 By Staff
May 30th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
For 40 years, the Art Gallery of Burlington has been welcoming and hosting creative thinkers and artists in the Burlington community. The month of June marks the start of the AGB’s 40th anniversary year. They are going to start with a New Exhibit Opening Reception on Friday, June 1
The Burlington community is invited to the gallery from 6 to 9 pm to celebrate the opening of five new exhibitions:
 Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon at an Art Gallery of Burlington loom. The Handweavers & Spinners Guild is celebrating their 60th anniversary. Dialogue: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the AGB, 35th anniversary of the AGB’s Permanent Collection, and the 60th anniversary of the Burlington Handweavers & Spinners Guild
 Karla Rivera’s ceramic – Always Between the Fine Line, 2017. AGB Ceramics Residency: Karla Rivera,
The Koyanagi Family Donation,
Pacific Overtures; Drawn from the Permanent Collection at the AGB, this exhibition looks at the effect that Japanese ceramics has had on Canadian ceramics.
My Eyes are on You – Joon Hee Kim uses Baroque-inspired decoration into her work, resulting in a contrasting presentation of the traditional and modern. Familiar shapes are altered with the incorporation of personal and cultural visual narratives on human relationships, emotions, and behaviours.
On Sunday, the 3rd there will be a 40th Anniversary Community BBQ.
The afternoon will include free art activities and demonstrations, a tasty barbecue lunch, and a used art book sale held in support of the AGB Permanent Collection.
Doors open at 11 AM. All are welcome, and admission is free.
 By Staff
May 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Sound of Music Festival will be donating $5 from every Kick Off ticket sold between May 26 to June 1, 2018, to support British Columbia and New Brunswick Flood Appeal via Canadian Red Cross.
With flood levels in areas of British Columbia at their highest level in 70 years and no sign of receding, and the record-setting flood in New Brunswick impacting thousands of people, Sound of Music Festival has made a commitment to help the Canadian Red Cross deliver immediate and long-lasting relief for those affected.
 Bands are packing up their gear and heading for Burlington. The Kick Off program is as follows:
Kick Off weekend will be held on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th with gates opening at 1:00 pm on both days, show ending at 11:00 pm on Saturday and 9:30 pm on Sunday.
General Admission Kick Off weekend tickets are on sale NOW!
Saturday, June 9th
Sublime With Rome
Simple Plan
The All-American Rejects
Everclear
& Eve 6…
Sunday, June 10th
Kip Moore
Lee Brice
Chad Brownlee
Emerson Drive
Madeline Merlo
Cold Creek County
& Leaving Thomas
Tickets for Saturday are $65, tickets for Sunday are $55 and the 2 Day Pass is $110 + fees/tax. Prices will go up June 1st.
Tickers available via https://www.ticketfly.com/org/6337
 The entrance to the Sound of Music events – what it looked like before the pier was completed. The free Father’s Day weekend concert lineup takes to the stages June 14 – 17.
 By Staff
May 28th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is presenting the second AGB Ceramics Residency exhibition featuring the work of 2017/18 resident Karla Rivera.
Karla Rivera, Always Between the Fine Line, 2017. With access to fully equipped studios, the residency allows artists to build their portfolio with diverse projects that support the Gallery’s programming. It provides the artist with the opportunity to teach in community and studio programs, and to present new work in a solo exhibition in the RBC Gallery.
Karla Rivera is a ceramic artist born and raised in Mexico City. After some travelling, she moved to Hamilton, Ontario. She started to listen to her artistic voice and got involved in the world of ceramics.
In 2015 she got a Ceramics Diploma from Sheridan College in the Craft and Design Program. In 2016 she got the position of Artist in residence in the Art Gallery of Burlington. While this happened she was chosen to participate in the Fusion program Creative Direction.
 Rivera Red Dot vase Rivera’s work consists of functional and sculptural ceramics. She is interested in the forms that make the connections between the structures of nature such as the shape of an island, and the emotional states of the human mind trying to interpret and project them.
The public reception takes place June 1 at the AGB – RBC Gallery from 6pm-9pm
 By Pepper Parr
May 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A request – it was actually more like a plea, from Trevor Copp more than five years ago for changes in the way culture is seen as part of the fabric of the city and the way it was funded, has developed some roots.
