 By Pepper Parr
November 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON’
It was a one hour virtual meeting with about 35 people taking part – at least five were city staff.
City Clerk Kevin Arjoon explained the basics of what City Advisory Committees are all about. He listed most of the committees.
The Cycling Committee needs 14 new members – that seems very high unless all the previous members all left at the same time.
 Members of the Community Engagement Team do a debrief after their Council Workshop session. Chris Walker is in the center. The closing date for new applications is November 27th – that closing date has been extended in the past – expect it to be extended again this year.
The intention is to announce the appointments at a Council meeting in January or February.
Arjoon is a big fan of citizen advisory committees – he has seen them work well in the five different municipalities where he has served as Clerk.
However, shortly before Arjoon arrived in Burlington a report from citizens on problems with the way the Advisory committees were created was debated at a City Standing Committee.
It was a lengthy report with perhaps too much data. It has one central point: that was set out in a Historical Note.
 It was a major piece of work for the citizens – didn’t get past the printing machine. Historical Note
This report and its recommendations represent the fourth occasion on which citizens have been asked to provide advice to council on Advisory Committee reform, beginning in 1997.
On each occasion, while the recommendations have differed since 1997, the initial conclusions were similar. Advisory committees far too often did not work as intended and were not properly integrated into the decision-making process.
Poor structure, poor terms of reference, misunderstandings, lack of relevant training, and selection methods open to influence all worked to undermine the role advisory committees should have in establishing citizen voices with appropriate input at the centre of City Hall.
We therefore encourage council to adopt our recommendations, recognizing the very longstanding need for change and the ongoing need for flexible, collaborative and insightful resident voices as trusted partners at City Hall and with staff and Council.
Until the issues set out in the Advisory Committee review Team are resolved Citizen Engagement will be less than robust.
 By Staff
November 18th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Port Nelson United Church had to cancel their Mirth and Music event; the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has had to close for the 28 days they are going to be in the Red zone of the provinces colour coded behaviour chart.
 Tammy Fox, Executive Director explains: “We’ve been forced to cancel all live performances while we are in this 28 day ‘red zone’.
“It’s disappointing, but fortunately we’ve been here before this time around we are much better prepared to cope.”
All isn’t lost for the Performing Arts people. The huge wreaths that go up each year in the windows will be up next week, the huge tree on the plaza area will go up and the Festival of Trees will take place – limited however to just ten sponsored trees.
They will be up on the 25th
“We will get through this!” said Fox.
Related news story:
Festival of the Trees
 By Staff
November 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Robert Missen announced yesterday that the November 21st Mirth and Music concert until has been postponed. Halton County is now under a red alert.
Missen, the man who put the show together and was going to perform as well, said “As soon as we can reschedule it we will do so, patrons will of course have first refusal for future tickets.
Related news story:
Mirth and Music to be heard at Port Nelson United Church
 By Staff
November 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We sometimes wonder how money moves around in this city.
Burlington is a very wealthy city with small pockets of poverty and people who struggle to meet their basic needs.
Rents are very high.
The plus side of wealth is the people that have it in Burlington are very good about sharing it.
The Burlington Foundation handles many of the endowments that families have created. The Foundation is good at spotting where needs are and going back to those who can donate and asking for funds.
One of the recent asks resulted in a Pandemic Response Fund that handed out the second phase of their planned program.
 Burlington Green was the recipient of one of the grants. They have used the funds they were given to put together a program: Nature Friendly Burlington initiative that will connect more of the community to local green space.
The Nature Friendly Burlington initiative will connect more of the community to stewardship opportunities and to a multitude of benefits nature experiences provide.
With the program structure in place the folks at Burlington Green want to hear from you
They want to know how you’ve been connecting with nature during COVID.
These are stressful time – there are more questions than answers on the minds of most people.
We are moving into a significant festive season – and it is going to be very different.
How do we cope- what supports are there out there for every demographic.
Burlington Green likes using a contest approach to draw responses from the community. There is a chance to win an eco-prize – you are automatically entered into a draw when you let them know how you’ve been connecting with nature during COVID.
Their core question is: For many of us, 2020 has been a difficult year. And many of us have turned to nature for solace, escape, refuge, and fun too! How have you enjoyed nature during COVID?
You get to the question and the opportunity to tell them what you do by CLICKING here.
 By Pepper Parr
November 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington is looking for community members to volunteer on a city committee or board and play a key role in providing advice and feedback to City Council and staff on a variety of city issues. Applications are now being accepted online at burlington.ca/committees until Friday, Nov 27.
 An Action Lab – one of the events that took place when the city was determining the role that Advisory Committees would play in bringing you new ideas to the table. Residents over 18 years of age, representing the diverse backgrounds of our community are encouraged to apply. Participating on a city committee provides a unique opportunity to:
• Lend your voice and expertise to help shape decisions and services that impact our community
• Expand your network and meet new people
• Gain a broader understanding of how municipal government works.
