 By Staff
July 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Alan Harrington has been tracking the progress of the tugboat Theodore for weeks.
 Theodore TOO entering Hamilton harbour It was a long arduous trip with numerous stops along to way – from Halifax to its new home in Hamilton where it will be refitted to do environmental work.
It was bought by McKeil a Burlington marine company.
The boat has a crew of four.
Harrington made sure he was at the canal to capture the picture of the tug entering Hamilton harbour with a police marine unit escort.
It sailed alone from Halifax a few weeks ago and entered the canal with escorts from the police marine unit and a ship from the Coat Guard.
AH
 By Staff
July 14th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Things are opening up
 The Brant Museum announced today that they have a special feature on Space that will run from July 20 – September 18, 2021
Health in Space: Daring to Explore is a special exhibition developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, one of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.
 Health in Space demystifies the health challenges — such as variable gravity, radiation, and isolation — that astronauts face while living and working in space. Through authentic artifacts and captivating interactive activities, this exhibition will engage visitors to better understand Canada’s role in advancing health research.
Discoveries in this field will be essential for the success of future deep-space expeditions, and may also help solve medical challenges on Earth.
Health in Space also includes video interviews with Canadian astronauts, which offer first-hand insight into their experiences. A special section within the exhibition highlights astronaut David Saint-Jacques’ recent mission, from his selection and training to the experiments conducted while aboard the ISS.
The hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 3:30pm, with COVID-19 protocols and procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibition. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance online or in-person.
Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 3:30pm with COVID-19 protocols and procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibition.
Entrance fee:
$10 – adults
$8 – seniors
$6 – child
$30 – family (2 adults and up to 4 children)
Free – child under 3
Did you know…
Did you know that David Saint-Jacques was the most recent Canadian to go into space? Before he was an astronaut, he worked as a doctor in Puvirnituq, Nunavik, a remote community in Northern Quebec where he had to make work with minimal resources, just like in space!
 Canadarm in use – serving the shuttle Did you know that there is no “up” on the International Space Station (ISS)? The ISS is a small space, so all four walls are covered with workable equipment, therefore, whichever way an astronauts head is pointing is considered “up”. Also, switches have an very visible “On/Off” on them, since there is no “up” to show that it’s on.
Did you know that the Neuroarm was inspired by the same technology and principles at the Canadaarm? The NeuroArm allows surgeons to do very delicate operations while a patient is inside an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.
Did you know that Mercury is the smallest plant in our solar system? It is only about 40% larger than the Earth’s moon.
Did you know that astronauts go swimming to train for spacewalks? Floating in space is a lot like floating in water. Astronauts practice spacewalks underwater in a large swimming pool and train seven hours in the pool for every one hour they will spend on a spacewalk!
 By Pepper Parr
July 12th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been offering programs for young people and putting on theatrical performances at the Performing Arts Centre that has been some of the best seen on those stages.
The only thing missing was a larger audience.
 Koogle has put on some of the best summer theatre fare the city has ever seen. The Putnam County Spelling Bee, staged in 2015, was one of the smartest summer entertainment events this critic has seen at the Performing Arts Centre.
Like everyone else, Koogle is edging out of the lockdown offering a virtual program for July and a live program for August.
Hopefully the move in the 3rd stage that starts on Friday will hold and we get to the point where a normal normal begins to be real.
Details on their July virtual program can be found below
The August program is going to be live – location not determined yet – details below.
Register HERE for the July virtual program
Register HERE for the August LIVE program
 By Staff
June 9th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 10th of next year the people of Burlington will gather at the Cenotaph just north of city hall and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Cenotaph. The creation of the monument was the result of a large community driven initiative to honour the resident veterans that fought in World War 1.
The initiative brought together service organizations, churches and residents to raise the funds and commission the works, a true community effort.
 Ed Keenleyside knows more about the Cenotaph and how it came into being. So much that he convinced the city to print copies of the book and make it available to the public. Last year the city entered into an agreement to print copies of a book written by Ed Keenleyside on the history of the cenotaph and how it came into being.
There was discussion at a Standing Committee earlier this week about using the anniversary of the community spirit that brought about the Cenotaph and tying it to the same community spirit that is getting the city through the pandemic.
The Standing Committee decided the Cenotaph celebration should be a stand-alone event.
The area around the Cenotaph is to be identified in future as Veteran Square; (Not Veteran”s”)
April 9 is Vimy Ridge Day in Canada.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is Canada’s most celebrated military victory. An often mythologized symbol of the birth of Canadian national pride and awareness.
