 Trumpeter Swan  By Staff
February 3rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Last year the Gazette sponsored a photography contest in collaboration with the Trumpeter Swan Coalition.
We received a wonderful collection of photographs and winners were chosen by the Coalition
We were getting reading to announce and then promote a photo contest this year when the coalition told us that:
Unfortunately, due to all the construction at LaSalle and the complete obstruction of the parking lot, we decided last week not to hold Family Day this year. Having people park up top and walk down presents too much liability in case of bad weather.
Next year
 Bev Kingdon with swans at LaSalle Park 
 By Staff
January 31st, 2020
BURLINGTON. ON
ONE BURLINGTON, Burlington’s annual celebration of faith and culture, is pleased to announce that it will be presenting its first Outreach event on Friday, February 7th.
RISE AND STRUGGLE is a family-friendly multi-media presentation commemorating the history of AfroCanadians from their slave beginnings through to the present time, with special acknowledgement of the legendary Underground Railroad story.
 Siona Neale-Majewska, It will feature singer Siona Neale-Majewska, well known throughout the GTA as both a soloist and member of the Halton Jazz Singers, and OneAccord, a Toronto-based gospel vocal group. Together they will relate Canada’s Black history through story, song and visual projections. Members of the Steel Pan Drummers of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton will also be performing.
Rise and Struggle will take place in Roseland Hall at Port Nelson United Church, located at the corner of South Drive and Spruce Avenue in the Roseland neighbourhood.
It will run from 7 to 9 pm on the evening of Friday, February 7th. In addition to the entertainment, tasty Caribbean finger foods will be served. The event is entirely free and open to everyone, including children.
There is ample parking in the Church lot.
Attendees are requested to bring a can, package or carton of food to support the Burlington Food Bank. These are difficult times in our city for the poor and homeless.
The event is supported by the City of Burlington through its Arts and Culture Fund and the Heritage Ministry of the Government of Canada.
They are presented in the context of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week February 1-7, 2020, which exists to promote harmony between people of all faiths.
In August ONE BURLINGTON, which will celebrate its fourth annual summer event at Central Park in downtown Burlington on August 3rd, the Monday of the Civic Holiday Weekend, comprises over thirty faith groups from throughout Burlington. This summer the theme is Building Bridges, which makes this commitment to Black History Month for our first Outreach event entirely appropriate. These Outreach events, which we are planning to present three times a year outside of the summertime, and which will be entirely free to the public, will permit us to spread our message of inclusivity and diversity to different neighbourhoods throughout the City.
For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca
 By Staff
January 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In recognition of Black History Month in February, schools in the Halton District School Board have planned events and initiatives to celebrate and honour the contributions of Black Canadians, past and present.
“Black History Month is a tremendous learning opportunity for our students to gain greater understanding of the significant contributions Black Canadians have made to the very fabric of our country,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.
”This month of recognition provides students and staff in our Board opportunities for deeper learning about the extensive role Black Canadians have played in the settlement, growth and development of Canada. In addition to embedding this learning into classroom instruction throughout the year, Black History Month elevates the ongoing experiences, contributions and achievements of Black Canadians.”
 Michael Williams The events taking place at Burlington’s Robert Bateman High School include former Much Music VJ Michael Williams on February 7 for a speaking engagement with students. He will show clips from a short film he and former journalist Jojo Chintoh directed and produced called, Black in Canada: The Obama Effect.
The talk will also include Williams’ experiences as a child growing up amidst the civil rights movement in America and his work in the entertainment industry, with a focus on overcoming adversity and discrimination.
 Bateman High School Celebrating Black History Month aligns with the Equity and Well-being goals contained in the Halton District School Board’s Multi-Year Plan. The goal is to ensure every student learns in a respectful culture of high expectations that values diversity, and that students will see themselves reflected in their learning.
The event may well be one of the last large major student events held at Bateman. The school is scheduled to close with Bateman students moving to Nelson High School.
By Staff
January 20, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Stories of mythical beings have been with us for thousands of years passed down through generations. These legends, which were sometimes inspired by fossils or living animals, continue to inspire us today.
 Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures traces the natural and cultural roots of some of the world’s most iconic mythic creatures and is the theme of the most recent event to take place at the transformed Brant Museum.