There have been Advisory Committees that have served the city very well in the past. The Heritage Advisory is one.
Attend a Virtual Information Session
A virtual information session to share more details about the openings and application process will be held on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Individuals who would like to attend can register in advance by emailing clerks@burlington.ca.
A recording of the Nov. 17 virtual information session will be posted to burlington.ca/committees following the event.
Kevin Arjoon, City Clerk who oversees the administration side of the Advisory Committees will tell you that: “Sitting on a local board or committee provides a unique opportunity to directly impact the future of our city. We are looking for volunteers who represent the diversity in our community to lend us their expertise and ideas to help make a difference in our community.”
Quick Facts
• The City of Burlington has more than 18 boards and committees that play a key role in providing advice and feedback to City Council and staff on a variety of issues, including heritage, accessibility, diversity and the environment.
Here is where the problem exists:
Many people who have served on Advisory Committees have come away disappointed and unsatisfied with what they were able to achieve. They didn’t feel that they were really listened to and that members of council play too big a role in how the Advisory Committee operates.
Many would like to see the Council members left outside the room. Many more feel that the members of Council play far to large a role in determining who sits on the Advisory Committees.
Until these issues are worked out – the problems of the past few years are not going to go away. Which is unfortunate because in events this reporter has taken part in there have been some very smart, dedicated people who want to see and are committed to citizen participation.
 By Staff
November 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is in the running of a significant award by the Ontario Association of Art Galleries
The Gender Conspiracy, ran from August 31st to December 31st 2019. The event, curated by Suzanne Carte, senior curator at the Art Gallery of Burlington
 Suzanne Carte, senior curator at the Art Gallery of Burlington AGB was listed as one of three in the Exhibition of the Year Budget under $20,000 category.
Hosted by the Ontario Association of Art Galleries, the annual OAAG/AOGA awards celebrates outstanding achievement, artistic merit, and excellence in arts institutions and professionals in the public art gallery sector.
The OAAG/AOGO Awards recognize new exhibitions, publications, programs and community engagements that have been produced and commissioned by Ontario’s public galleries.
 The event was something Burlington had never experienced before. It was very well attended. The Gender Conspiracy is an Open Letter to the Trans and Gender Diverse communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to express allyship in furthering the discourse on gender fluidity and identity, sexual orientation, same-sex relationships, and consent to promote the mental health and safety of all LGBTQI2S* communities.
The AGB is determined to be vigilant and visible in our support of LGBTQI2S people by placing critical conversations on gender diversity back into the public education sphere.
The exhibition hosted a significant public programming stream in collaboration with community partners; The Positive Space Network, EGALE Canada Human Rights Trust, JAYU Human Rights Film Festival, Burlington Public Library, McMaster University Department of Gender Studies and Feminist Research, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School Position Space (GSA), and Oakville Galleries.
 By Pepper Parr
November 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The guy who was tasked with running the 2020 Terry Fox Run felt he was in great shape at the beginning of the year.
Come the end of March he thought he was looking at a disaster.
But Craig Gardner pulled the rabbit out of the hat and raised more in the year of the pandemic than ever before.
He gave the Gazette a call and said he had an idea.
“Things are going to be slow around Christmas – there won’t be many places we can go and there might not be all that much for people to do?, he suggested
 Craig Garner delegating to city council. wants to give people a way to drive around the city to take in the Christmas decorations. “What do you think of the idea of encouraging people to put up imaginative Christmas decorations outside their homes and then create a map showing where the homes are so that people can drive by with the kids in the car and at least get a sense that there is still a Christmas?”
With the city now in a red zone and the possibility of a lock down facing us, Gardner may have come up with a good idea.
How to make it happen was our question.
“Won’t that result in dozens upon dozens of people showing up in the cars?” I asked.
“I don’t think so” said Craig. “ I think people will be out for a drive and will want to move from location to location.”
We thought the idea had merit – anything Craig Gardner takes on usually works out.
The plan is to create an email address that people can use to say “I’m in” and send us their address.
 St. Catharines, ON has parts of that city that go all out on decorating. The Gazette will put the address locations on a map and people can decide where they want to drive around. It was suggested that people who are long term care facilities would love to be driven around to see all the trees and decorations..
The map will be published in the Gazette.
Because we expect a significant number of locations the city broken out by ward. You click on your ward and you get a map with all the locations in that ward.
You can tour as many wards as you like. We felt there might be far too many locations to place on a city wide map.
Gardner will be posting the idea on the Burlington Together Facebook page as well as the Burlington Dad’s Facebook page.
Craig and I are getting ready to visit a large retailer with an idea and an interesting way to promote the event and serve the community as well.
