The story about the milkweed plants in a garden was, for the most part, gathered electronically.
There wasn’t a chance to meet and do an interview with the woman who got a note from a bylaw enforcement officer saying the milkweed plants on her garden had to go. Burlington, Ontario considers milkweed, the only plant that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on, a weed that must be destroyed or removed.
In Burlington bylaws are enforced when someone complains – and someone did complain.
Doreen Nicol – an actionist!
They chose the wrong women to push around.
When she read the bylaw notice Doreen Nicoll began making phone calls and lining up support and contacting local environmentalists to see if there were any alternative solutions. “I did this’ said Nicoll, “because trimming milkweed to the required height of 8 inches or less means that the tops of the plants containing all of the leaves, which are home to valuable monarch eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis, would be removed and that would have devastating results.” Nicoll argued that the milkweed was a plant – not a weed and that it was an important part of the environment.
A milkweed plant – home to valuable monarch eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis.
She reported that a very wise environmentalist, who wished to remain anonymous, told her about the time her neighbour reported her for growing milkweed in her naturalized garden. It seems the neighbour wanted the city to force this woman to grow grass instead of flowers.
Nicoll had removed the grass “in my very tiny front yard and erected a very low wall to contain my new garden. Originally, I planted native, heritage plants, most of them edible and all of them able to survive on rain water alone.”
“Over the years there have been plenty of transitions. Some plants thrive for years only to suddenly decline or disappear and be replaced by a completely different variety. This was survival of the fittest playing out in my garden thanks to the effects of climate change.”
The end result was the city notice being withdrawn and Nicoll being told that the bylaw on weeds is being re-written to allow milkweed plants.
Doreen Nicoll is an actionist; a word that isn’t part of the lexicon most of us use. She has been politically active in the past; she ran against Carol D’Amelio for a city council seat in 2003 – came in second and wasn’t able to give D’Amelio much of a run for her money.
D’Amelio got 55.5% of the vote; Nicoll got 25.9%; the city wide turnout was 16.55% of the eligible voters.
Born in Scotland Doreen came to Canada in 1963 was raised in Ajax, went to Ryerson to where she studied food and English. She also went to George Brown College and described herself as a Journeyman Chef.
Nicoll worked for a period of time in the hospitality business and went back to school at Western University and became a teacher. She now teaches Family Studies for the Peel Board of Education.
The family moved to Burlington in June of 1997
Somewhere along the way, after the five children were born and raised, she began to write. Her focus was gender violence. In a piece she did for the Hamilton Spectator on the relationships between men and woman she wrote: “Their actions send a clear message to their own wives, daughters, sons as well as the neighbourhood at large, that men feel they have the innate right to mistreat and intimidate women.”
Nicoll writes from a social justice perspective. There are some things that are just plain wrong and she has the courage of her convictions to stand up and say so.
She has won several awards; a couple of “Maggies”, (Hamilton Independent Media Awards) and an Anvil – both awards that come out of the Hamilton community.
This time Nicoll was fighting for the environment – the right to grow milkweed in her garden.
We have no idea what it will be next: but of this we can be certain – there will be a next.
“We won! City will no longer be removing milkweed from private residences!”
The bylaw officer should have realized what he was up against when he saw the sign.
This was a big deal for Doreen Nicoll. The Burlington resident was paid a visit by a bylaw enforcement officer telling her that the milkweed in her front yard garden had to be removed.
The bylaw officer clearly didn’t see the sign in the garden – Nicoll was not someone to trifle with.
We asked for some pictures of her garden – she explained that some wild roses that blew in from another yard years ago that had taken over the garden. The kids moved home. “I had marking, exams, report cards, and then the heat wave hit. So, not every part is beautiful right now. Have a big yellow bag of mulch waiting in the driveway for cooler weather.”
A very pleasant garden.
It is a very attractive garden that will have milkweed as part of the flowerbed. And Burlington now has a bylaw enforcement officer who knows much more about milkweed now than he did a week ago.
This whole mess was the result of a phone call someone made to the bylaw enforcement office complaining about the milkweed.
Nicoll explains that “milkweed started to grow, probably a throwback to when this land I live on was farmed. I’ve also purchased milkweed and over the past decade or so and all of it has done quite well. This is a particularly good year.”
