - Freiburger went for a sophisticated look and what is really top level design - that works for the arts and design community. Burlington's city council just didn't get it. Freiburger is a decent presenter – he would talk and then break for some back and forth question and answer. Freiburger is a big believer that there has to be strong leadership if a Cultural Plan is to become effective and he wanted to know how Council felt about cultural management – pointing out that Burlington tends to prefer external relationships for cultural management.
“Does Council” he asked “have feelings regarding the development of internal cultural expertise vs. external?” He got his answer – Council felt that the city could manage its own cultural plan – it just needed to put one in place.
“How often do you want to hear from us” Freiburger asked Council. At least once a month they replied – they are going to keep this guy on a short leash.
There is a lot of rally good stuff in the plan that has been put together. We will report in more detail later in the week. It was given to the council members in a workshop setting – at some point it will work its way to Council Committee – that’s where the pruning will get done.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 25, 2012 TED – Technology, Entertainment and Design – have you heard about it? It appeared in the mid 80’s and became an international rage for a period of time. TED’s early emphasis was largely technology and design, consistent with a Silicon Valley center of gravity. The events are now held in Long Beach and Palm Springs in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia, offering live streaming of the talks. They address an increasingly wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture. The speakers are given a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and engaging ways they can. While still influential, what the operators of the organization have done is use a marketing practice – extend the brand so that we now have TEDx – and that’s what’s coming to Burlington on Sunday.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This event is called TEDxBurlington, where x = independently organized TED event. At the TEDxBurlington event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
The event, which is working from the theme Passion for Compassion, will take place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre followed by a reception at ThinkSpot on Locust Street. Attendance is limited to just 100 people and – sorry but the tickets are SOLD OUT. However, you will be able to go on line and see each of the six 18 minute segments.
The TEDx Burlington was brought to town by Spencer Caldwell who has tapped everyone he knows for help on this one and has been fortunate enough to get some local support.
Speakers include:
Arthur Fleischmann lives with his wife, Tammy Starr, and their three children, Matthew, Taryn and Carly, in Toronto, Canada, where he is partner and president of john st. advertising – one of Canada’s top creative, digital and design agencies. Born in New York, he grew up in the Boston area and attended Brandeis University, where he graduated with a B.A. in English Literature and Economics. He later earned an M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Arthur co-wrote “Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism” with his 17 year old daughter, Carly. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism, Carly’s Voice brings readers inside a once–secret world, in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission. As you will hear, his ‘Idea Worth Spreading’ is don’t judge a book by its cover!
 Dr. Jean Chamberlain Froese,is founder and executive director of Save the Mothers and has been consulted by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office as an expert in maternal health. Dr. Jean Chamberlain Froese, is an internationally recognized expert in women’s reproductive health and winner of the Canadian Royal College’s second Teasdale-Corti Humanitarian Award. Dr. Chamberlain Froese has volunteered in some of the world’s poorest countries to make childbirth a safer experience. She is founder and executive director of Save the Mothers (STM) International, an organization dedicated to saving some of the 340,000 mothers within developing countries who die in childbirth every year.
Dr. Chamberlain Froese spends eight months of the year at the Uganda Christian University and four months in Canada advocating for safe motherhood, while teaching and working clinically at McMaster University in Hamilton. She is an associate professor in obstetrics and gynecology and co-directs the McMaster International Women’s Health Program. She has written a book, “Where Have All the Mothers Gone” and is also co-editor of the 2006 book “Women’s Health in the Majority World: Issues and Initiatives.” She was a special guest speaker for the Youth Summit of the G8 meeting in 2010 and has been consulted by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office as an expert in maternal health.
Besides Uganda, during her career Dr. Chamberlain Froese has also spent time in Yemen, Pakistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Congo and Russia doing work for women’s health. In 2006, she was one of only six individuals worldwide presented with the Distinguished Community Service Award from the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), recognizing her outstanding contribution to the health of mothers around the world.
Josh Nelson, at the age of 9, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. After enduring a 10 hour surgery, seizures, a stroke, a post-surgery syndrome that left him unable to walk or talk, 31 radiation treatments and 52 weeks of chemo, it became clear he was a fighter.
“I am now a nine year cancer survivor and I have not taken this title lightly. I have been invited by several community groups to share my story of hope and inspiration and have participated in many community events to help support a cause that’s close to my heart. One such event was the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride where, in 2009, I gave a speech in Burlington.
“I asked the riders to “ride for me until the day I can ride along side you myself.” They listened, and in 2010, my dream came true. On a tandem bike with Drew Molnar I rode across Ontario from Thunder Bay to Ottawa in an unforgettable life-changing five day journey. Last September, Mark Burger and I cycled tandem all the way across Canada on a 16-day, 7,000 km epic adventure from Vancouver to Halifax in the fourth annual Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.”
Michael Jones: Through the beauty of his music and the inspiration of his stories Canadian Michael Jones, a Juno nominated pianist/composer, leadership educator and award-winning author of Artful Leadership and Creating an Imaginative Life offers a unique and memorable experience. “Who will play your music if you don’t?” he asks. By asking the question that he was once asked, Michael takes us on a journey to explore the heart of our own creativity. In so doing he engages others in a uniquely evocative exploration of how, through our gifts we can co- create environments where people can learn… and ideas can grow.
