 By Pepper Parr
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a quiet but very successful evening for ACCOB – the Arts and Cultural Council of Burlington. It was their second Annual General Meeting – something many weren’t certain was ever going to take place eight years ago.
The first seed that grew into what exists today was put into the ground when Trevor Copp delegated at city council saying he wanted to be able to work in the city he lives in. Copp is a performing artist.
City council heard what Copp was saying and over time funding was found to do some research and create a plan. Much of the research was done by an admittedly well qualified researcher who is based in Hamilton.
 Arts people in the city took part in many Cultural Action Plan sessions when they were organized as as an Arts and Culture Collective. The early phase hard work has paid off. A plan was put in place, ACCOB was formed and over time they were able to convince the city that they needed support within city hall. Funds were found for a culture manager who over a period of time was given funds to add a half time support staffer.
The organization has a bank account with money in it and is now ready to take the next step and create a Strategic Plan.
 Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council ACCOB brought in a guest speaker, Bernadette Ward, the Executive Director of the Oakville Arts Council – an organization that has been operational since 2004.
There normally isn’t much in the way of questions after an AGM – unless there are a lot of concerns and complaints. There were a lot of very good questions at the Tuesday evening AGM.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman with Angela Pappariza, Manager Culture for the city of Burlington. Paul Sharman made an appearance – he is probably the member of council who will prove to be their strongest supporter. Sharman is a council member who actually buys a ticket and attends events at the Performing Arts Centre. Ask him for comment on an opera and chances are you will learn far more than you expected.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan may well turn out to be a strong arts advocate as well; his parents met each other at the Student Theatre
 Cheryl Goldring with some of the art her husband hung in his office. Cheryl Goldring, an accomplished artist in her own right, told the audience that she is in the process of putting together a fund raiser for the Performing Arts Centre in early April – she expects to involve something in the order of twenty different performing artists.
Sounds a little like the Blue Jeans Festival that was put on at BPAC in its early years. Her husband played the piano, admitting that he had missed several of the piano classes while Mike Wallace danced to the Gene Kelly tune Dancing in the Rain.
Goldring had a lot of questions for Ward, the Oakville Arts Council Executive Director – look for something from her in the months ahead. She can now make more of her profile as an artist and bring about a stronger appreciation and a better response to the arts in this city.
 ACCOB president Tim Park with Kim Verral. Tim Park was returned as President and is serving as Treasurer until they can find someone to do the numbers work.
The task for the year ahead is to put together a strategic plan and work at maintaining their visibility in the community. The web site has been upgraded,they have money in the bank, they are now recognized by the city as the group that will serve a critical role in the building more capacity for the arts community. They also now have a strong working relationship with the Performing Arts Centre.
 By Staff
February 15th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
LaSalle Park in Burlington is home to the largest over-wintering population of Trumpeter Swans in Ontario.
 On Family Day, Monday, February 18 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers.
Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.
Bring your camera and take part on the photo contest. More details HERE
The event is free. All ages welcome.
The event will be held along the shoreline of LaSalle Park 831 LaSalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area.
The pictures are awesome – they are really beautiful creatures and Burlington is home to hundreds of them.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition in Burlington is committed to protecting the birds and their habitat – something that hasn’t always been easy in Burlington.
The Coalition is holding a gathering of those who want to observe and learn more about the birds on Family day at LaSalle Park.
The Gazette has partnered with the Collation to hold a photo contest.
There will be first, second, and third cash prizes of $100; $50 and $25.
Anyone can enter a photograph.
Two requirements:
The photograph has to be taken at LaSalle Park and it has to be taken on Family Day Monday, February 18, 2019
The event: Trumpeter Swan Day at LaSalle Park
11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
No pets please.
You submit your photograph in a digital format to:
swans@bgzt.ca
 Please provide:
Your full name
Email address
Telephone number
Every photo sent in will be acknowledged.
Winners will be announced by the Trumpeter Swan Coalition in about a week after Family Day.
Updates will be published in the Gazette and on the Trumpeter Swan Facebook page.
 By Staff
February 12, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
In a statement released today from the Office of the Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said:
Our city has lost another highly-regarded leader of our community with the passing of Robert Douglas
“Bob” Brechin. He died on January 25th after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and Cancer.
 Robert Douglas “Bob” Brechin. A known family man and civic-minded career-man of 40 years at Dofasco, Mr. Brechin also served as an Alderman for Burlington City Council for 19 years, between 1978-1997, and was elected as a Halton Regional Councillor serving between 1991-97.
