 By Staff
February 17th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Recreation facilities welcome back participants in recreation programming that will start to re-open with a phased approach starting the week of Feb. 16.
Not all programs and facilities will be opened immediately; re-staffing and facility preparation is underway.
All Adult Virtual Fitness, Learning and Music Registered Programs already running until March 26 will continue as is with no change at this time.
Drop-in skating, lap swims, recreation swims and Aquatic Fitness will start to re-open this week and programs and locations will increase over the next two weeks. All programs can be viewed and registered for at burlington.ca/recreation.
Restrictions for City facilities and recreation as a result of moving in the Red (Control) Phase in the Province’s COVID-19 framework include:
• 10 people maximum for indoor programs such as ice pads, gymnasiums, etc.
 Outdoor events limited to 25 people at a time • 25 people maximum for outdoor programs
• Drop-in recreation programs will have a maximum capacity of 10 people, this includes skating and Aquatic Fitness
• Pool capacities for drop-in recreational swimming and lap swims will be reduced to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Bistro Express Curbside Pickup will again be accepting phone orders and providing nutritious home-style cooking for reheating at home. Pickup at Seniors Centre Main Entrance. Tap payment only accepted
• In-person instruction, including Learn to Swim and Aquatic Leadership courses will have a maximum capacity of 10 people
• Indoor pickleball activities are cancelled. Outdoor pickleball is available in Optimist and Leighland parks, weather permitting
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
These restrictions will impact program providers in the following ways:
 Team sports are on hold. • For all team sports, indoor and outdoor game-play is not permitted
• Teams in City facilities and on City fields can adjust their programming to training and skill development with a maximum of 10 people indoors, up to two coaches and 25 people outdoors. Program participants are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information
• If you are a participant in a non-City program or team sport, please connect with your organization to understand how this may impact you
• No spectators permitted at sports and recreational fitness facilities except for parent/guardian supervision of children
• Parents/guardian must maintain 3-meter distance while in facilities
• No contact permitted for team or individual sports
 Public performances – including at the Performing Arts Centre are not taking place. . Limit duration of stay in a City facility or on City fields to 90 minutes (does not apply to sports)
• Require active screening, contact information and attendance for all patrons
• No live performances. Performing arts rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
• Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barriers
 By Staff
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
We have had a lot to say about the Burlington Food Bank – as publishers it is one of those stories that just doesn’t stop giving.
Sometime it’s same old, same old – people collecting food to help out but from time to time there is a twist.
 Julie & James Neal along with their son Emmett and friends, Jamie Kozub from the Burlington Dads and TJ Tobin worked the Palmer – Tansley community.
There was one of the rather nice short videos – never more than two minutes – done by Scot Cameron that celebrated the more than $7,500 that was collected.
The Neal’s started a bottle drive 4 weekends ago and after the first weekend, they had raised $733. Soon afterwards they began sharing the event on social media, going door to door in the neighbourhood with flyers, and then some friends started to help out.
Barra Fion and Gator Teds then lent their cube van to the bottle drive when they realized the team were going back n forth so often with their empties.
Julie posted results to date and other media helped out with some promotion. They ended up with $4,000 in the last weekend adding to a grand total of 2,070 lbs of food along with $8,015 from bottle returns/donations.
In Julie’s words, this event brought a full community together, Palmer-Tansley Woods, to make it happen.
The really beautiful part was the last couple of seconds of the video – a hand reach is from the left side of the screen.
Take a look. The Video
That’s what your city is really all about.
“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 live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
By Pepper Parr
February 16th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
The irony of it all.
The province puts everyone in a lock down mode – restaurants are closed – no place to go – nothing to do but get out for long walks.
The lockdown gets lifted – and then the snow begins to fall and it keeps falling.
 Traffic will move on the major highways – getting out of the driveway will be the challenge The only thing one can do is find the shovel and begin moving the stuff.
 No picnic today There is an upside – today is also Shrove Tuesday, a Christian celebration marking 40 days before Lent. The day is celebrated by serving pancakes.
Probably the best thing you can do today – pancakes, maple syrup and butter – with 15 cm + of snow.
