 By Staff
August 28, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The next provincial election gets more real every day.
Nothing on who the NDP candidate is going to be.
The McMahon Liberals are doing a repeat of the operational organization that Karina Gould did that propelled her into office.
McMahon proved to be solid campaigner and a good debater during the least provincial election when she took a riding that the Conservatives had held for more than 70 years.
Add that organizational heft to a superb campaigner and there is something formidable moving through the streets of the city.
 Jane at the door step – where is the voter? Jane McKenna has been doing her own door to door work.
McKenna hasn’t said much publicly – other than a few pictures from her Facebook page there is little to go on.
McKenna has always been close to Opposition leader Patrick Brown – it will be interesting to see if she convinces Brown to campaign on her behalf in Burlington.
 One wag commented on the footwear – can’t walk many miles in those shoes. Maybe it was just a photo op? Mike Wallace was at one point heading up the McKenna campaign – we aren’t seeing him in any of the photographs.
McMahon is running on what the Liberal government has done – she is a member of cabinet so she is part of the decisions that are made. As a member of Treasury Board she oversees where and how the dollars are spent.
 Lunch is on the MPP – McMahon wants you to show up and enjoy yourself. McMahon can bring in Premier Kathleen Wynne if she feels she needs the clout. She will be holding her annual end of summer BBQ at LaSalle Park on Sunday September 10th.
McKenna will want to focus on what the provincial government has not done.
Time for you the voter to begin thinking about what you like and are happy with and what you think needs to be changed.
 By Pepper Parr
August 28th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
There is something about the planting of a tree – no matter what your age the tree you plant is likely to be on this earth longer than you.
Experiences like this are important to young people who are just beginning to fully appreciate the role trees play in the life we live.
The climate change we are experiencing didn’t just happen – our behaviour is what brought it about and it is our behaviour that is going to heal the environment – if we are lucky.
 A lot of bending when trees are planted. Students will be back in school on Tuesday – think about making Saturday of next week the day you get them outdoors and planting a tree. They will never forget the experience and many will return to that spot to look at the tree they planted and perhaps show off their work to their children.
Conservation Halton is looking for 100 community volunteers to help plant 500 native trees and shrubs on Saturday, September 9. The Fall Trees for Watershed Health Community Tree Planting is taking place at Courtcliffe Park, 159 Carlisle Road in the village of Carlisle.
 Registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m., with planting scheduled to start shortly after 9:30 a.m. A barbeque lunch will be available at the end of the planting. Volunteers are reminded to dress according to the weather, wear waterproof boots and bring a shovel. The event will happen rain or shine, unless conditions are deemed to be unsafe for participants and staff.
We welcome all individuals, families, and small groups to participate. No prior planting experience is required. Space is limited and pre-registration is mandatory, visit www.conservationhalton.ca/trees-for-watershed-health for more details and to find registration information.
 By Staff
August 27th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It must have been quite a party.
 Cleaning crew failed to show up? With no one around to clean up and a case of beer that was too warm to drink when it was found.
Who used the space?
Who forgot to clean up?
 Whoever used the site made good use of all the space.  Quite a bit of beer was left for anyone passing by. No word on what our photographer might have done. Parks and Recreation will be making phone calls Monday morning about this one.
The space was being used legally wasn’t it?
Paletta Mansion is a city owned property that has always been a financial drag on the city. There was the potential for a long term lease with a Hamilton restaurateur but that fell though when details on upgrades to the kitchen couldn’t be agreed upon.
Geraldo’s, in LaSalle Park is another city property that does exceptionally well for the city – as does the Discovery Centre that is now managed by Spencers on the Waterfront.
The Paletta operation hasn’t been given the care and attention it needs. The rooms are lovely and are used for receptions and conferences from time to time. A major high-end auto show takes place on the grounds each year.
 By Staff
August 27, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
If you are putting together your schedule for the week don’t forget RibFest –
Friday September 1st through to Sunday September 3rd, 2017 – 11AM – 11PM
Monday September 4th – 11AM – 7PM
Sponsored by the Lakeshore Rotary club – a sixty strong membership that makes the event happen every year. This time they have made some changes to the model – not the menu.
 Burlington’s Ribfest – 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. The event is the major fund raising initiative for the Lakeshore Rotary. In 2014 – the year of the flood – the Rotary used the occasion to raise funds for those families that had been wiped out by the flood. It was successful enough for the Association to look for new ways to serve the community.
This year the focus is on the Carpenter Hospice which is in the process of close to doubling the size of the facility.
 VIP tent – open to the public Sunday afternoon and evening. A VIP tent has been set up, courtesy of Carriage Gate Homes, that will be open to the public Sunday afternoon and evening. Your ticket, available on line, gets you a spot at the front of the line to buy your selection of ribs and then saunter over to the VIP tent and enjoy the chow where the beverage selection is a little more varied – includes some specialty cocktails.
This is a Sunday only occasion – the tent is open to the public. It is a space that is sheltered, has a great site line to the stage and a bar that has an upscale selection of beverages. And, an upscale biffy.
More details on the ticket offering for this can be found HERE.
The event will serve up the same ribs people in Burlington have been enjoying since 1996 when there were less than ten ribbers offering a food that was new to many.
While it rained most of the one day event in 1996 – it was successful enough financially for the Rotary to make a long term commitment.
That commitment has resulted in the raising of more than $3 million – nothing shabby about that number.
Related news story.
By Pepper Parr
August 25th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They are changing the model – not the menu. And it isn’t a big change but significant nevertheless.
The Rotary decided that since they donate all profits to charities anyway, why not partner up front with meaningful, significant Burlington charities.
