 By Staff
July 20, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On July 12, 2015, at approximately 2:50 a.m. police were called to the Esso Gas Station located at Lakeshore Road and Locust Street in Burlington.
A 21 year-old male visiting from Toronto was attacked by three suspects and robbed of his property.
The three male suspects then fled on foot north on Locust Street. Two of the suspects were captured on video in the Esso station prior to the attack.
 Robbery suspects caught on camera entering the Esso Station at Lakeshore and Locust where they are believed to have robbed a person. The first suspect is described as male white, approximately 30 years old, 5’5” tall with a heavy build. He was wearing a green t-shirt and green camo style cargo shorts, with a green camo Blue Jay baseball cap.
The second suspect is described as male white, approximately 30 years old, 5’10” tall with a medium build wearing a black t-shirt that had a “fix it up” logo.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Erin Cooper of 3 District Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 825-4747 ext 2313 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com; or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
 By Justin Lethbridge
July 18th, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On a humid Saturday afternoon at Nelson Park, the Burlington Bandits overcame the tough Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in the first game of a double-header. Both teams got off to a slow start but still managed to have an exciting seven-inning game.
 Bandit pitching was steady – but it was the batters that took the game. Toronto finally broke through the great pitching of Burlington’s Steven Dressier in the fifth, scoring the games first run. The Maple Leaf’s followed it up by bringing two more runs in with the bases loaded. Burlington would fire back in the sixth with a home run. Than, with two on base, Jim Martin stepped up and hit a ball right to the fence to bring two runners in to even the game. Immediately afterwards Toronto changed pitchers to no avail as Martin would score on the next hit to take the lead.
The Maple Leafs would tie it up at 4-4 but weren’t able to take the lead in the seventh inning allowing Burlington up to bat needing a single run to win. After a bunt and wild pitch, a deep hit brought in the winning run for the Bandits.
Burlington would go into the break with the momentum as they looked to make up more ground on Toronto in the standings.
After the first game the Bandits were 1.5 games back of the Maple Leafs for fifth in the league.
By Justin Lethbridge
July 18, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a great night for the Burlington Bandits: at the bottom of the 4th inning the Bandits had an 11 run lead en route to a lopsided 26-10 victory over the Hamilton Cardinals, Friday night in Hamilton.
 The Bandits kept hitting the ball – The Burlington Bandits pounded out 30 hits in a 26-10 win over the Cardinals Friday night.
Burlington centre-fielder Shaun Cooper had a home run, five RBI and three runs in the win. He added two doubles and a single.
Infielder Jim Martin had three hits, including a home run, six RBI and three runs. Jordan Boston had a home run, single, two RBI and three runs.
Kevin Hussey had five hits and drove in three and scored three times. Designated hitter Tyler Hardie went 3-for-7 with three RBI and two runs, while second baseman George Halim had five hits and three runs.
Right-fielder Justin Gideon had two hits, two RBI and three runs, and shortstop Keith Kandel had four hits and scored three runs.
The wind seemed to pick up in the 3rd inning and carry three consecutive deep hits by Burlington over the fence for runs.
Despite a Cardinal pitching change in the 3rd, the Bandits piled on the runs in a huge 4th inning that blew the game wide open. They continued to load the bases and bring runs in forced a second change in pitchers. Even than, the Bandits tacked on 4 more runs before a fly ball mercifully ended the onslaught with the score 18-4.
 – and they kept getting from base to base until they had a 26 – 10 win in their hands. While the 10 runs scored by the Cardinals would be more than enough for a victory on almost any other night, poor pitching put them in a hole. Burlington had a whooping 30 hits in a game that went well over three hours. Burlington was led by Jim Martin’s three runs and six RBI’s.
With the victory the Bandits pulled two games up on the Cardinals with only seven games left before the playoffs. Burlington’s next two games come in a double-header against Toronto at Nelson Park on Saturday July 18th.
Barrie still has a firm hold on 1st place in the league with Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
 By Staff
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Mountainside Pool, Nelson and LaSalle Wading Pools now closed for the day due to rainy conditions.
 Pools closed due to the amount of rain that has fallen. Outdoor pools will reopen Saturday July 18, 2015 weather dependant.
 By Pepper Parr
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If the Kick Off event is any indication of what the Lowville Festival is going to be like – this isn’t something you want to miss.
Driftwood Theatre put on a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet on an outdoor stage where people got to hear phrases that have become part of the English language: “Take thee to a nunnery” was the one that brought a smile to my face. It was something we said years ago – can you imagine saying that to a young woman today?
 The setting for the outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet was superb – the performance was just fine. Everyone needs to hear Shakespeare at least once a year The play started in the cool of an evening and ended with people gathered around camp fire to talk about the play and the way it was performed with the Driftwood Director.
The THiNKSPOT location in Lowville, amongst Walt Rickli sculptures, is about as good as outdoor theatre can get.
The Lowville Festival ramps things up Friday evening with:
 Will Laughton play Sinatra tunes on his trumpet? A gift to all if he does. SWINGIN’ ON A STAR
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2015 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Loretta Bailey and Robert Missen, hosts.
Artists include Stuart Laughton, Renee Barabash, Andy Griffiths, David Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Michael Mulrooney, Jude Johnson, Charles Cozens, Wayne Strongman and the Lowville Festival Choir,
The first Lowville Festival with a Gala Concert featuring a wide range of superlative performers, most of whom hail from Burlington.
