Gallery 2 gets off to a fine start: Anne More and Cheryl Miles Goldring bring a new art destination to the city

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

October 19th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

When Teresa Seaton opened her Stained Glass studio on Spring Garden Road a couple of years ago, a stones toss from the Royal Botanical Gardens – some thought there was the promise of a small cluster of art locations developing. The Seaton Gallery was right beside the EdRoy gallery which and the opportunity for some growth looked as if it was going to fade.

CGold show - more work with viewer

Anne More’s piece is on the right.

Yesterday Cheryl Miles Goldring and Anne More opened Gallery 2 and displayed a very nice collection of the both their own work and that of other artists.
The flow of visitors was consistent during the afternoon – what to make of this newest arrival to the art scene in the city?

Cheryl, who was chair of the Art Auction Committee for the Art Gallery of Burlington last year, is coming into her own rather nicely. The exhibition of her work from a Newfoundland tour was well received – now we are watching her develop the commercial side.

Cgold viewer

Work by Anne More on the left and a piece by Cheryl Miles Golding, second from the right, is appreciated by a viewer during their opening event on Sunday.

Anne More, who brings her own experience to the venture, studied under Gordon Harrison with Cheryl – a Harrison piece was shown at the opening exhibit. Just under a year ago Anne and Cheryl talked about renting the space that EdRoy had vacated; after working out some of the wrinkles they dove in and held their opening event on Sunday.

CGold with friend

Cheryl Miles Goldring listening to Catherine Brady.

Anne wants people to understand what real art is: “I am constantly amazed at how little people know about how art is made.” Tough words from a woman who taught art with a Board of Education for a number of years.

Art is a business as well as a passion – and business means selling something to someone. There is a perception that original art is very expensive – and it can but doesn’t have to be. Anne has been involved in a number of sales that had payment for the art being made over a period of time. “If you like some of my art” Anne will say “make me an offer.” Her work has been shown at Art231 in Hamilton

Anne More with camera and back pack

Anne More on a field trip.

Cheryl sees the Gallery 2 as a place where they can focus attention on local artists who don’t get much of an opportunity to show what they have in a setting that was designed for the public and not done as an afterthought in a restaurant.

The Gallery 2 opening included work by Donna Fratesi, Pierre A. J. Sabourin, A. J. Van Die and Wayne Moore and Don Greaves.

The Gallery 2 intention is to mount new art every month – something this city has not seen in some time. Now the challenge of promoting the location begins

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City managers work plan has depth and detail - is it too ambitious?

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

October 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Let’s dig a little deeper into the Work Plan city manager James Ridge presented to a Standing Committee earlier this week.

James Ridge Day 1

City Manager James Ridge

Ridge set his intentions out into groups, just the way any Army captain would and then delved into the groupings and what Ridge hoped to get done. We have added a few comments to expand on the tasks. which were:

STRATEGIC PLAN, OFFICIAL PLAN, AND OTHER SUPPORTING PLANS:
City Strategic Plan: While many many months late Council and staff are now meeting to nail this down and move on to the Official Plan Review and the city budget.

Official Plan: On hold until the Strategic Plan has been struck. With a new planner due to start in November there may be a little lag time while she figures out what is where at city hall and gets to know her staff.

Transportation Master Plan: A work in progress

Corporate/ SMT Work Plan: 12-24 month detailed work plan addressing all Strategic and Official Plan work items. Develop master SMT work plan to deliver strategic objectives.
Each Director, General Manager and Service Owner to have a personal work plan, which will be a central element of their ongoing performance evaluation

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How will citizens take to multi year strategic budgets?

Multi-Year Strategic Plan budget: Ensure that high level budgeting is undertaken to accompany the Strategic Plan and supporting multi-year work plan to guide priority setting and annual budget discussions. Multi-year budget projections for implementation of the Strategic and Official Plans and associated Work Plans.
The city’s finance department is probably the best run shop in the city – they don’t need to be told what to do – they do need other departments to work as efficiently and as effectively as the Joan Ford crew works.

City Manager Work Plan: Set out in detail below.
Work Plan management and reporting systems

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:

Ridge wasn’t able to say much about initiatives – other than he thought there might be as many as 50 of them.

EXCELLENCE IN STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE
City Performance Indicators: Working with BEDC, Burlington Community Foundation and others, develop a macro set of performance measures that taken together are a reasonable proxy for the general wellbeing of the City. A clear set of key performance measures to measure the health, quality of life, and economic performance of the City tracked longitudinally.

Some very good data was released at a Standing Committee meeting earlier in the week. The Gazette is pulling that information together and will publish later this month – you won’t see this data anywhere else.

Workshop on Excellence in Strategic Governance: To support Strategic Plan implementation, have a facilitated workshop(s) to consider strategic governance principles and the appropriate governance/management relationship needed for successful implementation of the strategic plan.
Strategic governance workshop with Council and appropriate senior staff, to develop general principles of strategic governance and management.

Excellence in Governance Charter: City Council is widely seen as an exemplar of excellence in strategic governance. Develop with Council an “Excellence in Governance Charter.” Adopt as Council policy a series of best practices and decision tools that reflect accepted best practices in strategic governance for public and private sector organizations.

Watch this one carefully – it looks as if it might be what gets put in place of the Code of Conduct that most of this council does not want. The Code of Conduct is something this council needs and the public deserves.

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Councillor John Taylor wants better agenda and council meeting planning – dislikes the way Clerk’s office manages the flow of paper – city manager wants to get rid of the paper.

Agenda Planning: Through regular reviews of the City Manager’s work plan, allow for better longer and medium term agenda planning. Several members of Council have complained about poor agenda planning and want material they are to discuss earlier in the process. When the calendar for 2016 was being discussed Councillor Dennison suggested a number of changes which the Clerk’s office wasn’t happy with. Mayor Goldring brought this up giving the Clerk an opportunity to explain what the problems were. Dennison wanted to know why he had not heard of the Clerk’s concerns. Now we know why there are problems with agenda planning – these people don’t talk to each other.

Council Agendas: Structure Council agendas to clearly identify strategic and good-governance agenda items. A proposal for a new model for Committee and Council agendas. Set for 2Q of 2016. Don’t bet the barn on that date.

EXCELLENCE IN MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION:
Customer Service
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tool
One Stop Business Startup Centre
Service Management
Enterprise Risk Management
Enterprise Performance Measurement

Business Analytics Capability/Research and Data analysis: If possible, fast track the implementation of a business analytics tool to permit robust data analysis. As an interim measure, create a temporary new role to do data analysis, quantitative research, and coordinate surveys.