This is the second event put on by the Museum – the first was a display of pin ball machines that proved to be very popular.
 Unicorns have taken many different shapes – they all seem terribly fierce. Exhibition Highlights:
Lifesize model of a European unicorn
A replica“Feejee” mermaid, made famous by P.T Barnum
A model of a kraken
Interactive stations include a chance to build your own dragon and watch it come alive!
Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York
Museum Hours are:
- Mon / Closed
- Tues / 10:00am-4:00pm
- Wed / 10:00am-4:00pm
- Thurs / 10:00am-7:00pm
- Fri / 10:00am-4:00pm
- Sat / 12:00pm-4:00pm
- Sun / 12:00pm-4:00pm
By Pepper Parr
January 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We goofed.
The annual delivery of the State of the City address by the Mayor to the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has always taken place at the Burlington Convention Centre – usually to a packed audience.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward talking to a business person at her first State of the City address to the Chamber of Commerce. It was an occasion when those that matter in the world of business and those that matter in the world of local politics gather in one huge room and tell each other tall tales.
We assumed the venue would be the same this year.
We were wrong – the State of the City address will take place at the Performing arts Centre, around the corner from city hall.
The sit down breakfast will have to be a buffet in the Family Room with the address being given in the large theatre.
At this point we should perhaps say less until we have done a follow up.
Last year Mayor Meed Ward told Chamber members that her five priorities for the year ahead were:
Reasonable Growth, Not Overdevelopment
Get Traffic Moving, While Keeping it Safe
Reduce Flood Risk, Enhance Greenspace
Reduce Tax Increases, Keep to Your Priorities
Rebuild Trust, Create an Open Government
The political and commercial elites will gather in the Performing Arts Centre on the 30th to hear the Mayor talk about the State of the City.
By Staff
January 8th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 It began just before Christmas and has proven to be popular.
The overwhelming success and response of the summer 30/60 Play Challenge, led the city to launching the first ever 30/60 Play Challenge Winter Edition.
The exciting and fun activities will inspire and motivate families and friends to get outside and challenge each other to complete the tasks during the winter months.
Teams can qualify for a draw prize by completing at least 30 activities in 60 days. 21 random winners will be chosen from the teams who successfully complete 30 activities and a grand prize of a $100 Recreation Services gift card will go to the person/team with the most points.
Contest closes at midnight on Feb. 18, 2020
Individuals, teams or families can register by downloading the app HERE.
Examples of activities participants can choose from include:
• Skating
• Tobogganing
• Skiing
• Hiking
• Build a snowman
• Make a snow angel
The Summer 30/60 challenge had 97 teams/individuals participate with the grand prize team completing 153 activities.
Those who participated in the summer challenge had this to say:
“As a new citizen of Burlington, I thought this was a great way to get people to become better acquainted with their city.”
“We have loved the challenges! The kids are going to be in withdrawal tomorrow (“You mean there’s no more after today??”) We have enjoyed strategizing with friends and the thrill of finding new places we have never seen. Thanks so much and hope there will be more Goose Chases!!”
“Congratulations to all the winners! Such a fantastic way to spend part of the summer vacation with the kids. We discovered so many great spots in Burlington.”
For more information or to download the app, CLICK HERE.
 By Staff
January 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They are throwing the doors wide open and inviting the public to tour the existing quarry any Thursday afternoon.
Great way to let people see and get a sense of what the BIG plan is for an industrial site that has not always had a positive public following.
The Nelson Quarry is now opening its doors to the public every Thursday afternoon throughout 2020.
 A 200 acre parcel of land on the south side of Second Line will be deeded to the city the day the quarry agreement is extended. The shaded area to the left has the potential to become a beach area and a small lake. “Over the past few months we have seen a lot of interest in our expansion plans and our vision for turning the site into a park over 30 years,” said Nelson President Quinn Moyer. “And there’s no better way to understand what we’re planning than to see it first-hand.”
Visitors can enter the quarry from the second exit off Guelph Line from noon until 3pm. Tours will be arranged at the front desk of the main office building. Parties of more than three are asked to call ahead to book a reservation.