We will let you know how that works out.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested and want to be part of the tours just send us an email to:
lights@bgzt.ca
Provide your street address and the ward you live in (if you happen to know it).
We hope to have the maps in place before the end of the week. Note that “hope” is underlined.
By Staff
November 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, the province announced Halton Region, including Burlington, will move into the Red (Control) Phase with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. This takes effect on Monday, Nov. 16 and will be in place for a minimum of 28-days.
City of Burlington facilities and recreation programming can remain open with new restrictions in addition to ones already in place. Recreation Services staff are contacting user groups, renters and individuals affected by these changes.
New restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, pools, etc.
• 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people. This includes Aquatic Fitness, recreational swimming and skating, lap swims, etc.
• Swimming lessons and indoor pickleball are cancelled
 A lot of no,no coming out of city hall. Expect more of this in the days and weeks ahead. • No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• All other program participants will receive targeted communication
These new restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
• For all team sport, indoor and outdoor game-play is no longer permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoor and 25 outdoor. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
• Limit duration of stay to 90 minutes
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
Existing restrictions that will remain for City facilities and recreation include:
• Physical distancing
• Mandatory face coverings
• Mandatory health pre-screening, pre-registration and online payment
Virtual programming, Active at Home is still available at burlington.ca/activeathome and offers a wide variety of activities.
Anyone with questions should follow-up with their sport provider or user group or you can call Recreation Services’ Customer service at 905-335-7738.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward added her position to the provincial announcement.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward “Today, the Province revised the thresholds for movement in its new COVID-19 Framework and moved Region of Halton into the Red (Control) level with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. The new level allows most businesses to remain open with additional protocols and restrictions.
I support this measure along with the new thresholds given the new and concerning modelling that was released this week. The Halton Mayors and Regional Chair had previously requested that any additional restrictions be based on transparent health indicators. The new data shows Halton meets the criteria for this change to a new level.
I continue to ask our residents to please follow the updated restrictions and guidelines from our Medical Officer of Health that include limiting social gatherings to household members, limiting outings to essential trips, and continuing to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.”
recommend everyone to check out the videos and stay active and safe.”
By Staff
November 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Fire pits in some of the public parks?
It was on the agenda and the city is taking a very serious look at them for the winter months
 A skin of mulled wine will make this a real winter event. Corporate Service, Strategy and Accountability Standing Committee Chair Rory Nisan suggested people invest in marshmallow companies – there will be a run on them if and when the fire pits are actually put in place.
The Parks and Recreation took a bunch of ideas and ran them by council – budget be damned – the Councillors liked what they heard and wanted more information.
The free skating time that was sponsored by Tim Hortons isn’t on this year. They advised the city back in March that they would not be sponsors this year.
The city is looking seriously at 17 free skate event and six Sticks and Pucks event without a sponsor.
The home grown hockey rinks are on again – the city will supply the wood and this year they will provide tarps as well.
They are also looking at some artificial ice making machines..
Council is determined to do everything they can to give people places to go outdoors and plenty of things to do.
By Staff
November 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Foundation today announced $82,500 in Phase 3 grants from their COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund. These new grant gifts will help charities rise to meet local challenges brought on by the global pandemic.
Previously, through Phases 1 and 2 granting, over $224,000 was awarded, with this announcement bringing the new funding total to over $307,000.
 To date, 39 grants have been made possible through the wonderful philanthropic giving of the Burlington community. The Foundation is grateful to several local donors as well as the following fundholders: The Paletta Family, Pioneer Energy, Randy & Denise Reeve Family Fund, Milne Family Foundation Fund, Pieczonka Family Foundation Fund, Dalton Timmis Group Fund, LKH Spirit Fund, BDO Burlington Community Fund, and the Ralph and Susan Sgro Family Fund.
“In this year of extraordinary adversity, we are humbled by the outpouring of financial gifts provided by community givers — everyday heroes who continue to rally together with us to deliver critical supports to our most vulnerable neighbours and charitable partners,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.
“Today, as we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, we pay special tribute to the contributions that philanthropy has, and will continue to make, in our community. The future is brighter because of the generosity of these selfless givers.”
Phase 3 grants have been provided to charities in the Arts, Heritage and Environment sectors who are experiencing unforeseen challenges as a result of this pandemic. Here are a few of the charities receiving support in Phase 3:
• $8,000 to Burlington New Millennium Orchestra to deliver virtual and live parking lot performances
for isolated seniors
• $9,000 to Joseph Brant Museum to deliver dynamic educational opportunities through an interactive Travelling Exhibition Program
• $7,000 to BurlingtonGreen to support new Nature Friendly Burlington online resources that strengthen connections between community well-being and nature
Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) received a $10,000 grant in Phase 1 to support important mental health work
To see the complete list of Phase 3 grants visit
 By Staff
November 12th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa and he will be in your neighbourhood.