Classical, pop, jazz, blues, folk, musical theatre. The second half of the concert will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frank Sinatra. Proceeds from this benefit concert will be dedicated to the establishment of the festival.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
 Andy Griffith – breaking new ground at the Lowville Festival – his Kids event should be a real hoot! MY CAT FLASH’S SOPHISTICATED SONGS FOR KIDS
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
ANDY GRIFFITHS and FRANK KOREN
Burlington singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths launches his new kids’ show, which will also entertain the kid in all of us.
$10
ROOTS N’ ROLL: ACOUSTIC ROOTS IN THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 8 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
Andy Griffiths and Frank Koren and Kim
Join Andy and his Burlington musical friends for an intimate evening with local songwriters in the Victorian stone schoolhouse in the centre of Lowville.
$20
NIA; a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 11 AM
LOWVILLE PARK, between the playground and the creek, under the trees
ADMISSION FREE
NIA is a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice, incorporating moves from dance, martial arts, yoga and other alignment arts, as well as individualized, free form movement. NIA offers fun and fitness to men and women of all ages and fitness abilities. Join Nia Black Belt teacher Anna Schantz for a NIA dance fitness experience in Music, Movement, and Magic. Theme: Psychedelic Sunday. Bare feet, hippie attire, and flowers most welcome. Suitable for everybody. www.nianow.com
 Gordie Tapp – will he do some of his naughty routines this time? He did when her took part in the Blue Jeans event at the Performing Arts Centre FOR LOVE OF LOWVILLE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE UNITED CHURCH
Lorretta Bailey and Robert Misen, hosts
Artists include Melissa Bel, Janet Turpin Myers, Loraine Foreman, Jude Johnson, Lorreta Bailey, Robert Missen and Daryl Webber.
Special Guest: GORDIE TAPP
Celebrating the rich historical and Escarpment heritage of the hamlet of Lowville in a concert that combines music and the spoken word. Local musicians Melissa Bel and Lorretta Bailey are joined by novelist Janet Turpin Myers. Legendary Burlington entertainer Gordie Tapp, formerly of Lowville, will be reunited with Lorraine Foreman, his colleague on Country Hoedown, one of the most popular Canadian television shows of the fifties.
$20 ADVANCE/$25 AT THE DOOR
 Rebecca Caine – going to be great to see what she decides to do on stage. SUMMER SERENADE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Rebecca Caine of Les Miserables fame will be part of the Lowville festival
ROBERT MISSEN is hosting this event.
Artists include Rebecca Caine, soprano; Robert Kortgaard , piano; Rachel Mercer, cello; Stuart Laughton, trumpet; Renee Barabash, piano; Michael Mulrooney, piano
Missen says they will be bringing the inaugural festival to a glorious conclusion with a concert featuring some of the country’s finest classical and musical theatre artists. Rebecca Caine, the original Cosette in Les Miserables and star of the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera; Oakville-born cellist Rachel Mercer; and virtuoso trumpeter Stuart Laughton will present a concert featuring Bach, Chopin and Schafer as well as a special tribute to The Sound of Music.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
Lowville doesn’t see this much action even during the Winter Carnival. Getting around Lowville is easy once you know where you are going.
The United Church is at the corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road with a decent parking lot behind the church.
St. Georges isn’t actually in Lowville, it isn’t even in Burlington. It is on Guelph Line just above Derry Road – can’t miss the place – it is a beautiful stone building built in 1896
By Pepper Parr
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Andy Griffiths is beginning to move with a different crowd these days.
This weekend he will be in Lowville taking part in the weekend Festival that is being held in that community for the first time.
Andy Griffiths – moving the sound through the microphone. Andy would like you to show up and listen to him share a stage with the likes of Stewart Laughton and David Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Renee Barabash, Charles Cozens, Lowville Festival Choir (Wayne Strongman, conductor) plus Michael Mulrooney.
“There will be a BIG kick off concert at St. George’s Parish Hall with many great performers and a Frank Sinatra Tribute” explained Griffiths who added ” I’ll play a couple of tunes early in this show. It starts at 7:30 and is sure to be a spectacular evening.”
 The Lowville School house – location for several of the Festival events – close to the free parking. On Saturday Griffiths breaks new ground for him – doing his very first Kids Show – ‘OUR CAT FLASH’ on Saturday, July 18 at 2pm. Frank Koren will be part of the gig with special guest and Lowville resident Loretta Baily sharing the stage – Stage might not be the appropriate word – the event is taking place in the Old Lowville School House located beside the entrance to Lowville Park. Lots of free parking available. )
The show will appeal to kids of all ages as the audience joins in some of the songs that are sung. The crew will be acting out parts and generally having a great time. There will be face painting and crafts as well … before and after the show.
Later the same day …….. Saturday, July 18 at 7:30pm
‘ROOTS AND ROLL’ at the Old School House
Performing folk, roots and folk rock. Special guests at this event will be Kim Koren, Frank Koren, and Fred Magie. He group will be performing original songs, well known to their faithful followers and sure to grab you, if you are a new to these talented performers.
This evening event will also take place in the atmospheric and intimate … Old Lowville School House.
By Staff
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
It is week thirteen of the Halton Regional Police Service “Fugitive Friday” initiative that reaches out to the public to help locate wanted persons and hold them accountable for their actions. The initiative is being run by the Burlington Offender Management Unit
There are numerous people who continue to evade the police and the court system and continue to live out in our communities while having a warrant for their arrest in place.