There are two oak trees that were grown from seeds taken from trees in France at the Vimy Memorial; a piece of land that the French government deeded to Canada.
 By Pepper Parr
July 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel we are in.
And it has the sweet sound of a saxophone and the voice of a brilliant jazz vocalist.
 I got curious yesterday and wondered if things were improving enough for some of the traditional summer entertainment fare to return – so I sent a note to the folks at the Performing Arts Centre, where Tammy Fox runs the show, asking if the Jazz on the Patio might return in August.
 Plans are underway for Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts Centre Here it is – straight from the horse’s mouth:
“Yes, it’s looking positive for outdoor concerts on The plaza for August. Planning is underway. Can’t wait!!”
And neither can we.
 By Staff
July 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
After such an unusual year, local non-profit Bandology has some news that will hit all the right notes for keen young musicians. Their fifth annual Band Camp for teens will run a modified in-person, physically distanced camp this summer on July 12-16. A similar Band Camp Junior for kids ages 6-12 will run at the same time.
With the provincial government confirming that day camps may run this summer, Bandology has tweaked its usual concert band format to switch to handheld instruments instead. The potential to spread aerosol particles via blowing into instruments could be too risky, similar to school music programs which have not allowed blowing or singing this past year.
 A Bandology class in the Music Room at King’s Christian Collegiate in north Oakville However, the modified Band Camp will utilize a wide variety of handheld instruments, including drumline, ukulele, boomwhackers, bucket drumming and much more, all designed to keep kids interested and engaged. Plus, there’ll be music games and activities, plus special guests and performers. Above all, campers will have the opportunity to interact and hang out with other young musicians.
“This has been a tough year for everyone, but especially for kids used to hanging out in the music room,” said Lisa Michaels, co-founder of Bandology. “Social isolation and mental health are real issues that can be addressed by giving kids the chance to be together in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Bandology will observe all government protocols, including frequent hand washing and sanitization, physical distancing, mask indoors and small cohorts of campers. They will shift the majority of their programming outside, to reduce risk and extend opportunities for fresh air and play.
Parents can register their children online at bandology.ca. Band Camp V is for students in grades 7-12 while Band Camp Junior is for kids ages 6-12. Both camps run July 12-16 and are held at King’s Christian Collegiate in north Oakville. There is also a virtual option for those who would rather participate at a distance, with Band Camp Online running July 26-30.
Bandology provides other opportunities for young musicians to play, including the Play A Gig Online program, which gives kids and adults the chance to perform online, in either a live or pre-recorded format. Bandology also works to promote and advocate for the long-term value of music education.
By Maddy Van Clieaf
July 1, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music and the City of Burlington got together to let people hear some of the Sound as part of Canada Day Celebrations.
The smell of funnel cake, strums of guitar and thump of the bass that consumes Spencer Smith Park when the Sound is live was missing but local bands old and new, from Carly Rae Jepson to the Spoons, Terri Clark, and Lonestar to the rising group Grandson, the Sound of Music is where family, friends and music lovers join together to celebrate the vibrant arts scene in Burlington and beyond.
Instead of enjoying the cool breeze and unavoidable mud coating the bottom of every pair of sneakers- for it’s not the Sound of Music without rainfall beforehand- the authentic sound of Burlington can be heard from the comfort of your living room.
 Hayley Verrall Uploaded onto soundofmusic.ca, (CLICK HERE) a video with live performances from nine different local bands and performers can be streamed. The mix of performers comprises fresh faces Abby J Hall and Hayley Verrall, with Burlington staples Bliss and Suzie McNeil. The artists perform both original pieces and covers of famous CANCON songs from the likes of Blue Rodeo and Joni Mitchell.
Included in the music stream are interviews from previous festivals, introducing a wave of nostalgia and reminiscing past years. The online format can’t fully capture the magical ambiance of roaring crowds and mosh pits, but it highlights rising local talent and gives a taste of what is to come. Anticipation for upcoming SOM festivals vibrates through the live stream.
 Suzie McNeil In addition to the live stream, the Sound of Music has put together a Spotify playlist full of Canadian hits available here. There is also an interactive music experience through QR codes scattered about hiking trails and public spaces.
Andrea Ruthart, Kakisheway, from White Bear Treaty number 4, Cree Nation, made an impactful guest appearance to speak about the Hope for Healing project, helped by the City of Burlington. She and other Indigenous community members spoke on the meaning of reconciliation and the Indigenous song performed at Spencer Smith the day prior.
