 By Staff
May 24th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There will be something in the way of a lasting memory of the graceful, natural looking Gazebo that once rested in a small dip of land at the beginning of the Naval Promenade in Spence Smith Park.
 A view of Burlington that is no more – two majestic willow trees were cut down and the gazebo razed for something more accessible. The two willow trees that were planted there more than seventy years ago by the man who the park was eventually named after were deemed to be unsafe and were cut down in 2016.
All was not lost – several hundred saplings were taken and the thick tree trunks were cut into smaller pieces, planed and then kiln dried and are now ready for use by people who like and know how to work with wood.
Starting in June, the city will offer wood chunks for creating artwork and for souvenirs, saplings for planting and wood boards to be finished into furniture or art objects.
Saplings: The city grew more than 200 cuttings from the willow trees in a greenhouse this past fall and winter. The young trees will be ready in early June for people who are interested in growing a piece of history on their own properties. Weeping willows are very large trees and don’t suit everyone’s property and preferences. Please carefully follow the city’s instructions on where and how to plant them.
A limited number of saplings is available at:
Branches of Burlington Public Library, starting June 6
Ireland House Museum, starting June 6
Lions Park, 471 Pearl St., June 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. during Chat and Chew in Ward 2
 Trunks of the weeping willow trees taken out of Spencer Smith Park are cut to plank length sizes, planed and then kiln dried. wood will be available in June. Wood chunks: Great for artwork or small pieces of furniture, wood chunks are available for pickup in the parking lot of the Burlington Lions Club at 471 Pearl St. from June 9 at 5 p.m. until June 11 at 5 p.m.
Wood boards: Local companies Arborwood Tree Service Inc. and Exotic Woods donated their services to prepare wood from the willow trees for future use. They planed, milled and then kiln-dried the wood from six large logs to make boards that can form a table, chairs or other furniture.
More information will soon be available about how to apply for those pieces of wood.
Tribute in Spencer Smith Park: The city is working with Halton Region to plan a lasting tribute to the willow trees in Spencer Smith Park. Stay tuned for more details.
For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/willowtrees. For questions about the wood, please email communications@burlington.ca.
 By Staff
May 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 Liona Boyd performance is close to sold out. The Liona Boyd event, part of the Lowville Festival that runs Friday night and is heading towards a sellout.
There are still a few tickets for the two shows taking place in the tent in Lowville Park.
People can order online at Snapd Burlington or at Different Drummer, and through Bob Missen at 289-260-1109.
 Comedy under canvas – Canada: The Thinking Man’s America Show schedule:
Friday, May 26; 7:30 pm – St. George’s Parish Hall
To Canada with Love: Celebrating Canada 150, featuring Liona Boyd and the Lowville Festival Choir
Saturday, May 27; 1pm to 4pm – Lowville United Church
Free Event!
Sights and Sounds in the Escarpment in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Burlington
Sponsored by: Ontario Trillium Foundation
Saturday May 27th – 7:30pm; Lowville Park – Festival Tent
Second City Comedy Troupe: – Canada: The Thinking Man’s America
Sunday, May 28; 2pm – Lowville Park- Festival Tent
Motus O Dance Theatre’s Alice
 By Staff
May 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Canada 150 Mosaic project brings together 150 communities and thousands of participants to create community murals that celebrate Canada’s unique history and culture. Burlington’s mural will be made of 400 tiles.
 This work is not part of the Burlington effort – it was in the painting room where people could get some ideas. During the weekend literally hundreds of young people and their parents were at the Art Gallery taking part in what is going to be a national visual celebration of our 150 years as a nation.
Burlington residents were invited to paint their own tile that will become part of the mural.
When there is an open event that focuses on young people we get to see the Art Gallery at its best. The regular high brow art shows are fine – we do get to see some exceptionally good work.
What the kids bring is energy, enthusiasm and awe.
 Leslie Page runs the Children’s program at the Art Gallery The art program for the younger set is guided by Leslie Page who was swamped with the turnout on Monday afternoon when she had to tell some people that the gallery was going to close soon – they could take one of the 400 blank tiles home, paint it and bring it back.
It was that kind of day.
 It was a “master piece as far as this young boy was concerned – the girl wasn’t as certain. Everyone was welcome – they weren’t expected to be an artist to participate. The limited number of mural tiles were handed out on a first come, first served basis.
There was a painting set up at the Burlington Mall; the Gazette covered the event Monday afternoon at the Art Gallery
The finished product will be unveiled on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the Burlington Music Centre on New Street at 10:00 am
 Burlington’s contribution to the 150 different murals that are being created to celebrate our sesquicentennial The Canada 150 Mosaic project is led by internationally recognized artists Lewis Lavoie, Paul Lavoie and Phil Alain. It is a mammoth undertaking.
On July 1st, Canada will turn 150 years old. It is a country that has welcomed the world through its borders.
