 By Staff
December 4th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Performing Arts Centre has a robust program for the month of December that starts with the annual Christmas concert by the Burlington Concert Band doing the The Magic of Christmas.
Cut and paste the link provided for each event for additional information and ticket purchases.
December 4th, 8:00 PM
Burlington Concert Band: 13th Annual Christmas
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/burlington-concert-band–th…
Burlington Ballet Theatre – The Nutcracker
December 5th. 7:00 PM
BBT, one of the Burlington renowned not-for-profit ballet schools, performs the beloved family Christmas classic The Nutcracker. This fairy tale ballet filled with wonderment and child-like delight has dazzled audiences around the world and is a perfect way to celebrate the festive holiday season. BURLINGTON BALLET THEATRE is the only one NON-PROFIT BALLET organization in Burlington dedicated to bring the arts to the community through the involvement of local children, teens and adults to introduce as many as possible to experience the beauty and artistry of the Ballet world for the past 26 years.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/burlington-ballet-theatre–…
Christmas Pops: Symphony on the Bay
December 6th, 4:00 PM
Join us as we pair with the Mohawk College Community Choir in a celebration of Christmas following the Santa Claus Parade. Enjoy Christmas pops favourites and beloved Christmas Choral Music.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/christmas-pops–symphony-on…
 The Nutcracker – Moscow Classical Ballet
December 8th, 7:30 PM
December 9th, 2:00 PM
December 9th, 7:30 PM
A magical evening ! Gather your family and friends and together enjoy the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker¸ performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/the-nutcracker–moscow-clas…
Shine On – The Universe of John Lennon
December 11th, 7:30 PM
Shine On: the Universe of John Lennon is a spectacular group made of some of Canada’s most renowned musicians, performing music by John Lennon and The Beatles uniquely arranged by Michael Occhipinti.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/shine-on—the-universe-of-…
Elvis – The Wonderful World of Christmas
December 11th, 8:00 PM
Inspired by music of Elvis Presley, this Yuletide spectacular is hosted by none other than the man himself. Steve Michaels sings the Christmas classics as well as serenading you with the King’s own holiday season favourites. This Christmas Special is a graceland of wonderment, celebrating the most glorious time of the year.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/elvis–wonderful-world-of-c…
Jesse Cook
December 12th, 8:00 PM
With over 1.5 million albums sold worldwide, Jesse Cook is considered one of the most influential figures in “nouveau flamenco.” He is a Juno Award winner, Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s Player’s Choice Award silver winner in the Flamenco Category, and a three-time winner of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/jesse-cook_14708.html
John Tom McDermott
December 13th. 2:00 PM
This year, share in the magic of the holiday season with your friends, family, and John McDermott as he performs a collection of heartwarming and memorable songs.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/john-mcdermott_14711.html
Brott Music Festival: Handel’s Messiah
December 16th, 7:30 PM
A must-see Christmas tradition in Burlington! Mark the region’s best Messiah on your calendar!
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/brott-music-festival–hande…
The Tribute
December 19th, 8:00 PM
Summon the Beatles one more time in this thrilling and entertaining tribute performance. Each of the 4 gets his chance to bring the crowd’s unison voice to a roar, bringing his most timeless classics to the stage. From the very first summoning, straight through to the end, this is an experience like no other: one night, four legends, and only you can make it happen. Serious fun – make it happen!
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/4–the-tribute_15343.html
The Celtic Tenors
December 20th, 2:00 PM
The Celtic Tenors have established themselves as the most successful classical crossover artists ever to emerge from Ireland. Daryl, James and Matthew have each been influenced by the musical traditions from their own individual parts of Ireland, but also show great flexibility in melding their voices to suit the appropriate classical, folk, Irish and pop genres.
https://www.burlingtonpac.ca/what-s-on/event_/the-celtic-tenors_14714.html
We are indebted to Jim Riley for this information.
 By Pepper Parr
December 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
“My name is Eleeza”: she said during the public meeting on Syrian refugees held at the Mainway Recreation centre Tuesday evening. “And I am going to be taking these toys to children that we meet at the airport when they arrive from Syria.”
 Eleeza collecting funds for the toys she wanted to give refugee children arriving in Canada next week from Syria. Eleeza added that the toys cost about $5 each and she would appreciate any support she could get. A couple of minutes later someone slipped her $5 – and as the meeting progressed people would pass some money to her.
As the meeting was ending there was almost a lineup of people who were passing along five, ten and twenty dollar bills to a very surprised Eleeza and her amazed Mother.
 There were very close to 400 people at the public meeting called by the Mayor to talk about the Syrian refugees expected to arrive in Canada next week. The meeting attracted very close to 400 people. The Gazette will report on the meeting in detail in a separate article.
 By Staff
December 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ho Ho Ho man is coming.
Santa will be on his sleigh as part of the annual Santa Claus Parade Burlington has welcomed for 50 years.
The parade assembles at Prospect and Guelph Line proceeds south on Guelph to New Street where it proceeds west along New Street to where it turns into James Street, and continues along James Street to Brant Street.
north on Brant Street and finishes at Brant and Caroline Street.