“This started with burning sweetgrass and blessing the land, and a song, which is also a prayer and a blessing, and a poem, and a call to action. The song was about the fire dance; it was about being seen and heard, which the indigenous community in our country for decades was not. “Mayor Marianne Meed Ward explained, “Music is a way to bridge that.”
The segment is sincere, although no Indigenous music was played or performed during the live stream. While the City of Burlington is celebrating, Indigenous communities in Canada are choosing not to recognize Canada Day this year to reflect and mourn the tragedy of residential schools and their legacy, which continues to plague Canada.
For Indigenous voices in the community to be heard and recognized, they need to be played and celebrated. The Sound of Music offers a large platform to do just that. Without true change and recognition of Indigenous artists in Burlington, the path to reconciliation will be a long one in the arts sphere.
By Pepper Parr
July 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We think there is a Sound of Music program for Canada Day – and we think it starts at 10:00 am but we are not certain.
The SoM web site has a lot of promises and build up to the events for the day but there is no schedule.
Here is what we do have:
“Tomorrow it’s a day filled with local artists, playlist tunes and big announcements of Summer shows ahead. Follow our social feeds and the website beginning at 10:00am.”
 This is the sound stage for the 2021 Sound of Music Festival. We understand the events are taking place in the Sound of Music studio at Nuvo One – best we can give you at this point is a link and hope it gets you some groovy music.
 This is the plan – the link to the site is set out above. Good Luck. One of the SoM fans put it this way:
 Madeleine Van Clieaf, Maddy to everyone, is part of a group of students working at the Gazette as part of the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Maddy is a second year journalism student at Carleton University and will return to class in the fall.
Maddy graduated from Assumption High School and was a member of the Burlington Teen Tour Band
By Staff
June 30th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a news story earlier this week we said: “Burlington may not be ready for this.”
The statement had to do with a production being put on virtually by the Performing Arts Centre that involved the City Manager and the Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association.
They were part of the cast for a reading of the play The Odd Couple that was a Broadway production and then a movie that is still being enjoyed. It was a good movie.
In an effort to bring some entertainment life to the city Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre put together an idea and managed to convince several well known entertainers to take part and added in some local colour.
Given that City Manager Tim Commisso and BDBA Executive Director Brian Dean were featured it seemed like an opportunity to have some light hearted fun and use photographs in our files to show Commisso and Dean as “fun” guys.
Some took exception to what we had published.
Commisso and Dean along with other Burlington personalities have what might be called supporting roles. The hope is that they will perform their reading admirably.
The Performing Arts Centre has arranged for all the front line support workers free access to the online production. The Show Business people call this “sharing the love”.
We expect it to be a fun evening and anticipate with a measure of excitement on just how well Commisso and Dean will perform.
Pepperwoods has put together a take out offering – make it an evening when you don’t have to cook.
By Staff
June 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington may not be ready for this.
City Manager Tim Commisso, he who dances in the streets of Itabashi, Japan and Brian Dean, known to peddle his wares from a shopping bag in the downtown core will be leading in a Special Performing Arts Centre on-line production of The Odd Couple.
 Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association drumming up business for his members. Virtual reading of The Odd Couple comes to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Featuring Burlington City Manager Tim Commisso, ‘Downtown’ Brian Dean, SOMF’s Myles Rusak and more Starring alongside Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall and Comedian Sean Cullen!!
The Odd Couple includes a neat freak, in need of a place to stay. The other’s a hot mess, open to a new roommate. They’re both played by two of Canada’s greatest comedic actors. They’re Felix and Oscar. They’re The Odd Couple.
Is Commisso the Neat Freak? Or could that be Brian Dean. ?
The Odd Couple, is a Tony-Award-winning play that spawned movie and television adaptations and lives on as a timeless tale of two hilariously mis-matched personalities who forge a lasting friendship.
Virtual theatre-goers have two chances to catch this unique offering: Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
Tickets for the stream cost $20 per household, or $15 for BPAC members and volunteers. To thank Burlington-area front-line healthcare workers for their sacrifices during this pandemic, they can contact the BPAC Box Office for complimentary tickets to the show.
Adapted to run approximately 60 minutes, this reading will be directed by Stratford Festival director Richard Ouzounian. In addition to the legendary Canadian comedy headliners, local community leaders have volunteered their time to fill out the colourful cast of characters at Felix and Oscar’s place.
