Koogle Theatre goes 'Into the Woods' this evening and on the 28th and 29th

By Pepper Parr

May 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The new normal – we are seeing more and more of it in the community.

The hospitality sector took a terrible beating – some just disappeared others will struggle for years to recover what they lost during the 20 months of very very dire times.

The arts didn’t fare that much better.  The smaller groups did what little they could; the Art Gallery and the Performing Arts Centre survived because they were publicly funded.

Two groups have reappeared.  Drury Lane Theatre has a production (I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE) on the go June 3rd to the 26th; and and KooGle  has a production that hits the stage this evening and runs to the 29th.

Matthew Pichocki as the baker with his wife

KooGle is in the finals stages of opening the curtains.

We spent some time when KooGle  was doing a bit of a dress rehearsal and a run through of Into the Woods Jr.

Matthew Pichocki explained the Jr to me.  “The full length play gets a little dark during the second half, we are doing the shorter version – thus the Jr.

The story is about a husband and wife who want children; there is a wicked witch and four things the couple has to do to have the witch remove the curse that was on the house of the couple that wanted children  They were bakers.

In order to have the baby they wanted the baker and his wife had to go into the woods and find four things.

That cow is certainly white

A cow as white as a milk

A cape as red as blood

Hair as yellow as corn

Slippers that gleamed of gold

The baker and his wife meet these demands – there was a time limit and that is the mystery of the story that those in the theatre will take home with them.

KooGle has been had an active youth program since 2017.  They didn’t have a home for a number of years – just before the pandemic took over the lives of all of us they found as location that was perfect and once they felt the worst of the pandemic was behind them they signed the lease.

Putnam County Spelling Bee was very well received.

In the past KooGle has put on some exceptionally fine work – their version of the Putnam County Spelling Bee was very well received.

During the pandemic KooGle actually pulled off doing Cinderella virtually.  Perfect, certainly not but as Matthew explained it was an experience and was more like a movie – a lot of the acting ended up on the cutting room floor.

Leslie and Christopher Gray

In January KooGle put out a call for people who wanted to take part in a theatrical production.  There were then classes in dance, voice and singing.

These were classes followed by a workshop out of which came the selecting of the cast and crew for Into the Woods.

A dress rehearsal means finding something that fits.

Leslie Gray and her husband Christopher were professional performers who thought Burlington needed a place where young people could train and take part in theatrical productions.

The young people that become part of a production quickly become a team where they support each other – watching them as the wait for their turn in a rehearsal you see how they work together – they learn, they are in a safe environment and they have fun.

In the worlds of theatre you eat when you can.

The students range from 8 to 18; some have been with KooGle since 2017.   KooGle was formed in 2008.  Several are looking at careers in theatre others want to teach drama at high school.

The next opportunity for new students to get a taste for theatre is a workshop in June.

We will tell you more about that event.

 

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Some Day My Prince Will Come - 6 Best Dating Apps & Sites in Toronto for 2022

By Stephen Atcheler

May 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With all the dating sites out in the world, finding the right ones can definitely be a headache. You have Emo dating sites, swingers dating sites, music dating sites, and, of Bourse, sites where people are looking to find a sugar daddy. But how do you parse through this veritable buffet of options without getting overwhelmed? Not everyone is cut out for the informational overload.

Thankfully, there are a few dating sites out there that have managed to cut through the noise and become recognizable names in the online dating scene. Here is a list of the best dating apps and sites in Toronto for 2022.

1. Tinder
If you’re not familiar with Tinder, it’s basically the Wild West of dating apps. It’s a free app that allows you to set up a profile with some pictures and a little bit about yourself. You can then browse other people’s profiles and swipe left or right depending on whether or not you’re interested. If you both swipe right, you’re a match and can start messaging each other.

There are definitely some downsides to using Tinder, especially if you’re looking for something more serious than a hookup. The biggest one is that it’s geared towards people who are looking for more casual relationships, so if you’re looking for something more long-term, it might not be the best option. Additionally, because it’s free to use, there are a lot of fake profiles and people who aren’t really looking for anything serious.

2. Bumble
Bumble is very similar to Tinder in that it’s a free app you can use to set up a profile and browse other people’s profiles. The main difference is that on Bumble, only women can initiate contact with men. This is meant to empower women and put them in control of the conversation.
Like Tinder, there are some downsides to using Bumble. First of all, because it’s geared towards women initiating contact, there are fewer men on the app than on Tinder. Additionally, the pool of potential matches is smaller because it’s a newer app and doesn’t have as many users as some of the others.

The app uses your Facebook profile to connect you

3. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is another dating app that’s similar to Tinder in that it’s free to use and you can browse other people’s profiles. The main difference is that on Coffee Meets Bagel, you only get one match per day. This match is chosen for you based on your profile and the interests you have in common with the other person.

If you’re looking for a more low-key dating experience, Coffee Meets Bagel might be the right option for you. Because you only get one match per day, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the number of potential matches. Additionally, because the app uses your Facebook profile to connect you with potential matches, you know that they’re at least somewhat compatible with you before even starting to talk to them.

There are signs and symbols that express the sincerity

4. OkCupid
OkCupid is a dating app that’s been around for a while. It’s free to use, and you can browse other people’s profiles and message them if you’re interested. The app also has a paid subscription option that gives you some extra features, like being able to see who likes you and messaging people without having to match with them first.

OkCupid is a great option if you’re looking for a more serious relationship. Because it’s been around for a while, it has a large pool of potential matches. Additionally, the paid subscription option gives you some extra features that can be helpful in finding a compatible match.

