SoM crowds described as fantastic - weather cooperates. Parade on Saturday

By Denis Gibbons

June 17th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Hot weather accompanied the opening of Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival at Spencer Smith Park Thursday night. The Promenade along the waterfront was jammed with people, with more taking in the rock music from their boats out in the lake.

With the beautiful Burlington skyline as a backdrop, folks listen to the music. Burlington’s version of front row seats

Members of the Honeymoon Suite group signed autographs for fans at the west end of the park after they performed. The midway and concession stands were doing a booming business. Freshly squeezed lemonade, hot dogs, hamburgers and candy floss were among the treats being offered.

The Grand Festival Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, starting at Central Park, heading west on Caroline Street to Elizabeth, south to James, west to Brant and then north to Burlington Central high school.

The Sound didn’t go over that well with some people; one Gazette reader reacted to a story we did with this:

It was great sounds coming out of big big bass speakers.

For the record….not everyone thinks that the Sound of Music is “soothing”.  The noise from the bass was so loud last evening I sent an email to Lisa, and the by-law officer.  I can only imagine what Don Fletcher was dealing with.  His windows must have been shaking.  There is no need for the bass to be that loud under any circumstances.  A friend who lives on Smith Avenue told me the noise was awful.

 

All photos by DENIS GIBBONS

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Sound of Music soothes the city - lyrics by Three Days Grace might have been an omen

By Denis Gibbons

June 17th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Normal, normal and more normal with the sound of the bands laying in the background and hundreds upon hundreds of people strolling along.

The weather was perfect for much of the day – seeing people out and about was just wonderful.

Darron Repton with Jessica Genereaux

Darron Repton, an aspiring rap artist who performs under the stage name ‘Talk Sic’, attended Thursday night’s performances with Jessica Genereaux, who operates her own beauty spa ‘Browzamore’ in Burlington.  Repton has been enjoying the festival since he was five years old. It was the first for Genereaux, who just moved here from Waterloo. Talk Sic has toured all over Canada. Repton also has a job at Tamarack Lumber.

Jim Corbett, who enjoyed the music Thursday night with daughter Abby, a Grade 10 student at Assumption high school..

Saturday’s parade will go right past the office of chiropractor Jim Corbett, who enjoyed the music Thursday night with daughter Abby, a Grade 10 student at Assumption high school. Jim was born just down the street at Joseph Brant Hospital and has been in practice for 22 years. He used to play a little guitar with a buddy, but not in an organized band.

Wowie Lon Toc of Mississauga and Mary Bolla of Hamilton

Wowie Lon Toc of Mississauga and Mary Bolla of Hamilton were surprised to find the festival when they met for dinner at Spencer’s On The Waterfront.  They decided to take an after-dinner stroll and were glad they did. Both trace their roots back to The Philippines and sing in the choir at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Mississauga.

Azadeh Newrozi, son Farbod and little dog Leo.

It was the first festival for Azadeh Newrozi, son Farbod and little dog Leo.  The family hails from Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and has been living in Burlington for the last three years.

Diana Vinski

A chemical engineer with Metrican, at Appleby Line and Mainway, Diana Vinski particularly liked the music of Three Days Grace, last week, and was at Spencer Smith Park on Thursday night to listen to Skid Row.

Originally from Oakville, Vinski said the festival is “1,000 times better than the Oakville Waterfront Festival, held annually at Coronation Park in that town. She made the statement, even at the risk of never getting a job at Tourism Oakville!

 

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Concerts in the Park begin on the 19th and run through to August

By Staff

June 16th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Rocca Sisters Team have joined the city of Burlington in presenting this year’s Concerts in the Park.

Beginning Sunday, June 19 and running each Wednesday and Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. until Sunday, Aug, 28, 2022 there will be Concerts in the Park.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music under the open sky at the Central Park Bandshell (2311 New St. Burlington). If there is inclement weather, concerts will move inside the Music Centre if possible.