ACCOB, – Arts & Culture Council of Burlington, was formed, studies were done on what the public wanted in the way of culture and how that public was interacting with the cultural offerings.
 Teresa Seaton, organizer of the Art in Action Tour, thinks through a response at one of the Cultural Action Plan sessions. She is one of 250 people organized as an Arts and Culture Collective in Burlington. Money was put into surveys and the development of a Cultural Action Plan.
The manager of cultural services was taken out of the Parks and Recreation department and tucked under the wing of one of the General Managers the city had at the time.
 Angela Paparizo in conversation with Trevor Copp during the unveiling of the Spiral Stella outside the Performing Arts Centre. When a new Director of Planning was brought in – Culture got put into her job description.
The Arts were getting attention and a little bit of money and there were some interesting initiatives that had been in place for some time. The Art Studio Tour done each fall continues, they give a scholarship each year.
The AGB offers solid programs for children; the school board has hundreds of students in music classes, the art that we see from the elementary schools shows some promise.
But Burlington as an arts destination – not yet.
Sound of Music draws thousands as does Rib Fest.
The Performing Arts Centre has become a stop along the way for many of the touring shows.
 Everyone wanted their picture taken with the Walt Rickli sculpture – then it was taken out of the Courtyard, put n storage where it appears to remain. The Art Gallery took possession of a fine piece of sculpture that came out of the Walt Rickli Studio then was quickly put it in storage with a comment that a suitable location had yet to be determined. The funds that brought the Rickli sculpture to the AGB resulted in the Courtyard being named the Dan Lawrie Family Courtyard.
The Lowville Festival was created – they are now in their fourth year. It is an idea that has yet to find is place.
Trevor Copp put together a very successful and popular outdoor Shakespearian Festival at the RGB Rock Garden that has a following but has yet to achieve consistent success.
ACCOB was able to get the city to put real dollars on the table and to convince the city that ACCOB would play a significant role in how some of the public money was used.
There is now a BPAC / ACCOB Community Studio Theatre Initiative – a new funding opportunity for community artists and arts & culture organizations to help offset the costs associated with renting The Centre’s Community Studio Theatre.
Funds for this new initiative are raised through the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Annual Festival of Trees, the first of which took place in November and December 2017. Funds raised will be used to cover the base rent of the BPAC Community Studio Theatre for 4 days in 2018.
Burlington has a number of artists who work quietly and as effectively as they can on their own – looking for opportunities to promote themselves and from time to time sell a piece of their work.
The city does have groups that found their footing and have gone on to fame: The Spoons and Walk off the Earth are two examples. There are others.
Somewhere out there the leadership that is needed to galvanize a community, influence both a city administration and those elected to office that the arts are more than a nice to have, has yet to surface. A vibrant arts community is an economic force – the arts draw traffic.
Right now the city has a collection of silos – each with their own plan and agenda
The Tourism people have not yet found an effective way to promote the arts effectively.
 Rendering of the Transformed Joseph Brant Museum site. What impact the transformation of the Joseph Brant Museum is going to have is an unknown at this point in time. The museum board has said little – not even a “great things are to come” statement. The confidence needed to believe that great things are possible is not part of the way the city sees itself at this point in time. It will need direction that the Museums of Burlington have yet to experience. Could the transformed museum be the catalyst that is needed?
Only time will tell us that.
For the time being – celebrate that ACCOB can celebrate a first anniversary.
Salt with Pepper is the opinion, musing and reflections of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette.
 By Staff
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
They are popping up on Brant – by now they are open and hopefully filled with happy patrons.
 Outside the Coop on Lower Brant. Pop Up patios were an idea that took some time to make it to Brant street.
The first appeared in 2016 outside what was a very popular Test Kitchen. The financial fundamentals were not in place – one day they were just gone.
The idea however had merit and despite the maze of regulations the restauranteurs had to work their way through they are returning this summer.
 The pop patio otside the Pump on Brant under construction. Now completed and ready for thirsty, hungry patrons. The Berkeley condominium in the background foretells Burlington’s skyline of the future – there are three others either approved or in the pipeline. The Coop on lower Brant was the first to open with a second pop up patio outside the newly Branded Pump now ready for customers.