His work with Dofasco provided Mr. Brechin with a career that spanned accounting, sales, and international marketing and time as the director of a Canadian tin plate recycling council.
In addition to an illustrious career, Mr. Brechin was very active in the community, getting involved with the Hamilton and District Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Manufacturing Association in Exports, Canadian Exporters’ Association, Society of Management Accountants, and the Niagara Escarpment Committee in a variety of committee chair and board member functions.
He also volunteered his time with the St. Raphael Parish and Burlington Reuse Centre, as well as joined board and fundraising activities for the Hamilton/Burlington YMCA, United Way of Burlington, Hamilton- Wentworth, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington Art Centre, LACAC (now known as Heritage Burlington) and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.
Mr. Brechin will be greatly missed by the residents of this city and all those he impacted through his service to the community and region.
On behalf of Burlington City Council, I want to express our gratitude for Mr. Brechin’s service to our city over the years and send my deepest condolences to Mr. Brechin’s wife of 67 years, Edith, his family and friends.
 By Staff
February 10th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
  Poverty is not a popular coffee shop conversation; we have it but we don’t talk about it. This social behavior on the part of Burlingtonians is a combination of “see no evil” and the ostrich with its head in the sand.
 The reality is that – there rare poor people in Burlington and the New Democrats talk about it. The Progressive |Conservatives talk about ensuring that everyone can get a job but keep the minimum wage so low that some people need two job to get by.
MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas) is going to be in Burlington on Tuesday, February 12th to give a talk on the Ontario NDP’s efforts to fight poverty.
Ted Hildebrandt (Director of Social Planning at Community Development Halton) will also be speaking about the face of poverty in our region, and particularly the hidden face of poverty in Burlington.
The evening will start off with a simple pasta dinner – no charge to attend and it is open to anyone interested in making Ontario a better place to live, regardless of political affiliation.
The event is from 6pm to 8pm February 12th at the auditorium in Central Arena.
 By Staff
February 8th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The City’s skate lending program is expanding to Appleby Ice Centre. Residents of all ages can access a variety of skates and other equipment on a first come first serve basis, year-round.
The Skate Hub is located in the lobby of ice pads 1 and 2. There is no sign-out form required and there is no time limit on the equipment. The hours of operation are the same as facility hours.
The skate lending program is also available at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond on weekday evening, weekend and holidays.
 Put them on right and you can enjoy swirling around the ice. Skate Lending Hours of Operation of the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond.
• Weekday evenings: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Weekend and Holidays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Both locations have a variety of sizes.
 Rotary Centennial Pond. Donations Needed
Anyone with used skates, gloves, sticks or helmets in good condition can donate them to the lending program. Donations can be dropped off at any Burlington community centre, arena or pool, City Hall, as well as Emma’s Back Porch, Gator Ted’s and Wendel Clark’s Restaurants.
For more information on skating in Burlington, visit burlington.ca/skating.
 By Pepper Parr
February 7th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Is the $4 million funding given to the LaSalle Park Marina by the last city council at risk?
 Gary Scobie – prefers that the marina not get a dime but if the $4 is approved – make it a loan. Mayor Meed Ward made mention of talk about rescinding the decision made by the previous council.
Gary Scobie who delegated on the use of the Hydro Reserve fund – something few people knew anything about.
Scobie argued that the city has no business giving that amount of money to a private organization that sits on land owned by the city of Hamilton when there are not much more than a couple of hundred members of the LaSalle Park Marina Association.
 The option the LaSalle Park Marina Association hopes is chosen. It was a messy debate when the $4 million was first put on the table.
What isn’t clear at this point is whether or not the $4 million is a loan or an outright gift.
Scobie said he didn’t want any money going to the Marina but if money did go to the organization it should be in the form of a loan.
The funds were needed for the installation of a breakwater – without an upgraded breakwater membership in the Marina will plummet – no one will want to tie up at a marina that insurance companies will not cover.
Rescind – it was a surprising word to hear.
More healthy debate on that one.
By Staff
February 6th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
They are the largest swans in the world, native only to North America and they have made an amazing comeback from the brink of extinction. On Family Day, Monday, February 18th, come to LaSalle Park, in Burlington, to meet the Trumpeter Swans and hear their amazing story of conservation success.
 The event will be held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. when members of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition will be on hand to introduce you to these magnificent birds that have fought their way back from extinction with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers. Hear the Trumpeter Swans’ amazing stories and learn more about them from the team of women who band and tag the birds.