5. Hinge
Hinge is a dating app that’s similar to Tinder and Bumble in that it’s free to use, and you can browse other people’s profiles. The main difference is that on Hinge, you’re only matched with people who are Facebook friends of friends. This is meant to create more meaningful connections and relationships.

Hinge is a great option if you’re looking for something more serious than a hookup. Because you’re only matched with people who are Facebook friends of friends, you know that they’re at least somewhat compatible with you. Additionally, the app has a paid subscription option that gives you some extra features, like being able to see who likes you.

The surprise and the exhilaration last a lifetime

6. eHarmony
eHarmony is a dating site that’s been around for a while. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but it’s also geared towards people who are looking for more serious relationships. The site uses a personality test to match you with potential partners and then sends you compatible matches on a regular basis.

eHarmony is a great option if you’re looking for a serious relationship. Because the site uses a personality test to match you with potential partners, you know that they’re at least somewhat compatible with you. Additionally, the app has a paid subscription option that gives you some extra features, like being able to see who likes you.

Conclusion
As with everything, you need to be diligent when choosing a dating app or site. Consider what you’re looking for in a relationship and choose an option that best suits your needs. With so many different options available, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you!

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Into the Woods - a Koogle production on stage starting tomorrow

By Staff

May 26th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They are back – like everyone else in the business of attracting a public the Koogle Theatre has survived and is putting an event on stage – first performance is on Thursday.

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Benefits of online betting - casino bonuses

By Dennis  Savoy

March 24th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Betting has existed since ancient times and there are more and more users every day.

It is a hobby of many people who like to taste their happiness and hope to win.

Over the years, the list of things to bet on has been expanding. Most often it is in a sport, but there are also events outside the sport, such as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest and similar.

The Eurovision Song Contest is an event that has millions wagering on the outcome – online

With the development of betting and the expansion of betting offers, it is to be expected that the betting industry will not stop there and will work on it on a daily basis. With this hard work we got online betting. What is online betting?

Online betting is one of the novelties in the world of betting and it greatly facilitates our daily betting. Online betting can be accessed from many device that supports internet connection.

Many bookmakers have online betting on offer and their offer is large. There we have many games in which we can participate to bet and hope to win. They are working on the development and improvement of these games every day, and over the years of online betting, much progress has been made in design, graphics of games that look much more realistic today than before and troubleshooting bugs that are decreasing day by day.

In addition to the efforts invested in the development of online betting, we are also working on increasing the number of users and promotion. Today we can often see many advertisements on the internet that promote online betting and its benefits but this is not the only way to promote.

Online casino bonuses are today an everyday part of online betting where the user receives certain bonuses in the form of free money or spins that they will use in betting and potentially make a certain profit. Casino bonuses are a great form of promotion on the marketing side because they attract new and reward old loyal customers. Casino bonuses of course vary from bookmaker to bookmaker and we need to be careful here.

It is necessary to check all the conditions well before we agree to certain bonuses in order to avoid possible problems. For the best casino bonus there are many sites on the internet but don’t miss the only online casino bonus guide you need.

When we find the best betting offer it is usually necessary to sign up and add a bank account for winnings. After that we can leave the benefits of online betting and hope for winnings.

Benefits of online betting

    1. Accessibility
    2. Large selection of bookmakers and games
    3. Facilitated the process of payment and withdrawal of money
    4. Online bonuses

Online betting is growing very fast and there are more and more bookmakers offering it. As with everything on the internet, we should be careful and research each option well before betting, but after everything is over, an exciting adventure awaits us for sure.

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Backyard pools make a splash with Ontario property owners

By Staff

May 24th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

More than 9,000 swimming pool permits issued in 2021 – up 33%

Swimming pools were obviously popular through 2021 according to MPAC’s analysis of Ontario home building permits.

High end of the market – expense doesn’t see to matter in many of the markets.

The counted 9,059 swimming pool permits issued in 2021, an increase of 33% over the previous year. This continues a trend that saw a 53% increase from 2019 to 2020.

“The pandemic likely continued to put a focus on the home,” says Carmelo Lipsi, Municipal Property Assesment Corporation (MPAC) Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “Whether it’s because people were staying close to home due to restrictions, or were uncertain about future travel, many property owners invested in a pool as part of creating a backyard oasis to enjoy with family or friends.”

The economy version – they work.

The City of Ottawa was Ontario’s swimming pool capital for the second straight year, with 1,372 pool permits in 2021, a 47% jump. The City of Hamilton was next with 566 permits, followed by the Town of Oakville (315) and the City of Burlington (293).

Top 10 Municipalities: Swimming Pool Building Permits 2021

 

 

City of Ottawa 1,372
City of Hamilton 566
Town of Oakville 315
City of Burlington 293
City of London 286
Town of Milton 196
City of Windsor 189
City of Kitchener 178
City of Cambridge 153
Town of Lakeshore 150

Percentage-wise, the City of Clarence-Rockland was the leader, with a 175% increase (88 permits, compared to 32 in 2020). The Town of Oakville was next with a 160% increase, followed by the Township of Tiny (136%) and the Township of Middlesex Centre (130%)

Add a wooden deck and you are about as Canadian as you can get.

Top 10 Municipalities: Swimming Pool Building Permits 2021 by Percentage Increase from 2020

City of Clarence-Rockland 175%
Town of Oakville 160%
Township of Tiny 136%
Township of Middlesex Centre 130%
Town of Amherstburg 119%
City of St. Thomas 114%
Town of Pelham 107%
Town of Fort Erie 100%
Township of Centre Wellington 93%
Township of Beckwith 90%

That is a lot of water – what will the impact on climate change be?

