 By Pepper Parr
December 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
One of Burlington’s finest, a young hockey player who came out of the Eagles, went on to play for Guelph in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and is now minding the nets for the World Junior Hockey tournament being played in Czechoslovakia.
 Those pads were made for Daws and this World Junior Hockey Tournament. In the game against the United States during the preliminary round Nico Daws was brilliant – Canada took that game 6-4. The team plays Russia later today.
 Daws says he is up to the challenge before him. Burlington-native Nico Daws had never participated in a single Hockey Canada practice before getting the call to this year’s world junior team. After being passed over at the 2019 NHL entry draft, Daws went on to post outstanding numbers (.939 sv% in 20GP) this season for the Guelph Storm in the OHL.
Daws finished his pre-tournament by stopping every shot he faced in 30 minutes of play time against Finland on Monday and may have stolen the starting role for Canada at this year’s tournament.
Daws turned 19 during the pre-tournament practices – his parents are with him in Czechoslovakia.
 Daws didn’t let this one get away from him during a practice game. The Team Canada coaches have nothing but praise for Daws – who sounds more than up to the challenge he faces.
Team Canada has won the world Juniors 17 times however the game has changed and the Canadians have to change with it.
The stunning sixth place finish last year is something these young Canadians don’t want to see repeated.
We could be looking at another great one, this one minding the nets for Canada in Czechoslovakia.
Yes, it has become very commercial – the retail economy depends on it, but when we see children awe struck as they look at that decorated tree – there is that good feeling that makes Christmas Day what it is.
Appreciate what we have and never forget that not everyone is as fortunate. Do something for those people.
Merry Christmas.
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December 24th – Christmas Eve
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
 By Staff
December 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is hosting several Pathways Information Evenings in January 2020 to allow Grade 7 – 12 students and their families to explore program opportunities offered at high schools in Halton.
The Board offers more than 80 regional Pathways Programs designed to meet individual needs and help students succeed after high school, whether they are pursuing a pathway toward apprenticeship, college, community, university or the workplace. The Information Evenings help students to be better prepared for a rapidly changing world while receiving a relevant and engaging education.
All are welcome to attend and registration is not required.
The meetings will be held at the following locations from 6 – 8 p.m.:
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020: Georgetown District High School, 70 Guelph Street, Georgetown
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020: Craig Kielburger Secondary School, 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020: Garth Webb Secondary School, 2820 Westoak Trails, Oakville
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2020: M.M. Robinson High School, 2425 Upper Middle Road, Burlington
Pathways Programs include the Specialist High Skills Major programs, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs, Specialty School to Career programs, the Employability Skills Certificate program, Dual Credit college programs, Grade 8 – 9 Transition programs, and more.
Agenda for Pathways Information Evenings:
6 – 6:30 p.m. – Pathways displays and meet the Pathways Program teachers
6:30 – 7 p.m. – Pathways presentation (programs and planning for post-secondary)
7 – 8 p.m. – Teacher displays and elementary transition to high school workshop
 High school show that they have been able to do with robotics. The piece of business was built to be able to , find, pick up and throw a basketball. The Halton District School Board recently held a Find the Fit event at the Mattamy Velodrome in Milton where more than 1500 students from within the Region spent two hours talking to people from institutions offering different academic programs and getting a sense of what was out there in terms of post high school programs.
 Superintendent of Education Julie Hunt Gibbons Superintendent of Education Julie Hunt Gibbons is responsible for for Secondary curriculum and school program, Student success and Pathways destinations, Elementary schools: Brookdale, Eastview, Gladys Speers, Oakwood, Pine Grove, WH Morden and TA Blakelock High School.
She said that preparing students for high school is a much different challenge than it was a decade ago. The world these students are going to work within is a lot more complex and ever changing than anything their parents took part in.
Many of the jobs that exist today will not exist when they graduate from high school – education for them is going to be a lifelong task.
By Staff
December 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of City administrative services will be closed for the holidays on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, reopening Thursday, January 2, 2020.
 City Hall closed Tuesday, December 24, 2019, reopening Thursday, January 2, 2020. City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities
Activities and customer service hours at City pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays.