Carpenter Hospice holds a special place in the hearts of Rotarians and for most Burlingtonians. So, The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore chose Carpenter Hospice as it’s organization of choice for this year’s VIP event.
The Rotary Clubs in Burlington were the force behind the original capital campaign to build Carpenter Hospice. Fundraising for the hospice began in 1999 when the four Rotary Clubs of Burlington committed a pledge of $250,000 toward the development of the Hospice, kicking off the Rotary Community Hospice Project.
The legal name of the Hospice remains the Burlington Rotary Community Hospice. Local philanthropist, Len Carpenter, donated $500,000 to the project, earning him the right to choose the name for the hospice which continues to operate as “Carpenter Hospice”.
The Hospice is launching their “Make Room” campaign coinciding with Ribfest. This also brings some more awareness to the good works of the Hospice.
Putting on the biggest chow down in the area and raising big bucks that get plowed back into the community is what the Lakeshore branch of the Rotary operations in Burlington has always been about.
Sixty + strong the Burlington Lakeshore Rotary brought the Ribfest to the city in 1996 – while it was a risk at the time it proved to be the smartest thing they have ever done.
 John Thorpe John Thorpe and Bob Peeling were assigned with the task of creating a new fundraising event for the organization in the mid-sixties.
Thorpe, who was heavily involved in the cycling community, had heard of a race in Ohio called the Ribfest Race, where the finish line of the cycling event had a big BBQ party, the Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest.
 Bob Peeling Bob and John visited the race in 1995 and thought it’d make a great fundraiser for their Club, it was a unique concept at the time.
The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore launched the event at Spencer Smith Park over a weekend in mid-September to tie into an Art Gallery of Burlington event. It moved to Labour Day weekend in its second year, becoming a four day event, and has since become known as the end of summer celebration for the people of Burlington and surrounding areas.
Canada’s Largest Ribfest was a success even in its first year. Despite raining almost the entire weekend, there was a steady line up of people waiting for their authentic southern barbeque experience. There were only six “ribbers”, compared to the 19 “ribbers” now, four of which came up from the southern States where barbequing events were very common. Two of those “ribbers” have been participating ever since.
 Rib fests were a southern American states cultural event. The Lakeshore Rotary imported the idea into Burlington – and it worked. There was a small stage with blues and country performers at that first event; 22 years later there is a full schedule of entertainment. The Rotary Club set a three year fundraising goal and decided that if they could not reach the goal they would dis-continue the event. Despite only raising $800 in the first year, the Club was ahead of their goal to break even. By the second year, the three year fundraising goal had been met.
 Thorpe and Peeling – a moment to celebrate Twenty two years later Canada’s Largest Ribfest has raised $3 million dollars and is still a giant barbeque party.
Rotarians understand what change is all about – the membership tends to come from the business community where you change if you want to stay alive.
The VIP tent is located close to the Lake and gives a great sight line to the WORD stage.
The focus for Linda Davies is that Saturday event – where the objective is to raise funds for the Carpenter Hospice. She would like to see a couple of more tables filled.
She had a live one – a company she was pretty sure she could sell a table to – she’s done it before. But there was a problem – the Saturday was the birthday of the wife – who didn’t fancy spending the special day at Ribfest no matter how nice the view. The offer of a big birthday cake didn’t do it.
Ticket price is $150/person or Reserve a Table of 10 for $1,500 Davies wants you to Kick back and relax – enjoy the experience Canada’s Largest Ribfest in the comfort of the Exclusive Carriage Gate VIP Lounge.
In light of The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore crucial role in the birth of the Hospice, this is a fitting “full circle” connection as they launch their “Make Room” campaign.
 Carpenter hospice – The 14-year-old care facility, for people in the last stages of their life because of a terminal or chronic illness, is getting a new residential wing as well as renovating the existing structure.
Carpenter Hospice is a 10-bedroom facility that offers residential-based palliative care in a home-like setting, and also community-based programs for people dealing with grief or a life-limiting illness.
The $3.7-million project, dubbed Making Room, will be done in two phases.
The first will involve the building of an addition to house the current capacity of 10 residents.
The new room’s amenities will include enhanced access to the outdoors through larger doors, balconies for each room and private space for families.
 Rained most of the weekend in 1996 when the first Ribfest was held. The evening (Saturday, September 2nd) is a special “all you can eat” catered Rib Dinner with a selection of award winning Ribs from 3 “best rib” winners. An upscale fancy bar with some signature drinks is provided. One of the real perks for those who have attended Ribfest before are the dedicated VIP executive washrooms. That alone is worth the price of a ticket. A $90 charitable receipt available.
Event proceeds are split between Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore & Carpenter Hospice, You can get tickets on line or touch base with Davies at linda@daviescondos.ca
By Staff
August 23rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Might be time to have a bylaw enforcement officer patrolling the trail through the Beachway.
Seniors are complaining about the speed at which cyclists roar along the trail.
 For the vast majority it is a very pleasant walking trail. It is a focal point for the annual Terry Fox run. Many regular trail walkers…are wondering if bikes will still be allowed on the Beachway trail once the road bike lanes are complete – road work is being done now.
 There are bike lanes in place on the newly paved and rebuilt Lakeshore Road that is now the entrance to the Joseph Brant Hospital. A local resident advised the |Gazette that comments from seniors this morning was that they have the fear of death every time they take their walk. The cyclists seem to feel they own the trail.
One gentleman said he has been yelled at to get himself and his dog off the trail.
Another senior said: “I know!!!! I have almost been run over many times!!! Its scary!!!”
What are the rules for the trail?
