 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. July 29, 2013. – In what will become a Burlington Bandits tradition, the Bandits will make their last home game of the regular season a night of fan appreciation. Before marching into the IBL playoffs, the team will thank the best fans in the IBL for their tremendous support during the 2013 campaign by giving away an array of prizes! Everybody will get something!
Fan Appreciation Night is on Thursday, Aug 1st when the Bandits take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:00 p.m. at Nelson Park.
 Pretty close to the bottom – but the playoffs might give the Bandits a chance to redeem themselves. Upon arrival inside Nelson Park, fans will receive a free Bandits gift and then the giving will go on all night long! Prize Patrols will disperse autographed Bandits memorabilia, hundreds of local retailer gift certificates, t-shirts, tickets to a variety of events and attractions and much more.
“The Bandits are very fortunate to have the kind of fan support we’ve experienced this season,” said Scott Robinson, Team President. “Not only has this been the best year in franchise history for attendance at our games, but the players recognize the impact the fans have on the success of the team. We look forward to having that fan support make an even greater impact in the playoffs.”
Playoff tickets will also be available for purchase at a discounted price during the game.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. July 18, 2013. While not hazardous, the water in Lake Ontario at the Burlington area beaches is described as “not safe to swim in”.
During the summer months, the Health Department monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches in Halton. Beaches are selected for testing based on their use for swimming and other water sports. Monitoring is done once a week or more if necessary. A pilot project is being undertaken at Beachway Park for the 2013 beach sampling season to examine potential factors influencing water quality. Therefore, Beachway Park will be sampled more frequently.
- A beach is considered unsafe to swim if water tests show high amounts of E. coli bacteria.
- Conditions posted are based on samples taken from the previous day.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. July 17, 2013. The cheque was indeed in the mail – a big one that put $20,000 into the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA) bank account where the spending will be spread out over two years.
 Hundreds of Burlington hockey types clicked on this red button to rack of points for the significant cash award – BLOMHA won $20,000. The cheque was the result of a superb effort by John McNeil and a team of people he directed who made thousands of clicks on a red button set up on the Kraft Hockey Goes On website.
The prize money came from Kraft Foods who sponsor the Hockey Goes On contest in which BLOMHA was one of four runner ups in Central Ontario. The top prize which was $100,000 – that went to Goderich.
 Anyone with a laptop and at least five fingers got put to work. The young fellow on the right has all ten fingers but they didn’t give him a keyboard. When Kraft announced the program for 2013 Kristen Priestner, a local hockey Mon with a son in the BLOMHA Atom A, nominated John McNeil, who manages the team, as the person who had done the most for minor hockey in their community.
McNeil’s nomination was accepted by Kraft and the game was on. McNeil headed up a diverse team that included almost everyone he knew.
 Boys in a van on the way to a hockey game in London use the time to log in and click, click, click. The community pulled together and worked throughout the weekend – they even had hockey players logging in and clicking on that red button while they were being transported to out-of-town games.
 This banner will hang proudly in the Appleby Arena, recognizing forever the contribution McNeil made to BLOMHA and it hockey operations. Along with the cheque BLOMHA was given a large banner recognizing organizer John McNeil and his efforts. The banner will go up in Appleby arena.
How will BLOMHA spend this windfall? One of the decisions the organization made was that none of the prize money would be used for administrative stuff. The full $20,000 will go into the hockey program for the Burlington community to benefit.
This year $5,000 will go towards subsidizing hockey fees for financially challenged families.
 BLOMHA Executive Director Rick Dawson on the left and John McNeil hold up the $20,000 cheque won during a drive to register clicks on the Kraft Hockey Goes On contest last March. Another $5000 will go towards replacing 10-year-old and worn out goalie gear used by goalies in the house league program
The other $10,000 will be saved for next year to be used to assist families in getting their sons or daughters into the game. BLOMHA has taken the position that they will report to McNeil on just how they spent the money.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. July 10, 2013. – The Burlington Bandits, will play a new double-header against the Brantford Red Sox this Saturday, July 13th. They are hoping to pull themselves a little higher in the league standings – and there is hope.