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I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE on at the Drury Lane Theatre June 3rd to 26th

By Staff

May 20th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you make it through the provincial election there is light hearted relieve for you.

Burlington’s Drury Lane Theatre is bringing I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE to the stage.

The production begins Friday, June 3rd and shows continue through Sunday, June 26th.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is the longest running off-Broadway revue in history. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?”

Invite your favourite person to join you in the comfortable cabaret setting at The Loft at Drury Lane on New Street. Enjoy a beverage from our licensed bar while watching the show and celebrate your own “perfect” relationships! Tickets are on sale at www.DruryLane.ca and by calling our Box Office at 905-637-3979.

 

 

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Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, musician and activist will be onstage at Sound of Music

By Pepper Parr

May 18th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Fantastic Negrito – will be part of the summer Sound of Music program.

 

We’ve not heard much from the Sound of Music people.

One of their acts – Fantastic Negrito  plays on June 17th

He is a three-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and activist

Fantastic Negrito (neé Xavier Dphrepaulezz) unveils his forthcoming studio album and film White Jesus Black Problems, out June 3 via Storefront Records. The multimedia project is based on the true story of Negrito’s seventh-generation white Scottish grandmother (Grandma Gallamore), an indentured servant, living in a common-law marriage with his seventh-generation African American enslaved grandfather (Grandfather Courage); in open defiance of the racist, separatist, laws of 1750s colonial Virginia.

With a pedigree like that – this might be someone very different and interesting to listrn to.

You get your chance – he is on stage June 17th, 2022

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Ribfest fans will get a Taste of Summer at a Drive-Thru Kickoff on Victoria Day.

By Staff

May 18th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If it worked twice – it will work a third time.

The Drive thru worked well the past two years. Rotary will do it again on Victoria Day and plan for the traditional event in September.

Canada’s Largest Ribfest, a fundraising initiative of Burlington Rotary Lakeshore, will be holding a taste of summer kickoff on Victoria Day in the Burlington Centre parking lot.

The public is invited to stop by the Burlington Centre parking lot, at 777 Guelph Line from 10am to 7pm to experience the fun and flavour from the comfort and convenience of your vehicle.

Brent Paszt, a Past President of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, and Co-Chair ofthe Ribfest this year said: “While we are looking forward to our eventual return to Spencer Smith Park for our traditional annual Labour Day Weekend event, the need in our community remains great. So what better way for us to maintain the spirit of our Ribfest alive by delivering delicious ribs & great local entertainment and at the same time help Rotary Burlington Lakeshore support local charities in need.”

The Ribfest has a loyal following, and there has been tremendous support for our Drive-thru Ribfests the past 2 years. While we all want to be back in Spencer Smith Park at the end of summer, our guests understand the need to adapt and have embraced our drive-thru alternative.” added Jay Bridle,  Co-Chair of the Ribfest this year

Guests are asked to enter Burlington Centre from the Fairview Street entrance and will remain in their vehicles for the duration of their visit. Food vendors will take orders and payment (cards preferred) and will deliver each completed order to your vehicle.

Gloves and masks will be worn by all staff, vendors, and volunteers.

Four award-winning rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Sticky Fingers & Uncle Sam’s BBQ Stand. Cogeco will once again be onsite offering their crowd favourite take home bbq spice to the first 1500 vehicles as well we welcome new sponsor Mosey & Mosey who will make sure your steering wheels remain ribsauce free by providing wet wipes for our guests. The event will also include live music for guests to enjoy while they wait in the comfort and safety of their vehicles.

 

 

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First major holiday since the beginning of getting to a new normal - Queen Victoria would approve

By Staff

May 17th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India

Victoria Day: What’s open and closed at the City of Burlington

Burlington administrative services will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday, May 23.

For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Victoria Day holiday, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca

*Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of May 17, 2022. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to current COVID-19 public health measures, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.

City Service Holiday Closure Information
Animal Services

 

The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.

To report an animal control-related emergency, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Victoria Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.

The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, May 23.

City Hall The Service Burlington counter, temporarily located on the third floor at 390 Brant St., beside City Hall, will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, May 23.

Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.

Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, May 23.

With the exception of the Victoria Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.

 Parking Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and holidays, including Victoria Day.

NOTE:

  • The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.
  • Paid parking, on weekends only, at Beachway Park (1100 Lakeshore Rd) begins Saturday, May 21 using HONK Mobile.
  • Please make an online reservation using Park Pass to visit Lowville Park. Reservations are free and available in three-hour time slots.
  • Parking exemptions are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit burlington.ca/parkingexemptions
Recreation Programs and Facilities Drop-In Recreation Activities
Indoor drop-in activities such as swimming, skating, and gym times are offered on a reduced schedule over the Victoria Day long weekend.Drop-in recreational and lap swimming is available on Victoria Day Monday at Angela Coughlan Pool, at 2425 Upper Middle Rd. Registering online to reserve your spot is recommended. In-person, walk-up admissions are accepted where program capacity allows.Drop-in programs go on sale online seven days in advance for residents, and three days in advance for non-residents. Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for a complete listing of programs times and online registration.Splash Pads Opening
The City’s nine splash pads will be opening Saturday, May 21. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend including:

  • trails and multi-use paths
  • parks and playgrounds.
  • picnic site reservations for La Salle or Hidden Valley Park

Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.

Golf
Tyandaga Golf Course is open for the season and tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.

Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. From archery to wiffle ball, and Kanjam to pickleball – check out burlington.ca/playlending for details.

