Pond in Spencer Smith Park will open December 8th; tobogganing locations announced.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington is set for winter fun with the launch of its Neighbourhood Rink program, the opening of Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington and dedicated locations for tobogganing.

Neighbourhood Rinks
The Neighbourhood Rink program is back for a fourth year and encourages neighbours to come together to maintain a natural outdoor ice rink in their local park.

City staff will install boards for ice pads in various parks throughout Burlington that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. The rinks are open to the public and free to use. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact skating@burlington.ca. The deadline to apply for a rink is Dec. 31, 2018.

Skating rink Discovery LandingThe outdoor ice at Rotary Centennial Pond is scheduled to open on Saturday, Dec. 8, weather conditions permitting. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington, the pond hosts nearly 9,000 skaters each year. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free. On Christmas Eve, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then closed for Christmas Day.

Skating Lending Program
The city is asking residents to donate gently used skates they no longer need. These skate donations will be used for the lending program at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, which began in 2016. The skate lending program is available weekends and school holidays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate donations can be dropped off at city pools, arenas and community centres.

For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.

det

Sliding in Lowville park

Tobogganing
The city has designated six areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:

• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park.

Get outside and enjoy the many parks, outdoor spaces, play fields and recreational play experiences that support active living and a healthy lifestyle for all ages, abilities and cultures.

Return to the Front page

Centennial Pool - Service Disruption: will reopen Thursday at noon

notices100x100By Staff

December 5th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Due to a mechanical issue Centennial Pool is closed Wednesday, Dec. 5 and the morning of Thursday, Dec. 6. The following swims have been cancelled:

Wednesday, Dec. 5 2018
Water Running 10-11am
Aquafit 10am-11am
Adult 55 Plus Lap Swim 11am-Noon
Lap Swim Noon – 1:30pm

Thursday Dec. 6 2018
Lap Swim 6:00-9:00am
Water Running 9:00-11:00am
Swim Training 11:00- noon
Service will resume at 12 noon on Thursday.

centennial pool - inside

Return to the Front page

City has to decide by January 17th if cannabis retail stores are to be permitted in Burlington.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

December 4th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City hall is asking residents to share their thoughts about whether bricks and mortar stores selling cannabis should be allowed to operate in the city.

Cannabis Yes or No graphicThe provincial government has given municipalities in Ontario a one-time offer to opt out of having cannabis stores in their communities. The deadline to make this decision is Jan. 22, 2019.

A number of municipalities have already said they will not permit these retail locations in their communities: Richmond Hill and Markham are examples.

To help gather the community’s input, a town hall, hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at Burlington Performing Arts Centre from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The city has also launched an online survey at www.getinvolvedburlington.ca, open to Burlington residents until Thursday, December 13.

CLICK on  to register and take the survey about cannabis retail stores in Burlington.

Being sworn in

Mayor Meed Ward said during an exclusive interview with the Gazette that she was taken by surprise by some of the views she heard about cannabis retail outlets.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “I support opting in to stores to give residents access to this product, eliminate the black market, and receive some government funding to assist with enforcement. However, there are many factors to consider before making any decision and I recognize there are a variety of views in the community. We want you to bring your questions, concerns, and opinions on this issue for an informative, interactive discussion.”

There are several new council members who have said they do not think the city should permit retail locations.  Ward 4 Council member Shawna Stolte has said she does not approve but added that she wanted to hear what others had to say.

Mary Lou Tanner, Deputy City Manager said Burlington City Council will consider a report on December 17, and vote on whether to opt in or opt out of hosting retail cannabis stores in Burlington. Ahead of that decision, the city wants to hear what residents have to say about locating cannabis retail stores in our city. We want to provide Council with as much information as possible in making their decision.”

Quick Facts
• On Oct. 17, 2018, recreational cannabis was legalized by the federal government of Canada.
• Currently, in Ontario, the only place to legally purchase cannabis is online from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).
• By April 2019, it is anticipated that brick and mortar, privately-operated retail cannabis stores will be operational across the province.
• Under the provincial regulations that guide the startup of private cannabis stores, retail locations can:
• be open between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• be located at least 150 metres away from schools
• operate in any commercial or retail areas in the city with no maximum on the number of stores permitted within a municipality.
• Municipalities that opt in to allow retail stores will not have the option to opt out later and will receive funding to assist with the legalization of cannabis.
• Municipalities that choose to not allow retails stores may opt in later but will not be eligible for funding.

Return to the Front page

City clarifies policy on equipment used in exercise classes - some seniors claim that isn't what they are hearing.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

December 3rd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Last week the Gazette published a story about changes some seniors called us about with the exercise classes at the Senior’s Centre. There is a link to the news story at the bottom of the page.

The city sent the Gazette a response – statement this morning setting out their position. That response – statement is set out below:

Rob Axiak

Rob Axiak, Manager of Recreation Services.

“My name is Rob Axiak and I am the Manager of Recreation Services for the City. I would first like to apologize for any misinformation that may be out there that has resulted in this article and subsequent commentary. We are looking to send out more accurate information regarding personal equipment for fitness classes over the next two weeks.

Prior to information going, please rest assure that equipment will always be provided by the city for our fitness programs. It was never our intention to remove equipment and to force individuals to bring their own. Some who currently participate had expressed an interest in bringing their own equipment to programs for a variety of personal reasons. We fully support this and encourage anyone who would prefer to bring their own equipment to please feel welcome in doing so.