To celebrate this birthday, the Mural Mosaic team is launching a bold undertaking. Over a two year span, the trio plan to create a mural including all provinces and territories, over 80,000 paintings and 150 individual murals that when united will form one gigantic mural mosaic. The mural, if ever connected would be over 365 meters wide (4 football fields) x 2.5 meters high (8 feet).
 Two local artists look over the hundreds of tiles painted to make up the mural: Donna Grandin and Dominique Prevost seem to approve. The mural will represent a cultural mosaic, a time capsule, a visual portrayal of history, an art masterpiece from the soul of the nation. An art piece that fifty years from now, may inspire another generation, who will in turn be able to celebrate through the mural, and maybe take it upon themselves to add to this memory
Like the first settlers to come to the country, this project is full of ambition, adventure and the desire to trail blaze into new exciting frontiers. It will also face great challenges and obstacles. But, if history proves itself correctly, the trio of art explorers, Lewis Lavoie, Paul Lavoie and Phil Alain will find their way and en route will meet up with like-minded art explorers and something remarkable will be born.
 Every tile was an individual effort – this artist is thinking through what she wants to say with her tile. Each province and territory will have only 5-15 individual communities who will be selected to represent the province and the nation. Each community will host an event inviting participants from far and wide from their region to participate and create their own community mural, which will then connect to the nation.
Upon the completion of the entire Canada 150 Mosaic, each community mural will reside in the town or city where it was created as a reminder of the 150th anniversary, and the pride of the community and the nation.
 By Staff
May 24, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Burlington Herd is still looking for that first game win this season.
They play Hamilton in Burlington on Thursday, May 25 at 7:15 pm
On Friday, May 26 they travel to London and play at Labatt Park – 7:35 pm
 By Staff
May 20, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s getting tough to actually win a game.
The Burlington Herd took an 11-4 shellacking from the Toronto Leafs in a Saturday afternoon game in Burlington.
A seven-run ninth inning turned a close game into a blowout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto led 4-3 before racking up five hits and taking advantage of a Burlington error in the bat-around inning.
Ryan White singled twice and doubled with an RBI and two runs to lead the Leafs. Daniel Szpik and Justin Marra each had two hits, an RBI and a run. Tyler Hardie singled twice and had an RBI and a run, while Grant Tamane, Adam Odd, Brendan Keys and Connor Lewis all drove in a run.
Toronto batters reached base 22 times with 12 hits and 10 walks.
 Justin Cicatello (1-0) went six innings for the win, giving up three runs (none earned) on five hits. He walked three and struck out three.
 John Whaley had three hits and an RBI for the Herd, which fell to 0-4. Carlos Villoria had the other RBI. Justin Gideon singled, doubled and scored twice.
Adam Prashad (0-1) took the loss, going four innings and allowing a run on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts. He relieved Rich Corrente, who gave up three runs (one earned) on three hits in four innings. Corrente walked two and struck out two.
The Herd play next on:
May 21: 2:00 PM Burlington Hamilton
May 25: 7:15 PM Hamilton Burlington
May 26: 7:35 PM Burlington London
May 27: 1:05 PM Brantford Burlington
 By Staff
May 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
As part of Canada’s 150 celebration, the City of Burlington is calling upon its residents to submit photos that capture Burlington’s iconic landmarks, including the beautiful lakefront and escarpment.
 Residents are asked to submit their photos on Instagram and Twitter by including the hashtag: #BurlON150.
The submission period will run until Monday, June 19, 2017.
Selected photos will be published across social media (on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Credit will be given to the photo via username or full name, if available).
Visit burlington.ca/BurlON150 – for more information where you will learn that photos must be in a ‘square’ format (1080 by 1080 px if editing in Photoshop prior to submission).
Then the zinger – By submitting a photo, you release all ownership interest, right, copyright you have to the photo(s). Credit will be given to the photo via username or full name (if available).
The artists in town aren’t going to like this one bit.
The Mayor reminds us that “We know Burlington is a top place to live for many reasons, chief among them is its natural beauty and countless amenities and events. We’re asking residents to showcase Burlington for all to see.”
By Staff
May 19th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Each year when the Performing Arts centre announces their program Brian McCurdy gets to have his picture taken with another accomplished woman in the field of the performing arts.
 Tammy Fox,incoming executive director of the Performing Arts Centre. This year Brian welcomed Tammy Fox into the job he has done so well in the past and keeps trying to retire from.
Ms Fox is the incoming Executive Director
The two of them announced the 2017/2018 line-up at The Centre’s annual season launch. “The seventh season will bring the best in Canadian and international performing arts to Burlington while engaging the community with meaningful and inspiring experiences.” said Tammy Fox.
 Buffy Sainte-Marie There is a decided Canadian spin on the program with Canadian icons Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, the Cowboy Junkies, Kim Mitchell, Michael Kaeshammer and Jann Arden scheduled to be on the stage.
The celebration kicks off on September 30 with returning Canadian favourites Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
The Barenaked Ladies bring their sold out Canada 1 Five 0 concert on October 26.