Can patios function on a Brant Street that is going to undergo significant construction activity once the building permits for the one approved 23 storey are issued and the demolition crews begin their work and then back hoes begin the excavation?
Enjoy the two that are in place now.
 By Staff
May 26th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s shredding day.
The opportunity to take all those sensitive documents to a shredding machine and have them safely destroyed and an occasion to support the Halton unit of Crime Stoppers.
The shredding beast will be at the M.M. Robinson high school parking lot.
 
By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Thousands pour into Spencer Smith Park every Labour Day weekend to chow down on ribs smoked by some of the best ribbers on the continent. It is Ribfest time.
 If you looked around there was still some sitting room. The weather was close to perfect and the music was good – great way to bring a summer to a close. It has been happening in Burlington for more than 22 years. John and Bob Penning got it off the ground and it has hummed along beautifully ever since.
 John Thorpe and Bob Penning – the two guys who got the biggest RibFest in the province off the ground 23 years ago. They raise a lot money and pump it right back into the community with the focus on their youth programs, especially our Student Awards.
The gala dinner at which the awards will be announced takes place on June 12th where 17 awards totalling $71,000 will be handed out along with 10 academic awards of $3,500 each, 4 athletic awards of $3,500 each, 2 leap forward awards of $3,500 each and a Post Grad Research award of $15,000.
That is a very impressive achievement. The Gazette will report on who the remarkable young people are receiving these awards.
 Dave and Lisa Wilson took home a cheque for more than $25,000 lat year at Ribfest – their share of the 50/50 draw. Last year Rotary introduced a 50/50 ticket draw – it proved to be very successful – one of the long time ribbers won the draw and took home a cheque for.
 By Staff
May 25th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Imagine over 800 species of lilacs in one location.
A heavenly fragrance is drifting through Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Arboretum, marking the official start of lilac season! Visitors to RBG can experience one of the largest and most magnificent and diverse collections in the world as it reaches peak bloom.
 The fragrance is so distinct – but this flower doesn’t last for vert long – and cutting them to put in a vase is a very disappointing experience. French hybrids form the basis of the collection, but also displayed are Preston hybrids (originated in Canada by Isabella Preston), early-bloomers, such as hyacinth lilacs and a selection of species found in the wild. On more challenging terrain, The Katie Osborne Lilac Collection in the Lilac Dell is one of the most assorted and one of the definitive collections to demonstrate the range of the genus Syringa. This popular seasonal attraction provides visitors with weeks of delightful springtime colour and fragrance. Peak bloom time for lilacs generally lasts two to four weeks.
Weekend visitors can visit RBG’s Discovery Cart to learn more about the seven colours of lilacs then take a guided tour to learn about the collection’s history. Weekend entertainment helps to bring these incredible plants to life.
 The Lilac dell. Additional activities at the Arboretum include Biodiversity Festival taking place on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As Canada’s biodiversity hotspot, RBG is offering a day of exploration and hands-on fun with local animals, plants, and ecosystems. Children’s activities, guided walks and more await visitors to this activity-packed celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity.
RBG’s Arboretum (located at 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton) is open 10.a.m to 8 p.m. seven days a week and is more like an English landscape park than a garden. It has a wide variety of trees and other woody plants and, with the exception of the lilac walk and the shrub collection, has few formal paths.
It is a great place for watching and experiencing animal and plant interactions and connects with many of RBG’s nature trails. RBG general admission is required to experience the Arboretum. Admission is free to RBG members.
By Pepper Parr
May 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Heidi Rand has two children.
She gave birth to one on Hwy 407.
She is one of two women who formed a support group for new mothers in Burlington.
Is there a connection between the two – certainly is Heide Rand is a going concern and appears to be one of those people that makes things happen.
 The first of what she calls West end Moms took place earlier this week. Heidi lived overseas in England where she raised her first child, Jackson, for his first two years. Moving back to Canada she noticed a huge difference in the mother culture here- mothers have less access to social groups for new moms and children to bond and socialize or to just get out of the house and meet other mothers going through the same struggles and milestones.
Heidi worked closely with her friend, Laura Kennedy. Together they started the group together. As a new and first time mom, Laura also felt the need for a stronger social network of moms in Burlington. Together we hope to bring mommy’s together, give them a platform to connect and provide exciting and stimulating events for little ones.