Michael’s 1983 debut recording PIANOSCAPES was the first release on the Narada/EMI Record label and also served as a benchmark for the popular genre of contemporary instrumental music. Since that time he went on to produce fifteen more solo and ensemble recordings, appeared on more than twenty compilations and sold more than two million of his recordings worldwide.
Michael has performed in many settings including the Setagaya Art Museum in Tokyo Japan, the Seoul Art Center in Korea and The International Piano Festival in Montreal, Canada. He has also been a featured keynote speaker in leadership forums alongside such widely recognized thought leaders as Colin Powell, Peter Senge, Margaret J. Wheatley and Peter Block. And he has introduced his art in the facilitation of many large group engagement processes and worked with innovation teams within several leading global businesses exploring the synergies between creative artistry, authentic leadership and collective learning and innovation.
 Patrick O'Neil, acknowledged as a gifted teacher, mediator and mentor. Patrick O’Neill has been studying the wisdom traditions of the world for over 25 years and has integrated them into his extensive teaching, mentoring and consulting work. He has worked with thousands of people, and scores of teams and is acknowledged as a gifted teacher, mediator and mentor.
Since 1988, Patrick has led Extraordinary Conversations Inc., a leader in transformational change management with organizations and individuals. His clients have included The Walt Disney Company, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Ontario Pension Board, Nestle, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola, The Boeing Company, and the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Patrick O’Neill’s work has taken him to global corporations in North America and Europe; to the townships of South Africa; and to the peace process in the Middle East.
Scott Graham is a bestselling author, singer/song writer and sought after keynote speaker. Scott has inspired leadership skills in children for over twenty years. He has created the Kids 4 Kids Leadership Programs, summer camps and Heroes Academy, positively affecting over 18 000 children. One of Scott Graham’s Kids 4 Kids graduates, received a personal invitation from Nelson Mandela as the result of his leadership endeavours.
 A leader in the Human Resources field Trish Barbato is also a certified fitness instructor, certified meditation instructor and a black belt in Kung Fu kickboxing. She is a CMA and a CA as well. Wow! Patricia (Trish) Barbato is the author of “Inspire Your Career” and a recognized authority and speaker on career and leadership topics. She is currently Senior Vice President, Home Health and Business Development for Revera Inc., a health services and accommodation organization in North America. Trish oversees over 5,000 employees across Canada and is responsible for service-based acquisitions. Prior to Revera, Trish served as President and Chief Executive Officer of COTA Health; Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for Providence Healthcare and Managing Director at Bayshore Healthcare.
Trish has been involved extensively with charities and non-profit groups. She is Past Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters Council of Champions, Board Director, Quality Healthcare Network and founder and Director of the Shambhala Meditation Centre of Mississauga. She is a Big Sister to Little Sister Caitlin. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Ms. Barbato is a Certified General Accountant and a Chartered Accountant. She is also a certified fitness instructor, certified meditation instructor and a black belt in Kung Fu kickboxing.
 Lifelong Burlington resident Spencer Campbell brought TEDx to Burlington. Spencer Campbell, the man behind the idea of bringing TEDx to Burlington has lived in the city most of his life with the exception of times spent in Asia, Western Canada and a few other interesting places. A business consultant who encourages respectful honest debate, he has dealt with many leading corporations to start-ups. Spencer has travelled extensively, including, among other places, to Mt. Everest, Calcutta (where he met Mother Theresa) and the awe-inspiring ancient cave drawings of the Dordogne, France. Ask him what it felt like to look up and see a chalk outline of a mammoth drawn by one of our ancestral cave dwellers.
In 2010 Spencer was part of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride team that cycled from Vancouver to Halifax in 15 days to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer needs. “Working with a dedicated team, I am thrilled to help bring to our terrific city the prestigious TEDx event – the first of what is expected to be an annual event to listen, learn, reflect and share many great ideas.”
It’s quite a line up and another interesting first for Burlington. While the tickets are sold out – you will be able to go on line sometime after the event and watch all six of the 18 minute presentations. The material will be at: https://tedxburlington.com/ and we will let you know when it is all on line.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 25, 2012 – This is a whole new line of business for the Chamber of Commerce and if we don’t see CoC president Keith Hooey on a bicycle Monday morning we will sue for false advertising. The Chamber has partnered with the city and the Regional government to sponsor the first Annual City-Wide Bike to Work Day Breakfast.
The event will terminate at the corner of Elgin and Brant, which isn’t exactly ground zero for the most jobs in the city – but we assume the Mayor has convinced everyone within city hall to bike in and that will fatten out the crowd.
You can enjoy breakfast and have your bike looked at while you’re there. All the politicians will be on hand; prizes will be handed out including the grand prize of a trip for two to Quebec City courtesy of VIA Rail and a weekend cycling getaway to St. Catharines courtesy of Welcome Cyclists.
For more information on the grand prize, visit www.BikeToWorkDay.ca. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 1. Not sure why the contest closes four days after the event – you will figure that one out.
It happens Monday, May 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Breakfast starts at 7:30. Ride your bike to the corner of Brant and Elgin Streets for 7:30 a.m. and chow down.
Burlington has been bitten by the bike bug and for those south of the QEW events like this are great. But ways have to be worked out to get over that hump that crosses the highways and ducks under the railway tracks – that part of the city is a war zone for cyclists.
