The screens will come alive on Friday - social distancing ? No mention of that

News 100 redBy Staff

July 13th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

CineStarz - popcorn

Expect the pop corn to be available. Some notice on how social distance seating will be handled would have been useful.

Cinestarz Upper Canada, the movie theatre on Brant, published their schedule early this morning. First feature is on Friday.

An interesting run of films but not a word on how seating will be handled or what they have taken in the way of social distancing.

An unfortunate corporate practice.

Shortly after publishing this story we learned of the Stratford Festival announcement of their plans to open.  Prominently displayed on their web site was the protocol they will follow to protect those who attend live theatre.  Something similar should appear soon on the CineStarz web site.

 

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New items added to the City's Lending Library program - courtesy Tim Hortons

News 100 blueBy Staff

July 12th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

More play equipment available to borrow through the Lending Library, thanks to donation from Tim Hortons
Burlington residents can now borrow more play equipment from the City’s Lending Library program, located at Brant Hills Community Centre at 2255 Brant St.

Thanks to a donation from Tim Hortons, the City was able to purchase more equipment, so now more families can play together, get outside and try new activities.

The play equipment is available to borrow for free (with a credit card deposit) for a one-week period. Equipment bookings can only be made online. Pick up and drop off is located at the east entrance, through Duncaster Drive. All items are disinfected between each use.

Bikes and Pickle Ball equipment can be picked up at the Seniors’ Centre

For a complete list of play equipment available to borrow, visit online reservations. Check the website regularly as new items are frequently being added.

Examples of equipment to borrow:

Play lend scope

A telescope is expensive – before buying one you might want to borrow what the city has in its Lending Library.

• Archery set
• Beginners astronomy kit
• Bird watching kit
• Giant outdoor matching game
• Large Connect 4 game
• Lawn darts
• Portable practice target net
• Stilts set
• Bikes, including a three-wheeled bicycle

For more information on the Lending Library program, visit burlington.ca/playlending.

Link to the site showing what is available is HERE

 

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The first 'LIVE' entertainment - educational based event announced

artsorange 100x100By Pepper Parr

July 12th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They have been offering programs for young people and putting on theatrical performances at the Performing Arts Centre that has been some of the best seen on those stages.

The only thing missing was a larger audience.

KooGle cast

Koogle has put on some of the best summer theatre fare the city has ever seen.

The Putnam County Spelling Bee, staged in 2015, was one of the smartest summer entertainment events this critic has seen at the Performing Arts Centre.

Like everyone else, Koogle is edging out of the lockdown offering a virtual program for July and a live program for August.

Hopefully the move in the 3rd stage that starts on Friday will hold and we get to the point where a normal normal begins to be real.

Details on their July virtual program can be found below

Koogle July program

The August program is going to be live – location not determined yet – details below.

Koogle August events

Register HERE for the July virtual program

Register HERE for the August LIVE program

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City council hears from an Indigenous Elder on the matter of renaming parks and schools.

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper Parr

July 9th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Standing Committee on Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services met earlier this week and almost swooned as they listened to Stephen Paquette talk about why the Ryerson school and the park adjacent to it should be renamed.

The Councillors and the two school board trustees who took part as delegations were like high school students listening to a rock star.

paquette Stephen

Stephen Paquette.

Paquette on the other hand was sensible and balanced.

Sure he took a strong position on the getting rid of the Ryerson name but he said he could live with statues of Sir John remaining providing there was a plaque beside the statue putting the man’s role in context.

Unfortunately many are not as sensible and balanced as Paquette.

He taught the Councillors some important lessons; one being the way we choose to elevate some people and create a statue and put it in a public place without a full understanding of the person. He seemed to be saying the statues were more adulation than realistic accounting of the person.

The fear I have is that we will rename the park and the school and then move on to something else forgetting what the real issue is – first making amends for the harm we created and then giving the Indigenous people what they deserve. Decent housing and water they can drink.

A number of years ago Gord Downie stood on a stage and implored the Prime Minister who was in the audience to take care of the Indigenous people. And how much has been done for those people since that time?

I look to Paquette being the person who keeps our feet to the flame and helps us get to the point where the members of the First Nation are true equals.

I was impressed with the man – he is an Elder serving as a staff consultant with the Halton District School Board. He is an excellent spokesperson for his people.