The event will be held along the shoreline of Lasalle Park, 831 Lasalle Park Road. Booths will be set up near the boat launch. Banders and taggers will be working in the beach area. LaSalle Park is the largest over-wintering site for Trumpeter Swans in Ontario. Between 125 to 200 Trumpeters gather near the harbour from December to March.
The event is free. All ages welcome. Dogs make the Trumpeters nervous so please leave your pets at home.
By Staff
February 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
February is Heritage Month in Burlington.
 Empire Loyalist Union cemetery in Aldershot. The Ghent’s were a significant family when Burlington was known as Wellington Square. The City of Burlington’s Heritage Committee has been busy planning another exciting Heritage Month, Topics and events will include Black history, First Nations, Freeman Station, Burlington architecture, movies, panel discussions, stories and more. The full calendar listing is at bpl.on.ca and burlington.ca/calendar.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “Great cities aren’t made overnight. Our connections to the underground railroad, First Nations, the industrial revolution and, of course, our contributions to the great wars are well documented. Thanks to the efforts of the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and Heritage Burlington, they are also becoming well-told.”
Howard Bohan, Chair, Heritage Burlington had this to say:
“We are proud to offer such interesting and diverse historical and educational opportunities. Special thanks to the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and to Martha Hemphill of the United Empire Loyalists Association for her leadership.”
Black History Month is bringing the African and Caribbean immigrant experience to this city.
 Ancilla Ho Young takes part in an unveiling of noted Black citizens. She is with Mayor Meed Ward and an unidentified person. Burlington Caribbean Connection, in partnership with the City of Burlington, Halton Regional Police Service, both Halton school boards and the Halton Multicultural Council, is staging its third annual Black History Month Celebrations with two events in February.
The play Once On This Island, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Nelson High School.
Once On This Island is a Caribbean version of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the Little Mermaid. It’s described as a colourful musical tale of love, loss and redemption performed by a group of Caribbean peasants as they wait out a violent storm.
The story tells of a young peasant girl who leaves her village in search of her love. It is the peasants’ version of what became of her, filtered through faith and imagination, music, drama, love and race.
Admission to the event is free but a donation box will be available to help fund events for next year. If you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation, call 905-332-9098 to reserve a seat, or send an e-mail to: thebcc2000@yahoo.ca.
The Halton District School Board celebrates Black History Month as a tremendous opportunity for our students to learn more about, and for our schools to highlight, the very significant contributions Black Canadians have made to the very fabric of Canada,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.
 The $10 bill was released by the Mint to celebrate the contribution Viola Desmond made to progress for Black people in the Maritimes. The Halton District School Board named a school after the woman “In addition to the teaching that takes place all year, the month of February provides students even greater exposure and deeper learning into the many achievements of African Canadians. As a Board, we are so proud to have two of our elementary schools named after individuals who courageously stood up for civil rights in Canada (Viola Desmond PS) and bravely brought freedom to thousands of people escaping slavery through the Underground Railroad (James W. Hill PS).”
Some of the events taking place at Halton schools to celebrate Black History Month include:
• Robert Bateman HS (Burlington): Dwayne Morgan, a spoken word artist and motivational speaker, will visit the school on Feb. 21. He will conduct a Black History Jeopardy workshop where students can answer a series of Black History questions.
• Anne J. MacArthur PS (Milton): Students and staff will be led through a lively assembly on Feb. 5 by the organization Stay Driven, in which students and staff will learn about Black Canadian history.
• James W. Hill PS (Oakville): On Feb. 6, Inspiration Republic will host three performances at the school featuring the life stories of historical African Canadians: James W. Hill, Viola Desmond, Mary Ann Shadd, and Elijah McCoy.
• Ethel Gardiner PS (Halton Hills): On Feb. 7, Babarinde Williams will lead Grade 3-8 students and staff through a presentation about Black Canadian heroes. Kindergarten to Grade 2 students will participate in a drumming workshop, led by Williams.
Celebrating Black History Month aligns with the Equity and Well-being goals contained in the Halton District School Board’s Multi-Year Plan. The goal is to ensure every student learns in a respectful culture of high expectations that values diversity, and that students will see themselves reflected in their learning.
 By Staff
February 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Some competitive forces in the entertainment sector.
The Burlington Chorale Singers have an event on the 16th at St. Christopher’s United Church on Guelph Line. Link to that event is set out below.
