Several of Canada’s finest instrumental jazz musicians, will be on-line February 10th - 7 pm via Zoom - not to be missed

eventsred 100x100By Staff

February 7th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

Several of Canada’s finest instrumental jazz musicians, will be on-line February 10th  – 7pm via Zoom  – not to be missed.

Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Burlington’s Community Support Fund, a special program created to support Burlington artists during the pandemic, One Burlington has commissioned Joe Sealy and his colleague Paul Novotny to create a special 25-minute video version of Africville Stories to be launched in Burlington at 7 pm on Wednesday February 10th , 2021.

Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny will be available for a Q&A immediately after the showing. The video will subsequently be provided to both Burlington school boards for telecasts during the week of February 15th.

Africville

Africville was seen as a slum – but it was home to a small but very robust black community that was forgotten until the city of Halifax wanted to develop the land.

Joe Sealy is one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists and composers. His Africville Suite won a Juno Award as Best Jazz Recording of 1996. Joe Sealy subsequently created an attraction called Africville Stories, which relates the stories behind the various musical selections in the Suite. He wrote several additional songs for the great Canadian jazz/gospel/blues singer Jackie Richardson, who serves as Narrator for the 75-minute work. Africville Stories also features several of Canada’s finest instrumental jazz musicians, including saxophonist Alison Young, bassist Paul Novotny and percussionist Daniel Barnes.

Africville is a community on the outskirts of Halifax that had little, if anything, in the way of municipal services. The residents of that community were treated terribly.

One Burlington, Burlington’s organization dedicated to the celebration of faith and culture in the City of Burlington, is planning an event in commemoration of Black History Month.

Africville Stories is Joe Sealy’s musical tribute to the Halifax community of Africville, a neighbourhood built by generations of Black immigrants to Nova Scotia subsequent to their arrival from post-Revolutionary America. The community was razed to the ground in 1960 as part of a Halifax urban renewal project. Joe Sealy’s mother was born and raised there.

 

Paul Novotny

Paul Novotny

Africville Stories fit well into One Burlington’s mandate to celebrate the cultural diversity of its citizenry, and especially those communities that are under-served, and to provide insights into the often difficult histories of these multicultural communities. We stand proud in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Joe Sealy’s Africville Stories, featuring Jackie Richardson and Paul Novotny.
Wednesday February 10th, 2021 at 7 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.usj8507806860?pwd=MFVlKzZsTnBEbWZCNCt5MkkyWGd1UT09

Meeting ID: 885 0780 6860
Passcode: 231098

If that link doesn’t work, please go to zoom.us and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode to get in that way!

For more information contact Robert Missen at 905-632-6047 or rmissen@sympatico.ca

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Week long food drive - the need is still there

News 100 yellowBy Staff

February 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Shadi Salehian, Chair of One Burlington, and Dan Fraser, organizer for the upcoming Share the Love, are the driving force behind the city-wide Food Drive from Feb 6 to 13th.

Share 1

Share 2

Dan and his wife Merrilee Fraser have been spearheading this Food drive by contacting grocery stores and faith groups in Burlington: they are very surprised how welcoming and generous their fellow neighbours have been. A diverse, integrated Burlington is a stronger, kinder and more interesting community to live in.

One Burlington was founded by several faith groups after the Quebec mosque shooting in 2017, One Burlington celebrates the multi-faith, multicultural foundation of our community. They believe the contributions of our diverse faith and cultural groups continue to strengthen Burlington and make it one of the best places to reside. It’s an organization of over 40 faith and non-faith groups who hope to create opportunities for people of different backgrounds to come together in a peaceful and cordial manner; to learn about and experience aspects of each others’ faith and culture.

Share the love One Burlington

 

If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help PLEASE have them send an email to  info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through the curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, they are here to help. Don’t struggle – give them a call.

 

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Terry Fox Run seen as one of the most successful fund raising events in North America

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

February 5th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum is honoring three nonprofits that overcame long odds to host successful fundraising campaigns in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic as its Programs of the Year.

This year’s honorees include:

Fox monument with Brant Inn

The marker in Spencer Smith Park overlooking Lake Ontario. The Brant Inn was directly behind the marker.