Ward 2 Councillor and candidate for Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “You did it everyone! Based on your advocacy, research, information, city staff listened and will be bringing a bylaw forward in September to remove milkweed from “weed” list to allow it to be grown.
“Well done to all!! In the meantime, the bylaw on milkweed will not be enforced. Tweet from city of Burlington: “City staff have drafted a new lot maintenance bylaw affecting tall grass and weeds. The draft bylaw goes to Council in September and will align with the provincial Weed Control Act. Until then, the city will not enforce the removal of milkweed.”
In electronic communication with Nicoll we learned more about how she approaches life. “you should know I’m also active in ending gendered violence, an ally for Indigenous Nations and Peoples, as well as working to end hunger and poverty. All of these issues are intertwined.
Doreen Nicoll – Burlington actionist.
“I also like to be called an actionist — a term I am borrowing from Mike Nagy chair of the Wellington Water Watchers.
As Mike told me in an interview, “All it takes to be defined as an acitvist is to write a letter or contact your MP or simply ask for better health care. But, over the decades the term has too often become associated with negative connotations.” The difference is I learn about the issue, take action, follow-up, and rarely if ever give up.”
Online poker has gained incredible popularity, with thousands of players from all over the world competing with each other in so-called poker rooms. Many of them are in search of a quality gambling portal known for its brand promotions, credibility, secure financial flow, quality gameplay, and modern online poker software. Therefore, if you are dreaming of opening an online poker platform, gaming software is the first thing you should consider.
It is poker software what sets such a great gaming atmosphere in an online gambling platform, making each participant feel like he is at a real table. In order to establish that inspiring atmosphere, it is necessary to select a company for poker platforms software development in a responsible manner.
At this point, you may have a lot of questions: where to start, which programs for poker exist and how to find a professional company, etc.
What Stands Behind Poker Software Development?
If you still desire to have an online poker room, then your the next step will be creating software for a gaming portal. There are many options to choose from: Delphi, Java, C ++, React – all may qualitatively serve the purpose. At the later stage, you will need to certify a gambling activity of your organization not to be fined or criminally liable. However, if you are hiring a professional company to develop a gaming software, you will get a consultation from an expert in the industry.
How Much Will You Pay for Online Poker Software?
The question of financial investments is among the most popular ones; it should be understood that a good poker room requires serious investments. Fixed amount will be necessary for the purchase of a good software.
On top of that, you will need to get a license and invest into the technical side of the issue. If there is even the slightest chance that the work of the website infringes quality standards at one time, no one will certify such a project. It is necessary to think in advance how you will develop your business and maintain its activities.
Tournaments to Be Supported in a Poker Room
Apart from regular online poker games, it is also important to support tournaments in an online poker room.
Qualitative software must contain a package the following types of tournaments:
● Regular championships held at a certain time; ● Sit’n’Go (time-out tournaments that are held once the gaming table is full); ● Heads-up (duel where only two players participate); ● Freerolls (tournaments with free participation).
If you strive to have a platform for playing poker, there is always a chance to purchase the entire software package and save yourself from troubles. Hiring a professional company, you can get high-quality and advanced solutions for building a strong and highly competitive business.
An RNG certified platform will help you develop your business in the shortest term and take an honorable place in the market.
The $11.4 million expansion of the Joseph Brant Museum will add 14,000 square feet that includes four exhibit halls, two multi-purpose rooms, a lobby, shop, resource centre and storage for over 25,000 artifacts and historical treasures. The plan is to have “blockbuster” exhibitions from around the globe.
We have been waiting for news on what the first travelling exhibit at the transformed Joseph Brant Museum would be about.
First exhibit at the transformed Joseph Brant Museum is going to focus on pin ball machines.
Something relevant to the community for certain – right?
Something that had at least a bit of an historical tinge to it.
Something unique perhaps?
The new is that the first travelling exhibit will involve pinball machines and rock ‘n’ roll!!
Yeah! Many people were afraid of something like this.
It was Dan Laurie’s idea and his willingness to put up $37,000+ of his own money that started the a process that ended with a piece of public art being unveiled outside the Performing Arts Centre.
On the positive side – the Gazette has learned that Dan Lawrie intends to commission a statue of Joseph Brant. Nothing more in the way of details – it’s a great idea.
Spiral Stella.
Lawrie was one of the moving forces behind the installation of the Spiral Stella outside the Performing Arts Centre.