The Performing Arts Centre is celebrating Valentine’s Day with legendary lovers Elizabeth Barret Browning and Robert Browning!
 Canadian Rep Theatre is coming to The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Valentine’s Day to explore one of the most famous literary romances of all time in a staged play reading. The legendary lovers Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning were “rock stars” of their era, passionate in their belief that poetry could change the world.
How Do I Love Thee? explores a web of passions and desire, inspirations and fear, addictions and anger, where love, despite or perhaps because of its myriad of contradictions, still endures.
Canadian Rep Theatre focuses on innovative approaches to established works from the contemporary Canadian canon, along with challenging new plays that resonate with the diverse face of Canada in the 21st century. BPAC is thrilled to have this amazing company as part of their 2018-19 season with Helen’s Necklace in the fall and now How Do I Love Thee?, which played to rave reviews in Toronto and was nominated for 5 DORA Awards including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Direction.
How Do I Love Thee? is written by the award-winning playwright Florence Gibson MacDonald and directed by one of Canada’s most well-respected theatre icons, Ken Gass. The original cast returns from the Toronto production that was called “luminous,” “gut-wrenching,” and “magnificent” by The Toronto Star.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at BPAC with two of the world’s most legendary lovers. Stay after the show for a talk-back with the cast and Director Ken Gass.
 Elizabeth Barrett’s volume Poems (1844) brought her great success, attracting the admiration of the writer Robert Browning. Their correspondence, courtship and marriage were carried out in secret, for fear of her father’s disapproval. Following the wedding she was indeed disinherited by her father. The couple moved to Italy in 1846, where she would live for the rest of her life. How Do I Love Thee?
Canadian Rep Theatre
Written by: Florence Gibson MacDonald
Directed by: Ken Gass
Featuring: Irene Pool, Matthew Edison, and David Schurmann
Thursday, February 14, 2019, 8:00pm
Approximate run time: 90 minutes
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Community Studio Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, L7S 1T7
Tickets:
$29 Regular
$24 Member
Group pricing available
*All prices include tax and fees.
Another Valentine event.
 By Pepper Parr
February 5th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a short meeting. Scheduled as an occasion to take a deeper look at the budgets being developed for the 2019 tax year – there was just the one delegation – that from,James Sisson, a retired city hall employee who finally got to make a delegation directly to city council. As a city employee he didn’t make delegations.
 James Sisson His concern was to urge Council not to pass a tax increase of more than 5% – Mayor Meed Ward told Sessions that the Finance department has put forward a budget with a 3.99% increase and that she was looking for a way to get that number down to 2.99%
 Liz Benneian, spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan coalition. The meeting heard a delegation from Liz Benneian, spokesperson for the Trumpeter Swan coalition. She gave a brief review of the history of the swans and why they are here in Burlington. Benneian told council that there are about 1000 trumpeter swans and that they have been in Canada for the past 35 years. There was a time when the birds were basically extinct – a citizen retrieved some eggs and had them hatched – the beginning of the flock in Burlington. More on that when we can get a copy of the delegation – it’s quite a story.
 City Council heard a detailed delegation on the Trumpeter Swans that hang out at LaSalle Park. The delegation was significantly different than past delegations when a former council member would hammer delegations over the damage the swans did to LaSalle Park. It was a different story last night – even Councillor Sharman had kind words for the delegation.
Council meetings frequently place what are called “consent: items on the agenda; these are items that are passed without comment but can be pulled from the consent list and debated should a council member want to do so.
The Burlington Hydro financial statements were approved on consent. They will go to Council later in the month. Burlington Hydro is owned by the city – it produces a very healthy dividend each year and has a reserve fund that has been reported to be at $48 million.
More than $4 million was drawn from that reserve fund to pay for the improvements to the LaSalle Park Marina.
The Gazette will take a closer look at the financial report.
It was a quiet, short meeting – with one little gem of information. When Liz Benneian told council that there was a plaque elsewhere in the province celebrating the Trumpeter Swan that was the core of the flock in Burlington the Mayor asked why there wasn’t a plaque in Burlington. Benneian explained that the swan had been killed at Lake Simcoe. “We will have to fix that”, said the Mayor.
Trumpeter swans – large flock call LaSalle Park home. Expect to see an event at LaSalle Park where the Mayor will unveil a plaque celebrating “pig pen”; a Trumpeter Swan who apparently recognized and responded to his name when it was called out.
 By Staff
February 4th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
You can buy chocolates.
You can give her flowers – you’ve certainly done that before – but there is an opportunity to do something really different.