In this edition of Fugitive Fridays the police are searching for another couple, Ashley Ann JACOBS, 30 year, of Kahnawake, Quebec and Michael William CRICK, 31 years, of Hamilton, Ontario.
It is alleged:
 Ashley Jacobs is alleged to have assaulted a person In October 2013, Ashley JACOBS assaulted a female during an altercation in the City of Burlington, was arrested and released to attend Burlington Court in October 2014. JACOBS failed to appear and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
On two separate occasions in 2014, Michael CRICK attended the Mapleview Mall and the LCBO in the City of Burlington and stole several items. CRICK was arrested and released, scheduled to re-attend Milton court in October of 2014 which he failed to do and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
JACOBS is wanted by the Halton Regional Police Service for:
Assault – Adult female
Breach of Probation Order
Fail to Comply Undertaking
Fail to Attend Court
 Michael Crick CRICK is wanted by the Halton Regional Police Service for:
Theft Under $5000 x 2
Fail to Re-Attend Court
Fail to Comply with Probation
CRICK is also wanted by Hamilton Police Service for:
Fail to Comply Probation
Ashley JACOBS is described as 5’9”, 190 lbs with brown eyes and black hair. JACOBS has pierced ears and a tattoo on the back of her neck of an “Anarchy” symbol.
CRICK is described as 5’10”, 150 lbs with brown hair and eyes. CRICK has scars on his head and left thumb and also has tattoos “Delaware” on his left forearm and “Crook” on his right forearm.
Both parties are known to frequent Halton, Hamilton, Brantford and Six Nations. Ashley has strong ties to Kahnawake, Quebec and may be staying there.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact D/Cst Bulbrook – Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau – Offender Management Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2346 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
By Justin Lethbridge
July 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
After a hard-fought game Thursday night in Burlington, the Bandits pulled out a close 4-3 victory over rival Hamilton Cardinals. It was a mostly defensive affair, as the two teams traded scoreless innings. There was only one home run and many innings ended with runners left on base.
 Burlington pitchers shut down the Hamilton batters – to take the game: 4-3 Hamilton got things going with two runs in the second before they showed off their defense. After keeping the Bandits off the board through two innings they got a critical double play with the bases loaded to end the third inning. Despite the defensive pressure, Burlington scored a run in each of the next four innings while allowing only one run by Hamilton.
After going up 4-3 in the seventh, it came down to Burlington’s last two pitchers. Blake Weston and Brandon Catena completely shut the Cardinals down, allowing only two hits over the last three innings.
Weston came in to close out the game in the ninth and despite an error by his left fielder he preserved the win.
The two teams face off in the second part of their home and home Friday night in Hamilton.
Barrie has a three game lead for first in the league followed by Kitchener in 2nd, Brantford in 3rd, London in 4th, Toronto in 5th, Burlington in 6th, Hamilton in 7th and Guelph in 8th.
By Staff
July 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
They do it every summer – they use red bags to boost sales for downtown retailers – and it works for everyone – the retailers and the consumers.
 Brian Dean, top toff at the Downtown Business Association was out drumming up business for those of his members that took part in the Red Bag Sale. He doesn’t exactly make a fashion statement does he? The event begins at noon on Friday and runs till 9:00 pm in the downtown core.
Celebrate summer in Downtown Burlington! They’ll have you seeing RED all day with activities & events throughout the core.
Look for the red balloons! Get Caught Red Handed for Prize Giveaways!
If you’re spotted with a red retail bag you are in for a chance to win prizes from downtown businesses!
 For every $50 spent, you get entered to win a $500 Shopping Spree! Participating businesses will being handing out the ballots upon purchase, fill out and hand in at our Burlington Downtown tent at Civic Square – set up outside City Hall.
By Pepper Parr
July 16, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
This article has been revised.
They are now off for six weeks – except for a three day municipal conference in August the magnificent seven that lead this city of ours will be taking it easy.
During their last city council they came close to making absolute fools of themselves over a code of conduct that we doubt will be followed – and if it is – it will be used to continue the petty games we saw at the Wednesday night council meeting.
After what the Mayor called a “sloppy, messy” debate council put back in a section of the Code that had been taken out at a meeting May 12th.
There was all kinds of fulminating about principles and professionalism and the need to work as a team which isn’t what your Council did Wednesday evening.
After some discussion between Councillors Craven and Sharman in the foyer outside the Council Chamber, Councillor Sharman returned to his seat, said a few words to Councillor Lancaster and the meeting began.
 Councillor Sharman tends to advise Councillor Lancaster on issues and directions. Councillor Lancaster introduced a motion, seconded by Councillor Sharman to replace wording in the Code of Conduct that had been taken out at that May 12th meeting.
No one had seen the motion until it was introduced – not the Clerk or the Mayor. All the chatter about professionalism and respect for each other got blown out the window.
There is precious little respect between Councillors Craven and Sharman for Councillor Meed Ward. Councillor Lancaster tends to go along with whatever Sharman suggests.
The issue was about whether or not a council members can involve themselves in matters that are outside their wards.
The Gazette will report on that part of the meeting in another piece.
The final vote was to refer the revised Code of Conduct to the city manager where it will get debated under the Governance section of the strategic Plan. One of the problems is that Strategic Plan meetings are for the most part not recorded or broadcast on the city’s web site.
 They now have a Code of Conduct – will it make any difference as to how they behave with one another? Don’t expect any changes – the behaviour for most of these men and women is deeply rooted. The Gazette will report on that part of the meeting in another piece.