The Museum plans to host travelling exhibits from across North America.
Construction is on schedule and the museum will re-open next summer.
You didn’t think there wasn’t a price for all the free car gawking on Brant Street on Saturday did you?
There will be Downtown Car Show Road Closures
On Saturday, July 7, the fourth annual Burlington Downtown Car Show will take place on Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road.
In order to meet the needs of the event, the following road closures will be in effect on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closures:
• Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road • Ontario Street and Elgin Street, between Locust Street and Brant Street • James Street, between John Street and Brant Street
The Burlington Downtown Car Show in support of the Burlington Lions Club is a celebration of the automobile showcasing 200 classics, exotic and iconic vehicles that will be displayed in downtown Burlington on Saturday July 7, 2017.
The cars aren’t for sale – just for looking.
There is no admission, 200+ cars will be on display including classics, cruisers, muscle cars, odd ball and exotic sports cars. They will be displayed on Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road – Saturday July 7th, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Burlington Downtown Car Show offers a view into the history of the automobile. This year’s show will include Main Stage music sponsored by the Burlington Downtown Business Association, a Kidz Zone supported by Stoner & Company Family Law Associates, and a Corvette Corral supported by Leggat Auto Group.
All muscle!
Civic Square will be a showcase of rare and unique cars. A wide variety of vendor offerings will be present along Brant Street.
Mayor Rick Goldring will officially open the show at 12:00 noon from Main Stage, located next to the new Burlington Promenade.
The show has attracted representation from virtually every automotive sector; modern muscle cars, off-road vehicles, tuners, European super cars as well as the classics.
A Classic that was on display at a previous car show.
Local merchants support the show with side-walk sales, turning Brant Street into a pedestrian mall full of activity for the whole family.
The car show people don’t say how much is raised for the Burlington Lions other than “the event is one of their bet fund raisers.
We pass it along to you for your edification from Community Mindfulness Burlington.
They are inviting residents to a series of free drop-in mindfulness sessions in Burlington parks in July and August.
The mindfulness sessions are led by volunteers from Community Mindfulness Burlington and partly supported by the City of Burlington’s Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where a positive mental state is achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion. Mindfulness activities are inclusive and secular. All welcome to participate.
Dates
• Sunday, July 8, 10 to 11 a.m., Mountainside Park. Mountainside Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, July 15, 10 to 11 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Aldershot Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11 a.m., Mountainside Park. Mountainside Arena community room in case of inclement weather
• Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 to 11 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Aldershot Arena community room in case of inclement weather
They are in the news as a web site that was used to tilt the American presidential election.
How do these YouTube pages get created?
Mohawk College is hosting a star-studded YouTube Creator Camp where high school level students will learn ‘Social Media Skills’ from the biggest names in the Biz!
The college describes the five day program as a brand-new ground-breaking initiative that runs from July 9th to 13th 2018.
This fun five-day intensive experience will allow students to get first-hand knowledge on social media influencing, and how to turn a hobby into a career. “This is the first Creator’s Camp of its kind in the Ontario, and we are excited about this offering,” Associate Dean Tracy Kadish said.
Move quickly if you want to get in on this. The classes for the 13 to 15 age group os sold out. There are just eight seats left for the 16 to 18 year olds.
Since YouTube went online in February 2005, it has become the go-to website for Internet content creation. Mohawk Creator’s Camp will help aspiring young minds make creative content and learn how to turn it into a profitable business.
The Camp comes at a cost of $375.00 and includes entrepreneurship training, master classes with Influencers, meals, and a field trip to Toronto. “Camp goers will take home intimate Digital Entrepreneurship skills that you won’t find anywhere else,” Natalie Reid, Program Coordinator of SURGE, noted. In partnership with the Industry Education Council of Hamilton and the M.I.G.H.T.Y. Entrepreneurship Program, students will also learn entrepreneurial skills to help them launch and manage their business.
Mohawk Creator’s Camp hopes to be the first to give students an entertaining alternative when it comes to learning during the summer. Mohawk Creator’s Camp won’t just teach students about making videos, Students will be able to use this unique Camp as a stepping stone into a possible career in media. At the end of the camp, parents are invited to a showcase party which is planned for the evening of Monday July 16th.