A suite of applications, tools and process that when implemented and operational support performance measurement, data analytics and corporate reporting.

One position (perhaps .5 FTE) to undertake quantitative analysis and detailed data analysis in support of Council and corporate initiatives.

During a presentation made by former Director of Planning Bruce Krushelnicki we learned that the city has absolutely no demographic capacity and that there is some statistical capacity but the person doing the job could not tell a Director how many homes there are in Alton Village. That staffer is apparently still cashing a pay cheque.

Revenue and Grant Coordinator: Create a role with an explicit focus, and dedicated time, to undertake grant requests, stay abreast of new funding opportunities, and seek other revenue opportunities. Create a new (likely .5 FTE position) in the City Manager’s office to coordinate City grant applications, research new and existing funding opportunities, and consider other municipal revenue opportunities.

This is the second mention of additional staff – Councillor Craven won’t let this happen – but Councillor Sharman might like to see someone who can gather data

Document Management: Multi-year project to reduce or eliminate use of paper, provide better access to information, and more transparent public access. First phase should be paperless meeting materials for those who wish to use. Paperless SMT meetings. Full transition is a major multi-year project.

City Marketing Cooperative: Explore the possibility of a marketing cooperative to share expertise and resources among City departments and City- funded agencies and boards. If agreement is reached among the parties, create a marketing cooperative to share expertise and mitigate duplication in marketing, print, web support activities.
This is one of those initiatives that is better not even attempted – bureaucrats are not marketers – this should be outsourced to a company that is given a strong, clear mandate.

Three VIA employees,all engineers in the diesel pulling the train were killed in the accident.  Train is being righted for removal.

Burlington didn’t lead the way it could have led during the Via derailment a number of years ago – the city now how seasoned Emergency Management in place

Emergency Management: Fully implement an emergency management plan, appropriate training, and develop and maintain business continuity plans.

This task is well underway – the Fire department brought in a season manager who explained what the department will be doing and how it will work – it is a very significant improvement over procedures that were in place previously.

Build Redevelopment Capacity in Planning Building and other relevant Departments: Evolve through hiring, professional development and resource allocation the Planning and Building department’s expertise and capacity from greenfield single family to infill and intensification.

Land Economist: Strengthen our planning and real estate management capability by tendering for a retainer for a municipal land economist to provide expert arms-length advice to City staff and Council on land economic issues, particularly independent assessments of development applications and the embedded assumptions around profitability at various densities and uses.

ORGANIZATION AND CULTURE

Marie Ann Coulson

Members of the team that run the finance department during a budget debate – they were updating data on the fly

People Plan Team: There is a general need for a team of union and non-union staff from across the City to focus on and make recommendations about, workplace quality and cultural concerns.

Culture Survey: In Q1 2016 undertake the Dennison survey of organizational culture as a baseline.

Performance Evaluation System: Develop a new Performance Evaluation system. Fully implemented new PE system that is modular, with elements for individual contributors, service owners, and Directors. Ridge wants this to be 100% use. He sees this as quarterly structured but less formal conversations with staff on performance, not a once a year report

Succession Planning: Create a corporate succession plan and succession planning policies. Initial identification of high potential management staff for detailed career planning. Initial identification of high potential front line staff with leadership potential for detailed career planning.

Succession plans complete for all departments. Corporate policies in place. SMT has created a list of high potential middle managers for immediate development

MAJOR INITIATIVES

Storm Water Management: Implement the Council-approved program on expanded storm water management.
This program is going to have a very significant impact on the 2016 budget and will stun the owners of properties that have large parking areas. The city has done a very poor job of informing both residents and commercial property owners on the ramifications – they are significant.

Asset Management – Infrastructure Renewal

Conversion Reviews: In the context of the Official Plan review, develop (with BEDC) mechanisms to defensibly and consistently make recommendations on conversion requests.

Once the Strategic Plan is in place this will become a major matter for this Council. The development community does not believe the city needs all the Employment Land it has – and they want the opportunity to convert those lands to residential where the profits are much higher.

Zoned commercial, spitting distance to the QEW, minutes from downtown - owner wants to rezone and make it residential.

Zoned commercial, spitting distance to the QEW, minutes from downtown – owner wants to rezone and make it residential.

Major developers in this city have been sitting on land holdings for year – decades in some cases – waiting for the day when they can get a conversion. The province does not make it easy for any conversions to take place – but the developers have skilled planners who can make a donut look like a life saver.

Beachway Park: Negotiate with the Region cost sharing for Beachway Park, both Capital and Operating.

Sustainable Development Awards

Urban Design Review and Awards

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Government Relations
Policies and Process: With the Mayor’s Office and Council develop formal policies, procedures for ongoing intergovernmental relations activities. Identify the first inventory of key intergovernmental issues and action plans.

This has always been a particularly weak area for this city administration. Having city managers move in and out of that office every two years didn’t help to develop strong working relationships. The city did hold a Burlington Day at Queen’s Park which amounted to everyone handing out business cards and getting 15 minutes with Ministers and some Deputy Ministers.

Burlington didn’t have a very effective MPP at the time which made it difficult to achieve very much.

The failure of the IKEA move to the North Service Road was due in no small measure to the lack of a deep understanding of how the Ministry of Transportation really works. The lead people on that file had not been properly mentored on how a city deals with a provincial ministry.

Redevelopment processes: Develop with Halton Region, a seamless process with known timelines for redevelopment applications. Done by 1Q 2017

LaSalle Pacillion

Our Building – on Hamilton’s land.

LaSalle Park: Reach agreement and Council approval on the transfer of LaSalle park ownership to Burlington by 1Q 2017
Community Engagement: Continue and build on the work that has been done on community engagement, support the Engagement Charter

New Resident Outreach: The City administration takes steps to proactively reach out to and engage communities, including immigrants, who have a very low incidence of engaging with City

Partnerships. The city wants a tighter working relationship with Hamilton where there is real economic growth; it also wants to strengthen the relationship with the Region.

This is most of what city manager James Ridge put before city council. In a separate article we report on how council reacted

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Highly rated child psychiatrist to speak to educators and parents about raising children in a wired world.

News 100 blueBy Staff

October 15th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Better late than never – I suppose.