 There is an added feature this year – Mrs. Claus will have a sleigh of her own and will be in the parade right behind Santa Clause and his eight reindeer.
 Mayor Rick Goldring – collecting for some organization during a previous Christmas parade. The floats representing perhaps as many as 100 groups and organizations from across the city.
Mayor Rick Goldring has in the past chosen not to ride a car in the parade – on year he walked along the street with a hockey stick that had a sock on the end of it to collect whatever people wanted to donate. Memory, flawed at times, recalls that the collection was for the Old Timers Hockey Club – but we might have that wrong.
Mayor Golding didn’t appear to have much in the way of smiles or Ho Ho Ho in the promotional video that was put out.
 When the Burlington Teen Tour Band takes to the street – they take up the whole street. While the band members do the marching – there are hundreds of proud parents lining the streets – many of whom met each other as teenagers in that band. The parade begins at 2:00 pm and ends at 4:30 pm
Block off traffic in streets and you are blocking transit.
The following streets will have access limitations:
Prospect Street
from Cumberland Avenue to Guelph Line. Local access only.
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
Burlington Transit bus routes will have detours on routes 3, 4, 10, 21 and 25.
Stops within the road closure areas will be marked out of service and will have details for the nearest available stop.
Due to the number of road closures impacting transit service that day and the crowds of people attending the parade, please ensure you allow extra travel time to reach your destination.
The Routes 3, 4, 10, 21, 25 buses will be detouring around the parade and marshalling routes.
There will be no service on Guelph Line between Fairview Street and Lakeshore Road from 1 to 5 p.m.
• This affects the Route 3 which will travel around the road closure area along Fairview Street, Cumberland Avenue, New Street and Rossmore Boulevard. Please move to stops on these roadways.
There will be no service on New Street, between Brant Street and Rossmore Boulevard. from 1 to 5 p.m.
• This affects Routes 4 and 10 which will travel around the road closure area along Fairview Street and Lakeshore Road. Please move to stops on these roadways.
There will be no service on Prospect Street from 11 to 5 p.m.
• This affects Route 4, 21 and 25 which will travel around the road closure along Fairview Street. Please move to stops on these roadways.
There will be no service on Drury Lane or Teen Tour Way from 11 to 5 p.m.
• This affects Route 4 which will travel along Fairview Street instead. Please move to stops on these roadways.
 It is a Holiday Season and a festive season – lets not forget why and what we celebrate Christmas Day.
 Ciné-Starz Upper Canada Place, Burlington, ON
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6
Week of Friday, December 04, 2015 through Thursday, December 10, 2015
The 33 ()
Fri – Thu: 7:10, 9:35
Love the Coopers ()
Fri – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:40, 9:40
Suffragette ()
Fri – Thu: 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30
Bridge of Spies (PG)
Fri – Thu: 1:00, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00
Goosebumps ()
Fri – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 7:00
Sicario (14A)
Fri – Thu: 9:30 PM
Hotel Transylvania 2 (G)
Fri – Thu: 1:15, 3:15, 5:00, 6:00
The Intern (PG)
Fri – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Minions (G)
Fri – Thu: 1:10 PM
 By Staff
November 29th, 2015
BURLINGTON. ON
No Vacancy Art is holding a pop-up Holiday Art Market at 440 Pearl Street in downtown Burlington.
 The items in the market are curated original art and handmade goods. Curated means someone with a discerning eye look at what an artist had done – you know that it is unique.
So rather than hitting the mall to battle the crowds, why not slip into our little shop and shop in an inspiring environment.
Sugarplum Hours of Operation:
Friday December 4th: 4PM – 8PM
Saturday: 10AM – 4PM
Sunday: 10AM – 3PM
A BIG thank you to 440 Fitness for their generous donation of space!
Visit their website at www.440fitness.ca, call them at (905) 639-1440 or email 4fitness@440fitness.ca
By Pepper Parr
November 27th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 Despite a drizzle that came and went – Civic Square was full. There are two events in Burlington that often get a whack from the weather: Clean Up – Green up in the Spring when thousands in the city turn out to get trash off the ground and into waste barrels and in the weeks before Christmas the Downtown Carol Stroll takes place.
It is often just a little on the brisk side in the Spring and in the fall we get rain or close to howling snow.
 There were hundreds of young people out for the event. The Stroll this year was to take place on an evening when it had rained – consistent drizzle actually, most of the day. The plans were great – the weather wasn’t but people showed up nevertheless and by the time it was to begin Civic Square was pretty full.
 The Downtown Christmas Carol Stroll was a family event. There were families from well north of the QEW who made the trip downtown – the city seems to have this divide at the highway but it didn’t factor into the event Friday night.
The lineup for the burgers supplied by The Works took more than twenty minutes to get through. It was worth the wait – turkey burgers with a cranberry topping.
For reasons that are probably outdated all the senior elected people were trotted out to say a few words. We didn’t see any of the Council members milling among the crowd. What do the dignitaries add to the event – other than getting their pictures taken?