The Mt. Nemo quarry has played an important role as Burlington’s main source of limestone for more than 50 years. Its aggregate forms the foundation of most roads, buildings and infrastructure in Burlington.
A proposal is underway to expand the quarry over the next 30 years, and to donate the rehabilitated land in parcels over that time to form the largest park in Burlington.
The proposed park would be nearly six times larger than Burlington’s City View Park. The size and scale of the park would allow for abundant recreational opportunities, from biking and swimming to rock climbing and soccer.
 The evolution of a quarry pit into a place for people is not something one sees very often. Many quarry operators walk when they have taken all they can out of a site. Nelson Aggregates is doing it differently – and doing as much as it can to involve the wider community. To find out more go to www.mtnemoquarrypark.com
Address: 2433 No. 2 Sideroad, Burlington
Reservation Number: 905-335-5345
 By Staff
January 2, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
On the stroke of midnight this New Year’s Eve, the American dream will get a makeover. In California, the nation’s most populous state, every newly-built home must now come with enough solar panels to satisfy its electricity needs.
 The law in California requires every new home built to have enough solar capacity to meet all the electrical needs. Progress It’s a quiet revolution tucked into the building codes approved unanimously by the California Energy Commission in 2018. Solar panels are installed on just 20% of new homes in the state. That figure will rise to 100% for every home under four stories tall. The expectation is that this this to add 74,000 new solar installations in 2020.
 By Pepper Parr
December 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
One of Burlington’s finest, a young hockey player who came out of the Eagles, went on to play for Guelph in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and is now minding the nets for the World Junior Hockey tournament being played in Czechoslovakia.
 Those pads were made for Daws and this World Junior Hockey Tournament. In the game against the United States during the preliminary round Nico Daws was brilliant – Canada took that game 6-4. The team plays Russia later today.
 Daws says he is up to the challenge before him. Burlington-native Nico Daws had never participated in a single Hockey Canada practice before getting the call to this year’s world junior team. After being passed over at the 2019 NHL entry draft, Daws went on to post outstanding numbers (.939 sv% in 20GP) this season for the Guelph Storm in the OHL.
Daws finished his pre-tournament by stopping every shot he faced in 30 minutes of play time against Finland on Monday and may have stolen the starting role for Canada at this year’s tournament.
Daws turned 19 during the pre-tournament practices – his parents are with him in Czechoslovakia.
 Daws didn’t let this one get away from him during a practice game. The Team Canada coaches have nothing but praise for Daws – who sounds more than up to the challenge he faces.
Team Canada has won the world Juniors 17 times however the game has changed and the Canadians have to change with it.
The stunning sixth place finish last year is something these young Canadians don’t want to see repeated.
We could be looking at another great one, this one minding the nets for Canada in Czechoslovakia.
Yes, it has become very commercial – the retail economy depends on it, but when we see children awe struck as they look at that decorated tree – there is that good feeling that makes Christmas Day what it is.
Appreciate what we have and never forget that not everyone is as fortunate. Do something for those people.
Merry Christmas.
Permalink December 24th – Christmas Eve
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
 By Staff
December 23rd, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board is hosting several Pathways Information Evenings in January 2020 to allow Grade 7 – 12 students and their families to explore program opportunities offered at high schools in Halton.
The Board offers more than 80 regional Pathways Programs designed to meet individual needs and help students succeed after high school, whether they are pursuing a pathway toward apprenticeship, college, community, university or the workplace. The Information Evenings help students to be better prepared for a rapidly changing world while receiving a relevant and engaging education.
All are welcome to attend and registration is not required.
The meetings will be held at the following locations from 6 – 8 p.m.:
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020: Georgetown District High School, 70 Guelph Street, Georgetown
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020: Craig Kielburger Secondary School, 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020: Garth Webb Secondary School, 2820 Westoak Trails, Oakville
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2020: M.M. Robinson High School, 2425 Upper Middle Road, Burlington
Pathways Programs include the Specialist High Skills Major programs, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs, Specialty School to Career programs, the Employability Skills Certificate program, Dual Credit college programs, Grade 8 – 9 Transition programs, and more.