Council goes into Closed Session to hear what city solicitor has to say.
Council went into a closed session to talk with the city solicitor about the latest move on the part of the ADI Development Group and the 28 storey project they want to build at Martha and Lakeshore Road. We have no idea what they talked about but the length of the closed session suggests that it was complex.
Earlier in the week the Ontario Municipal Board Commissioner who will be hearing the ADI application set a date for in March for the hearing.
The OMB meeting on Monday was, we are advised, a meeting to set out what the issues are and to narrow the focus – to determine just what it is ADI is asking the OMB to do.
 It is going to take some really fine lawyering to prevent this 28 storey structure from going up at the corner of Martha and Lakeshore. OMB hearing expected to take place in March of 2016 The Gazette was not able to attend that meeting but our colleague Joan Little, a former city and regional Councillor and a columnist for the Hamilton Spectator, said she didn’t hear any discussion that had to do with the narrowing of the issues.
These preliminary meetings are held to get some sense as to how much time the Municipal Board should allocate for the hearing. The one looks like it is going to be long and contentious.
ADI has hired Weir & Foulds, a Toronto firm with an exceptionally strong pedigree – these guys don’t take any prisoners. Based on the two occasions the Gazette listened to one of their lawyer’s the city has its work cut out for it.
New Court House for Provincial Offenses gets the go-ahead.
There was more – the construction of a court house on Palladium Way at Walkers Line is now a go. The intention is to have a court house built that will hear Provincial Offenses only.
 At least two more years for this Provincial Offenses Court House. Citizens in the Alton Community were concerned with people being tried for criminal offenses being in the area. Provincial Offenses are things like Highway Traffic Act cases; charges laid against people who have been charged with a provincial law offense. They aren’t going to see men and woman in handcuffs and shackles being led into that court house.
While the province is responsible for running the courts in which criminal cases are heard – the building that is being planned will not hear that kind of case
Council approved the issuing of a Request for proposals (RFP) to private sector investors/developers inviting them to purchase or lease the site the city owns and build the court house.
Transit issues got a very small mention – there are going to be talks with Oakville transit to look into what might be done to get some public transit to the court house.
City Manager James Ridge did say that there was some public education needed and that there would be public consultations in September.
The Court House to be built is expected to serve the needs of Region foe the next 25 years. The intention is to have the court house ready for occupancy in January of 2018.
 By Staff
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
King Paving & Construction has been awarded the Forest Glen and Shadeland Avenue Resurfacing and Reconstruction project.
 Project limits are as shown in the attached map.
Road/Lane Closures
Throughout the project, the traffic will be restricted to local traffic only. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. Construction signs will be posted and the site will be barricaded.
Please exercise caution and obey all signs placed for your safety.
Preliminary work is scheduled to begin early July and will continue through to the end of September.
The work includes:
Forest Glen Ave & Shadeland Ave
• Road reconstruction includes storm sewer and curb and gutters from Northshore to approx 300m north.
• Remainder of the roadway (to Townsend) is resurfacing only.
Ascot Place
• Road resurfacing with culverts installation in various locations
Access
Vehicle access to and from your properties may at times be difficult, additionally; driveways will be temporarily closed when work is being carried out in the immediate vicinity. Either the inspector or the contractor will notify you of access interruptions prior to the closure.
Parking on the street
For the duration of the construction, on-street parking will be relaxed for the “5 hour limit and overnight between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.” in your area, when your driveway is not accessible or if the street is closed. However, vehicles will be subject to enforcement of all other parking offences where:
• Signs are posted, i.e. prohibited parking, prohibited stopping, etc
• Signs are not posted, i.e. obstructing sidewalks, facing the wrong way, parked within 3 meters of a fire hydrant, etc
Garbage
Please continue to put your garbage and recycling out on the usual day. It is the contractor’s responsibility to move your garbage to a location that it can be accessed by the garbage truck and return your garbage containers. In order to help the contractor we would ask that you indicate, on you garbage cans and recycling bins, your house numbers.
Lawn Irrigation Systems
If you have a lawn irrigation system, we recommend you disconnect and remove any sprinkler heads within the City’s road allowance. As well, please have your system flagged that is near and City road works.
 By Pepper Parr
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an infectiousness to the guy.
He doesn’t stop – every idea is a great idea.
He’s been in show business forever and knows all the players – he drops names like rainfall.
 Bob Missen – one of the founders of the Lowville Festival – which takes place this weekend The arts, the arts, the arts – they are what Bob Missen lives and breathes and if there is an opportunity to advance a cause or an idea or an event – he will be at the front of the line
When he delegated during one of the Stakeholders meetings that were held to ”inform” the Strategic Plan, the people in the room had to lean back a little to absorb the flow of words.
Missen knew that this was his opportunity to state his case – and he didn’t miss much of that opportunity.
Missen doesn’t speak from a script – he does wave his hands a lot and the passion just flows out of the man.
He promoted the Lowville Festival and certainly had the ear of the people who were in the room.
Missen’s mission if you will, goes far beyond the limits of Lowville where he is hosting the inaugural Lowville Festival; he sees no reason why the Nelson Quarry that is close to the end of its productive life can’t be converted into a park with an amphitheatre set beside the lake that would get formed when the quarry eventually fills with water.
 Can the city get it hands on the quarry and turn the site into a healthy addition to the economy and social activity in rural Burlington – will the locals go along with such an idea o do they want to be left along to enjoy their piece of paradise? Missen is talking the language that John Taylor lives – there are already people planning on a second conversation with the Nelson quarry people about having the city acquire the property.