 The Mayor flipped the switch – nothing. The picture is slightly out of focus – the photographer was watching the faces of the crowd and didn’t quite get the look of astonishment on the face of the Mayor. The dignitaries took to the stage and made short short speeches and readied themselves to turn the lights on the Christmas tree that is known as the Tree of Hope. The countdown began and on “1” the Mayor pushed the huge switch – and nothing happened.
Everyone laughed and while the technicians tried to figure out where the problem was – the lights never did go on and people moved on ready to either go home or try doing at least part of the Stroll.
 Chris Hall, manager with Burlington Hydro didn’t have an answer as to why the lights would not go on when the Mayor threw the switch. She did say that the hydro bill had been paid. The lineup of events was impressive – the weather just didn’t cooperate. A number of the restaurants used social media to remind people of what they were offering.
The event is put on by Burlington Hydro Electricity Services with a helping hand from the Burlington Downtown Business Association.
Hydro funds the Festival of Lights that was superb this year. The Lights are well work a trip down to Spencer Smith Park.
 By Pepper Parr
November 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Some time ago the city deiced to spend a chunk of money on public art and asked the citizens to tell them where they thought the art should be placed.
Using an interactive program people were given access to a map on which they could say where they thought public art should be placed. There was to be one for each ward.
The city’s public art adviser ran a juried competition and the following six people were selected:
• Judy Mayer-Grieve: King Road Underpass, Ward 1
• Claire Hall: Freeman Station, Ward 2
• Teresa Seaton: Amherst Park, Ward 3
• Hannah Sell and Liam Racine: Port Nelson Park, Ward 4
• Tamara Kwapich: Orchard Community Park, Ward 5
• Donna Grandin: Ireland Park, Ward 6
After that there wasn’t much heard – some people knew about the work being done but there was nothing coming our of city hall.
 The Seaton work that will be installed in ward 3 consists of three stained glass pieces coated with a protective surface that will preserve the glass The Gazette did get to see the work Teresa Seaton was doing only because we had dropped by her studio. There was little to see for the other artists. It was almost as if everyone wanted to keep the project a secret – perhaps city hall felt the public would swallow hard when the amount spent on the project was made public.
Artists are entitled to earn a living – and if Cobalt Connects, the Jeremy Freibrger operation that advises the city on a number o cultural matters put a price on something there is probably value in it for the city.
The art for ward two is in place at the |Freeman Station – views are varied on this piece, it seemed d a little on the “sophomoric” side.
 The official announcement of the six pieces of public art be placed in each of the city wards will take place at the Freeman station net week – December 1st. Next week, Tuesday, December 1, there will be an official unveiling of the art that is now in place on the side of the Freeman station which will be where the other five pieces of art will be shown in photographic form.
The local artist mural initiative is a new public art program designed to tell local stories using local artists. This year’s program commissioned six small to medium-scale murals throughout the city. These commissions were open exclusively to Burlington, Ont., artists. Free professional development opportunities were offered to assist artists with the application process and project development.
A community jury of residents and artists representing each ward reviewed the proposals and made the selections.
Freeman Station is located at 1255 Fairview St., next door to the Fire Station headquarters – that building is in the final stages of a significant rebuild.
Light refreshments will be provided.
By Pepper Parr
November 27, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall has a practice of celebrating the departure of its senior staff. These are sometimes done at a Council meeting – on other occasions at an event where people can gather, swap tales and remember the contribution the departing staff member made.
Thursday evening 125 or so people dropped into the Waterfront Hotel to bid farewell and good fortune to Scott Stewart who leaves Burlington for Guelph where he will serve as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
 Scot Stewart was probably born a Toronto Maple Leaf fan – cold comfort but the sweater keeps him warm. Mayor Goldring who opened the comments part of the evening, put his gift bag with a bold Toronto Maple Leaf crest on it and spoke well of the work Scott had done on getting the city and the hospital administration into the same bed. He remarked as well on excellent work done on getting the pier built right during the second try and suggested that if Scott wanted to take the air park with him to Guelph – he didn’t think Burlington would object to having Guelph annex that part of the city.
There were remarks from the head of the Transportation department who generously gave Scott a STOP sign – “just in case things don’t work out in Guelph” commented Vito Tolone. The idea of seeing Scott Stewart as a crossing guard amused many.
 Cary Clark on the left watches as Scott Stewart accept a painting done by Rob Peachey. Chris Glenn looks on. The comments from people who worked closely with Stewart were at times funny and at times an insight into the man. Rob Peachey, who oversees park development and is the guy who has to get those two Windows on the Lake between Market and St. Paul opened up, turns out to be a talented artist who did a painting of Kerns Cliff Park that was presented to Stewart. It was at that moment we learned that Scott chose that location to propose to his wife Darlene. A romantic devil isn’t he.
 When you got “the look” you knew you were probably in a bit of trouble. The comment was usually – “fix it”. Scott Stewart’s carer moves on. He was an exceptionally valuable member of the tem that keeps this city operational – at times it looked like he was doing it single handily. His shoes are going to be exceptionally hard to fill – his character and his humour are irreplaceable. His comments: “fix it” and “good luck with that one” are words that will be remembered for some time.