For more information on Mohawk Creator’s Camp email surge@mohawkcollege.ca or visit their Webpage
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/mohawk-creators-camp
Burlington has always made a big deal out of Canada Day.
Every municipality does something but that park on the edge of the lake is so enticing – everyone gathers there.
The city doesn’t disappoint.
The schedule is packed;
The day start with a yoga class and end with a fireworks display. Parts of the day’s events are going to be simulcast by 102.9 K-LITE FM during the fireworks display. Participants can listen to music synchronized to the fireworks through their mobile phone or on the radio from wherever the fireworks are visible.
Fun activities planned in the park include:
Yoga at the compass at 8:30 a.m. Citizenship Ceremony at 9 a.m. 5K run and 1K kids run at 10 a.m. Scholars in Collars dog training performance at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Face-painting, balloon animals, photo booth, hair spray artist and inflatables from noon to 5 p.m. presented by Glad Tidings Church Canadian hockey player and Canadian Mountie stilt walkers from noon to 6 p.m.
The opening ceremonies begin at noon with the Burlington Teen Tour Band kicking off the festivities at the main stage.
Entertainment on the main stage will include:
Karen Thornton at 1 p.m. Melissa Bel at 2 p.m. Mount Farewell at 3 p.m. Symphony on the Bay at 4:30 p.m. The Hockey Circus Show at 5:30 p.m. Felicia McMinn Band at 6:30 p.m. The Hockey Circus Show at 7:30 p.m. Johannes Linstead at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks presented by BUNZL at 10 p.m.
Downtown parking will be tough to find. Every organization with a parking lot will be offering to let you park for a fee. Think about considering other transportation options: cycling, walking, car pooling or Burlington Transit.
A fully accessible free shuttle service will run from noon to 11 p.m. The shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from the Burlington GO Station (north side) to the downtown bus terminal. A free bike corral will be available near the Waterfront Hotel for cyclists to secure their bikes.
Other Canada Day Activities
The city’s outdoor pool locations are open for unlimited access to recreational swimming for only $4.40 per person; $3.05 after 5 p.m. Hours for Canada Day are as follows:
Nelson Pool – 10:30 – 8 p.m. LaSalle Splash Park – 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mountainside Pool 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Many people see the Terry Fox run as a unique thing that happened in Canada and was the result of one Canadian’s supreme effort. The Canadian flag just seems to be a part of the event – and there were plenty of them handed out.
Take a walk on a nature trail at Kerncliffe Park, play bocce at LaSalle Park or go for a picnic
All six of the city’s spray park locations are open and always free. For more information, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
When you look at the flag – think about what is going on south of us and be grateful for what we have going for s.
If you’ve been to Spencer Smith Park – you’ve been to the Lakeshore Coffee House.
Sue Hofman – scooping ice cream at the Lakeshore Coffee House.
If you want to say goodbye to Sue Hofman, the owner for the past five years – drop in today. She has sold the operation and is leaving for a month long holiday in Greece and then tending her garden in Aldershot when she gets back.
“I’ve been running the coffee house for five years and five months” said Hofman. “It has been a great experience – something I have always wanted to do. One more thing on my bucket list that is done”
Sue Hofman with the key in her hand – she will lock the door to the Lakeshore Coffee House for the last time on Saturday.
What did she like best about being a small business owner? “It was my customers – they have all been great. We got to know each other, I watched their children grow and I heard their stories.”
What didn’t she like? “The lack of parking and the winter. Business was terrible in the winter. But my regulars showed up and that made my day.”
“Parking?, this is Burlington.”
New owners take possession July 1st – wish them well.
If you are looking for a location that offers high-class gambling and an equal combination of luxurious, family-friendly and affordable resorts, Las Vegas is the place to go… or so would many people have you believe. While Las Vegas is surely one of the best gambling destinations in the world, another country which deserves much more credit than it gets is Canada.
Across Canada’s ten provinces, a wide variety of casinos await visitors from within the country and beyond. Some of these gambling venues have become large resorts that offer spas, restaurants, hotels and luxurious casino floors. These are the biggest casinos in Canada.
Casino de Montreal – Quebec
Montreal Casino right across from the historic Old Port of Montreal on Ile Notre-Dame.
Located on the Ile Notre-Dame, right across from the historic Old Port of Montreal, the Casino the Montreal is one of the biggest and most chic gambling establishments in the world. Visitors and gambling aficionados are welcomed by more than 3,000 slot machines, 100 gaming tables, as well as a separate, special section with 18 poker tables.
