 By Ryan O’Dowd: Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 The 10th anniversary was a banner year – then the pandemic took over and determined what we could do and what we couldn’t do. There is still a way to make it happen. This Saturday the Gift of Giving Back will host Help Feed Our Kids: Drive-Thru Food Drive at the Burlington Center parking lot (777 Guelph Line, Guelph, and Fairview entrance) from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contributions will stock the shelves of the Burlington Food Bank and ensure the community’s most vulnerable are fed.
Robin Bailey, Executive Director with the Burlington Food Bank, acknowledged the GGB as their largest food drive and cited difficulties posed by missing events during the pandemic, despite tremendous community support.
“With no school food drives, no churches, and no Gift of Giving Back (in its traditional form) it’s been a really tough summer for us,” said Bailey. “We’re hopeful that [Saturday’s event] is going to get our stocks back up.”
 They brought food in by the carton. It was a superb program that got way-laid a bit by a pandemic. The Burlington Food Bank reports that 48% of their 2020 clients were first-time food bank users in their annual report, and the food bank serviced 39% more people than they had in 2019. Even prior to COVID-19 food bank reliance was trending up, Bailey says these trends will continue as long as the cost of living and minimum wage fail to keep up with inflation, to that end he wants to remove the stigma from food bank use.
“We think it’s important for our branding and marketing to let people know that we’re here for them if they do need our assistance. There’s a bit of a stigma and we’re hoping that that stigma is getting sort of worn down that people go, ‘you know what, it’s a community support that the community is behind and wants to help us, not go hungry and be able to help pay other fees, whether it be rent or their electricity or whatever it might be,’” Bailey said.
The GGB has raised 4.6 million pounds of food since its inception, which they calculate is a community benefit exceeding $1.8 million. The GGB, founded in 2005 by Jean Longfield, has become such an integral part of the community that the City of Burlington raises its flag at city hall to usher in the period of giving and community work.
The annual GGB food drive is touted as the largest of its kind in Canada. From its inaugural 2007 event up until 2019 GGB would pack gymnasiums full of food bins with the help of community sports teams and students. COVID-19 put a halt to their traditional food collection method in 2020, but that didn’t stop the GGB.
The GGB operated out of the Burlington Center in 2020 collecting food for those quarantined. Previously their list of contributions included those to the Compassion Society, Food4Life, the Carpenter Hospice, Salvation Army, the Women’s shelter, and the Burlington Food Bank.
 The Gift of Giving Back has always been a team effort. These girls are smiling when they see the chart showing the amount of food the brought in posted. Despite their perseverance in 2020, the GGB’s donations (measured in pounds) were down 77.9 percent from the previous year’s haul and 84.3 percent from their all-time high in 2018: (a national record for food donations at the time, a feat acknowledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,
Social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced at the drive-thru.
The GGB requests contributors stay in their vehicle while volunteers unload donations for a safe contact-less drop-off. The volunteers will be wearing personal protective equipment.
They encourage young donors to wear their sports jerseys and spirit wear, decorate their cars, and make signs. Such community spirit will bring a sense of normalcy to the proceedings that in previous years would yield enough food to fill 3 high school gymnasiums.
Young athletes would work with their teams in a good-natured competition to cart in a haul of goods so vast transport trucks were required to shift them to distribution centers.
For obvious reasons that isn’t happening this year, however, young people still played a vital role at the Burlington Food Bank, Bailey explained.
“It was students that really propelled us through the first parts of COVID. They were the ones that were deemed to be a little bit safer to contribute,” Bailey said, “without them, we wouldn’t have had the ability to stabilize and serve the community as well as we have throughout 18 months of the pandemic.”
The 2021 event will be less showy than some of GGB’s memorable offerings but Bailey, Longfield, Tate and their respective teams are still there and still working, and the donations are needed, particularly in uncertain times.