There was an occasion when the “soccer” moms were complaining about the covered field time they felt they were not getting. A group of them, strollers in front of them, delegated at city hall. It was a boisterous meeting and for a period of time it looked like it was going nowhere. The “soccer Moms” were not going to be blown off.
 It was tough year for Scott Stewart – his trials in Burlington are over. Next year will be better. Stewart got the meeting to the point where it looked like a compromise had been found and he gave the task to Park and Recreation Director Chris Glenn with the comment – “Work it out with Chris – and if you can’t work it out with him – you will have to work it out” with me – and you do not want to have to work it out with me.
The soccer moms got it worked out with Chris Glenn.
His style is one that any budding municipal bureaucrat would be well advised to copy.
Quite why this city Council did not choose Scott Stewart as City Manager is something many will wonder about for some time. That’s all water under the bridge.
By Staff
November 26, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It looks like it is going to be a perfect evening for the Annual Candle Light Stroll – the downtown merchants would certainly like to see you – don’t miss out though in dropping down to Spencer Smith Park and gawking at the Festival of Lights – the people who put this together have done a superb job.
The event is co-ordinated by Burlington Electricity Services Inc. who took over the heavy lifting from the merchants association. The dignitaries will be there – be brief please – Ben McVie from CHML will MC the occasion.
 Shore line from the pier. Bundle up the kids and bring your voices downtown to join in the fun as Burlington Downtown lights up for the Holidays at its annual carolling event and launches the Lakeside Festival of Lights Friday, November 27th. The festivities kick off at 6:00 in Civic Square where you will be able to enjoy
 Candle Light Stroll route starts at 7:00 pm Festive Burgers served hot from the grill by the Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
Hot Chocolate compliments of our Proud Sponsor Coffee Culture
Visits with Santa
Christmas Music and more…
6:45pm Welcome from Local Dignitaries
Official lighting of the CHML Tree of Hope
leave Civic Square as a group on the carolling procession following the Town Crier
 Guarding the city from those damn Yankees. The stroll starts at 7:00 pm with stops at:
Village Square
Lighting of the Village Square Tree
Hot Apple Cider & Popcorn
Victoria Carollers
Pearl & Pine Retirement
Carols by Bianca Bernardi
Complimentary Candy Canes provided by Pearl & Pine Retirement
Brant & Lakeshore
Hot Maple Taffy by White Meadows Farms
Music by Robert Batement High School Choir
Spencer Smith Park & the Festival of Lights
Chocolate Treat by Burlington Taxi
Burlington Teen Tour Band
There will be Post-Stroll Specials:
Curdz Poutinerie 398 John St.
Buy 1 Get 1 Free 9-10pm
Emma’s Back Porch 2084 Old Lakeshore Rd.
Funky Friday feature menu & live music
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe (after 6pm) 401 Brant St.
Cup of house-made cocoa or Balzacs Coffee and a chocolate chip cookie for $5
Molly Cake 361 Brant St.
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Chocolate Shot
My Thai 399 Elizabeth St.
Mention Post-Stroll Special for 10% off
Wendel Clark’s Classic Bar 380 Brant St.
Live music 9pm – close & house wine special for $21.99 per bottle.
 No Ho Ho Ho man – he arrives on in eight days.
 By Pepper Parr
November 25, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was close to the largest citizen’s meeting this reporter has seen in Burlington. And no one was angry.
More than 350 people crowded the cafeteria at the Robert Bateman high school to learn about changes that may be taking place with what is sometimes referred to as the Skyway Plaza or the Lakeside Plaza but is now to be known as the Lakeside Village.
 More than 350 people filled the Robert Bateman high school auditorium to hear what was being planned for their community and to give their views as well. The reason for the get together was to go through a visioning exercise, “To create an economically successful mixed-use development incorporating residential, commercial and public uses resulting is a community-centered and vibrant development which positively impacts residents.”
It took a while to get to the pencil and paper work – an exercise that had 8 to 10 people at each table with a city hall staff member guiding the group through a series of questions –
 Denise Beard, a manager in the Parks an Recreation department worked with are residents to take down the ideas they had for the plaza and the park. What is your vision for the Sky Park and the arena?
What do you value in the neighbourhood?
What is missing in this community?
How could the existing homes be better connected to the plaza and the arena?
 Kaylan Edgcumbe from the Planning department listened and took notes at one of the more than 20 tables. The audience was being asked to go right back to core values and say what they wanted to see the plaza and the park become and how they could be better integrated.
Before they got to the “visioning” ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, took the audience through what it had taken to get everyone to this point. Sharman was quite a bit different with his presentation – he read from notes – which he seldom does and started off on a very positive note by telling the audience that Food Basics had let it be known that they were going to be a part of whatever change might be made and that the arena was going to remain. What about Shoppers Drug Mart someone asked “we don’t know yet” replied Sharman.
Rob Peachey, the man at city hall responsible for the development of the parks system gave a brief overview of where things were with the Burloak Park.
Denise Beard who manages community development for the Parks and recreation department talked about the thinking that was being done for the Skyway Park and arena.