Shaun Majumder and An Evening with Cathy Jones & Mary Walsh bring world-renowned Canuck comedy to the stage.
Unique Canadian stories come to life in Fixt Point Theatre’s A Tale of a Town-Canada and Canadian science journalist Alanna Mitchell explores the global ocean crisis in her play Sea Sick.
The 2017/2018 Season also brings some Hollywood to the shores of Lake Ontario. Roseanne Barr and Louie Anderson bring their Emmy Award winning comedy and Olivia Newton-John, Amy Sky and Beth Nielson Chapman explore grief and gratitude in LIV ON.
 The Tartan Terror From North America, The Centre goes global, stopping in India with the spectacle A Passage to Bollywood, a tumble to China with The Peking Acrobats and a skip to the Highlands, via Burlington, Ontario, with The Tartan Terrors.
The Holidays are an enchanting time for all ages at The Centre. The Ennis Sisters host an afternoon of yuletide cheer, and the Men of the Deeps bring a down home Cape Breton Christmas to the Main Stage.
 The Canadian Brass Canadian Brass is nearly synonymous with Christmas while The Nutcracker and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are quickly becoming a tradition at The Centre.
Getting tickets to these events goes like this:
The Season Launch attendees who could have been at the event Wednesday evening included – Sponsors, Donors, Media, Series Patrons (patrons who have purchased 4 or more shows to our previous Presenting Season), and Members.
Membership has 4 levels ($75, $200, $500, $1000).
Those who are in attendance were able to purchase their tickets last night – and there is usually a long line at the box office.
Sales the the public begins May 24, 11am Online and Noon by phone/in person.
 By Staff
May 18th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has closed the beach at Burlington Beach Regional Waterfront Park—the Beachway—until further notice due to high water levels.
 Significant erosion due to high water levels in Lake Ontario. Wednesday afternoon it looked like this. The closure takes place to protect public safety. There is significant sand erosion and debris at the shoreline.
 This is what the Beachway looked like in the summer of 2013. This is what climate change gets you. The playground, concessions, washrooms, parking and recreational trail will remain open.
By Walt Rickli
May 15th, 2017
Lowville, ON
Let’s start with something very important. The City of Burlington is proposing a Skatepark in North Burlington. The two options are Lowville Park and Kilbride Park. There will be a public information meeting Thursday May 18th at Kilbride Public School from 6:30 to 8:30. Historically this is the time to have your opinion heard, the City does listen however we need to be present to have input into this decision.
 Lowville natives celebrating the Winter Solstice; life is different in the Hamlet. For those of you who cannot make the meeting and wish to have me pass on your thoughts please send them to me in an email. Please put “Burlington Skate” park as the subject.
So, now let’s talk about the Lowville Movie Night…every time it happens there is a bigger turn out! The conversations that happen afterward are awesome…its such a great experience to share a movie with your community. This Wednesday May 17th , at the Lowville schoolhouse is the next movie night. It will feature the documentary “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things”. The show starts at 8:00…pizza and cider at 7:31
I can’t send out an email without mentioning… you know what I’m talking about… Ya, you got it… “The Lowville Festival”. Hard to believe however there are still some tickets available. This will be the largest festival to happen in Lowville in a long time…if ever… Hope to see you there.
Liona Boyd, featured at the Lowville Festival Lowville Festival is May 26th -28th, we are reaching for the stars with Liona Boyd, Second City: Canada The Thinking Man’s America and Motus O’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. And don’t miss ‘Beautiful Sights and Sounds in the Escarpment’ a free event we are presenting with the Art Gallery of Burlington at Lowville United Church.
For Tickets and additional information go to www.lowvillefestival.com, A Different Drummer Books, or call Bob 289-260-1109.
Here is a quick update on the River Ruin Property. We had a great first meeting with a unanimous decision that we will do what we can to preserve the land. A core group was formed to pursue this adventure. I’ll keep you posted…
Picture this…you are up north…early morning , afternoon, late evening…you pick the time. You,re sitting outside enjoying nature at its best… awe…quiet. The all of a sudden its BOOM BOOM BOOM THUMP THUMP THUMP…someone down the lake has their stereo cranked. Sound travels not only up north but in towns and villages. We all love music however not all the time. A great exercise when you want to enjoy music in the outdoors is to walk over to the edge of your property and see how loud it might be…then adjust accordingly. Music…enjoy it responsibly.
Links:
Lowville Festival program and background.
 By Staff
May 15th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Public Library has come up with an interesting way to celebrate and recognize the role that literature has played in the growth of this country.
They have put together a traveling book display that will move from library branch to library branch during the balance of the year.