Roads, Parks and Forestry The administrative office will be closed on Monday, May 23. Essential services will be provided as required.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.


Links and Resources

Residents can stay informed about City news at www.burlington.ca/coronavirus and our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington

 

 

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How fast do you get your winnings at the online casino

By J. W Pitt

May 18th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Casino players consider many factors when choosing a casino. They look at the variety of games, software providers, security, bonuses, and more. But many of these factors will not make a difference if you cannot process your winnings in the fastest time.

Time is of the essence when you visit an online casino. Players want a casino that can process deposits and more importantly, withdrawals quickly. Thus, it is no secret that they will swamp fast payout casino.

Thus, what factors affect casino withdrawal speed? What should a player look out for?

This article will share what factors you should watch out for.

Amount Cashed Out
The amount of money you want to withdraw is a determinant of how fast it will be processed. Several payment methods have daily, weekly and monthly limits. This means if you won big at a jackpot, you may need to wait a couple of days for your winnings. The withdrawals are divided up into portions to meet the withdrawal limits of the particular casino and payment method.

But if your winning amounts are small and within the daily limits, you can receive the same-day payout.

Country of Residence
Different countries have specific restrictions on casino withdrawals. In the US, for example, the UIGEA of 2006 has placed restrictions between banks and casinos.

Additionally, if you want to use instant payment options such as PayPal, Skrill or Neteller are not accepted for online casino deposits and withdrawals.

This is not the case in every country outside the US. You will need to pay attention to whether there are any casino transaction restrictions where you reside. For example, Canadian online casinos have very similar rules to those in the USA.

Account Authentication
If you are new to a casino and make some winnings, the casino will have to verify your account before processing any payment. While this may be a once-off process, it may take considerable time.

After submitting all the requirements, the verification team takes some time to process your authentication. It could take a couple of days to weeks depending on the casino.

Since it can be quite a long process, make sure you do not make any mistakes. Mistakes in your documentation will make it even longer and increase your withdrawal wait.

Payment Method
Not all payment methods are created the same. They may have similar characteristics but when it comes to withdrawal processing speed, they can be different. There are several payment methods to choose from in the casino world including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, wire transfers, bank checks, and cryptocurrencies.

For the fastest payout casinos, e-wallets are your best bet.

If you are looking for the fastest payout casinos, e-wallets are your best bet. You will wait for anything from a couple of minutes to 24hours.

What makes them even better is you have a couple of options to choose from such as PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and EcoPayz.

Cryptocurrencies are another fast method although they are not widely available at many casinos. But they are slowly making headway. If you want an instant payout casino, cryptocurrencies deliver with several options. The options include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Ripple.

Debit/credit cards are relatively fast but not as fast as e-wallets. You can expect withdrawals within 24-48 hours. Plus, you can choose from many options such as Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro.

Wire transfer is the old school method of transfer. It has remained relevant because of its higher withdrawal limits and direct to bank account transfers. One of its drawbacks is it is costly and will take a while to make your transfer. Withdrawals can take up to 7 working days.

Checks are still an option and one of the slowest for withdrawals. You will wait up to two weeks or more.

The payment method you choose will be a large determinant of how fast you can process your withdrawal.

Bonus vs Pure Deposit Withdrawal
Playing with bonuses at some casinos comes with terms and conditions. At casinos where they have to manually crosscheck whether you meet the wagering requirements will take more time to process your withdrawal.

It is better to play with pure deposits since they have fewer terms that will check out easily.

Conclusion
While playing at a casino, it is important to consider withdrawal speeds. If you win and want to withdraw, it may determine whether you review a casino well or poorly.

To determine withdrawal speed, you need to pay attention to a couple of factors. These include bonus vs pure deposit withdrawals, payment method used, country of residence, account verification, and the amount being cashed out.

Additionally, you can use customer reviews as an indicator of which casinos do a great job at processing withdrawals. They will give you a great idea of withdrawal speeds at most casinos.

Do not forget to enjoy your casino experience responsibly.

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Fund raiser for the Ukrainian refugees held on Saturday

By Pepper Parr

May 15th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The community is going to have to get used to supporting those Ukrainians who arrive in Canada for some time.

Most arrive with their papers and a single suitcase with children in tow.

Canada may accept as many as 10,000 refugees, some will stay and become Canadian citizens.

For the immediate future we are going to have to give them the essentials, support them while they adapt and adjust.

And that requires federal support, provincial support, municipal support and cold hard cash that can be handed out.

Saturday afternoon a small crowd filled barely half of the pews at St.Christophers xxx Church on Guelph Line to listen to:

Jeff Madden, who starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and Kevin in the ensemble cast of Come From Away, showed was a consummate professional can do.  Andrea Battista is a violinist with the Burlington Symphony Orchestra and Chair of the Burlington Arts and Culture Council of Burlington accompanied Jeff Madden on the piano.

Cozens playing the accordion while Maier actually got a pleasant sound out of a saw.

Charles Cozens and Colin Maier are the duo, JoyRide. Cozens, a renown accordionist performed while Maier, who plays 14 different instruments, including a household saw bought at a Home Hardware store.  He pulled an interesting version of Ava Maria out of the piece of metal and a bow string.

A young child plucks out a tune with members of a six part ensemble.

GuZheng Group presents young people on the Chinese Zither, a harpsichord-like instrument. Dressed in traditional costumes, this ensemble is amazing to watch.

Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform.

A Bandura duo performed on the traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument.

The closing act was the the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers. They make your blood run faster.