Joseph Boyden, wrote a book: The Orenda. It is a hard book to read on the relationship between the Jesuits who came to Canada to civilize the “savages”. There was painful cruelty on both sides. Boyden created significant controversy writing on Indigenous people. Boyden is primarily of Irish and Scottish ancestry. A number of Indigenous writers and researchers came forward to publicly state Boyden did not have the right to speak on behalf of any Indigenous community because he was not a First Nations citizen and ultimately not Indigenous.

We are going to be dogged with controversy on the question of how we atone for some time. Hopefully the plight of the Indigenous people gets improved while we squabble.

Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.

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City beginning to plan for events - sign that the restrictions might be easing up soon

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 9th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On April 10th of next year the people of Burlington will gather at the Cenotaph just north of city hall and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Cenotaph. The creation of the monument was the result of a large community driven initiative to honour the resident veterans that fought in World War 1.

The initiative brought together service organizations, churches and residents to raise the funds and commission the works, a true community effort.

Keenleyside with partial monument

Ed Keenleyside knows more about the Cenotaph and how it came into being. So much that he convinced the city to print copies of the book and make it available to the public.

Last year the city entered into an agreement to print copies of a book written by Ed Keenleyside on the history of the cenotaph and how it came into being.

There was discussion at a Standing Committee earlier this week about using the anniversary of the community spirit that brought about the Cenotaph and tying it to the same community spirit that is getting the city through the pandemic.

The Standing Committee decided the Cenotaph celebration should be a stand-alone event.

The area around the Cenotaph is to be identified in future as Veteran Square; (Not Veteran”s”)

April 9 is Vimy Ridge Day in Canada.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge is Canada’s most celebrated military victory. An often mythologized symbol of the birth of Canadian national pride and awareness.

There are two oak trees that were grown from seeds taken from trees in France at the Vimy Memorial; a piece of land that the French government deeded to Canada.

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Now you know -

News 100 yellowBy Staff

July 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It is said that it is the little things that count.

And when you gotta – you gotta – but where.
Council spent a considerable amount of time crafting the decision as to what would be opened up to the public and how it would be paid for.
Those washrooms have to be cleaned much more often if there is heavy traffic.

washrooms downtown.

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Emerging artist completes a watercolour collection - wants to try doing something similar with acrylics

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

July 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In the art world you look for that promising undiscovered artist and buy their work because you like it and wait for the value of the piece you bought to appreciate.

Making some money is nice but the satisfaction of discovering the artist on your own and making a purchase, maybe a couple, and waiting – and of course enjoying the art for the beauty and talent that spoke to you is what art collecting is really all about.

Lana H&S

Lana Kamaric

I have been watching a young artist for a number of years.  I first met her at the No Vacancy event that took place in the Village Square a number of years ago;  she was standing in the doorway to a space where her work was displayed.  When she saw me she darted out and said: “You’re Pepper Parr and I have a bone to pick with you.”

I’ve forgotten what it was she was unhappy about – but I admired the chutzpah and kept in touch.  From time to time she would send me samples of her work.

She is into what I call science fiction comic books – she calls it something else.   She celebrates The Fourth and likes to dress up as if were Halloween.

 

Kamaric at event - wild

Lana Kamaric on the right at the 2019 Fan Expo.  She is part of the Steam Punk Bat Gang

Kamaric recently sent us a collection of watercolor works – there were nine pieces in the collection.  Several of them impressed me and I wondered if they would be shown anywhere.  Then I wondered – is there a space in Burlington where the work done by emerging arts can be displayed.  Things are in a mild state of chaos at the AGB – maybe when things settle down the idea can be chatted up.

Kamaric explains what she has been up to: “I accidentally painted a watercolour series.

focus

“Focus” on paper 12 inches x 12 inches. All the watercolours are the same size

“This was a concept I was thinking about a year ago and couldn’t quite figure out. I’m fascinated by the subconscious mind and how it shapes our conscious decisions and wanted to explore that. I now realize the problem was the fact that I was actively thinking about it with my conscious mind. It wasn’t until I stopped thinking and started painting that the idea took shape.