The schedule is:
May 12 to June 5 – New Appleby branch
June 6 to July 3 – Tansley Woods branch
July 4 to Aug 7 – Kilbride branch
Aug 8 to Sep 4 – Alton branch
Sep 5 to Oct 9 – Brant Hills branch
Oct 10 to Nov 6 – Central branch
Nov 7 to Dec 4 – Aldershot branch
The display will include copies of 71 books written by authors who live or once lived in Burlington. It is the library’s way of celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday
 Part of the traveling display – 71 authors from a city the size of Burlington is something to celebrate. The book display will feature books from a variety of both children’s and adult’s authors and illustrators. Special edition Canada 150 bookmarks will be handed out.
Maureen Barry, CEO, Burlington Public Library adds that “Canada has a long and proud literary arts heritage and an exceptional reputation for storytelling worldwide. Here in Burlington, we are privileged to have a wealth of talent connected to our city. That’s something worth celebrating.”
The commemorative book display project was initiated and inspired by Burlington author, Sylvia McNicoll. Ian Elliot, owner of A Different Drummer Books, assisted with the selection of authors and books featured in the exhibit.
Children’s Authors
Rebecca Bender
Giraffe and Bird
Don’t Laugh at Giraffe
Pamela Duncan Edwards
Oliver Has Something to Say!
Lana Button
Willow’s Whispers
Willow Finds a Way
Willow’s Smile
Marilyn Helmer
Fog Cat
That’s What Bears Are For!
Heather Rath
Ode to a Flattened Toad
Jennifer Maruno
When The Cherry Blossoms Fell
Cherry Blossom Winter
Cherry Blossom Baseball
Cathy Miyata
Starring Me
Sharon E. McKay
Charlie Wilcox
War Brothers
Sylvia McNicoll
Best Friends Through Eternity
The Best Mistake Mystery
Jennifer Mook-Sang
Speechless
Patricia Storms
Never Let You Go
The Ghosts Go Spooking
Children’s Book Illustrators
Lorenzo Del Bianco
Hockey Science
Dirty Science
Wendy Whittingham
Miss Wondergerm’s Dreadfully Dreadful Pie
Patricia (Patty) Gallinger
My Mannequins
Yesterday’s Santa and the Chanukah Miracle
Adult Authors
Elizabeth Crocket
Extra Candles
Jen J. Danna
Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It
Lone Wolf (as Sara Driscoll)
Lorene DiCorpo
Worth Travelling Miles to See
A. E. Eddenden
A Good Year for Murder
Murder at the Movies
Jennifer Filipowicz
Wardroids
Ian Hamilton
The Water Rat of Wanchai
The Courturier of Milan
Emerson Lavender
The Evaders
Denise McKay
Old Lady Sweetly Is Twenty
John Lawrence Reynolds
Free Rider
Beach Strip
Lee Lamb
Oak Island Obsession
Alexandra Oliver
Meeting The Tormentors in Safeway
Let The Empire Down
Lynda Simmons
Getting Rid of Rosie
Island Girl
Janet Turpin Myers
Nightswimming
The Last Year of Confusion
Dee Wilson
A Keeper’s Truth
Mark Zelinski
Heart of Turtle Island: The Niagara Escarpment
Canada’s Royal Garden
Gary Evans
Images of Burlington
Vanished Burlington
Jane Irwin
Burlington
Old Canadian Cemeteries
Former Resident Authors
Robert Bateman
Life Sketches
Linwood Barclay
Broken Promise
Far From True
The Twenty-Three
Melodie Campbell
The Goddaughter
The Bootlegger’s Goddaughter
Jill Downie
Daggers and Men’s Smiles
A Grave Waiting
Blood Will Out
Kim Echlin
The Disappeared
Under The Visible Life
Lawrence Hill
The Book of Negroes
The Illegal
Miranda Hill
Sleeping Funny
Marni Jackson
The Mother Zone
Don’t I Know You?
Christopher Moore
The Story of Canada
Anitha Robinson
Broken Worlds
Gisela Sherman
The Farmerettes
By Staff
May 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
To go undefeated in any tournament is a feat – and that is just what the Halton Hurricanes did during the National |(East) Volleyball championships last week
The 16U Volleyball Team made up of Kinsley Bozzo (#2), Biamba Kambengele (#2), Julia Jeffrey (#5), Danielle Gravina (#7), Marina Vesovic (#8), Rachel Eatough (#12), Elizabeth Richmond (#13), Haley Armstrong (#14), Nya Jones (#21) and Aleah Torres (#24)
 Undefeated throughout the tournament. Formidable! These winners were coached by Mike Ongley (Head Coach), Mee Luang-Asa (Asst. Coach) and Chrissy Foest (Asst. Coach)
They not only went through the entire tournamemt without dropping a single set – in the recent past they:
Defeated Defensa (Burlington) in semi-final (25-14, 25-10)
Defeated Leaside in straight sets (25-20, 25-20) in Championship match
National Championship capped off a highly successful season for the HRVC 16U team
Girls recently won the silver medal at the 16U Provincial Championships in April
They also won the silver medal at the 17U Provincial Championships, defeating the #1 ranked Scarborough Titans 17’s in the semi’s.
Over the past several months, they took their talents south of the border to play in tournaments in Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit.