People who want to hone and test their skills at poker and bring home a generous prize can participate at the casino’s Texas Hold’em tournaments, which are held regularly. Casino de Montreal also has a program called the Casino Privileges Club, through which players can earn points to use in the casino as well as restaurants and hotels in downtown Montreal, and many other bonuses similar to the ones found on casinobonusca.com.
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino – Ontario
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino across the border from Detroit
Located just across the border from Detroit via the Ambassador Bridge, Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino is a hotspot for both Canadian and American gamblers. Measuring about 10,000 square feet, the twin hotel towers offer 758 guest rooms and suites, alongside a fitness center.
The Colosseum showroom hosts headline acts and shows, with guests having the option to choose from six cafes and restaurants as well. The establishments that stand out are the Artist Café, a boldly colored, intimate place filled with intricate murals, paints and sculptures, and Neros Steakhouse, a world renown restaurant famous for its excellent selection of high-quality stakes and seafood. Naturally, the Ceasars Casino has lots to offer in terms of gambling as well. The Poker Room, for instance, has 14 tables, and the main casino floor offers a wide range of electronic slots and gaming tables.
River Cree Resort and Casino sits right at the western edge of Edmonton
River Cree Resort and Casino – Alberta
The River Cree Resort and Casino sits right at the western edge of Edmonton, Province of Alberta. A full-fledged entertainment complex, it acts as a luxury resort, a casino, and a hockey center. In terms of gambling, visitors can choose from more than 1,000 slot machines, 39 game tables, as well as engage in off-track horse betting. Apart from these features, gamblers can try their luck in a high stakes poker room, a dazzling roulette, or relax in the dining venue or enjoy a fun night together with friends in the Centre Bar.
River Rock Casino Resort – British Columbia
River Rock Casino on the shores of the Fraser River
Situated on the shores of the Fraser River, the River Rock Casino is arguably the largest gambling venue in Western Canada. The casino measures approximately 70,000 square feet, with 900 slot machines, a separate poker room with 14 tables, and a high-stakes VIP room called the Dogwood club. As with every resort, the River Rock hosts a wide variety of dining venues and entertainment centers, including the River Rock Show Theatre, the classy Lulu’s Lounge, a spa, and a 202-room hotel Suite.
As bright, shiny, glitzy and glamorous as Las Vegas might be, nothing compares to the natural beauty and charm of Canada. Even though Canada is a relatively new player in the world of high-class gambling, nobody can argue that the country suffers from a shortage of quality venues, and these four casinos stand as living proof. If you are taking a trip through Canada, make sure to check these places out.
The new Rose Garden in Hendrie Park, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) will officially open to the public on Saturday, June 23rd. The occasion will include the Hamilton and Burlington Rose Society Annual Show.
Much like the rejuvenated Rock Garden, the new Rose Garden embraces new designs and techniques that reflect a more modern, environmentally conscious approach to growing roses. One that people can implement in their home garden” said Jim Mack, RBG Head of Horticulture.
The new Rose Garden focuses on Ontario-hardy, disease resistant roses together with companion plants. Beneath these beneficial plant pairings is a trickle irrigation system. Deep roots, combined with a consistently maintained layer of mulch, means less artificial watering which promotes an eco-friendly approach.
The companion plantings and advanced irrigation system creates a garden that is resilient and sustainable; a garden growing in healthy soil working together to attract beneficial insects that stave off pests.
Opened in 1967, the original Centennial Rose Garden showcased a large monoculture of hybrid tea and floribunda roses for nearly 50 years. Despite the best efforts of RBG’s horticulture team, the collection had suffered in recent years. Using environmentally-friendly treatments could not outweigh the reality that the garden was made up of disease-prone roses, further compromised by falling under the shadow of large shade trees.
In 2017, construction began on the rejuvenated garden, sacrificing a year of roses in order to take the garden in a bold new direction.
Highlights of the new garden include approximately 3, 300 roses displaying 300 different cultivated varieties, 4, 500 companion plants and many new enhancements to the garden landscape. This includes upgraded pathways, fences, gazebos stairs and lighting as well as renovations to the Turner Pavilion Teahouse that overlooks the new garden. Education elements include an array of new interpretive signs, including the “story of roses” display, teaching visitors about the history of roses.