Agenda for Pathways Information Evenings:
6 – 6:30 p.m. – Pathways displays and meet the Pathways Program teachers
6:30 – 7 p.m. – Pathways presentation (programs and planning for post-secondary)
7 – 8 p.m. – Teacher displays and elementary transition to high school workshop
 High school show that they have been able to do with robotics. The piece of business was built to be able to , find, pick up and throw a basketball. The Halton District School Board recently held a Find the Fit event at the Mattamy Velodrome in Milton where more than 1500 students from within the Region spent two hours talking to people from institutions offering different academic programs and getting a sense of what was out there in terms of post high school programs.
 Superintendent of Education Julie Hunt Gibbons Superintendent of Education Julie Hunt Gibbons is responsible for for Secondary curriculum and school program, Student success and Pathways destinations, Elementary schools: Brookdale, Eastview, Gladys Speers, Oakwood, Pine Grove, WH Morden and TA Blakelock High School.
She said that preparing students for high school is a much different challenge than it was a decade ago. The world these students are going to work within is a lot more complex and ever changing than anything their parents took part in.
Many of the jobs that exist today will not exist when they graduate from high school – education for them is going to be a lifelong task.
By Staff
December 17th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of City administrative services will be closed for the holidays on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, reopening Thursday, January 2, 2020.
 City Hall closed Tuesday, December 24, 2019, reopening Thursday, January 2, 2020. City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities
Activities and customer service hours at City pools, arenas and community centres vary over the holidays.
The Rotary Centennial Pond outdoor rink is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, weather dependent. The rink is closed on Dec. 25, 2019.
Residents can skate for free at various City indoor rinks thanks to Tim Hortons Free Holiday Skates, December 21, 2019 until January 4, 2020.
There are activities on New Year’s Day, including free swimming, skating and open gym time on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Burlington Transit
On Dec. 25, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday schedule. The downtown Transit Terminal and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020
The administration offices are closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
For real-time schedule information, please visit triplinx.ca or use Google or Apple maps.
 There will be limited bus service on Christmas Day – it wasn’t always this way in Burlington. Date Service schedule/hours
Dec. 24 Weekday schedule ending at approximately 8 p.m.
Dec. 25 Holiday schedule – Route 1 and 10 on 30 minute frequency
Dec. 26 Sunday schedule
Dec. 27 to 30 Regular schedules
Dec. 31 Weekday schedule with the last Route 50, 51 and 52 buses leaving the Burlington GO station at 12:55 a.m.
Jan. 1 Holiday schedule – Route 1 and 10 on 30 minute frequency
Animal Shelter and Control
The Animal Shelter will be closed from Dec. 24 to 26 and 30, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020. On Dec. 31, the shelter will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For more information or to report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.
Roads, Parks and Forestry
The administrative office will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. Only snow removal and urgent services will be provided.
 Court House is closed 24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
Halton Court Services
Halton Provincial Offences Court will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020.
Parking
Free parking is available in the downtown core in municipal lots, on-street and the parking garage during the month of December and on Jan. 1, 2020. There is a maximum of three hours for on-street parking spaces.
 NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking during December or on statutory holidays.
For parking emergencies or enforcement over the holidays, please call 905-825-4777.
Do you have family and friends visiting for the holidays? A reminder that there is no parking on city streets overnight between 1 and 6 a.m.
Exemptions to allow overnight parking on city streets may be obtained by calling 905-335-7844 or visiting www.burlington.ca/parking.
 By Staff
December 11th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a new women’s accelerator program called Beyond Boundaries that is being run by HalTech
The program will offer:
• Skills development in financial acumen, technology expertise, and scaling up
• Targeted connections through networking events and strategic introductions.
• Mentorship, advisory support and peer learning circles.
• Exploration of new markets and global opportunities.
 The Government of Canada is advancing women’s economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned businesses by 2025. Doubling the number of women owned businesses requires a strong ecosystem of support, expertise and connections.
As part of WES, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre and the Halton Region Global Business Centre are pleased to introduce an accelerator program designed to unleash the power and potential of women entrepreneurs. Created with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the diversity of women who start and run businesses.
The first cohort of the program will start in early 2020.
CLICK HERE for an application form.
By Pepper Parr
November 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Students were arriving at the Mattamy Velodrome in Milton Friday by the busload from every public high school in the Region.