The Halton District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) announced that they are hosting the 8th Annual Conference for Parents on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville. The theme of the conference, held from 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., will be Building Healthy Relationships.

jean-clintonThe keynote speaker is Dr. Jean Clinton, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, division of Child Psychiatry. She will share how parent involvement is critical for student success through the power of relationships, as children and young people learn best in an environment where they feel respected and connected. She will attempt to answer the question, what role do we play as parents in this? Clinton will discuss how parents, in a busy wired-up world, can maintain a focus on relationships.

Parents can also choose to attend an afternoon presentation by Paul Davis, who will address the topic of social networking safety.

The Building Healthy Relationships conference theme will provide a variety of new workshops and will also include some that have been well received by parents in years past. Workshops will address numeracy, literacy, teaching kids about money management, promoting positive mental health for teens, community resources availability, helping students craft an academic and career pathway for success, high school course selections, managing behaviour and discipline, violence prevention and cyberbullying, and gifted learning.

The Halton District School Board Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) recognizes parents play a vital role in the development and education of their children and in the success of schools and therefore provides a regular opportunity for School Council members to network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative presentations on a number of education related topics throughout the school year.

For more information, visit www.hdsb.ca and click on the PIC logo on the right side of the homepage.

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CineStarz Showtimes Week of Friday, October 16, 2015 through Thursday, October 22, 2015

Cinestarz logoCineStarz

Brant Street in the Upper Canada Mall

 

Week of Friday, October 16, 2015 through Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Visit (PG)
Fri – Sun: 3:10, 5:45, 7:30, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 3:10, 5:15, 7:45, 9:30

War Room (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:20 AM, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:00
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:00, 9:15

Vanessa PG
Mon-Thur 7:40

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG)
Fri – Sun: 5:25, 9:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:20, 7:20, 9:30

Shaun the Sheep ()
Fri – Sun: 11:20 AM

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG)
Fri – Sun: 1:00, 3:20, 5:00, 7:00, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:10, 9:20

Ant-Man (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:15 AM, 1:10, 3:10, 7:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 3:00, 5:25, 9:30

Minions (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:25, 3:15, 5:20, 7:10
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 5:30

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:10, 5:00

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri – Sun: 11:10 AM, 1:30, 3:30, 7:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00

 

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Burlington techies take to the internet and raise enough food contributions to provide 1500 Thanksgiving meals.

News 100 blueBy Staff

October 9, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

A company involved in determining what kind of advertising shows up on your computer screen when you are online decided it wanted to do something to help people during the Thanksgiving weekend – a time of year when the Salvation Army holds a major food drive.
Direct Access Digital, a twenty eight employee firm in the east end of the city divided the staff into four teams that then competed with each other to see who could raise the most in the way of food contributions.

They raised enough food to provide 1500 Thanksgiving meals.

DAD Vanessa

Vanessa Mateus and “Captain Alpha with some of the food that was raised by employees at Digital Direct Access

Vanessa Mateus came up with the idea of giving back to the community, and the competitive nature that of the technology industry was all that was needed to result in 3000 items being purchased

In true digital fashion, Team Three, lead by “Captain Alpha”, quickly got online and ordered over 1200 items of canned goods to be delivered to the office and then taunted the other teams on the company’s blog to match that effort.

Digital Access Data (DAD) Director of Performance, Rob T. Case, has an affinity with the Food Bank. His family had used food banks for five years. After turning his life around, he became a successful digital marketer, worked at Google and joined the Direct Access Digital team this year.

Case said the food banks ” were there when his family of four needed them and it is important to give back, to show gratitude, especially at Thanksgiving.”

Another member of the team also claimed to have used the Food Bank in the past. She says, “Sometimes you find yourself in a place you never expected. You get help and drive forward.”

DAD co-founder, Eric Rodgers say that “When Vanessa Mateus, suggested we do something for The Salvation Army’s Food Drive it was absolutely something we wanted to support; we are always happy to help the community. There were challenges posted on our company blog from one team to another. It was pretty heated, but a competition worth winning.”

The team plans to do something for the holiday season, but they are not talking about their ideas yet.

Direct Access Digital, an award-winning digital-performance marketing agency based in Burlington is the two-time winner of The Google Search Excellence Award.

Founded in 2011, DAD has evolved into one of Canada’s leading boutique agencies, and now serve mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Known for their expertise in all digital marketing verticals, from search engine marketing (SEM) to search engine optimization (SEO), local search, social media marketing and more, their true hallmark is building strong partnerships with their clients and working diligently to deliver the tools, data and strategies that drive customer conversions and sales while aiding brand awareness. www.directaccessdigital.com

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Fire department team up with Robert Bateman high school culinary class in a cook off that focused on good food and kitchen safety.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

October 8th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Each year the Fire Department holds an Open House which Fire Chief Tony Bavota describes as a day for the family that doesn’t cost a dime and “if they buy a hot dog from the service group they get it at cost – a great inexpensive family outing”.

But this year there was no Open House because the fire department HQ is undergoing a major renovation – so they had to come up with a new idea.  And they certainly came up with what can only be described as a winner.

The Fire Department partnered with the Culinary class at Robert Bateman High school for a cook off between four teams. Each team was made up of a fire fighter and two students. Murray Zehr who runs the Culinary program said there are 300 students in the class where the focus is on nutrition and kitchen safety. The cooks had an hour to prepare the meal.

There were very good reasons for using a cook off as the focus for the event – 53% of the fires in private homes are the result of unattended cooking.

FIRE Sam acting captain

Acting Captain Sam Wakunick taught the Gazette reporter a couple of things about unattended cooking. It was embarrassing.

This reporter has some direct experience with unattended cooking and the Burlington Fire department. Shortly after moving into a new home and getting used to the stove I wandered away from the kitchen and then heard that beep beep sound of the smoke alarm. There was nothing I could do to shut the damn thing off the way you can in most houses. I called security and told them everything was under control but it was too late – the fire department was on the way and before I knew it Sam Wakunick was standing at my door in full fire fighter kit. I sheepishly explained what I had done – she smiled – Sam wasn’t a guy – and asked if she could just look through the unit – which wasn’t exactly tidy.

Months later I show up to cover a news event and there is Sam – reminding me not to wander from the kitchen when food is cooking.

The Fire department media people working with the Bateman staff came up with a really fun and instructive program that made the point – fires are dangerous and they can be prevented. It was also an opportunity to showcase the cooking talent at Bateman

FIRE table 2  tattoo guy

Fire fighter Peter Temoche explains a point to a member of his team Kristan Dymad – Alicia Ann Husk was also on the team.

Each of the cooking teams was given a recipe and the ingredients – there was a table with all kinds of oils, wines, and fresh vegetables that cooks could dip into.