June Performances

Sunday, June 19– Burlington Teen Tour Band, Burlington Junior Redcoats, BTTB Alumni

Wednesday, June 22– 12/4 Swing

Sunday, June 26– Milton Show Band

Wednesday, June 29– Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus

KooGle putting on a performance at the Bandshell

July Performances

Sunday, July 3– Splendor in the Brass

Wednesday, July 6– Alex Whorms

Sunday, July 10– The Barbara Jordan Swing Septet

Wednesday, July 13– Florin Clonta

Sunday, July 17– Galt Kiltie Band

Wednesday, July 20– Silver Swing Big Band

Sunday, July 24– Millgroove

Wednesday, July 27– Dixieland All Stars

Sunday, July 31– Liverpool Sessions

August Performances

Wednesday, Aug. 3– Dixieland Plus

Sunday, Aug. 7– Burlington Teen Tour Band

Wednesday, Aug. 10– Lincoln Concert Band

Sunday, Aug. 14– Little Peter & the Elegants

Wednesday, Aug. 17– George Arnone Big Band

Sunday, Aug. 21– Subourbon Street

Wednesday, Aug. 24– Harbourtown Sound

Sunday, Aug. 28– Burlington Concert Band

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A totally different use for donated equipment at Burloak Park

By Staff

June 16th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

 

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward opening the section of the park with the equipment more than a year ago.

A number of years ago the Burlington Seniors Community paid for the installation of specialized exercise equipment that was set up in the east end of Burloak Waterfront Park, Lakeshore Rd. at Hampton Heath,

The specialized Exercise Equipment is being used as a pilot location by Passion for Parkinson’s Foundation for their exercise program to help Parkinson patients.  Tomorrow, Thursday at 1:30 is the last of their 4 week pilot project at this location.

We feel that it’s important for the general public, rehabilitation professionals and seniors to be aware of the benefits this equipment can be and that it’s available free to use 24/7 at this wonderful picturesque location.

If you know of any families dealing with Parkinson’s – get in touch with the Foundation – they are there to help – and they do make a difference.  Reach out to Chair -Tamara 416-230-3215

Little did the Burlington Seniors Community know when they paid for the equipment that it would be put to this kind of use.

Good things do happen.

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Burlington Farmers Market Open on Canada Day

By Staff

June 14th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Celebrate Canada Day Friday, July 1 while shopping for fresh Market Products at the Burlington Centre parking lot. (Prospect St east of Guelph Line).

Bring the family. Free cupcakes for customers at 10:00 am, while they last. Fire truck on display.

Chat mid-morning with MP the Hon. Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children & Social Development.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will also attend.

Saturday, July 2 is the alternative if Friday is cancelled by bad weather.

The Market, in its 64th consecutive year, features 43 vendors from all over Southern Ontario to serve you.

It is a long-term project of the Burlington Lions Club in service to the community and local vendors.

• Fruit/Produce/Cheese/Wine & Craft Beer/Flowers/Smoked Meats/Baked Goods/Honey/Preserves/Meat Pies.

The Market opens at 8:00 AM Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until October 29th.

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City sets out how it plans to Celebrate Canada’s birthday at Spencer Smith Park

By Staff

June 14th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The City of Burlington is excited to return to an in-person Canada Day celebration in Spencer Smith Park on July 1.

Fire works on the waterfront with the pier in the background.

This year’s event will start with an opening ceremony at 4 p.m. followed by evening entertainment on the main stage and the grand finale of a spectacular firework display presented by Bunzl over the lake at 10 p.m.

The event will also feature food and market place vendors.

For our early risers and active residents, a Canada Day Run and Yoga in the park will be held in the morning in Spencer Smith Park.

Other Canada Day Activities

There are plenty of fun options for the family this Canada Day throughout the city, such as splash pads and pools. All nine of the City’s splash pad locations are open and always free.

Nelson Outdoor Pool & Splash Park and LaSalle Wading Pool are open for swimming on Canada day (weather permitting). If you prefer to swim indoors visit Angela Coughlan Pool. For times of swims at all locations, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.

Canada Day is a great time to get outside, explore Burlington and get active. Take our Get Outside and Play Challenge, and complete 90 activities in 90 days. The challenge is on now until Aug. 29, 2022. Win great prizes!

 “It’s been two long years since we’ve had the Canada Day celebrations in-person and we are excited to bring this very popular, award winning event to our community. We are looking forward to a great evening with some spectacular fireworks” said a city spokesperson.