They were there to look at some of the educational opportunities available to them once they have completed high school.
 1500 students from public high schools throughout the Region took part in an opportunity to see what their educational futures might look like. A total of 1500 students were expected to go through two hour sessions looking at the offerings at community colleges and opportunities in both the public and the private sectors.
The exhibits filled the oval of the velodrome, which from time to time, had cyclists speeding around on the track.
The Halton Pathways: A Future that Fits program is designed to give students as many opportunities as possible to decide what they want to do in the way of work once they have completed their education.
 Burlington’s Nelson High School pitching their SHSM program. Several of the Community Colleges were on hand with representatives who could talk about various programs, at least one university was represented. The Regional Police had equipment on the site.
Part of the Pathways program is the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).
SHSM programs allow students to specialize their education around their chosen field of interest. Each SHSM program includes a bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and 12 courses related to that area of interest.
Grade 11 and 12 students choose a major sector area such as:
 Superintendent Julie Hunt Gibbons. Business, construction, arts and culture, energy, environment, information and communications technology, justice, community safety and emergency services, health and wellness, horticulture and landscaping, social justice, sports, transportation, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism.
The opportunity to specialize will result in notations on their report cards that often leads to a job as soon as they graduate because they have marketable skills.
Julie Hunt Gibbons, Superintendent of Education responsible for Secondary curriculum and school program, Student success and pathways destinations, Elementary schools: Brookdale, Eastview, Gladys Speers, Oakwood, Pine Grove, WH Morden and TA Blakelock High School.
 By Staff
November 28th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
 Transformed at a cost of close to $10 million – the museum is now open to the public. The Museum does have the name of the first citizen on the outside – but high school level entertainment is the feature currently.
The Joseph Brant Museum made the display of a collection of pin ball machines as the opening event for the expensively transformed museum.
There are two events that focus on the collection of pinball machines at the Museum.
 Balls & Beer Pinball Night takes place on Friday, December 13th, from 7 pm to 10 pm
Patrons can enjoy local craft beer and test their pinball skills at the Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball exhibition on for a special night out at Joseph Brant Museum.
This event is licensed, you must be 19 years + to attend. Your ticket includes unlimited pinball play, 2 beer tickets, appetizers, a souvenir beer glass and there will be door prizes! $40/person. Tickets for the event.
 On December 21st, the Museum is hosting an IFPA sanctioned pinball tournament. You are expected to be a pinball wizard – the event is a friendly competition – all skill levels are welcome!
Prizes will be given to the top 3 scorers. Sign up before December 14. Snacks provided. $25/person.
Guest host, Jeff Teolis from Pinball Profile will lead a fun night out at Joseph Brant Museum on – 5 to 9 pm. ALL skill levels are welcome. Players will be randomly assigned opponents and a pinball machine to play a match. This event is sanctioned by the IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association).
Top scores will be posted on their website. Registration limited to 40 people, sign up before December 14.
 By Pepper Parr
November 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is doing what they are there to do. Bring world class performances to the city.
The Nutcracker is a must see for every young person who is going to have at least an understanding of the arts. For the truly young it is spectacular; for those in high school and their parents it is great performance.
The Russians do The Nutcracker superbly – the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa’s production of The Nutcracker is in town for three performances from December 6-7, 2019. (Some of the people of the Ukraine are going through a bit of a war trying to get out from under the thumb of the Putin Russian government.)
 Energy and colour – will delight the eyes and hearts of the very young. The dancers will dazzle Burlington audiences with the timeless holiday classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, including Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday adventure that follows a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice.
Following in the footsteps of Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Ballet, The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa (which happens to originate in Ukraine) will be dancing the same classical choreography with 55 of the Ukraine’s brightest ballet stars. This production of The Nutcracker has fast become a Burlington family tradition for the young and young at heart.
The Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet is the oldest theatre in Odessa, Ukraine.
 Classic ballet – the performances show the way it is supposed to be done. It is not cheap –
Regular: $69.50 (All in)
Member: $64.50 (All in)
Youth: $35.00 (All in)
National Ballet Theatre of Odessa:
THE NUTCRACKER
Friday, December 6, 2019 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 2pm and 7:30pm
Main Theatre
440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario
 By Pepper Parr
November 25th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
It is that time of year again – when the Ho Ho man rides down Guelph Line and along New Street to City hall following almost anyone who can walk as part of the Santa Clause Parade that takes place on Sunday December 1st – which happens to be the start of that month long Free Parking gift from the city.