For those who prefer to have the convenience of using city issued equipment readily available onsite, well that is perfectly acceptable too!

Our goal is to remove any barriers to participation and provide individuals with options based on your own personal preference. Hope that clarifies and thank you for your ongoing interest and participation!”

A source the Gazette takes as reliable, who has asked not to be identified, said when she read the news story she went to the Customer Service desk at the Seniors’ Centre and asked what the policy was and was told that “this is what is going to happen”.

Our source asked the customer service to confirm that information with staff in the offices behind the Customer Service counter. “It took a while but the Customer service person did return and said the policy will be going into effect in the Spring and that people will have to bring their own equipment.”

Axiak appears to be saying that people participating in the exercise classes can bring their own equipment if they wish and that equipment will still be available at no cost to those people taking classes.

Our source said “this is how the Parks and Recreation people operate. Rather than make a clear statement that they publish, they float a trial balloon and wait to see what there is in the way of reaction. If there is no negative feedback it becomes policy.

“Staff don’t take responsibility for the mistakes they make.”

The city has either shifted their position or people taking the exercises did not fully understand the city’s position. Classes were informed by people delivering the exercise classes. Those people are not full time city employees involved in setting policy – they are contract people delivering a service.

Link to the original news story:

Return to the Front page

Candlelight Stroll through downtown Burlington kicks off thee festive season.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 1st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s a weather dependent event.

When it rains – even a light drizzle the crowds are smaller.

When it snows the mood in Civic Square is different.

When the weather is what we got Friday evening the annual Candlelight Stroll is a total delight.

Burger line up

The line up for the free burgers ran along Brant street up to the Cenotaph.

The lineup for the free burgers stretch from outside the door to city hall around to the Cenotaph further up Brant Street.

This year we had two Mayors on the podium – Mayor Goldring doing his last formal act as the outgoing Mayor and Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor Elect, talking to the audience that packed the Civic Square with the confidence and energy that got her to where she is today.

Strollers with children were all over the place while the older kids were scooting about with small fixtures that glowed in the dark attached to their coats.

Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association, organizer of the event, was buzzing about checking in with people grateful that the weather worked.

Candles for the stroll

Candles to light the way and add a sense of occasion to the evening.

Candles were available to the Strollers to light the way and add a sense of occasion to the evening.

The Stroll had six stations along a route that started at city hall, along James Street, a place that in five years will have two 24 storey towers on either side of the James Brant intersection- continues to Elizabeth for a stop at Village Square where Victorian Carollers performed – then on to the Pearl and Pine Retirement Home where the Poacher Ukulele Band performed then down to Lakeshore Coffee House where the Glad Tidings Kids Choir perfumed.

Town crier

Town Crier Dave Vollick poses for pictures.

Then across Brant street to the entrance to the Park – in five years will we see a new Waterfront Hotel soaring 30 storeys in to the sky and shuffled to the eat allowing for a wider open space to the park?. Hot Maple Taffy and Carols by the St. John Elementary Catholic School.

The Stroll ended at the Gazebo where the Burlington Concert band performed and people munched on popcorn provided by Cogeco.

An evening that was enjoyed by the hundreds that took part.

People also got a chance to have their picture taken with the city’s Town crier.

Return to the Front page

Lights of the season glow in Spencer Smith Park - make sure the kids get to see this.

News 100 redBy Staff

December 1st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s an annual thing.

Naval monument

Drummer beside the Naval monument

Better than looking in the window at Eaton’s – they don’t have that anymore do they?

Spencer Smith Park has something in the order of 50- maybe sixty different holiday season designs done in colourful lights.

Looking at the park with all those light and watching a young person – say four or five years of age give that Wow! look that only a child can give.

The event is sponsored by Burlington Hydro; the work is done by a crew of volunteers with lots of input from Hydro staff.

There is no formal throwing of a light switch. One day they are just on. Early evening is the nicest time to see them. As dusk moves in the lights contrast with the sky that darkens.

Guarding the pier SSP Xmas lights 2018

Sea horses guarding walkway to the Pier

What you also get to see are the hundreds of geese walking around in the dark rummaging for food.

It is a pure delight to see how that park gets transformed; something every child in the city should have a chance to see.

There are now a handful of coffee shops that are serving hot chocolate – nice way to end an evening before the kids get taken home and tucked into bed.

Soldiers along lakeshore

Grenadiers guarding Spencer Smith Park

Return to the Front page

A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS at the Performing Arts Centre

eventspink 100x100By Staff

November 29th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Lightwire Theatre is going to give the city a ‘A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS’ at the Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, December 5 at 7pm.

Electric Christmas courtesy of BPACSince bursting to national acclaim after appearing as semi-finalists on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and winning the top honors on TRU TV’s ‘Fake Off’, Lightwire Theater has gone on to enthrall audiences worldwide with their unique combination of skill and grace as told through the technological innovations of moving light characters.

People of all ages will be captivated by the dazzling visuals and unique menagerie of characters that magically appear out of the darkness. Combining the arts of puppetry, theater and dance with the music of timeless holiday hits, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope creates a truly one-of-a-kind, inspired and exhilarating holiday experience that will be a treasured memory for years to come.

The BPAC Presents Holiday series includes: John McDermott Christmas with special guests DALA, National Ballet Theatre of Odessa’s The Nutcracker, A Next Generation Leahy Christmas, and The Andy Kim Christmas Show. The Holiday Series presented by BPAC is generously sponsored by Cogeco.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is also hosting the Festival of Trees from November 22 – December 20. Each Christmas tree is sponsored and decorated by a local business or organization within the community. Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores, kindly donates all of the Christmas trees.