In 2017, Royal Botanical Gardens launched a $3 million fundraising campaign in support of the new garden and are currently raising the remaining $700-thousand. More information can be found at www.rbg.ca/rosegarden.
Bryna and the rest of the Casey Cosgrove family are hosting the first annual Casey Cosgrove Memorial Golf Tournament.
If you’ve followed their story or knew Casey even a little bit then I don’t need to tell you how special he was (and continues to be) in his desire and ability to inspire and help others and his community.
We are hosting the first annual memorial golf tournament in his honour to help benefit others who are struggling through a similar story.
The event is July 19th (Casey’s #) and we are still looking for prize donations, silent auction items, hole sponsorships, volunteers, and of course player registrations…and no, you don’t need to be a golfer to play (there is a “fun” group of players).
Casey Cosgrove Memorial Golf Tournament Where: Hidden Lake Golf & Country Club When: Thursday, July 19, 2018 Cost: $195PP includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and prizes
288 golfers, double shotgun at 1pm sharp
Your choice of round…either competitive 18 holes or fun 18 holes
Competitive 18 hole tourney for 144 “golfers” who stack their teams and are better “scorers” than golfers
Fun 18 hole tourney for those who don’t care how you score, maybe don’t golf much, but like sunshine and getting out with friends for a great cause
Long drive, closest to the hole, straightest drive competitions
Competitions on the fun 18 that we are going to keep quiet but geared to the event
Richard Street and his Rich Harmony Singers plan on delighting you with some great Broadway choral music (and an outstanding piano accompanist in Ian Green) on Friday evening June 22nd, 7:30, at St. Matthew-on-the-Plains, Burlington (Aldershot).
In addition to the Cole Porter classics, there’ll be choral selections from some of your favourite shows, including “Chicago”, “42nd Street”, “A Chorus Line”, “Sweet Charity”.
If you happen to teach young children or have grandchildren of your own, they’ll more than likely be able to clue you in about “Moana”, “Tangled”, “Toy Story”, “Rocky III” and “Beauty and the Beast”.
But until you convince them, they’re unlikely to believe a group of [lively] seniors would dare attempt to sing some of their favourite songs (“You’re Welcome”, “I See the Light”, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, “Eye of the Tiger”, “How Does a Moment Last Forever”?)
If this kind of an evening of light, fun music drive on over to St. Matthew-on-the-Plains . Parking is behind the church – or across the road at Burger King (or maybe its McDonalds – a hamburger place anyway).
126 Plains Road East is east of Waterdown Road on the south side.
There are things other than the Sound of Music to attend. Why bother – there is so much going on at the bottom of the city – head for Lakeshore Road – just don’t bother looking for a parking space. Find a way to use public transit, bike (careful if you use New Street) or walk.
Here is what will be on the four stages today.
Besides the stages in Spencer Smith Park there are pods placed all over the downtown core that are worth dropping by for a listen.
Scroll on down and decide where you want to spend your time.
Things just don’t happen – they don’t just fall off the back of a truck.
Someone has an idea, there is something someone wants to do.
Sometimes a person doesn’t like the way something is being done and they want to have it changed.
Other times people see an unfortunate situation and they want to make it better.
Burlington is a community with a lot of wealth. There are people who are not wealthy but overall the city is financially comfortable.
Some describe the city as complacent.
Others see something that isn’t happening and they think something should happen and they mobilize and make it happen.
Carie DeMunck
Carie DeMunck, a parent with children at the Pauline Johnson (PJ) public school, was touring the Frontenac public school that he daughter was to attend next year. Pauline John public school is a K to 8; Frontenac is a Middle school.
While touring Frontenac Carie learned that they had celebrated their 50th Anniversary in May of 2017
In September of 2017 Lori Waugh was appointed as the new school principal. She told the Parent Council meeting later that month that the school would celebrate their 50th anniversary the following year.
“Nobody really jumped on it” said Carie . “It was brought up again at the November Council meeting when the principal recommended putting a committee together to mark it in some way. It was then that we learned there were time capsules that were marked for opening, which the majority of us on Council, including myself, had been completely unaware of until that point.
“Initially we all shied away from it because we all knew what a big job it could be and the event /fundraising planning always seems to fall on the same four or five people. It’s difficult to get people on board and motivate parents to volunteer and be leaders within Council.