There are two events during the summer where parts of the city are going to be closed for Car Fee Sundays
 City's biggest advocates for more bike use gather at the announcement for the Car Free Sunday Burlington has planned. All three will be on hand for the Bike to Work event that is taking place all across the Region and in many parts of the GTA.. The guy on the far right is Sound of Music honcho Dave Miller. The first is June 10th, in the Appleby Line – Fairview part of town with the second taking place in the downtown core on July 15th.
Mayor Goldring has been a fan of using bicycles as much as possible and Councillor Jack Dennison is not only a bicycle fan but an avid cyclist as well – he’s the kind of guy that takes in five day cycling events as vacation time.
The city’s cycling Advisory Committee recently did a tour of the downtown opportunities to cycle and pointed out the gaps in the existing trails and those intersections where things were a little iffy for the cyclist. One couple from north of the QEW admitted that they put their bikes in the trunk of their car and drove to the Central Library which was the gathering point for the event.
Great to see the city getting behind the idea of cycling more – now they can get behind the idea of making all those north of the QEW equal participants.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 19, 2012 The Rotary Club of Burlington Central did something recently that should have been done some time ago, which was to recognize Deb Tymstra for the contribution she has made to the arts in Burlington.
The Paul Harris Fellow Award was given to Tymstra for her “tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance and better understanding of friendly relations among peoples of the world”. That doesn’t tell the half of what Deb Tymstra has done for Burlington.
We have in the past been critical of some of the governance practices of the organization Tymstra created but that criticism can’t for a second take away from the job she did during the years of tireless work in advancing the arts in this city.
 Always an artist at heart, Deb Tymstra worked tirelessly on behalf of the arts in Burlington. Rotarian Award richly deserved. The early, hard, ground breaking work done when a performing arts centre wasn’t much more than a glimmer in the eyes of Mike Wallace and Walter Mulkewich got done by Tymstra. She didn’t do it all but she was always there doing the work that had to be done.
She was both tireless and shameless in raising funds, raising the profile of performers in Burlington and never letting the community forget what it needed.
When the fund raising for the building of the Performing Arts Centre began, it was Tymstra who stepped forward with a $64,000 donation which amounted to almost all the money in the till of her organization.
When the people behind the building of a centre decided they wanted to use the name “Performing Arts”, which Tymstra had for her organization, she graciously stepped aside and came up with a new name for the works she was doing in the community.
Creative Burlington didn’t last as long as Tymstra had hoped but its closing had nothing to do with the passion and dedication she brought to the drive to develop not only a place for the performing arts to perform but the information and contacts of the people who did the performing.
Tymstra was never adequately recognized by the Burlington Performing Arts Centre people. Thankfully the Rotarians saw the gap and filled it.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 17, 2012 As a kid, I knew it as 24th of May – firecracker day. For Rick Wilson it will certainly be a crackerjack day. He will be meeting the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla at an event taking place at Fort York on the holiday Monday.
The Royal event is part of the Commonwealth celebration of the Queen’s 60th year on the Throne. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
 Rick Wilson points to the error in fact on a provincial historical plaque. Will he get a chance to ask Prince Charles to help him change this mistake? Wilson, who is a serious amateur historian, a member of the Burlington Historical Society and a member of Heritage Burlington, the city’s advisory committee on heritage matters in the city.
Wilson has a very keen interest in the history of the province and thinks there is a very significant error on one of those historical plaques the governments of the country put up.
The plaque that bothers Wilson is in Hamilton and was put up by the provincial government. Wilson approached Mike Wallace and asked if his office could do anything about the mistake on the plaque. Wallace tried but when his office learned that it was a provincial matter there was nothing he could do. Wilson has not been able to get his telephone calls to Jane McKenna’s office answered never mind getting any help. We are hearing that complaint from a number of people. The Lady Jane, who represents us at Queen’s Park is still getting her office organized.
 Rick Wilson will, if he gets a chance, tell the Prince of Wales that ships of war did not sail into the body of water west of the Skyway bridge. Wilson won’t get his 15 full minutes of fame when he shakes the hand of the Prince of Wales, which is fortunate for the Prince, because Wilson knows his history and he could keep the heir to the Throne standing there for hours while he talks about the War of 1812 and how a serious mistake has been made about how that war was won and what was done right here in Burlington to bring about the victory.
 Rick Wilson believes he is standing near where the British ships retreated to and in doing so really won the War of 1812 for the British. There was a battle at Stoney Creek but the real fight, the one that mattered and resulted in mastery over the Great Lakes happened offshore from Burlington. Wilson is both informed and intense. If you want a conversation with him on things historical – you better know your stuff.
Meeting the Prince of Wales, who is also known as the Duke of Cornwall and a number of other titles, will be a huge day in the life of Rick Wilson. Little does the Prince know that had he the time Wilson could tell him all kinds of things about the war that surrounded the building, the burning and the rebuilding of the fort where the introductions will take place.
The current duke of Cornwall is Charles, Prince of Wales, eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch. Charles was officially proclaimed Duke of Cornwall at Launceston Castle in 1973. As part of his feudal dues there was a pair of white gloves, gilt spurs and greyhounds, a pound of pepper and cumin, a bow, one hundred silver shillings, wood for his fires, and a salmon spear.