 Holders of the bottom rung of the league ladder the Bandits are not in 8th spot in an eight team league. The team has won two in a row and might be on a bit of a roll.
The double-header will start at 1:00pm. Both games will be seven (7) inning games, where the second game will commence twenty minutes after the first.
All fans in attendance are invited to stay for the second game free of charge.
Saturday’s double-header will mark the Burlington Bandits BOMBA Youth Baseball Night. All BOMBA members and any children wearing a youth baseball jersey will receive free admission and $2.00 off for family members. Get to the park early as Bandits staff will be giving away Bandits seat cushions while supplies last.
The bandits go into this double-header with a 10-4 win over Toronto; a game shortened by rain to just five innings Sunday afternoon at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.
Kyle Morton homered, had three hits and drove in four runs as the then last place Burlington Bandits mauled the Toronto Maple Leafs 10-4.
Leading 10-2 and with the skies threatening again after rain interrupted the game for 29 minutes in the third, Burlington (6-19) made a pitching change and had several trips to the mound for conferences during the inning, despite needing just three outs to make it an official game. The Leafs scored twice before the third out of the inning, a strikeout by Rob Gillis, was made in a torrential downpour, with the game immediately stopped after the out.
The close call with the weather was the only thing close about this one, as the Leafs lost for the second time to the Bandits at home, and have now allowed 58 runs in their last 32 innings at the Pits.
 Still room in the season for the Bandits to climb a little higher in the standings – to the top? Starter Jason Rubenstein went 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs – two earned – on seven hits with one strikeout and four walks. But he helped cost himself the win when he couldn’t close out the fifth, with his two-out throwing error keeping the Leafs at bat. Matthew St. Kitts relieved him and faced just one batter – Gillis – in what was by then a driving rain, and got credit for the victory with his one strikeout.
Peter Bako and Nick Studer both had two hits and two RBI for the Bandits, who had 12 hits. Ryan Clarke also had two hits and scored twice for the winners.
Toronto starter Marek Deska was roughed up again, allowing six runs – five earned – on nine hits in just four innings, striking out two and walking four. Reliever Adam Garner allowed the final four runs – all unearned – in the fifth, as the Leafs made three costly errors and allowed eight stolen bases in the five innings.
Jon Waltenbury had a double, a walk and scored twice for the Leafs, who managed seven hits.
Earlier in the month the Bandits recorded their second back-to-back win on the road with a 5-3 win against the Barrie Baycats (16-13).
 Bandit tags a Baycat – was he out? The Bandits tied the ballgame up 1-1 in the fifth inning when Jeff MacLeod scored on a RBI single from Ryan Clarke.
Darryl Pui broke the tie in the sixth inning, sending Peter Bako home on RBI, putting Burlington up 2-1. The Baycats would then again tie up the contest 2-2 in the seventh with a sacrifice fly out by Brandon Dhue to advance Ryan Asis to score.
The Bandits would take a commanding lead in the eight with runs scored by Kyle Morton off a double by Darryl Pui while a double by Nick Studer scores Darryl Pui and a single by Jeff Macleod scores Nick Studer bringing the score to 5-2.
The Baycats would score one last time in the bottom of the eight with a run scored by Jeff Cowan off a sacrifice fly out by Kevin Atkinson to bring the final score to 5-3 after a scoreless ninth inning.
Jeff MacLeod closed things down in the ninth inning for his 1st save of the season. Jack Dennis (1-0) picked up the win with five scoreless innings.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. July 5th, 2013. The most recent report on lake water conditions from the Region doesn’t have much good news for those who want to swim.
People visiting Burlington’s Beachway Park will see water-testing equipment set up on the north beach this summer.
The City of Burlington has partnered with Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute, Western University and the University of Waterloo on a research project to better understand how groundwater quality contributes to test results at Great Lakes beaches.
Burlington is committed “to providing beaches that people can use for swimming and other recreation to contribute to an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation.
This new testing will be in addition to water-quality testing conducted by Halton Region. During the summer months, monitoring is done once a week, or more if necessary. Beachway Park will be sampled more frequently due to the pilot project.