“I was three paintings into the series before I realized what I was doing. What began as an experiment in watercolour portrait techniques quickly became a dive into the human psyche.

questions misplaced

“Questions misplaced”

“Watercolours are rebellious and don’t always do what they’re told, but that’s also what makes them fun.

“You can swim upstream and struggle to reach your destination or you can surrender to the current and see where it takes you. This series reminded me to trust the process because it always ends up somewhere interesting.

“I’m currently revisiting the portraits with acrylics to see how the medium will shift the outcome.”

You can reach Lana at lanakamaric@gmail.com.  If you like her style and are interested in her doing a commissioned portrait – she will take your call.

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Jazz on the BPAC Patio in August - plans are in the works.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

July 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel we are in.

And it has the sweet sound of a saxophone and the voice of a brilliant jazz vocalist.

Barbara Lica JAzz BPAC AI got curious yesterday and wondered if things were improving enough for some of the traditional summer entertainment fare to return – so I sent a note to the folks at the Performing Arts Centre, where Tammy Fox runs the show, asking if the Jazz on the Patio might return in August.

Tammy Fox hands-out-768x578

Plans are underway for Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts Centre

Here it is – straight from the horse’s mouth:

“Yes, it’s looking positive for outdoor concerts on The plaza for August. Planning is underway. Can’t wait!!”

And neither can we.

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Local Art being Commissioned for Waterfront Trail along the Beachway

News 100 yellowBy Staff

July 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Beachway is getting a lot of attention these days.

Lovely part of the city – just find a parking spot when you get there.

In the not too distant future we should be seeing some local art to brighten the place up

The city sent out a Request for Proposals for Temporary Public Art Signs at The Beachway

Deadline: Friday July 30, 2021

Budget: $500 (design only), 15 commissions available

Here’s the fine print:

The City of Burlington public art program is launching a temporary art project, RE:DE(SIGN) as part of the 2021 Culture Days. Running from September 24 – October 24, Culture Days is 4 weeks of arts and culture experiences indoors, outdoors and online.

Waterfront Trail - from east - few people

This quiet path was once where two railway tracks carried freight from Burlington to the rest of the world. Freeman Station was one of the stops.

This project will commission 15 Burlington artists to create small-scale works that will be installed on signposts along the Waterfront Trail, stretching from Beachway Park to the Lift Bridge. This project will provide trail users with a safe and accessible way to enjoy art and to learn more about the amazing creators in our community. Each artwork will be accompanied with a profile of the artist.

This call is open to Burlington-based artists and is open to all art forms that can be presented in a sign format. This includes, but is not limited to: visual art, graphic art, photography, poetry, writing, etc. Sound-based work such as music, spoken word, theatre, etc. may also be presented using QR codes.

Project Goals

The theme for the 2021 Culture Days is RE:IMAGINE. Arts and culture emerged as a lifeline of joy, providing gifts of colour, hope, and reprieve needed to make it through this past year. Collectively, we’re imagining what a post-pandemic world could look like and how we can each contribute to that picture being brighter. Through that lens, Culture Days has chosen RE:IMAGINE as the very apt 2021 theme.

RE:IMAGINE signals a positive turning point – the commitment to building tangible change into the future of arts and culture.
Artists submitting proposals for RE:DE(SIGN) should take inspiration from the RE:IMAGINE theme.

Is this a big part of the dream the Mayor is looking for? How big a part of the city is the waterfront? Is it more than just something to look at?

The Art work will be placed along the Waterfront Trail right up to the canal.

Additionally, the artwork should:

Be easily legible to pedestrian traffic, artwork that incorporates text must adhere to AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) guidelines.

The artwork must be suitable for presentation in a public space, for all ages (i.e., the artwork may not contain profanity, hate speech, graphic imagery, etc.)

Important! Please read the full Call for Artists document (Click HERE to download PDF) before submitting an application as this contains important project details and application instructions.

Submit your Application Online

Applications may be submitted online, using Submittable. Click HERE  to start your online application. You will need to create a free account to use Submittable. Please contact Kim Selman, 905-515-9334 or kim@cobaltconnects.ca if you need assistance with your application.