 The traditional Santa parade route will not take place this year but Santa is going to be seen around the city. While the Santa Claus parade has been another COVID-19 fatality Parks and Recreation have gone above and beyond and come up with a really smart idea.
Santa will be cruising through the city for five different days.
He will be in different parts of the city using a fire truck to get around. The intention is to have Santa in each of the wards – five days – six wards? They’ll figure it out.
The Santa tour will take place between 11 am and 4 pm on five different days – Parks and Recreation isn’t saying which parts of the city and so far have not given out the dates.
They don’t want to see large congregations of people standing waiting for Santa to pass by.
But he will be there.
 By Pepper Parr
November 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 “Let’s just ban them completely” It was well into the meeting when Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman said he wanted to amend the motion that was on the floor related to the use of fireworks in the city.
“Let’s just ban them completely” he said.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward scurried to get a different message out – pleading with any media that might have tuned into the web cast to not say that the city was thinking of banning fireworks.
 With the survey response as split as it was the Mayor had to make sure that she wasn’t offside by too much. Little wonder that she took that position.
In a Staff report from the Fire department reference was made to a survey done by corporate communications that was said to be limited, we learned that fireworks was a big deal for a lot of people.
More than 50,000 people logged into the Get Involved portal to take part in a survey.
The City’s Corporate Communications and clerks, used the online engagement portal (Get Involved Burlington) to gauge public interest related to fireworks and more specifically around permitted discharge dates for family fireworks.
The poll options were:
 Gathered on the Promenade in Spencer Smith Park hundreds watch the display – and that’s the way the city wants to keep it. a. Victoria Day and Canada Day (currently permitted as per By-law 125-1992)
b. No family fireworks
c. Canada Day only, and
d. Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year and any other day for which a permit has been issued by the Fire Department.
It was clear early on, that the public’s interest level was high. The level of engagement exceeded staff expectations (over 50,000 visits to the site and approximately 46,000 votes).
• Victoria Day and Canada Day (904 votes or 2.0%)
• No family fireworks (23,838 votes or 52.5%)
• Canada Day only (109 votes or 0.2%), and
• Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year and any other day for which a permit has been issued by the FD (20,585 votes or 45.3%)
The poll indicated that individuals either enjoy fireworks and wouldn’t mind additional discharge dates (45.3%) or they disliked them and would prefer they weren’t allowed at all (52.5%). While the poll is not being used as a deciding factor for the recommendation provided, staff have a better understanding of the amount of interest around the subject of fireworks in the community.
The city had a hot one on its hands and none of the Councilors, with the exception of Paul Sharman, wanted to ruffle feathers.
They settled on permitting family fireworks on Canada Day and Victoria Day.
 Councillor Kearns pointed out that Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy and that Queen Victoria’s birthday should be recognized – she got her way. Councillor Kearns argued that Canada was a constitutional monarchy and that Victoria Day matters. The Good Queen got to remain on the list of occasions when you could set off fireworks in a family setting.
Staff had recommended that family fireworks only be allowed during Canada Day celebrations.
This Council didn’t have much in the way of an appetite for fireworks but they could read the data.
They did want to take a hard look at the sale of fireworks – the current bylaws allow them to ban the sale.
In addition, the Fire Chief is authorized to immediately grant exceptions to the discharge dates listed in the fireworks bylaw on a case-by-case basis, which was done specifically for the “festival of lights” (Diwali) on October 29, 2019.
The review of by-laws included the following:
• 125-1992 – Regulating the Sale and Use of Fireworks (Fire)
• 49-2008 – Nuisance and Noise Control (Building/By-law)
• 42-2008 – Business Licensing (Building/By-Law)
All that came out of the Standing Committee was a recommendation – it all goes to City Council on the 23rd.
By Pepper Parr
November 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The sun had yet to set but the dogs were barking loudly and whimpering from time to time.
Jan glanced out the window and called out to me to come quickly.
We stepped onto the back deck and watched the dogs jumping up and down and running back and forth.
There in the sky above and in front of them was this magnificent orange hot air balloon sailing by without making a sound.
 The dogs were going crazy – they had never seen anything like this before. I thought it was going to land and dashed inside to grab a bottle of wine and welcome them.
 It floated away – the wine was not enticement enough for them to land in our field. Then there was that sound when air is heated and the balloon began to rise.
Perhaps the wine we were offering wasn’t to their taste.
It sailed away.
What a great way to end a wonderful late summer day.
The dogs stopped barking – they sat there with their ears pricked up wondering what had happened.
 By Staff
November 6th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Local entertainment producer Robert Missen has teamed up with Trevor Copp and Valerie Tryon to put on a new multidisciplinary family attraction at Port Nelson United Church on November 21st.