The Terry Fox Foundation, which continued to tell the story of its namesake founder and stayed true to its values, even when the pandemic disrupted its plans for 950 community runs across Canada last September. In the face of incredible disruption, the Terry Fox Virtual Run raised nearly $8 million in 2020 – just 3% less than it raised in 2019.

Locally Craig Gardner reminds people that the Burlington community raised more in 2020 than they did in 2019. He adds: just as an update the total raised in Burlington in 2020 has passed the $141K mark with 2 months to go till foundation year end March 31.

A large part of Burlington is home to the memory of Terry Fox.

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Ward 4 Friday Food drive was Impressive

News 100 yellowBy Staff

February 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte it was one of those “aha” moments.

It has been her practice to use Fridays to drive around the ward and see what’s happening; look for problems that need attention and satisfy herself that the ward is as OK as it can be, given the circumstances.

Hang on, she said to herself – If I am driving around why not pick up whatever food I can convince people to leave on their porches and take it to the Food Bank.

And so off she was. Last week the results were pretty clear. People will help out – just make it as easy as you can for them.

She maps out her route for Friday and prints out the Thank-you notes she leaves behind.

Stolte - this could lead to bigger van

What happens when the vehicle is full but the rounds have not been completed?

The results speak for themselves.

“So proud of the fantastic response to the first Ward 4 Friday Food Drive!

“In just under 2 hours during my regular tour of the ward I had the pleasure of dropping by 33 participating households and collected; 443 pounds of food and $500. Cash donations.

Stolte at Food Bank

The results of the Food Drive go directly to the Food Bank

Hoping that this initiative will continue to gather momentum over the coming weeks as more and more Ward 4 households participate and support our local Burlington Food Bank.

The drill on making this happen goes like this:

Email ward4@burlington.ca by 4pm tomorrow (Thursday) to schedule a contact-free, front porch pick up for this Friday’s Food Drive.

You will receive an email confirming the pickup. Place your donation on your front porch by 10am Friday labelled “Friday Food Drive”. The items will be collected in a safe and contact-free manner and delivered straight to the Food Bank.

 

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A chance to remember what the Brant Inn was like

eventsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

February 2nd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It sounded like a great idea. It was certainly imaginative and done right it could be a great way to spend an evening during what are difficult times.

The price seemed just a little steep: $55 per person.

Brant Inn eveningMarch 12

In the 1940s and ‘50s, Burlington’s very own Brant Inn was host to some of the most famous entertainers in the world. Join us for “An Evening at the Brant Inn” for a joyful glimpse into our past.
The Brant Inn was famous for a period of time.

Brant Inn outdoors

Outdoors on a summer evening – it must have been a great place to get out for dinner. The Inn closed when the ownership changed – poor management led to its demise.

Your ticket includes a take-out dinner prepared by Pepperwood Bistro Brewery & Catering, dessert from COBS Bread Headon Forest, a beverage by Nickel Brook Brewing Co., dance lesson and demonstration by danceScape via Zoom, and live musical entertainment broadcast from the Joseph Brant Museum.

Brant inn front

Front entrance – it was the place to be on New Year’s Eve

Order by March 5 for pick up on March 12 from the Joseph Brant Museum between 12 noon to 6 pm, then tune in from home at 7 pm for your evening entertainment.

Regular price, $55/person, ($49.50 for Museum members), includes tax. Limited quantity available.

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Mountainside Outdoor Pool to be Revitalized - Parks and Recreation Looking for Community Input

News 100 yellowBy Staff

February 1st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Mountainside Outdoor Pool has served the community well for over 50 years.

The City of Burlington is planning a future revitalization of this popular community outdoor pool. The renewal project is anticipated to begin after the 2021 summer swim season. The pool will remain open for use this summer, pending public health and provincial COVID-19 direction.

Ward 3 Mountainside Pool update July 30

Time for an upgrade. The ward Council is now a happy camper – he has delivered something for his constituents

The City is inviting and encouraging all families and individuals who use the pool to take the online survey to help guide them with the style and themes of amenities and features planned for the new pool. The survey is open until Feb. 19, 2021: CLICK HERE for the survey.