The Beachway is a storied part of Burlington.  It was once a self-sustaining community of several thousand people.  You can search the Gazette Archives for stories on what life was like in that community

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Sound of Music broadcasts local artists as part of Canada Day celebrations

News 100 blueBy Maddy Van Clieaf

July 1, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Sound of Music and the City of Burlington got together to let people hear some of the Sound as part of Canada Day Celebrations.

The smell of funnel cake, strums of guitar and thump of the bass that consumes Spencer Smith Park when the Sound is live was missing but local bands old and new, from Carly Rae Jepson to the Spoons, Terri Clark, and Lonestar to the rising group Grandson, the Sound of Music is where family, friends and music lovers join together to celebrate the vibrant arts scene in Burlington and beyond.

Instead of enjoying the cool breeze and unavoidable mud coating the bottom of every pair of sneakers- for it’s not the Sound of Music without rainfall beforehand- the authentic sound of Burlington can be heard from the comfort of your living room.

Hayley Verrall - standing with guitar

Hayley Verrall

Uploaded onto soundofmusic.ca,  (CLICK HERE) a video with live performances from nine different local bands and performers can be streamed. The mix of performers comprises fresh faces Abby J Hall and Hayley Verrall, with Burlington staples Bliss and Suzie McNeil. The artists perform both original pieces and covers of famous CANCON songs from the likes of Blue Rodeo and Joni Mitchell.

Included in the music stream are interviews from previous festivals, introducing a wave of nostalgia and reminiscing past years. The online format can’t fully capture the magical ambiance of roaring crowds and mosh pits, but it highlights rising local talent and gives a taste of what is to come. Anticipation for upcoming SOM festivals vibrates through the live stream.

Suzie McNeil

Suzie McNeil

In addition to the live stream, the Sound of Music has put together a Spotify playlist full of Canadian hits available here.  There is also an interactive music experience through QR codes scattered about hiking trails and public spaces.

Andrea Ruthart, Kakisheway, from White Bear Treaty number 4, Cree Nation, made an impactful guest appearance to speak about the Hope for Healing project, helped by the City of Burlington. She and other Indigenous community members spoke on the meaning of reconciliation and the Indigenous song performed at Spencer Smith the day prior.

“This started with burning sweetgrass and blessing the land, and a song, which is also a prayer and a blessing, and a poem, and a call to action. The song was about the fire dance; it was about being seen and heard, which the indigenous community in our country for decades was not.   “Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explained, “Music is a way to bridge that.”

The segment is sincere, although no Indigenous music was played or performed during the live stream. While the City of Burlington is celebrating, Indigenous communities in Canada are choosing not to recognize Canada Day this year to reflect and mourn the tragedy of residential schools and their legacy, which continues to plague Canada.

For Indigenous voices in the community to be heard and recognized, they need to be played and celebrated. The Sound of Music offers a large platform to do just that. Without true change and recognition of Indigenous artists in Burlington, the path to reconciliation will be a long one in the arts sphere.

 

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Sound of Music being produced at Nuvo One - line up isn't all that clear at this point

eventsred 100x100By Pepper Parr

July 1st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

We think there is a Sound of Music program for Canada Day – and we think it starts at 10:00 am but we are not certain.

The SoM web site has a lot of promises and build up to the events for the day but there is no schedule.

Here is what we do have:

“Tomorrow it’s a day filled with local artists, playlist tunes and big announcements of Summer shows ahead. Follow our social feeds and the website beginning at 10:00am.”

From Nuvo One

This is the sound stage for the 2021 Sound of Music Festival.

We understand the events are taking place in the Sound of Music studio at Nuvo One – best we can give you at this point is a link and hope it gets you some groovy music.

Canada Day announcement LIVE

This is the plan – the link to the site is set out above. Good Luck.

One of the SoM fans put it this way:

Comment on July 1st event

 

 

 

maddyMadeleine Van Clieaf, Maddy to everyone, is part of a group of students working at the Gazette as part of the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government.  Maddy is a second year journalism student at Carleton University and will return to class in the fall.

Maddy graduated from Assumption High School and was a member of the Burlington Teen Tour Band

 

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Art Gallery appoints an Interim Executive Director: Lina Jabra starts July 6

artsorange 100x100By Pepper Parr

June 30th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Art Gallery Board moved with dispatch in finding an Interim Executive Director for a minimum of six months while the Board does a thorough search for a full time Executive Director

Lina Jabri AGB

Lina Jabra; new interim Executive Director at the Art Gallery of Burlington

Lina Jabra will  join the AGB on Tuesday, July 6th, and remain in this position for a minimum of six months while the Board undertakes a search for a permanent CEO.