 Trevor Copp miming to Saint-Saens’ delightful classic, Carnival of the Animals is not to be missed Mirth & Music is a one-hour celebration of music, poetry and mime featuring Trevor Copp, Burlington’s award-winning theatre and mime performer, playwright and producer, and the world-renowned concert pianist Valerie Tryon. The program will include a new version of French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ delightful classic, Carnival of the Animals. Trevor will impersonate the various animals that Saint-Saens’ has set to music, many of them very amusing.
This work has been staged by Robin Patterson, a Founding Member of Theatre Beyond Words, the acclaimed mime company which resided in Niagara on the Lake for many years. Robert Missen, a long-time Burlington resident and producer of the concert, will narrate the new verses that Trevor has created to introduce the various segments.
 Valerie Tryon will be at the keyboard while Copp animates. This work will be followed by a selection of classical piano works played by Miss Tryon, including music by Chopin, Ravel, Mozart and Bach. Hamilton-based Valerie Tryon has had a major international career as a concert pianist and chamber music player. She has performed frequently with both the Hamilton Philharmonic and Boris Brott Academy Orchestra, just to mention a couple of local presenters.
Mirth & Music will take place in the Sanctuary at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Drive at Spruce Avenue, at 7 pm on Saturday November 21, 2020. Tickets, which are limited to forty patrons, are free and are available through Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or by writing to rmissen@sympatico.ca.
This event is made possible through a generous grant from the City of Burlington through its Community Support Fund, a special initiative to support local community and cultural organizations during the pandemic.
 By Andrew Walker
November 5th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Casino games are becoming increasingly popular in Canada – especially during the corona-crisis. They promise pure excitement and entertainment. For this reason it is no wonder that there are numerous casino streamers on the World Wide Web. The Casino Streamer Guide explains and shows all important information about casino streaming.
After all, live casino streaming requires more than just a camera that is held on the screen or on the slot. Successful casino streaming means above all that it is about good entertainment. Successful casino streamers are ultimately real entertainers.
 A Guide explains and shows all important information about casino streaming. How Casino Streaming works
The idea of casino streaming is to broadcast your gaming activities live on the Internet. Which game is shown here depends on the respective streamer. Mainly slot games are played. But there are also some streamers, which stream roulette and blackjack.
Above all, however, the focus here is on the slot machines, because these games in particular are very fast and furious.
Table and card games are a bit different. Especially in Blackjack it is important to proceed with strategy and sophistication. For this reason, the losses are often pre-programmed when streaming at the same time. It is almost impossible to concentrate on your own game and at the same time entertain the audience on the Internet.
 Poker and Roulette – two very different games The casino streamers on the one hand show the image on the screen and on the other hand you can see them yourself while they explain the game. Of course, you can also experience the emotions live. The casino streamers are becoming more and more popular in Canada because the viewer can simply sit back and relax. Here it has tension, play, thrill and fun, and everything also only a cent to invest itself. This means that the casino streamers provide the perfect entertainment and you do not have to invest anything yourself.
Exciting events provide a lot of variety
It is certainly not boring to watch other players playing. Here the spectator is immediately seized by the game fever. Good casino streamers usually provide a lot of variety, for example via the “bonus hunt”. Here the slots are only played until the free play mode is reached. After that the streamer immediately changes the game. Then it tries to trigger the special rounds at another slot.
Later the free games are taken at all machines one after the other. Often this procedure results in huge winnings.
Especially in the free rounds the top profits are thrown out, that is well known. Often even additional bonus rounds are activated. This often results in an unbelievable winning run.
For the passive spectator this causes great enthusiasm.
Are there only live broadcasts of slot games?
As already mentioned, slots are predominant in the casino live streaming world. This is mainly because here profits and losses are very close together. How popular the online slots are, can also be seen in the views. Thousands of users follow the live streamings. The situation is different with the classics, where there is only a small fan community. Nevertheless, fans of roulette, poker or blackjack will also find a suitable streaming on YouTube or Twitch.
What equipment is necessary for live broadcasts?
For casino streamers the required equipment is not very special. What is needed here is the hardware, the PC. But it should already be a newer model. Above all, the PC should have a modern graphics card. Just as important is a fast Internet connection, otherwise it can come to breaks during the transfer.
Also the camera plays an important role, so that the casino streamer can interact with the audience. Casino streamers that are able to moderate a game with wit and good humor can be sure to soon have a large fan base.
These platforms are used for the casino streams
The number one in the World Wide Web in terms of streaming platforms is Twitch. This live streaming portal is specialized in video games. Twitch has been available since 2011. Over time, new features have been added. In the meantime it is possible to profit from the sales of the portal operator via the advertising. Twitch can be used without registration to try out the platform first. But if you want to stream yourself, you have to register first.