Styles and themes of amenities in the survey include:

  • Pool water spray features
  • Climbing wall
  • Water slide
  • Shade structures

The revitalization will create an attractive, fun, active and welcoming multi-use outdoor swimming pool, that invites the community to participate and experience swimming and water play while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with completion expected in the spring of 2022.

About Mountainside Outdoor Pool
Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mount Forest Dr.) is an important community hub and aquatic recreation destination in the Mountainside neighbourhood. The pool is well used and serves on average 27,000 participants in a wide variety of activities including recreational swimming, lap swimming and learn to swim lessons each summer.

Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture explains what the City is doing and the timeline for the revitalization.   “Mountainside Outdoor Pool is over 50-years old and has served the community and the city very well. It’s now time to revitalize it and make the needed upgrades, repairs and updates so it can be a community activity hub for another 50-years. By starting the construction in the fall, we can ensure people have another opportunity for healthy, active recreational swimming this summer, and weather and construction permitting, have it open for the 2022 outdoor swimming season.”

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Catch the Ace Lottery is Back - Brant Hospital and Rotary are the Sponsors

News 100 yellowBy Staff

January 29th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Brant lottery

Someone is going to win $1,000 guaranteed
FEBRUARY 3rd DRAW ONLY!

How does Catch the Ace Work?
Draws take place weekly, and one lucky person takes home 20% of all the ticket sales that week. And to celebrate the launch, the weekly prize for week 1 is $1,000 guaranteed!

The winner will have selected an envelope, containing one playing card from a standard 52-card deck. The envelope selected by the weekly winner is opened, and if it contains the Ace of Spades, the winner takes home the progressive jackpot. If it is any other card, 30% of ticket sales from that week are added to the progressive jackpot and tickets go on sale for the following week’s draw.

lottery ticket dealHow do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are only available online at catchtheacelottery.ca. The deadline for each draw is Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Lottery dateTicket purchasers will select one envelope per transaction, regardless of the number of tickets purchased.

 

The Catch the Ace Lottery is in support of the Rotary Club of Burlington North and
the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

 

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Photo of the day: Not for the faint of heart

News 100 blueBy Staff

January 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was one of those bleak winter days that often follow a snow storm.

Close to blistering cold but not cold enough to freeze Lake Ontario water and not cold enough to keep those barking mad surfers out of the water.

The photo offering today shows someone pushing through the water hoping to catch a decent wave.

Not for the faint of heart.

surfer jan 27

Photo by Helene Dube

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The hospitality sector has found a way to get their craft beer into your house - they use Growlers and Howlers

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

January 27th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When I saw the media release I didn’t know what a Growler was. Interesting approach to the delivery of craft beers.

The media release announced that on January 1st, Beertown Public House was among the first set of restaurants in Ontario to successfully launch a Growler Program – offering freshly poured local craft beer for guests to take home, bring back, re-fill, and repeat.

beertown 2

64 and 32 ounce sizes of your favourite craft beer that you can’t get at the supermarket or the LCBO

The program, they say, celebrates the most recent amendments to Ontario’s liquor laws which permits licensees to sell premixed cocktails and growlers. Beertown is offering Howlers (32oz half growlers) to foster the joy of discovery and promote a “keep cool, drink fresh” mentality.

The province still requires “some” food be provided with the brew; Beertown tosses in a handful of nibley food to cover that base.
Guests can choose from an ever-changing selection of Ontario Craft beers, quirky imports, and kegged cocktails. Once finished, they can bring back their empty glass growler to refill, and exchange it for a freshly sanitized one.

The Growler program has allowed the Beertown to continue to support Ontario Craft Breweries during this unique time, and curate a “Beertown experience” for their guests right at home. It has become a popular choice in the Beertown Bottle Shop – a series of retail pop-up shops that sell consignment wines, cocktail kits and 6-packs that cannot be found at your local LCBO or grocery store.

Beer town 1

Craft beer – they have more than 100 on their list and mixed cocktails: curb side service as well.

The Growler Program is available at all Charcoal Group Restaurant locations across Ontario, including: Beertown Public House, Sociable Kitchen and Tavern, The Bauer Kitchen, and Wildcraft Grill and Long Bar.