“The Board is very excited to welcome Lina to our organization,” said Jane Depraitere, AGB Board Chair. “Her experience in the arts sector including staff and volunteer leadership, her demonstrated strengths in community and audience engagement, and her commitment to innovation highlighting diversity and inclusion will help position the AGB for success during this transition period as we move forward”, said Ms. Depraitere.

Lina brings over twenty years of experience in the not-for-profit arts and culture sector. She is a graduate of the BFA program at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC and completed Executive Education Certificates in both Art and Non-Profit Management from Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University.

Since 1988 Lina has served with Arts-based organizations both as Executive Director as well as Management Consultant, including the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in Toronto, VSA Arts of New Mexico, Through the Flower Foundation (TTF) attached to artist Judy Chicago in New Mexico, and the Ontario Clay and Glass Association in Toronto.

AGB live auction - closer look

Visitor to the Art Gallery looks closely at a painting listed in the auction catalogue.

Lina said:  “The Art Gallery of Burlington’s dedication to supporting and transforming the appreciation and love of art for all communities aligns with my experience and interest in the arts and art education, community building, and innovative programming, within a caring, collaborative and creative environment. I look forward to working with the AGB’s staff, volunteers, Board, members and all stakeholders in this exciting role”.

 

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Changes in the leadership at the Art Gallery

theartsBy Pepper Parr

June 30th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Performing Arts Centre has managed to keep delivering value to the city.

Robert Steven AGB

Robert Steven

The same can’t be said for the Art Gallery.

They are currently reported to be looking for an interim Executive Director.

Robert Steven was shown the door over what were reported to be differences over the direction the Gallery had taken in the past few years.

There has been no public comment on Steven’s departure; members of the Gallery did receive a letter advising them of the change.

These arms length, tax supported organizations have always been tight-lipped when it comes to internal leadership matters.

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Light humour appears to have difficulty penetrating the hearts of the city. Lightening up a little would be welcome

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 30th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a news story earlier this week we said:  “Burlington may not be ready for this.”

The statement had to do with a production being put on virtually by the Performing Arts Centre that involved the City Manager and the Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association.

They were part of the cast for a reading of the play The Odd Couple that was a Broadway production and then a movie that is still being enjoyed.  It was a good movie.

In an effort to bring some entertainment life to the city Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre put together an idea and managed to convince several well known entertainers to take part and added in some local colour.

Given that City Manager Tim Commisso and BDBA Executive Director Brian Dean were featured it seemed like an opportunity to have some light hearted fun and use photographs in our files to show Commisso and Dean as “fun” guys.

Some took exception to what we had published.

Commisso and Dean along with other Burlington personalities have what might be called supporting roles.  The hope is that they will perform their reading admirably.

The Performing Arts Centre has arranged for all the front line support workers free access to the online production.  The Show Business people call this “sharing the love”.

We expect it to be a fun evening and anticipate with a measure of excitement on just how well Commisso and Dean will perform.

ODD COUPLE graphic

Pepperwoods has put together a take out offering – make it an evening when you don’t have to cook.

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Ontario Funds Combatting Islamophobia in Schools

News 100 blueBy Staff

June 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Ontario government is investing in a plan to counter Islamophobia and ensure classrooms are free from discrimination.

Those in the community who were raised in a different culture than what most of us are used to seeing are beginning to play a larger role in public life.

Muslims participating in Call to Prayer

Muslims taking part in a public prayer event at Spencer Smith Park.

The Muslim community recently held a Call to Payer on a Friday afternoon in Spencer Smith Park rather than at their mosque.
Few people in Burlington had ever witnessed such an event.

We now have a Muslim woman nominated as the Liberal candidate for the next provincial election.

We see a lot more woman wearing the hijab when they are out for a walk or in the supermarkets. We are also seeing different food offerings on the shelves.

We human being are not very good at adapting to change. The kids get it – their parents have a more difficult time.