In order to benefit from the official affiliate program as a casino streamer at Twitch, there are a few requirements to be met:
● You must have a total of at least 500 broadcasted minutes in the last 30 days
● In addition, at least seven individual broadcast days in the last 30 days are required
● You must have an average of three simultaneous viewers or more in the last 30 days
● You must have at least 50 followers
By Staff
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Heather Rath. Ligonier Valley Writers began in 1986 as the Friends of Ligonier, who were searching for a way to enhance residents’ lives and generate income for local businesses. One of their first projects was a writers’ conference. It was so successful that the Friends became the Ligonier Valley Writers.
The Flash Fiction Contest began in 2005. Winning stories are performed at Halloween events, so the subjects are always scary. The first year called for ghost stories, the next year vampire stories, and later stories about everything from witches to dragons to haunted objects. Dozens of entries come in from all over the United States and Europe.
The first prize winner this year was Burlington resident Heather Rath.
This is the story she wrote.
I love reptiles.
My parents hate them.
They warned me—repeatedly—no snakes, frogs, or other reptiles in this house … ever!
If I brought one home, I’m sure my parents would kill me.
I’m allergic to fur. As a developing artist at 15, I need to study—and draw—real, live animals and people. Only it’s hard to find people to pose. They don’t like sitting or standing still for a long time.
Was hanging around a pet shop in our neighborhood. I spy this sign speaking directly to me: “Allergic to fur? We have the right pet for you!”
Donning my facemask against germs, I enter. Masked salesman quickly approaches. Toady- looking guy with a croaky throat. Waves me over to a small section of the shop by the fish.
Points out a large aquarium. Home to various scaly, creepy-looking creatures doing nothing much but hanging out on a hot rock.
Salamanders, bug-eyed red toads, fancy-bearded dragon, leopard gecko, veiled chameleon, Bahaman anole, Pacman frog, long-tailed lizard.
And then, this beauty. In an aquarium all by himself. Caught my eye with just the slightest move. A green iguana from some tropical forest.
Depending on where you looked, his green skin changed different shades. Awesome. You’d never find any magnificent creature like this in Ohio.
Fell in love immediately. Called him Drako. Stunning. With his long tail, he easily measured three feet. Flicked his tongue while I looked him over carefully.
“What’s he eat?” I ask the toady guy.
“He’s a vegetarian, kid. Likes to nibble on lettuce, grapes, even houseplant leaves … easy to feed him. Jist gotta watch he won’t escape. Fast like lightning.” He pauses. “Thinkin’ of getting’ him?”
“Ah, man, love to. Gotta check my finances first. Only have a part-time job at Food Basics.
Need an aquarium, too?”
“Yep. And them’s expensive, kid. Gotta get one large enough for the critter. And a hot rock, too. These fellas need heat. Specially here up north.”
I nod. “Expect to sell him fast?”
“Ya never know these days. What with this virus and all, people are doin’ strange things. We can’t keep puppies in stock. Gone as soon’s we get ‘em. But this here iguana? Somehow don’t think too many folks are lookin’ for this green guy. Can’t cuddle him. But he’s neat to watch.”
“And he’s beautiful,” I add. “Look at the different colours of green on his skin.” “Uh-huh,” says Toady-man. Not convinced, I can tell.
How much?”
“One hundred dollars. Plus his aquarium.”
“Look, man, I’ve been lookin’ all over for a pet like this. I can afford him. Take good care of him, too.”
“Ya want I should mark him sold?” “Uh-huh.” I nod.
Jog home. My two bros are on screens. Dad not home yet. Mom in kitchen. I’ll work on her first.
“Just found this neatest pet. A mini-dragon.”
No reaction. She’s watching the small countertop TV. Looking at ingredients for a Mexican recipe. Eating South of the Border for some reason lately.
“Hmmmm?” she says, pulling her head in my direction. Cigarette hangs out of her red lipstick mouth.
“Found a non-consequential pet for me. No trouble for you. He’s even vegetarian.” “Sounds good to me, Rory-kins. He big?” She turns back to the mini-TV.
“No. He fits in an aquarium, and I’ll clean it.” “Can’t be too big, then.”
“He’s not.”
“Uh-huh.” Still concentrating on the TV recipe.
I go through a similar conversation with my dad. When he comes home, he’s tired of wearing a mask all day, mixes a cocktail of some kind, sinks in a stupor into his favorite living room chair.
“What’s your mom say?” He squints through his glasses at his smartphone as he half listens to me.
“As long as I clean the aquarium, she says no problem.” “Okay, then. What is it? A fish?”
Just then his smartphone rings. I disappear.
Jog back to the pet shop. Tell Toadman. “Help me choose the right aquarium for him.”
That night I hop with excitement in my bedroom. Find a suitable place atop my desk and sit there thinking … wow! Tomorrow! Finally! A pet! Of my own choosing! Sooo excited.
Next day everyone’s busy doing whatever it is they do each day. No one’s paying attention to me. This time bike to the pet shop with my backpack and a carrier. Bike home again with the goods.