“By the November meeting I had already started looking up news articles for our school to see what was in the local history and general interest articles. That’s when I jumped in and said to myself – I’ll do it.”
Carie met with Dave Woodward, a 1968 staff member at PJ who returned to the school in the 70’s as principal.
Trips to the library to dig out whatever the Historical Society had on the school.
With her mind made up and he best friend beside her Carie headed for a meeting with the principal to sell the plan to her.
Carie DeMunck pointing o where the two time capsules were stored – no one knew.
With the concept thought through and the team in place Carie was ready to put it in front of principal Waugh.
I was thinking a formal assembly and tree planting was a fitting tribute especially for working in a time capsule reveal, and doing a public reunion on a Saturday which would require the principal to be totally on board.
Carie is one of those people who can use words to paint a picture.
“So picture this” she said. “Do you remember that picture of Merkel and Trump at the G7?
Well I was Merkel and Waugh is sitting there like Trump and we presented the ideas. I said I would run the whole thing and she said Ok.”
Chiefwoods the Pauline Johnson ancestral home.
She took her kids on a tour of Chiefwoods, the Pauline Johnson family home in Brantford to get a deeper idea as to just who Pauline Johnson was and came away with a much better understanding of just what Canada has in the way of an Indigenous population and how Canadians have related to them – not always that well.
The Indigenous people have been given a bad rap said Carie. “We need to open up our minds and become more aware of our colonial past and begin to collaborate with the First Nations.
Carie didn’t make the two day 50th anniversary celebration happen all by herself. Her 11 years on the school’s Parent Council meant she had all kinds of contacts and a network of her own she could call upon.
Along with principal Lorie Waugh and Parent Council Chairs, Patty Chanda and Jenn Cooper-Cabral stepped up when there was a need and ran the student volunteers and bought the cake and helped with decorating and attended all planning meetings.
“ Patty is my right hand, without being asked, she’s cool and collected, organized, doesn’t get her feathers ruffled, lets me vent to her when I’m frustrated, is highly objective, not overly opinionated, steps in when she sees a need, she doesn’t like the spotlight either.” The two have been close friends for 10 years.
Next for the team that made the celebration happen? Well all those posters and picture the students put together have to be put into a 50th anniversary time capsule to be opened on perhaps the 75th anniversary. Carie has found the containers she want to use. No stopping this lady.
Mary Alice St. James, retired Pauline Johnson public school principal.
Mary Alice St. James, a former and now retired PJ principal speaks glowingly of Carie DeMunck. “She epitomizes the positive impact of volunteerism in a school. With 17 years of involvement at PJ where she saw her three children Jessica (Nelson High School), Ryan (Frontenac Public School) and Emilie (Pauline Johnson Public School) pick up the first part of the education she made a positive difference. As a School Council Member Carie learned leadership skills that served her well as she coordinated Pauline Johnson’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
In a small neighbourhood school, volunteering is welcomed. It makes a huge difference. Carie liaised with many to begin and follow through with a vision of inclusion, involvement and reflection of the impact of life particularly in a small community has made to many over the past 50 years.
Carie humbly says that the successful two days of events are due to her team of parent volunteers, the PJ Staff current and past, the students and their families both current and past. True, everybody assisted BUT it was Carie who led the team, developed the vision and ensured its meaningfulness and celebratory feeling.
Now that the province is beginning to get used to the Premier designate and the city can get on with enjoying the Sound of Music and weather that ranges from pleasant to stinking hot.
Next up is the municipal election that will take place October 22nd.
James Burchill, the lad that drives around town in a Smart Car getting out for coffee and a conversation.
He interviews all kinds of people including the three candidates for the Office of Mayor.
He did interviews of the current Mayor, Rick Goldring, then an interview with Mike Wallace, a former city Councillor and a former MP for Burlington.
The most recent, which is set out below for your viewing pleasure, is Burchill’s interview with Marianne Meed Ward.
Three very different people. We have provided links to the Goldring and Wallace interviews – gives you a chance to see who wants to lead the city. You are the one who gets to decide.
The 2018 election is going to be a lot different than the 2014 election when every member of the 2010 Council was returned to office.
Burchill has an easy, natural conversation style and lets the person being interviewed do the talking. Goldring and Wallace seemed a little apprehensive. My take on the Meed Ward interview is that Burchill was flirting with her – but have to be the judge of that.