 Ryan O’Dowd is a Sheridan College journalism student who is part of a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative that will have him reporting for the Gazette well into 2022. He is a Burlington native who plays the guitar.
 By Max Bowder
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Speculation, due to the rise in covid cases, that the Chili Half marathon might have some problems with scheduling, Kelly Arnott, the race organizer, announced that they expect to proceed as planned and that as of now the Chili Half Marathon is on for March 6th, 2022.
The Chili Marathon’s organizer Kelly Arnott has taken all precautions to ensure the safety of all those competing in the marathon.
“We follow the rules and regulations that Athletics Ontario has set out for safe road races,” said Arnott.
 Krista Duchene and Kelly Arnott As a part of her safety policies, every runner competing in the race will need to be fully vaccinated in order to assure public safety, other policies include no big line ups at the start of the race (having runners show up at the time they are seated), having one racer start every 10 seconds and participants needing to bring their own water as there will be no water stations.
Runners must wear a mask at the start of the race and are allowed to take it off while running, putting it back on as they approach the finish line.
Arnott has said if the marathon approaches during a Covid spike, the marathon will be done virtually or even cancelled.
Virtual marathons allow anybody to compete in the marathon by having everyone run from where they choose such as in their neighborhood or even on a treadmill and record what their distance was, how long they ran for and what pace they ran at.
Arnott also has the experience of knowing how to run a marathon in a pandemic as she organized one of her marathons in the middle of the SARS outbreak.
Winners of the marathon usually win cash prizes (up to $500) as well as free future entries and free hotel rooms.
 Krista Duchene – ran in Burlington and grew to become an Olympian qualifier. Prominent Canadian Olympians have competed in and won in the Chili Marathon including Krista Duchene and Reid Coolsaet.
Duchene competed in the Chili Marathon as her first run after breaking her femur in the Banque Scotia 21k De Montreal Marathon which required rehabilitation after her injury.
Duchene winning the Chili Marathon had qualified her to run in the Dusseldorf Marathon which qualified her for the Olympics.
Arnott will also be hosting a garage/bake sale as a fundraiser for the Holy Cross church at 3455 Lakeshore Road, west of Walkers Line on Saturday August 7th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
The Chili Half Marathon has raised $200,000 for Joseph Brant hospital and continues to raise money today, people are encouraged to donate on the Chili Marathon home page
Arnott was approached some time ago by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to host the first “CIBC run for the cure” marathon in 1992 and continued to host the event for the next five years during which they raised more than $1 million.
The Chili Marathon has been happening for over 20 years with the first being hosted in 1999 (back then called the Millennium Marathon).
Arnott started her long marathon organizing career when she opened her first store in Village Square called the Village Runner after working in her dad’s shoe business.
The Village Runner was a high end fashion shoe store before financial circumstances compelled her into selling running shoes, which then evolved to running programs.
 If there is a good reason for a race – Kelly Arnott will do everything she can to organize one. The Canada Day event in 2016 was an example. It was there she decided to put on races and programs to teach people how to run for marathons.
Arnott has remained active in her community for over 25 years; she ran for a City Council seat in 2014 coming in second of 4 candidates.
That election was “an eye opener … its not really a 60% effort it, it’s either 100% or nothing,” said Arnott
 Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Venezuela where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
 By Pepper Parr
August 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 Hassaan Basit, President and CEO of Conservation Halton Hassaan Basit, President and CEO of Conservation Halton said last week that from January until now, their parks have seen around 850,000 visitors, which is a 30 to 40 per cent increase from last year.
Someone is doing great business. People are getting out; something that is beginning to look like normal seems to be on the horizon.
 The line up of cars at some of the Conservation Authority parks takes space outside the grounds.
 By Max Bowder
July 31st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Blue Jays fans were so excited to finally be able to watch their team play at home after a 670 day delay.
 Police officers investigating fight on the GO train heading for the Blue Jays ball game. Their patience got extended Friday night due to a violent altercation between fellow passengers on the 17:48 train at Appleby Go station.