With bike lanes going in – should bikes be banned from the trail? What do parents out with a youngster just learning to use a bike – do they want their child on the road with transit buses and trucks passing by?
The man to get your concern in front of is the ward Councillor – Rick Craven. You can email him at: rick.craven@burlington.ca
 By Staff
August 23, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
In the Spring the objective is to lose the weight so we can fit into the bathing suit.
Now we are told it is time to get moving and adjust eating habits to get over the end-of-summer blahs during which we appear to have all on on some weight.
Fitness experts have tips to build up a workout routine and adjust eating habits NOW to reset your system for fall.
With the dog days of summer slowly passing by and the reality of September’s routine looming – ideas for getting that refreshed feeling and being full of energy stare us in the face.
Many Canadians find themselves overtired, overfed, and under motivated. A summer spent on patios and at barbeques, staying up late, sleeping in and lounging on the dock tends to catch up with us.
 Looks easy – takes practice. Time for a fall fitness routine! Maureen ‘Mo’ Hagan, vice president of program innovation with GoodLife Fitness, says exercise and healthier habits go a long way to help reset the body’s circadian rhythms after a season of indulgence. And with only a couple of weeks of summer left, this is a perfect chance to set yourself up for success. She has some key considerations to get back into the fall routine more smoothly.
Establish regular sleep patterns: By the end of August, we’re getting up later, staying up later and the thought of waking up early for work and school is not all that welcoming. Don’t wait for the first day back to reset your clock, she advises. Start going to bed earlier and waking up earlier over the remaining days and you’ll find it easier to rise and shine.
Focus on nutrition: It’s OK to enjoy the last of the hamburgers and hotdogs, but start building in some lean proteins, complex carbs and more fruit and veggies to boost your mood, immunity, and energy. Take your remaining summer days to find and try some healthy new recipes, plan nutritious lunch options and even freeze dishes for use when the fall routine is in full swing.
Find time to exercise: Try to build in a workout at the same time each day to reset your internal clock and start building back your energy. It’s also a chance to enjoy the outdoors while it’s still warm and the days remain longer.
Hagan suggests setting realistic goals and then pushing yourself a bit further every few days. Vary your routine with cardio like biking or jogging, strength training for major muscle groups and stretching to build flexibility.
Remember to relax: With parties, camping trips, family reunions and the kids home from school, summer can be hectic. It’s important to find time to be alone and enjoy some peace. Plan a hike, do some yoga on the beach, or just sit on the deck with a book. Quiet time can help you reduce stress and reconnect with your body and mind.
 By Pepper Parr
August 22, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
After publishing this piece we got a note advising us that “we are nearing capacity… word of mouth effect is fierce with this run.”
This is the time of year to get out and enjoy the weather – and if you have room in your life for some classical theatre – check out Trevor Copp’s Tottering Biped production of the Merchant of Venice at the RBG Rock Garden.
A fine cast with some superb performances.
 Michael Hannigan, on the right, as Antonio Michael Hannigan has trod the boards of many of stages in the province. He is part of the opening scene in the Merchant where he gives the audience one of the most welcoming smiles you are likely to see.
Theatre is a sheer love choice and guilty pleasure for Hannigan; he has served as an Associate Artistic Director for both the Tivoli and Citadel theatres, helming several productions for each; as well as for The Players Guild, DLT, Theatre Burlington, Shooting Star Productions, and others in the GTHA.
 Michael Hannigan preparing to give that “pound of flesh” As impressive as his past performances have been his Antonio in the Merchant just has to be seen to fully appreciate what one man on a stage can do with a smile and a couple of words.
Chris Reid, a school teacher when he is not on stage, plays Shylock, needs a close listen to fully understand how he views the money he has loaned.
Alma Sarai who plays Portia beautifully – her coyness in determining just who her husband is going to be will delight you – almost as much as Claudio Spadafora’s performance where she introduces the various courtesans.
 Jamie Kasiama and Alma Sarai Sarai could have been a little stronger as the lawyer who interprets the law that applies to the Shylock loan. The phrase “a pound of flesh” that has become part of our everyday language, turns out to be exactly that – and nothing more which saves Antonio some pain and ends of requiring Shylock to become a Christian – such is the beauty of what William Shakespeare has given us.
It is a cast of nine that is well worth watching. The choreography is as good as it gets – better than some of the stage movements at Stratford and Shaw.
 Trevor Copp during a rehearsal. Trevor Copp’s life as a dancer comes through again and again as he directs the movement of his cast on a stage where a tree serves as a backdrop that has different coloured lights splashed on the thick branches and change the mood of the play in an instant.
 Trees become part of the backdrop for outdoor theatre. Performed on a stage set out on the grass where the fire flies fit in rather nicely. The sound of a freight train in the background doesn’t detract from the antics of the of the courtiers seeking the hand of Portia.
Zach Parson plays Bassanio and did some of the composing.
Jesse Horvath plays three role: Lancelot, Tubal and Salerio as well as working as director of Development.
Jamie (Milay) Kasiama plays Nerissa opposite Alma Sarai where she is superb in her attempts to direct Portia and her choice of a husband.
Copp wanted the cast members to be paid for the work they do – each gets a stipend of $100 for each day. Some support from the federal government summer employment program has helped but private sponsorship is always going to be needed.
Ticket prices are very affordable. Arrive early – seats are on a first come first served basis.
Play dates are Monday to Friday @7 pm. Plenty of parking across the road
Last performance is September 2nd.