About as Canadian as you are going to get today.
By Staff
February 10th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s a bit of a grind but something Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte has gotten into doing every Friday – taking the van and touring the ward to pick up any Food Offerings that have been left out for her to take to the Food Bank.
A number of weeks ago Stolte realized (it was her aha moment) that while driving around the ward to check in on what was happening she could also be picking up food donations and truck them over to the Food Bank.
She sent out a note, asked the Gazette if we would help out and delivered her first collection which amounted to 443 lbs of Food and $500 in cash. “In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households.”
The second round took place last weekend. To date, reports Stolte, “we have collected 856 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in cash donations!
 Those single door step donations create the flow of food needed to take care of those that need a hand up. Results from the first week of the Stolte initiative. Cash donations can be made directly to the Burlington Food Bank website and will automatically receive a tax receipt provided a full name and address are provided and please comment for your donation to be included in the Ward 4 Friday Food Drives so we can add your generous donation to our Ward 4 Grand Total!
Together we can keep the shelves at the Burlington Food Bank stocked and help our community through this challenging time.
Please spread the word to your Ward 4 friends and neighbours and have them register for pickup at
ward4@burlington.ca.
“I will be offering this safe, contact-free pickup every Friday.”
The following is a list of the Top Ten Most Needed Items this week:
Canned Meat (Ham, Turkey, Chicken)
Large Juice (1L Tetra or Cans)
Rice (1kg or 2kg sizes)
Peanut Butter
Cookies
Canned Tomatoes
Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Hot Cereal (Oatmeal/Porridge Single Servings)
Canned Fruit
Large Soup (Ready To Eat)
Thank you and stay well,
 By Frank van Dam
February 8th, 2021
BURLINGTON ON
For people who love to go out, 2021 is likely to be another dismal year, unfortunately. None of the recent news has been overly positive, and much less so for those of us who like to move around a lot.
 The picture inside isn’t any better. The hospitality sector has been hit very hard. Unfortunately, with the way things are going, it looks like a lot more curtailing of movement and sacrifice is on the cards for us for the foreseeable future. In short, things are getting better for Burlington residents, but they are getting better very slowly. There is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, but it’s still very far away.
Where we stand right now
Doug Ford’s lockdown orders are into their third month now and show no sign of letting up. In fact, in neighbouring Oakville, Halton Regional Police recently chased a crowd of socially-distanced families off a very popular local tobogganing hill. Technically, apart from emergencies, we are expected to not even leave our region. There is no indoor dining at all at this time, something most of us didn’t think we would miss as much as we do. Everything is closing earlier, which is leading to more stress and sometimes more traffic jams, which in turn add even more to the stress.
For people who like to travel, the news might be even worse. The federal government has imposed new and very strict quarantine measures for returning international travellers. In fact, they are so strict, they are facing legal challenges now. However, they are still very much in effect. The Trudeau administration has also issued an order banning cruise ships from docking at Canadian ports for the next year, that is until February of 2022! People either support or hate these measures, and it’s not to spark an argument, but the regulations are in place, and we will have to obey them.
 First we had it – then we didn’t have it – and now we aren’t certain as to just when the vaccine will arrive. Vaccines delayed… again
On the vaccine front, the news isn’t the best, either. Both Pfizer and Moderna (the only two companies the Canadian government has approved to sell vaccines as of now) are unable to deliver the required orders of the vaccines on time. This pushes the whole timetable backwards. Honestly, this news could be much worse, and we suppose that gratitude is still in order because the vaccination program is still advancing. It’s just that it is approximately 20 or 25% slower than it was supposed to be. But it’s hard to keep a positive frame of mind with so much uncertainty.
It also bears no small mention that there is a psychological price to pay for all this confinement, all this uncertainty, and all this upheaval in our personal and professional lives. We’ve all literally had to completely redefine and overhaul so many aspects of our lives, often things we thought would never change. And let’s be honest here, none of us really knows what a post-pandemic world is actually going to look like. New industries may spring up out of nowhere before this is over, and many other types of businesses may well wind up having being made permanently obsolete.
 There are walk-able winter trails within minutes of the downtown core. So, what are we to do?