A quarry in Action was recently acquired by the Region for a reported price of $1 – Missen likes that approach.
Burlington’s city council did a bus tour of the quarry site and were briefed on the time frames the Nelson quarry people were looking at – Councillor Marianne Meed Ward came away from that event feeling that there were potentialities.
The Lowville Festival event is pretty catholic in its breadth – there is just about something for everyone. “We are not at all sure where this is going to go” said Missen. “We just saw the locale as something with great potential and we put out the word and are now bringing all the wonderful talent this city has and letting the citizens hear for themselves.”
 Teresa Seaton, centre, discusses where her cultural hot spots in the city are located. Donna Graddon, on the right is thinking that one over. Missen is convinced there is great potential for an explosion of artistic activity and it doesn’t all have to take place on the edge of the lake. The Escarpment is just as big a part of the city adds Missen and we want to take advantage of that setting.
“Losing Brian McCurdy as the executive director of the Performing Arts centre is close to tragic” said Missen “but there are some very good people in place and their focus now on community groups and encouraging local talent is something Burlington has needed for some time.”
“Hopefully” adds Missen, “McCurdy will be deeply involved in the selection of his replacement – he knows everyone and can be of immense help.”
Missen is of the belief that Burlington will create an Arts Council and that the city will fund it on an ongoing basis – and go so far as to give the Council a significant sum to be handed out to different arts groups – an amount of $100,000 has been floated.
The discussions taking place at the Strategic Plan sessions make mention of a role for the arts but the focus there is on vital neighbourhoods.
There was a time when individual council members listened to requests for funding and some dollars were handed out – it is unlikely that any of the seven politicians that lead us through the darkness are going to give up that perk.
 The Collective had done their homework – they knew what they wanted – now to actually get it – that’s their challenge. The arts community has certainly come to the surface and are now clearly visible on the radar screen – what kind of influence they can have on the bureaucracy is another story.
Culture Days is taking place in the city in September. Missen takes a lot of the credit for getting the city on board with that program which was a success last year.
The city currently has a Culture manager – she was upgraded from a culture planner – but other than a half time helper Angela Paparizo struggles with a large workload without the kind of senior management level support and direction.
Up until the appointment of Paparizo as a cultural manager, arts programs got stuffed in with sports and recreation – the two didn’t mix all that well.
 Robert Steven. president of the Art Gallery of Burlington has yet to make any kind of a mark on the cultural scene – he is still working his way through the organization he was brought in to run. The newly appointed president of the Art Gallery of Burlington, Robert Steven, came to us from Grande Prairie, where he ran a full slate of programs as the Director of Arts and Culture – Grande Prairie had a 2011 population of 55,000 – Burlington is three times its size. That city proved to understand that the arts was not only healthy for a public but was also a real business. Burlington isn’t there yet.
The city struggled with an ongoing subsidy of more than half a million dollars each year for the Performing Arts Centre; when they place first went operational Ward 2 councillor Meed Ward said she wanted the place to be self-sustaining if not profitable – she has since learned the arts don’t work quite that way.
The current council is not likely to lay out all that much money in 2016 – they are still trying to digest the possible 4% tax increase the finance department trotted out a few weeks ago.
 Cultural projects manager Angela Paparizo and Trevor Copp have been leaders in pushing for the creation of a Cultural action plan – the task now is to network and create some momentum at the bureaucratic level. The emergence of a younger active more mobile demographic in Burlington has opened some eyes and resulted in the creation of an art collective that is not shy about getting their story out.
There is a Cultural Action Plan – in print at least – that needs to get some meat on its bones. It was in the hands of General Manager Kim Phillips who has since retired and really hasn’t found a home or a strong advocate. The Cultural manager has some networking to do.
Missen had hoped she would be a very visible presence at the Lowville Festival – Paparizo is on vacation that week.
By Debra Pickfield
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Driftwood Theatre will be producing Hamlet at THiNKSPOT location in Burlington tomorrow (Thursday) evening July 16th.
 Perhaps the most famous Shakespeare play will be performed from 7:30 until 9:30 pm (food will be available for purchase from 6:00 until just before the play begins).
Jeremy Smith, founder of Driftwood, will be staying for a wine and cheese Question and Answer period after the play – and with 20 years of taking Shakespeare on the road through-out Ontario each year I for one am looking forward to hearing his stories.
 The feature that makes THiNKSPOT work is the setting. For people like me who are very rusty with their Shakespeare, there is an equivalent to Shakespeare for Dummies on Thursday afternoon. We have a few spots left if you are interested in getting totally outside of your comfort zone (OK – that is actually me expressing my biggest fears – so now you know) – just let me know if you are interested in joining us tomorrow afternoon. (there will be some liquid courage provided somewhere at ThinkSpot.)
The Hamlet presentation is the first event in a four day event – the Lowville Festival – talking place in what some people are calling a hamlet – that is a stretch isn’t it?
THiNKSPOT is exactly what the name says: A place where people meet to think.
By Staff
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Which is it?
The one that was approved by the city at a council meeting or the one that is on the sales sign on the property?
 The initial proposal was for an eight story building – that got whittled down to seven. Many felt there was still too much massing. When Maranatha Gardens was first proposed it was a seven story structure that some felt had too much massing.