The Rotary Centennial Pond outdoor rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, weather dependent. The rink is closed on Dec. 25, 2019.
Residents can skate for free at various City indoor rinks thanks to Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skates, December 21, 2019 until January 4, 2020.
There are activities on New Year’s Day, including free swimming, skating and open gym time on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Burlington Transit
On Dec. 25, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday schedule. The downtown Transit Terminal and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020
The administration offices are closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
For real-time schedule information, please visit triplinx.ca or use Google or Apple maps.
 There will be limited bus service on Christmas Day – it wasn’t always this way in Burlington. Date Service schedule/hours
Dec. 24 Weekday schedule ending at approximately 8 p.m.
Dec. 25 Holiday schedule – Route 1 and 10 on 30 minute frequency
Dec. 26 Sunday schedule
Dec. 27 to 30 Regular schedules
Dec. 31 Weekday schedule with the last Route 50, 51 and 52 buses leaving the Burlington GO station at 12:55 a.m.
Jan. 1 Holiday schedule – Route 1 and 10 on 30 minute frequency
Animal Shelter and Control
The Animal Shelter will be closed from Dec. 24 to 26 and 30, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020. On Dec. 31, the shelter will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. Only snow removal and urgent services will be provided.
 Court House is closed 24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
Halton Court Services
Halton Provincial Offences Court will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core in municipal lots, on-street and the parking garage during the month of December and on Jan. 1, 2020. There is a maximum of three hours for on-street parking spaces.
 NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking during December or on statutory holidays.
For parking emergencies or enforcement over the holidays, please call 905-825-4777.
Do you have family and friends visiting for the holidays? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m.
Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.
 By Staff
December 11th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a new women’s accelerator program called Beyond Boundaries that is being run by HalTech
The program will offer:
• Skills development in financial acumen, technology expertise, and scaling up
• Targeted connections through networking events and strategic introductions.
• Mentorship, advisory support and peer learning circles.
• Exploration of new markets and global opportunities.
 The Government of Canada is advancing women’s economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned businesses by 2025. Doubling the number of women owned businesses requires a strong ecosystem of support, expertise and connections.
As part of WES, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre and the Halton Region Global Business Centre are pleased to introduce an accelerator program designed to unleash the power and potential of women entrepreneurs. Created with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the diversity of women who start and run businesses.
The first cohort of the program will start in early 2020.
CLICK HERE for an application form.
By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Students were arriving at the Mattamy Velodrome in Milton Friday by the busload from every public high school in the Region.
They were there to look at some of the educational opportunities available to them once they have completed high school.
 1500 students from public high schools throughout the Region took part in an opportunity to see what their educational futures might look like. A total of 1500 students were expected to go through two hour sessions looking at the offerings at community colleges and opportunities in both the public and the private sectors.
The exhibits filled the oval of the velodrome, which from time to time, had cyclists speeding around on the track.
The Halton Pathways: A Future that Fits program is designed to give students as many opportunities as possible to decide what they want to do in the way of work once they have completed their education.
 Burlington’s Nelson High School pitching their SHSM program. Several of the Community Colleges were on hand with representatives who could talk about various programs, at least one university was represented. The Regional Police had equipment on the site.
Part of the Pathways program is the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).
SHSM programs allow students to specialize their education around their chosen field of interest. Each SHSM program includes a bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and 12 courses related to that area of interest.
Grade 11 and 12 students choose a major sector area such as:
 Superintendent Julie Hunt Gibbons. Business, construction, arts and culture, energy, environment, information and communications technology, justice, community safety and emergency services, health and wellness, horticulture and landscaping, social justice, sports, transportation, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
The opportunity to specialize will result in notations on their report cards that often leads to a job as soon as they graduate because they have marketable skills.
Julie Hunt Gibbons, Superintendent of Education responsible for Secondary curriculum and school program, Student success and pathways destinations, Elementary schools: Brookdale, Eastview, Gladys Speers, Oakwood, Pine Grove, WH Morden and TA Blakelock High School.
 By Staff
November 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Transformed at a cost of close to $10 million – the museum is now open to the public. The Museum does have the name of the first citizen on the outside – but high school level entertainment is the feature currently.
The Joseph Brant Museum made the display of a collection of pin ball machines as the opening event for the expensively transformed museum.