Bookmark this story and come back to it in October. Which one do you think can best lead the city
Denis Longchamps the Artistic Director and Chief Curator of the Art Gallery of Burlington since 2013 is leaving to become the Executive Director of the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Waterloo effective August 1st.
While with the AGB Longchamps curated a number of significant programs including Lyndal Osborne’s Of Water and Tides (2014), the touring Naked Craft (2015-2017), and the various components of the Canadian Craft Biennial (2017).
Longchamps created two residencies, ran numerous workshops and an international symposium.
The city has upgraded the information they make available on road closures during the Sound of Music and Canada Day celebrations.
The traffic plan includes concrete barricades and parked police vehicles. This is to ensure pedestrian and vehicle traffic are kept separate for the safety of pedestrians.
Shades of that tragic situation in Toronto when a driver in a rented van barrelled down Yonge Street, killing 10 pedestrians and injuring 16.
The public can expect to see concrete barricades whenever there are a large number of pedestrian.
The Sound of Music Festival will result in road closures Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17.
Road Closures
Friday, June 15 from 3:30 p.m. to Sunday, June 17 at 6 p.m. – Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road.
Parade Closures
Saturday, June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Caroline Street from Drury Lane to Locust Street, Elizabeth Street from Caroline Street to Pine Street and Drury Lane from Courtland to New Street.
Road Closure for Canada Day fireworks: Sunday, July 1: Lakeshore Road between Elizabeth Street and Maple Avenue from 9 to 11 p.m.
By Pepper Parr
Doreen Nicoll is an actionist; a word that isn’t part of the lexicon most of us use. She has been politically active in the past; she ran against Carol D’Amelio for a city council seat in 2003 – came in second and wasn’t able to give D’Amelio much of a run for her money.
Nicoll writes from a social justice perspective. There are some things that are just plain wrong and she has the courage of her convictions to stand up and say so.
How Much Will You Pay for Online Poker Software?
Dates
Mohawk College is hosting a star-studded YouTube Creator Camp where high school level students will learn ‘Social Media Skills’ from the biggest names in the Biz!
Mohawk Creator’s Camp hopes to be the first to give students an entertaining alternative when it comes to learning during the summer. Mohawk Creator’s Camp won’t just teach students about making videos, Students will be able to use this unique Camp as a stepping stone into a possible career in media. At the end of the camp, parents are invited to a showcase party which is planned for the evening of Monday July 16th.
The city doesn’t disappoint.
Yoga at the compass at 8:30 a.m.
Karen Thornton at 1 p.m.
Do flags make a difference? How did you feel when you saw these flags?
As bright, shiny, glitzy and glamorous as Las Vegas might be, nothing compares to the natural beauty and charm of Canada. Even though Canada is a relatively new player in the world of high-class gambling, nobody can argue that the country suffers from a shortage of quality venues, and these four casinos stand as living proof. If you are taking a trip through Canada, make sure to check these places out.
Much like the rejuvenated Rock Garden, the new Rose Garden embraces new designs and techniques that reflect a more modern, environmentally conscious approach to growing roses. One that people can implement in their home garden” said Jim Mack, RBG Head of Horticulture.
The companion plantings and advanced irrigation system creates a garden that is resilient and sustainable; a garden growing in healthy soil working together to attract beneficial insects that stave off pests.
Highlights of the new garden include approximately 3, 300 roses displaying 300 different cultivated varieties, 4, 500 companion plants and many new enhancements to the garden landscape. This includes upgraded pathways, fences, gazebos stairs and lighting as well as renovations to the Turner Pavilion Teahouse that overlooks the new garden. Education elements include an array of new interpretive signs, including the “story of roses” display, teaching visitors about the history of roses.
Casey Cosgrove Memorial Golf Tournament
In addition to the Cole Porter classics, there’ll be choral selections from some of your favourite shows, including “Chicago”, “42nd Street”, “A Chorus Line”, “Sweet Charity”.
The traffic plan includes concrete barricades and parked police vehicles. This is to ensure pedestrian and vehicle traffic are kept separate for the safety of pedestrians.
Shades of that tragic situation in Toronto when a driver in a rented van barrelled down Yonge Street, killing 10 pedestrians and injuring 16.