In the Cleveland JVA Rock n,Rumble tournament, the girls won the silver bracket, which was the best result ever recorded by a Canadian team.
Over the course of the season, the girls won gold at:
16U Provincial Cup (November)
17U Challenge Cup (December)
17U McGregor Cup (January)
16U McGregor Cup (February)
Formidable team.
 By Staff
May 12th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There were 24 people nominated with eight of them named the city’s BEST in different categories.
The awards were presented at an event at the Royal Botanical Gardens – a positive shift in venue for the event.
Burlington’s Best Awards are managed by a citizen’s committee established in 1965 with the mandate of recognizing Burlington residents who bring honour to the city and make a difference in the community.
The Burlington’s Best categories include:
• Heritage Award
• Community Service Award
• Environmental Award
• Arts Person of the Year
• Accessibility Award
• Junior Citizen of the Year
• Senior Person of the Year
• Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year Award is given to a person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community.
 Dorothy Borovich: 2016 Citizen of the Year Dorothy Borovich has been a community builder for more than 15 years. She co-founded Youthfest, an initiative that brought together community not-for-profit agencies, city, business and youth leaders to promote youth philanthropy and engage in volunteerism.
Borovich encouraged youth to take on community involvement and volunteering as a lifestyle in order to gain a sense of belonging. Through her fundraising efforts, a permanent endowment fund with the Burlington Community Foundation was established and continues to assist youth in their community endeavours. Borovich also founded the Crystal Ball, a significant source of annual funding for Joseph Brant Hospital, and the Healthy Reflections event which raises funds to assist women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Borovich is described as an inspiring leader; her commitment and passion has made Burlington a better city.
The Heritage Award went to Jim Clemens. He is no longer a Burlington resident but the city owes him a huge debt of gratitude for heading up the Citizen Heritage Advisory committee that solved the problems and did what the city had not been able to do.
 Jim Clemens given the 2016 Heritage Award. The award is sponsored by Heritage Burlington, a City of Burlington citizen advisory committee made up of 14 volunteers who provide advice to City Council on issues related to the conservation of Burlington’s cultural heritage.
The award goes to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered his or her time to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage.
Clemens has been a leader and supporter of heritage and culture in Burlington for many years. He has a deep knowledge of the issues and legalities that influence Burlington’s capacity to preserve its heritage. As a past member and Chair of Heritage Burlington, he was instrumental in the development of the document “A New Approach for Conserving Burlington’s Heritage” resulting in the implementation of the Burlington Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program. Through his work with the Burlington Historical Society and Heritage Burlington, Jim has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to maintaining Burlington’s heritage for future generations.
The Community Service Award, sponsored by COGECO, is given to an individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community.
 Marion Goard given the 2016 Community Service Award. Marion Goard was chosen for this award – she believes a better community is the responsibility of every individual and she strives to find ways to contribute to Burlington. She is the co-founder of 100 Women Who Care Burlington, an organization of 100 women who donate $100 four times a year to four different charities – $10,000 per charity.
The Environmental Award is sponsored by Walker Environmental Group, a leading waste management company that develops solutions for environmental challenges.
Kale Black was chosen for this award.
 Kale Black, upper right given the Environmental Award for 2016. He is described as a shining example of how one person can truly make a difference. His journey to champion the environment began while attending Aldershot High School and since then, he has dedicated almost nine years of his life striving to create a better planet and benefit the community.
Black has hand-sorted more waste at Burlington festivals and events than any other individual in the city and his active participation and team leadership at 44 community events has resulted in the diversion of 61 tonnes of waste from the landfill. Black is best known in the community for his extensive contributions to inspiring and engaging local youth to grow up green and has taught fun-filled, educational workshops to 7000 Burlington children. Black is an environmental and community champion who actively leads and serves as a steward for our environment and the youth of Burlington.
His hard work and dedication to environmental initiatives in Burlington, including protecting the rural environment and valuable green space, has touched many lives. Black has pushed for environmentally sustainable policy and decision-making and has led the BurlingtonGreen team to grow as an effective, impactful organization through various programs, services and advocacy campaigns.
The Arts Person of the Year Award, known as the K.W. Irmisch Award, went to Margaret Lindsay Holton, a woman who has made a significant contribution to the arts and as an activist she has stood up and spoken out about environmental issues and where the city was getting it wrong.
This is a woman who does not want to understand what no means.
It is interesting to note that two people who have made significant contributions at the cultural level have been recognized. Kudos to the selection committee for seeing things through
 Margaret Lindsay Holton: 2016 Arts Person of the Year Holton is a well-known Burlington born artist and activist who has made significant contributions to the community. Her 25 minute short film called “The Frozen Goose” had a cast made up of local cast and crew – keeping the production “grassroots” and grounded in this area. Accessibility Award
The Accessibility Award went to the Tetra Society, an organization that recruits skilled volunteers to create customized assistive devices for people with physical disabilities and enhances the health and quality of life for thousands of people with disabilities.