There are two events that focus on the collection of pinball machines at the Museum.
 Balls & Beer Pinball Night takes place on Friday, December 13th, from 7 pm to 10 pm
Patrons can enjoy local craft beer and test their pinball skills at the Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball exhibition on for a special night out at Joseph Brant Museum.
This event is licensed, you must be 19 years + to attend. Your ticket includes unlimited pinball play, 2 beer tickets, appetizers, a souvenir beer glass and there will be door prizes! $40/person. Tickets for the event.
 On December 21st, the Museum is hosting an IFPA sanctioned pinball tournament. You are expected to be a pinball wizard – the event is a friendly competition – all skill levels are welcome!
Prizes will be given to the top 3 scorers. Sign up before December 14. Snacks provided. $25/person.
Guest host, Jeff Teolis from Pinball Profile will lead a fun night out at Joseph Brant Museum on – 5 to 9 pm. ALL skill levels are welcome. Players will be randomly assigned opponents and a pinball machine to play a match. This event is sanctioned by the IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association).
Top scores will be posted on their website. Registration limited to 40 people, sign up before December 14.
 By Pepper Parr
November 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is doing what they are there to do. Bring world class performances to the city.
The Nutcracker is a must see for every young person who is going to have at least an understanding of the arts. For the truly young it is spectacular; for those in high school and their parents it is great performance.
The Russians do The Nutcracker superbly – the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa’s production of The Nutcracker is in town for three performances from December 6-7, 2019. (Some of the people of the Ukraine are going through a bit of a war trying to get out from under the thumb of the Putin Russian government.)
 Energy and colour – will delight the eyes and hearts of the very young. The dancers will dazzle Burlington audiences with the timeless holiday classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, including Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday adventure that follows a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice.
Following in the footsteps of Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Ballet, The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa (which happens to originate in Ukraine) will be dancing the same classical choreography with 55 of the Ukraine’s brightest ballet stars. This production of The Nutcracker has fast become a Burlington family tradition for the young and young at heart.
The Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet is the oldest theatre in Odessa, Ukraine.
 Classic ballet – the performances show the way it is supposed to be done. It is not cheap –
Regular: $69.50 (All in)
Member: $64.50 (All in)
Youth: $35.00 (All in)
National Ballet Theatre of Odessa:
THE NUTCRACKER
Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 2pm and 7:30pm
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
 By Pepper Parr
November 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It is that time of year again – when the Ho Ho man rides down Guelph Line and along New Street to City hall following almost anyone who can walk as part of the Santa Clause Parade that takes place on Sunday December 1st – which happens to be the start of that month long Free Parking gift from the city.
There is Free P for you in downtown Burlington parking lots and on-street spaces throughout the month.
Few will remember that it was our Mayor who stick handled this one through city council when she was a mere ward Councillor.
Now in its seventh year, the Free P program allows visitors to park in on-street parking spaces at no cost for up to three hours and, in municipal parking lots or the parking garage at 414 Locust St. with no maximum time limit. Free parking overnight in municipal lots is also permitted.
Motorists with downtown parking permits are reminded to continue to park in their assigned parking lot throughout the month of December to maximize the number of parking spaces available for visitors and holiday shoppers.
The City of Burlington provides 1,500 municipal parking spaces in downtown Burlington. Free parking is year-round in the downtown, Monday to Friday after 6 p.m. and all-day Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Starting at 2:00 pm – the Season parade begins at Guelph Line and Prospect.
 Road closures:
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Guelph Line from Prospect Street to New Street
New Street from Guelph Line to Martha Street
James Street from Martha Street to Brant Street
Brant Street from Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue to Elgin Street.
The Joseph Brant hospital is holding a Join the Joy Holiday Open House. You can leave the hospital event and scoot over to New Street and watch the Santa Claus parade.
 By Staff
November 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The good folks at the Brant Hospital Foundation want to get you into the hospital – but not too far past the front door.
They are celebrating their third annual Join the Joy Holiday Open House! They would like to see a lot of people show up and take part in a fun program. Event runs from 11:00am – 1:30pm., on Sunday, December 1st.
You can leave the hospital event and scoot over to New Street and watch the Santa Claus parade.