 The bigger picture was to develop the arena, shown in light green, upgrade the plaza shown in light yellow and tie both to the Burloak Park at the edge of the lake. The hope seemed to be that at some point an arena that met the needs of the community would be developed; that Burloak Park would be tied in more tightly to the plaza and that the plaza would take on a whole new look and become a much more vibrant part of the community.
There is a lot of work to get done before anyone does any building. Zahoruk hit the nail on the head when she said “development is risky and complex”. Getting the views of the area residents is a first step – having them on side is critical – but it is just a first step.
The main purpose was to do some “visioning” about Lakeside Village – it was also a meeting about St. Elizabeth Anglican church and the exercise they were going through; it was an update on the development of Burloak Park and setting out how the city was approaching what they were going to do with the Skyway arena.
It was a full schedule – and it progressed smoothly.
 Mayor Rick Goldring talks to architect Cynthia Zahoruk and property owner Joe Elmaleh Cynthia Zahoruk, the architect on the project said at the end of the evening that it has “gone better than I expected”. The next step is to pull together the notes taken by the facilitator at each table and get a sense of what the 350 people thought about what could be done and should be done with the site.
 The potential to take a site that is worn down and certainly seen better days yet situated in a community with a balanced mix of single family dwellings, townhouses and high rise with as many as 19 storeys. The property is owned by United Burlington Retail Properties Inc., (UBRP) a holding company with a number of interests in the areas. Joe Elmaleh, a director and vice president with the company didn’t want to say anything about any other properties other than they were a holding company and added that the property was acquired in 2001 and treated as a long term investment.
The property was beginning to deteriorate and had taken on a run-down look. The theatre and the bowling alley that were part of the property had not been used for years. The 9.5 acre site has 112,000 sq. feet of commercial space with a lot of it empty.
There was an interest in improving the site – the trick at the time was to meet with the property owners – and that wasn’t easy to do. Sharman had the devil of a time getting in front of anyone at UBRP – during one of his visits to the property owners he couldn’t get past the receptionist.
 Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, who organized the meeting talks to an area resident. Frank McKeown, executive director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation inserted himself into the process and in the fullness of time meetings were set up with the property owners.
They hired Cynthia Zahoruk as their architect and she brought in Dana Anderson as a planning consultant – both women work out of Burlington. Anderson was with the Oakville Planning department at one point.
The group decided to meet with the public and hear what they thought.
It was a very good public meeting – no decisions were made. The city explained what it was doing in the area and they wanted to hear what the public thought.
“We don’t have any answers” explained Sharman and “none of the agencies have looked at anything yet.”
The property owners and their agents had meetings with the Planning department but there isn’t an application on the table yet.
Joe Elmaleh said UBRP was a long term investor and had a strong relationship with the city. That statement was a bit of a stretch – it had taken a long time to get them to the table – but they were there now and seemed prepared to listen.
The evening was planned as a listening event. In 2014 Council issued a Staff Direction:
DIRECTION REGARDING LAKESIDE PLAZA
Direct the Director of Planning and Building and request the Executive Director of the Burlington Economic Development Corporation as follows:
Prepare a series of re-development options for the site based on intensive mixed use re-development and approach the owners of the property with the redevelopment plans; and
Investigate and report on the authority available to permit the use of incentives for re-developing the site, and
Provide an estimate of the resources needed to prepare and implement a Community Improvement Plan.
 The real hope was the trees – in an early stage drawing of the plaza. which is a pretty miserable looking place right now, the architect shows what the site could look like if the asphalt was peppered with trees. It was that Staff Direction that got the ball rolling.
Now to hear what those 350 people in the Robert Bateman high school cafeteria had to say.
By Staff
November 24, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
As we enter the holiday season, the focus becomes the hustle and bustle of shopping, dinner parties and family gatherings. As joyous as this season is, there are many families in the Region of Halton who struggle to provide their children with that special gift on Christmas morning.
 The Regional Police helped 4000 families through the holiday season last year – can Burlington do better this season? In 2014, the Halton Regional Police Toys for Tots program helped over 4,000 families in the Region of Halton. They want to make the 2015 campaign just as successful.
Halton Regional Police is holding two Cram-A-Cruiser events on Saturday November 28, 2015 as part of the annual Toys for Tots toy drive.
Where:
1. Canadian Tire Store located at 5070 Appleby Line, Burlington
2. Canadian Tire Store located at 777 Guelph Line, Burlington
When:
10:00am to 2:00pm at both locations
Police officers and volunteers will be accepting new unwrapped toys, gift cards (great for teens), cash or Canadian Tire money for the Toys for Tots program. Please bring the children; let them our officers, tour a police cruiser and meet McGruff! Help us fill as many cruisers as possible!
The Halton Police mascot, McGruff will be at the Appleby Line store between 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
Follow us on twitter throughout the day for updates at @HRPSBurl. All donations remain in the Region of Halton. For further information please contact Cst. Ann Robertson at 905 825 4747 Ext 5347 or by email at ann.robertson@haltonpolice.ca.