Heidi seems to be one of those natural news makers. A teacher by profession she was bombing down Hwy. 407 just after midnight with her husband Joe on her way to the Credit Valley hospital. The Burlington mother-to-be felt her water break and a head appear just two contractions later.
 An anxious situation had just become harrowing. Joe was torn between focusing on the road and worrying about his wife and child; Heidi delivered her own baby girl in what felt like an eternity but in reality lasted less than two minutes.
Born in the wee hours of the morning near the Bronte Rd. exit in Oakville, seven-pound, eight-ounce Mila was healthy and in the care of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
“It felt so incredibly surreal,” Heidi said. “My head was in two places. One, I’m thinking, ‘Is this really happening in my car?’ But then, your instincts kick in and you’re literally doing everything you can to keep your baby safe.
 The mothers gathered around tables in the coffee shop while children scrambled after their toys. Heidi Rand is seated on the left. It was a miracle . . . she’s safe, healthy and happy.”
Joe, the husband was much more than a spectator.
After gathering all the clothing he could find to keep Mila warm — including the shirt off his back — he used his shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord, following advice from a Halton paramedic who coached him over the phone.
 Contacts social media suggested the child be named Shoelace or Lacey. This is the couple’s second baby, joining 20-month-old Jackson, whose delivery — by stark contrast — lasted roughly 36 hours.
Several of the Mothers were out with their child for the first time since the child was born; “just being able to get out and chat with other mother’s and relax is something I really appreciate” said one of the group.
There were Mothers from the east side of Oakville in the room as well as a Mother who was walking by and saw the sign on the sidewalk outside the Lakeshore Coffee Shop.
The West End Moms social media pages arebelow:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/437033276703185
https://www.instagram.com/westendmoms
 By Staff
May 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is just a matter of days before Carriage Gate can begin the process of changing what downtown Burlington is going to look like.
 City Council approved the document earlier this week and – except for the 20 day wait that is needed – Carriage Gate can pick up their building permit and begin the demolition of the properties that are on the north side of James, east side of Brant as far up as the Wardell Insurance office.
ECoB, the community group that has opposed the height and density the development was given is asking the public what they think about what has been approved.
The group – Engaged Citizens of Burlington has been looking into a possible appeal of the decision city council made and now wants to find out just what there is in the way of support for an appeal.
The site to get your two cents on the record is right here: CLICK:
Engaged Citizens of Burlington is a not for profit group working towards a better Burlington for generations to come. Working on behalf of citizens with the City of Burlington and other stakeholders in the civic process, we are particularly engaged with issues of planning and development.
Through our online and community presence we help build awareness on issues affecting Burlington residents and the community as a whole.www.engagedburlington.ca
 The first public meeting ECoB held drew more than 100 people on an evening that had snow on the ground. We are a growing diverse group of residents and business people who want only the best for Burlington. The group is energized to bring voices and action from all areas of the city to challenges that will affect the quality of life for our citizens today and in the future.
The response to the survey will help ECoB determine if they have the support from the residents needed before engaging in an appeal of 421 Brant St.
 By Staff
May 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
If you thought Ben Heppner was just about opera – you haven’t been keeping up.
 Ben Heppner is one of our great tenors Heppner is one of our great tenors, but he no longer sings opera. The show he is doing at the Lowville Festival features a variety of genres, including gospel and musical theatre. The Heppner story is: We thought you had retired, Ben? No, he hasn’t retired at all. Just retired from opera.
There is quite a taste for opera in Hamilton/Burlington, as witness the advent of two local opera companies, Boris Brott’s new company, which operates in the summer, and SOLO, Southern Lyric Opera Company, which does most of its presentations here in Burlington throughout the regular season.
Heppner is on stage at St. Georges Hall – starts at 7:30 pm.