Admission is free and includes:
• Photo with Santa Claus
• Holiday treats (while supplies last)
• Musical Entertainment
And you can purchase Festive Activity Station tickets for additional activities including:
• Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic (please bring own stuffed animal)
• Holiday Photo Booth
• Festive Fish Pond
• Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos
• Cookie Decorating
• Stocking Ornament Decorating
• Finger-Cast Making & Germ Station
Register here to take part – no cost
In addition, you can purchase tickets for the children’s gift draw which includes gift certificates, toys and more and gingerbread Joy cookies from Christy’s Gourmet Gifts.
All proceeds from the event support the renovation of the Labour and Delivery Unit.
 By Staff
November 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Stephen Lewis and Michel Chikwanine will lead a Human Rights Symposium on December 5th in Burlington,
A full-day of learning is planned at the Symposium with a selection of workshops led by children’s rights advocates and educators including UNICEF, Halton Environmental Network, Special Olympics Ontario, Community Development Halton, Rick Hansen Foundation, and more.
“This year’s Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity to learn about the important role each of us plays in the lives of youth,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We look forward to once again bringing educators and community partners together to engage in vital conversation on how we can all work together to support the success and well-being of all members of our society.”
 Michel Chikwanine Keynote speakers Stephen Lewis and Michel Chikwanine will lead education and community partners through an important day of learning and collaborating about children’s rights.
 Stephen Lewis – a full blast speaker who truly soothes the souls of the forgotten. If you’ve never been in the room where he was speaking – attend this event, you will be better for it. “I spent a large chunk of my life” said Stephen 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.”
“I’m really looking forward to the Human Rights Symposium,” says Michel Chikwanine, motivational speaker, author and human rights activist based in Toronto and originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “There are so many workshops that have many implications for young people, not just here in Canada but across the world.”
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.
The Human Rights Symposium will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre (3063 South Service Rd, Burlington).
Register HERE
For event details or support with the registration process, email symposium@hdsb.ca.
By Staff
November 16, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Gospel According to St. Nick wants to put you into the Gospel Groove with music from Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO).
 The BNMO is comprised of highly respected musicians and talented soloists whose performances are comparable to the Canadian Opera Company, Metropolitan Opera and Boston Pops with inspiration from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Specializing in broad-based non-classical performances, BNMO is genre-crossing. Their repertoire features Pops, Broadway, Jazz, Rock, and World Music, and many of the scintillating arrangements are penned by Conductor and Artistic Director Charles Cozens.
Charles Cozens is the driving force of the BNMO. A highly acclaimed arranger, composer and orchestrator, Maestro Cozens is best known for compelling symphony shows, featuring his arrangements for full orchestra, performed by artists that include Sir Elton John, Randy Bachman, The Nylons, Mark Masri and more.
 TC3’s proudest fact is that young people who stay with TC3 complete high school and an impressive 90% continue on to higher education. The Toronto Children’s Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company (TC3) is part of the very full program. They are more more than a choir. Bringing together young people ages 7 to 18 from across the Greater Toronto area, TC3’s mission is to promote, develop and encourage youth through inspirational song, dance and Afro-Caribbean drumming. The focus is always on establishing excellence, holistic development and first-rate performance.
The premier program of The HopeWorks Connection TC3 has performed on television, at corporate events as well as at sold-out performances and on international tours. They have also released an award-winning album. However, TC3’s proudest fact is that young people who stay with TC3 complete high school and an impressive 90% continue on to higher education.
Among that talent that will be featured are:
 Gavin Hope is a natural-born performer with a truly exceptional, emotional voice. Gavin Hope is a natural-born performer with a truly exceptional, emotional voice whose diverse career includes song, stage, TV and film. This Juno-nominated solo recording artist has performed around the world sharing the stage with such greats as Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and James Brown.
His theatre highlights include lead roles in the original Canadian companies of RENT, The Lion King (Mirvish), The Tempest (CanStage) and As You Like It (CanStage). Gavin is also known for his work performing as a member of the Canadian a cappella vocal group The Nylons, with whom he has toured the world and recorded six studio albums (two of which were nominated for Juno Awards).