Patrons and visitors to BPAC will have the opportunity to take one of these stunning trees home by purchasing raffle tickets. Winners of the Festival of Trees will be drawn at The Andy Kim Christmas Show on December 20.

Lightwire Theater – A Very Electric Christmas
Wednesday, December 5 at 7pm in the Main Theatre
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Tickets can be purchased by telephone, online or in person:
905-681-6000, www.burlingtonpac.ca
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario

Return to the Front page

Seniors taking exercise classes upset over program changes that will require people to provide their own equipment.

News 100 blueBy Staff

November 29th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

The city has asked that we publish a statement they have made related to this news story.  That response can be found HERE. 

The city Parks and Recreation department runs a number of programs for the seniors in the city.
Some are exercise related and the some people taking part in those classes, for which they pay a fee, are not happy.

One Exercising Class was told that they would have to provide their own equipment – for health reason.

The equipment includes yoga mats, stretching bands and exercise balls.

resistence bands

Sitting on exercise balls and working with resistance bands is part of most classes – transporting that exercise ball seems unfair the class participants.

Yoga mats and the resistance stretching bands are not much of a problem but the Aldershot resident who talked to the Gazette wondered how a senior was going to use public transit with an exercise ball on her lap.

What also bothered the people in the exercise class was that the message was delivered by the class instructor and not a member of the Seniors’ Centre staff. The change is to be effective with the Spring classes which begin in April of next year.

“Many of the people in the class are on fixed incomes: said our source. “They were shocked and perturbed and couldn’t understand the health reasons.”

The group is getting ready to put together a petition asking that the new plan not be put in place.

Comments from people who were uncomfortable providing their names centered around policy changes without any input from the program participants.

Seniors Centre

The Gazette sat in on a meeting where seniors were asked to comment on the programs that were being offered at the Senior’s Centre on New Street. Few words were spoken because there were a number of staff in the room and participants didn’t feel free to speak their minds. That seemed to be a policy approach at the Centre that wasn’t appreciated.

Return to the Front page

December Glass Show & Sale Reception taking place on Plains Road December 1st.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 27th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Annual AGOG December Glass Show & Sale Reception is happening this Saturday December 1st.

Visit the studio, meet the artists, have some snacks and enjoy an afternoon of Glassing!

Five talented glass artists in two studios at 654 & 652 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington, Ontario L7T 1J2

Siobhn glass rabit

A piece of work by John Highley will be on display

John Highley / Mosiac Glass
Siobhan Lynch / Copper Foil
Joe Speck / Fused Glass
John Martin / Painted Glass
Teresa Seaton / Copper Foil

Return to the Front page

Lowville Festival Benefit Concert December 1st.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 26th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Lowville Festival, the festival of all the arts for the artist in all of us, is presenting a special fundraising concert on Saturday December 1st, 2018. Lowville Lit Up will feature a broad range of performers from Burlington and environs, all of whom will be donating their efforts in support of the Festival.

Andy Griffith

Burlington folk singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths

Featured artists include legendary Hamilton singer, Jude Johnson, who was born in Burlington; young Burlington country singer-songwriter Hayley Verrall; Kate Madden, a recent graduate of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre Program in Oakville; Toronto baritone Lawrence Cotton, who was featured in last summer’s Truth and Illusion; Burlington folk singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths; Burlington musical theatre performer Paul Mark, who has appeared on Broadway; and pianist Michael Mulrooney, a veteran of numerous theatrical productions across Canada, who is currently Music Director at Tansley United Church.

Eric Trask and Loretta Bailey

Eric Trask with his wife Loretta Bailey doing a practice script reading.

Lowville performers appearing in the concert include actor Eric Trask, who has appeared in presentations at a couple of past Lowville Festivals, including A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Eric will be doing a reading from a story by the late great Canadian storyteller Stuart McLean. The Major 7th Band, comprised of musicians from Lowville and environs, who have also been featured in Festival performances, will bring their unique mix of Celtic and folk songs to the evening.

Rob Missen and Loretta Bailey

Robert Missen and Lorretta Bailey, Founding Co-Artistic Directors of the Lowville Festival.

Robert Missen and Lorretta Bailey, Founding Co-Artistic Directors of the Lowville Festival, will serve as Hosts. The concert will conclude with a number of popular singalong carols.

The concert takes place at St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, 7051 Guelph Line, north of Derry Road, at 7:30 pm on Saturday December 1st, 2018. Tickets for the concert are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and available at Different Drummer Books and by phone at 289 337 9520

LOWVILLE LIT UP
A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE LOWVILLE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY DECEMBER 1ST, 2018
7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S ANGLICAN HALL
7051 GUELPH LINE, LOWVILLE
TICKETS $25 in advance/$30 at the door
AVAILABLE AT DIFFERENT DRUMMER BOOKS AND AT 289 337 9520

For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca .

Return to the Front page

RBG Rock Garden transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season: Winter Lights at the Rock.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 25th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden has been transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season, with Winter Lights at the Rock, an evening holiday experience (6pm to 9pm) taking place Thursday to Sunday from November 17 to December 30.

Looking into the bowlAs part of the Holiday Tradition, RBG’s annual holiday celebration, Winter Lights at the Rock leads visitors through a 1-kilometre trail of festive lights and Christmas melodies and includes admission to the Escarpment Train Exhibit. This unique holiday experience provides visitors with a special evening to capture those perfect holiday memories in the beauty of the picturesque Rock Garden.