Where did the name Growler come from? The term likely dates from the late 19th century when fresh beer was carried from the local pub to one’s home by means of a small galvanized pail. It is claimed the sound that the carbon dioxide made when it escaped from the lid as the beer sloshed around sounded like a growl.

Who knew?

Beertown offers an impressive take out menu. You can find it on line.

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A little windy for the birds today

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

January 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It got a little windy out there this morning.
birds single cardinal

Wasn’t much on the ground for the birds around the house to eat.

birds feeding 2

The Blue Jays would not share – they would chase off anyone eating.

The Cardinals don’t get along all that well with the Blue Jays (does anyone get along with a Blue Jay?)

They would huddle in some branches and then take their turn for a quick trip to the bird feeder and then scramble back to the bushes and let someone else grab a bite to eat.

Yesterday there were more than a dozen doves sharing the space; this morning not one of them in sight.

bird eating alone

Hanging on tightly – the wind was more than this one was comfortable with

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There are options for paying what you purchase on line

News 100 blueBy Alex Gramantin

January 21st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With the world coping with a pandemic and people in many countries in a lock down situation or restricted on which commercial operations are actually opening and operating, millions of people are shopping on-line.

Some method of paying for what you buy on-line is needed.

Let’s start with the obvious, using your credit/debit card to make transfers and online payments is pretty annoying. Constantly having to log in and typing your card information is a hassle, and it’s not that safe for various reasons. Thankfully, there are loads of online payment systems and e-wallets you can use in Canada.

There are a lot of them, so many in fact that it may be hard to choose which one is better and more convenient. I’ve set out below the most popular payment systems for Canadians and given you the pros and the cons based on my experience; you will then be able to determine which one suits you best.

Gamer PayPal logoPayPal Canada

Want a payment method that doesn’t use any of your information with the store you’re purchasing from? PayPal Canada is perfect for those wanting a secure banking option that will ensure that no one can get to your actual banking details even in PayPal casinos in Canada. Better yet, you don’t need to replenish your PayPal e-wallet, it automatically uses money from the bank account linked to it. There are over 6.4 million PayPal users in Canada, and yes – it does work with the CAD currency.

Pros:
-Extremely fast, and easy to use
-No transaction fees
-Downloadable e-wallet
-Plenty of discounts with various retails

Cons:
-Long withdrawal times (3-4 days)
-Business account use charges
-Accounts get frozen randomly

Gamer GooglePay logo

GooglePay is in the process of revising their logo

Google Pay Canada

Google really is dominating the world, and now you have an option to make payments via Google Pay. Canadian users can use this system on the website, or download a mobile app (Android Pay) that is beyond easy to use. Using Google Pay, you will have the opportunity to earn cash back, gain reward points, and have a secure experience with scam and fraud protection. A little over 12% of Canadian residents happily use this payment method for online shopping, quick transactions, and thousands of available retails in the region.

Pros:
-Lots of rewards and promotions
-Widely accepted online
-No transaction fees
-Charges in CAD

Cons:
-Not as widely accepted in physical retails as PayPal
-Only accepted on smartphones with NFC
-Isn’t compatible with mobile voice assistants

Gamer Instdebit logoInstadebit

If you want to feel the lightning speed power transactions, Instadebit CA is going to blow your socks off. This payment system is incredibly fast, and offers instant transactions, hence the name. The company serves thousands of Canadian users, as it quickly proved to be a highly convenient online financial system. It’s very similar in structure to most other online payment methods, and can be used for various digital payments except this one happens to be extremely popular in the online gambling world. Making an Instadebit account is as easy as ever, and depositing to online casinos couldn’t be speedier. There are currently over a hundred legal Instadebit online gambling sites for Canadians.

Pros:
-Incredibly fast transactions
-Fast online casino deposits
-Quick online casino withdrawals
-Quick registration process
-Accepted on many Canadian casino sites
-Secure payment system

Cons:
-Doesn’t work with some CA banks
-Can only be tethered to one bank
-Lack of anonymity

My take on what is available:

Whether you’re shopping online, depositing money to friends and family, or gambling online – there are plenty of options. You will find dozens of online payment systems in Canada, but make sure to always read reviews and weigh out the pros and cons before linking your bank details.