We strongly recommend that readers get their daily fresh air and exercise by walking around Burlington, which is truly a beautiful little city and very walkable. Anybody who isn’t doing this every day is missing out on an important little piece of sanity. For people who have too much time on their hands (many of us), online entertainment is a great option. Play card games or free online casino games, stream some movies or pick up a gaming console. Realize that this time shall pass.
We will get through this mess by sticking together like we always do.
By Staff
February 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Shadi Salehian, Chair of One Burlington, and Dan Fraser, organizer for the upcoming Share the Love, are the driving force behind the city-wide Food Drive from Feb 6 to 13th.
Dan and his wife Merrilee Fraser have been spearheading this Food drive by contacting grocery stores and faith groups in Burlington: they are very surprised how welcoming and generous their fellow neighbours have been. A diverse, integrated Burlington is a stronger, kinder and more interesting community to live in.
One Burlington was founded by several faith groups after the Quebec mosque shooting in 2017, One Burlington celebrates the multi-faith, multicultural foundation of our community. They believe the contributions of our diverse faith and cultural groups continue to strengthen Burlington and make it one of the best places to reside. It’s an organization of over 40 faith and non-faith groups who hope to create opportunities for people of different backgrounds to come together in a peaceful and cordial manner; to learn about and experience aspects of each others’ faith and culture.
If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help PLEASE have them send an email to 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 the curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, they are here to help. Don’t struggle – give them a call.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
For Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte it was one of those “aha” moments.
It has been her practice to use Fridays to drive around the ward and see what’s happening; look for problems that need attention and satisfy herself that the ward is as OK as it can be, given the circumstances.
Hang on, she said to herself – If I am driving around why not pick up whatever food I can convince people to leave on their porches and take it to the Food Bank.
And so off she was. Last week the results were pretty clear. People will help out – just make it as easy as you can for them.
She maps out her route for Friday and prints out the Thank-you notes she leaves behind.
 What happens when the vehicle is full but the rounds have not been completed? The results speak for themselves.
“So proud of the fantastic response to the first Ward 4 Friday Food Drive!
“In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households and collected; 443 pounds of food and $500. Cash donations.
 The results of the Food Drive go directly to the Food Bank Hoping that this initiative will continue to gather momentum over the coming weeks as more and more Ward 4 households participate and support our local Burlington Food Bank.
The drill on making this happen goes like this:
Email ward4@burlington.ca by 4pm tomorrow (Thursday) to schedule a contact-free, front porch pick up for this Friday’s Food Drive.
You will receive an email confirming the pickup. Place your donation on your front porch by 10am Friday labelled “Friday Food Drive”. The items will be collected in a safe and contact-free manner and delivered straight to the Food Bank.
By Staff
February 3rd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In partnership with the Burlington Food Bank, One Burlington is organizing a city-wide food drive named Share the Love from February 6-13, 2021 just before Valentine’s Day.
Drop-Off Locations:
 City Hall- Burlington Fire-Halls
- Grocery Stores with
- @BurlFoodBank Bins
You may also donate online.
We all know what to do. Let’s ensure than the Food Bank has what it needs to take care of those who need help.
There was an occasion in January when 58 households were taken care of.
 By Pepper Parr
February 2nd, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
It sounded like a great idea. It was certainly imaginative and done right it could be a great way to spend an evening during what are difficult times.
The price seemed just a little steep: $55 per person.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, Burlington’s very own Brant Inn was host to some of the most famous entertainers in the world. Join us for “An Evening at the Brant Inn” for a joyful glimpse into our past.
The Brant Inn was famous for a period of time.
 Outdoors on a summer evening – it must have been a great place to get out for dinner. The Inn closed when the ownership changed – poor management led to its demise. Your ticket includes a take-out dinner prepared by Pepperwood Bistro Brewery & Catering, dessert from COBS Bread Headon Forest, a beverage by Nickel Brook Brewing Co., dance lesson and demonstration by danceScape via Zoom, and live musical entertainment broadcast from the Joseph Brant Museum.