To jazz up the event – a fire fighter with the name “That Guy” who wandered from stove to stove and just became a pain in the butt. He would drop something into the food or give one of the cooks a penalty which meant they had to sit in a penalty box – and not be able to take part in the food preparation.

There was a party atmosphere that brought out the newly minted Director of Education Stuart Miller and Mayor Goldring who advised the students that he had absolutely no culinary skills but was prepared to serve as a judge for the cook off. The Mayor mentioned that during his recent trip to China he learned to ask what he was being served; “you sometimes didn’t want to know” he said. Burlington’s taxpayers however might want to know what the Mayor was doing in China for close to a week.

FIRE  table 1 winners

Firefighter Dave Reid and Bateman students Vanessa Plouffe and Alisha Hales look into the ingredients they were given to cook up a meal in one hour.

Fire fighter Dave Reid and students Vanessa Plouffe and Alisha Hales were on a team called the Dragons.

FIRE TABLE 4

Fire fighter Chris Grieve takes his cooks Cameron Davies and J.R. Kelertas through the approach he thinks they should take to preparing the meal.

Chris Grieve, the fire fighter was on a team with students Cameron Davies and J. R Kelertas – they decided to be known as Five Arm Alarm; one of the students had a cast on his arm

Fire fighter Peter Tamoche teamed up with Krista Dymod and Alicia Ann Husk – they wanted to be called the Hot Tamales.

FIRE table 3 - student strong look

Ty Solomon gets rapt attention from a student during the cook off.

Ty Solomon and students Bryce Walker and Nick Shaw titled themselves: Kill it with Fire.

DSC04603

The Bateman high school kitchen with its four gas stoves was a bit of a zoo with cameras all over the place and students scooting around picking up supplies and utensils.

The kitchen at Bateman was a bit of a zoo with students photographers wandering all over the place, the Cogeco cable News camera kept popping up while cooks were scooting around getting equipment and ingredients while Dennis Hayes kept calling out trivia questions and announcing penalties and in the last fifteen minutes telling everyone how little time they left.

Students and other observers looked on from the back of the kitchen.

The judging was pretty tight: winning team got 75 points with two teams getting 71 points. They were judged on presentation and taste.

FIRE ist an 2nd place cooks

Dave Reid’s team, on the left took first place while Ty Solomon throws his arms up and congratulates Bryce Walker and Nick Shaw who took second. There were less than four points between each team.

Fire fighter Dave Reid and students Plouffe and Hales took first place.

FIRE girl ready to be kitted up

While students were cooking up their storm other students were trying on fire fighter equipment.

The fire department had three pieces of equipment parked outside the school and all kinds of fire fighter equipment set out for students to try on. There were 19 fire fighters helping out “on their own time” added Chief Bavota.

 

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City is looking for keen minds and energetic people to sit on advisory committees - holding a show and tell for anyone interested.

News 100 blueBy Staff

October 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There are occasions when the city does listen to the people who pay the freight. Not as often as they could and should but they at least do try.

Last year the city held an event that people who liked the idea of serving on an advisory committee could attend and meet city staff who could explain what was involved.

Danielle Pitoscia, Manager of Committee and Election Services, who I think deserves credit for the initiative announced that “After the success of last year’s first-time event, we are holding the event in a larger space to make room for all the participants. It’s great to know there are so many people who want to get involved with their city through the committees,” she said.

CommEng

Except for one person, and she was a consultant hired by the city, these people are all community volunteers. At times they are very effective.

“This event is a great first step for people wanting to become involved and have a real impact and voice within their community through our volunteer boards and committees.”

The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, at Burlington City Hall between 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Whoops – glitch!

City Hall BEST aerial

City hall is not the only place in the city people can meet in.

Why does everything have to take place at city hall. This makes it very inconvenient for people who live north of the QEW. Lesson in there for city hall – hold three events – one at Tansley Woods, and another at the Haber Recreational Centre.

He loves his Ward, he knows his constituents and their needs.  Is there life beyond city hall for Rick Craven?

Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven is a big booster for his ward – he welcomes everyone to his part of the city.

Ooops – just heard a groan from Councillor Craven in Ward 1 – hold the event in Aldershot as well.

That does mean the people who are behind these committees have to get out of their offices more than once. If you want the public to be involved – give them a decent chance to become involved.

Everyone is welcome to come out and learn about the committees and see why volunteering on a local board or committee can help you meet new people, share your talents, develop skills, address a common interest as well as make a difference in your community. Current volunteers are also invited to attend as a networking opportunity.

Applications for local boards and committees close Oct. 30, 2015.

For more information about the Volunteer Open House, committees or to apply for a volunteer position, contact the Clerks Department at 905-335-7600, ext. 7481 or visit www.burlington.ca/citizens.

 

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University woman sponsor a boisterous discussion with federal election candidates

Fed election logoBy Pepper Parr

October 6th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Holding a discussion between candidates running for public office needs a public audience and the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) served the community well when they hosted the discussion between the four candidates who want to represent Burlington in the House of Commons.
Incumbent Mike Wallace stood against Liberal Karina Gould, New Democrat David Laird and Green Party candidate Vince Fiorito. For a while they had Wallace on the ropes

The meeting was broken into two parts; the first was used to put forward questions that had been prepared by the CFUW – the second part was to put forward questions prepared by the audience.

The CFUW could have done a better job of tightening up their list of questions – there were too many and some overlap between the questions.

When the overlap was getting out of hand the audience made it clear that they didn’t want to hear anymore.

It was rowdy room – the auditorium at Central High School was close to packed; when the audience didn’t like what they were hearing they got a little boisterous.

Moderator Dorothy Borovich sent out her most withering glare on more than one occasion – it didn’t always work.

What the audience did get was a clearer look at just where the candidates stood on specific issue.

CFUW Wallace with voter

Conservative incumbent Mike Wallace who has served two terms as the Burlington MP was giving a rough ride during the all candidate discussion sponsored by the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Mike Wallace had to defend himself on several issues and while he had his supporters in the room it was pretty clear that the audience was buying what Karina Gould had to say. There were several bursts of spontaneous applause for Gould positions.

Burlington doesn’t do debates – the thrust and cut of argument doesn’t seem to suit the community.

There was no clear winner but it was clear that Wallace was on the defensive.

It was an older audience for the most part but it certainly wasn’t a submissive audience – they hooted and hollered frequently.

Every candidate agreed that the demographic shift that has taken place meant more attention and resources had to be spent on the senior population – and all four candidates agreed that the biggest problem facing the country was climate change.