Event dates are:
 Sarah Harmer Sarah Harmer in Concert, Friday June 8th, 7:30 pm – St. George’s Hall – 7051 Guelph Line (north of Derry Road) Tickets $50 advance/ $60 from June 1st
 Ben Heppner Ben Heppner in Concert: with the Lowville Festival Choir, Saturday June 9th, 7:30 pm. St. George’s Hall
Truth and Illusion: Two Forces present in every moment: Sunday June 10th, 7:00 pm – Lowville United Church
Tickets will are on sale on the Festival Website:
By Staff
May 22, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Margaret Lindsay Holton got a notice. She has been named as an ‘Alumni of Influence’ Award by the University of Toronto
Super nice was the way Holton described the nomination that was made anonymously.
 Alumni of Influence – Margaret Lindsay Holton Ceremony is in November. Holton said that “So often artists work away (because we MUST) with little thought of recognition or even sales. When it all comes together – when others recognize the effort, large and small – it’s an unexpected THRILL!
She adds that the anonymity is heart-warming: it will pleasantly plague me for the rest of my life!
Well deserved.
 By Staff
May 22nd, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
It is a service that has been around for a long time. Its Mission Statement is to enrich the quality of life and to promote full and meaningful inclusion in our community of individuals who have a developmental disability.
Their annual Walk’n Roll takes place on Saturday – this will be the 38th time the event has taken place.
 It will be a walk around the Pier. Registration opens at 9:30; 11:00am Official start of 1KM & 2KM routes begin at 11:00 and lunch for all the participants at noon.
 It’s a fund raising event with a gal of $40,000
Slip over to the web site and sign up.
https://www.clburlington.ca
You Email friends with your page link, share your page on social media to spread the word!
The walks are around Burlington Pier
 By Staff
May 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Mall, currently undergoing a $60 million upgrade, hosted a sneak peak of the 2018 sound of Music as part of the 50th anniversary of the mall.
 Stefanie Ledroit on the keybaard The year long celebration, which started last night featured Small Town Justice in a pop-up concert held in partnership with the Sound of Music Festival. The Hamilton-band played three sets for a crowd of mall shoppers and will be part of the 2018 Sound of Music Festival that kicks off on Father’s Day June 7th.
 Small Town Justice at the Burlington Mall Many have been looking forward to the day when some of the SoM performances might take place away from the downtown core. With the planned development of high rise towers in the core of the city different locations might be very welcome.
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, owners and operators of the Burlington Mall, are focusing the re-development on the attraction of space for major retailers and national restaurant chains. New additions to the mall include local grocery store, Denninger’s, and Indigo which both opened this spring. Other openings will take place throughout the summer and into the fall.
Heide McGaw, General Manager of the Burlington Mall said “the Mall property has held a special place in the community for 50 years. With the first phase of renovations complete and some exciting new retailers in the fold, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the changes that have taken place, as we gear up for a grand opening in the fall,” said Heidi McGaw, General Manager, Burlington Mall.
“The Sound of Music Festival is one of those quintessentially Burlington institutions and we are proud to be partnering with them this year on several initiatives,” adds McGaw.
By Staff
May 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Herd is going to recognize a guy who wore the number 19 on his baseball uniform.
He isn’t with us anymore.
 On Saturday, May 19th the Burlington Herb is going to give a portion of ticket sales to the Terry Fox Run – their way of honouring a great friend of the Burlington Herd, Casey Cosgrove.
Casey who lost his battle with lung cancer last summer was a major supporter of the Terry Fox Foundation who the Herd have chosen to benefit from this amazing event!
$1 from each ticket sold will go directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. The Herd will also hold a special silent auction with all proceeds to go to the foundation.
 By Staff
May 18th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Tammy Fox let theatre goers see what they can expect during the 2018/19 season.
This will be the Centre’s eighth year of operation.
Fox lauded the exceptional diversity the season has to offer the community “I’m incredibly proud of the collection of performances I have curated for our 18/19 Season. It’s our most diverse and inclusive season to date.” BPAC’s commitment to learn about other cultures while being wildly entertained will be on full display at the inaugural Cultural Diversity Festival, September 29-30. Included in a series of free and ticketed events will be Ali Hassan’s Muslim Interrupted, and a cast of new Canadians in Enana Dance Theatre’s Julia Domna.