But Rick Wilson already knows that and when he meets the Prince and his wife he will be polite and make Burlington proud that he was one of the few that got to meet the Prince at Fort York in Toronto to take part in the celebration of the 60th year that Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne.
By Pepper Parr
You heard it here first – Walk off the Earth will appear on the OLG stage June 17th at 3:45 pm.
That’s what 110 million YouTube hits and a slot on ELLEN will get you. What kind of a reception will the band get? Hard to tell. Will local guys make good go over in their home town? we`ll know that night won’t we.
 The people who run the Sound of Music in Burlington (this is the 33rd year the event has taken place) had a tough decision in front of them. Was the group available – of course they were available. They had to be on one of the stages and not a small stage either. What were they going to cost? More than the SOM had planned on spending. Before that viral wonder they were just another band struggling to get play dates – but now they had turned their 15 minutes of fame into careers where good management could get them into plays that had never heard of them before.
So, Dave Miller, SOM Executive Director, made the phone calls and put together a deal – the rest they say is history. We will get to see if this “viral” business makes any difference. You had to give then credit for a cool idea.
 By Pepper Parr
On Sunday “The Queen” will create two new Knights of the Realm and we will see Sir Paul of Sherwood and Sir Rick of Aldershot made knights as part of a visit the “Queen” is making to Ireland House on Sunday -Mother’s Day.
The event is part of a day of fun during which Ireland House will pay all kinds of attention to the Queen and the Monarchy – not that there is any relationship whatsoever between the Farm at Oakridge or the Royal Family for that matter, but it will be a nice day to have some fun in an ideal setting.
 This is how a "knighting" takes place today and each year the Queen knights a number of people. The event is one of those that the Museums of Burlington hold through the year. Joseph Brant did have a connection to Royalty, quite a strong one base on the evidence at the Brant Museum, but he is apparently not going to make an appearance with the impersonator filling in for “Queen Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of this Realm and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”
There will be “tea with the Queen” at Ireland House in the afternoon and at some point there will be a ceremony that ‘knights’ Councillors Paul Sharman and Rick Craven. There is an excellent opportunity for those participating to learn more about the heraldry that surrounds Knights, and Lords, and Barons and Viscounts and Dukes.
Knights of the medieval era were asked to “Protect the weak, defenseless, helpless, and fight for the general welfare of all.” These few guidelines were the main duties of a medieval knight, but they were very hard to accomplish fully. Knights trained in hunting, fighting, and riding, amongst other things. They were also trained to practice courteous, honorable behaviour, which was considered extremely important. Chivalry (derived from the French word chevalier implying “skills to handle a horse”) was the main principle guiding a knight’s life style. The code of chivalry dealt with three main areas: the military, social life, and religion.
 When given a title the recipient has the right to create a "coat of arms". What would Paul Sharman and Rick Craven have chosen for their coat of arms. The military side of life was very important to knighthood. Along with the fighting elements of war, there were many customs and rules to be followed as well. A way of demonstrating military chivalry was to own expensive, heavy weaponry. Weapons were not the only crucial instruments for a knight. Horses were also extremely important, and each knight often owned several horses for distinct purposes. One of the greatest signs of chivalry was the flying of coloured banners, to display power and to distinguish knights in battle and in tournaments. Warriors were not only required to own all these belongings to prove their allegiance: they were expected to act with military courtesy as well. In combat when nobles and knights were taken prisoner, their lives were spared and were often held for ransom in somewhat comfortable surroundings. This same code of conduct did not apply to non-knights (archers, peasants, foot-soldiers, etc.) who were often slaughtered after capture, and who were viewed during battle as mere impediments to knights’ getting to other knights to fight them.
 Probably not attire that we will see on either Councillor Craven or Sharman Sunday afternoon at Ireland House. Certainly not for Craven - but with Sharman - you never know. Becoming a knight was not a widely attainable goal in the medieval era. Sons of knights were eligible for the ranks of knighthood. While other young men could become knights, in theory, it was nearly impossible for them to achieve that goal, especially for those from the lowest class. Those who were destined to become knights were singled out: in boyhood, these future warriors were sent off to a castle as pages, later becoming squires. Commonly around the age of 20, knights would be admitted to their rank in a ceremony called either “dubbing” (from the French adoubement), or the “Accolade”. Although these strong young men had proved their eligibility, their social status would be permanently controlled. They were expected to obey the code of chivalry at all times, and no failure was accepted.[citation needed]
Chivalry and religion were mutually influenced. The early Crusades helped to clarify the moral code of chivalry as it related to religion. As a result, Christian armies began to devote their efforts to sacred purposes. As time passed, clergy instituted religious vows which required knights to use their weapons chiefly for the protection of the weak and defenceless, especially women and orphans, and of churches.
Some of this could well apply to our Council members and Burlington society in general but for this Sunday afternoon it will be a day of fun and game playing as someone impersonating the queen will tap Sharman and Craven on the shoulder with a sword and declare: “Arise Sir Paul”.
The Code of Chivalry continued to influence social behaviour long after the actual knighthood ceased to exist, influencing for example 19th century Victorian perceptions of how a “gentleman” ought to behave up to today.
Hopefully neither will take the statement all that seriously.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 7, 2012 It’s the kind of thing that could probably only happen in Burlington.