The first question from the CFUW list was related to governing and they wanted to know what each candidate had to say about the way they would lead locally – that is what they would do in the community.

Mike Wallace started off with is nine year track record which he thought was pretty good. He spoke of leadership and the way the federal government has handled terrorism (which got a groan from the audience) and his work as chair of the Justice Committee.

He wanted voters to look at the issues and then decide who is best suited to lead in both the community and the country.

CFUW Vince and voter 2 frizzy grey

Green Part candidate Vince Fiorito talks over an issue with a participant.

Vince Fiorito followed with four points: the environment, the debt, poverty and jobs – and then went on to tell the audience a little about himself.
Karina got her turn next. “We can do better” she said “with job creation, with fixing and improving the infrastructure.” She added: We need less secrecy, we need to see the Prime Ministers office working differently, we need to create a Senate that works; our job creation has been dismal.

Part of the reason the government had a surplus last quarter Gould said was because they didn’t spend the money budgeted on the veterans and the aboriginal community. We have a government that hides its problems and doesn’t trust Canadians.

The audience at Central High school burst into applause. As people were filing into their seats the audience appeared to be more senior than younger family types – I thought they were part of the core Conservative vote out to hear that candidate.

David Laird tells people this is his fifth campaign and that he was there once again to fight the good fight for the working people. He added that his focus was the young people and the help they needed – not the smartest political move in an audience that has less than 5% younger people.

The CUFW wanted to know what the candidates would do with the health system, specifically home care, pharma care and longer term care.

Wallace explained that health is a provincial responsibility and that the federal government is a funding partner that transfers money to the provinces. The amount to be transferred next year is to be reduced by 3% he explained but if a province has experienced significant growth in senior population an additional amount will be available.

One would have thought the federal government would know where the senior population is located – this isn’t exactly a mobile demographic.

Gould was more specific. She said a Liberal government would pour in an additional $3 billion into home care – because it works she said.
Laird too promised money for home care, palliative care and Pharmacare.

With all this agreement being set out – one wonders why this isn’t already in place. Why are seniors worried?

CFUW wanted to know what each candidate would have their party do about Canada’s image worldwide.
Fiorito said “we have to be more visible at the UN, respect International Law and get back into the Peacekeeping business” for which he got a decent round of applause.

CFUW Gould with voter

Liberal Party candidate Karina Gould had a good night. She was applauded frequently but summed up rather weekly

Gould hit the right button when she said: Step # 1 Change the government – for which she got an immediate burst of applause. She went on to say that “Canada used to have a vision, we were a player, we were respected at the United Nations; our view on climate change was understood and respected – we were not seen as obstructionist – our was a voice of reason.”

David Laird said he had predicted all this and said the government needed to explain why the system was broken.

Wallace said he didn’t agree with the premise behind the question (for which he was booed) and pointed to the way Canada supported the government of the Ukraine and how it had stood up for the values of the men and women who had fought in Korea and WWII

The CFUW wanted to know where the candidates and their party’s stood on pensions.

Gould said the current pension system is not working – we have to meet with the provinces on this – we get that she added. The Guaranteed Income Supplement has to be increased by 10% – then the pension paid has to be indexed.

CFUW Laird talking to a Liberal

David Laird, New Democrat candidate, running for the fifth time, made a very strong point when he said pension money does not belong to corporations.

Laird wanted to see pensions increased and was specific – add $400 million to the GIS – it is amazing how the politicians throw around figures.

Laid did make a very strong point when he said: Should a company declare bankruptcy the bond holders get first dibs on any assets – Laid wants the pensioners to be first in line. He added that some companies declare bankruptcy to get out of their pension obligations.

Laird is absolutely right – pensions are not a corporate asset – pension contributions have to be put into a fund that corporations cannot touch – it isn’t their money.

Wallace pointed to some changes that had been made to the RIF rules that allowed people to take some of their money out at an accelerated rate. He wasn’t on for increases to the Canada Pension Plan which the Conservative government called a tax on business. More cat calls from the audience at this point.

Education – always a warm spot for the CFUW who offer a scholarship every year.

Laird wanted to see free university education. That brought some rather direct comment from the audience which in turn brought the first of the Borovich glares. When Dorothy Borovich directs her very strong gaze on you – you want to duck. She has a Shush that would put a librarian to shame.

Fiorito took basically the same view – universal, state paid university education to those who show merit – if you have the marks – you get in.
Wallace didn’t see it that way. His party believes these are decisions the parents make – the government will provide income tax benefits and some funding but the parents get to make the decisions. The federal government he said would not be creating a national university education program.

Gould didn’t talk about an education program – she wanted to focus on a Day Care program that into which a Liberal government would pump $500 million.

Karina Gould took the room from the very beginning of the evening and while she didn’t shine every time – she was on target most of the time. She was never booed – the others were. Both Wallace and Laird at some point both said they agreed with her.

But when the evening was over and the candidates were doing their summing up – no one really moved the audience – other than the Green Party candidate Vince Fiorito, who spoke with conviction.

There was more – we will cover that in an additional report.

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CineStarz - Showtimes: Week of Friday, October 09, 2015 through Thursday, October 15, 2015

Cinestarz logoCiné-Starz

Upper Canada Place, Burlington, ON
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6

 

Week of Friday, October 09, 2015 through Thursday, October 15, 2015
The Perfect Guy (14A)
Fri – Mon: 11:30 AM, 9:30
Tue – Thu: 3:00, 5:10, 9:20

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG)
Fri – Mon: 7:20 PM
Tue – Thu: 3:20, 7:10, 9:30

Straight Outta Compton (18A)
Fri: 7:00 PM
Sat – Mon: 7:00, 8:45
Tue – Thu: 7:00 PM

Shaun the Sheep ()
Fri – Mon: 11:20 AM, 1:30, 3:35, 5:15
Tue – Thu: 5:30 PM

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG)
Fri – Mon: 1:10, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Tue – Thu: 1:00, 3:15, 5:00, 7:10, 9:15

Pixels (PG)
Fri – Mon: 11:15 AM, 1:15, 3:20

Ant-Man (PG)
Fri – Mon: 1:10, 3:00, 7:20, 9:30
Tue – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 7:20, 9:30

Mr. Holmes (PG)
Fri – Mon: 11:30 AM, 5:20, 9:40
Tue – Thu: 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 9:40

Minions (G)
Fri – Mon: 11:20 AM, 1:30, 3:15, 5:15, 7:00
Tue – Thu: 1:15, 5:40, 7:30

Inside Out (G)
Fri – Mon: 11:15 AM, 1:00, 3:20, 5:20
Tue – Thu: 1:00 PM

A Walk in the Woods (14A)
Fri – Mon: 3:15, 5:15, 7:20, 9:20
Tue – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00

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The woman in his life spoke in a way that is seldom celebrated so publicly. It was a simple, almost brazen declaration of love for Mikey - recipient of the Diabetes Association volunteer of the year.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

October 5, 2015

BURLINGTON,ON

It was a small event, scheduled to run for just over half an hour – it ran for an hour and a half. What was billed as a citizen getting an award for volunteer work turned out to be a love story – the story of Janice Connell’s love for her husband “Mikey”.