Haul the extra-large aquarium with the hot rock and the Drako container to my bedroom. Set up the tank. Plug in the hot rock. Close my bedroom door.
Carefully carry the Drako box to the tank. Coax him gently into the aquarium. Watch him flick his tongue. Explore.
Am ecstatic. He fascinates.
Sometime later, I decide to slowly remove the aquarium top. Touch his cool skin and marvel.
Like lightning, Drako leaps from the hot rock to the log in the aquarium to the top of the tank. He’s out!
I know he’s arboreal, so I look up.
Scan top of the curtained windows. He’s there! Thinks he’s hiding but his long tail hangs down. Already I love his personality.
He scurries along the wooden curtain rod. Sudden steps on the stairs. Panic!
Mom enters my room.
“Rory … what the hell?” she raises her voice. Sees the aquarium. Looks up. Sees Drako.
Screams.
Mom still screaming. Dad rushes in. “What the ….?”
Looks up. Spies Drako. Mouth opens wide. Grabs my baseball bat in the corner. Raises his arm and takes aim.
“No!” I yell.
He swings the bat with great force. Misses Drako. Hits me bull’s-eye on the head. More screaming.
Told you my parents would kill me.
Author Bio: An award-winning writer, Heather Rath edited a weekly newspaper and monthly business magazine before heading communications at a multinational company.
 By Staff
November 4th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton Aerial Group will be putting on free performance/parade this Friday in Spencer Smith Park at 6:30.
 All the performers are on stilts – dancing to Samba music They will light up their costumes and be led by a Samba band.
This is supported by The City of Burlington Community Fund. We just finished a show this past Saturday at Dundurn Park.
We will be dressed in costume and be on stilts.
They appeared in Hamilton ast week. Will dig out where in Spencer Smith Park they will perform
 By David Barker
November 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On October 14th, I attended via Zoom as a member a meeting of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee; a meeting that is open to the public and whose activities are published on the City’s website. One of the topics on the agenda for discussion pertained to the almost certain removal of a monument located in LaSalle Park which commemorates the first landing of a non-indigenous person (LaSalle) in this area.
A number of what I call “spoof” reasons were provided by staff to the committee to justify its removal. Here for your review is the written information provided by staff to the committee along with these three pictures.
 A plaque put in place in 1923 tells part of the story about how LaSalle Park got its name. The language used represents the time – someone apparently has a problem with the word “white man”. LaSalle Park Plaque Removal
• Heritage Burlington is advised that a plaque is to be removed from LaSalle Park.
• LaSalle Park is owned by the City of Hamilton and is operated by the City of Burlington. The plaque in question was erected in 1923 by the Wentworth Historical Society, when Aldershot was still in East Flamborough Township, several decades before Burlington assumed operational responsibility for the park.
 The provincial plaque tells more of the story. • The 1923 plaque does not add much value or significance to the park, namely as it does not provide much detail, and there is a provincial plaque in the parking lot near the North Shore Blvd East driveway entrance to the park. The provincial plaque is in a more prominent area, provides greater detail, and uses more inclusive language.
• Further, the 1923 plaque is in an inaccessible low-traffic area of the park. For accessibility reasons, this is not an area where Burlington staff would recommend putting any new plaque or interpretive display.
• Following formal contact with Hamilton, the City intends to proceed with the removal of this plaque. The plaque will be documented before it is removed
So you can see it looks to be pretty much a done deal.
The second plaque at LaSalle Park providing information about the park and its origins is at the entrance of North Shore Boulevard. That plaque in my view is awful in that a number of words are hyphenated due to poor layout of the text. You judge from the picture provided.
Tucked away at the end of the third bullet point given by staff is in my view the real reason for the plaque’s removal manifested in the words extolling the virtues of the plaque at the entrance specifically “and uses more inclusive language”. It seems the issue with the original plaque and monument has absolutely nothing to do with its location but has everything to do with the fact that it describes the Frenchman who set foot there as being a “white man”.
 Tough to find fault with the wording. Not “politically correct” by today’s skewered standards but certainly not offensive. Other than the fact that the plaque and monument was installed in 1923, almost one hundred years ago, when times were different and society was different, what on earth is wrong with referring to a Caucasian as a white man. I am a white man and proud of it. Just as black people are proud of being black (Black Lives Matter). It would seem the City has received a complaint (we were let to believe just one person complaining) suggesting the verbiage is non-inclusive. In my view, that is, as probably a white Anglo Saxon protestants from the UK might likely say, “a load of old cobblers!”.
This to me is an example of history cancellation. If you feel that way too, please let your councilor know how you feel.”
 David Barker, a retired insurance executive, is a member of the Heritage Advisory Board and a frequent commentator on public issues
By Staff
October 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Each year a Burlington high school is chosen as the collection point for the annual Gift of Giving Back (GGB).