 Is that guy in the white shirt in the middle a neat freak or a hot mess. Hard to tell from the picture. The ensemble includes Burlington City Manager Tim Commisso, Brian Dean from the Burlington Downtown Business Association, Tim Caddigan from Cogeco and Myles Rusak from the Burlington Sound of Music Festival as the Poker Gang. The Pigeon Sisters will be played by Sarah Foord and BPAC’s very own Executive Director, Tammy Fox.
 Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Tammy Fox came up with the idea and pulled together the people that are going to give you a wonderful entertaining evening – don’t miss it. “The Odd Couple is a classic. Whether you’ve seen a stage production, or watched the movie, or even one of the many TV adaptations, everyone knows a Felix and everyone knows an Oscar,” said Fox. “There is nowhere else where you can watch Bruce McCulloch and Seán Cullen perform a Tony-winning play, from the comfort of your own home.”
Kudo’s go to Tammy Fox for getting this production together. Her Dangerous Liaisons was well received – The Odd Couple will do even better.
Well worth the time. Book your tickets – make it a party.
By Staff
June 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Everyone in the entertainment business has had to pivot and find a way to get their show off the stage that can’t open.
Sound of Music and the City are joining forces and hitting the high notes together to celebrate Canada Day with a free online streamed performance featuring a myriad of local artists.
More details to come shortly!
Dial into Soundofmusic.ca and see what they have that turns your crank.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard much from that organization.
 By Staff
June 28th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It has been a long, long, long 18+ months; with vaccinations on the rise and covid cases on the decline, things are starting to get back to some sort of normalcy. But… we still have a long way to go and while summer fast approaches, the reality is there is still a lot we don’t know and much to contend with.
The folks at Peachey Counselling Services are putting on a free Coping with Covid workshop July 7th from 6:30 to 8 pm via Zoom.
 Stephanie Peachey, a Registered Social Worker and founder of the Counselling and Family Support Service will be delivering part of the free workshop July 7th During the live zoom event they will break down how to cope with stress, anxiety and burnout. They will pass along some tips and set out some strategies to help build resiliency so you can have the best summer possible.
Topics Discussed
What You May Be Feeling: From frustration to fear, to anxiety or burnout. We’ll talk it out.
Under Pressure: Do you NOT want things to go back to pre-pandemic days? Do you feel pressured to let go of some of the things that you liked about being in lockdown?
Getting Prepared for Uncertainty: If there is anything we learned, especially in the last several months, we don’t know what to expect or plan for…so we’ll work on being prepared to handle that kind of uncertainty.
Building Resiliency: We’ll share all sorts of tips and strategies to help you develop the coping skills you will need to build resiliency so you can have the best summer possible.
This workshop is being facilitated by Stefanie Peachey, Registered Social Worker and owner of Peachey Counselling and Family Support, and Chris Martin, Registered Psychotherapist and member of Peachey Counselling and Family Support.
Their office is on the Pearl/Pine side of Village Square; 414 Pearl Street Unit 11 Village Square Burlington ON L7R 2N1 Situated on the 2nd floor
To Register email their office at: info@peacheycounselling.ca
 By Staff
June 28, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There was a period of time when all elective surgery was put on hold. That made life very difficult for many people.
Now that elective surgery is being done – the blood supply is threatened.
With a long weekend before us – the need to increase the supply matters.
 Eligible donors are encouraged to book and keep their appointments between now and July 4.
The national blood inventory continues to meet patients’ needs but is declining because of increased demand and missed or unfilled blood donation appointments.
While all blood types help patients, there is a specific need for donors with O-negative blood type. Donors with O-negative blood are part of a select group whose donations are compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood.
In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing, at this time, we can only welcome people with appointments.
If you’re in general good health, please book and honour your appointment to help patients. Download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.
 By Staff
June 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
An early look at what Julie Neal and her crew of volunteers managed to pull from the community in terms of bottle and beer cans Saturday during the bottle drive.
 Julie Neal checking on a load of beer cans that were trucked to Stoney Creek to be redeemed for cash The van is one of several that were pressed into service.
We should have a preliminary count this evening. The food collected will be going to the Food bank; the cash will be going to The Compassion Society
 By Staff
June 26th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The plan is to make the event smooth sailing and safe! They are hoping that the weather cooperates but will be there rain or shine!
 It’s a rain or shone event – with a really big objective Entrance & Exit
Pylons will be setting up along with signs indicating where they would like cars to enter. They want to create a one-way system so cars enter, register, drop off and then exit. The entrance is just off Walkers Line (right by the Chiropractic clinic).
Cars will exit off Forest Run so they will have the traffic lights.