Swartz small H&S

Michael Frederick Swartz, Canadian Diabetes Association 2015 Volunteer of the year

Michael Frederick Swartz is a tall lanky man who speaks in a bit of a drawl. He is quiet by nature; tends to focus and drill down into the issues before him. He worked in the world of banks and money; his home on Lakeshore Road suggests he has done well financially.

But this love story was not about how well Michael has done; it was about the woman in his life who cares for him in a way that is seldom celebrated so publicly. It was just a simple, almost brazen declaration of love that came through every paragraph of the comments Janice made about the man who was being named the Volunteer of the Year for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

It is hard to tell how often Janice Connell had to roll her husband over when he had become unconscious: Michael is a type 1 diabetic and needs constant care and attention.

Connell family and Mike

Mike Dawson, Ansley Dawson (mike’s youngest daughter and baby Cameron Dawson (our 8week old grandson) Janice Connell, Mike Swartz. Tucked in the centre background Ed McMahon, fellow Habitat for Humanity board member.

Everyone had nice things to say about Michael Swartz – that’s what these events are about. And while the event was to recognize and celebrate Michael Swartz, it was Janice who put the energy into the space and spread the feelings she has for her husband throughout the room.

There isn’t much nonsense to Janice Connell – perky, direct, sometimes too direct, considerate – the kind of person who goes out of her way to help. This reporter experienced that touch on a desolate Christmas Day.

I wasn’t able to see the look on Mike’s face as she spoke – I wondered what he was thinking as he heard her tell of the numerous times he had passed into unconsciousness and stood a better than even chance of dying were it not for his wife being there.

Janice told her audience that when the doctors tell you ‘everything is under control and you can leave the emergency room – don’t believe them.” I suspect she didn’t leave the room and there isn’t a doctor in the system that would have the courage to insist.

Swartz was described as the go to guy; the fellow who would find the nut in a problem; the kind of guy you work with – not someone you work for – who happens to have a serious Tim Hortons habit.

Swartz and Connell

Janice Connell with husband Michael Swartz

Mentioned as well was his ten years serving with Habitat for Humanity where he convinced the organization to build the large project on Appleby Line – even though they didn’t have the money. “This is what we are here to do” he told the board that met until well after midnight the day that decision was made.

He brought his talents to the organizational side of the 65,000 Diabetes Association volunteers – and they all loved him.

His closing remarks as he held the award he had been given was – be a volunteer – it doesn’t matter where – just be a volunteer.

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AGB fall season includes some exceptional work from the permanent collection and a tribute to the curator of that collection.

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

October 5th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Membership has its privileges – The Art Gallery of Burlington launched their fall season with a members only reception that had the xx artists in the fall program on hand to chat up their work and answer questions.

AGB Beach party - T Lauren

Laurin’s work plays with family and found photographs that he reinterprets

In Spirit
In Spirit presents the work of Timothy Laurin, John Latour and Heather Murray. Timothy Laurin’s work plays with family and found photographs that he reinterprets. His practice focuses on identity and memory and how one informs the other and keep in flux one’s sense of self.

John Latour’s text-based art, sculpture, and found photography highlight the ways in which we connect with the past, and how this uniquely human activity is mediated through words, objects, and images. Heather Murray is influenced by her rural backdrop and creates diligently and enthusiastically out of her haunted historical studio in Owen Sound Ontario.

This exhibition is co-curated by Virginia Eichhorn, Tom Thomson Art Gallery, and Denis Longchamps, Art Gallery of Burlington. The exhibition will run from September 19, 2015 to November 15, 2015.

Co-curation with the Tom Thomson Art Gallery is not small potatoes.

AGB Kayo Oyong Blue teapot

Drawn from the AGB’s Permanent Collection of Contemporary Canadian Ceramics, five artists – Bruce Cochrane, Reid Flock, Harlan House, Ruth Gowdy McKinley, and Kayo O’Young demonstrate their mastery over the medium. Not to be missed.

Thrown
While the thrown vessel is the most common ceramic form, great skill is required to achieve total control in the medium. Once this level of skill is reached, the artist can then either create ever more complex forms or loosen up and relax. Drawn from the AGB’s Permanent Collection of Contemporary Canadian Ceramics, five artists – Bruce Cochrane, Reid Flock, Harlan House, Ruth Gowdy McKinley, and Kayo O’Young demonstrate their mastery over the medium.

The permanent collection is gem that is all too often hidden – it was what validates the existence of the gallery – the rest of the country just hasn’t discovered it yet.

Curated by Jonathan Smith, the exhibition will run from September 19, 2015 to December 31, 2015 in the Perry Gallery.

AGB - Jonathan Smith - Five glasses

a snapshot of one of the collages “5 Glasses” featuring a photo of artist Clive Tucker surrounded by five different types of glasses.

Click. Clip. Paste.
Jonathan Smith presents fifteen of his photo-collages ranging from the earliest created around 1997, to the latest one hung while the glue was still wet. Friends and family of the artist act as his models in this show.

The presence of the artist is suggested through his reflection with his eyeglasses or drinking glasses located in the foreground. Each work follows a set of formal principles: a grid is used for the collage composition following concerns of proportions, dynamic tensions and lines. The photos however were taken without any planned composition in mind. Many are captured at a table sharing a meal, at other times the models pose for the purpose of creating a collage.

Smith is the curator of the permanent collection.  He has been with the AGB for 25 years and is an artist in his own right.  The showing of his personal work in an exhibition was part of the thank you from the gallery board.  Well deserved.

The exhibition is on until October 18, 2015 in the RBC Community Gallery.

AGB Victor Cicansky = Preserve jars

The AGB is going to use the corridor spaces to focus on regional work from different parts of the country. This preserve jar is a prairie contribution.