 A chair being built by the Tetra Society They design and build a wide variety of “gizmos” such as communication adaptations, eating and drinking utensils and educational and recreational aides for people of all ages and abilities. The Tetra Society is a hidden hero in the Burlington community that is invaluable in enriching the lives of others.
Mehr Mahmood founded Youthfest in 2002 and was named the Junior Citizen of the Year last night. They avidly promote the importance of youth in our community; developing youth responsibility and action in the community by connecting youth to meaningful volunteer opportunities and available supportive service. The winner receives a $500 bursary, courtesy of the Bank of Montreal, which has been a leading and supportive partner since the inception of Youthfest.
The award is given to a high school student, 18 years of age or younger, who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
 Mehr Mahmood, on the right with Burlington MP Karina Gould. Mehr has made significant contributions to the Burlington community through her volunteer work as a volunteer. She has contributed her time, energy and talents to many organizations including Burlington Public Library, 3 Things for Burlington, Halton Mosque and the Compassion Society. Mehr has been an inspiration and natural leader on the Library’s Teen Advisory Board in the development of a program called Fusion, which brings teen volunteers and teens with developmental disabilities together.
Mehr a compassionate young woman and is dedicated to growing acceptance and inclusivity in our community.
Dave Page was named the Senior Person of the Year Award that is given to a Burlington resident aged 55 years or older who has advocated on behalf of seniors and/or made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
 Dave Page: 2016 Senior Person of the Year Page has been an active volunteer with the Age Friendly Housing Committee for more than five years and demonstrates his passion for the need for affordable, accessible and safe housing for older adults living in Burlington.
He played a vital role in the development of the Halton HomeShare Toolkit, a guide to support older adults to stay in their home and share it with a home seeker who can help with household responsibilities.
In addition, Page is responsible for the creation of a conversation circle where Halton Multicultural Council’s newcomers and refugee groups can practice their English speaking skills. Burlington is richer for having a man like Page who silently goes about supporting the health and well-being of the community through his volunteer activities.
 By Ray River
May 12, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Not since the ’80’s, not since before the cold war ended, has the world seemed so very much on edge, particularly in the birthplace of the last two world wars. As we know, European nations are having to rearm themselves, thanks to the new threat posed by Russia’s near dictator, Mr. Putin. He has an ambition – to restore the Soviet Union and reinstate Russia’s place as a major world power.
Take Ukraine, which Vlad the conquerer tried to do a couple of years ago, though it appears he may be content to settle for those bits and pieces of the former Soviet republic where his army is now firmly entrenched. That is the lesson of self-defence – why even in peacetime good fences make for better neighbours.
 They are not talking to each other: Russian president Vladimir Putin and the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. Putin has said that Ukraine shares the blame for allowing this rape to take place – as if rape could ever be justified. The rise of the oligarchs concurrent with the deterioration of the old communist social system; the corruption that infiltrated almost all walks of life; the systematic dismantling of one of the most powerful military forces in Europe; and a former president colluding with Putin, the former KGB agent, to facilitate the country’s takeover – all contributed.
My wife and I are volunteering to spend three weeks this year teaching young Ukrainians to speak English and to understand and develop an appreciation of western customs and traditions. to “the president of Ukraine” GoCamps is a non-governmental organization, supported by the Ukrainian government, with the goal of creating awareness of western society and thus offering Ukrainians a better future beyond the old eastern bloc. This year they are hoping for 1000 volunteers to expose 300,000 children to our way of life.
Most Ukrainians look at neighbouring Poland which has amplified its economy nearly twelve-fold since joining the EU, while Ukraine has barely grown by a factor of two or three. But Ukraine took too long deciding to apply for EU membership, and although it has been the recipient of numerous European development programs, its eventual application to join ticked off Vlad and brought insurrection and war to the 20 something year-old nation.
 The Ukrainian economy has not grown the way the Polish economy has. But the EU is not the only entity assisting this country in removing the shackles of Russian domination. The British, Americans and we Canadians are providing both economic as well as military assistance – most significantly by training Ukrainian soldiers in a program called Operation UNIFIER. After all, Ukraine is no stranger to NATO, having been an active partner, though not a member, including supplying troops for NATO initiatives in Afghanistan and the former Yugoslav states.
 A Canadian soldier explains the conduct of a patrolling raid to a Ukrainian platoon during small team training at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine. I have been invited to visit a former Soviet army base where some 200 Canadian military trainers will be in action with Ukrainian recruits, over 3000 of whom have already graduated. Of course Canada is not fighting Putin’s forces so the training is taking place well away from the conflict zone in south-eastern Ukraine, and out of harm’s way. But just to be safe, I’m told, I’ll have to don a helmet and body armour for my tour.
It is just not feasible for Ukrainian forces to take on the well-trained and supplied Russian military – at least not yet. So since the beginning of the Russian invasions the primary response by western nations supporting Ukraine has been to apply limited economic sanctions on Putin’s Russia. Those sanctions, coupled with the drop in oil revenues, (which next to weapons make up the bulk of Russia’s export earnings) have hurt Putin’s economy and restrained his plans to expand his military even more.