Witnesses say it began with yelling and light altercations before more people got involved which resulted in one man being taken off the train by paramedics with serious but none life threatening injuries.
As a result of the fight the train was cancelled and all had to wait for the 18:07 train to arrive which caused them to miss the beginning of the game.
 Some of the boys waiting it out while the police investigation end. Their train was delayed and they missed the opening – but the Jays brought it home and kept everyone happy. Despite the delay, the Blue Jay fans maintained their excitement and watched as the Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 6-4.
One of the Jays home runs brought the crowd to their feet – something they had not been able to do for a long time.
Jays pitcher, Ross Stripling sat down for an interview with MLB news, saying “… I hope we do it big because that’s what we wanna do and I’m sure that’s what the fans want to do.”
Roger Stadium had been closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Canada – United States Border being closed.
The Blue Jays were forced to relocate to Sahlen Field in Buffalo temporarily for the season before being given a National Interest Travel Exception by the Federal Government.
 It took quite a bit of patience but getting the game was worthwhile – Jays to Kansas City Royal 6-4  When you are in the stands you want to be showing your colours. Several fans were not concerned about Covid at this large event even with the Delta variant spreading. The dome of the Roger Centre was kept open during the game.
“We are double vaxed and relaxed,” said blue jays’ fan, Mike Hamilton.
Many lifelong Jays’ fans were among the passengers on the go train with one man I talked to telling me he has been buying tickets and watching every year since 1985.
Many fans did not have any expectations from any of the players on the Jay’s team but were all hoping that they would win.
Fans enjoyed watching The Blue Jays play in Buffalo during the extent of the Covid pandemic
Fans were also willing to point out that some areas of the Jays game needed to be improved, particularly with their pitchers, calling out Ross Stripling.
Other fans gave enthusiasm for other players such as Teoscar Hernández saying he is “underrated and doesn’t get enough press.”
Many fathers who had been avid Blue Jays fans since childhood brought their young sons out to the game with the intention of making them fans as well.
“I’m very excited!” said one fans son Mickey.
“I think he’s more excited about the food,” Mickey’s father quickly added.
 Max Bowder is a second year journalism student at Sheridan College. He is part of a team with the Gazette on the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the federal government. Before enrolling at Sheridan Max volunteered in a community in Venezuela where he worked with young people. He is a Burlington resident who helps out on the family farm in Milton.
 By Staff
July 23rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In a normal world members of Council would be in full vacation mode with most of the seven out of town, maybe out of the province or out of the country.
This is not yet a normal world.
 Councillor Sharman has two major events in his riding; Councillor Bentivegna has a number of back yard meetings planned.
Mayor wasn’t specific but she will be out there meeting and greeting and accepting the adulation from her tribe.
Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte stunned us when she released her summer plans: twelve pop up events in parks within her ward where she will be waiting for people who want to talk to her.
They will ask: Is she running again? She is.
The pop ups run from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm There will be signage in place – you won’t be able to miss her.
 By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Jazz on the Patio at the Performing Arts centre has been one of those rare summer treats. The music was always fine, when they put in a cash bar it became an opportunity to enjoy a rather decent Chardonnay – in a Styrofoam cup – can’t have everything.
We missed the event last year.
 A much different setting this year – two performances each day.
It is back this year – runs from Saturday, August 14 & Sunday, August 15, 2021 with two performances each day. Rain or Shine – BPAC Outdoor Plaza.
The Downtown Jazz Festival will be a ticketed event this year.
COVID guidelines require all outdoor events to be ticketed for contact-tracing and self-screening purposes.
The 2021 Jazz Festival will also be a paid event this year, both because we are just beginning to emerge from the financial challenges of the pandemic, including 15 months without our usual sources of revenue being available to us, and because current capacity restrictions are only permitting us to accommodate a maximum of 120 patrons, rather than the pre-pandemic audiences of 300 – 400 that we typically see for these performances.