Registration
They will have 3 volunteers at this station. If there are a few cars, then there will be a few volunteers welcoming people and getting their information for the gift certificate draw. Using a clipboard and a ballot, we will record people’s names, cell numbers and email addresses. The volunteers will then give a quick rundown on where to drive to drop off donations. They have a laptop to which they will transfer the contact information to use in the random drawing of gift cards as well as provide those names to Freshwagon so they can send the $5 gift card via email.
 Sponsors behind the Gift Cards that will be handed out in a random draw Stations
Each section will be set up separately. They will have an empty beer station, an empty wine/booze bottle station and a food drop off station. All stations will be covered with a tent, a table and some chairs. The stations will be clearly marked with signs so cars can simply drive up. Behind each station, there will be a truck or a cargo van. This time around they will be loading and counting as they go. Each station will also have a container for cash donations if people wish to add to their drop off.
Each station will have a clipboard and paper to help record the totals as vehicles are being unloaded. It will be very important to ensure they have a record of totals going down to the distribution centre.
Volunteers
Each section will have 2-3 volunteers. If donors do not wish to get out of their cars, they volunteers can simply take their donations (think similar to curb side pick up). There will be two shifts.
Beer Store Distribution Centre
“The distribution centre is open for bottle drives on Saturdays only (lucky us!). We will be sending cargo vans/trucks down as they are filled. Unlike last time, we don’t want to wait or have to hold onto everything till Monday. The distribution centre will keep a running tally and will pay us out when they close at 2. Anything gathered from that point onwards may be driven down to Barton street in Hamilton or taken to the Beer Store on Elizabeth street downtown Burlington.”
 They ran out of space during the last bottle drive. PPE
“Each station will have a box of disposable gloves and masks. Please use these. We purchased these for our volunteers so you feel safe. There will also be hand sanitizer at each station. If you’d like a face shield too, we have a few brand new ones and will provide them to you as well.
Snacks
“We will have a cooler with some drinks to keep you all hydrated. There will be coffee in the morning as well as some snacks. Please bring a reusable water bottle as we’ll have a water station for our volunteers!”
By Staff
June 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Given the attention the Indigenous issues have been getting this is an important event.
By Staff
June 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON.
The announcement says it all.
By Staff
June 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Robin is with Tiffany Page – owner of the Skyway Diner on Plains Road – who have been operating a nice sunny patio while they wait for the next signs from our government.
 Robin Bailey with Tiffany Page at the Skyway Diner in Aldershot. Great food and excellent service here – and they are also running a promotion to help us out. For the month of June bring a food item to the Skyway Diner and they will donate to the Burlington Food Bank when you pick up take-out or (fingers crossed) dine-in and enter to win one of three $50 gift cards!
Food Drive contest runs June 1 to June 30 and winners will be announced on Canada Day, July 1.
We appreciate that even though Skyway was struggling through the pandemic closures and restrictions, they still managed to add on a thoughtful food drive for families in Burlington. Everything helps us. Check out the Skyway Diner
– Thank you https://www.facebook.com/SkywayDinerBurlington
If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
By Staff
June 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Provincial Liberal Association announces two candidates seeking the nomination for the next provincial election scheduled for June 2022
There are two candidates.
Vying for the nomination as the official candidate of the Ontario Liberal Party in the electoral district of Burlington are:
 Andréa Grebenc https://trustandrea.com  Mariam Manaa https://www.mariammanaa.ca A live webcast will be held allowing the public to hear speeches/presentations by the candidates for the nomination.
Everyone can register to view these presentations.
A video of the webcast will be posted and available for viewing later.
Date: June 23, 2021
Time: 7 to 8 PM
Click to register HERE.
Voting will take place on Saturday June 26, 2021 between 11am to 8pm.
Members that are registered to vote in the nomination contest will receive an email with instructions on how to vote, and your personal PIN number that authenticates you for voting. Voting can be done online or by phone.
If you are a Member of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Association and you do not receive an email with instruction by Thursday, June 24 at 5PM, please contact vote@ontarioliberal.ca
 By Staff
June 17, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Green has announced that the city-wide Clean Up is back on.
 Sign up to participate in this popular and rewarding city-wide opportunity to safely collect litter from our communities.
You can also register to participate in various at-home green up activities to help grow the local tree canopy and strengthen local biodiversity.
Since BurlingtonGreen began hosting this inclusive event back in 2011, a whopping 109,000+ people have participated in these collective efforts, resulting in cleaner and greener parks, streams, schoolyards and neighbourhoods. Join in the fun and be part of the change!
You can find all the details, benefits, tips and perks when you register your activities by Registering HERE
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