A young woman playing the Zither.

The event raised $1500 – every little bit counts.

The audience was asked to remain masked during the performances

There will be other events – and in time, when the Ukrainians fighters prevail and the Russians leave the country – the world will have to pull together and help rebuild the country. The devastation is almost beyond imagination.

Right now we have to take care of the people who have arrived in Canada.

The Saturday event was put on by One Burlington in co-operation with the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God.

One Burlington has been presenting events since 2017. It is dedicated to bringing people together to learn more about each other to create understanding and acceptance. Their website is at oneburlington.net

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Repair Cafe partners with Burlington Green to make a Saturday a very sustainable day for everyone

By Jason Octavo

May 15th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With just a little funding from the city the Repair Café has managed to serve people in a really very useful way. They fix broken household items.

Their fourth, or was it their fifth Repair Café event, this one as part of a joint effort with Burlington Green at the Burlington Centre Hub, they GET DATA

Man with girls fixing “the Claw toy” is Gary Kirkwood. – Fixing blinds is Mike Rooks. Blinds are not are usual repair item. Lady was thrilled to have one set repaired at the April 9th session, she brought in another.

The idea for a repair Café came out of the Netherlands about 15 years ago. There are now more than 2000 Repair Cafes operating – Burlington started in 2029.

Once a month, the project operates in a different location within the city to attract new residents.

Lawson Hunter, organizer of the Repair Cafe events explaining what the groups manages to get done.

They are always on the lookout for people who are handy with a screw driver – people can volunteer by going to their Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/Burlington.Canada.

Repair Cafe can be reached by email at – burlingtonrepaircafe@cogeco.ca.

15 items were brought in, 10 repaired.

BurlingtonGreen invited the Repair team to take part in what was an their Electronics Recycling Drive Thru.

When the Fire department gave up on collecting electronic waste Burlington Green saw an opportunity to fill a community need.

The next Repair Cafe will be in conjunction with the Aldershot BIA Outdoor Markets Tuesdays June 7, July 5, and August 9 from 3pm to 7pm at Whiteoaks Plaza 195 Plains Rd. E.

The Repair Cafe took place at The Hub, a space within the Burlington Centre is made available to community Groups.

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Two weekend events taking place that will support Ukrainian refugees

By Staff

May 13th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The federal government has chartered three aircraft to bring Ukrainian refugees to Canada.

Across the country local groups are holding events to raise funds.

Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers.

This weekend there will be a One Burlington event, the group that celebrates faith, culture and embraces diversity; they are hosting a fund raising concert for Ukraine

The event will take place at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 14, 2022 – 2:00 pm

Several Ukrainian churches have pulled together a choir to perform. .

A Bandura duo will perform on this traditional Ukrainian lute-like instrument. The closing act will be a presentation by the young company of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers.

The funds raised will go to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.

On Sunday, May 15th, 2022 resident at a Mapleview condo are exhibiting art work; the proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian refugees.

Lynda Jones, part of that group that painted aluminian cut outs of the maple leaf with different designs.  They sold out all of them at $750 each.

The event on Sunday is being put together by the same people.  They have about 150 painting that will be sold with every penny going to the Ukrainian Council of Canada.

The group have been putting poster up all over town promoting the event.  They were delighted when Starbucks took in a poster. “We spend an hour a day handing out posters said Jones who added that “the painting on sale are priced well below the rate they would normally get.”

There is a security gate at the condo – just press the button – tell security you are going to the art show in the party room.  There is outdoor parking for about 50 vehicles.

 

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This is your Burlington!

By Staff

May 11th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This is your Burlington!

Jason Octavo  is doing some election coverage for the Gazette.

He is new to Burlington. He did a short interview at a restaurant and then headed for Spencer Smith Park – he’d never seen the place before.

The size of the open grounds, the Naval memorial and the Pier was not what he expected to see.

The Cherry Blossom trees were in full bloom.. The proper name for the trees is – Sakura trees. He took a number of pictures which we are sharing with you.

I wonder if the man who donated the cherry blossom trees ever knew how much they are enjoyed.

In 1989, a twinning agreement was signed between Burlington and Itabashi, Japan the two cities and the relationship has since developed through regular citizen visits, official delegations and anniversary celebrations.

Mayor Goldring recognized Mr. Enomoto, the man who donated the trees many years ago,  for his unwavering spirit of generosity and commented on the long-standing friendship between Burlington and Itabashi.

Every year they blossom for a very short period of time, then the blooms fall away.

When the blossoms are blooming Spencer Smith Park is a destination

This is your Burlington.

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Price of everything is going up: Food Bank donations are not rising - but the need is

By Pepper Parr

May 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The squeeze is on – everywhere.

Gas prices are sucking up more of the budget than usual and it doesn’t sound as if they is going to change for a while.

Food prices are higher – you see that every week when the cashier ask if that is debit, credit or cash?

Households that usually picked up an extra jar of peanut butter or cans of salmon, peas or corn don’t do that as frequently

This crew just showed up one day with a vehicle full of food asking – where do we put it?

The drop offs at the Food Bank are not as frequent.

What hasn’t changed is the need from those less fortunate or those whose employers are still coping with Covid19 restrictions.

Things were approaching the normal we all wanted – then food and gas prices reached new highs.

The war in Ukraine has something to do with it – most people don’t understand just what the link is.

The Ukrainian community is out fund raising as well – and if anyone needs some help – the Ukrainians certainly do.  That war is one we cannot lose

All the food that comes in has to be put through COVID19 procedures – then onto shelves where it gets picked to be put in hampers that go to households. It runs pretty smoothly by volunteers who have everything down pretty pat.