 The cast: In no particular order: Chris Reid/Shylock; Michael Hannigan/Antonio, Alma Sarai/Portia, Shawn Coelho-DeSouza/Prince of Morocco and Lorenzo, Claudia Spadafora/Jessica, Isabel Starks/Ensemble, Jamie Kasiama/Nerissa, Zach Parsons/Bassanio and Jesse Horvath/Launcelot Treat yourself to a fun performance and some impressive choreography and Hannigan’s smile.
 By Staff
August 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
For Leslie Gray it was a little like herding cats – some twenty of them.
The kids rehearsing Annie Jr at the Drury Lane Theatre were learning the positions they were expected to be in on the stage. Like any director Gray would make a change – which proved to be a little challenging for some of the chorus line.
 Leslie Gray directing 20+ summer students who will be part of the Annie Jr production at the Drury Lane Theatre this weekend. “Down stage – now upstage and then move sideways and keep your legs up. Remember your positions” – they were getting.
This was a summer boot camp for kids who would perform in a real theatre at the end of it all.
It was put on by KooGle Theatre, the husband and wife team of Leslie and Christopher Gray who have in the past mounted some very entertaining performances at the Performing Arts Centre. It is not easy to make light summer fare work in Burlington. It is a market that has to be developed.
 Poised! This summer Koogle decided to do Annie Jr, an abridged version of Annie the popular Broadway production geared down to a summer production that was open to anyone. There will be some 40 young people on the stage at one time or another.
 Waiting to be discovered. The production was coming together for its three performance run – Matinee and evening on Saturday the 19th and a Matinee on the Sunday. There are about 50 tickets left – both Saturday performances are sold out.
That isn’t something that happens very often with community theatre.
The KooGle team of Leslie and Christopher Gray were familiar with the format they chose to use this year – a boot camp that had the participants taking part in intensive workouts for a number of weeks.
During the workouts Leslie and her script assistant Melanie Arsenault and co-director Carla Pantalone had a pretty good idea of what they had in the way of talent and built their show around what they had.
The talent levels did vary – and some of the kids were close to shameless as they mugged for the camera.
There were far more boys than girls – all were wonderfully polite and there was basically no attitude from any of the performers.
 Are they all in the right place on the stage? There will be those in the “chorus line” that will lose their place on the stage – memorable moments. The full production will be fun for the kids and for the parents and the grandparents that buy tickets.
At $10 a pop it is real value.
By Staff
August 14, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
As obvious as this might sound it is the people in a community that are the building blocks that growth, change and acceptance are built upon.
Building relations with people of different faiths and beliefs is the goal of Burlington’s first inter-faith multicultural festival to be held Saturday, August 19 at Central Park Bandshell from noon to 4 p.m.
Through foods from different cultures, dance, games, singing and entertainment, the festival will offer Burlington and area residents the opportunity to meet people who practice different faiths while learning their customs and beliefs.
 Halton Mosque “Among faith leaders in our community this dialogue is already there. This festival is being held to widen this discussion to the broader community,” said Abdullah Hatia, Imam for the Halton Mosque.
Rev. Stuart Pike, Rector at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, agrees, calling the festival a “breaking-the-ice celebration.”
There will be no preaching at this informal, fun-filled event which will run from noon to 4 p.m. on New Street at Drury Lane. In the event of rain, the festival will move inside Central Arena.
A broad cross section of faiths as well as community groups will be represented.
The One Burlington Festival builds on the candlelight vigil organized by Rory Nisan last February at Burlington’s City Hall the day after the Quebec City Mosque shooting to mourn the victims and demonstrate solidarity in Burlington and Halton. “Multiculturalism, inclusion and interfaith understanding cannot be taken for granted. We have to nurture them as one community,” said Nisan.
 Wellington Square United Church “The key concept (of the inter-faith festival) is that all faiths are responsible for the dignity of the other,” added Pike. Hatia added that its central message is to celebrate our differences. “Isn’t it cool that we live in Canada and we’ve got this rich diversity to celebrate in culture and the arts.”
Hatia has personally experienced the richness of this diversity through his friendship with Rev. Dr. Orville James, Minister of Wellington Square United Church.
They first met a few years ago after Hatia spoke at the YMCA’s Peace Medal Breakfast. Their friendship blossomed as they worked to resettle Syrian refugees into Burlington. Since then, each has come to personally know other members of their individual faiths.
 St Luke’s Anglican church “It’s a beautiful thing,” Hatia said. “Sometimes, over coffee, we have deep discussions, with respect and the goal of understanding one another’s beliefs. To get to that point, you have to have a lot of trust. It is a close relationship.
This is also the goal of the inter-faith festival. It is just the beginning of people getting to know one another.”
Rory Nisan, Lead Organizer for the One Burlington Festival can be reached at: 905-464-7195, rnisan@gmail.com
By Staff
August 14th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
They take to the grass this evening at 7:00 pm for the second season of Shakespeare at the RBG Rock.
 Trevor Copp Trevor Copp has done a remarkable piece of work with the Merchant of Venice and his cast of nine.
Copp sets out the story line. Money: Portia has it. Bassanio wants it. Shylock lends it. Antonio owes it. And it will cost him dearly.
Dark in its humour and bawdy in its romantic hijinks, The Merchant Of Venice takes audiences on a journey of love, mercy and (in)justice. And for the second consecutive year, Trevor Copp will direct the production; Copp is the founder and Artistic Director of the Tottering Biped Theatre.
 Alma Sarai as Portia and Zach Parsons as Bassanio, Last year, their first at the Rock Garden they brought in more than 2000 people to watch A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
It was a bold venture and it took courage on the part of the Royal Botanical Gardens administration to make the space available to Copp.
 Michael Hannigan as Antonio, It turned out to be a really wise move – the Burlington Hamilton markets might well be on the way to becoming the place where a director has the opportunity to produce a program that is vivid and entertaining.