Take her to an event where you will hear Cole Porter lyrics and enjoy some original music being delivered by the Burlington Civic Chorale. She can of course take you.
DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET
 DELIGHTFUL, DE-LOVELY, DE-VALENTINE’S CABARET – to be done by the Burlington Civic Chorale. Cole Porter’s witty lyrics and sophisticated tunes take centre stage at the Singers Valentine’s Cabaret Saturday, February 16, 7:30 pm, at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line, in Burlington.
Wine and cheese, affordable silent auction items, and memorable desserts all add to the Valentine’s afterglow.
Tickets are $25 at the door, or in advance by calling 905-577-2425.
Contact: Janet Gadeski, Public Relations Manager, 905-632-2085; 289-230-4713; jgadeski2@gmail.com
 By Pepper Parr
February 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Other than the credit card balances we would rather not look at and the toys those cards bought that have already been abandoned by the children – there isn’t much more to remember about the festive season.
The Festival of Trees put on by the Performing Arts Centre to raise funds for the use of the Community Theatre by different arts group was a bright spot that will be appreciated throughout the year.
More than double the funds raised last year were brought in this year – they actually sold out the draw tickets they had.
 Hayley Verral, a budding Burlington singer and song writer who has done Nashville looks good beside the tree she sponsored with her Mother. Described as a massive success, the event brought 8000 visitors between Nov. 22 and Dec 20, and $7,305 for our Community Studio Theatre initiative, which provides grants to local artists and arts organizations to offset the cost of renting the Community Studio Theatre.
Funds raised are transferred to the Arts & Culture Organization of Burlington (ACCOB), who administer and adjudicate the funding applications.
The concept of the Festival of Trees was brought to BPAC by Executive Director Tammy Fox in 2017, after she had been part of launching a similar event over 20 years ago at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, which continues to be an annual community event to this day.
“The staff and the sponsors all contribute a great deal to ensure that the Festival of Trees happens each year,” says Fox, “but increasing access to the Studio Theatre for our local artists is definitely a priority, and the rewards of this community-building event are well worth the effort.”
 Ti Vesto Boutique want you to know how they feel about their tree. BPAC partnered with Canadian Tire- Burlington Stores to present this now annual festival. Canadian Tire generously donated 25 pre-lit artificial Christmas Trees that were all sponsored and decorated by local businesses. The 2018 tree sponsors were: 27th Orchard Scout Troup, A Different Drummer Books, BLR Chartered Professional Accountants, Bodhi Bar, Burlington Beach Rentals, Burlington Network Group, Century 21 Dreams Inc. Brokerage, Conservation Halton, Cori Arthurs Floral Design, Harmony Fine Jewellers, Hayley Verral Music & Leah Verrall Artist, Holland Park Garden Gallery, Joelle’s & Jeff’s Guyshop, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments- Burlington, Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, MollyCake, Mrs. B’s Gifthouse, Museums of Burlington, NUVO Network, S. Taylor Jewellery Appraisal & Consultation, Son of a Peach Pizzeria & The Sunshine Doughnut Co., Sound of Music Festival, Springridge Farm, Ti Vesto Boutique, and Tourism Burlington/Taste of Burlington.
During the Festival BPAC presented a number of free lobby activities for the community which featured The Enchorus Children’s Choir, The Myriad Ensemble, an ornament craft-making activity, and two visits from Santa!
BPAC also hosted a Food Drive for Food 4 Kids Halton during our Festival of Trees and F4KH was amazed with the support from our community, having to make multiple trips to collect all the donations. We were thrilled by the generosity of our community and happy to help both artists and kids in need during the holiday season.
 Carl Dixon provided a wonderful picture of what the Performing Arts Centre looks like when it is all dressed up. Even a full moon. Anyone interested in applying for the Community Studio Theatre Initiative funding should visit https://www.artscultureburlington.ca/. The deadline for this year’s funding is March 1st, 2019.
By Staff
January 31st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Joseph Brant Museum will re-open this summer.
One of the three permanent galleries will feature an interactive, hands-on space designed for future engineers, mathematicians & scientists!
 The words say it all It will be called the STEAM Zone, which appears to be picking up on the new program being offered by the Halton District School Board that starts an iSTEM program at Aldershot High School next September.
The school board people weren’t at all sure that the public would go for the program – the first registration – information night the high school was packed.
It would appear that both the Museum and the school board are onto something.