All this cascades on to Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Burlington Food Bank, who has to find that balance between what comes in as food donations and what he has to buy with his very limited resources.

Bailey thinks there might be an opportunity to involve students in the drive to get food into the shelves at the food bank ready for distribution.
Giving is natural, people just give – Bailey hopes there is an opportunity to involve students who may donate as little as a can of peaches – it has to start somewhere.

Let’s see how that idea pans out. It certainly has merit.

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May 31st - Performing Arts announces its 2022-23 season. Become a member and get to the front of the ticket line

By Pepper Parr

May 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The 2022-23 Performing Arts season will be announced on May 31st. The demand for tickets hits a peak the week after – everone knows will be on stage and they want tickets.

The stage curtains will open May 31 and the season will begin.

The Performing Arts Centre in Burlington has a unique ticket sales plan.

You can buy a ticket for an event anytime you want – the unique part of their approach is that once a year they hold an event at which they announce their program for the coming season.

In order to attend that event you have to be a member. An opportunity to buy a membership is set out below.

Immediately after the Season announcement people take their programs and head to the ticket booths to place their orders.

It is an approach that works.

On May 31st, they will be holding their Season Launch. A new season of concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, variety, illusion, and family programming will be promoted and explained – you might even get a taste of what is scheduled.

. There is only one way to be invited to the 22/23 season launch May 31 – be a BPAC member. Click HERE

A dark theatre is not what Tammy Fox had in mind – at the end of the month she will announce what we can all look forward to.

BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox explains what she has planned. “After not being able to host a full, in-person season launch in three years, it is such a thrill to be back hosting our members again in our space.

“Next Season’s lineup has something for everyone, from famous faces to exciting concerts, to one-of-a-kind spectacles and intimate performances.”

“This is the best time to become a member or renew your membership, so you can be here for all the excitement on Season Launch night, May 31.”

“Burlington’s hottest ticket of the season will be hosted by none other than award-winning comedian and BPAC favourite Seán Cullen.
To unveil its newest Season of entertainment.

Sean Cullen – he will take the Season announcements through a lively night of its all about show business.

Having Cullen on the stage will be an improvement over some of the really dismal and disappointing season launch events in the past. None of the Tammy Fox events were bummers – her decision to call in Cullen was a smart move.

Membership Benefits
Only BPAC Members are invited to our amazing 22/23 Season Launch. Members also enjoy other benefits such as advance notice and front-of-line ticket access, discounts on all ‘BPAC Presents’ tickets, exclusive access to our Members’ Lounge, free ticket offers to select performances, recognition in our playbill, discounts from local business partners in downtown Burlington, and more!

Two Performing Arts members going through the catalogue for a season and deciding what they want to attend. Sales are brisk Announcement night.

With four membership levels to choose from, there is a BPAC membership for every budget.

Become a BPAC Member or renew your Membership today to receive an invitation to the 22/23 Season Launch and exclusive front-of-the-line ticketing access to the 22/23 Season!

Join as a Platinum or Gold Member and reserve your preferred tickets before the Launch to ensure you are enjoying each show from your favourite seat in the House!

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Burlington photographer's work part of a juried exhibition

By Staff

May 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Frank Meyers took to photography a number of years ago. He happened to have a good eye and taught himself how to fram what he was looking through his view finder. There were some surprising results.

This year he decided he would enter some of his work in major exhibitions. Frank had grown beyond the Burlington market

He has four prints in the Forms, Faces and Spaces juried exhibition. It’s an official venue of the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival.

A production of Studio by Design, the show is located in the parish hall, 16 Adamson St. S., Norval, Ontario.

Hours are Thursday to Sunday from noon to 4:30pm until May 29.

If you’re looking for one of those nice drives in the country – this will be one of them.

Part of a juried juried exhibition. It’s an official venue of the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival.

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The Port Nelson Park is going to get an upgrade - and the Green Street Window on the Lake will get the attention it needs

By Pepper Parr

May 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Progress!

We wrote about the Windows on the Lake last week as the result of an inquiry from an area resident.

Link to that story is HERE.

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns dropped us a note bringing us up to date.

From the Councillor to a resident:

Thank you for reaching out to the City to inquire about the status of the Green Street Window-to-the-Lake. The City is in the process of awarding the shoreline construction contract for execution this summer. This contract includes the rehabilitation of both the water’s edge at Green Street and Port Nelson Park. Work is anticipated to start in early July. As you can appreciate, the shoreline must be complete to provide stable conditions for park/window development. Construction of each park will follow in 2023.

A saw mill operated at the Port Area. Burlington used to ship tonnes of lumber to Europe. Some may have arrived at the Port as logs that were cut and loaded aboard what would have been sailing ships.

Something has always struck me about the waterfront and that area between St. Paul and Port Nelson Park a spot that was once the location of the largest port for what is now Burlington.

When I look at the property and the drop to the water level I can’t figure out just where the wharf or jetty would have been.

Anyone out there that knows? Might make some time to mosey along to the Historical Society and look through their archives.

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Impact of COVID19 on 131,624 Halton caregivers: what were the lessons learned? Not very many

By Staff

May 9th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Part 2: Caregivers.

This Community Lens, the second in a two-part series on caregiving, will draw from the findings of a 2021 survey on the impacts of COVID-19 on caregivers.

The survey was carried out by the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) deep into the second year of the pandemic, between September 24th and October 12th, 2021.