PayPal, Google Pay, and Instadebit are all reliable.  They have their differences but they are all  secure options with quick transactions, and no excessive fees.

Alex Gramantin is a consultant who is located in Europe. He consults for an international clientele on internet based payment services.

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Just how do they do it?

News 100 yellowBy Staff

January 18th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Last week the Burlington Food Bank reached a high point in the number of families that took delivery of food baskets – 58 delivered and 16 picked up in the evening,

Staff was stretched a bit but they came through,’

Food bank volunteers

Throughout the week – the volunteers show up and get the job done.

When the Food Bank says staff they mean a team of volunteers who come through day after day.

This week looks like it is going to be just as busy.

Robin Bailey, Executive Director, is taking part in a virtual meeting of the Feed Ontario Advocacy Committee meeting that is trying to have a voice and impact with the Ontario government and try to determine how we can support families better – especially those who are on social assistance – they really can’t survive on what they’re given right now.

Robin Food Bank with milk

From time to time the Food Bank gets a delivery of fresh milk.

60% of the Food Bank clients are women; this breakdown of clients is consistent across the province.

The Food Bank is a small yet powerful impact organization that works on several levels.

Sourcing food wherever they can, raising funds to buy the food at wholesale prices to bring in what they need and at the same time advocating for a change in the way those who need help are served by the community.

The organization doesn’t see a dime from any level of government. The Region, the people who are responsible for social services, don’t contribute to the Food Bank budget.

Food bank - three young men

This crew -no names – just showed up with the food they had collected in their neighbourhood.

This is one of those organizations that learns where the need is and finds a way to fill the need.

Every media event they send out end with:

If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you live in Burlington, we are here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.

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A tough period ahead with little to do but tough it out - this is serious business - we need to keep our wits about us.

News 100 blueBy Staff

January 15th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a media release sent out by City Hall we learn the following:

Earlier this week, the Province announced a State of Emergency, with additional restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. The State of Emergency began Thursday, Jan. 14 at 12:01 a.m., including a Stay-at-Home Order in place for all regions of Ontario, including Halton Region, for at least 28 days.

Impacts to City services and programs

City Hall
closed sign city hallCity Hall, located at 426 Brant St., remains open for in-person service by appointment only for commissioning services and marriage licences. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Please visit burlington.ca/commissioning, burlington.ca/marriage or call 905-335-7777 to book your appointment. Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services online.

Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone during regular business hours, at 905-335-7777 and city@burlington.ca.

Building staff are processing building permit applications. Anyone wanting to apply for a building permit or follow up on an existing building permit application can email building@burlington.ca. Staff are responding to requests and are assisting applicants with the building permit process. For more information, visit burlington.ca/building.

Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will continue to run as scheduled including specialized transit. The transit terminal at 430 John St. will remain open to provide PRESTO services including SPLIT passes. Presto services are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at prestocard.ca. Transit schedules are available online at burlingtontransit.ca to download and print, via Google Maps, Apple Maps and using myride.burlingtontransit.ca.

Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office
Halton POA administration counter services are currently closed. Telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Many online services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or by visiting www.haltoncourtservices@burlington.ca

Recreation, Community & Culture Services and Facilities
Leaving your home for outdoor exercise is allowed under the current provincial regulations, as long as 2 metres of physical distancing is maintained at all times from anyone outside of your household. Exercise is an essential need for everyone. It is important to stay active for both physical and mental health.

Outdoor recreational parks and open spaces that are allowed to stay open include City-sanctioned toboggan hills, neighbourhood rinks, multiuse courts, playgrounds, trails, Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond and parks. Equipment lending (curbside pick-up) can continue.

Please cooperate with others using the outdoor space and follow all public health measures and posted signage.

Outdoor Skating
Skating rink Discovery LandingThe Rotary Centennial Pond at 1340 Lakeshore Rd. is open for skating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Residents wishing to use the rink must pre-register and complete the online screening at burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 35 people and meets the provincial regulations.

A new artificial outdoor rink at Hidden Valley Park, 1137 Hidden Valley Rd. is open for skating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All users must pre-register and complete the online screening at burlington.ca/screening. Capacity on this rink is 10 people and meets the provincial regulations.