There is an intimacy to the space used at the RBG Rock – well worth attending.
Opening night is this evening – the play will run August 14th to 18th ; 21st to 25th; the 28th and September 1st.
There are no Saturday shows.
Tickets are available on line.
 By Pepper Parr
August 12th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Rain threatened so they moved the event from the patio to the expansive space indoors where the sound was just fine and the audience happy and dry. The third annual Jazz on the Patio was about to begin.
 Jane B on the clarinet. Jane Bunnett brought her exquisite all-female sextet: Maqueque and their soul of Cuba sound to the stage.
They were the first night performers of the very successful Jazz on the Patio series that the Performing Arts puts on each August. This is the third year and it worked wonderfully.
Four performances being done by four different female groups chosen by Brian McCurdy – who should be referred to as the Executive Director Emeritus of the Performing Arts Centre, has produced a sterling program.
He ran a superb program when he was the full time Executive Director and left a SOLD OUT performance for the woman that replaced him when he decided to try retirement – only to have to return to the job when she proved to be less than was expected.
Tammy Fox was brought in to run the place – she wasn’t at the Jazz event on Friday so we didn’t get to meet her but we have heard nothing but good things about the woman who has an impressive resume.
The problem with the Executive Directors at the Centre is that they seem to have trouble lasting beyond their sophomore year was the way one wag put it.
The really solid programs have been put in place by McCurdy – who was on hand to watch the event Friday evening.
The Jazz program is the best of that music form one is going to hear in this city. Take in the show – it is a free program – where you will hear some of the smartest and sweetest sounds that will float from the stage.
 The threat of rain moved the event indoors – it was still a fine event. In terms of numbers – the Performing Arts staff had nothing to complain about – there were a couple of places where you could find a seat but not many.
 A very good crowd, a very loyal crowd – but the demographic for the Performing Arts Centre needs to be broader. The problem was with the demo-graphics. The down-town crowd have made the Performing Arts Centre their turf and they are a loyal audience.
The younger crowd – the people who are the future of the Centre, just weren’t in the audience.
The Gazette was told that the marketing people distributed flyers, advertised in local markets including Hamilton and Oakville and had post cards delivered to homes in the Burlington market.
Something isn’t working – the room was full –and there is nothing wrong with the seniors and the in the process of becoming a senior market. But the purpose of the Centre is to include a wider demographic.
Whatever the magic is to attract those younger couples – the marketing people haven’t found it yet – and it certainly isn’t because they aren’t trying.
The program content for this Jazz on the Patio series is as good as it gets – equals anything you will hear at the bigger city locales.
 Classically trained violinist showed the audience how the sounds of the soul of Cuba can be heard. The classically trained Cuban violinist was superb. Those Cubans certainly know how to move on a stage. There were times when she was as aggressive with her bow as Ashley Macisaac has been on occasions.
It was just plain fine music in a great locale – take it in if you are downtown – performance in the afternoon and the evening on Saturday and on Sunday afternoon.
Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts Centre – program line up.
 By Staff
August 11, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
This looks interesting.
If you are in the city, attending or taking part in a cultural event – take some family picture of all of you at the event and send the pictures into the theme is to have you celebrating Canada’s 150th by capturing your love of art and culture. Enter a photo of yourself or your family taking part in a unique cultural experience anywhere in Canada.
 The prizes are interesting. There are a couple of dozen Gazette readers we know who will be entering this contest. The
You could win a prize pack valued at over $1500* including a DSLR camera, 24 Cineplex movie passes for a year, and more!
Here is the web site to enter your pictures – all the details are there.
There are a number of corporate sponsors – the largest appears to be Sun Life
By Pepper Parr
August 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
We seldom realize just how much of our commonly used phrases come from the pen of William Shakespeare.
If you take in the upcoming production of The Merchant of Venice that will take the grassy lawn of the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens you will hear dozens of phrases that you use frequently without fully realizing where they cane from.
 The cast from the left: Chris Reid/Shylock, Michael Hannigan/Antonio, Alma Sarai/Portia, Shawn Coelho-DeSouza/Prince of Morocco and Lorenzo, Claudia Spadafora, Jessica, Isabel Starks/Ensemble, Jamie Kasiama/Nerissa, Zach Parsons/Bassanio, Jesse Horvath/Launcelot. Trevor Copp tells people that in the Merchant “Money makes the world go ’round: Portia has it. Bassanio wants it. Shylock lends it. Antonio owes it – and it will cost him dearly.
“Dark in its humour and bawdy in its romantic hijinks, The Merchant Of Venice takes audiences on a journey of love, mercy and (in)justice.
The cast of
 Isabel Starks and Alma Sarai during rehearsals taking notes on changes. Chris Reid/Shylock,
Michael Hannigan/Antonio,
Alma Sarai/Portia,
Shawn Coelho-DeSouza/Prince of Morocco and Lorenzo,
Claudia Spadafora/
Jessica, Isabel Starks/Ensemble,
Jamie Kasiama/Nerissa,
Zach Parsons/Bassanio,
Jesse Horvath/Launcelot
is in final rehearsals – they will put on two performances in St. Catharines before opening at the Rock Garden May 14th.
Is St. Catharines going to be Burlington’s Peoria – the city that many live productions try out on before hitting stages in Manhattan?
The schedule is August 14th to the 18th, 21st to 25th; the 28th and September 1
NO SATURDAY SHOWS
Tickets are available at:
 Michael Hannigan plays Antonio, This is the second year that Copp has mounted Shakespeare at the Rock Garden which provides the perfect atmosphere for a night of inspiring theatre under the stars. This is a very physical production that has a number of the 2016 crew returning to the stage.