There is Free P for you in downtown Burlington parking lots and on-street spaces throughout the month.
Few will remember that it was our Mayor who stick handled this one through city council when she was a mere ward Councillor.
Now in its seventh year, the Free P program allows visitors to park in on-street parking spaces at no cost for up to three hours and, in municipal parking lots or the parking garage at 414 Locust St. with no maximum time limit. Free parking overnight in municipal lots is also permitted.
Motorists with downtown parking permits are reminded to continue to park in their assigned parking lot throughout the month of December to maximize the number of parking spaces available for visitors and holiday shoppers.
The City of Burlington provides 1,500 municipal parking spaces in downtown Burlington. Free parking is year-round in the downtown, Monday to Friday after 6 p.m. and all-day Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Starting at 2:00 pm – the Season parade begins at Guelph Line and Prospect.
 Road closures:
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Guelph Line from Prospect Street to New Street
New Street from Guelph Line to Martha Street
James Street from Martha Street to Brant Street
Brant Street from Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue to Elgin Street.
The Joseph Brant hospital is holding a Join the Joy Holiday Open House. You can leave the hospital event and scoot over to New Street and watch the Santa Claus parade.
By Staff
November 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The good folks at the Brant Hospital Foundation want to get you into the hospital – but not too far past the front door.
They are celebrating their third annual Join the Joy Holiday Open House! They would like to see a lot of people show up and take part in a fun program. Event runs from 11:00am – 1:30pm., on Sunday, December 1st.
You can leave the hospital event and scoot over to New Street and watch the Santa Claus parade.
Admission is free and includes:
• Photo with Santa Claus
• Holiday treats (while supplies last)
• Musical Entertainment
And you can purchase Festive Activity Station tickets for additional activities including:
• Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic (please bring own stuffed animal)
• Holiday Photo Booth
• Festive Fish Pond
• Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos
• Cookie Decorating
• Stocking Ornament Decorating
• Finger-Cast Making & Germ Station
Register here to take part – no cost
In addition, you can purchase tickets for the children’s gift draw which includes gift certificates, toys and more and gingerbread Joy cookies from Christy’s Gourmet Gifts.
All proceeds from the event support the renovation of the Labour and Delivery Unit.
 By Staff
November 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Stephen Lewis and Michel Chikwanine will lead a Human Rights Symposium on December 5th in Burlington,
A full-day of learning is planned at the Symposium with a selection of workshops led by children’s rights advocates and educators including UNICEF, Halton Environmental Network, Special Olympics Ontario, Community Development Halton, Rick Hansen Foundation, and more.
“This year’s Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity to learn about the important role each of us plays in the lives of youth,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board. “We look forward to once again bringing educators and community partners together to engage in vital conversation on how we can all work together to support the success and well-being of all members of our society.”
 Michel Chikwanine Keynote speakers Stephen Lewis and Michel Chikwanine will lead education and community partners through an important day of learning and collaborating about children’s rights.
 Stephen Lewis – a full blast speaker who truly soothes the souls of the forgotten. If you’ve never been in the room where he was speaking – attend this event, you will be better for it. “I spent a large chunk of my life” said Stephen Lewis, “ dealing with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
“When I worked with UNICEF, I was responsible for travelling around the world to persuade governments to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and take all of its clauses seriously. The Convention provides a tremendous range of rights for children, all of which I hope to be addressing before you.”
“I’m really looking forward to the Human Rights Symposium,” says Michel Chikwanine, motivational speaker, author and human rights activist based in Toronto and originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “There are so many workshops that have many implications for young people, not just here in Canada but across the world.”
Chikwanine is more than a child advocate. When he was not much more than a young boy he was kidnapped from the soccer field outside his school in the Democratic Republic of Congo; he and his childhood friends were “recruited” to be rebel soldiers.
The Human Rights Symposium will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre (3063 South Service Rd, Burlington).
Register HERE
For event details or support with the registration process, email symposium@hdsb.ca.
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