 By Staff.
BURLINGTON, ON. June 19, 2013 The Burlington Bandits, announce that the game scheduled game for Thursday, June 13th, 2013 against the Guelph Royals has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 30th, 2013 at Nelson Park in Burlington. Game time has been scheduled for 7:30pm.
 Take in a Sunday Ball game – wear red and white and get in for a twoonie. The new Sunday home game has been officially marked as the Burlington Bandits “Canadian Celebration”. The Bandits invite all fans to celebrate Canada Day one day early by wearing red and white to the game.
All fans that wear red or white, or bring a Canadian flag receive admission for two dollars.
All in attendance will receive a Canada Day themed giveaway along with many chances to win amazing prizes.
 By Staff
TORONTO, ON. June 17, 2013 – Former Toronto Maple Leaf Kyle Morton had two hits, scored two runs and drove in another two as the last place Burlington Bandits snapped a six-game losing streak with a 6-4 win over the Leafs Sunday afternoon at Dominico Field at Christie Pits in Intercounty Baseball League play.
Starting pitcher Connor Smith and reliever Alex Gale combined to scatter 10 hits as the Bandits (3-10) rebounded after losing to the Leafs 13-11 in Burlington on Saturday. Toronto (7-10) remains stuck in sixth place after losing two of three games this weekend.
After a sloppily played game on Saturday, the Bandits turned in a solid performance on Sunday, making several defensive gems and making the most of their seven hits. The Leafs on the other hand made a pair of costly errors and failed to get hits at key times.
Burlington took the lead with three runs in the fifth inning and were never headed after that, with Smith and then Gale providing some solid pitching.
Smith got the win going five innings, allowing two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk. Gale finished up and earned a save, also allowing two runs on five hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
Ryan Clarke, Peter Bako and Daniel Peake all drove in runs for the Bandits, with shortstop Phil Steer and second baseman Peake both turning in stellar defensive plays all afternoon.
Starter Adam Garner took the loss for the Leafs. He went five innings, allowing four runs – three earned – on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Conor Lillis-White allowed two runs on three hits over three innings in his Leaf debut and Drew Taylor pitched a perfect ninth.
Jon Waltenbury drilled a two-run homer and added a sacrifice fly for the Leafs, while Will Richards and Damon Topolie both added two hits for Toronto.
The Burlington Bandits travel to Barrie on Tuesday for a 7:30pm start before returning home on Thursday against the Hamilton Cardinals. Thursday marks Guaranteed Win Night at Nelson Park. If the Bandits happen to lose, all fans in attendance will receive one free general admission ticket for a future game upon exit.
As betting odds go, based on the team’s record – this is almost a sure win for the ball game watchers.
 By Staff.
BURLINGTON, ON. June 15, 2013. The four runs the Brantford Red Sox cashed in during the first inning proved all they would need, as they went on to defeat the Burlington Bandits 8-3.
The Red Sox are 9-1 in their last ten games, and improve to 16-3 on the season. Starter Mike Meyers went just four innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run with four walks and seven strikeouts over four innings pitched. He was relieved by Dylan Grosul who pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk with three strikeouts in picking up the win.
 Pitching wasn’t particularly good – the other team hit the ball more often and made it around the bases as well. Of the 14 Brantford hits on the night, more than half were extra base hits. Scott Thorman had two doubles and a single, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while Hyung Cho went 3-for-3 with two doubles, three walks and two runs scored. Josh McCurdy singled and doubled with a run scored, while Todd Betts had a two-run double with a run scored. Lee Delfino also doubled, drove in a run and scored twice, while Terrell Alliman and Jason Gotwalt each had two hits and an RBI. Joe Colameco had a hit and an RBI to cap off the night for the home side.
Burlington starter CJ Machete took the loss, lasting only 1 1/3 innings while giving up six hits and six earned runs with six walks. It was the fourth straight loss for the Bandits, who dropped to 2-9 on the season.
Ryan Clarke had a pair of hits in the loss including a single and an RBI triple with a run scored, while Levi Larmour had a pair of hits and an RBI. Jeff MacLeod doubled, while Sean Malony singled and scored a run. Jamie Lekas added an RBI for the visitors.