 Front entrance – it was the place to be on New Year’s Eve Order by March 5 for pick up on March 12 from the Joseph Brant Museum between 12 noon to 6 pm, then tune in from home at 7 pm for your evening entertainment.
Regular price, $55/person, ($49.50 for Museum members), includes tax. Limited quantity available.
By Staff
February 1st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
In honour of Black History Month, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) and its Black Internal Support Network are soliciting the community’s help in the design and creation of a Black Heritage Police Cruiser.
“Due to the pandemic, we are unfortunately unable to organize or participate in Black History Month events like we historically have,” says Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. “This cruiser is a unique way for us to highlight our commitment to working with and learning more about our region’s African and Caribbean community, not only during Black History Month, but year-round.”
This initiative is in collaboration with and supported by the following community partners:
 The Regional Police have in the past wrapped a vehicle supporting a part of the community. • African Caribbean Council of Halton
• Black Mentorship Inc.
• Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
• Caribbean and African Coalition of Canada
• Halton Black History Awareness Society
• Halton Regional Police Association
• I am. I can. I will.
Together, the HRPS and these community partners envision this dedicated police vehicle featuring key figures and imagery that celebrate the region’s rich history of African and Caribbean culture.
“This wrapped vehicle will symbolize the Service’s commitment to, and solidarity with, the black community,” says Constable David Joseph, who proposed the design project in collaboration with members of the HRPS Black Internal Support Network. “Together with our community partners, we hope this project will help expand our collective awareness and appreciation of black heritage in Halton.”
All residents of Halton are encouraged to submit design proposals that highlight the rich history of African and Caribbean culture in the Region of Halton. From contributions to the Underground Railroad, to key figures, and significant historical landmarks, the vehicle wrap could highlight a number of contributions from right here in our own region.
Submissions will be accepted throughout Black History Month, February 1 – 28, 2021. A selection committee comprised of the HRPS Black Internal Support Network and community partner representatives will select a winning design. The individual who submits the winning design proposal will be awarded a one-time $2,500 youth scholarship to be used personally or by someone of their designation for post-secondary education. This one-time scholarship is proudly funded by the HRPS and the eight community partners listed above.
Visit to learn more about the contest and submission criteria, and to submit your design.
The HRPS would like to thank its community partners for their support of this initiative. This project is just one of many ways we are working together to strengthen the way we serve our diverse community.
The HRPS would also like to thank the community in advance for its submissions. The final design and content of the cruiser will be at the discretion of the HRPS, in consultation with the submitter and the HRPS Black Internal Support Network.
 By Pepper Parr
January 25th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
There are times when having to do something ‘virtually’ turns out to be a plus.
The Halton District School Board held their second Symposium on the Rights of the Child. It came very close to being cancelled after more than a year of work that looked like it was going to be laid to rest by COVID.
They had a fabulous speaker lined up and were looking forward to a good turn out.
That was in March of last year – and of course things changed for everyone.
The Halton Director of Education, Stuart Miller said that it looked as if the event would have to be cancelled but senior staff and the Director took a closer look at what they were up against and realized that if they web cast the event through their Facebook page they would draw much more than the 250 + they got in 2019.
They certainly got much more than the 250 + – there were 3400 people logged into the Facebook page. Stewart points out that many of those log-ins were from a classroom that would have had 15 to 20 students taking part. There could have been 5000 students listening.
 One of the strongest speakers in Canada, Stephen Lewis addressed thousands of Halton students virtually on Friday about the Right of the Child. They were fortunate to have one of the great Canadian orators and a very passionate advocate for social justice in this country. Stephen Lewis, a Companion of the Order of Canada, the holder of 42 honorary Doctorates, is a living legend.
Hearing Lewis speak when he is really passionate about his subject is something one never forgets.
Lewis led students and community partners in a day long program focused on children’s rights. “I spent a large chunk of my life” said Lewis, “dealing with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
“When I worked with UNICEF, I was responsible for travelling around the world to persuade governments to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and take all of its clauses seriously. The Convention provides a tremendous range of rights for children, all of which I hope to be addressing before you.”