As part of the Safe Return to Class fund, Ontario’s government is providing $225,000 to the Muslim Association of Canada to create digital resources for educators, students and parents to raise awareness about Islamophobia. These resources will provide information about Islamic practices, values and misconceptions, root causes of Islamophobia and ways to help end Islamophobia, racism and discrimination.

Ontario is also providing $75,000 to the National Council of Canadian Muslims to facilitate outreach and engagement with Muslim parents and families, with a focus on newcomer communities. These engagements will provide information on school supports and will provide culturally relevant resources to enhance well-being for families and help Muslim students prepare for the return to school in September.

sign at call to Prayer

The Muslim community is reaching out to the people of Burlington – the city now needs to learn to hear what they are saying.

According to the most up to date data from Statistics Canada, hate crimes have been on the rise in Canada, with a nine per cent increase in anti-Muslim attacks in 2019, when compared to the previous year. Tragic and disturbing reports and incidents across Canada and the world over the past years underscore the need for action.

“It is unacceptable that many Muslim students continue to face discrimination in our schools, on our playgrounds and in communities across this country,” said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. “That is why we are investing and partnering with community leaders — who are leading this effort— to counter racism and better support Ontario’s Muslim students and their families.

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Rivers: Canada Day is a Time for Reflection

 

 When a war between nations is lost

The loser, we know, pays the cost

But even when Germany fell to your hands

Consider dear lady, consider dear man

You left them their pride and you left them their lands

And what have you done to these ones

(Now That the Buffalo’s Gone – Buffy Sainte-Marie)

 

Rivers 100x100By Ray Rivers

June 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This will be a tough July 1st for a lot of Canadians.  For one thing there are fewer of us to celebrate this year – over twenty-six thousand of our loved ones have died from COVID.  Another million and a half became infected, a third of whom have been inflicted with long haul issues.

And the pandemic is not over by a long shot, even though the infection and death numbers are down and the vaccines up.  Just look at the UK which thought it was in the clear but is experiencing its highest COVID infection numbers since February, even though their first and second dose vaccination rates are better than ours.

shoes aboriginal children

The first stage of the public response to the tragic news of the unmarked graves.

And then there is the shock and the ongoing tragic saga about the residential schools.  So far a thousand unmarked graves have been located.  But that is on the grounds of only two out of the 150 schools which the churches had operated.

Even if the children had died from TB, Spanish Flu, measles, influenza or some other disease, they were still in the care of the churches.  And the buck stops with the federal government which had authorized their kidnapping and confinement.    Malnutrition, over-crowding, physical stress from manual labour and emotional stress from the abuse, including sexual abuse, all weighed in with deadly consequences.

Nobody should take a child away from their parents without their permission and just cause.  But having elected to do so they needed to ensure their health and safety.  Why were the school records not maintained by the government and disclosed to the parents? Why were parents not even informed of the deaths and/or the bodies returned?  One can only imagine how the parents and the community leaders and the community felt, watching helplessly in anguish and horror, as their children were taken away.  And then to learn that so many were not coming back.

The Prime Minister suggests that Canada Day this year is a time for reflection.  We should reflect on what the original inhabitants of this land are feeling.  To them Canada is that country which took away their lands and their freedom.  Should we really expect them to be as enthusiastic about celebrating Canada Day as Erin O’Toole, the leader of the Conservative party thinks they should be.

O'Toole smug 4

The plight of our indigenous population is something Leader of the Opposition O’Toole does not appear to understand.

Despite O’Toole’s plea to party on July 1st as if nothing had happened, much of the country is heeding the wishes of the indigenous leaders and cancelling fireworks and other celebrations.  Ottawa will be holding a sacred fire and municipalities in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and B.C. are cancelling traditional celebrations.  They are suggesting that this day be one of reflection for the plight of our indigenous population and of how we can do better into the future.

Mr. Trudeau has called on the Pope to publicly apologize given the huge role the Catholic Church had in all of this, but there is no sign of that happening.  There is some discussion about criminal charges being laid against those responsible for the schools and the program.  And internationally China has used this incident to challenge and embarrass our PM after Justin criticized China’s treatment of its Uighur minority.