Ciné-Starz
Upper Canada Place,
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6
Showtimes: Week of Friday, November 27, 2015 through Thursday, December 03, 2015
The 33 ()
Fri – Thu: 3:00, 5:15, 7:10, 9:35
Burnt (14A)
Fri – Thu: 7:45, 9:45
Bridge of Spies (PG)
Fri: 3:30, 5:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sat – Thu: 1:00, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00, 9:30
Goosebumps ()
Fri: 3:15, 5:10, 7:35
Sat – Thu: 1:15, 3:15, 5:10, 7:35
Pan (PG)
Sat – Thu: 1:00 PM
Sicario (14A)
Fri – Thu: 7:30, 9:40
Hotel Transylvania 2 (G)
Fri: 3:15, 5:05, 6:00, 9:30
Sat – Thu: 1:05, 3:15, 5:05, 6:00, 9:30
The Intern (PG)
Fri: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sat – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Minions (G)
Fri: 3:10 PM
Sat – Thu: 1:20, 3:10
Join Collective Hearts Burlington for a free movie day at Cine Starz Burlington.
The event will be held on November 27th from 12pm until 3pm at Cine Starz Burlington. Come out for a screening of Pan, Inside Out or Minions.
 By Staff
November 20th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Barracudas – Burlington Girls Hockey Club, founded in 1996 – brought home three gold medals from tournaments this month.
The Club provides a safe and fun place for young athletes to play hockey. The not-for-profit organization has more than 750 girls playing Canada’s favourite sport and offers programs for girls ages 4 to 21 at both the house league and competitive levels.
They brought home three GOLD tournament medals, from three different tournaments including:
Bauer World Hockey Invitational in Detroit, MI
Rochester, NY Fire On Ice Tournament
Barrie Sharkfest Tournament
What do a bunch of winners look like:
 Bantam AA — Gold Medalists — Bauer World Hockey Invitational in Detroit, MI November 13-15, 2015. Burlington Girls Hockey Club – Bantam AA with second place team, Little Caesars of Michigan  PeeWee BB — Gold Medalists — Rochester, NY Fire On Ice Tournament November 4-6, 2015 Front Row: Ella Arsenault, Callista Thompson Middle Row: Renee Doucet, Claire Shepherd, Reese Andreychuk, Savannah Singh, Aliya Armstrong, Peyton Bear, Regan Duffy Back Row: Madison Dilworth, Charlie Lewis, Madisson Fonseca, Madison Uba, Kristen Hazlett, Ainsley Kaszecki, Jessica Anderchek, Kira Rowe  Peewee A — Gold Medalists — Barrie Sharkfest Tournament November 13-15, 2015
By Staff
November 19, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Later today the first of several hundred people will arrive at the Art Gallery of Burlington, select a soup bowl and enjoy soups from some of the best kitchen in the city.
One of the recipes comes from the kitchen of the Pearl and Pine Retirement Residents where Chef Daniel oversees the meals prepared for the resident.
The private dining room looks better than most restaurants in this city.
 Chef Daniel Obeng, a Ghanaian by birth was raised in a tougher part of Toronto but overcame that background and is now the Executive Chef at the Pearl and Pine said that beets are one of his favourite vegetables “I just love the colour and the different things you can do with a beet.
 Chef Obeng trained at the renowned George Brown Culinary school in Toronto as well as studying at the Humber and the Stratford schools.
The soup will be one of dozens that will be served at the Art Gallery during the fund raising event which runs from the 19th to the 22nd. Not to be missed
Roasted beet Volute
Ingredients: Makes about 4 servings
1 cup diced peeled beets
2cloves minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
2 stalk celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 1/2 cup 35% cream
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
4 Tablespoon EVOO (divided)
S/P to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
The Smoke seeds:
1cup pumpkin seeds
1 puck Hickory flavored bisquettes
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Place beets into a baking dish, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and black pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven until tender, about 1 hour; allow to cool. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, and stir in the celery, onion, and garlic.
Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in the cooked vegetables, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf, bring to a boil, and reduce heat.
Simmer until the celery is very tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat, and discard the bay leaf. Puree the mixture in the pot with an immersion blender until its smooth; stir in the cream and lemon juice. Season the soup and pass through a fine chinois and serve, garnish with smoke pumpkin seeds
Add the remainder oil to the seeds, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Smoke for 1 hour.
What is this soup recipe all about – learn more.
By Staff
November 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Matt Dusk has forged a career in music that has resulted in four critically-acclaimed studio albums. He will be singing many of those songs when he returns to the stage of the Performing Arts Centre November 27th – one night only.
Dusk was last in Burlington November of 2012; they loved him then.
 Matt Dusk – when he does My Funny Valentine – give the hand of the person with you a nice little squeeze. His latest CD release, My Funny Valentine: The Chet Baker Songbook, is backed up by an eighty piece orchestra and numerous special guests including: Grammy award-winner Arturo Sandoval, Juno award-winner Guido Basso, Juno award-nominee Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Straight-No-Chaser alumn Ryan Ahlwardt. Together they pay homage to one of the most popular musicians of the twentieth century, Chet Baker.