The ticket prices are nominal. The event is being staged as a very intimate (while physically-distanced!) environment, which will not be visible from the street. Together with the BDBA they will be offering prize draws to patrons; local restaurants will also be selling special meals onsite.
It’s going to be a very special event; exciting, and a long-overdue return to live entertainment in downtown Burlington!
 Elise LeGrow.  Lydia Persaud The Festival will feature Kellylee Evans, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Lydia Persaud, and Elise LeGrow.
Members pre-sale started on Monday, July 19 at noon.
Public on-sale starts Monday, July 26 at noon.
Single performance tickets are available for table seats (minimum 3 tickets for a table) and stool seating. Or, grab a 2-show pass for Saturday and/or or Sunday. See ticket pricing below.
 Kellylee Evans Saturday August 14th – two performances:
Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans at 4:00 pm
And Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar at 6pm</span
Sunday August 15th two performances:
Lydia Persaud at 2pm
Elise LeGrow at 4pm
Single Performance Tickets
Table Seats – Upper Plaza:
Regular: $35 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Members: $30 (All-in, minimum purchase of 3 seats)
Stool Seats – Lower Plaza:
Regular: $25 (All-in)
Members: $20 (All-in)
By Staff
July 20th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
 We first met Melanie Hawtin when she was playing wheel chair basketball at the Haber Recreational Centre.
What impressed us was not only the skill but her competitive nature. When she wanted the ball – she went after it and usually got the ball.
We didn’t know all that much about the woman – we just liked what we saw. She was once on the fast track to a promising career as a wheelchair racer. A native of Oakville, Hawtin started racing as a child and quickly became a decorated athlete within the sport with hopes of representing Canada at the Paralympic Games.
Melanie is part of the Canadian Team representing Canada at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. We will report on how the Canadian Team does.
 That dream was put on hold after surgery forced her to take a hiatus from the track. It was during that hiatus that Hawtin started playing wheelchair basketball. She began competing with the Burlington Vipers club before going on to represent Ontario at the women’s national championship in 2013.
As a former competitive track athlete, speed is Hawtin’s greatest asset and she quickly outmanoeuvres her opponents up and down the basketball court. She ultimately drew the attention of the National Team program and made the Senior Women’s National Team in 2014. She made her Paralympic debut two years later at Rio 2016, where Canada finished fifth.
In 2019, Hawtin underwent shoulder surgery and did not compete at the 2019 Parapan American Games.
When she is not training with the National Team, Hawtin is busy honing her skills at the wheelchair basketball National Academy in Toronto.
Off the basketball court, Hawtin spends time with family and has a genuine love for fashion.
 By Staff
July 20, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington will open online registration for indoor summer recreation programs for adults 19+ and adults 55+ beginning Saturday, July 24 at 9 a.m.
Registration for swimming programs at Tansley Woods, Aldershot, Centennial and Angela Coughlan pools will also open on Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m.
A complete listing of indoor summer programming can be found online at Burlington.ca/recreation.<
Drop-in programs
Registration for drop-in recreational swimming and skating programs at indoor City facilities is required 25 hours in advance of the program start time. Drop-in swimming programs start today, Monday, July 19, and skating programs will resume Tuesday, July 20.
New self-serve option for withdrawing from drop-in programs
New this season, participants have the ability to withdraw from drop-in programs online by logging into their Live & Play account. More information about the new feature is available online at Burlington.ca/recreation.
All City programs will continue to follow public health guidance when required, including physical distancing, capacity limits and wearing masks or face coverings. Individuals participating in an in-person program will be required to fill out the mandatory health screening form at Burlington.ca/screening before each session.
• Individuals who have questions or require assistance can email live&play@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
• Recreation fee assistance funding is available to resident individuals or families who require assistance with the cost of City of Burlington recreation programs. For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. You can also leave a confidential voicemail message at 905-335-7738, ext. 8501 and staff will return your call to assist you.
 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
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