For both skating rinks, as per new provincial regulations, additional measures are in place for outdoor activities that require the use of masks. Visitors must wear masks while standing in line and it is highly recommended during skating. For more information, follow @Burl_ParksRec and visit burlington.ca/pond for updates.

Outdoor Winter Play Challenge
Residents can also take the Outdoor Winter Play Challenge and see how many free activities they can complete by Feb. 19, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/playoutside.

Active at Home
Options to stay active at home are available online at burlington.ca/activeathome, including a series of virtual activities from fitness to crafts for everyone to enjoy. All videos are free and new videos are added frequently. Follow @BurlingtonParksRec on Facebook and @Burl_parksandrec on Twitter for the latest updates and videos.

Roads, Parks and Forestry
Services provided by the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department will continue as needed. Residents with questions or issues can email RPF@burlington.ca or call 905-333-6166.

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Burlington Man Proves Slots Can Be a Full-Time Job - Think YouTube

sportsgold 100x100By Mildred Austria

January 8th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

‘Who says you can’t have fun and earn a living at the same time? Brian Christopher from Burlington, Ontario, proves that it is possible to take gambling to a level that is more enviable than having a lucky streak. From classic to progressive slots, gambling has been more than enjoyable for the 39-year-old gambling enthusiast.

PAID Burl man at progressiveChristopher is not making money directly from winning at slot machines, although he occasionally earns some from them. He is having slots as his “full-time job” by being a YouTube who plays slots. He is now one of the leading YouTubers who specialize in videos about wagering.

Christopher did not plan any of his YouTube fame and money-making. It was in April 2016 when he posted his first ever video on the video sharing platform. He thought only his family and friends would consider giving his video the views. However, in around a month after posting his first video, he noticed his followers were growing rapidly. This led to him getting an invite to be part of YouTube’s partner program, allowing him to monetize the content he posts.

He said he decided he would record some of the instances he was enjoying slots after seeing others doing the same. It would be fun, he thought, and he was not seriously considering giving it a lot of effort. It was just about him filming for fun.

After seeing the growth of his channel and making money out of the videos he used to post without any thought of monetization, Christopher decided to make it his full-time job. He eventually planned trips to casinos where he can create his unique content. He also thought of posting videos daily since nobody playing slots was doing it at that pace.

Christopher thinks that his channel grew further because of the frequency he was posting videos. He was not doing something that is in a very narrow niche. It’s not the same as the content produced by many of the top YouTubers around. However, he managed to attract regular viewers of his videos because he was doing it daily, so he had something new to offer to his subscribers every time they visit his channel.

In an interview with The Star, the successful YouTuber expressed elation over doing something he enjoys. He said being a gaming-focused YouTuber is so much fun. He unapologetic ally professed his fondness for gambling and his desire to entertain people, two things he is able to do and make money from by being a YouTube video blogger.

On average, YouTuber content creators earn in the range of $3 to $5 for every 1,000 views their videos get. A single video with a million views in a month can already generate a hefty amount to pay for living expenses.

Christopher’s channel averages 207,000 views per day. Many of his videos are already above the 1 million view mark. As of January 6, 2021, his channel has already accumulated more than 201 million views and 314,000 subscribers.

Mildred Austria tracks and analyzes the any ways social media is used by several sectors.

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Festival Lights Might be on for a Bit Longer - Smart Idea

News 100 yellowBy Staff

January 7th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Will the lights be on forever?

Lights festival BTTBWell maybe not forever – but there are reported to be lighting the evening skies until the end of the month with a number of people wanting to see them on until March.

One of our sources said he “posted a mention on two Facebook pages and in less than 24 hours got 200 likes.”

The lights have been a festival season feature for more than 25 years.

Given the mood of the city and the oppressive feelings keeping the lights on would be nice.

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Body Positive - a Different Way of Looking at What Woman Look Like

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

January 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

At the beginning of a year people make resolutions.

Losing weight is one that is at the top of many resolution lists.

We care about the way we look.

Some people care much more than others and go to great lengths to change their natural appearance

Emily Lauren Dick, Burlington author, graduated from Wilfred Laurier University where her focus was on Women’s Studies. She began to learn about the intense focus on what women should look like.