Released in November 2021, entitled, ‘Spotlight Report, The Impact of COVID-19 on Caregivers: Year Two’ , it is the second pandemic caregiver survey undertaken by the organization. Its first pandemic survey, ‘Spotlight on Ontario’s Caregivers COVID-19 Edition’, was released in December 2020.

Former Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon speaking with seniors at a meeting in the Library.

The OCO defines caregivers as “ordinary people who provide physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour”. Funded by the Government of Ontario, the OCO is a nonprofit that was created in 2018 “to support Ontario’s estimated 3.3 million caregivers”.

In publishing this Community Lens, CDH intends to raise awareness of the experiences of caregivers, in our view, an increasingly important, but often overlooked, area of life for many people and families across Halton.

COVID-19 Impacts on Caregivers
Since the OCO’s first pandemic survey in December 2020, the findings from the 2021 survey indicate that many of the negative and difficult personal caregiver experiences deteriorated further. There were 801 “self-reported caregivers” aged 16 years and older who participated in the online survey between September 24 and October 12, 2021. As part of its research, the OCO also conducted a series of ten in- depth interviews alongside the online survey.

In the second year of the pandemic, caregivers reported increases in “feeling tired, anxious, overwhelmed, trapped, frustrated and unappreciated”. In fact, according to the 2021 survey findings, caregiver burnout was at record high levels.

While one in three caregivers in the 2021 survey reported that they had “no one to ask for help” if they needed a rest or if they became sick.

The climate of heightened anxiety around COVID-19 transmission, among other factors, impacted caregivers and care recipients, with 56% of caregivers reported worrying about “managing care recipient’s anxiety due to Covid-19”.
COVID-19 caused significant service and care support disruptions, which would have been felt disproportionately by caregivers who were already overstretched, such as those with smaller family and friend networks.

Mary Alice St. James talking to seniors during an election campaign.

The increased pressure on the healthcare system during the pandemic impacted 75% of caregivers who were required to take on “responsibilities that would otherwise go to a personal support worker or nurse”. Overall, caregivers reported that more time was spent caregiving during the pandemic, “61% say the hours they spend providing care has increased”. According to the 2021 survey, almost one in five carers (18%) were “caring for more than one person”. The pandemic not only created additional complexity for that group, but for many caregivers, 59% of whom said their responsibilities were more difficult in 2021 “than before the pandemic”.

The top three reasons that caregivers gave were:

“Being at home all the time, the care recipient is unable to get important social interaction (38%) Difficulty accessing the doctors and/or other healthcare professionals (36%)

Delayed/cancelled appointments require more time and effort in rescheduling (33%)”.

Enhanced health and safety protocols in hospitals and long-term care facilities, introduced to keep the most vulnerable safe from COVID-19 transmission, were nonetheless difficult experiences for many caregivers and recipients, particularly those that were already isolated and lonely pre-pandemic. Due to enhanced COVID-19 health and safety rules, “26% [of caregivers in the 2021 survey] had to send the care recipient to the hospital alone”.

Canadian caregivers also reported worse personal pandemic impacts than their global counterparts. A survey by Embracing Carers, released in 2021, found that, “70% of Canadian carers say that the pandemic has worsened their emotional/mental health, compared to 61% of the 12-country average” and “61% of Canadian carers say that the pandemic has worsened their physical health, compared to 46% of the 12- country average”.

Burlington has a very strong network of seniors who have clout that spreads throughout the Region of Halton. This crowd was focused on transit while the MP, Karina Gould and then ward 2 Councillor, now Mayor Burlington, Marianne Meed Ward look on.

Post-Covid Financial Pressures: Rising Living Costs to Impact Caregivers
Financial hardship exists among caregivers, just as it is experienced by individuals and families across our communities. The OCO 2021 survey reported that, “20% of caregivers took out a loan or a line of credit to help pay for the expense [of caregiving], up from 17%” in the 2020 survey. 9 It found that 45% “experienced financial hardships [in 2021], compared to 41% in 2020”, an increase of 4% during the two pandemic surveys. Perhaps a more concerning trend was that the 45% of caregivers experiencing financial hardship in 2021 was up 13% (from 32% in 2019). Moreover, the 2021 level of self-reported financial hardship (45%) is more than double the 22% reported in the 2018 survey.

The current rise in living costs being witnessed across the country will only serve to increase the financial hardship of many caregivers. In “January 2022, Canadian inflation surpassed 5% for the first time since September 1991”. 10 In February 2022, national average prices climbed further. Canada’s inflation level for February 2022 sat at 5.7% (12-month average, compared with February 2021).

Staple food items are increasing faster than the 5.7% inflation level. In February 2022 (compared with February 2021), fresh or frozen beef prices were up 16.8%, chicken was up 10.4%, and “dairy products and eggs were up 6.9%”.  These macro economic price trends support the personal reflections of caregivers in the OCO 2021 survey: 47% of whom said that “there have been more costs related to providing care” during COVID-19.

Councillor Sharman has held two public sessions with Senior’s as part of his effort to understand their needs and develop policy that Council can put in place to serve this vital community.

Caregivers fortunate enough to have access to a motor vehicle are experiencing much higher price increases than the 5.7% inflation level. In February 2022, Canadians “paid 32.3% more at the pump compared with February 2021”. 14 Such fuel price increases are likely to put caregivers under increasing financial pressure, disproportionality impacting more rural and isolated caregivers and those with inadequate access to public transport. The associated tasks around providing caregiver support, some of which are heavily reliant on transport, such as attending doctors’ appointments, prescription runs, buying medical and care supplies, are now more expensive post-Covid.