Links

burlington.ca/canadaday

burlington.ca/playoutside

burlington.ca/splashpads

 

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Antique cars and trucks add to the railway history at the Freeman Station - thanks Alan.

By Staff

June 13th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If there is an event taking place at the Freeman Station – expect to see Alan Harrington somewhere on the site.

Last weekend there was a collection of antique trucks and cars on display that Harrington photographed and sent tot he Gazette.

The Friends of Freeman Station in Burlington held an open house on Saturday bringing many first time visitors to the site.

A Vette, a bug and a tenderly restored pick up truck

The attraction this time was “classic old cars & trucks” – the kind used to bring people and cargo to and from the station.

About a dozen machines in attendance including: a 1950 black Cadillac, 1962 white Corvette and an 1970s Volkswagen Beetle.

Later in the day the 1937 Studebaker Burlington Fire Engine #4 arrived and kids were able to climb in and ring the bell.

This antique fire truck gets almost as much attention in Burlington as the Teen Tour Band.

The weather was expected to be gloomy but turned out perfect.

The station will be open again on Friday July 1 2022 to celebrate Canada Day.

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Sound of Music road closures June 11, 16-19

By Staff

June 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

It is that time of year – again.

The 43rd annual Sound of Music Festival is taking place over two weekends: June 11 and June 16 to 19, 2022.

The crowds pay a premium to gather at the edge of the stages.

To meet the needs of the festival and to ensure public safety, road closures are noted below.
Parade route streets will re-open as soon as possible after the parade on June 18. Vehicles parked illegally in the event area will be tagged or towed for emergency access.

Road Closures
Emergency Road Closures:
• June 11 and June 16 to June 18 nightly from 10 p.m. to midnight; and
• June 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.:
• Lakeshore Road from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue.

Streetfest Closures:
• Saturday, June 18 from 3 a.m. to Sunday, June 19 at 8 p.m.:
• Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road.

Parade Closures:
Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the following streets will be closed:
• Baldwin Street from Hurd Avenue to Brant Street
• Brant Street from James Street to Baldwin Street
• Drury Lane from Courtland Drive to New Street
• Caroline Street from Drury Lane to Elizabeth Street
• James Street from Brant Street to Elizabeth Street
• Elizabeth Street from Caroline Street to James Street
Parking Restrictions Posted
• Please do not park in restricted areas.
• See parking rules at each pay machine.

Traffic Supervision
Road closures will be managed under the supervision of the Halton Regional Police Service. Emergency access will be maintained at all times in the event area.
Event notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the event.

Road Closures or Traffic Control Information
Event Liaison, City of Burlington, 905-335-7600, ext. 7704
Burlington Transit Delays and Information
Bus route detours in effect for Routes 2, 4 and 10.
Minor delays in the downtown core should be expected on all festival dates.

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This could be fun - probably one of the largest stick shift events in the Region.

By Staff

June 7th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This could be fun.

The event suggests that the Friends of Freeman Station are branching out and adding to the events that take place at one of the strongest destinations in the city.

 

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D Day - the sixth of June, 1944 Allied troops landed on the Beaches of Normandy

By Staff

June 6th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was the largest invasion ever assembled, before or since, landed 156,000 Allied troops by sea and air on five beachheads in Normandy, France.

It happened 78 years ago.

The names of some of the men who did not return are etched in the Cenotaph next to city hall

D-Day was the start of Allied operations which would ultimately liberate Western Europe, defeat Nazi Germany and end the Second World War.

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Citizens celebrate the Queen's Platinum Anniversary 70 years as Monarch

By Pepper Parr

June 2nd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

At precisely 2:00 pm Thursday afternoon while citizens across the province were casting ballots Town Criers across the Commonwealth read the Royal Proclamation celebrating the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth’s anniversary of her seventy years on the throne was celebrated in Burlington.

David Vollick – Burlington’s Town Crier

The Town Crier, Dave Vollock, read his Proclamation in Civic Square to a “throng”  of people assembled there.

Ladies were each given a “fascinator” they could wear

Festivities continued at the Central Library where a display of the Queen’s hats was set up.  Now these were not the actual hats worn by Queen Elizabeth – but a collection of millinery very similar to what our head of state wears on her head.

Visitors who had RSVP’d ahead were treated to a tea – in a REAL porcelain teacup, along with tasty cake.