 Hot Brown Honey BPAC welcomes the deaf community to experience the beauty of live music when Raine Hamilton presents her concert with live ASL interpretation and Ahuri Theatre’s This is the Point will challenge audiences to change their perception of people with disabilities. International Women’s Day will be celebrated with Evalyn Parry’s SPIN, a captivating play with music inspired by the bicycle’s role in women’s emancipation, and the smash-hit Hot Brown Honey – a tour-de-force celebration of woman fighting the power. “It’s the most high-energy, empowering evening you can imagine!” says Fox.
Canada’s most celebrated musicians take center stage for a line-up of incredible concerts including; The Jim Cuddy Band, Whiskey Jack presents The Stories & Songs of Stompin’ Tom, MAGIC!, Cowboy Junkies, Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Royal Wood, I Mother Earth & Finger 11, Gowan, Holly Cole, Jesse Cook and Moon vs Sun – a new venture with powerhouse couple Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida.
 One thing leads to another. Audiences will find continuity with past programming with the Family Series, Classical Matinees, Holiday programming and the ever-popular Classic Albums Live concerts. Families will be enthralled with Carousel Players’ Peter Pan, and the immensely popular One Thing Leads to Another, a play for babies. Michael Kim, Art of Time Ensemble, Gryphon Trio and Anagnoson & Kinton celebrate the majestic piano in BPAC’s The Art of The Piano Series. Enduring classics ring in the Holiday season with John McDermott, A Next Generation Leahy Christmas and The Nutcracker ballet from The State Ballet Theatre of Russia.
Contemporary and traditional dance is well represented with Dreamwalker Dance Co: Memory is the History of Forgetting with Andrea Nann and Andy Maize from The Skydiggers, Toronto’s acclaimed Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Irish dance spectacular Murphy’s Celtic Legacy, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba: Made in Cuba, and The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s Sleeping Beauty.
New for this season are film screenings with live musical accompaniment. Alicia Svigals plays the klezmer violin to the silent film The Yellow Ticket and Antonio Sánchez drums up his Grammy-winning percussion score to the Academy Award Winning film BiRDMAN in BiRDMAN LiVE.
 How do I love thee. Fox is also introducing a play reading series with Canadian Rep Theatre and its Artistic Director Ken Gass. “It’s a fantastic way to bring Canadian Theatre to audiences who may be unfamiliar with the work. You get lost in the story and imagine the sets and costumes for yourself- it’s addictive!” Garage Sale and How Do I Love Thee will begin what will become a staple series at BPAC.
“It’s so important to not take ourselves too seriously!” Fox notes and comedy in different forms proves that. Thank You For Being a Friend – The Ultimate Golden Girls Experience is a hilarious live action puppet show featuring Miami’s most famous senior citizens. Bringing the house down with their famous improv comedy is the Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company and BPAC will get the best of The Toronto Sketch Fest featuring Gavin Crawford and Bruce McCulloch, and stand-up comedian Jeremy Hotz.
Rounding out the season are evening appointments with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, The Guess Who’s Carl Dixon, and famous showman Tony Danza with his song and dance act.
 BPAC has reintroduced its Member program for the 2018/2019 Season, sponsored by Lexus of Oakville, offering patrons discounts, access to the Discovery Ford Members ‘ Lounge and exclusive insider benefits.
Fox adds that “Our patrons have been essential to all we have accomplished so far, and to all that is still possible. I look forward – with great anticipation – to experiencing together our 2018/2019 Season and beyond.”
By Staff
May 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The Port Nelson United Church choir will present its spring concert on Sunday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.
The concert, entitled Healey Willan Remembered, features stories and performances by the Port Nelson United Church Choir under the direction of Stillman Matheson.
Willan, who lived from 1880 to 1968, was an Anglo-Canadian organist and composer. He wrote more than 800 works, and is best known for his sacred choral and organ compositions.
 Choir of Port Nelson United Church “Our spring concert gives us an opportunity to highlight the talents of our choir, which rehearses weekly throughout the year, as well as our special guest musicians,” said Matheson, director of music at Port Nelson United Church. “Healey Willan’s exceptional compositions with their rich harmonic palettes and soaring melodies are sure to please our concert audience.”
Musical guests include organist Andrew Adair and the Brassdale Quartet.
Adair studied at the University of Toronto with university organist John Tuttle. He is the director of music at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto, where Willan was organist and choirmaster for 47 years. Adair is a regular performer appearing on the recital programs of many Toronto area churches.