The event was basically sold out last year; opening night RBG staff had to bring out additional seats. Heck even the Mayor was on hand – he didn’t stay for the full performance.
We sat in on a full rehearsal earlier this week. There a couple of line drops and some last minute change suggestions. Copp includes his staff at almost every level – certainly on the content of the production. Blocking and movement of different actors on the stage is a collaborative thing; more often than not he will say “sure, why not”.
 Copp: focused, intent but wide open to ideas and suggestions. His direction however is tightly focused – he doesn’t miss a thing and has a way of working with each actor in a way that works for the actor. While Copp is a dance artist in his own right – he doesn’t drag around a lot of ego with him.
The cast works well together – they like each other and share the ins and outs of their daily lives. These are educated and informed people with a sense of humour and some sharp wits as well. The black humour is not to be shared.
Each performance will include a half hour intermission with garden tours available during that time.
The Rock Garden will close to the general public at 5:30 p.m. Garden opens at 6 p.m. to those who have purchased tickets. Seating is first come first served.
 Great audiences last year – superb production coming this year. The performance is rain or shine however in the event of inclement weather, RBG will determine at 5 p.m. if the theatrical performance will be cancelled. To check for a cancellation please check our Facebook page or call the weather hotline at 905-527-1158 ext. 404.
Your ticket will be valid to attend a future show of your choosing. Please call 905-527-1158 ext. 516 to arrange your new date. For those with dinner reservations, dinner service will go ahead as planned. If the performance is cancelled while in progress, please see the event staff to reschedule for another performance date.
By Staff
August 10th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
It is one of the events that those living downtown know about and make sure they get to the Performing Arts Centre early enough to get a seat.
 It is the annual Jazz on the Patio – a joint effort between the Performing Arts Centre and the Burlington Downtown Business Association that is free.
Those who get there are treated to some of the smartest – sweetest jazz you are going to hear in this town.
And there is a cash bar,
And – given the way weather has played with us this summer – in the event of rain, the performance will be moved inside the venue.
 Jane Bunnett The line up this year includes:
Friday, August 11
JANE BUNNETT & MAQUEQUE –
7:00pm – 9:00pm –
Four-time JUNO Award winner, two-time Grammy nominee soprano saxophonist/flautist Jane Bunnett brings the soul of Cuba to the hearts of Canadian music-lovers. Along with her new and exquisite all-female sextet: Maqueque.
Saturday, August 12
LAILA BIALI –
7:00pm – 9:00pm,
Biali is an award-winning Canadian pianist and vocalist, who has has been garnering world-wide recognition for her music. Her accolades include SOCAN Composer of The Year, and Keyboardist of The Year at Canada’s National Jazz Awards.
 Amanda Martinez Saturday, August 12
AMANDA MARTINEZ –
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Amanda Martinez is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music blends her unique Mexican and South African roots with flamenco soul. Her solo CDs have garnered her multiple nominations for Latin Jazz Performer of The Year.
Sunday, August 13
KELLYLEE EVANS –
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Born in Scarborough, Kellylee Evans is a chameleon-like performer, whose natural charm and improvisational jazz vocal style have shined on her adventurous journey through jazz, soul, pop and hip-hop over the past decade.
Every square inch of the patio is taken up – some people sit on the sidewalk on the other side of the street to listen to the music.
It is unfortunate that Performing Arts staff have in the past taken up some of the prime space – this is a public event – not a perk for staff.
The downtown lifers know a good deal and they arrive in droves.
By Staff
August 8th, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer days should be filled with play – time spent lying on your back looking at the clouds, building forts, hunting for frogs, and exploring!
Turn back the clock and make some time childhood memories at Mountsberg and Crawford Lake Conservation Area’s Amazing Things To Do Before You Are 12 event this weekend on Saturday, August 12 and Sunday August 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 Touch a snake before you are 12 Families can spend the day checking things off a list of “Amazing Things To Do Before You Are 12”. Make a nest like a bird, touch a snake, make a masterpiece, learn to make fire without a match, and play to your hearts content. You won’t want to miss the fun at this year’s mud pie kitchen at Mountsberg or at the Archery range at Crawford Lake. Live snake and raptor presentations round out a day full of family fun.
Regular park admission applies, and Halton Parks members can show their pass for admission.
 Learn how to make a bird’s nest – before you are 12. Author Richard Louv introduced us to the dilemma of the growing disconnect between children and nature in his ground-breaking book “Last Child in the Woods”. He coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder which aptly describes the poor physical and emotional health of children and adults due to the lack of direct exposure to the outdoors. “Amazing Things To Do Before You are 12” event was created in response to provide fun, active outdoor play for busy families.
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, five km west of Campbellville, ON, between Highway 6 South and Guelph Line. This 472 hectare park includes extensive wetlands, forests, fields, and a reservoir. For more information please call Mountsberg at (905) 854-2276 or e-mail mtsberg@hrca.on.ca.
By Staff
August 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Statistics Canada released more of the census data it collected during 2016.
We get a tighter look at data about families, revealing changes in marriage rates, how much longer Canadians are waiting to start families, and how many families live under different roofs — be it because one parent is working in another part of the country, or because they are older parents choosing to live apart.
The statistics show the varying and ever complex definition of family in Canada, which — like language — seems certain to prompt governments and service providers to rethink their policies and offerings to meet demographic dynamics.
Some graphics on what has been learned so far from the data. Interesting.
 This suggests they might never move out.
 The older folk seemed to have figured it out – staying together probably means live live longer as well.
 Quebec has always been different – but tat much different is surprising.