Ladies were each given a “fascinator” they could wear in their hair for the occasion. And a QEII 7O pin.

The Queen had her Silver Jubilee back in 1977 after just 25 years on the throne, and at that time, Burlington recognized the occasion with a brass marker on the King Edward VII Fountain at Veteran Square at City Hall.

That fountain (just restored last year) was festooned with Union Jacks for the day.

Some people are not excited about such an event, but our sovereign is a remarkable woman, and congratulations to her for her life’s work, after these long seven decades.

 

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The Performing Arts Centre 2022-23 Season

By Staff

June 2, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The members of the Performing Arts Centre get first dibs on tickets – membership has its benefits. The Box Office is open to everyone on Tuesday June 7th – Box Office opens at noon.

It is quite a season
We have set out what is being offered along with prices. Note the benefit to members – might be worth your while to take out a membership.

The 2022-23 season.

This is not an order form. You call the Box Office –

Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm

Payment: Cash, Interac/Debit, Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), Gift Certificate

905 -681-6000

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Sound of Music offering for 2022

By Staff

June 2nd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Sound of Music offering for 2022

Tickets available on the Sound of Music web site.

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Chamber Excellence award finalists announced: winners to be announced June 28

By Staff

June 2nd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After months of interviews, meetings and deliberations, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2022 Business Excellence Awards presented by RBC.

The Chamber has named 22 local organizations as potential winners of awards in a variety of categories. Award nominations are based on overall business excellence and the criteria include excellence in business leadership, community contributions, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and market growth.

The finalists are:
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
• Front Line Tours
• QB Sports Bar Grill Games

MANUFACTURING
• Precision Record Pressing
• BSB Manufacturing
• URtech Manufacturing

RETAIL
• She’s Got Leggz
• Familia Fine Foods
• Joelle’s Clothing

SERVICE (Large)
• RFB Construction
• Tip Tap Pay Micropayments
• Alexanian Carpet and Flooring

SERVICE (Business-to-Business)
• Urban in Mind
• Joe Apps Technology Support
• Stratus Building Solutions
• Frederikse Law

SERVICE (Business-to-Consumer)
• Waters Edge Salon and Spa
• No Excuse Boxing
• Burlington Denture Clinic

NOT-FOR-PROFIT
• Goodwill Amity
• Lighthouse for Grieving Children
• Food for Life

While the list of finalists is now public information, the names of the winners remain a closely guarded secret. The winners will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards Gala set for June 28 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. This highly anticipated event is being emceed by acclaimed Burlington fashion designer and entrepreneur, Joseph Tassoni.

 

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Moon in June Road Race road closures, June 4

By Staff

June 2nd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Moon in June Road Race is happening at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. These races require road and lane closures in Burlington.

Streets will reopen as soon as possible following the end of the race. Vehicles parked illegally in the area will be tagged or towed to allow emergency access.

Road Closures
3 to 11:30 p.m. – James Street between John Street and Brant Street
5 to 11:30 p.m. – Brant Street between Ontario and Elgin Street
6 to 11 p.m. – Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
7:15 to 9:30 p.m. – Lakeshore Road (east bound) between John Street and Brock Street; Brock Avenue between Lakeshore Road and Elgin Street; Elgin Street between Brock Street and Maple Avenue

Exit Points
• Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue at Brant Street
• Maple Avenue at Ontario Street

Traffic Lane Closures
• Southbound Brant Street between Baldwin and Caroline Street
• All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access

Resident Access
Emergency Services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
Traffic Supervision

Police will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets. Race notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the races.

Every June for 29 years – this the 30th year the are back at it. The Moon in June race

For 30 years the MiJ has supported local charities. We are one of the longest standing, truly charitable running events in Halton, over our tenure we have donated over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to local charities. We are so pleased to be back for our 3rd 30th anniversary event… We are very excited with the adaptations we have made for this years Moon in June. Our commitment, as a fully charitable event is to help Radius in their time of need and assist with their vastly increased need for services.

The Moon in June course is a flat fast one loop certified 5k and 2 loop certified 10km of down town Burlington. The route highlights the fabulous Burlington Waterfront and downtown core.

Help the Moon in June and Radius Child and Youth Services build futures free abuse.