Lewis was joined by Michel Chikwanine, now a motivational speaker, author and human rights activist based in Toronto and originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chikwanine is more than a child advocate. When he was not much more than a young boy he was kidnapped from the soccer field outside his school in the Democratic Republic of Congo; he and his childhood friends were “recruited” to be rebel soldiers.
 Michel Chikwanine: Kidnapped as a young boy and forced to serve as a child warrior Chikwanine is a compelling speaker. People find themselves riveted to their seats when he speaks.
At the end of what was a very full day the Students were to create a Call to Action, a document that would set out what they wanted to do about improving the Rights of the Child.
Superintendent Rob Eatough will be responsible for overseeing the development of these Calls to Action.
Tomorrow the Gazette will publish interviews with some of the students who took part in the event.
By Staff
January 23, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Play equipment lending and other outdoor activities are available now.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor, active, and fun winter play with the City of Burlington. Dress appropriately, stay safe and enjoy a winter wonderland!
 Snow shoeing – great winter fun. Play Equipment Lending Library is available with winter-play equipment such as snowshoes, glow in the dark soccer, snow play kit, tug of war, and horseshoes and is intended for use by one family at a time. A list of play equipment is available HERE
• Equipment can be borrowed, starting Jan. 14.
• $50 deposit is required at the time of booking
• Play equipment is available for pick-up and drop-off only at the Brant Hills Community Centre, 2255 Brant St.
• Late and administration fees may be deducted from the $50 deposit
The outdoor ice at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is open. Located at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington – the rink is open most days from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and skating is free; however, online, pre-registration is required and can be booked no more than 25-hours in advance.
To accommodate as many community members as possible we ask that they only book one skate per day. The rink is very popular and capacity is reduced for COVID-19 safety. If you cannot come to the rink at your reserved time, please cancel your time so the next group can have an opportunity for fun and activities.
Anyone having difficulties with registering or cancelling their reservation time, please email Customer Service at liveandplay@burlington.ca.
To pre-register, visit burlington.ca/skating.
For up-to-date information on ice conditions at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, please call 905-335-7600, ext. 8587. To learn more about the pond’s features and rules, visit, burlington.ca/pond.
By Pepper Parr
January 21st, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Politicians need people – not just as voters but as sources of information, for insights into what a community wants and needs. They get that from meeting with people in a casual way.
Meeting people at all during a COVID lock down is impossible. There is email and members of Council can work the telephone but none of that does what a good chit-chat does.
 Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte taking part in a virtual Standing Committee. Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte used to hold an open meeting at Derringers in their coffee shop area. People could just drop in to get caught up.
Stolte was fully aware of the ongoing, pressing needs of the Food Bank. The number of people they support is growing – 52 families were given food in just one day.
Stolte developed the practice of getting into her car and driving around her ward just to see how development projects were going, noticing where the potholes were, checking up on matters that were brought to her attention.
Her travels are a safe, contact-less drive around the ward to check in on the status of road construction, development projects and neighbourhood issues that have been brought to her attention.
 She said, “This week I had one of those “ah-ha” moments when I realized that I’ve been missing a golden opportunity during these weekly drives around the Ward.
“The ah-ha moment morphed into the Ward 4 Friday Food Drive.
“Here is how it will work.
“Just email
Ward4@burlington.ca
by 4pm Thursdays.
“Place your donation on your front porch by 10am Friday labelled “Friday Food Drive” and during my weekly Friday drive around the ward I will drop by, collect the food from your porch in a safe and contact-free manner, and deliver it to the Food Bank every Friday afternoon.”
Neat eh!
By Pepper Parr
January 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
City Hall wants to hear from residents about how they would like to participate in engagements lead by the City and what topics they are interested in engaging on.
 The city looks for every avenue available to let the taxpayers know that they want them to be involved in the decision making process. The screen shown was in a Tim Hortons Since the pandemic started, the City has offered virtual engagement opportunities as well as telephone and online town halls. The City wants to know from residents what their virtual meeting comfort-ability level is – and how likely they are to attend in-person meetings once it is safe to do so.
The engagement survey is now open and will close on Feb. 5, 2021. Residents can fill out the short survey right HERE
We have been down this road before.