 Nationally – this is what we look like. Which do you fit into – and do your neighbours also fit into the sector you are in ?
By Staff
August 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
Every artistic director wishes for words like these:
KooGle Theatre Company is very excited to announce that they are presenting a Youth Musical Theatre Summer Intensive for youth ages 8-18 – culminating in a production of ANNIE Jr.
 All actors have auditioned for a role in this production.
Tickets are on sale now! Only $10 each!
Saturday August 19, 2017 1:30pm – SOLD OUT
Saturday August 19, 2017 6:30pm – SOLD OUT
Sunday August 20, 2017 1:30pm – TICKETS AVAILABLE
Performances at
DRURY LANE THEATRE
2269 New St., Burlington
For tickets, please email us at
info@koogletheatre.com
or
call 905-633-8788
Excited they should be. Leslie and Christopher Gray, Co-Artistic Directors at KooGle Theatre work very hard at getting productions to the stage and then hoping that the audience reaction is good and that tickets are bought based on the reaction to the show.
When they brought the Putnam County Spelling Bee to Burlington a few years ago and put it on a stage at the Performing Arts centre the response was good. There were a couple of SOLD out nights, but nothing like this.
Weeks before the curtain goes up for the first time there is just the one performance left for which tickets are available.
Extending this show would make real sense.
Has something like this happened in Burlington before?
 By Staff
August 3rd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
For Canada’s 150th birthday, the Museums of Burlington are celebrating Joseph Brant Day at LaSalle Park with all things Canadian.
 This year, revel in the food truck rally highlighting Canadian ingredients.
Enjoy the main stage entertainment by local performers. Interact with local organizations and businesses, hosting a variety of fun games and activities.
You will sure find something to love from our long list of exciting features, including: a “Made in Canada” vendors market, henna tattooing, live art performance, community mural project, and many more!
 The Joseph Brant Museum as it looks today. It has been closed for close to a year and probably will never again be open to the public. But you may not hear very much about the $10 million expansion that is to take place at the Joseph Brant Museum on Lakeshore Road.
Before packing things in for the summer city council approved the provision of a $1 million dollar top up sum to ensure that all the funding was in place for the construction of the new updated museum that will turn the replica structure into an administrative office that the public won’t get anywhere near. What is now the museum will be pivoted and moved a short distance while construction of the new museum, much of which will be underneath a large pile of earth.
 Artists rendering of the proposed re-development of the Joseph Brant Museum. Neither the Museum staff or the Museum Foundation have said very much about just what is going to be in the new structure other than to say that it will be 300% bigger than what is in place now.
One would have thought that the Joseph Brant Day would have been an excellent opportunity to tell the public about these big big plans.
This time next year the construction will be well underway.
For this year what the public gets is
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE
11:30 Opening Ceremony
12:30 First Nations Pow Wow Dance Demonstrations
1:30 Halton Dance Network Interactive Dance Workshop
2:30 Curious Canadian Critter Show
3:30 Bar Blue Sea Live Band
At various times during the day there will be Interactive First Nations Drum Circles
FOOD TRUCK RALLY
 Food Trucks have proven to be very popular at the annual Joseph Brant Day celebration. Feast at the Food Truck Rally. This is a really smart addition to the Brant day celebration. The dishes being offered are said to be inspired by Canadian ingredients.
Enjoy a smokey maple bacon poutine, a True North burger, maple cotton candy and more!
There’s something for everyone: Dora’s Express, Luchadore Gourmet Streatery, Cafe du Monde Creperie, Pappas Greek, Sweet Temptation Cupcakery, MeatVentures, and Triple Treats.
MADE IN CANADA VENDORS MARKET
Explore the vendors market which will showcase the work of local artisans and businesses. Plan to visit the Purpal Paisley Soapery, Ruff Trade Ties/ Little Kitchen Helpers, The Davidson Co., She’s Got Leggz, In Front Design Studio, Voxx Life, Healing Treasures, Woodfully Wooden World, The Good Red Earth Soap Company, Pandamonium Publishing House, Rubber Ducky Co., Life lounge Chiropractic and Health Centre, Papas Pens by Bill and more.
What would Joseph Brant have said about all this? Maybe his peers knew what was best for Brant when they moved his remains from Burlington to Brantford where they rest in peace today.
 The Brant tomb sits just outside the Mohawk Chapel near Brantford. Joseph Brant – the man.
Just who was this man Joseph Brant, the corner stone of the city’s history ?
The Museum staff tend to tell the public very little about the man who was given the land grant that Burlington was built on. Lest he be totally forgotten – here is a short version of his story:
Mohawk Leader. Born on the banks of the Ohio River to Tehonwagh’ kwangeraghkwa of the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk. In his early youth, Thayendanega became a favorite of Sir William Johnson, the British Superintendent of Northern Indians of America.
Thayendanega was among a number of young Mohawks who were selected by Johnson to attend Moor’s Charity School for Indians at Lebanon, Connecticut where he became known as Joseph Brant. That school evolved into what today is known as Dartmouth University.
 Joseph Brant was frequently painted by British artists who were keen to capture his image – he was very popular during his several visits to the United Kingdom. Brant left school at about age 13 and followed Sir William into battle during the French and Indian War. He became Sir William’s aide in the Indian Department, administered by the British out of Quebec. In August 1775, the leaders of the Six Nations of the Iroquois League met in council and decided that the growing conflict was a private affair between the British and the colonists, and that they should stay out of it. Brant denounced the Iroquois League’s decision to remain neutral and called the Americans the enemy of all Indians. He feared white expansion would push the Iroquois off their lands if the colonists achieved independence. Brant used his influence to engage the League for the British, four tribes, the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas entered into an alliance with England.