 Western retaining wall in place – museum addition scheduled to open in the summer.  Architect rendering of what the renewed museum will look like. Construction at the Museum appears to be on time and hopefully on budget. They are going to need more in the way of staff for the program offerings – nothing much in the current 2019 budget review that is being considered by Council
By Staff
January 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Years of planning and hard work came to fruition at Port Nelson United Church, as the congregation and community came together to mark the official opening of their new addition and renovated space on Sunday, January 27th.
 A year of hard work – a new look with better space: Port Nelson United Church Three million dollars produced a bright, modern, efficient and accessible space for church activities, special ceremonies and community events.
“Today, we unveil our rekindled space and celebrate the hours of hard work and dedication that helped build it,” said Rev. Michael Brooks, minister of Port Nelson United Church. “This is a landmark day in the history of our church and it will help us serve the congregation and the community better for years to come.”
The celebrations mark more than a year of construction, as well as years of preparation and fundraising under the banner of the Rekindle Project for the church located in the heart of the Roseland community in Burlington.
 The occasion drew not only the ward Councillor but the Mayor as well. “Port Nelson United Church is the spiritual home of many of our Burlington residents and a place where families and friends can come together to share in their faith and beliefs as a community,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “It is a privilege to be a part of the official opening of Port Nelson’s new rekindled space and I’m excited to see the larger gathering spaces, new accessible library and energy-efficient rooms that will surely be enjoyed by the congregation.”
 Bright open spaces – the spiritual home for many Roseland residents Some of the highlights of the renovated space are a new fellowship hall and foyer, which offer a combined space of close to 5,000 sq. ft.; a fully-accessible building with accessible washrooms and elevator; a state-of-the-art professional-grade kitchen; new furniture, paint and windows, and efficient heating and cooling systems.
The team behind the Rekindle Project says this special day is a testament to the people of Port Nelson United Church and the community, who contributed to the successful fundraising campaign and made this extensive renovation possible.
The church will soon be accepting bookings for community rentals and special events.
Port Nelson United Church is located at 3132 South Dr. in Burlington. For more information, contact the office at 905-637-5631 or www.portnelsonunitedchurch.com.
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By Pepper Parr
January 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The works of that famous mime artist Marcel Marceau are lost to most of us.
 Trevor Copp as Marcel Marceau Trevor Copp is developing his skills and does an incredible Marceau performance. Copp doesn’t just do Marceau – he has extended the art of mime.
Marcel Marceau was a French actor and mime artist most famous for his stage persona as “Bip the Clown”. He referred to mime as the “art of silence”, and he performed professionally worldwide for over 60 years. He died in 2007.
Copp has picked up the art form and will be doing a performance on February 1st and 2nd at the
LIVELab ofMcMaster University; February 1 and 2 @ 7:30pm
Tix $15/$10 students. CLICK HERE for tix.
Directions/Parking Details – CLICK HERE
Copp has done this show before more than 8,000 people in the last year; audiences keep asking for more.
Reviews for TBT’s Mime Theatre
“A master of contemporary theatre….there is a sensitivity to the performance, an indefinable sense of risk taking that signals the true artist”
– Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator
“…inspirational cross-training for the soul… there is a deep seated need for this kind of physical art that people don’t even realize they have anymore. In the age of Netflix and downloads, return to the campfires of our primitive ancestors and feel how theatre first stirred our souls. And as a bonus, feel the incomparable magic of the man in the box bit done by someone who studied at the Marcel Marceau School in Paris and clearly knows what he’s doing.”
– Diane Lachapelle, Apt. 613 Blog
“He moves with beautiful fluency…simply too creative for words. Highly skilled….a fresh fusion between acting and modern dance”
– View magazine
Searching for Marceau is the story of a budding young artist trying to make sense of his two fathers: the real one raising him and the far away Marcel Marceau. The imaginary and the real battle in this theatre/mime piece that reinvents Marcel Marceau’s Mime tradition for the 21st Century.
Some examples of a Copp performance – short clips
Movement study: a bird flapping wings.
The old standard. I still get more requests for this than anything.
By Staff
January 22nd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Hamilton Spectator recently did a front page feature on the Freeman Station.
The “Friends” of Freeman Station said it was a “terrific article to get our message out, and we thank Jeff Mahoney for that. Now we really need your help in 2019 to gather the last bit of funding to reach our goals.
Can you help us by becoming a member?”
 “As Lord Kitchener would have said, “Please visit our website at www.freemanstation.ca/store/ ” and become a member.