Dusk will be in Burlington Friday November 27 – he won’t have the 80 piece orchestra but he will be holding the microphone and crooning to the delight of those who know his work.
There was only the one Frank Sinatra – but this young man nevertheless has a fine voice and the memories will surface as you listen
 Matt Dusk – working the microphone. “When I was growing up, I listened to what normal kids listened to: pop music. But in our house, my parents had the radio tuned to the classical station, however, at night they played jazz,” recalls the former choir boy. “And that’s how I discovered jazz; specifically Chet Baker. I remember saving my allowance, then heading to the record store where I’d rummage through the bins looking for his music. I eventually got a trumpet, learned how to play, but I quickly learned that should left to the professionals! When I made this record, I wanted to go back to my roots and pay homage to the artists who influenced me, one of them being Chet Baker.”
Tickets to Matt Dusk at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre November 27 at 8:00pm can be purchased online (www.burlingtonpac.ca) or by phone 905-681-6000 or in person at the Box Office located at 440 Locust Street.
By Staff
November 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
 There is a reason for the smile on this guy’s face – he is ahead fifty big ones. There is a reason for the smile on this guy’s face – he is ahead fifty big ones.
Jordan Cairns, a Burlington resident was the winner of the Lay’s Do Us a Flavour contest.
Earlier this year, Lay’s asked Canadians to submit regional flavour ideas for the next great potato chip. Jordan was named one of four flavour finalists in August after making the contest’s shortlist. Cairn’s He used Atlantic Canada’s reputation for potato cultivation as his inspiration – one of his fondest memories growing up was enjoying freshly baked, rich and cheesy scalloped potatoes at family occasions.
Cairn’s came up with the idea for P.E.I. Scalloped Potatoes. The flavour was selected after a two-month consumer voting period.
Cairn’s won the $50,000 plus 1% of his flavour’s future sales.
The Lay’s Canada Do Us a Flavour contest has received more than 2.7 million flavour ideas from fans across the country since 2013. Jordan intends to plan an epic trip across Canada with his winnings.
 By Staff
November 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Irish Rovers are rolling into town celebrating 50 Years of music with a tourthat will have them at the Performing Arts Centre on November 20th.
If you’re a fan – you won’t want to miss this concert – it is going to be a mix of hits, rollicking jigs and reels, plus hilarious stories from their years on the road.
 The Irish Rovers kicking up a storm on stage – will be in Burlington November 20th. They usually sell out The Irish Rovers were founded in Toronto but first became known on American television in the 60s. As guests on The Tonight Show, The Smothers Brothers Show, Mike Douglas Show, The Virginian, The Dating Game (George Millar actually won the date), they gained experience before hosting their first of three television series “The Irish Rovers Show” in the 70’s.
At that time, fans enjoyed their early hits like Black Velvet Band, The Unicorn, Whisky on a Sunday and Wasn’t That A Party.
Now with a career spanning 50 years they’re not retiring, but are slowing down the touring – ironically at a time when they’re getting some of the best reviews of their career:
“Sold out in Tallahassee – All the years of touring and playing haven’t eroded the band’s ferocious chops. Those musicians are so tight. They’re virtuosos!” – Tallahassee Democrat
“Sold out in Orange County – When the band was jamming through traditional Irish sets you could close your eyes and imagine yourself at a ceili in a pub on the shamrock shore with a pint and a rocking-tight house band of the lads.” – Orange County Register
“Sold out in San Luis – Impossible to sit still as they play song after merry song off the pages of Ireland’s historic songbook. What an unforgettable experience! The Irish Rovers excite even the most discerning audience member into having a rip-roaring good time.” – Foundation for the Performing Arts
 They aren’t as young – but the lilt is still in their voices – and they are very funny guys. Tickets to The Irish Rovers at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on November 20 at 8:00pm can be purchased online www.burlingtonpac.ca, by phone 905-681-6000 or in person at the Box Office located at 440 Locust Street.
 By Staff
November 6, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Additional background information has been added to this piece after it was first published.
Cogeco Cable Community TV does a regular program live from their studio on Syscon Road where Mark Carr hosts The Issue and brings in guests to talk about specific issues.
 Pepper Parr, publisher of the Burlington Gazette The Issue invited the publisher of the Gazette, Pepper Parr to take part in a panel discussion about the problems the city of Burlington is having getting a Code of Conduct for its Council members in place.
 Che Marville, NDP candidate in Oakville during the last federal election. Che Marville, the New Democratic candidate for Oakville during the last election and CEO of Marville Media plus the founder of multiple social enterprises including the Children’s Media Museum. Rachel Halliwell, a Cogeco volunteer last year and now a student studying sports broadcasting completed the panel.
Mark Carr, moderator, was once a city of Burlington council member – at a time when a motion from then Council member Mike Wallace to reduce the size of Council from the then 17 members to the current seven.
Then Mayor Walter Mulkewich preferred a nine member Council and put forward a motion to that effect – it was defeated and the motion for a seven member council passed by a vote of 9 for and 8 against. Which is why we currently have a seven member city council.