 By Staff
Burlington, ON June 13, 2013 – The Burlington Bandits, proud members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) have advise that today’s game between the Bandits and the visiting Guelph Royals has been postponed due to the closing of Nelson Park due to poor playing conditions.
 Rain day just might give therm the breather they need to get out of the basement. Maybe a walk on the pier to get their wind? This is the third “rain out” date of the 2013 season. The re-scheduled date will be announced as soon as possible.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. June 12, 2013. The Burlington Bandits, in partnership with Burlington Vintage Baseball (BVB) will host a “Burlington Vintage Baseball Day” on Thursday, July 4th, 2013.
 All BVB members, there are eight teams in that organization, will receive discounted tickets and each team will be recognized throughout the game. Not a BVB member? No problem! Simply wear your local sports uniform and get an additional $2 off the ticket price.
 That would be in the basement wouldn’t it. Maybe some of the Vintage players could show the Bandits a thing or two. The BRAVES, the BREWERS, the CARDINALS, the CUBS, the GIANTS, the HOBOS, the MUDHENS, the PHILLIES, the PIRATES, the X-MEN and the YANKEES will be recognized during the Bandits game on the 4th of July. They are expected to wear their team jerseys and maybe be asked to a run around the bases.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON June 5, 2013 They didn’t say very much but they at least said something. It would have been nice if the public relations agency that ran the Kraft Canada Game Goes ON contest had communicated with the various hockey clubs around the country on how the processing of the prize money was going.
 This red button got clicked thousands of time by minor hockey associations across the country. Minor hockey associations across the country used two days in April to corral every person they could find to click on that red button on a web site and rack up votes for different levels of prize money. It was quite a public relations feat – that kind of went sour when it took so long for the prize money to actually get to the clubs.
Burlington`s minor hockey association entered the contest and ended up one of the five Ontario Regional winners. When the prize money didn’t show up Our Burlington started asking questions.
 John McNeil put together the team that took on the Games Goes on Challenge that won BLOMHA a $20,000 prize. Here is what we got from Sherri-Lyn Brown, with the public relations company that ran the contest: “Please see the response below from Joanna Milroy, Senior Consumer Promotions Manager, Kraft Canada.”
Kraft said: “Thank you for your inquiry. Each of the winning communities can expect to receive their prize money in the month of June. We look forward to seeing the impact that these funds will have on the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association.”
Each of the prize-winning clubs want to say thank you for what they won – they will probably do so a little less enthusiastically. Pity.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON June 4, 2013. Figuring out who they are going to offer a hockey scholarship to must be a little awkward for the people over at BLOMHA (Burlington Lions Optimists Minor Hockey Association); the prize money they won in the Kraft Foods – The Game Goes On contest hasn’t arrived yet. The winners were announced mid-April.
BLOMHA hasn’t even been told the cheque is in the mail.
Maybe they are waiting until the Stanley Cup winner has been decided.
Odd how a corporation the size of Kraft Foods would hire a company to run the program for them and then not follow through promptly.
 Two of the three worked away at their keyboards much of the weekend to bring home some prize money for BLOMHA. The little guy on the right is still waiting for the $20,000 cheque to arrive. BLOMHA won $20,000 – the top prize was $100,000, and planned to use the funds to buy equipment that could be loaned to those who couldn’t afford to play the game. Scholarships were going to be awarded for kids whose families could not afford the fees.
The BLOMHA ideas were great – a part of what makes this community what it is.
The speed at which the public relations agency (Edelman) handling the project hasn’t moved is leaving a bad taste in the mouths of the hundreds of people who spent the 48 hours at their keyboards.
Wonder how the other Kraft winners feel about this?
We asked the public relations agency, Edelman, for some comment. Nothing yet.
Kraft Foods Canada is a little difficult to get through – but we will keep trying.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. June 1, 2013. The London Majors, one of xx teams in the Intercounty Baseball League, scored three key runs in the top of the ninth inning and staved off the Burlington Bandits 11-8 in one of three games played Saturday afternoon.