Scott Stewart, the toughest guy there is at city hall, is serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the official opening of the Community Gardens tucked in behind the Seniors’ Centre and the Library at Central Park, is at the podium thanking everyone and pointing out various people in the audience he feels deserve recognition. He refers to Dave McKay by saying: “Nice to see Mr. McKay, my high school science teacher here with us today. You know, I can’t say “Dave, he was one of my high school teachers and to me he will always be Mr. McKay”
Hometown, home spun perhaps but it was a look at the city as it is. The day was to recognize one of those events that happen because people do what has to be done to make a difference. And for Michelle Bennett that difference was a program that will ideally result in community gardens elsewhere in the city and for Bennett a nomination as the Environmentalist of the Year.
 Michelle Bennett was the key driving force behind the Community Garden project that had to go a couple of rounds with city committees before they got over that hurdle - Bennett was determined to make it happen - she succeeded. It all came together when Michelle Bennett and Amy Schnurr were going over some literature about a provincial government program that was part solid idea and part pilot project. It fit the BurlingtonGreen mandate like a glove but there was a hitch. They had to have some real, cold hard cash participation from the city or from an organization that was on a par with the city. The Region perhaps?
The two woman put together their application and got it off to Queen’s Park who got back to them saying they liked the idea but there was nothing about the city’s participation. Burlington Green people have no problem delegating to city hall. It didn’t go all that well during the first round. Both woman brought more enthusiasm than solid business case to the city council committee but they were on to something and that was enough for Council to ask staff to take a look at it and see if they could make something of it.
 Three of the four people who made the Community Garden project happen: General Manager Scott Stewart, BurlingtonGreen Executive Director Amy Schnurr and Rob Peachey, Manager Parks and Open Space for the city. That put the BurlingtonGreen ladies into the hands of Rob Peachey, Manager Parks and Open Spaces, who found a way to come up with things the city could do that would amount to the 15% in cash or in kind the BurlingtonGreen people needed to get the provincial funding secured. A location was chosen that worked for everyone. It had a water line, it was steps away from the library where classes could be held, it was moments from the Seniors’ Centre where BurlingtonGreen hoped to entice some of the members.
The provincial funding was for a “teaching Pilot”; a program that would figure out the nuts and bolts of how to get a community garden up and running; what you had to do, what you shouldn’t do and where you go for help – that kind of thing.
With the garden lots steps away from the Library BurlingtonGreen expects to do some class work there.
How representative are the 29 people who got garden lots and who are these people anyway?
 The politicians that smooth the rough spots to make things like community gardens happen were all out on Saturday. Well, there are people from every ward in the city. Burlingtonians got first dibs and given that there were 120 applications those who applied from Oakville are out of luck for the immediate future.
The grant from the province for a two year period was $74,650 total which goes to staff support, promotion, support of the Go Local Food Network, tools, events, plant material. The garden construction was paid for by the city – their cash and in kind contribution was required if the grant was to be awarded to BurlingtonGreen. It looks as if the city, that was originally a little skeptical about the project, came around quite quickly and was more than just a cheerleader on this project.
BurlingtonGreen didn’t track age information but they report there are certainly seniors involved in the gardens as well as young families and a youth group. In a couple of instances there are groups of friends involved. So there are certainly more than just 29 people working at garden lots in behind the library.
Great start to a project that will add several years to the lives of those Seniors who decide they want to get out into the sunshine and get some dirt underneath their finger nails. The objective is to use this first site as a prototype for other. Two years from now we should be seeing half a dozen community gardens around the city. The finance people at city hall might want to make a note to add a bit to the 2014 budget for this kind of thing.
Interesting crowd on hand for the event. Members of the Burlington Teen Tour Band were there to bring a little class to the event. The Lady Jane McKenna, who represents Burlington in the provincial Legislature, was not in attendance – but then she wasn’t on the “official” guests list and for reasons which the city’s public affairs department wasn’t able to make clear to us – there is a protocol that dictates who gets to speak and who doesn’t – the rule is basically the person delivering the cheque gets to do the talking. That may be a provincial government protocol but there is nothing saying Burlington has to adhere to such a silly rule. Jane McKenna is our MPP – she should be invited.
We don’t know if it was the sign of decent weather coming along or an environmental event, but it brought out all kinds of people including Henry Schilthuis, the man who operates the contracting firm of Henry Schilthuis and Sons, that is in a law suit with the city. Needless to say the Mayor and Henry did not exchange pleasantries.
 Dave McKay, the man one of the city's General Managers still calls "Mr. McKay" and the guy that taught thousands in Burlington all the high school science they can remember, was on hand for the event. Councillor Craven of Aldershot territory, some people call it ward 1, was on hand to get a look at how the gardens were set up and thinking that perhaps something like this could be done to make Francis Road the next possible community Garden site.
Local food security, which doesn’t get talked about nearly enough, was brought up.. The 29 gardens aren’t going to feed the city but hopefully we can begin to look at the part of the city north of Dundas as more than a place for the equestrian crowd and those that grow strawberries. There is a very significant opportunity to develop a much bigger market gardening business in this city.
Mayor Goldring let us see how little he knew about farming but did mention that he spent some time on his grandparents farm in the Niagara Region. And he did point out that there was a time when there were piers in Burlington that took away boat loads of fresh fruit from Burlington. He added quickly that he was talking of other piers.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 7, 2012 The BIG question come Friday afternoon when the Sound of Music Festival people announce the line-up for this June is – will they be on the stage?