 Alexandra Oliver is a Burlington-based poet, who will read a poem written specifically for this BNMO “Gospel Groove” event. Arlene Duncan is a Canadian singer, songwriter and DORA award-winning actress who has worked extensively in theatre, television, radio and film, but is perhaps best known for her role as Fatima Dinssa on the hit CBC series “Little Mosque on the Prairie”. She was also recognized as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Canadian Black Music Awards and received an African Canadian Achievement Excellence in Arts award.
Duncan‘s theatre credits include the Dora Award-winning production of Ain‘t Misbehavin, and the Tony award-winning musical ―Caroline or Change. The multitalented Duncan has appeared in many commercials and sang jingles for McDonald‘s and Pepsi.
 Arlene Duncan is a Canadian singer, songwriter and DORA award-winning actress. Alexandra Oliver is a Burlington-based poet, who will read a poem she has written specifically for our BNMO “Gospel Groove” event.
Alexandra Oliver’s 2013 collection Meeting the Tormentors in Safeway was the recipient of the 2014 Pat Lowther Memorial Award, and her most recent collection, Let the Empire Down, was also shortlisted in 2017. Her libretto for From the Diaries of William Lyon Mackenzie King, conceived in conjunction with composer Scott Wilson, was performed by Continuum Music in Toronto in 2017.
Oliver is a past co-editor of Measure for Measure: An Anthology of Poetic Meters (2015) and the Toronto-based formalist journal The Rotary Dial. She is currently enrolled as a PhD student in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University. Oliver’s most recent chapbook, On the Oven Sits a Maiden, is available through Frog Hollow Press.
It all comes together at 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December 7th, 2019
Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Dr., Burlington, ON L7N 1H7
Tickets: $45 Adult | $25 Youth 18 and under incl. HST Tickets are only available through the BNMO website.
 By Staff
November 16, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
They are going to do it again; a Sunday afternoon Matinee when the music will be sublime at A Different Drummer Books.
Performed by Andrea Battista, violin; Philip Corke, guitar and Shiori Kobayashi, clarinet
 Andrea Battista, violin; Philip Corke, guitar and Shiori Kobayashi, clarinet Sunday November 24th, 3pm at A Different Drummer Books, 513 Locust Street Burlington
IIan Eliott said he is delighted to herald the return of his marvellous friends Andrea, Philip and Shiori who will celebrate great cinematic scores in an enthralling concert.
Tickets are $15. Refreshments will be served. Please contact us at (905) 639 0925 or diffdrum@mac.com to reserve seats.
By Pepper Parr
November 14th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Hendrie Trail – with pond to the left Earlier in the week a Gazette reader was hiking along the Hendrie Trail, part of the sprawling Royal Botanical Gardens operation.
At around 9:00 am, staff were working diligently in the frigid weather on the reinforcement of the eroding bank across from the popular boardwalk at the Hendrie trail where many regular trail users are fortunate enough to closely see and photograph an array of birds such as red headed woodpeckers Blue Jays Cardinals and chickadees. It is a hidden gem for many.
 A startled but now on dry land deer pauses before scooting off into the bush. The rescuer, who is not known at this point, watched carefully. Staff heard the cry of help from the deer that was caught on the frozen pond nearby and jumped on their ATV to come to its rescue.
With bravery one member belly slid across the season’s first ice and helped the deer across to the bank.
Helen Skinner witnessed this act of kindness on National Kindness Day.
 The pond the deer was pulled from is in the background. It was a moment that none of us will forget as the deer, once on steady ground…paused in our presence before gracefully disappearing into its natural habitat.
 By Staff
November 14th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
This month BurlingtonGreen is celebrating the close of the 2019 Grow to Give program by recognizing two of their amazing program leads, Ross Johnson & Darlene Duncan.
 “Both volunteers have tirelessly committed their time, energy and knowledge to support the Grow to Give program. They were on site every time a new volunteer required orientation, organized tasks and timelines, and got their hands dirty every week caring for the food donation garden, harvesting produce and more.
“We could not have operated this impactful program without these two wonderful team members and we are THRILLED that they will be leaders for the program again next year!”
This year Ross and Darlene were able to donate over 470 lbs (215 kg) of produce to the community, contributing a whopping total of almost 8,000 lbs (3,535 kg) since 2012.