Burlington (2-7) rallied from an early 5-0 deficit to tie the game 5-5 heading into the fifth inning before London posted two runs in the fifth, one in the eighth and three in the top of the ninth for an 11-5 lead. The Bandits posted three runs of their own in the bottom of the ninth, but fell short of completing the comeback.
After starting the season with an 0-2 record, this is the Majors (7-2) seventh straight win.
 Reliever Jacob Raffaele earned his first win of the season in what was his longest outing of the year, allowing just one hit and one walk with six strikeouts over four scoreless innings. Mike Mitro earned the save, flawlessly registering the final out.
 The Majors boasted 12 hits on the afternoon, including a single and a home run from Cleveland Brownlee, who added three RBI and three runs scored. Jon Celestino also homered and drove in a pair. Paul Young singled, doubled, scored twice and had two RBI, while Derrik Strzalkowski had a pair of hits, an RBI and a run scored. Adwin Springer singled, scored and drove in a run, and Parris Austin and Ryan Lapensee each singled and scored. Paul LaMantia singled and added an RBI.
Matthew St. Kitts took the loss for the Bandits in relief, allowing six hits and two earned runs with one walk and three strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings.
The Bandits scored their eight runs all on just five hits, while also committing four errors on the afternoon. Brian Sewell had a three run home run in the fourth inning with two runs scored, while Daniel Peake singled, doubled, drove in a pair and scored. Darryl Pui had a pair of hits and two RBI in the loss.
The Burlington Bandits return to Nelson park in one week when they take on the Brantford Red Sox. Saturday marks BOMBA day, all BOMBA members are encouraged to wear their team colors! Many activities are available for kids including face painting, base running and much more! Game time 2:00pm.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. May 29, 2013. The run doesn’t take place until September but this year expect to see a lot of new faces serving as volunteers.
The event has taken place for the many years and, like any organization, new people are needed to replace those that have done their turn and want to move on.
Getting new people is easier said than done but when Don Carmichael, the current president of the Burlington event, wondered aloud at a meeting of the current volunteers, if perhaps they could persuade Casey Cosgrove to get involved. We urged Carmichael to at least give Casey a call.
Last year Casey had a team of people running the race and he was a natural for this initiative
 Casey Cosgrove had a couple of hundred people walking with him last year in the Terry Fox Run. This year he will serve on the organising committee – imagine if those who ran and walked with Cosgrove all volunteered as well? This is going to be THE event come September. Get your name on the list now. Cosgrove told his Facebook friends that: “I recently met with the really nice folks who organize the Terry Fox Run here in Burlington and I have decided this is a cause I want to help more with, and have joined the committee. This year’s run is September 15th. One of the things I know I can help with is reaching out for some new blood/volunteers. So that’s where I am starting – if anyone would like to help on some way – in advance, or the day of, send me a message. I am hoping to get a bunch of adults, as well as a bunch of teenagers. It’s a small local event, but one near and dear to me as those who know me well are aware. I don’t want people to feel compelled, but if this sounds like something you’d like to connect to, I’d love to bring you in the fold.”
We call that stepping up to the plate. Kudos to the “cause” and his case.
Cosgrove takes credit for getting the current Mayor in office. When Cosgrove ran against Rick Goldring and a number of others in the 2006 election he lost to Goldring by very few votes. That made Goldring the Council member for Ward 5 for the 2006-2010 term after which Goldring went on to become Mayor. Cosgrove argues that had he won in 2006 we would not have Goldring as Mayor. That’s a bit of a stretch but it’s one Cam Jackson would have liked to seen as true.
Cosgrove has this capacity to draw people to him. His personal health issues kept him away from serving publicly but – well the Terry Fox run has a special meaning for him.
We wish him well – and watch how he pulls in the volunteers.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 23, 2013. The Burlington Bandits coming off three straight losses, traveled to Toronto for an afternoon showdown with the Maple Leafs. They got whipped.
Will Richards had five hits, including a two-run homer, as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Burlington Bandits 10-5.
Glenn Jackson also smacked a two-run homer and had two hits with three RBI as Toronto survived a terrible first inning to out-last the Bandits while pounding out 16 hits.