The fashion world set the tone, the media picks it up and men were persuaded that THIS is what an attractive woman looks like.

Billions of dollars were poured into the marketing of what women had to look like – the pressure on young women – girls actually, is intense.

For many young people it was not a pretty picture.

Anorexia was prevalent as early as the middle years of school.

Body book cover Dyck

Interviews with 75 women about what they look like and what, if anything, they want to do about it.

Emily’s book, Body Positive,  is made up of a lot of pictures and interviews she did with more than 75 women who came in all shapes and sizes.

It’s not easy being a girl today. We live in a culture in which Average Girls feel bad about themselves for being unable to achieve society’s ideal standards of beauty. The media makes it nearly impossible for girls to develop a positive body image. Many of you may feel alone in your struggle with your body image. But you should know that your experience is . . . well, average.

Some of the quotes from the interviews actually hurt:

“The media pressures girls of all ages to be perfect and cool-looking, from having the newest Barbie when they’re young to having the perfect everything when they [are] elementary-school age and older. It’s ridiculous because people get teased . . . about their appearance— not even their personality, but their appearance—and it’s so hard not to get wrapped into it. People usually do. I know I do.”
—Madeleine

“The media is the biggest reason for my being anorexic.”
—Alli

“Perfect skin, long eyelashes, big eyes, pink lips . . . I don’t know, I just think it’s pretty. That’s always shown in films and in magazines and stuff. I just love the look I can’t do. I’m just ugly, and I can’t be [bothered] to do makeup—don’t have much money for makeup anyway.”

The book tends to focus on younger women – because Emily feels that is where the most help is needed. “This is the age most impacted by anorexia”, she said.

The objective is to teach people to be who they are and that who they really are is perfectly alright.

This is a book you work with – the pictures themselves say a lot about different sizes and shapes – it is the comments and the questions that are out to readers that makes it worth the time and effort for those who question what they look like and go to some length to change that look.

You can order online anywhere that sells books – specifically Amazon Canada, Chapters Indigo, Amazon US, Bookshop, Indiebound, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, Workman!

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How did a three story building with a classic look end up being a squat ugly two story hair salon

background graphic redBy Pepper Parr

January 5th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Alan Harrington is a bit of a history nut. He has spent a lot of his spare time with the Historical Society and decided recently that he wanted to tell more of the Burlington story.

He chose a building many walk by if we are heading to Spencer Smith Park

He tell us that: “Viewers of CHCH television Evening News are informed at the end of each broadcast ,that the anchor gets “her hair done in Burlington at the corner of Lakeshore & John”.

“Often that is the ONLY mention Burlington gets on CHCH out of Hamilton. But, what building is at the corner of Lakeshore & John? – and how old is it?

Waldie himself

John Waldie, former Reeve of Burlington when it was a town, a member of the federal Parliament at a time when Sir John A McDonald was Prime Minister.

“The original store was built by W. Bunton in early 1830 and bought by John Waldie in 1847.

“Waldie was one of Burlington’s greatest entrepreneurs and benefactors. He was Reeve of Burlington for five years, and sat as a Liberal for Halton in the Dominion Parliament from 1887 to 1891.

“Waldie rebuilt the building in 1860 / 1865 to become his General Store which sold “everything”; probably in order to supply needs for his thirteen children.

Waldie store

The location when it was the Waldie General Store.

J Waldie & Co. General Store below featuring distinctive three second storey windows in this drawing from 1877.

After prohibition ended in 1927, the Brewers Retail (Beer Store) began operations and the building was opened as a Brewers Retail store.

Evolution continued in 1960 when the building became Burlington Motors.

When it was insurance

A fire resulted in the top floor being taken off – how often does an insurance company office file an insurance claim?

In 1966 it was renovated again to serve as three retail outlets and then changed further in 1973 with new tenants and new windows being installed as insurance against inclement weather.

Times have changed and now the building is shown as it is today as a hair salon.

Why did it go from three storeys down to just two? Did they want “a little off the top” ?

Actually a fire in 1973 resulted in the destruction of the upper floor while CAIG Insurance was its occupant.

Current look

Corner of John and Lakeshore today. Property is one of the Molinaro holdings.