By Pepper Parr
November 13th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The big national corporations have deep pockets and layers of resources to mount a public drive to show that they care about the communities the operate in. It’s just good business and in this day and age expected.
What do the mid-sized local firms do that can express their concern for their community? Many firms have found a niche that allows them to involve their staff in giving back to their community in their own way.
 The response was more than overwhelming. Woolcott staff had to scramble a bit to find space for everything that was donated. The five tonne truck that was taking the donated goods was more than half full. Jayne Woolcott, partner at Woolcott Team, said to be the largest real estate brokerage in the Hamilton – to Burlington market (by dollar volume) said the idea for the clothing drive came out of their “mastermind” team. “We operate in a very collegial manner and are open to almost anything from any staff member.”
“We’ve been doing this for five years now – this drive was our biggest ever, partly because of the new location on Dundas east of the Waterdown core. Our signage is much better and having the truck parked in the driveway helped.
“Prior to that we worked out of a supermarket parking lot.”
 Trunks were filled with winter coats and other household goods. The flow of traffic into the Woolcott parking lot on Dundas east of the Waterdown core was consistent during the several hours they were open – the five tonne truck was half full by the time it was ready to head out to the Good Shepherd operation in Hamilton where the coats and other household goods were to be sorted and readied for distribution.
 Everyone who drove into the parking lot was greeted by a Woolcott staff member. Marty Staz was greeting the gentleman on the right and getting ready to take the coat he was holding thinking it was being donated. The gentleman on the right told Marty that it was his own winter coat and the goods he was donating were in the trunk of his car. It was a nice coat. Woolcott spent more on social media and emails to their extensive email list.
Each year Woolcott Team gets the names from the Good Shepherd of several families that need help during the festive season.
“We provide the funds for the food and buy the gifts that the families are just not able to provide” explained Jayne Woolcoot.
It’s a project that has grown – the Woolcott people can see no reason why it shouldn’t continue.
By Claire Nash
November 13th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Enjoy a Staycation this Winter
 Dust off the Toboggan and get outside this winter! Photo by spDuchamp Dust off the Toboggan and get outside this winter! When we think of the kind of people who preach the benefits of the staycation, who comes to mind? Is it the California couple who have a plethora of yoga classes, beaches and organic restaurants to choose from? Is it the lucky newlyweds who relocated to Thailand and have endless nature at their fingertips? Chances are you don’t consider your own hometown a prime staycation location. However, nobody does!
We all take for granted the things we have around us, but looking at your surroundings like an outsider can bring a whole new excitement to your hometown. Here are some options to consider for your holiday at home to re-ignite that love of Burlington.
You Could Find a New Hobby Holidaying at home can seem a little dull at first, we all have our favorite places to go and we’ve done them time and time again.
However, finding a new favorite place or even a hobby in your hometown is a brilliant feeling! There are plenty of entertaining activities around Burlington, for example, visit the top tourist and local attractions, if you’re a chocolate lover try some Lake Champlain Chocolates, or get to grips with the game in the poker clubs around the city, which offer a friendly place for beginners to train their skills. If you’re doing this staycation with your partner, then there is always the chance that one of you might fall in love with the game a little more than the other. If that does turn out to be the case then luckily there’s a great deal else going at our casinos this winter, so neither of you will be left bored!
 Enjoy fresh corn flour tortillas and homemade queso fresco at MaracaZ Cantinerie. Photo by stu_spivack If you’re looking for a new laid back favourite, then MaracaZ Cantinerie could be just the thing. Having only opened relatively recently, this Mexican inspired bar has received more than its fare share of rave reviews already.
Their tacos and tequila are the main attractions here. The bar offers frozen drink machines to make fruity slushies (that can even be made a little bit naughty with the addition of one of their 20 tequilas!) The tacos are really great though; choose from crispy fried fish, spicy chicken, smokey pulled pork or a melt in the mouth beef brisket. Next load your tacos up with all of the traditional toppings, including a cheese, which is absolutely delicious and made in house.
It’s far enough away from traditional Canadian fare to feel like you’re having a holiday experience, but it has all of the benefits of that warm ‘sticks to your guts’ fodder that gets us through these icy winters!