Winter garden treesHighlights include nightly entertainment around the fire pit and a rotating menu of small snacks and warm drinks, including warm Bavarian pretzels, Belgian sugar waffles, cookies, hot chocolate and festive adult beverages. Select dates will feature local food trucks serving up popular street foods and snacks.

The Escarpment Train Exhibit is a “G scale” model train experience that depicts four seasons of whimsical Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. The exhibit illustrates three eras of locomotion history including the steam engines of the late 1800s, the streamliners of the 1930s and the powerful modern diesels of the 1960s up to present day.

Tickets:

Regular Admission (online) $10
Member Admission (online) $9
Regular Admission (at the door) $15
Infant (age 0-2) FREE

Entertainment

Stick around and enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with entertainment in the beautifully lit Rock Garden throughout the evening.

November 17, December 1, 2, 8, 15, 16
Tanisha Boyd

November 22, 23, 25, 29
Michael Maguire

High five quartet

High Five Quartet

November 30
High Five Quartet

December 6, 13, 20
Lavish Quartet

December 9, 27, 28, 29, 30
Claudia Gennaccaro (duets with Caitlin Collingwood)

Throughout the Event
MollyCake Bakery Gingerbread Village

Food and Drink

Grab some festive sips and bites to enjoy as you wander the garden! The team at the Rock Garden Café will be serving a rotating menu of small snacks and warm drinks available for purchase.

Select dates will also feature local food trucks with warm snacks and meals for purchase:

November 17, 18, 25, December 9, 15, 21
Get Your Own Taters

November 22 and 23
Aegean Honey Balls

November 30, December 1, 2, 8
Spring Loaded

Choco churros

Chocco Churros

November 29, December 20
Chocco Churros

December 13, 16
Beaver Tails

December 22, 23, 27, 28, 29
Curbside Dogs

Winter Lights at the Rock is sponsored by Colliers Project Leaders.

Return to the Front page

You need a ticket to attend the new council inauguration on December 3rd.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

November 23rd, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you didn’t know it before – you know now.

You cannot get in to the Main Stage Theatre at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) on December 3rd to witness the Inauguration of the new city council without a ticket.

You get a ticket at the Performing Arts Centre Box office or by going on line.

The tickets were available on line at noon today.

Ticket Screen Shot 2018-11-23 at 1.23.36 PM ticket

Without a ticket like this you will not get in to witness the Inauguration of the new city council

Someone somewhere didn’t realize that the Performing Arts Centre was holding a Black Friday ticket Sale with good discounts.

No word yet if there were line up issues.

Going on line for tickets is very easy for regular theatre goers who have a BPAC account.

If you don’t have an account you have to create one on-line and then order your ticket.

The one good piece of news is that the tickets are free.

The Main Theatre has a capacity of about 720.

What happens if more than 720 citizens want to witness this Burlington history changing event?

burlington-performing-arts-centre-hall-03-leed-gold@2x

Without a ticket – you won’t get one of these seats. The tickets are free.

There will be a reception in the Family Hall after the swearing in. Some food, provided by local caterers, will be available and the bar will be open for adult beverages.

There doesn’t appear to be a limit on the number of tickets you can order – someone might choose to get 50 and scalp the ones they don’t need.

Return to the Front page

Festival of Trees at BPAC will support local theatre productions.

artsblue 100x100By Staff

November 20th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Performing Arts Centre is a place where performances take place – it is not a production theatre – the don’t create and produce plays or dance events except on rare occasions when they partner with a local group that has produced a play that they want to put on stage.

Part of the mandate of the Performing Arts Centre is to encourage small local, sometimes experimental groups to bring their productions to the theatre.

Festival of Trees courtesy of BPAC

Twenty five six foot artificial Christmas trees will be raffled off to raise funds for local performance groups.

The problem is someone has to pay for the space that is used – the local groups seldom have the funds – and space at the theatre is not cheap. Many groups take a pass on the chance to use the Community Studio Theatre.

ACCOB – Arts and Cultural Council of Burlington found a way to work with the Performing Arts Centre to raise funds that would be dedicated to paying for space rentals.

They came up with the idea of Festival of Trees – these are artificial trees that are decorated and set out in the Family Lobby.

This year there will be 25 artificial trees each six feet tall. They were donated by Canadian Tire – Burlington stores and will be raffled off about a week before Christmas.

Each of the trees is sponsored by a local organization as well.

Raffle Tickets can be purchased in person in the BPAC Family Lobby: 1 ticket for $2, 3 tickets for $5, 7 tickets for $10

The raffle ticket proceeds and the tree sponsorship money goes to ACCOB.  Last year the initiative was able to raise $3000 that paid for dour days of Community Studio space.

The Performing Arts Centre will be open daily from 12pm to 4pm, and prior to evening performances, throughout the Festival, with extended hours based on Lobby activity.

LightsUp theatre

The LightsUp production of Run for your Wife one of the local productions that benefited from the 2017 Festival of Trees fund raiser..

ACCOB decides who will be given the space for a production. ACCOB members have an opportunity to submit their ideas.

The 2018 recipients were Lights Up! Theatre; Koogle Theatre and Andrea Battista.

For those who want to see innovate, ground breaking theatre and dance in the city, find a way to spend some time in the Performing Arts Centre Family Room and buy a handful of raffle tickets.