Will who be on the stage? If you have to ask that question you are not a true native of Burlington and you should catch the GO bus to Hamilton before the sun sets.
Walk off the Earth – is who we are talking about. The video of their cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” became rapidly popular on YouTube in early 2012, gathering over 100 million views in four months. It got them a spot on the Ellen DeGeneres Show for the accomplishment.
Gianni Luminati – Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Kazoo, Keys, Drums, Vocals, Theremin, Beatbox, Xylophone, Cigar Box; Ryan Marshall – Guitar, Ukulele, Vocals, Trumpet; Mike Taylor – (Widely known as “Beard Guy”, “Beard Man” and “Sea Captain”) – Keyboards, Vocals; Joel Cassady – Drums, Cigar box guitar; Sarah Blackwood – Guitar, Electric Guitar, Kazoo, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Vocals, Piano, Glockenspiel, Tamborine, Cigar box guitar, xylophone.
In an early version of our story about this band we erred with a couple of the names and got this from a loyal reader. “They’re now up to over 10 million views! Small name correction: the one on the right is Michael Taylor, who just happens to be the father of my beautiful goddaughter! (It’s a small town.) Ryan Marshall is second from the right.”
 Better than the Fab Five - from left to right:Joel Cassady, Sarah Blackwood, Gianni Nicassio, Ryan Marshal and Michael Taylor. All of Burlington wants to see then in person. But now that they are “bigger time” than they have ever been the fee goes up – and given that Dave Miller didn’t manage to squeeze any additional dollars out of city council for this years events – the SOM folk could have found themselves between a rock and a hard place.
The SOM depends on the good will of the people in this city – so a way was found to get that band on stage – and they will be there. When – tune into Our Burlington on Saturday And we will tell you when.
You heard it here first.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 2, 2012 In the world of things Heritage time is always a factor which most people take to mean the length of time it takes for a house to become “heritagically” significant.
Turns out that time from the Heritage Burlington perspective means how much time they need to get their reports completed. In a letter to the Mayor last week Heritage Burlington advised they needed to push back the date on which they were going to deliver the results of the ruminations on how to fix the problems related to things heritage.
 Community workshop drew more than 100 people but there was no sense of resolution when it was over. There were more questions than answers and the report that came out of it didn't really answer the questions. And problems there certainly are, much of which was related to the different understandings people in Burlington have about just what having a house listed on anything be it the “inventory”, which is one list, the Registry, which is another list or if you’re on the Designated list. It can be confusing and confusion there has been in Burlington for some time when it comes to Heritage matters.
The city never quite managed to come to terms with just what it wants to do with Heritage and Council isn’t of one mind on the subject either, which doesn’t help. Councillor Dennison who lives in a house that is designated would float the Joseph Brant Museum out into Lake Ontario and set it aflame if he thought he could get away with it.
Councillor Sharman seems prepared to put the rights of the property owner ahead of the rights of the community to have some link to its heritage. If someone owns a property they should be able to do whatever they want with it – if it happens to be historically significant, then the city can buy the building, is the view Sharman touts.
Oakville doesn’t look at its heritage quite the same way and Niagara on the Lake has built a community that earns a living from its heritage. Burlington tends to squabble over its heritage.
Up until very recently the membership of the Heritage Advisory committee tended to have people who would inventory or register a property if you whispered the letter H. A citizen had to fight to get their property taken off the inventory even if they were there as a C or a D property.
While the current Heritage Advisory Committee is completely focused on the report they were to get to Council this June and haven’t done much else – they have decided to recommend that everything on the C and D parts of the inventory be taken off that list. Once their report is presented to the city they will get on with the normal run of business – until then getting property off the inventory will be easier said than done. The delay is something that can be put up with while this refurbished committee gets on with its task of coming up with answers to
The process for placing and removing properties on the Municipal Register and criteria for designation
Dealing with property rights and values
Suggesting incentives and support for heritage preservation
What to do when a property owner wants to alter, demolish or restore a heritage property. What processes and procedures should be put in place?
Explain to the public clearly what Legislative responsibility the city has to meet.
Set out a clear decision making processes the public will buy into
Come up with a process for stakeholder and community engagement to be entered into by Heritage Burlington, with input from the Public Involvement Coordinator, before final recommendations are presented to CDC by Heritage Burlington.
It didn’t take the Advisory Committee very long to realize they just didn’t have enough reliable data on which to base the recommendations they were expected to make. They needed to hear what the average Burlingtonians thought and felt about heritage. Whenever heritage came up for discussion there were two clearly defined groups who were usually at loggerheads with each other.
Another problem the Advisory Committee had was when they sought opinions on matters heritage all they had were lists of people who were either very pro or very negative when it came to questions about heritage. They knew what they were going to get in the way of answers before they even asked the questions.
Getting reliable data meant going to the public and asking questions and that meant some public opinion polling for which there was no budget.
Burlington has a public opinion research organization on contract and it was suggested they see if they could scrounge up some money to do a short public opinion survey. It was suggested that the city manager had a fund they just might be able to tap to cover the cost of the research. Ask and you shall be given seemed to work. The city manager has coughed up a total of $20,000 to cover the cost of the survey.