A lot of jaw boning with the people in the planning department brought about a revision that seemed to keep most people happy. The Mayor said he believed that some of the people who were opposed to the size of the building would eventually live in it – now there’s an endorsement for you.
 With even more jaw boning the project got cut down to six floors with a large open space to cut down on what many thought was a massive wall in a location that wasn’t appropriate A community group took the matter to the OMB – but soon gave that up and for all intents and purposes the project was a go.
The lot has been cleared and there is some kind of a construction schedule.
 The what’s being offered for sale sign doesn’t look at all like what was approved at city council – why’s that? And there is a sign on the property offering units for sale – it isn’t a picture of the building that was approved – it doesn’t look anything like the plan that was approved at city council – so – which one is it ?
 By Staff
July 15, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
If you’re on the south end of Brant on a Friday evening in August you will hear the sweet sound of a saxophone – head towards the sound – t he Burlington Performing Arts Centre will present a free concert on the plaza, featuring a different performer each evening.
The performances take place from 6:30pm-8:30pm and the bar will be open. In the event of rain, the performance will move from the plaza into the lobby.
Performers include Jude Johnson (Burlington), Mike Malone (Hamilton), Joel Haynes and the Jazz Collective (Burlington/Toronto), and Micah Barnes (Toronto).
 Jude Johnson a vocalist, songwriter and performer who grew up in Burlington. Friday, August 7: Jude Johnson a vocalist, songwriter and performer who grew up in Burlington. She moved to Hamilton and is that city’s Special Music Ambassador. He was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2009. He received the Hamilton Arts award for Arts Education in 2011. She has also been the unseen voice on many radio and TV commercials, been featured on CBC radio and sung on over 50 albums with a variety of artists.
 Mike Malone: Trumpet player, composer, and arranger. Malone has been part of the Canadian Jazz scene since the early 1970’s. Friday, August 14: Mike Malone. Trumpet player, composer, and arranger; Malone has been part of the Canadian Jazz scene since the early 1970’s. From 1986 until retirement in 2011 he taught at Mohawk College including trumpet and composition courses. In 2013 he became Director of the Jazz Band at McMaster University.
 Haynes and the Jazz Collective Friday, August 21: Joel Haynes and the Jazz Collective. Based in Toronto, the Jazz Collective serves up their own unique jazz compositions penned from each member with elements of high energy jazz and contemporary harmonies. The group is a “wish list of jazz musicians” put together by Joel Haynes (Burlington) & Jeff King (Toronto). The players: Alexis Baro (trumpet), Jeff King (tenor sax), Luis Deniz (alto sax), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Arti Roth (acoustic bass) and Joel Haynes (drums).
 Micah Barnes started singing in the cabarets and jazz clubs of Toronto while still a teenager, Friday, August 28: Micah Barnes. Starting in the cabarets and jazz clubs of Toronto while still a teenager, Micah Barnes is now a well-loved singer-songwriter. He toured the world with The Nylons, and later his solo career led to his #1 international club hit Welcome To My Head. Micah earned coverage in Rolling Stone magazine as “an Indie artist to watch”.
A glass of wine in hand, tapping your foot to the sound of a really good base player – with the smell of the lake in the air.
This is nice.
By Staff
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Community Foundation can now move on to its normal mode of operation – getting ready for its annual Gala event in October and developing a number of community based programs.
The Foundation also beefed up its board and brought in some muscle and some top rate marketing people.
The Foundation now has two – not one but two Colonels on its Board.
Has there ever been a Board of Governors in Burlington history with two Colonels on its board asks Honorary Colonel Ron Foxcroft who is now joined by Honorary Colonel Tim W. Hogarth
Early in July the Community Foundation added three new people.
 Tim Hogarth, CEO Pioneer Energy, the Honorary Colonel of the Hamilton Light Infantry and now a member of the Community Foundation Board Colonel Tim Hogarth of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry also the CEO of the Pioneer Group joined the Board of the Foundation along with Catherine Brady, Director of Client Services, ADFLOW Networks, and Neil Oliver, Group Publisher & Vice President, Metroland Media Group, have joined the foundation’s Board of Directors.
“It is an exciting time for BCF and we are delighted to welcome Catherine, Tim and Neil to our Board,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO, Burlington Community Foundation. “Each individual brings unique business expertise and experience supporting various community initiatives. This added depth will allow our Board to continue collaborating within the community to build endowments, give grants and connect leadership.”
 Catherine Brady, centre, explains how the AdFlow service works during a visit to their office by Burlington MP Mike Wallace Burlington resident Catherine Brady brings a wealth of experience in business and non-profit volunteer sectors. At ADFLOW Networks Catherine manages an office of 30 and is responsible for training clients on digital software applications. Catherine’s volunteer leadership roles include past President of Rotary Club Burlington Central, Past President of the Art Gallery of Burlington Foundation Board, member of the AGB Governing Board and a United Way cabinet member. In 2014, Catherine was also instrumental in assisting the BCF Flood Disaster Relief Committee fundraising efforts in community-based activities.
Tim Hogarth was appointed the Honorary Colonel of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry regiment in 2012. He has been awarded numerous accolades including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and was inducted into the Order of St. George (Canada & Americas). Tim is a founding partner of the Charter for Business Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme, former Vice-Chair Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and serves on various other charities and boards. Tim was educated at the Harvard Graduate School of Business and Bishops University.