Mulkewich points out in his response to the first version of this story that the Region of Halton had at the time reduced its size by four Councillors from 25 to 21 by taking away two from Burlington and two from Halton Hills which meant Burlington had to reduce its Regional Councillors by two and this became the trigger for the Council size issue in Burlington.
There is a longer story to this, to the saga of the debate at both the Region and City, and the reasons I voted as I did at that time. Now that Milton has dramatically grown as has Oakville, and therefore the Regional representation issue needs to be revisited – how will the Region deal with representation in this term or will it – and will there be ramifications for Burlington?
Is Burlington’s seven member Council more effective? Debatable and Carr made his views known.
Carr, who is well versed on public issues, gets into the debate and discussion as much as he can – few softball questions from him.
Che Marville can also get quite scrappy
One of the best comments was made by 18 year-old Halliwell who suggested city council take part in events that called for them to work as a team “seems to me” she said “that they need some team building opportunities.”
Halliwell voted in her first election this year
 The Issue moderator Mark Carr – Live on Cogeco Cable television The program was broadcast live Tuesday, and will be re-broadcast on the following dates on Channel 23 and HD 700
Fri, Nov 6, 2015 @ 2:00pm
Sat, Nov 7, 2015 @ 10:00am
Sun, Nov 8, 2015 @ 1:00pm
Sun, Nov 8, 2015 @ 9:30pm
Tue, Nov 10, 2015 @ 2:00pm
It got lively.
By Staff
November 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Kim Kelly, a Special Constable with the Halton Police Service, will be meeting the Governor General of Canada later this month and receiving the Caring Canadian Award (one of Canada’s highest honours for volunteers) for her Kim’s Ride To Cross Out Cancer fundraising.
Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smarter and more caring nation. The award also highlights the fine example set by these volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are so much a part of our Canadian character. It allows us to thank them for their contributions and for the positive impact they have had on the lives of others.
 Twenty three days at between 80 to 100 km per day got Kim Kelly to Charlottetown PEI on her bike. In July 2013, as a result of a friend’s battle with cancer, Kim planned to do something to help raise awareness and funds to fight it.
In her own words “ When a lifelong friend of mine told me she had stage 4 cancer, I knew I wanted to do more than just offer her support, cook a few meals and drive her to doctors’ appointments. I decided to ride my bike across the Eastern provinces to create awareness and obtain donations for the Canadian Cancer Society”. Her plan turned into action and became “Kim’s Ride to Cross Out Cancer”.
She spent the next year organizing a variety of fundraising efforts, public speaking engagements and rigorous training for what would be a very grueling cycle ride from Burlington, Ontario to Charlottetown, PEI.
Her journey started on June 1, 2014 and she rode 80-100KM everyday arriving in Charlottetown on June 23, 2014.
 There was never any doubt what she was setting out to do – and she did very well – raised more than $41,000 Kim personally raised over $41,000.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society and has become a remarkable ambassador for the society as well as the Halton Regional Police.
We are proud and commend Kim not just for the sheer magnitude of her efforts, but for the strong impact she and her team had in the Region of Halton, within the police service, and in the towns and villages along her route.
Kim will be receiving this prestigious award on Tuesday November 10, 2015 in the Music Room of the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Queen’s Park, Toronto. His Excellency the Right Honourable, David Johnston, Governor General of Canada will be attending from Ottawa to present the award.
Kim Kelley is now one of more than 1,000 volunteers that have been awarded this National Honour,
By Pepper Parr
November 4, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They came trooping through the door – lugging boxes and bags of food that would be weighed, tagged and then distributed to one of the close to 100 bins that were set out on the floor of the gymnasium of Nelson High School where the Giving Back project, celebrating its tenth year was taking place.
 Judie Kavanaugh updates the tally of food as it gets carried into the Nelson gymnasium and weighed At 11:30 last night Judie Kavanagh told us that they had 164,908.93 lbs of food and added the comment that it was “not a bad start” – more than half way to the target – expect them to reach and pass the target.
 The food comes into the high school gymnasium in boxes and bags. All the planning and preparing done at endless committee meetings came to a head as food kept arriving and young people were scooting back and forth with boxes and bags.
Jean Longfield, a recipient of the Burlington’s Best Citizen of the Year award, and John Tate roamed the room answering questions, doing interviews and guiding people who were not quite sure what to do next.
 The scale sits on the floor where it is weighed and recorded. Tate stood in the background greeting people and congratulating those who came through the door with cartons of food.
Parents who normally pack the kids into the vans and take them to hockey games were now sitting at tables tabulating the totals those same children were bringing into the gymnasium.
 Hockey players take packages from the sorting tables to the bins. It is a significant logistical challenge – the Gazette will report on where all that food goes and how the team that makes it happen debriefs and plans for the next year.
 Jean Longfield during a CHCH interview – with John Tate in the background keeping an eye on things. Last year, The Gift of Giving Back collected more than 278,000 lbs of food and this year, hopes to exceed that amount and collect more than 305,000 lbs.
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The Nutcracker – Moscow Classical Ballet