“Or have your name added to our wall of Whinstone donors by purchasing a stone for $100.
Prefer to come in person?
 The Station will be open on February 16 2019 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – we invite everyone to drop by.
 By Staff
January 21st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 How many people in Burlington remember this theatre that was on Lakeshore Road The City of Burlington’s Heritage Committee has been busy planning another exciting Heritage Month, that begins on February 1st.
There is an opportunity to learn more about the events and issues that have shaped Burlington and Canada by attending the informative sessions planned throughout the month.
Topics and events will include Black history, First Nations, Freeman Station, Burlington architecture, movies, panel discussions, stories and more. The full calendar listing is at bpl.on.ca and burlington.ca/calendar.
 Lower kitchen in Ireland House – it is a tour well worth the time. A kick-off event is planned for Friday, February 1st at St. John’s Anglican Church, 2464 Dundas from 1 to 2 p.m and at Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line from 2:30 to 4 p.m.)
1 p.m. – Greetings from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward; talks on St. John’s Cemetery, Burlington Agriculture and Oakridge Farm
2:30 p.m. – Refreshments (hot cider and freshly baked scones) and tours of Ireland House Museum.
Seating for this event is limited so please RSVP to arabellagore@gmail.com by Jan. 25, 2019.
Someone in the audience at the Ireland House presentation might want to ask the Mayor about the house she lives in on Martha Street; The Meed Ward family went to the effort to have their home designation as historically relevant.
Howard Bohan, Chair, Heritage Burlington that made this event possible worked with the Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and the City of Burlington. He gives special thanks to the Burlington Heritage Month Committee and to Martha Hemphill of the United Empire Loyalists Association for her leadership.”
 By Ray Rivers
January 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Ray Rivers has been writing on just what did happen to former Conservative party leader Patrick Brown who got ousted from the political party he led.
This, the third of a four part series is based on an interview he had with Patrick Brown.
 Brown’s book is a refreshing tell-all which goes beyond just reporting his version of events, to provide an insight into the dirty side of our democracy. The degree of corruption which plagued the provincial Progressive Conservatives in the run up to the 2018 election is shocking. Claims of ballot stuffing, fake voter ID and fraudulent voting are the kinds of tales we expect to hear about elections in the banana republics, not as an inherent aspect of Ontario’s natural governing party trying to govern itself.
Losers in nomination battles regularly complain about some kind of cheating – it was never their fault they lost, of course. But what went on with the Conservatives last year was remarkable. Patrick Brown had been leader for less than three years but his accomplishments were spectacular. Converting a seven million dollar debt to a $4 million war chest and multiplying party membership more than tenfold were not insignificant feats. But he obviously didn’t see this coming.
By the end of 2017 the party was leading the governing Liberals by 20 points in most polls. There was no question that Brown and his party would make up Ontario’s next government and if you wanted to be sure of a seat in the next legislature you needed to be a Tory candidate. It would be like having a winning lotto ticket in your pocket and a government pension in the bank.
Instead of the usual couple of hundred candidates looking to be their party’s nominee, there were something approaching a thousand interested PC candidates. And the party was unprepared for the onslaught. Most critically, the vetting of candidates to weed out the criminals, liars and weirdos had to be contracted out, slowing down the process even more, particularly when there were issues of accuracy and honesty.
 Jane Michael That became a problem for Burlington candidate Jane Michael’s, according to Mr. Brown. Her approval as a candidate was held up because she had falsely indicated that she’d never had a bankruptcy, when in fact she’d had several. In the end she was given a green light regardless. But the nomination was messy and, having lost, she filed an appeal to the party based on all the many irregularities her team had witnessed in that contest.
The party felt they could not uphold her appeal given how she had completed her nomination form. Interestingly, she was subsequently acclaimed as Burlington’s federal Conservative candidate for the upcoming election this October. Could it be that lying and bankruptcy are à la mode after Donald Trump won the US presidency?
Then there were the fixers, Snover Dhillon in particular, a convicted fraudster who had been a strong supporter of Mr. Brown. He acted as a middle man for candidates, scaring up new members and whatever else he needed to do to win the nomination for those candidates willing to pay him. He was active in as many as twenty riding associations; chaos and voting irregularities seemed to follow him everywhere.
Brown mostly stayed away from the messy competitive and troublesome nomination battles, showing up mainly at the acclamations. He admitted that he regrets not just appointing even more candidates, something that Mr. Ford, his successor, ended up doing.