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Performing Arts Centre raises the curtain on the 2022-23 season

By Pepper Parr

June 1st, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The new normal took shape Tuesday evening when Sean Cullen took to the stage at the Performing Arts Centre to introduce the program for the 2022-23 season.

The Performing Arts has a lot to offer this season.

And Cullen was in a very giving mood.

Sean Cullen in conversation with a fan.

He has a way with getting an audience to eat out of his hand – he spots people in the audience and knows instantly that he can play them.

A young woman in the front row was asked if she was from Burlington. She was she answered. Cullen moved on and then came back to the woman asking “where did you go to university.” “Western” she responded

Cullen turns away again and looks over his shoulder asking: “What did you study?”.

“Economics” the woman answers. “How’s that working out for you he asks” getting the laugh Cullen knew was in the audience?

It wasn’t a full house but is was a very respectable turn out.

The event had Cullen serving as the MC with four acts that would be performing during the season doing a short performance.

There was two short pieces of classical music performed by Francine Kay who hunches over the keyboard ready to pounce on the keys – and dazzled the audience.

Memberships in the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame were awarded to Gary De Groote and Don Allan. De Groote commented that it was the first time he had worn a jacket in two years.

Tammy Fox , Kathy Manness, Executive Vice President, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Megg Markettos, Manager, Marketing and Development BPAC

Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre spoke for a few minutes: the public needs to see and hear more of her – she has a quick wit, a sharp tongue and likes audiences – that hasn’t always been for BPAC.

While she is an administrator – there is dramatic talent there; a waste to keep it behind a desk

For the first time in my memory there was an In Memoriam moment during which several names appeared on the screen followed by photographs. When the name of Boris Brott, killed tragically by a hit and run driver, the audience rose to its feel applauding.

Regrettably there was no mention of the loss of Walter Mulkewich, former Mayor and quite an orator when he turned it on.

The purpose of the evening was to give Performing Arts Centre members an advance opportunity to buy ticket – the Box Office was held open for them for three days before the public can purchase tickets.

We will list the features in a separate article.

The purpose of the evening was to give BPAC members a taste of what the season was going to be about and to give them first crack a ticket sales. The Box office was the destination for most of the audience. Some needed a little more time to decide what they wanted to take in during the season

.

With Cullen taking his last friendly poke at the audience people were invited to go out to the Family room, enjoy an adult beverage and some food and just mingle – something many had not done for the last two years.

They didn’t run out of bottles of a refreshing bubbly white wine.

The Adult Beverage tables were kept busy.

The Performing Arts staff now bend their will to getting ready to welcome the first acts

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Some additional comment on the public meeting on the Bateman matter

By Pepper Parr

May 31st, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The reader who has asked, for good reasons, to be left as an anonymous writer explains why the City Manager is fronting the Public Information meeting this evening.

There is still very little information from the city Communications department other than that the event is taking place and here is how you can take part.

A big site with loads of potential has become a big problem

The reason why Tim Commisso, city Manager, will host the upcoming Community Updates tomorrow is due to the need to follow the City’s governance processes.

In the case of the Bateman situation, the City under the direction of the City Manager must present what recommendations may be considered for the elected City Council for approval.

What will the City manager put on the table this evening?

That would require a written report that citizens could read and form opinions. There is no written report.

In other words, the City negotiates to derive their recommendations but can’t approve their recommendations. City Council must ensure public input is received prior to making any approval decision associated with the recommendation from City staff. The known exception relates to legal matters associated which typically have already been made but are now appealed to a higher authority or which were not made in a timely fashion as dictated by published guidelines issued by the higher authority.

In our case, City Council has yet to receive a recommendation from City staff. As such City staff may present what has been received and to seek public feedback on the same. Any decision sought from City Council is unlikely to be made prior the end of session in mid-July and instead be postponed until after the Municipal election in October by the newly elected City Council.

The same goes for HDSB matters. The Director of Education presents recommendations for the elected Board of Trustees approval. In other words, the HDSB staff under the Director negotiates to derive their recommendations, but can’t approve their recommendations.

To do otherwise opens the doors to a conflict of interest. The elected members guard the purse and ensure that the rules of governance are followed.