Buffy St. Marie, and all the other headliners are good for those looking for entertainment. Bringing in a Russian dance group for a production of the Nutcracker Suite is also part of what a Performing Theatre should be doing.

Fay - hands out

BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox

Now that BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox has found her footing she can now perhaps get more innovative. She is known to be trying to put something together with the Sound of Music people.

Something that might get taken up by the new city council that will be sworn in early in December – at the Performing Arts Centre (will this count as local entertainment?) is – how can more in the way of funds be funneled into local original works.

Return to the Front page

A juried craft show for the discriminating buyer - entertainment and loot bags as well.

eventsorange 100x100By Pepper Parr

November 20th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When we are told that an event is being curated we usually think of an art or craft exhibit; a situation when experts have reviewed and determined what will be in the exhibit.

A curated shopping event is something new. Stephanie Finn thinks curating shopping events is the kind of thing that is efficient and smart – a good business opportunity as well.

Burlington MADEBurlington MADE is the corporate name – the focus is on craft items made by Burlington artisans.
Finn looks for items that will interest a demographic she has focused on; younger people who has better than average disposable income and

Stephanie Finn

Stephanie Finn

Stephanie is a marketer.

She identifies market niches and develops them into events and then looks for artisans that have product that she thinks will attract her market.

She then finds a location that is several cuts above a church basement and has free parking.
Her next event will be at the Ron Joyce Centre at the McMaster University School of business on the South Service Road.

Saturday, November 24th – 10am to 4pm

Meet 55+ of the best local makers.

Enjoy live music and gourmet food and drinks.

Burlington MADE products

Perogies and toques – about as Canadian as you are going to get.

VIP Tickets are now on sale! Your VIP Pass grants you access to an express check-in lane anytime during the market (especially valuable in the morning!). It also comes with a coffee, tea or hot chocolate at the show, a sweet treat, and a keepsake tote bag filled with surprise goodies and exclusive deals from our artisans and favourite local businesses. Get one before they’re gone!

There is a $5 entrance fee.

The items will have been juried by a group of three people. Stephanie said she has “thousands” of applications from people who want to be part of the Burlington MADE event.

It’s worth taking a look at – she attracts a younger, discriminating crowd.

Return to the Front page

Christmas concert at Compass Point Bible Church this Saturday.

eventsred 100x100By Staff

November 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra conducted by maestro Charles Cozens, is performing at Compass Point Bible Church, 1500 Kerns Road, on  Saturday, November 24th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Compass Point Bible ChurchTickets are $49 Premium, $39 Adult and $22 Youth 18 and under.
Available through our website or call 416.616.1098

https://www.burlingtonnewmillenniumorchestra.com

The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO) is a professional orchestra comprised of highly respected musicians and talented soloists whose performances are comparable to those of the Canadian Opera Company, the Metropolitan Opera and other leading orchestras.

Charles Cozens: arranger, composer and orchestrator
Charles Cozens is the driving force of the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra a contemporary chamber orchestra specializing in a broad based non-classical repertoire. Highly acclaimed as an arranger, composer and orchestrator he is best known for his compelling symphony shows, featuring arrangements for full orchestra performed by artists that include Sir Elton John, Randy Bachman, The Nylons, Mark Masri and more. He is also an accomplished orchestral and theatrical conductor, pianist, accordionist, and CD producer.

Family Holiday Concert
The evening also includes celebrated guests Lindsay Barrett, Soprano; Peter Barrett, Baritone; Internationally acclaimed Hamilton Children’s Choir and Simone Caruso, Soprano plus a special appearance from Santa Claus!

Lindsay Barrett – Soprano
Lindsay Barrett attended the University of Toronto’s Opera School receiving the Tecumseh Sherman Rogers Graduating Scholarship. Her credits include performances with Off Centre Music; Saskatoon Opera; Highlands Opera Studio; and U of T Orchestra. Lindsay is currently an artist with the Canadian Opera Company.

Peter Barrett – Baritone
Recipient of the Ian Rosenblatt Bursary at the Wexford Festival in Ireland and a top prize winner in the Montreal International Music Competition, baritone Peter Barrett is one of Canada’s most important new faces on the opera and concert stage.

Peter Barrett has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Newfoundland Symphony, Brooklyn Academy, Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Opera, Opera Hamilton, Newfoundland Symphony and Vancouver Opera.

Hamilton Children’s Choir
Hamilton Children’s Choir, enjoys its reputation for being one of the leading children’s choral programs in the world. Going far beyond technical excellence, the choir lead by Music Director, Zimfira Poloz, consistently dazzles audiences with its focused sound, brilliant repertoire, and captivating stage presence.

Celebrating over 40 years of choral singing, the Hamilton Children’s Choir has grown to include six choral groups and approximately 200 young singers aged 3 to 18. The HCC’s Ilumini choir has shared the stage with world renowned international artists, including Celine Dion at the 1999 Juno Awards and more recently, internationally acclaimed a capella group, Rajaton.

In addition, HCC is an active part of the thriving local arts community, performing with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Bach Elgar Choir, the Toronto Northern Lights, TorQ, Chorus Niagara, Young Voices Toronto and the Canadian Male Orpheus Male Choir.

The HCC has also performed at the Choirs & Organ Concert at Roy Thomson Hall, enjoyed special performances at the Haida Celebration, Ontario Sings, and at Hamilton TiCats games.