Engagement Quick Facts
• In 2013, the Burlington Community Engagement Charter was approved and represents a partnership between the city and its citizens. The Charter is an agreement between and among Burlington City Council and the citizens of Burlington concerning citizen engagement with city government that establishes the commitment, responsibilities, and fundamental concepts of this relationship.
• In 2018, the City launched the online engagement site called getinvolvedburlington.ca that allows people to contribute their ideas and feedback on municipal issues and projects important to them.
• Residents can subscribe to the GetInvolved Burlington calendar to receive the latest City meetings and event information. Residents can also submit a community calendar event that meets the criteria and can visit calendar.burlington.ca for submission information.
• Engagement is an important part of the City’s regular operations and is one of the four strategic directions of the City’s 25-year strategic plan. Part of focus area 4 in the City’s 2018-2022 Plan: From Vision to Focus is also building more citizen engagement.
By Staff
January 18th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’ve had your fill of Netflix and want to slide over to the world of dreams – you might want to check into the Toronto Boat Show – it’s a virtual event this year taking place on line from:
 Monday – Friday 11am – 7pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm
The show launches online as thousands of boats and marine accessories get ready to hit the market at the first boating event of year.
It has been scientifically proven that getting out on the water or on a boat promotes a restful, positive state of mind, along with social, physiological and psychological benefits. So although it may be “Blue Monday,” Canadians can start to look forward to better days on the water.
 Looks like fun – wonder what they cost? From video content that will educate and inspire, to virtual showrooms, live chats, and seminars, the Virtual Toronto Boat Show is a whole new way to get ready for the boating season.
Register HERE. They want far too much information from you when you register – part of the price for getting your information on-line. Worth playing around with though – we need something to get through a gray dull dismal day.
 By Staff
December 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s the people in this city that make the difference. Sometimes the best ideas come from our youngsters.
Mayor Meed Ward learned of a 9 year old who came up with a neat idea. A 9-year-old had a fantastic Christmas wish – to have a tree in our City that anyone in our community could put an ornament on.
 The City of Burlington’s Parks and Recreations Department made Patrick’s wish come true with the help of his big sister Julia.
A Halton Holiday Tree will be at the Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park from now until Dec. 25! Folks can leave a donation for the Burlington Humane Society and then hang an ornament on the tree.
Eight year old Emmett Stem decided to use his newly learned baking skills to make and sell cookies to support the Halton Women’s Shelter.
The Gazette bought five boxes and donated them to the fire fighters who will be working during the holidays.
 Fire Chief Karen Roche with eight year old cookie baker Emmett Stem While delivering the boxes to Fire Chief Karen Roche, he got a chance to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck.
Chief Roche had to lift Emmett into the truck – he legs were a little on the short side.
“What great and creative way to spread some much-needed holiday cheer this year” said the Mayor. She got that right.
 By Denis Gibbons
December 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Good reporters don’t give up when the story they were out to cover doesn’t materialize. While driving around looking for Santa, Gibbons found two delightful little stories. Enjoy!
 Rain didn’t stop Santa – it did keep the public at home. On a rainy Saturday, Santa Claus found very few children to greet as he made his way through Aldershot on the old Studebaker fire truck.
His tour however, coincided with two charming romantic events.
Ed and Jeanette Younglai got dressed up as if they were going to the altar again as they greeted well-wishers who passed by their Glenwood Avenue home.
 The Younglais received neighbours and friends on the 50th anniversary of their marriage. The Younglais, who were born in Trinidad and met in England, renewed their wedding vows on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.
They were married at St. Charles Garnier church in downtown Hamilton in 1970. Father John Sherlock, later to become the Bishop of the Diocese of London, performed the ceremony.
 Alyssa, centre, celebrates her engagement with her Mother and sister – Santa was nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, only two blocks away Tanner Gruba and Alyssa Blakey were making their plans to duplicate the Younglais’ achievement of half-a-century together.
Gruba went down on bended knee and proposed to his fiancé while friends toasted them with champagne at a front lawn reception on LaSalle Park Road. Pictured, left to right, are the future bride’s mother Tracey, Alyssa and her sister Kristen.