So America’s new president, the enigmatic and unpredictable Donald Trump is a concern. Nobody seems to understand what the US president’s aspirations are, if he has any at all, besides exercising power, further enriching himself and going for the glory of it all. But he had spoken warmly of Putin during his election campaign last year, and questioned the lifting of US sanctions. And he and those around him are known to have had significant financial dealing with the Putin crowd.
His recent firing of the FBI Director, who more than any other individual contributed to his becoming president, ironically, has unnerved virtually the entire political class in America. Despite his official rationale for booting James Comey out of his job, everyone understands it has to do with the FBI investigation into Trump and friends, and Russia.
Although the US is not at war with Russia, the two nations are at odds over the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine – and possibly Russian arms supplies to the Taliban. And then there is the hacking of democratic institutions in the USA during last year’s federal election which has been traced back to Moscow. So as Trump welcomed Russia’s foreign minister to Washington this week with open arms, one can’t help but wonder where this is going to go.
 Malaysian airlines MH17 believed to have been shot down by Russian operatives in rebel held eastern Ukraine. Travelling to Ukraine will take me on a touch-down to Holland . Dutch citizens were the largest contingent of passengers killed when Russian operatives in rebel held eastern Ukraine shot down Malaysian airlines MH17 a couple of years ago. Perversely, this tiny but important European nation voted against accepting Ukraine into the EU in a referendum last year – as if they were taking out their anger over losing their loved ones on the victims of the broader conflict, rather than the actual culprits. Sometimes that is how it goes in rape cases – we blame the victims.
I visited Ukraine last year for the first time, while doing research for a book I’m writing. And this year its future is only marginally more promising. Except that the economy is stronger and so are the nation’s defences, thanks in part to Canada. And for the Ukrainians, despite support from western nations, they understand that in the end it is they alone who must secure their future and their own security. So I look forward to observing our trainers at work as they help the local soldiers get into shape for even more conflict. And maybe they’ll even let me drive a tank.
 Rivers will be taking his guitar with him and teaching some of the students how to play it – and then leaving the guitar behind as a gift Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington in 1995. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Ukraine vs Poland – Canada Trains Ukrainians – Trump and Russia –
MH17 – GoCamps
By Staff
May 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The weather damage was worse than the Rob Peachey, manager of parks and open space realized.
Significant erosion has resulted in the pedestrian bridge closest to Lake Ontario in Paletta Lakefront Park has been closed to ensure public safety.
 Paletta Mansion, the property was once owned by Laura Secord has a number of small bridges on the property. Spring rains took out one of those bridges. There has been damage to the bridge supports and creek banks as a result of last week’s storms and wave action from Lake Ontario.
An engineering consultant has deemed the bridge unsafe for public use and has recommended the bridge be removed.
Plans for the removal of the bridge are underway and the area is being fenced-off with signage posted.
The bridge is expected to be out of service for an extended period of time.
 By Staff
May 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The season opens on Saturday.
The crack of the bat will be heard.
That assumes there will be no rain.
 The Herd, Burlington’s team in the InterCounty Baseball League will have their home opener at Nelson Park scheduled for 1:05 pm on Saturday, May 13 against the Kitchener Panthers.
The team is going to go all out to get this off the ground in a big way.
As part of the opening day festivities there will be:
– OPENING DAY BAND: Pineapple Girls, a “Surf/Psych/Indie/Pop” band from Hamilton, ON will play pre-game on the concourse. The band will begin playing at 12:00 pm when the gates open.
– INFLATABLES: Bring the kids and enjoy inflatable castle fun presented by Party Castles.
– CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH: Former Burlington IBL General Manager, Allan Ross, will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2017 season.
– HONOUR GUARD: The Herd Welcome the Halton Regional Police Honour Guard on field during the National Anthem.
– NATIONAL ANTHEM: The National Anthem will be performed by The Brass Theory, who are members of the Burlington Concert Band.
– 50 DEGREE GUARANTEE: Of course, if the thermometer doesn’t top 50 degrees, all fans with a ticket to the game can redeem their ticket for a FREE game in April or May.
– PULLER PORK SANDWICH SPECIAL: Enjoy a home made Hickory Smoked Southern Style Pulled Pork Sandwich at our concession stand for only $6!
– HERC’S NUTRITION FOAM FINGER GIVEAWAY: The first 100 fans through the gates will receive a Burlington Herd Foam Finger presented by Herc’s Nutrition. Gates will open at 12:00 pm.
Tickets at the gate or on line
Adults – $5.00
Seniors $4.00
Children under ten – free
 By Pepper Parr
May 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s an annual event – the 18th and an occasion when the police pull out all the stops and show the public what they do and how they do it.
 Mini robots will be on display. Much of the equipment the police have to serve and protect a community is on display. There will be demonstrations where police officers work with a member of the K9 unit.