 Not looking all that good are we? Richards went 5-for-5 with three singles, a double and homer, driving in three runs and scoring another two. Cody Mombourquette added two hits, two runs scored and two stolen bases, while Rob Gillis chipped in with two hits and also scored twice.
The day didn’t start well for Toronto, as the Leafs made three crucial errors in the top of the first inning to fall behind 3-0. But Burlington made two errors in the bottom of the first to help the Leafs score three times to tie the game, and it was pretty much all Toronto after that.
Leaf starter Clay Caulfield picked up the win in his season debut, despite not getting much help from his teammates defensively. Caulfield went five innings, allowing five runs – just one earned – on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Drew Taylor and Justin Cicatello both contributed two scoreless innings of relief to complete the seven-hitter.
 Home and away schedule for May. Brian Sewell had two hits and scored twice for the Bandits (1-4), who have dropped their last four games. Brad Bedford, Jeff MacLeod and Kyle Morton all added RBI singles.
Starter Alex Gale took the loss. He went four-plus innings and was tagged for eight runs on 12 hits without a strikeout or a walk.
The Burlington Bandits return home Thursday night when they look for redemption from the Maple Leafs; game time 7:00pm; Nelson Park.
The Bandits are home again Saturday to see if they can do any better against the Kitchener Panthers.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON May 18, 2013. The Kitchener Panthers, playing against the Burlington Bandits managed just three hits but that’s all they would need to edge the Bandits 3-2.
Keith Kandel hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to account for all of the Kitchener runs and the Panthers got stellar pitching to improve to 3-1 on the season, while the Bandits slipped to 1-3.
Marcos Reyna started and went seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Mike McGillvray pitched a perfect eighth before Kyle McKay pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn a save.
Mike Andrulis had a hit, a stolen base and scored a run for the Panthers, who had only one hit besides the two they managed to score their three runs in the fifth inning.
 Burlington starter Mathew St. Kitts went five innings, taking the loss. He allowed three runs on two hits with seven strikeouts and three walks before Kyle Bolton finished up with four shutout innings, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts and two walks.
The Burlington Bandits are on the road tomorrow as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2:00pm start. The Bandits will return home next Thursday when they host Toronto at 7:00pm.
For more information about ticket prices and game schedule, visit the Bandits online at www.burlingtonbandits.com
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. May 13, 2013. It was a thrilling way to open the season for the Burlington Bandits who took their first home game by a slim 1 run win in the final inning when Paul Saville drove in the winning run with a double to cap a three-run ninth inning rally.
The host Bandits were up against the London Majors.
The Bandits scored three runs with one out in the ninth to steal the win from the Majors (0-2) in their first game of the season. Burlington trailed 10-4 after four innings but stormed back much to the delight of their hometown crowd.
 The Burlington Bandits were pumped as they went into their Home Opener and beat the London Majors by a single run in the 9th inning. Great baseball! Saville drove in three runs and scored a run for the Bandits, while Jeff McLeod drove in three runs. Darryl Pui added a pair of RBI, while Kyle Morton added a solo homer for Burlington, which made five errors and won despite being out-hit 12-7.
Jason Pilkington started for the Bandits, going three innings. He allowed seven runs on six hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Reliever Matthew St. Kitts got the win, allowing one run on three hits over four innings, striking out four.
Adwin Springer homered and had two hits, three RBI and four runs scored for the Majors. Paul LaMantia had three hits, two runs scored and an RBI, while Derrik Strzalkowski drove in three runs for London.
London pitchers were badly hurt by 11 walks. Starter Cory Hammond went 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on three hits with five strikeouts and six walks. Ryan Lapensee was the loser, charged with six runs on three hits with three strikeouts and five walks in 3 1/3 innings.
NEXT: The Bandits play against the Brantford RedSocks, in Brantford on the 15th, then the Barrie Baycats on Thursday the 16th at Nelson Park in Burlington and then meet the Kitchener Panthers on Saturday the 18th. After that is on the road playing against Toronto Maple Leafs at Christie Pitts May 19th.