 Neil Oliver, a Metroland V and publisher of the Burlington Post Neil Oliver is responsible for Metroland’s largest community newspaper group that stretches from Oakville, southwest to Niagara and northwest to Kitchener. He is the publisher of the Burlington Post and also responsible for Metroland’s three daily newspapers; The Hamilton Spectator, Waterloo Record and Guelph Mercury. Neil has over 28 years of experience in the media industry and holds an MBA from the University of Leicester. Neil has served on several boards in the not-for-profit sector as well as industry associations and lives in Burlington with his wife and two children.
“These new Board Members are joining a team that is committed to keeping Burlington healthy and strong,” says Mulholland. “In fact Tim’s involvement with BCF is a fabulous extension to the Hogarth family’s legacy,” says Mulholland. “His father Murray’s first gift started our foundation and he was also the first Board Chair. We are delighted that Tim, Catherine and Neil are joining us for the next leg of our journey.”
 Ron Foxcroft, the second Burlington Honorary Colonel to meet the Queen this year. Ron Foxcroft got himself in front of Queen Elizabeth a few months ago – Tim was presented to the queen last April at Canada House in London UK. Hogarth adds: “It was all part of the commemoration of Canada’s contribution to various WWI battles namely the 2nd battle of Ypres, Belgium and The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry’s participation.
Expect this ongoing bragging rights discussion to lighten up things at BCF board meetings. How Brady and Oliver are going to keep up with these two will be something to watch.
 By Pepper Parr
July 14, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Citizens of the city are finally getting used to the idea of sharing their opinions – at least on questions that matter to them – and if there is a question that matters to people in this city it is – parking
Between April 24 and May 7, 2015, more than 1040 residents completed the online questions about parking and sharing their comments.
The public input has been incorporated into a staff report that will be presented to the Development and Infrastructure Committee on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015 and the Burlington City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.
What did the public have to say about parking in this city? Interesting responses – looks like paid overnight parking is going to take place in the eastern side of the city.
Here are the result of the questionnaire:
 The public opinion survey response on the question of on street parking and whether or not it should be paid for and if so how much got the highest response ever for an Insight survey.  The parking survey response by ward – tells us where the problems are.  A third of the households are more than two car families – are these transit opportunities?  Most people seem to be able to park there cars in their driveways – so what’s the problem?  For the 238 out of the 1048 who completed the survey people – they seem to be evenly divided on where cars should be parked if they don’t fit into the driveway.  Slightly more than half will accept the idea of permit parking.  If there is on-street parking at night – most know when they want it to take place  This questions appears to have allowed people to choose more than one option – needs follow up  The city was taking no chances on being misunderstood – pictures showing just what each definition meant were provided.  Now for the crunch question: How much would you pay to park on the street ?  Reactions shift when the price changes – even though the changes are minimal.  The 60% of the people who responded to the pricing questions were split on whether or not they were reasonable. Expect some noisy delegations on this question when it gets to Council  A no cost option was seen as unreasonable by some – interesting.  What was really clear was this: people do not want to pay for parking if they are not actually on the street.
By Staff
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Outdoor Pool Schedules – Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Nelson and LaSalle Wading Pools are now closed for the day due to rainy conditions.
 They will reopen Wednesday July 15, 2015 weather dependent.
All other pools are open for scheduled swims.
By Staff
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Temporary Lane Restriction: Pinedale Avenue
 Putting down a black top on Pinedale. From July 15 to 17, Pinedale Avenue will have lane restrictions and delays between Appleby Line and New Street due to resurfacing work.
By Pepper Parr
July 13, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
Stuart Laughton is reflective when asked what his part will be in the inaugural Lowville Festival that begins this weekend.
 Stuart Laughton, trumpeter, will be playing parts of the Lowville Festival this weekend. “I haven’t done all that much in Burlington or for Burlington even though the city has been my home more than thirty years” he said.
“My work as a musician kept me out of the city much of the time. When was asked to perform I was delighted and look forward to playing outdoors and getting a sense of the sound the land will give back.”
Laughton has played in rural settings before and spoke of the occasion when he would play his trumpet early in the morning when the mist had yet to leave the water.
“The animals in the forest react to the sound; birds will respond – it is quite a feeling.”
For a man who has played his trumpet in some of the biggest and the greatest locations in the world and shared a stage with some of the jazz greats – he marvels that a short distance from where he lives in Roseland there was the Brant Inn that had people like Duke Ellington playing. Louis Armstrong was a regular in Burlington, he adds.
A musician who sees himself as exceedingly fortunate and has this infectious enthusiasm for everything he does never had a clear goal – other than knowing that his life was going to be about music.
He was a founding member of the Canadian Brass and adds “things began to go very well for them when I left.”
His time away from the Canadian Brass – 35 years, had him travelling the world and playing trumpet on some of the most glamorous stage in exciting locations.
There is an almost boyish sense of enthusiasm to Laughton. He sees the sky as the limit to anything you decide to do.
During our interview at Laughton’s Roseland home – large boulders were being set on the front lawn – they apparently had to be in very specific locations. Laughton would scoot about the lawn watching as three very healthy young men and a Bobcat manoeuvered the boulders into place while he looked on – wanting to supervise but knowing that they knew what they were doing. The boulders were still being manoeuvered when the interview was over and Laughton returned to his role of a sidewalk superintendent.
The Lowville Festival isn’t just a jazz event; the programme includes a little bit of everything. Laughton was prepared though to talk about festivals in a community and how they can grow. He has been involved in the Halliburton Festival for a number of years and while Lowville isn’t quite the same setting he hopes that Lowville will find its place and become something that puts down its own roots.