The committee had hoped to have all this done by the middle of June – but when they took a close look at the work load and the way things work at city hall they realized it just wasn’t going to be possible – thus the letter to the Mayor asking for an extension.
With these additional resources in hand the Advisory Committee was able to go forward and produce the kind of report they wanted to deliver. There are some very professional people on this committee who are quite capable of producing the kind of report the city needs.
In their letter to the Mayor the Advisory committee explains that: “Because of unforeseen difficulties in sourcing funding and scheduling key resources, it has become apparent that the original timeline cannot be met to achieve satisfactory community engagement and ultimately a final report of the quality that this project deserves. Moreover, synchronizing our work within the policies, practices, communication patterns and staff workload at City Hall has taken more time than we anticipated.”
The Advisory Committee had bumped into “bureaucratic reality” and had to ask for more time and suggested that:
The public Open House be held May 31st instead of April 25th
Progress report to Community Development be on June 18th
Final report to Community development be September 10th instead of June 18th.
 It had certainly seen better days and when the owner wanted to sell he was told the listing on the Registry would impact on the price he could get - so the property was taken off the Registry - just like that. So much for the intgrity of the Registry. James Clemens chair of the Advisory Committee believes they can do the job they were asked to do within the new time frames. We can expect Council in committee to go along with thus – unless there are some pressing requests to have property removed from the Registry. Then things could get interesting.
In the past there have been people with an “axe to grind” or a personal interest they want to take forward and being on the Advisory Committee they can advance a personal property interest. There is at least one member of the newly constituted committee that has a vested interest and a specific goal, which is not the purpose of this committee even though the objective of the committee member is a laudable one. We are given to believe there is more than one person with what are called “ pecuniary interests” that are not declared. At city council committee meetings the chair begins by asking if there are any declarations of a pecuniary interest. That should perhaps be standard procedure at the Advisory Committee level as well. Putting personal interests first isn’t tolerated at Council and shouldn’t be tolerated at advisory committees either.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON May 2, 2012 The Sustainable people are taking to the road with bicycles Sunday May 6th to let people get a clearer sense of what the city has to offer cyclists and point out where some of the problems in getting around on a bicycle are located.
The event will begin at the Central Library at 2:00 pm on the Sunday and wind their way from the Library to the Centennial Trail and pedal across to Spencer Smith Park and join up with the old Grand Truck – CN rail line and out to the canal and then back to Lakeshore Road where riders will cross to the North side of the street and take either Nelson or Brock and work their way up to Caroline and travel east to Brant and South to city hall.
 Some might choose to take a break along the Spencer Smith part of the Sunday Sustainable bicycle ride. Starts at the Library - 2:00 pm The event is Burlington’s first Jane’s Walk event which is held in hundreds of communities across Canada to celebrate the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the leading urban thinkers who made significant changes to the way urban development was done in Toronto before she passed away in 2006.
The event is being sponsored by the Sustainable Development Advisory Committee with help and support from the cycling committee.
The Jane’s Walk events started out in 2007 as walking tours of urban centres but quickly grew and with suburban communities getting on this band wagon the bicycle has become the mode of transportation for many communities.
Jane Jacobs was an urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to city building. She had no formal training as a planner, and yet her 1961 treatise, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, introduced ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail that now seem like common sense to generations of architects, planners, politicians and activists.
Some of that common sense has yet to work its way to Burlington but there is hope. If you are planning on taking part in the review and update of the city’s Official Plan you could certainly do much worse that reading what Jane Jacobs has written.
Jacobs saw cities as ecosystems that had their own logic and dynamism which would change over time according to how they were used. With a keen eye for detail, she wrote eloquently about sidewalks, parks, retail design and self-organization. She promoted higher density in cities, short blocks, local economies and mixed uses. Jacobs helped derail the car-centred approach to urban planning in both New York and Toronto, invigorating neighbourhood activism by helping stop the expansion of expressways and roads. She lived in Greenwich Village for decades, then moved to Toronto in 1968 where she continued her work and writing on urbanism, economies and social issues until her death in April 2006.
A firm believer in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighborhoods develop, Jacobs encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work and play.
On Sunday we get to play on the trails and paths in Burlington. Paul Toffoletti, Chair of the Sustainable Development Advisory Committee, has no idea how many people are going to show up, “maybe twenty” he said. Surprise Paul and let’s get 100 people out there on bicycles.
Burlington has two other bicycle centric events during the summer months.
What we don’t have is that Olympic trials event that was going to see the streets of the city and rural roadways used by cyclists wanting to qualify for the Olympics that will take place in London, England this summer
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON April 27, 2012 Does Burlington have a “Passion for Compassion”? Spencer Campbell certainly thinks so and is putting his time, energy and some of his money where his mouth is. He has organized the first ever TEDxBurlington event.
TED’s are places where “ideas worth spreading” get put out by recognized speakers. Each presentation is short, less than 15 minutes.