Simone Caruso
Simone Caruso, started singing, dancing and playing piano at the age of nine. She then went on to achieve all her Royal Conservatory of Music certifications, performed for five years with the Hamilton Children’s Choir, beat out more than 130 competitors for a spot at the 2009 Canadian Youth Talent Competition and become a finalist for Hamilton Teen Idol.

In 2017, Simone Caruso launched her debut album. Described as a “classical crossover,” Only Love is a mix of both original and previously recorded songs, compiled with the assistance of Juno nominated arranger/composer Charles T. Cozens.

BNMO_LogoPurpleBNMODon’t Miss this amazing concert!
The concert is at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24th, 2018 at Compass Point Bible Church, 1500 Kerns Road, Burlington, Ontario L7P 3A7.

 

Tickets are $49 Premium, $39 Adult and $22 Youth 18 and under.
Available through our website or call 416.616.1098
BurlingtonNewMilleniumOrchestra.com

BURLINGTON NEW MILLENNIUM ORCHESTRA
Burlington New Millennium Orchestra present unique concerts featuring talented professional performing artists from the local, national and international arts communities. BNMO present a fusion of cutting-edge digital music technology integrated with traditional instrumentation that redefines the concert going experience.

Return to the Front page

Royal Botanical offers a full schedule of events - a Brunch with Santa is different.

News 100 redBy Staff

November 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Holiday magic returns Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) with Holiday Traditions, RBG’s annual seasonal celebration, entertaining visitors from Saturday, November 17th to January 6th.

North Pole adventures at Hendrie Park include Visits with Santa (drop-in, Wednesdays, November 21 to December 19, Fridays November 23 and December 7), and Santa’s Signature Experience (November 17 to December 23), a separately ticketed event including an hour of programming, and a return trip on the RBG Express train experience.

Train display RBG

Escarpment Train Exhibit takes place in the old Tea House at the Rock Garden.

At the picturesque David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, Winter Lights at the Rock leads visitors through a winter wonderland with thousands of festive lights, Christmas melodies, food and drink around the firepit and the Escarpment Train Exhibit. This unique holiday experience provides a special evening to capture those perfect holiday memories.

Holiday Traditions is also home to three train experiences. In addition to the RBG Express ride-on train, Canada’s largest botanical train show at RBG Centre features numerous Canadian landmarks constructed from over seven tons of cedar slabs, 3,000 pounds of rock and 250 feet of track, and nestled amongst hundreds of live plants.

The Escarpment Train Exhibit at Rock Garden is the newest locomotive attraction, a “G scale” model set that illustrates three eras of locomotion history. The Escarpment Train Exhibit is available as part of general admission on weekends, or as part of Winter Lights at the Rock.

Weekends are filled with seasonal activities, children’s entertainment and local school and adult choirs. Special events include two evenings of Fest of Ales, a unique celebration of craft beer (December 6 and 7), Brunch with Santa (December 8, 9 and 16), and evening entertainment as part of Winter Lights at the Rock. Winter Lights at the Rock is sponsored by Colliers Project Leaders.

 

Winter Lights at the Rock
Thursdays to Sundays*, November 17 to December 30 (*some date restrictions apply)
6 to 9 p.m.; Rock Garden
Tickets required: rbg.ca/winterlights

Botanical Train Display
November 17 to January 6
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; RBG Centre
Included in general admission or membership. rbg.ca/trains

Escarpment train

Escarpment Train Exhibit

Escarpment Train Exhibit
Weekends, November 17 to December 24
10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Rock Garden
Included in general admission or membership. rbg.ca/trains

Entertainment: Cartoon Bob
Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; RBG Centre
Included in general admission or membership.
See weekend entertainment schedule at rbg.ca/holiday-entertainment

Storytime
Saturday and Sunday
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; RBG Centre
Included in general admission or membership.
See weekend activity schedule at rbg.ca/holiday-activities

RBG winter walk

Winter Walks

Winter Walks
Saturday and Sunday
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Hendrie Park
Included in general admission or membership.

Train Scavenger Hunts / Activity Book
Daily
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; RBG Centre
Included in general admission or membership.

Return to the Front page

Performing Arts shifts into the Festive season with a display of 25 Christmas trees - all to be raffled.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

November 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Festival of Trees is going to light up the Family Lobby of the Performing Arts Centre from November 22 through to December 20

The lobby will be lit up with a colourful and festive display of trees that is sure to spark some yuletide enthusiasm in anyone that visits. This is the 2nd Annual joint community fundraising initiative by The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) and the Arts & Culture Council of Burlington (ACCOB).

Festival of Trees courtesy of BPAC

The twenty five – 6-foot, pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are all generously donated by Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores.

Raffle Tickets can be purchased in person in the BPAC Family Lobby: 1 ticket for $2, 3 tickets for $5, 7 tickets for $10

Each Christmas Tree is sponsored and decorated by a local business or organization within the Burlington community. Patrons and visitors to BPAC will have the opportunity to take one of these trees home by purchasing raffle tickets for the Festival of Trees draw.

andy-kim-xmas

An Andy Kim Christmas December 20th.

 

All trees will be raffled off and winners announced during intermission on Thursday, December 20 at The Andy Kim Christmas show. Proceeds benefit the BPAC/ACCOB Community Studio Theatre Initiative, which provides greater access to BPAC for local community performing arts organizations. The proceeds will be used to cover the base rent of the Community Studio Theatre at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for 4 days in 2019.

Stop by BPAC to take a stroll through the Festival of Trees and light up your holidays. There will be feature surprise performances and fun activities for the whole family.