Laughton points out that music goes through phases: there was a time when he played a lot of the clubs in Toronto: The Senator; The Colonial; George’s Spaghetti House to name a few.
A lot of those clubs are no longer in business – Toronto now has a very large annual Jazz Festival. There is a very successful, allbe it local, Beach Jazz Festival as well. These things come and go.
 Laughton and his trumpet Laughton plays guitar and has begun working with a voice coach – he wants to expand his reach and begin singing.
This man plays a very mean trumpet – and when he decides to let her rip – you are hearing the sound of a man who has been doing this most of his life and loves every minute of his lips pressing against the mouthpiece.
He is worth the drive to Lowville!
The full festival program is set out below:
Tickets can be had on line at Ticketpro
Available at the door – but cash only.
DRIFTWOOD THEATRE WORKSHOP
THURSDAY JULY 16 2:30 pm
6210 LOWVILLE PARK ROAD
Driftwood Theatre offers a free workshop and opportunity to perform in the evening’s performance of HAMLET. Contact www.thinkspot.ca to sign up.
DRIFTWOOD THEATRE’S HAMLET
THURSDAY JULY 16TH 6 pm Doors Open. 7:30 Show commences.
6210 LOWVILLE PARK ROAD
Shakespeare’s royal murder mystery featuring some of the most famous lines in theatre unfolds for audiences outdoors in beautiful Lowville Park. Driftwood Theatre. Toronto’s professional touring company, is offering this classic play for a Suggested Ticket Price of $20 or Pay What You Can.
Sponsored by THINKSPOT
SWINGIN’ ON A STAR
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2015 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Loretta Bailey and Robert Missen, hosts.
Artists include Stuart Laughton, Renee Barabash, Andy Griffiths, David Warrack, Lorraine Foreman, Michael Mulrooney, Jude Johnson, Charles Cozens, Wayne Strongman and the Lowville Festival Choir,
The first Lowville Festival with a Gala Concert featuring a wide range of superlative performers, most of whom hail from Burlington.
Classical, pop, jazz, blues, folk, musical theatre. The second half of the concert will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frank Sinatra. Proceeds from this benefit concert will be dedicated to the establishment of the festival.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
MY CAT FLASH’S SOPHISTICATED SONGS FOR KIDS
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
ANDY GRIFFITHS and FRANK KOREN
Burlington singer-songwriter Andy Griffiths launches his new kids’ show, which will also entertain the kid in all of us.
$10
ROOTS N’ ROLL: ACOUSTIC ROOTS IN THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
SATURDAY JULY 18TH 8 PM
LOWVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE
Andy Griffiths and Frank Koren and Kim
Join Andy and his Burlington musical friends for an intimate evening with local songwriters in the Victorian stone schoolhouse in the centre of Lowville.
$20
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 11 AM
LOWVILLE PARK, between the playground and the creek, under the trees
ADMISSION FREE
NIA is a joyful, mindful, and expressive physical conditioning practice, incorporating moves from dance, martial arts, yoga and other alignment arts, as well as individualized, free form movement. NIA offers fun and fitness to men and women of all ages and fitness abilities. Join Nia Black Belt teacher Anna Schantz for a NIA dance fitness experience in Music, Movement, and Magic. Theme: Psychedelic Sunday. Bare feet, hippie attire, and flowers most welcome. Suitable for everybody. www.nianow.com
FOR LOVE OF LOWVILLE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 2 PM
LOWVILLE UNITED CHURCH
Lorretta Bailey and Robert Misen, hosts
Artists include Melissa Bel, Janet Turpin Myers, Loraine Foreman, Jude Johnson, Lorreta Bailey, Robert Missen and Daryl Webber.
Special Guest: GORDIE TAPP
Celebrating the rich historical and Escarpment heritage of the hamlet of Lowville in a concert that combines music and the spoken word. Local musicians Melissa Bel and Lorretta Bailey are joined by novelist Janet Turpin Myers. Legendary Burlington entertainer Gordie Tapp, formerly of Lowville, will be reunited with Lorraine Foreman, his colleague on Country Hoedown, one of the most popular Canadian television shows of the fifties.
$20 ADVANCE/$25 AT THE DOOR
SUMMER SERENADE
SUNDAY JULY 19TH 7:30 PM
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH HALL
Rebecca Caine of Les Miserables fame will be part of the Lowville festival
ROBERT MISSEN is hosting this event.
Artists include Rebecca Caine, soprano; Robert Kortgaard , piano; Rachel Mercer, cello; Stuart Laughton, trumpet; Renee Barabash, piano; Michael Mulrooney, piano
Missen says they will be bringing the inaugural festival to a glorious conclusion with a concert featuring some of the country’s finest classical and musical theatre artists. Rebecca Caine, the original Cosette in Les Miserables and star of the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera; Oakville-born cellist Rachel Mercer; and virtuoso trumpeter Stuart Laughton will present a concert featuring Bach, Chopin and Schafer as well as a special tribute to The Sound of Music.
$25 ADVANCE/$30 AT THE DOOR
Lowville doesn’t see this much action even during the Winter Carnival. Getting around Lowville is easy once you know where you are going.
The United Church is at the corner of Guelph Line and Britannia Road with a decent parking lot behind the church.
St. Georges isn’t actually in Lowville, it isn’t even in Burlington. It is on Guelph Line just above Derry Road – can’t miss the place – it is a beautiful stone building built in 1896
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