 K9 unit on patrol Takes place Saturday May 13th between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m at HRPS Headquarters 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville.
Rain or Shine: No Pets Please.
There will be HMC Connections volunteer interpreters (Arabic, Urdu, Chinese, Spanish, Polish, Punjabi, Russian, Korean, Portuguese and French) available through the Information booth
 Police officers going through a training exercise. ASL interpreter services available through the Information booth and ASL interpreting for all stage presentations
Live Demonstrations and Interactive Displays, Family-Friendly Entertainment and Rides are part of the day.
The HRPS Pipes & Drums and Chorus will be on hand – all the celebrate what the police do and to celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Children’s Safety Village
 Chief Tanner takes the salute A BBQ provided by Troy’s Diner ($)
FREE Admission & On-Site Parking
 By Staff
May 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Due to extreme water saturation, the following sport fields are closed Monday May 8:
• All natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields)
Look for sunshine and a light breeze to dry up the water.
 The water is high – close to the top of banks and it is moving very swiftly.
By Staff
May 6, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
All that rain – it changed a lot of plans.
The start of the 2017 Intercounty Baseball League season has had to wait.
 What’s wrong with this graphic? The team crest for the Burlington Inter County Baseball League is now known as The Herd. This is the last look at the crest of a team that did come close – but never won the top spot at the end of the season. The new start of the IBL season is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 7:35 p.m. when the London Majors host the Burlington Herd at Labatt Park.
Both the Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs postponed their home openers scheduled for Sunday, May 7 due to poor weather and field conditions.
Barrie was set to host London, and that game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 27 at 7:45 p.m.
The Baycats will now open their home schedule against the Leafs on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
Toronto was supposed to start the season against the Kitchener Panthers. That game has yet to be rescheduled.
Once they were Bandits – now they are The Herd and they play in a ball park they call the farm. Their opening game got re-scheduled. The people who manage the baseball schedule are working over the dates and the options they have to work with.
With the postponement, the Leafs will play their home opener Sunday, May 14 against the Brantford Red Sox at 2 p.m.
By Staff
May 5th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an event that has taken place in Lowville for the past two years. It was low key – held in church halls with some very good productions. There is a bass player who performed last year that you would pay a premium price to hear anywhere else.
The Festival is the brainchild of a group of people that believed the arts and entertainment could and should flourish in the rural part of the city. Rob Missen, who had his name added to the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame, local actress Loretta Bailey and Barbara Andersen Huget do the thinking and the strategics and get the credit for keeping the idea alive and growing it to the point where there is some corporate funding – Burlington Hydro is on board.
This, their third year, they are bringing some intriguing new initiatives for its third annual festival, held this year on May 26-18 in venues along the fabled Guelph Line.
 There is something about tents – they take us back to our childhood days and remind us of the circus and fun. The Lowville Festival needed a space that was bigger and cooler than the church halls they used during the first two years. The BIG new is the Big Top, a tent that will be set up in Lowville Park along Bronte Creek. The Lowville Tent will play host to two exciting attractions, the legendary Second City Touring Company and Motus O Dance Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland, one of Canada’s finest dance touring attractions.
Second City will be bringing its popular satirical show, Canada: The Thinking Man’s America. As the name suggests, the show will be skewering our neighbours south of the border, as well as aiming not a few darts aimed about our own home and native land. The performance is at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $45.
Motus O Dance Theatre will be bringing its acclaimed show, Alice, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s immortal Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass. This colourful blend of physical comedy, dance and special effects is fun for the entire family. Tickets are $20.
Other Festival attractions include:
To Canada with Love, our opening concert featuring Canadian guitarist Liona Boyd, in collaboration with the Lowville Festival Choir, one of the festival’s most popular features, under the joint direction of Wayne Strongman, former conductor of Hamilton’s Bach Elgar Choir, and Janice Ketchen, conductor of Port Dover’s Lynn Valley Singers. This takes place in St. George’s Anglican Church Hall on Friday May 26th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35.
The Art Gallery of Burlington’s popular Road Show will be coming to Lowville United Church on Saturday afternoon May 27th from 1-4pm. In addition to demonstrations by some of the City’s finest artists and artisans, and opportunities to create your own works of art, performances featuring some of the region’s finest young performers under the direction of Hamilton’s distinguished music director Michael Mulrooney will be performing in the church’s Sanctuary. Admission is free.
Singers interested in joining this year’s Festival Choir are encouraged to contact Choir Manager Robert Missen at 905-632-6047.The ability to read music is helpful but not essential.
Please call 289-260-1109 to reserve your tickets
By Staff
May 4th, 20127
BURLINGTON, ON
The city has given up on the day to day notices about the state of the playing fields in the city.
They have decided that the sport fields are closed from Thursday May 4 through to Monday May 8 at 12pm:
This applies to all natural grass sport fields (diamonds and rectangular fields)
 Waiting for the playing fields to dry up.
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