 

 

 

Alan Harrington, when he was President of the Historical Society with then Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward checking out an historical marker on the waterfront.

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Tell me about Burlington - part 1

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

January 4th, 2021,

BURLINGTON, ON

Part 1 of a series

If someone asked you to “tell me all about Burlington” , “what makes the city work”, what would you say?

The Gazette has observed and reported on this city for more than a decade now. Like all media we have watched closely as the city has dealt with the pandemic – in some situations remarkably well and in others less so.

We have watched how the provincial government lost the credibility it once had through the stupid, selfish actions of a few while the vast majority of the people in the province did what they were asked to do.

Dealing with the pandemic on a daily basis has shown the city and its administration for what it is – committed people working under difficult circumstances.

There is legitimate concern for the mental health of those several hundred people who have to work from home juggling their cell phones with their keyboards to meet the demands for information and policy directions.

Today and during the balance of the week we will report on stories that point up how the population and the people who lead them have acted and responded.

Today we want to tell you more about the Burlington Food Bank and the superb job it has done under trying circumstances.

Bailey Food Bank March 31-20

Bailey makes one statement – every day. “If you need help getting the food you need – call us, we are here to help.”

Led by Robin Bailey who serves as Executive Director, and a collection of volunteers who make one statement – every day.  “If you need help getting the food you need – call us, we are here to help.”

Bailey does a short video almost every day highlighting where food is coming from and also what he needs in the way of food to meet the daily need.

The Food Bank has on occasion delivered food to more than 70 homes in a single day.

Margo - thank you

Neighborhood in the city hold a local food drive.

That food comes from a wide variety of sources. A neighborhood in the city will hold a local food drive that has dozens, sometimes hundreds of people dropping off bags of food that is then taken to the Food Bank.

There are dozens of locations around the city that have large bins at which that food is left – every supermarket has one, there are bins at the fire stations, and in the churches.

Bailey has access to funds that he can use to buy items that didn’t get to him through the voluntary food chain.

Bailey works within the eco-system that exists at both the federal and provincial levels where people who are at the front-line level exchange views and share solutions to problems while at the same time keeping tabs on just how big a problem the food banks are in place to handle.

Food bank - three young men

They just show up with large bins or boxes filled with food.

Each day a couple of dozen volunteers show up at the food bank to handle the food that has arrived and put in into the short quarantine that all food gets put in.

It then gets placed on shelves where the people who are putting together the food baskets turn to to make up a food package.

There are drivers who take turns picking up food from the many drop off points as well as delivering the food to those in need.

Bailey, who works with Scot Cameron who produces the daily web cast, gets the message out in a short, direct video that rarely runs more than two minutes.

On an almost daily basis people just show up with large bins or boxes filled with food.

The system works with not a dime from the city or the regional government that is responsible for social welfare.

This is just citizens knowing that there is a need and doing what has to be done to fill that need.

The is part of what Burlington is.

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2020 didn't work out all that well. Let's see what we can do in 2021

Now that we are into 2021 let’s figure out how we are going to get through it – safely.

Take care of each other and stay safe.

Happy New Year !

2021 NY graphic

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A full moon and common sense don't seem to mix

News 100 blueBy Staff

December 30th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is something about the strength of a full moon – the tug it has on our emotions and the impact it has on the earth.

Unfortunately that gravitational force does not bring any common sense with it.

full moon dec 29

A full moon in the process of rising over the city

One Gazette reader learned that the 6 foot social distance had been reduced to 3 feet for some – and the moon had nothing to do with it.

“Saw a family of cousins, aunts and uncles greeting on the street, mask-less, hugging and exclaiming, “So nice to see you again”, while the cousins piled into a van.”

Our reader suggests that family might want to touch base with each other around the 9th of January and ask how they feel.

The vaccine exists – but we have to be inoculated with it before it can do any good.

I am sure that most people listen for the number the province publishes on how many new infections are reported and how many deaths are recorded.

Adhering to what the lock down requires us to do individually is not always easily – but it is the only way we can stop the spread of the virus.

There is no rocket science to what we have to do. The rocket science has already taken place – the vaccine was determined and manufactured in record time.

We now wait for the next full moon and see what the governments report.

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