Amber Fields of Grain
The wide open spaces of the Canadian Prairies have been home to a great many well-known Canadian ceramic artists. Beside such great functional potters like Robert Archambeau, the Prairies have produced its own particular brand of sculpture, “Prairies’ Funk” that was created by such notables as Joe Fafard and Victor Cicansky. The Wild West has its own unique culture that is explored, often with great humour and insight that reflects the wide open spaces of the plains.

This is an ongoing 2015-2016 exhibition curated by AGB Permanent Collection Curator, Jonathan Smith.

The Gallery is open to the public:

Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 5:00 pm

Admission is free

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A cold sky and colder water - a hint of the winter to come?

Event 100By Staff

October 3, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Spencer smith park - high winds Oct 3-15Is there a cold winter coming our way?

September had some wonderful fall days – then suddenly it was gone and the winds were a little more brisk and had a trace of a chill in them as well.

Leslie Bullock – snapped a picture of the high winds late Saturday afternoon and shared it with friends – and we are sharing it with you.

What does the Farmer’s Almanac have to say – because that water looks cold.

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Mike Swartz to receive the “National Volunteer of the Year” Award for his service to the Canadian Diabetes Association

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

October 2, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Editor’s note: Invitational seating is limited and has already reached capacity…sorry, no more guests!

During the city Council meeting earlier this week, ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster chaired as Deputy Mayor while the real Mayor was in Chine – we still don’t know why – a list of names of organizations was read out announcing that it was whatever the name of the organization month.

The media tend to take these announcements with a bit of a yawn – every organization seems to have its day at some point during the year.

It is only when we pause and say “I know that person” that some attention gets paid.

Mike SwartzMichael Swartz is being recognized by the Canadian Diabetes Association as its “National Volunteer of the Year. I know that man.

This isn’t the time or place to explain the circumstances under which media came to know Mike Swartz and his wife Janice Connell rather it is an opportunity to learn more about what he has done in the community.

Mike is for the most part a quiet person – he has done well materially in life and has served as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and with the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) in a variety of roles over the past twelve years.

The reception to honour and recognize him will take place at the Art Gallery of Burlington in the Fireside Room at 10:30 am on Saturday.

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Transit detours this Sunday Oct. 4 during CIBC Run for the Cure – Routes 3, 4 and 10

notices100x100By Staff

September 30th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Detours will be in effect for Routes 3, 4 and 10 from approximately 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. due to several road closures in downtown Burlington.

Route 4 will not be able to access Teen Tour Way (into the Central Library and Senior’s Centre bus stop location) and will need to use Drury Lane instead.

The remaining detours are as follows:

Route 3 North:
• From the Terminal
• Left on Pine Street
• Left on Elizabeth Street
• Right on James Street
• Left on Drury Lane
• Right on Woodward Avenue
• Left on Guelph Line
• Resume regular routing

Route 3 South:
• From Guelph and Woodward
• Right on Woodward Avenue
• Left on Drury Lane
• Right on New Street
• Left on Elizabeth Street
• Right on Pine Street
• Right on John Street
• Into the Terminal

Route 10 West:
• From New Street
• Right on Woodview Road
• Left on Rexway Drive
• Right on Cumberland
• Left on Prospect
• Left on Drury Lane
• Right on New Street
• Resume regular routing

Route 10 East:
• From New Street
• Left on Drury Lane
• Right on Prospect
• Right on Cumberland
• Left on Rexway
• Right on Woodview Road
• Left on New Street
• Resume regular routing

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United Way gets out into the community and focuses on fund raising events - 164,000 lives are impacted as a result of a successful campaign.

Event 100By Staff

September 30th, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

As the city moves into October United Way volunteers in Burlington and Greater Hamilton will be hosting events to kick-off their annual fundraising activities for United Way and help raise awareness of the needs in our community. The initiative highlights the importance of pulling together to create lasting change.

Specs on Pearl

Kick-off at Specs on Pearl in Burlington at 9am on Thursday

The event will kick-off at Specs on Pearl in Burlington at 9am on Thursday and will include attendees from surrounding businesses, a few words from Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Deputy Mayor Rick Craven and United Way Campaign Chair and President of JanKelley Marketing Chantel Broten.
Activities throughout the day will include challenging obstacle courses at both JanKelley Marketing and Mohawk College, a bus pull at McMaster University, and a United Way led twitter challenge with prizes, just to name a few.

United Way GenNext members will host closing festivities beginning at 6pm at Stonewalls Restaurant in Hamilton. Proceeds from the closing event will support LGBTQ and newcomer youth initiatives in Burlington & Greater Hamilton.

Kim Phillips, one of the city's General Managers with a focus on the administrative and financial side of the place - gave it the old high school try when she jumped into the line, grabbed the rope and pulled.  Wasn't quite enough - the firemen took the trophy this year.

At past United Way campaigns the city really put their backs into the program. Here, former city general manager Kim Phillips helped pull a water truck down Brant Street.

“United Way Day is really about encouraging individuals and organizations to get involved and help create possibility for residents of Burlington & Greater Hamilton. One in 3 people in our community will access services supported by United Way in their lifetime. This could be a friend, family member, or neighbour. We all know someone who has been helped by United Way” said Broten.

United Way kicked-off the annual fundraising campaign earlier with a breakfast event at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The campaign will be championed by Hamilton Chair Paul Johnson, Director of Corporate Initiatives for the City of Hamilton and Burlington Chair Chantel Broten, President JanKelley and long-time Burlington resident. Together, they will highlight the unique needs of Burlington & Greater Hamilton and encourage collective community action.

“The need in our community is great and we could not begin to meet that need without the support of volunteers like those participating in United Way Day. This year, the ultimate goal of United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton is to impact over 164,000 lives, because we know our community isn’t great, until it is great for everyone” said CEO Jeff Vallentin.

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A weekend of Fast Pitch at Sherwood Forest park - second best if you don't have Blue Jays tickets

Event 100By Staff

September 30, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

If you enjoy fast paced, high scoring baseball games in October, the End of Season Fastpitch Tournament is for you and your family. Come on out for the action and support a local charity.

Fast pitch   male

Everything about Fast Pitch is fast – did the runner make it to the bag?

Sixteen teams from across Southern Ontario will meet this weekend at Sherwood Forest Park. Starting Friday evening, all day Saturday with Sunday championships games.

Fastpitch is much quicker paced than baseball, with 7 inning games games lasting about 1.5 hours, faster in-field play and more big hits!

There will be a Bavarian beer garden serving BBQ’ed hotdogs and burgers. Fifty-fifty draws will be held with a portion of proceeds going local charities.