It is up to each member of the public to be vigilant to ensure that changes to any rules of governance do not negatively compromise the public as a result of proposed recommendations made by the HDSB, the City or the Province.

The Municipal electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already been taken by City staff on a matter which enhances the City delivery of services to the community in a cost effective manner. Likewise, the HDSB electorate has to be satisfied as to the steps already taken which enhances the delivery of education services in a cost effective manner.

This meeting is taking place because there has been so much blow back from citizens; something had to be done – so the City Manager is going to explain what has and what he expect will take place.

At the risk of being rude – the people of Burlington can read – provide a detailed report on what the options are, what the expenses are and what the long term contribution to the city will be.

Then let Council get input from staff and then make a decision.

The problem with this, a traditional and accepted practice in the municipal world, is that this project has become something several members of Council want and they are going to do everything possible in order to show what they are capable of.

What they are capable of is the mess the public is looking at.

The event this evening is being recorded and we are told will be available for view “soon” after the meeting.

The meeting details are:

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Joseph Brant Museum shows off the SkyClub - look for an opportunity to check it out.

By Pepper Parr

May 30th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was set up as an event to celebrate what the Brant Inn was, especially in its heyday and to let the public see the SkyClub that rests atop the actual museum and beside the Joseph Brant residence.

The Joseph Brant Museum on a Saturday evening

The evening was also a fund raiser and one of those opportunities to get out and be with friends.

There was a band – the Smooth Blend Quartet – that did encourage some people to get up and dance.

Most of the dancing was done by Robert and Beverley of danceScape fame. The moves they made on the dance floor are things most of the attendees wouldn’t dare try.

Later in the evening Robert and Beverly taught a large group the Mambo. Everyone was having fun.

The Pier from the SkyClub atop the Joseph Brant Museum. The Brant Inn would have been in that space in the lower left hand corner of the photograph

The surprise, a real surprise for everyone was the SkyClub. The view on the east side took in the location where the Brant Inn used to stand.

Dan Lawrie, who didn’t chance any of the dancing, told his friends the place was one of the best kept secrets in the city.

The food was also a surprise – prepared by the chef’s at The Williamsburg kitchen it was better than many expected at this kind of event.

I will let my partner describe the food once she has had a chance to talk to the people at The Williamsburg.

 

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Liberal Mariam Manaa: direct, focused, fully aware of what is ahead of her if she wins.  She will be there to listen. 'That's the job'

By Pepper Parr

May 28th, 2022

BURLINGTON. ON

Mariam Manaa, Liberal candidate for Burlington in the June 2nd provincial election

The Gazette interviewed Manaa when she was seeking the Liberal nomination – it was a contested nomination and she came out on top.

Other than the Chamber of Commerce event there was never a chance for the public to hear all the candidates – that was the result of the Progressive Conservative Party deciding that their candidates would not take part and instead rely on Premier Doug Ford’s coat tails to get elected.

Candidate Manaa listening

Our interview with Mariam Manaa yesterday gave us a look at some of the experience she has in the world of politics and public service.

As a young woman she was invited to be part of the Youth Council that Oakville North Burlington Liberal Pam Damoff created.  Young people had the opportunity to gain some self-confidence and learn just how a Member of Parliament works.

She was seen as a smart cookie by Damoff who hired her to work in Ottawa as part of her team.

Manaa picked up a lot of really solid background on the processes that are involved in getting legislation passed. She also picked up a lot of the lingo used by the political set. “I worked on the hill for a period of time” said Manaa.

When that opportunity came to an end she was then asked by Burlington Member of Parliament Karina Gould to do some case work for her in Burlington.  Work with a member of Cabinet is a big deal for up and coming politicians.

She spent two years with Gould.

This is as good as it gets when getting ready to seek public office.

In our conversation with Manaa she didn’t say all that much about the Liberal policy for the province – what she talked about was the campaigning – that essential door to door work – meeting people and listening to their concerns.

Every politicians will tell you they love going door to door – some are much better than others at it.

Candidates meet on the door step: NDP Andrew Drummond, Liberal Marian Manaa

Early in the campaign Manaa and the team with her knocked on a door that was opened by the NDP candidate Andrew Drummond.

He was as surprised as she was

During the last long weekend Manaa said she knocked on 4000 doors during the three days.