Canadians are generally outraged and some will heed the direction of the Prime Minister for a sombre day of reflection.   There are demonstrations planned in protest, this Canada Day.  Catholic churches situated on some reserves have already been burnt to the ground, presumably in protest.  Some people have defaced and destroyed statues of Canada’s founding father, Sir John A. Macdonald.  And, civic authorities are renaming buildings and edifices honouring Sir John A. and Egerton Ryerson, the architect of the school system.

It was the Indian Act which provided the framework for assimilating Canada’s first nations and destroying their native culture.  And the residential schools were part of that framework.  This racist piece of legislation is still in place today, curiously and ironically, because the very indigenous leaders who disdain it also refuse to let it die.   Pierre Trudeau tried to get rid of it back in 1969 and was thwarted by the aboriginal community, who fretted over losing rights that had been conveyed to them under the Act.  Nothing is easy about this.

weeping aboriginal woman

The healing has begun – now we have to find all the cemeteries.

As Canadians we had been taught that ours was a more peaceful treatment of our indigenous population than, for example, the USA.  After all, European settlers arriving in the Americas were responsible for the elimination of an estimated 90% of Indigenous populations, either through the introduction of disease or by outright massacre.   The US government committed as much genocide against its indigenous people as did almost any other nation on earth.  Some 1500 ‘Indian Wars’ later only a quarter of a million indigenous people was all that remained from the estimated 15 million living in North America when Columbus first arrived.

Canada’s approach to evicting its native population from what they considered their lands was less violent and less deadly than our neighbour to the south.  But the indigenous people ended up being marginalized to the same extent.  So there is much to ponder as we reflect on this coming Canada Day.

I for one will not be attending any celebration of Canada Day this year.  I’ll probably engage in discussions among my peers and family about this issue and give a toast for the good things this nation stands for.   Then I’ll take time to enjoy the music of indigenous artists like Robbie Robertson or Buffy Sainte Marie while I take a moment for those lost children whose fate we must all bear some responsibility.

 

 Background links:

John A –   Residential Schools –   Genocide

US Genocide –     Burning Churches –    Cancelling Canada Day

O’Toole on Canada Day –    Canada Day –    Records

Indian Act  –    Indigenous History Makers

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Tim Commisso and Brian Dean: one a neat freak the other a hot mess - catch them in a virtual production of The Odd Couple

eventsblue 100x100By Staff

June 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington may not be ready for this.

City Manager Tim Commisso, he who dances in the streets of Itabashi, Japan and Brian Dean, known to peddle his wares from a shopping bag in the downtown core will be leading in a Special Performing Arts Centre on-line production of The Odd Couple.

Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association was out drumming up business for those of his members that took part in the Red Bag Sale. Too many of his members let the community down last Sunday. Keeping the doors closed while the city works at getting people out on the street isn't thew way the game is played.

Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association drumming up business for his members.

Virtual reading of The Odd Couple comes to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Featuring Burlington City Manager Tim Commisso, ‘Downtown’ Brian Dean, SOMF’s Myles Rusak and more Starring alongside Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall and Comedian Sean Cullen!!

The Odd Couple includes a neat freak, in need of a place to stay. The other’s a hot mess, open to a new roommate. They’re both played by two of Canada’s greatest comedic actors. They’re Felix and Oscar. They’re The Odd Couple.

Is Commisso the Neat Freak?  Or could that be Brian Dean. ?

The Odd Couple, is a Tony-Award-winning play that spawned movie and television adaptations and lives on as a timeless tale of two hilariously mis-matched personalities who forge a lasting friendship.

Virtual theatre-goers have two chances to catch this unique offering: Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Tickets for the stream cost $20 per household, or $15 for BPAC members and volunteers. To thank Burlington-area front-line healthcare workers for their sacrifices during this pandemic, they can contact the BPAC Box Office for complimentary tickets to the show.

Adapted to run approximately 60 minutes, this reading will be directed by Stratford Festival director Richard Ouzounian. In addition to the legendary Canadian comedy headliners, local community leaders have volunteered their time to fill out the colourful cast of characters at Felix and Oscar’s place.

Commisso-and-Mayor-in-Japan

Is that guy in the white shirt in the middle a neat freak or a hot mess. Hard to tell from the picture.

The ensemble includes Burlington City Manager Tim Commisso, Brian Dean from the Burlington Downtown Business Association, Tim Caddigan from Cogeco and Myles Rusak from the Burlington Sound of Music Festival as the Poker Gang. The Pigeon Sisters will be played by Sarah Foord and BPAC’s very own Executive Director, Tammy Fox.