 By Staff
BURLINGTON, ON. May 9, 2013 The weekly Mountain Bike series at Kelso Conservation Area is back this summer with races starting on May 21 and running every Tuesday until the Finale Event on August 27 (last series race August 20).
With 14 races in total and multiple distances/categories this is a great addition to your training program with some of the best climbs in southern Ontario, or a fun way to challenge yourself to achieve a personal best.
 Great trails for many different ability levels on some of the best climbs in southern Ontario. The series is now in its fifth season and often sees over 200 riders of all ability levels from all over southern Ontario and beyond. The staff at Kelso keeps the focus on fun, and has nurtured a strong and supportive community of riders over the years.
Registration is now available online, and in the Visitor Services Centre at Kelso, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Riders can also come out on May 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. to preview the trails and register on-site for the series.
Riders can pick up a discount coupon to save an extra $10 on your series registration from one of our many great sponsors, who are listed on the race webpage. Sign up for the series (14 races and the finale event) and choose to race as many as you want; or sign up for individual races whenever you want.
We encourage everyone to sign up for the series as it’s such a great value. Once again a safe, fun, challenging and free kids course will be offered at the base of the hill, so be sure to bring the little ones out for a taste of the action.
 By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. April 22, 2013. The Burlington Bandits, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) that has been around since 1909, have teamed up with the  United Way as an official partner for the 2013 season. When you put the word official on anything you know that someone is serious and they want your attention.
The United Way will be found at all 21 home games this season conducting 50/50 draws, giveaways and other contests throughout the 2013 season “The Burlington Bandits are proud to be able to team up with United Way and give back to the community” said Bandits President Scott Robinson. “We feel this partnership is not only good for the team but also the community.” The United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton is extremely excited to partner with the IBL Burlington Bandits for the upcoming 2013 season. “This partnership demonstrates the Bandits are committed to making change happen in the Burlington community.”, said Brian Ferguson, Chair, 2013 Burlington United Way Campaign. “This is a small example of the new initiatives and energy the Burlington Cabinet plan to bring to this year’s campaign.”
Those are the “official statements. The real skinny on this is that Len Lifchus, chief cheese over at the United Way – a man who can find himself short 90 big ones and still manage to somehow deliver on the United Way promise.
The Bandits, known as the Twins in their first two years of IBL play in Burlington before being bought and renamed by Scott Robinson during the off-season, open their 42-game 2013 schedule in Guelph on Saturday, May 4.
The home opener will be played Saturday, May 11 at Nelson Park at 2 p.m. against the London Majors. You won’t miss Len – but more to the point Len won’t miss you. A ‘bon vivant” if there ever was one.
Great move on the part of the bandits and a great place for the United Way to take all your loose change from you.
Burlington’s Town Crier, Dave Vollick will be on hand to get the afternoon started. There is word that Lifchus kind of likes the costume the Crier wears – but he is apparently going to settle for a Bandits jersey.
 By Staff
MILTON – Hilton Falls Conservation Area is getting ready to kick off the 2013 Mountain Biking season with its 14th Annual Spokes and Slopes All-Weather Challenge, which takes place on Sunday, April 21.
There are a variety of categories including, ages 10 and under, teen, and adult, with a choice of long or short courses. Stick around after the race for a BBQ lunch and some great prizes!
Race sign-in starts at 8 a.m. on the day of the Spokes and Slopes All-Weather Challenge and the first race gets underway at approximately 9:30 a.m.
 Hilton Falls Mountain Bike All-Weather Challenge – April 21st Participants can register for the All-Weather Challenge online through the Conservation Halton Events Calendar, www.conservationhalton.ca/events, and clicking on All-Weather Challenge. You can also call Hilton Falls Conservation Area at 905-854-0262 for more information or to register.
Participants looking to practice can come out and test the track for the All-Weather Challenge in a pre-race ride from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. Course maps will be available at the Hilton Falls gatehouse. The pre-race ride will be held as long as Trail Conditions permit.
Hilton Falls Conservation Area will be closed to the public during the All-Weather Challenge on Sunday, April 21 until 1:30 p.m.
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