I asked her a question that a gentleman should not ask a woman – how much weight have you lost during the campaign.  She came back with “I don’t know if I lost any weight but I can tell you I have muscled up quite a bit.”

Manaa is direct, focused, empathetic, fully aware of what is ahead of her if she wins.  She is not a policy wonk – she is there to serve.

How will you serve the people of Burlington if you are elected.  “I will do what I have learned to do – listen to what they have to say.

“When people get to an MPP’s office they are usually at the end of their rope.  They have tired everything else and often as a last resort they visit the politician and see if they can help.

“That’s the job” said Manaa

She stresses that if she is elected she will see herself as being elected to serve all the people of the city.

And with that, a quick handshake, and she was off to knock on new doors

This is an election where two of the candidates are new to the election game.

Progressive Conservative Natalie Pierre and Liberal Mariam Manaa have never served as elected officials and this is their first election.

There are three fringe candidates. New Blue candidate Allison McKenzie, Green Party candidate Kyle Hutton and an Ontario Party candidate we have not heard from

Andrew Drummond has never served; this is his third attempt to get elected as a New Democrat.

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Why gaming can actually be good for you: make new friends and develop strategic skills or just blow off some steam

By Chrysty Miles

May 28th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Compete or play just for the fun of it.

Given the array of gaming options available in the modern world, more and more people are discovering the benefits of gaming. Be it through an Amazon Fire Stick, a mobile gaming product, or a hugely powerful PlayStation 5 console machine, gaming is the preferred entertainment option for many of us.

Of course, like most recreational activities, gaming should be enjoyed in moderation and striking a balance is key, but once you get there, there are some proven ways in which enjoying an array of games can actually be good for you. Whether you’re playing first-person shooter classics like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare or simple puzzle games, there is a variety of proven benefits.

Gaming is a broad church these days. Some people like to play live casino games, whereas others go for big-budget console and PC games. Gaming could be playing something like Wordle in the New York Times every day. But whatever it is you do, it is the activity that counts. Not all of it is beneficial, of course. As they say – everything in moderation.

For instance, certain games are said to improve a range of cognitive skills, as well as helping with social skills. Throw in the fun and entertainment that can be had through a variety of gaming products, and it’s easy to see why the world’s population is filled with so many gamers.

In the past, we have tended to hear that gaming can be potentially harmful, perhaps leading to violence or even growth in certain street crimes, but this appears not to be true in general. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, there is strong evidence to suggest that gaming can actually be good for you. For instance, the research shows that gaming can benefit an individual both socially and health-wise while also providing learning along the way. Alongside this, there are some other additional reasons why gaming can be beneficial to a person. Let’s take a look at some more of them below.

Gamers can make friends around the world

Given gaming’s global appeal and the modern-day communication tools gamers can access while enjoying a gaming session, more and more people are connecting through a variety of titles. In the past, these types of opportunities were not available to gamers, but with the emergence of online gaming and an array of additional accessories, gaming is more sociable than it ever has been.

Gamers face a truly challenging set of obstacles to overcome, which, in turn, can improve coordination and strategic thinking. .

From Britain to Burlington, gamers are enjoying an array of products and teaming up with fellow players. As a result of shared Fortnite sessions and Pokemon Go trading marathons, gamers are making friends with other gamers around the world.

Gaming can improve your strategic skills

For people who perhaps aren’t too clued up on gaming and what exactly specific titles entail, playing games can seem like plenty of running around for no real reason. In truth, it’s the total opposite, especially when assessing some specific products that require a great deal of strategic thinking. Fact is, many games require skill, coordination and strategic play to succeed. It could even be argued that some levels on certain titles are essentially real-time board games in more detail, therefore giving gamers a truly challenging set of obstacles to overcome, which, in turn, can improve a variety of things, such as coordination and strategic planning.

Gaming can help people blow off some stream

Most importantly of all, gaming is fun and entertaining. A benefit of such pleasure and entertainment is an improved all-around mood and a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work. As stated already, specific titles require planning and can be tricky, but overall, gaming is a fantastic option for people who want to socialise with friends, have some fun, switch off from life’s trials and tribulations, and generally just blow off some steam.

Other entertainment options can offer a similar experience too, but gaming is the favoured choice for many people these days.

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