This event is put on the Burlington Intermediate Men’s Fastball League (www.BIMFL.weebly.com) and the Hamilton Rosedale Fastpitch League.

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CineStarz: Showtimes Week of Friday, October 02, 2015 through Thursday, October 08, 2015

Cinestarz logo
Ciné-Starz

Upper Canada Place, Burlington, ON
Burlington, ON L7R 4B6

Showtimes

Week of Friday, October 02, 2015 through Thursday, October 08, 2015

The Perfect Guy (14A)
Fri – Sun: 3:20, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15

No Escape (14A)
Fri: 3:25, 7:00, 9:00
Sat: 3:25, 7:15, 9:40
Sun: 3:25, 7:00, 9:00
Mon – Thu: 1:20, 3:20, 7:20, 9:20

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (PG)
Fri – Sun: 1:15, 7:20, 9:30
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 7:10, 9:20

Straight Outta Compton (18A)
Fri – Sun: 7:00, 9:15
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 7:00, 9:00

Ricki and the Flash (PG)
Fri: 1:30 PM
Sun: 1:30 PM
Mon – Thu: 3:20 PM

Shaun the Sheep ()
Fri – Sun: 11:20 AM, 1:40, 3:20, 5:20
Mon – Thu: 3:40, 5:20

Pixels (PG)
Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM, 3:25, 5:00
Mon – Thu: 5:20 PM

Ant-Man (PG)
Fri: 11:30 AM, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Sat: 11:30 AM, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30
Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

Mr. Holmes (PG)
Fri: 11:20 AM, 11:20 AM, 1:20, 5:15, 7:15, 9:40
Sat: 11:20 AM, 11:20 AM, 5:15, 9:35
Sun: 11:20 AM, 11:20 AM, 1:20, 5:15, 7:15, 9:40
Mon – Thu: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:40

Inside Out (G)
Fri: 11:30 AM, 1:30, 3:30, 5:25
Sat: 11:30 AM, 1:20, 3:30, 5:25
Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:30, 3:30, 5:25
Mon – Thu: 5:15 PM

Built NOT Bought ()
Sat: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00

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Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Attending Incident at Burloak Dr and QEW

News 100 redBy Staff

September 28, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Halton Regional Police responded to a report of a distraught female that led officers to the Burloak Drive and QEW overpass in the City of Burlington.

BurlOak QEW overpass

BurlOak where it passes over the QEW – scene of an incident that required the Special Investigations Unit to be called in.

This morning, Monday September 28, 2015 at approximately 6:20am, officers arrived on scene. The woman was transported to hospital in stable condition.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was notified and has invoked its mandate. As a result the Halton Regional Police will not be able to provide any further information. Any inquiries should be directed to the SIU Communications.

The SIU is brought in when there is need for an investigation of police conduct.

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Dance company aims to create works of art that have a raw and vulnerable essence. Three performances at the Centre.

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

September 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington is about to enjoy a small part of the Brian McCurdy legacy – his decision to make space for local groups that have significant artistic merit and reflect one of the original purposes for the building of a Performing Arts centre in the city is what got the Form Contemporary Dance Theatre (FCDT) into the Studio Theatre for a three day dance program that knows where the edge of the envelope is and heads straight for it.

FORM two dancers - one masked

The FORM Contemporary Dance Theatre company in rehearsal for the two day – three performance of Blue on October 9th and 10th at the Performing Arts Centre.

(FCDT) is presenting their Reflective/Vulnerable which makes strong use of physically raw movements. The Reflective/Vulnerable performance guides, pushes and pulls audiences through emotional extremes.

Form - single woman on stage

Developing the form and feel of a dance production takes time and practice. The Form Contemporary Dance Theatre will be at the Performing Arts Centre October 9th and 10th

Reflective/Vulnerable is a mixed program featuring an interactive video installation from guest artists from The Burlington Wholeshebang and several other works of choreography each exploring different worlds of everyday experiences. Some of these worlds are filled with joyful and quirky movement; others examine the wandering rambling thoughts of our mind; and still others offer an intense exploration of control, power, and the individuals who challenge and overthrow.

FORM - dancer standing

A member of the Form Contemporary Dance Theatre in rehearsal. The company will perform in Burlington in October.

Reflective/Vulnerable offers audiences a variety of movement styles, themes, and emotions. With the support of ArtHouse and Michelle Hopkins Dance Studio we are thrilled to provide children from the Halton region professional dance experience as part of Reflective/Vulnerable. We are very excited for you to experience all that Reflective/Vulnerable has to offer.

FCDT sets out to create art that is inviting for audiences, art that combines extremes in its emotional content and art that is informed by human experiences. We aim to create works of art that have a raw and vulnerable essence.

Mateo Galindo Torres, artistic advisor explains: “Nothing should be absolute or immobile; everything needs to be challenged to allow for growth and evolution.”

The performances take place in the Studio Theatre:

OCT 9th 7:30pm (pre-show talk 7:00pm)
OCT 10th 2:00pm (pre-show talk 1:30pm)
OCT 10th 7:30pm (pre-show talk 7:00pm)

Tickets are available at The Centre Box office 905-681-6000 or online at www.burlingtonpac.ca.

FORM - two checkered clothing

The Form Contemporary Dance Theatre does excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite each year with a Cambridge orchestra. The company is very strong on costume – something very evident in these photographs.

Top ticket price $20

Form CDT is a Hamilton/Burlington based company founded in February 2014. Within Burlington and Hamilton they have been part of Flounder Festival, Burlington Culture Days, Hamilton Fringe Festival 14/15 and have collaborated with the The Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, Burlington Student Theatre and Art House. They have participated in Series 808 (Take Two) in Toronto, FRESH BLOOD in Toronto, Dance Matters in Toronto, and 2014’s Hemispheric Encuentro: Manifest in Montreal.

Most recently Form CDT has been commissioned by UNU-INWEH to choreograph and perform at their 20th Anniversary Celebrations in the Fall of 2016. Form CDT is very active in dance and movement education and to facilitate this passion we founded a sister company called Transform CDT.

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The ADI Development group takes their sales story to the local real estate community - valet parking no less.

Event 100By Staff

September 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

ADI Nautique signThe Gazette received the following from a friend who is a real estate broker:

“I have a glossy pamphlet you should have. ADI sent out invites for an exclusive broker luncheon Tuesday October 6th; “be the first to receive floor plans and advanced price list; see scale model, tour the stunning model suite”……”valet parking provided……”.

The Gazette didn’t get an invitation.

There is no stopping the ADI team

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