Fox Tammy with glasses

Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Tammy Fox came up with the idea and pulled together the people that are going to give you a wonderful entertaining evening – don’t miss it.

“The Odd Couple is a classic. Whether you’ve seen a stage production, or watched the movie, or even one of the many TV adaptations, everyone knows a Felix and everyone knows an Oscar,” said Fox. “There is nowhere else where you can watch Bruce McCulloch and Seán Cullen perform a Tony-winning play, from the comfort of your own home.”

Kudo’s go to Tammy Fox for getting this production together.  Her Dangerous Liaisons was well received – The Odd Couple will do even better.

Well worth the time. Book your tickets – make it a party.

 

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Sound of Music - Live on Line on Canada Day

eventsred 100x100By Staff

June 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Everyone in the entertainment business has had to pivot and find a way to get their show off the stage that can’t open.

Sound of Music and the City are joining forces and hitting the high notes together to celebrate Canada Day with a free online streamed performance featuring a myriad of local artists.

More details to come shortly!

Dial into Soundofmusic.ca and see what they have that turns your crank.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard much from that organization.

som

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Washrooms in city hall will be open on the weekends

News 100 redBy Staff

June 25th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The necessaries…

Out for some exercise downtown? City hall will be open to the public for washroom access every weekend until Labour Day weekend: Fridays, 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

washrooms city hall

City Council spent more than 45 minutes getting this through the Standing Committee.

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Major Bottle Drive on Saturday

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

June 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The plan is to make the event smooth sailing and safe! They are hoping that the weather cooperates but will be there rain or shine!

BOTTLE DRIVE

It’s a rain or shone event – with a really big objective

Entrance & Exit
Pylons will be setting up along with signs indicating where they would like cars to enter. They want to create a one-way system so cars enter, register, drop off and then exit. The entrance is just off  Walkers Line (right by the Chiropractic clinic).
Cars will exit off Forest Run so they will have the traffic lights.

Registration
They will have 3 volunteers at this station. If there are a few cars, then there will be a few volunteers welcoming people and getting their information for the gift certificate draw. Using a clipboard and a ballot, we will record people’s names, cell numbers and email addresses. The volunteers will then give a quick rundown on where to drive to drop off donations. They have a laptop to which they will transfer the contact information to use in the random drawing of gift cards as well as provide those names to Freshwagon so they can send the $5 gift card via email.

Bottle drive - sample card

Sponsors behind the Gift Cards that will be handed out in a random draw

Stations
Each section will be set up separately. They will have an empty beer station, an empty wine/booze bottle station and a food drop off station. All stations will be covered with a tent, a table and some chairs. The stations will be clearly marked with signs so cars can simply drive up. Behind each station, there will be a truck or a cargo van. This time around they will be loading and counting as they go. Each station will also have a container for cash donations if people wish to add to their drop off.
Each station will have a clipboard and paper to help record the totals as vehicles are being unloaded. It will be very important to ensure they have a record of totals going down to the distribution centre.

Volunteers
Each section will have 2-3 volunteers. If donors do not wish to get out of their cars, they volunteers can simply take their donations (think similar to curb side pick up). There will be two shifts.

Beer Store Distribution Centre
“The distribution centre is open for bottle drives on Saturdays only (lucky us!). We will be sending cargo vans/trucks down as they are filled. Unlike last time, we don’t want to wait or have to hold onto everything till Monday. The distribution centre will keep a running tally and will pay us out when they close at 2. Anything gathered from that point onwards may be driven down to Barton street in Hamilton or taken to the Beer Store on Elizabeth street downtown Burlington.”

bottle drive Neal Drive

They ran out of space during the last bottle drive.

PPE
“Each station will have a box of disposable gloves and masks. Please use these. We purchased these for our volunteers so you feel safe. There will also be hand sanitizer at each station. If you’d like a face shield too, we have a few brand new ones and will provide them to you as well.

Snacks
“We will have a cooler with some drinks to keep you all hydrated. There will be coffee in the morning as well as some snacks. Please bring a reusable water bottle as we’ll have a water station for our volunteers!”

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