One of Brown’s acclamations was Brian Mulroney’s daughter Caroline. She was reluctant to run in a downtown Toronto riding, so Brown found her another one. Mulroney was on-side with Brown’s policies including retaining the existing sex-education curriculum and implementing the federally mandated carbon tax. After all her father had been recognized as Canada’s most environmental PM.
 Caroline Mulroney – had no trouble totally reversing her positions when Mr. Ford offered her a senior cabinet post. But she had no trouble totally reversing her positions when Mr. Ford offered her a senior cabinet post and made her responsible to battle the federal government on the carbon tax. One could call that another victory for opportunism over ethics.
Another Brown recruit, now the province’s environment minister, Rod Phillips, slid into his job by also abandoning any commitment he had held to the most efficient way of fighting global warming.
Brown is a red Tory, in the style of Bill Davis, Jean Charest and to a lesser extent Brian Mulroney. His vision is of a modern progressive conservative party, the big umbrella which accommodates most of the people of Ontario. He had little tolerance for yesterday’s fights against LBGTQ, same sex marriage and abortion as he tried to make his party more like the ‘progressive’ in its name.
But if he represented the mainstream among PC membership, the most vociferous and loudest voices were those of the special interests. There are the religious right-wing radicals, like former leadership candidate Tanya Granic Allen, intent on keeping children ignorant of their own sexuality, and wanting to help us speed up a man-made hell on earth by banning renewable energy.
And there were the neo-cons, those who fancy themselves as libertarians and/or social conservatives who would like to turn the clock back. The mere mention of refugees and immigration in general would cause their necks to redden even more. Disciples of dishonoured trickle-down economics, they forever lobby for lower taxes for the rich and less welfare for the poor. Most see a future where all regulation, aka red tape, is eliminated. That is unless it serves to protect the wealthy or powerful and their style of life.
 Brown proved to be fleet of foot – locked out of Peel he ran for Mayor of Brampton and won. Brown is now a municipal politician which limits any involvement he might want to have in his former political party. And in any case that political party has disappeared in everything but name. Doug Ford’s party has no place for a progressive. And most of those influential in the current caucus were part of the very crowd that stabbed the knife in Brown’s back. There are others who are either afraid to speak up or happy to compromise their integrity to stay in power.
The book in which he ‘told-it-all’ has closed the door for him on that chapter of his career.
After only half a year in power Ford is still enjoying his honey moon. But buyer’s remorse is always around the corner when someone as charismatic and divisive as Doug Ford becomes the new emperor. Still, he has a solid majority of MPPs to allow him to do what he wants for the next four years, regardless how they got elected; this is not the first time we’ve seen corruption in a political party. One only has to recall the Liberal sponsorship scandal.
Patrick Brown doesn’t lay the blame on the ugly nomination process for the coup over his leadership and for his ultimate banishment from the Tory caucus. Clearly it didn’t help that he made enemies, but these nominations always result in disappointments even if the rules are actually followed. Brown says he loves his new job as mayor and has his hands full managing the city of Brampton.
Still nobody should think he’s resigned himself from an even grander ambition.
To be continued….
Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Related news stories:
Rivers on Brown – part 1; the political take-down.
Rivers on Brown – part 2; He said – she said.
Background links:
Brown’s Book – Burlington Nomination – Jane McKenna –
Michaels’ Appeal – Federal Tories – Michael Censured –
Nomination Messes – Ugly Messes – Police Investigation –
Brown Law Suit – Caroline Mulroney –
By Staff
January 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 What we all once knew at the Burlington Mall is now the Burlington Centre.
It is going to take more than the odd mention to get that name to stick. The Performing Arts Centre tried for several years to make that name people would use for what we know as the Performing Arts Centre.
The trades training school(s) operated as an arm’s length part of the Halton District School Board are using the name for their operation on the South Service Road and in the facilities they have in Oakville.
Nevertheless the Centre people are giving it the old college try in their efforts to make the location a destination.
The Centre people worked with the Burlington Fine Arts Association to create THE HUB – a brand new space at the Burlington Centre where the BFAA will be holding their Juried Show, the first of many planned exhibits.
 The space is warm and intimate and we are proud to say that we were consulted on the design to make it “art friendly”. A hanging system was installed and portable walls specially designed for artwork were purchased.
Join the BFAA for their opening reception and awards presentation Friday, January 18th @7pm. Or drop by the Hub between January 18th and 28th to view the exhibit and vote on the People’s Choice Award.
You could win a $100 gift certificate from the Burlington Centre.
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