The Performing Arts Centre will be open daily from 12pm to 4pm, and prior to evening performances, throughout the Festival, with extended hours based on Lobby activity.

BPAC and the Arts & Culture Council of Burlington extend their sincere appreciation and special thanks to Canadian Tire – Burlington Stores for their generous donation of all of the Christmas Trees in the Festival and to the following community businesses and organizations for their generous sponsorship of the trees: 27th Orchard Scout Troup, A Different Drummer Books, Aldershot Village BIA, Members of the Burlington Network Group, Bodhi Bar, Burlington Beach Rentals, Museums of Burlington, Century 21 Dreams Inc. – Rebecca Keddy, Conservation Halton, Cori Arthurs Floral Design, Harmony Jewellers, Hayley Verrall Music and Artist Leah Verrall, Holland Park Garden Nursery, Joelle’s & Jeff’s Guyshop, Long & McQuade Burlington, Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, Molly Cake, Mrs. B’s Gifthouse, Nancy Brewer Professional Corporation, S. Taylor Jewellery Appraisal & Consultation, Ti Vesto and Tourism Burlington.

The Holiday programming at the Performing Arts Centre includes:

John McDermott Christmas with Special Guests Dala December 2,

Very-Electric-Christmas BPAC

Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas December 5,

Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas December 5,

National Ballet Theatre of Odessa’s The Nutcracker December 7 & 8,

A Next Generation Leahy Christmas December 13, and

The Andy Kim Christmas December 20.

All BPAC Presents Holiday performances are generously sponsored by Cogeco.

Return to the Front page

Margaret Lindsay Holton's newest title 'Trillium' to be released at A Different Drummer on December 7th.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

November 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

She describes herself as a “provocative Golden Horseshoe artist and author,and is inviting people for a ‘MEET & GREET’ book signing of her new novel, Trillium, at A Different Drummer Books, in downtown Burlington, at 513 Locust Street, on FRIDAY, December 7th, from 7 to 8pm. There will be cider & cookies on hand too!

Holton H&S

Margaret Lindsay Holton

Margaret Lindsay Holton, tackles a number of timely issues in this latest work under the guise of an adult hybrid historical novel. This epic family saga spans 250 years, from the 1750s to 2001 and follows three families as they arrive, strive and survive in the Niagara wine-making region of Ontario.

It all starts with nineteen year old Tom Hartford clings for his life to a boulder halfway down the Niagara Falls gorge.

An award-winning writer of two other ‘Canadian manners’ novels, ‘Economic Sex’ (1985, Coach House Press) and ‘The Gilded Beaver’ (1999, Acorn Press Canada), Holton uses the dialogue of a multitude of characters to demonstrate the enduring influence that ancestors have on future generations. The author describes the work as a “memorable sweep of local history that includes, as example, unsavory aspects of WW2 when Italian-Canadians fought at the European front but were also incarcerated in Canada.

Trillium FRONT MLH“Nuanced yet deliberate, Holton’s sub-text also invites contemplation about our changing social habits, manners and mores as a result of manufacturing innovation. When automobiles, TVs and the birth control pill became household commodities, they irrevocably altered how we interact.

“This epic story comes to a conclusion just as the internet and the new digital age is taking off within campus environments in the early 2000s. It’s worth remembering that Facebook, Twitter, and the internet as we know it, now so commonplace, did not exist a mere two decades ago.

Long an active artist of the area, born and raised on a North Burlington sheep farm, Holton’s main studio is now on the Hamilton Beach strip.

City View Park

Holton has very strong views on the artificial turf put in the City View Park

Holton is also a political activist who tackles environmental issues mercilessly. She foresees a political reckoning when the artificial grass in the City View park has to be ripped out. The park, located on Kerns road near Dundas St, west of Brant St, is a 165-acres of both active and passive park amenities including 3 artificial turf sports fields.

The park is within walking distance of the Holton family homestead.

If unable to attend the ‘MEET & GREET’ on December 7th, an epub edition, and an alternate US-made print edition, will be available in early Spring 2019 via Amazon.ca.

Return to the Front page

Sound of Music Festival appoints new Executive Director.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

November 19th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

SoM logo 2018It took a little while but the Sound of Music (SoM) Board has selected and hired a new Executive Director to replace David Miller who got dropped like a stone last July.

The SoM Board announces that after an “extensive search with the assistance of leading recruitment professionals HR- Fusion. The Sound of Music Festival is excited to announce Myles D. Rusak as the new Executive Director.

Myles brings over 15 years’ experience in the not-for-profit industry along with a lifetime of musical passion as a musician and champion of Arts & Culture.

Myles Rusak H&S

Myles D. Rusak, the new Executive Director of the Sound of Music Festival.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Myles attended the Lakehead University Fine Arts Music program where he studied Jazz & Vocal. His Not-For-Profit career has brought him to leadership positions with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Southern Alberta; James Allan’s Girls’ School in the United Kingdom, Alberta Theatre Projects, Parkinson Alberta and most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie.

Myles maintains his Musical passions as a board member and volunteer (past and present) for the Brantford Symphony Orchestra, Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay Blues Festival, and various Fringe Festivals across Ontario.

He is also an avid musician who can be found playing guitar, drums or keyboard at various times throughout Southern Ontario.

Rusak with a top hat

Myles Rusak, centre, is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Sound of Music Festival. He appears to have a touch of show business in him.