The event, scheduled for May 27th at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Speakers include:
 A leader in reducing maternal mortality in African developing countries Dr.Chamberlain is expected to show the difference compassion in action can make. Dr Jean Chamberlain – distinguished McMaster Medical Professor and Founder of www.savethemothers.org (focused on reducing maternal mortality in African developing countries)
Patrick O’Neill – CEO of www.extraordinaryconversations.com and leadership expert who has been involved with, among others, the Middle East Peace Process
Michael Jones – a Juno nominated Pianist who will in part perform during the session and ask us to explore the heart of our own creativity
Josh Nelson – a childhood cancer survivor. Three years ago from a wheelchair Josh asked the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride cycling team to ride for him until the day he could ride with them. Last year he cycled for that noble cause – from Vancouver to Halifax with the same team.
Scott Graham – local author, speaker who focuses on helping kids develop character, confidence and budding leadership
 Trish Barbato guides people on career and leadership issues. She will tell you why you just have to be passionate about what you do. Trish Barbato – author of “Inspire Your Career” and a recognized authority and speaker on career and leadership topics.
Arthur Flieschmann – With his daughter Carly co-wrote “Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism”. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism.
For information on TEDxBurlington please visit (www.tedxburlington.com) or email us at info@tedxburlington.com attention Spencer Campbell.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
Our event is called TEDxBurlington, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxBurlington event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON April 25, 2012 Close to 200 people converged on the Studio Theatre at the Performing Arts Centre a couple of weeks ago to hear what Ken Greenberg had to say about how you build a city.
It was an event worth taking in. The occasion was one of Mayor Goldring`s Inspire series with which he brings interesting speakers to the city to talk about issues that need some thinking. The audiences get to hear what outsiders, who are exceptionally well informed in their area of expertise, have to say about the way we are doing things in our city.
 Ken Greenberg fascinated his live audience at the Studio Theatre. His talk will be broadcast by Cogeco Cable. Greenberg was fascinating to listen to. He started by outlining just where we had come from as a city, where we are today and how we got where we are. It was a solid presentation – but then when it got to the Q&A part, the event became an occasion that had people who are making a difference in this city asking an expert how they could best go about making change happen. It was quite something to be part of – and if you didn’t get to the event you can tune in and listen to the broadcasts Cogeco Cable will be doing.
Friday, April 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 10:00 pm.
The next Inspire Burlington will take place on June 12 at the Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business at 7:00 pm. Featured speaker is Chris Crowley, best-selling author of the Younger Next Year books.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON April 25, 2012 It took a little juggling but Burlington’s Mundialization Committee managed to get the permit they needed out of the Clerk`s Office and they can now hold the Sakura Tree celebration ceremony they had planned on Sunday April 29th. It will take place at 1:00 pm at Spender Smith Park and while there may not be a large crowd on hand the significance of the event is important.
 These sakura trees have been in place for close to 25 years. Each spring their blossoms come out, first in pink and then change to white, and then fall to the ground. Each spring the hope, the beauty and the relationship with the people of Japan who gave us the trees is renewed. The trees have been in place for close to 25 years. Each spring they sprout pink blossoms that turn to white. Set out as they are in two rows in Spencer Smith Park closer to the east end immediately south of Lakeshore Road they are a very, very impressive sight.
After a short period of time the pink blossoms turn white and then they fall away. The early spring we have had this year brought the pink blossoms out a little earlier than usual and then the sudden shift in weather shook everything up. But the ceremony to commemorate and remember the relationship we have with Itabashi still takes place. Each year the trees blossom and remind us of those people in Japan.
Ed Dorr worked with Parks and Recreation staff and can’t say enough about Karen Sabzali, with the Parks and Recreation department, and the help she gave in getting through the layers of bureaucracy in the Clerk`s department. Sabzali gets the `we have customers` message.
Dorr couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about. The city wanted the $100 fee for the permit paid, the Mundialization committee had to pass a motion to approve the payment when all that was happening was $100 was being moved from one city pocket to the other. Such is the way some departments at city hall work. The city managers direction to treat citizens as clients and leave them wanting to come back to your store is quite new and hasn’t reached all the departments yet and those that did get the message are still getting used to the idea.
When you are in Spencer Smith Park and you see the trees, pause and remember how they got here.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON April 21, 2012 He is back! The show is going to take to the stage, the show biz career is being revived and you are invited to be there – Come to the Mayor`s Cabaret.
The Cabaret was an event the Mayor of Burlington dreamed up during his first year of office. It got off to a bit of a bumpy start with a change in the event date but this show is now ready for the stage. This city has a tradition of the Mayor holding a sort of Gala event at which funds are raised that the Mayor gets to distribute. The only rule is that the Mayor doesn’t hold a Gala in an election year.
It is going to take place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on September 29, 2012. It will be a variety show featuring special guests Lighthouse and The Arrogant Worms, along with some very talented local artists. The Mayor believes this is sure to be a “spectacular evening”. As long as he doesn’t play the piano – it will be an entertaining evening. And eh, don`t bring that “song and dance” guy back – the one who tripped over his broom and forgot the words to the song he was singing.
It is going to be an evening of fun with the community out enjoying itself. This was done when the Blue Jeans Gala was held and we got to see and hear some of the talent Burlington has produced. The Spoons were on stage and Silverstein was there with all the energy and big sound they bring to what they do. That was a blast!
Proceeds will go to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre; and proceeds there should be. Through ticket sales, both a silent and a live auction and a cocktail reception the Mayor hopes to raise a significant sum for the BPAC. Mark the date on your calendar. September 29th. Tickets can be ordered from the BPAC:
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