The Brassdale Quartet is an accomplished brass ensemble based in Toronto.
Admission is by a free will offering. All proceeds benefit the ministry of music at Port Nelson United Church.
Port Nelson United Church is located at 3132 South Dr. in Burlington in the heart of the Roseland community.
By Pepper Parr
May 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
When the Gazette covered the Halton Music showcase with over 600 students and their instruments in almost every nook and cranny at the Seniors’ Centre then reviewed the very large display of student art at Gary Alan high school and then learned of a dance competition, we found ourselves asking – Who organizes all these events and what part do the arts play in the education children are getting.
Turns out that Rebecca MacRae, lead arts coordinator with the Halton District School Board keeps all the parts moving.
 Getting it just right – the first time. The Board has over 200 music teachers at the elementary and secondary levels.
 This is the work of an elementary school student. MacRae wasn’t able to tell us how any students she interacts with on a weekly basis but did say later that “It’s more than I realized.” Her student contact is spent observing their workshops, and helping with the logistics of large events and rehearsals.
 Rebecca MacRae MacRae is in place to oversee the arts offerings in the schools, a job she has been doing since September. She has been with the Board of Education for 18 years always in music and drama. She studied at McMaster University, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and Mohawk College.
 From the hands of an elementary student. The world of music for MacRae began when she saw a piano with her grandmother and knew then that she “wanted to play one of those.”
Jazz and classical are her preferences; she has written some music but is reluctant to call herself a composer
Her job is that of an administrator where time management is her biggest challenge. “I do what I do because of the students and the ongoing question for me is ‘Is this good for the students’”. And to reports to Superintendent Julie Hunt Gibbons .
 Listening attentively. A large part of the job is ensuring that there’s a real world connection to what is being taught in the classroom where the students learn from each other.
 An artistic interpretation of a circuit board. Students get to see that music, art, drama and dance are crafts and one of the ways they can earn their livings
Asked what difference she is going to make she says it is important for her to understand what’s going on and realizing that there’s not just one way to do things.
“I am in place to build relationships and to do right by the students”, said MacRae. “These students are the future leaders.”
When MacRae gets going she will tell you that “A complete education includes the arts where students get to understand their own personalities and get to do drama, dance and music with other students. There is a level of creativity that isn’t as evident in some other subjects. Students get to explore, use their imaginations and develop ideas. The arts bring emotions to the surface giving students a chance to reflect on their feelings and experience the joy of producing something that gets shared with others. We want children to feel what they are doing.”
Music for MacRae is personal. She doesn’t play professionally – and wishes there was more time to play at home.
By Staff
May 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is hosting a night of recognition for the Burlington athletes who competed in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
 Renata Fast Renata Fast, who won a silver medal in PyeongChang as part of the Canadian women’s national ice hockey team, will be at City Hall on May 22. Everyone is invited to have refreshments and meet Ms. Fast.
Event takes place in the city hall atrium at 6:00 pm
 Kerri Morrison – speed skater The city will also recognize Jesse Lumsden of the bobsleigh team and speedskater Keri Morrison.
The city welcomed snowboarder Darren Gardner on April 23.
 Jessie Lumsden is in there somewhere.
By Pepper Parr
May 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This is a little different for a museum – a wine/whiskey tasting event where you can wet your lips and walk away with a tax receipt.
Museums of Burlington is hosting a whisky and wine tasting event on Friday, June 8, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You’ll enjoy an evening of tutored tastings and food sampling. Tickets include a welcome cocktail along with hors d’oeuvres, a choice of scotch OR wine tasting, and coffee/dessert bar. Parking is free.
 Tickets are $75. Purchasers will receive a $30 tax receipt for each ticket. Funds raised support the Museums of Burlington in continuing to offer year round programming for all ages that enrich our community both culturally and educationally.
 The scotch tasting will be led by Cameron Millar, Eastern Canada Ambassador for the Edrington portfolio, which includes such award winnings spirits as The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Brugal Rum. Participants will be introduced to the intricacies of nosing, chewing and drinking scotch.
Those are premium brands.
The wine session will be led by Holly Veitch of Kacaba Vineyards & Winery where she will lead participants in a tasting of award winning wines.
|
|