 Students placing food in the bins during the annual Gift of Giving Back event One a specific day high school students from around the city drive up to the school with food that will get distributed to the food banks and organizations that take care of those who need help.
It’s an annual thing – they’ve been doing it for ten years.
But 2020 has not been kind to very many people.
The traditional format for the event has had to change.
 Jean Longfield keeping a secret Jean Longfield and her team have been working through some ideas and will talk to the citizens of the city early in December about how the GGB is going to do what they have been doing this years – collecting food.
Longfield has been pretty tight lipped about the plans. All we know is that the how part is going to be different.
This is the time of year that the City of Burlington raises the Gift of Giving Back flag at city hall to kick off a time of giving, teamwork and volunteering. The flag will still go up, of course.
Each year in the past, three gymnasiums at the chosen school are filled with metal bins that get put in place with a fork lift truck that takes them out the next day and puts them on transport trucks and taken to a distribution center where it is then distributed to the Food Bank, the Compassion Society, Food4Life, Salvation Army and the Women’s shelter.
What is equally impressive is the involvement of the students – they troop in with cases of juice, canned goods, toiletries – you name it – they bring it on.
 Kavanaugh putting up the totals. It is run in part as a competitive event with what the students bring in weighed and then tallied on a blackboard for all to see.
Many of the students who took part in the collection side of the event also make the time to work as volunteers in some of the food distribution organizations.
Due to COVID-19, some people having to self-quarantine for 14 days, needed support in getting food. The Food Bank was delivering food parcels to those who couldn’t leave the house.
Something is coming in early December and it will be a GIFT to the whole community.
 By Nicole Gaskin
October 28th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
As the world reverts to a kind of “normal”, many cities’ industries that were shut down for many long months have finally made a comeback. Burlington has officially welcomed its entertainment industry back, with facilities and establishments in the area, and those surrounding it, opening their doors to the gaming masses once again. Burlington has many opportunities for gamers who crave to have the in-person experience that they have been missing for so long, at some of the most prestigious casinos and venues that are located nearby.
 Facility is now open: operating 7 days a week, between the hours of 10 am to 2 am. – buffet is superb. The Elements Casino Mohawk is situated in Milton, Ontario, for those who don’t mind a short journey to experience the prestigious offer in store. As of the 19th of October, the facility has gone back to operating 7 days a week, between the hours of 10 am to 2 am.
The casino features more than 900 of the most popular slot titles such as Vegas riches and progressive jackpot machines.
For most gamers, the longing is not just for the gaming experience, but also the culinary wonders that they have been deprived of.
The Elements Casino Mohawk offers an all-you-can-eat buffet that boasts cuisine from all over the world, boutique restaurants, and shuttle service for those who reside within the Milton area.
The casino is still adhering to strict safety protocols but will be back to its usual operating hours for all to enjoy.
 Grand River casino is a short drive from Burlington. Elements Casino Grand River
The Elements Casino Grand River is a bit further from Burlington than Elements Casino Mohawk and is situated in Elora, Ontario, but is well worth the trip. Especially for players who enjoy slots machines in its various forms. This location boasts hundreds of slot machines that range from vintage-styled to cutting-edge offerings. The numerous slot machines can be found on a beautifully designed, and spacious, gaming floor. There are table games and other gaming options on offer from 10 am to 2 am, with the casino operating seven days a week.
The casino venue offers a range of dining options that are designed to satisfy almost every kind of palate, with refreshment and food services set to resume normal operations as well.
Delta Bingo and Gaming
The Delta Bingo and Gaming hall in Oakville is part of an expanding franchise that currently runs an impressive total of 20 Bingo and Gaming halls in Canada and America. Delta is one of the most trusted and reputable bingo hall brands in Canada today, having celebrated its 53rd anniversary this year. Delta is known for its frequent jackpots and promotions, which has made them the bingo brand of choice in North America. The facility features ample seating, tables, and space to ensure that the operators can adhere to safety protocols as Bingo-lovers make their way back to one of their land-based halls.
Other Forms of Entertainment in Burlington
While land-based casino gaming is a luxury that many people believed they would not be privy to for a very long time, there are those who would still prefer to stay indoors. For these players, there are many sites that highlight the best gaming sites to try from the safety of one’s home.
 Axe throwing has become a popular and safe sport. For those gamers who are interested in more of the traditional style gaming mediums such as arcade-style games, arcade locations in the Burlington area will join casinos and also be opening their doors this month. Other recreational entertainment and gaming operations such as Bubble Force Corp, Viking’s Landing, The PaintBall Nation, the Golfer’s Academy, and Bad Axe Throwing have begun to consider joining the likes of the gambling industry but this move is subject to governmental approvals, especially since these entertainment forms tend to be done in teams or within proximity to others.
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