Board President, Peter Martin said: “Myles’ addition to the Sound of Music provides a fresh perspective on building relationships throughout the Burlington Community. This is an ongoing priority for the festival as we continue to engage the people of Burlington and surrounding area and create an artistic space which is of benefit to the entire community.”

He added that Myles’ experience in strategic planning and leadership will be invaluable to the success of our Festival. We are most excited to have him at the helm and look forward too many years of continued success under his guidance.

Rusak ran as a ward level candidate for the County of Brant; placed sixth out of seven candidates.

Rusak with wife and daughter Paris Apothecary

Myles Rusak with wife and daughter in the Paris Apothecary

He and his wife ran the Paris Apothecary in Paris Ontario

That is certainly an eclectic background.

The SoM is an organization with a volunteer base that is to die for. It is both extensive in size and impressive in terms of the way they show up year after year to make the Festival the continuing success it has been.  When former Executive Director David Miller was shown the door the volunteers took the decision personally and many basically quit the organization.

When the Myles Rusak appointment was announced one Gazette source wanted to know if “ this fellow is full time this year or watching and learning as he has no festival experience.”

The source went on to say that “ a lot of the volunteers are walking including committee chairs based on not replacing any of the other paid staff accept for chair.

“Apparently Rian Malloch got a bigger contract to do much more”.

Malloch was the “spin doctor” the SoM Board used to tell the Miller firing story when things were a little chaotic at the SoM.   He has a strong music background.

There appears to still be some dissension in the ranks. The upside however is that the Board did send the media release to the Gazette. We just might be able to kiss and make up with that Board after all.

Related new story:

The SoM without Dave Miller

 

Return to the Front page

Dental equipment gets donated to a local group who send it on to people in the Philippines - everyone won.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

November 15th, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A patient at what is now Roseland Dental learned that the offices were being moved and asked what would happen to all the equipment. She was told that it would probably get sent to a dump somewhere – there was no market in Canada for dated and used dental equipment.

Some may have known of the dental office as Dr. Dave Dental

The patient mentioned to the dental staff that she knew of an organization, Sew on Fire, that could put the equipment to very good use somewhere else in the world.

That’s how a connection was made that has the dental equipment in a container on its way to the Philippines where it will be set up and put to very good use.

There is quite a bit more depth to this good news story.

Wendy Hager, the woman who leads Sew on Fire, is one of those people that is hard to stop.

From the left: Michelle Bennett Environment, Sam Kawazoye Community Service, Trevor Copp Arts , Mayor Goldring, Wendy Hager, Citizen of the Year, Dan Taylor Junior Citizen and Jim Frizzle, Senior of the year.

From the left: Michelle Bennett Environment, Sam Kawazoye Community Service, Trevor Copp Arts , Mayor Goldring, Wendy Hager, Citizen of the Year, Dan Taylor Junior Citizen and Jim Frizzle, Senior of the year.

 

When she sees an opportunity she moves quickly and manages to move or get around the obstacles.

She has been running Sew on Fire for 18 years. She was the city’s choice for the Citizen of the Year in 2011.

In February, 2000, after a 40 day fast and hearing of the work of a missionary working with orphans in Russia after the fall of communism and the support system of that country, Wendy wanted to do more than just put money in the offering plate. She purposed to sew 100 gift bags, pajamas, mittens and fill those gift bags with hygiene and school supplies for an orphanage in Russia. Her passion was contagious and soon people were arriving at her home to help. 100 quickly multiplied into 1725 gift bags.

But things did not stop there.

After 3 years working from her home, Wendy and Sew on Fire were able to share space with Crossroads Global Activity Centre in Burlington. In 2007 Sew on Fire moved to its own facility, a 3,000 sq ft unit.

In 2011 doubled its space to 6,000 square feet with room for 15 activity centres, more storage, more volunteers and more gift bags to bless those in need.

Dentist chair 1

A perfectly functional dental chair is on the way to the Philippines because a local organization and a dental group found each other.

Dr. David Robertson and Dr. Stephen Brooks had merged their dental practices and had purchased new equipment for the new location in the Roseland Plaza. They had hoped they could find a home for the older equipment that was functional – they were using it up until the day they moved.

dental 2a

The second dental chair with x-ray equipment was part of the donation.

When she was told that the dental equipment was available and was she interested and could she do anything with perfectly functional dental equipment she said: . “My first response was to just say yes! I wanted the whole donation, but she checked first with her mission partner who works in Philippines.

She put in a call to Dick Deviries asking if he knew of anyone that could use the equipment. Devries and his wife Liz had worked in the Philippines doing missionary work there for a number of years.

Dick Devries said he needed a day or two and would get back to Wendy.  Dick Devries was thrilled. Said it was “an answer to prayer” and asked her to “please say yes and accept this donation”.

A home had been found for the equipment.

On a very hot August day, Wendy Hager reports “my husband Jeff and I, Dick Devries and his team we dismantled the whole office that was being used up to the day before. We accepted two dental chairs and all of equipment and all the additional furniture, three X-ray machines. Everything necessary to run a dental office.

It was later put into a container along with other goods that were going to the Philippines.

This is a story that is still unfolding” said Hager who added “I’m hopeful that other dentists will one day be inspired and take the opportunity to go and share their gifts and talents and do the free dental care in the Philippines.

Dr. Bob Peeling, one of the Rotarians who got the annual Rotary RibFest off the ground 25 years ago, is a retired dentist.

He has some ideas on how dentists in Burlington just might be able to deliver on the Wendy Hager idea.

.

Return to the Front page