 The oak tree on Allview, a street that runs off the North Shore Road, marks the western boundary of the land grant given to Joseph Brant. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras ultimately sided with the Colonists splintering the confederation. Brant received a Captain’s commission in the British army and was placed in charge of the Indian forces loyal to the Crown. Brant took part in the Battle of the Cedars in 1776, German Flats, and Cherry Valley in 1778, establishing a formidable reputation for himself. At war’s end, Britain abandoned its Indian allies in the 1783 Treaty of Paris, when it ceded the Crown’s claim to land south of the Great Lakes and accepted peace terms that contained no mention of tribal rights.
 Brant retained his commission in the British Army and was awarded a land grant on the Grand River in Ontario by Governor Sir Frederick Haldimand in 1784. Brant led almost 2000 Iroquois Loyalists from New York to his grant where they settled and established the Grand River Reservation.
 In this portrait Joseph Brant is seen wearing the gorget given to him by King George III. That gorget is the most important piece in the collection at the Joseph Brant Museum. This land grant was separate from the 3000 plus acres he was granted in what became Burlington and whee he built a home. The current museum is a replica of the house he built.
Brant traveled to England in 1785 and succeeded in obtaining compensation for Mohawk losses in the American Revolution.
He encouraged the Mohawk to adopt Christianity and support British style schooling. His translations of Saint Mark’s Gospel and the Book of Common Prayer into Mohawk were published in 1787. Brant died at about 65 years at his home in what was then known as Wellington Square which came to be known as Burlington.
By Staff
August 2nd, 2017
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington has released their program for the fall.
Family Saturday Sessions
 Children Ages 8 to 14: $5
Adult Member: $7.50 | Adult Non-Member: $10
Family of 4 (Member): $20 | Family of 4 (Non-Member): $25
Saturdays | 1:00 – 3:00pm
There will be sessions on:
Sept 23: Rug Hooking
with Lisa Meecham – Register Now
Oct 14: Printmaking
with Kevin Willson – Register Now
 Oct 28: Metal Embossing
with Heather Kuzyk – Register Now
Nov 4: Darkroom Photograms
with Deborah Kanfer – Register Now
Nov 18: Clay Masks
with Dawn Hackett-Burns – Register Now
Dec 9: Embroidered Felt Buttons
with Samantha Goeree – Register Now
Kids Classes
 Junior Guild – Mini Makers (8 classes)
Age: 4-12 years Member: $175 | Non-Member: $200
Saturdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Sept. 23 – Nov. 18
Creative Playdates (10 classes)
Ages: 2-5 years + grown-ups
Member: $100 | Non-Member: $125
Fridays | 10:00 – 11:00am | Sept. 8 – Nov. 17
Home School Art Immersion (12 classes)
Age: 6-10 years
Member: $200 | Non-Member: $225
Mondays | 9:30am – 11:30am | Sept. 11 – Dec. 4
Teen Classes
Teen Potters (8 classes)
Age: 13+
Member: $175 | Non-Member: $200
Saturdays | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Sept. 23 – Nov. 18
Artist and Curator: Parade Float (9 classes)
Ages: 14+
Member and Non-Members: $25
Saturdays | 1:00-3:00pm | Sept. 23 – Nov.18 and Sunday, Dec. 3
 P.A. Days
Member: $30 | Non-Member: $40
Monday, September 25 & Friday, October 6
NEW – Open Studio Drop-in
Community Drop-in Studio
Fine Arts (13 weeks)
For Adults 16+ who need a studio space to work in – drop by and work on your own independent projects. The onsite facilitator will show you how to use the equipment.
Member and Non-Member: $10 for 4 hours or 10 visits for $90
Students (Valid Student ID): 10 visits for $75
Tuesdays | 1:00 – 9:00pm | Sept. 5 – Nov. 28
Pottery (13 weeks)
For Adults 16+ who need a studio space to work in – drop by and work on your own independent projects. The onsite facilitator will show you how to use the equipment.
Member and Non-Member: $10 for 4 hours or 10 visits for $90
Students (Valid Student ID): 10 visits for $75
Wednesdays | 7:00-10:00pm | Sept. 6 – Nov. 29
Adult Classes
Beginning in September
 Clay Date (1 class)
Pottery by Hand (6 classes)
The Foundation of Painting (10 classes)
Painting the Canadian Landscape (10 classes)
The Foundation of Drawing (10 classes)
Pottery Your Way (10 classes)
Beginners Throwing Workshop (9 classes)
Intro to Stained Glass (1 class)
Sip & Paint Social (1 class)
For a full description of each Adult Class including date, time, cost and instructor please see the course outline on our website.
Beginning in October
 Weaving Basics and Beyond (10 classes)
Intro to Stained Glass (1 class)
Stained Glass Panel Original Design and Fabrication (6 classes)
Clay Date (1 class)
Hooked on the Maple Leaf (4 classes)
Encaustic Painting Techniques: The Whole Ball of Wax (2 classes)
Basic Watercolour (8 classes)
For a full description of each Adult Class including date, time, cost and instructor please see the course outline on our website .
Beginning in November
 Pottery Decorating Techniques (6 classes)
Sip & Paint Social (1 class)
Enamel Buttons are Back (4 classes)
Handmade Statement Ring (4 classes)
Clay Date (1 class)
For a full description of each Adult Class including date, time, cost and instructor please see the course outline on our website.
The Art Gallery of Burlington is funded by an annual grant from the city of Burlington, fees charged for events and additional financial support it gets from the provincial government, provincial agencies and private sector sponsors.
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