The poor weather and the disappointing turnout didn’t prevent people from getting out and telling their stories.
Related news story:
What it was like when people did turn out.
 By Pepper Parr
December 17th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The announcement certainly got some attention.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – the things she has to put up with. A citizens group announced they were going to exercise their right to perform a Citizens Arrest – the object of this arrest was none other than the Mayor of the City.
Was this just another photo op?
A careful read of the document we were sent stated that the arrest would take place at City Hall this coming Friday, December 19th @ 11:45AM.
Huh!
The 19th of December is a Saturday – and while the Mayor may very well be at her desk putting in a couple of hours tidying up before she takes a well-earned break the Stand4Rhee group behind this exercise in citizen’s rights is probably not going to get beyond the Security Desk.
We were informed that a Citizen’s Arrest of the person acting as Mayor, Marianne Meed Ward, will be exercised as per Bill C-26, Canada Criminal Code 494-2 at the Burlington City Hall this coming Friday, December 19th @ 11:45AM.
The erroneous date was repeated in the material sent to us but elsewhere in the document the date of Friday the 18th was given.
The material we got said:
“The arrest will be conducted, peacefully, lawfully and without harm by a group of concerned parents. The police have been informed of the intent to conduct this arrest and have failed in their duty to uphold the oath and the law, leaving the parents no choice but to take action.
“It’s crucial that our children are protected from further harm and neglect. Children are suffering from depression, suicides, isolation and psychological damage from the unlawful and unjustified emergency measures.
• What: Citizen’s Arrest of the Person Acting as Mayor, Marianne Meed
• Where: City Hall, 426 Brant St, Burlington ON L7R 3Z6
• Who: Concerned Parents, Stand4THEE, Classical Martial Arts Canada and Stand Up Canada
• When: Friday, December 18 @ 11:45AM
“We hope that you will recognize the importance of protecting the children, and the rights and obligations of parents to keep their children safe from harm, and will attend this momentous event.
Who are these people?
Stand by – there is more to come.
They have a Facebook page which sort of makes them real.
Their opening statement read:
We will stand strong using lawful, peaceful and effective ACTION to end the tyranny of those who are actively attempting to take away our Rights & Freedoms. We will hold them accountable for their actions using truth & facts. We will act in service to others while rising up to defend ourselves and our families.
There are three people listen on the organizations’ web site.
 The Stand4THEE founders. Stand4THEE National Leadership Team
Web: https://stand4thee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Stand4THEE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stand4thee/
By Staff
December 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They refer to it as the Hawthorne Community – made up of Hawthorne Dr., Juniper, Concord and Treminere.
Friday night the results of two weeks of local advertising using social media and whatever else was available to tell their neighbours about a local food drive.
Ward 4 Public School Board Trustee, Margo Shuttleworth, and her husband along with neighbours Colin and Trish Duncan called it a – ‘Hawthorne area light up the night’ event.
 The community just showed up – with close to 3000 lbs of food. It worked. The community brought in 2496 pounds of food items and $200 in cash.- people just came – dropped food off and went back to their homes.
It was silent and it was successful. Burlington’s communities at their very best.
 They light up the street – did hydro know about this?  Filled the garage as well as the front lawn. How many people took part. “No idea”, said Shuttleworth, who called the event super successful.
By Staff
December 13, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Those that got the message and were aware – came out in small groups.
 Families gathered on the streets with the older ones running alongside to keep up. The traffic on Twitter was heavy – so the word was being passed around.
Santa was in town – making visits to different parts of the city.
Kudos to the Parka and Recreation people for making this happen.
Use of face masks was spotty.
But people did have fun.
If a picture is worth a thousand words – here is several thousand.
 A little warmer and it could have been a picnic.  That child had the best view on the street.  Santa had quite a welcoming crew on this street.
 The old Ho Ho man himself  The snow man waves to Santa as he passes by.  The message that was there for everyone to read – Stay Safe – Follow the rules. Photography was done by Denis Gibbons who recently wrote a piece on how he thought the Canadian teams in the National Hockey League should be organized for the next season
Worth reading.
Gibbons on bringing the game back home.
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