Embrace the Cold
Sure, plenty of us go on holiday to escape the cold weather, but plenty of people make their way to Canada every year to make the most of our icy winters. Think like a holiday maker and book yourself a bit of time to try some winter sports. We are lucky enough to have free facilities that allow tobogganing and ice-skating around Burlington.
If you don’t mind contributing a little bit of money then there are also some fantastic skiing locations, which are totally suitable for beginners, or for the more competent there’s even the possibility of cross country skiing – a truly exhilarating adventure.
Whichever winter sport feels the most natural for you, remember to wrap up warm and pay attention to any warnings that are given. Done correctly, winter sports are a great fun way to exercise, but as with anything they can be dangerous if you don’t take sensible precautions.
Get Inspired
Living in Ontario, we have plenty of nearby galleries to choose from, but one of the most exciting ones is right on our doorstep in the heart of Burlington.
 Art Gallery of Burlington – over looking Lake Ontario – Open seven days a week – Admission is free. The Art Gallery of Burlington hosts around 20 exhibitions per year, which cross a wide spectrum of captivating themes. One of the collections that absolutely cannot be missed is of their contemporary Canadian ceramics, the largest on display in the world.
Although the gallery is free to visit, they run as a not for profit organization, so they rely heavily on donations from the public. So remember, if you enjoyed your visit, give a little tip or buy something from the gift shop.
Spending our money in local businesses is the best way to keep Burlington a diverse and creative neighbourhood.
By Staff
October 31st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the best decision that came out of the PAR (Program Accommodation Review) of 2017 – an event that shut down two of the city’s seven high schools.
There were some issues at the time about the amount of unused space at the Aldershot High School, which was threatened with closure.
A trustee who failed to get re-elected came up with the idea and staff got a grip on it and created what came to be known as i STEM – Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics program that takes a project approach to learning that requires students to solve problems with the subjects they are learning.
 Superintendent Terri Blackwell with Director of Education Stuart Miller the night parents showed up to learn more about the iSTEM program. The program started in September with a grade 9 class that has students from across the Region.
The response to the creation of the STEM program surpassed the Board’s most optimistic projections.
There will be a presentation on November 12th at the high school – the public will get a chance to see how well the program is working.
The grade 9 students will move on to grade 10 – when they graduate there will be a full high school program.
Available to students in Halton and beyond, I-STEM (Innovation – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) enables students to develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students will have enhanced learning opportunities through community and post-secondary partnerships.
“I-STEM has been designed to prepare students for future trends in the workforce and help students solve complex economic, social and environmental problems,” says Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “We are fortunate to work with an extensive group of advisors on program development, opportunities and learning.”
 Superintendent Terri Blackwell “I-STEM has been designed to prepare students for future trends in the workforce and help students solve complex economic, social and environmental problems,” says Terri Blackwell, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “We are fortunate to work with an extensive group of advisors on program development, opportunities and learning.”
“We look forward to sharing with families and the community what current I-STEM students and faculty are accomplishing in the program’s inaugural year, as well as showcase the new and innovative learning spaces.”
I-STEM Open House, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Aldershot School (50 Fairwood Place W, Burlington)
A presentation will be held in the auditorium at 7 p.m. and repeated at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Overflow parking is available at LaSalle Park.
 By Staff
October 30th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
And so it begins.
The Port Nelson United Church people remind us that Halloween may be two days away, but the Christmas season is in full swing at Port Nelson United Church!
 Port Nelson hosts the 67th annual Mistletoe Mart on Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. What makes this year even more special is that it’s the first Mistletoe Mart being held in the renovated church. After years of planning, designing and construction, Port Nelson can now display Christmas spirit in a bright, modern, accessible space that is just perfect for hosting Burlington’s favourite Christmas party!
“Come experience a true Christmas Bazaar atmosphere: artisans, jewelry, knitting, sewing, baking, crafts, books, silent auction, collectibles and more! Come early for your morning coffee and a muffin and stay for the best Christmas lunch in town!
“If you play your cards right, you can get your Christmas shopping done without ever needing a mall, a big box store or an online delivery.
“We are accepting $2 donations to support our community outreach projects. After all, Christmas is the season of giving!”
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