Conclusion
This Community Lens showed that the negative experiences of caregiving during COVID-19 were exacerbated by a pandemic that affected service provisions, contributed to increased anxiety and burnout, impeded crucial social interactions, and increased financial pressures on caregivers.

Unfortunately, the post-COVID economic climate is unlikely to offer much respite for struggling caregivers in the months ahead. Gas and essential food item prices are fast outpacing Canada’s 31-year inflation high of 5.7%, which was announced for February 2022. 15 These post-COVID price increases, caused in part by higher “input prices and heightened transportation costs,” come on top of already increased costs that were associated with caregiving, as reported in the 2021 OCO survey.

If there is to be a positive takeaway from the pandemic it may be, as the CEO and board chair of the OCO put it in their opening remarks to the 2021 survey, “the expanded understanding of what caregivers do and why they are essential partners in care”. We hope this Community Lens series has contributed, in a small way, to this understanding, and helps shine a light on the role that an “estimated 131,624 Halton caregivers” play in supporting families, friends, and the wider healthcare and social system.

Further Resources for Caregivers
If you are a caregiver, or know someone who is, and would like further information around resources and support, we recommend visiting the Ontario Caregiver Organization website:    https://ontariocaregiver.ca

As always, if you have any feedback about this Community Lens or about any of our other social policy and planning work, please reach out to data@cdhalton.ca

Community Lens is prepared by Community Development Halton to disseminate and interpret important community data as it becomes available. For more information please contact us at data@cdhalton.ca or 905-632-1975

Community Development Halton 3350 South Service Road
Burlington, ON L7N 3M6
905-632-1975 www.cdhalton.ca

Caregivers:  Part 1

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Jim Thompson ask some pretty direct questions: How did the LPMA manage to spend a reported $97,000 on legal costs.

By Pepper Parr

May 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Today is the kind of day the boaters would have been out washing down the decks of their boats and preparing for the launch.  Will there be a launch this year – not something anyone can be really certain about.

The LaSalle Park Marina with a rendering of the wave break in place.

Jim Thomson delegated before a Standing Committee and gave Councillors some background on the problems with insurance coverage for the LaSalle Park Marina.

Jim Thomson – asks a lot of questions

Thomson is not a boater, he is not a member of any of the associated clubs.

His only involvement with the marina was a complaint he made back in 2016 when he had a complaint about smells coming from the docks which in those days were hauled out of the water every year.  The shellfish had accumulated – he called the city – got nothing and decided to call the health department – guess what – the city responded.

Jim was just as  direct with Council. Thomson knew that the law suit that was impacting the renewal of an insurance policy was something the city knew about the day the claim was made – the city was originally a party to the claim.

Somehow the city got themselves removed from the claim but that doesn’t detract from the fact that they knew..

Slip and falls tend to be in the $10,000 to $40,000 range – how do you spend $97,000 on legal fees and still not have a settlement?

Thomson believes that the claim – a slip and fall event, has eaten up $97,000 in legal fees.

The only people who know who filed the claim is the LPMA Board and of course city hall.

Thomson said that slip and fall claims tend to be between $10,000 and $40,000 with few being at the high end.

The slip and fall claim was served early in 2019 – the most recent operating agreement with the city was signed later in the year.

Thomson wonders was the matter of the insurance was not brought up at that time – where is the proper due diligence Thomson asks.

If the city was able to get itself off the claim that would suggest the accident took place on one of the links between the rows of boat slips.

Is this a pace city hall can work at?

A lot of questions – not many answers at this point.

City manager Tim Commisso – commenting during the Marina delegations.

Thomson has an interview being set up with City Manager Tim Commisso – no date yet.  It will be a telephone interview; tough to present an argument that way.

Thomson had an issue with an item being on the agenda with no report that people could read before taking part in the meeting.  Burlington is at a point in its pandemic evolution where people can delegate in person.  Thomson was very much in person.

He told Council it needed to “act instantly or boaters will lose their season.

He told Council that “Staff doesn’t know what’s to be done” and that “Staff has no idea of the problems”.

Thomson also said:  It’s hard to delegate on a report that arrives late on the agenda adding that “a verbal update” doesn’t leave any room for community comment at the committee stage.

Where, Thomson wanted to know is where was ” the transparency we’ve all been hearing so much

Thomson filled in some of the information holes:

LPMA Claims history has caused current insurer to cancel.

Rick Craven, a former ward 1 Councillor identified two outstanding claims as slip-and-fall lawsuits.

Are there other claims that have been settled? Has the City reviewed the claims history?

Is this where the slip and fall took place?

Are the docks un-safe?

Do they need modification to reduce slips/falls?

Thomson quoting the the Burlington Boating and Sailing Club Commodore Scott Lowell: “It is now imperative that the City of Burlington assume direct management of what in the end is their marina (they own the wave- break and the docks) and move quickly to open the marina,”

Thomson doesn’t buy the imperative argument. “There is significant cost to the city running the marina; Not something the City should be rushing into

He added that the the City is in possession of a report on running the marina that would result in an  operating loss of $196,750 for the year 2022

The data in the 2019 report assumed the city would already have been operating the marina for two years. It also assumed that the city would have about 9 month to plan the take-over.

Thomson left City Council with these thoughts”

Is all the data, background information and history coming together to form a perfect storm?

The lease on LaSalle Park is up at the end of the year.

What happens next year?

The City needs a Master Plan for LaSalle

If the City wants a Marina do it right

Council and staff need to stop improvising

A lot more to come on this file.

Stay tuned.

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