 By Pepper Parr
November 5th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is almost done – close to being ready for a ribbon cutting ceremony if the Mayor is foolish enough to do any such thing on the site of where he went along with giving away a significant part of the city’s heritage. The Mayor didn’t do this all by himself – every member of Council except for Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward, voted to sell the land next to the lake to the people whose property abutted land that was owned by the city and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
 The potential was for a lovely little parkette that would have been a nice quiet place to enjoy the lake. The city sold a critical part of land that was owned by both the city and the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources. The patch of land to the west on Market Street was made into a Window onto the Lake – the patch of land to the east on St. Paul was also made into a Window on the Lake. They sold the family jewels for a pittance – and put an end to a true Waterfront Trail.
 It is an absolutely superb site that was sold because the city council didn’t have the foresight to keep the land and let it become a part of the Waterfront Trail. We did get two Windows to the Lake out of it – and they are close to being ready for public use.
 The Window at the foot of St. Paul is a little austere but it is better than nothing. What a great place to sit down and read a good book. Plenty of space to set out a blanket and just enjoy the view.  Resident makes the best of late afternoon sunshine in new chairs placed in one of the city’s newest Windows on the Lake. There are two Windows, one on Market Street and the other at the foot of St. Paul.
 The Window at th foot of Market street is a nice, quiet secluded area tucked in behind a small grove of trees. Great place for a quiet conversation.  Looking north to the foot of Market street the red leaves and the blue chairs are a lovely contrast. Of the two the one at west on Market is the nicest. It is tucked into a nice small grove of trees and is a little more intimate than the one on the east side.
 By Staff
November 5, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
 Spring forward – fall back. That was how I was taught to remember the change in the way we record time.
It is fall – the leaves are turning and it is time to turn the dial on the clock back one hour before you tuck in Saturday night and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.
 Or get up at the same time and have an additional hour to get some work done.
Whichever, make a point of enjoying the changes in the colours of the leaves on the trees – might be time for a nice drive out into the country. Escarpment is great at this time of year.
By Pepper Parr
November 5, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
In response to the question: What happened? Ward 2 city councillor Marianne Meed Ward said she “ was hoping the discussions the city and board were having over the past year would lead toward a new MOU that would benefit both parties.
Meed Ward was talking about the significant change that has taken place in the way programs and services are being delivered at the Seniors’ Centre which is a piece of city property that the seniors use.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre and the focal point for many of the administrative problems. The Seniors organized themselves as a not for profit – Burlington Senior’s Centre Inc. (BSCI). They elect a board which serves for a two-year period. It is that Board that has been “negotiating” with the city
There was a Memorandum of Understanding that set out who was to do what and who was going to pay what that had been put in place a number of years ago after considerable disruption and happiness on the part of the seniors.
There was a meeting a number of years ago that drew 300 seniors and they were not happy. The MOU seemed to settle things down.
Now things have flared up again.
 Joe Lamb wonders why someone didn’t call him. Joe Lamb, the person who negotiated a very fat deal for the seniors wonders why no one called him when things were going wrong.
The current president of the BSCI, a non-profit organization, hasn’t been able to make himself available for any kind of interview. Fred Hendriks issues media releases and doesn’t allow for any follow up.
Some of those with past board experience complain that Hendriks isn’t much of a communicator – they got that right.
Meed Ward adds that “With the recent change, members of the Seniors Centre should not notice any difference to services or programming.”
 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward listening to a senior. She continues: “The BSCI now has an opportunity to chart a new role for itself serving seniors in Burlington, and I have committed to stay on the board to assist them in this transition for as long as they would like.”
Meed Ward is the city representative on the Seniors Advisory committee.
There is indeed trouble in paradise. Don’t think this story has come to an end.
The seniors are one of the few really well defined groups in the city with a lot of time on their hands. They have in the past badgered city councillors with telephone calls when they weren’t happy.
The French have a phrase for it – some things never change – Et certaines choses ne changent pas.
 By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The city manager now has a Senior Manager, Government Relations & Strategic Communications to help him get through a day.
Mr. Kwab Ako-Adjei advised us earlier in the week that: “Following a lengthy internal review we have decided not to renew our partnership agreement with the Burlington Senior’s Centre Inc. (BSCI) which will therefore conclude our relationship.
“Through the review we were able to determine that we have the capacity to deliver all the services directly, including those delivered by BSCI. This conclusion in our relationship will have no operational impact on service to the 3800 members of the Seniors Centre. All the programming members have come to enjoy will remain the same including the operation of the Bistro and organization of the day trips. In short it will be business as usual at the Seniors Centre with no changes.”
It is clear now that the internal review was done at city hall with next to no input from the seniors or its board. Fred Hendriks thought they were getting ready to “begin” talking about changes.
In his statement said: “The City and BSCI have been in discussion for many months about BEGINNING negotiations to renew the MOU. BSCI is disappointed that the City chose to end the relationship in this premature and disappointing manner without any BSCI consultation.”
The city decided to just pull the rug from underneath the BSCI board and just tell them that there had been a change in command.
They were given six days’ notice before the locks were changed as it were. Hendriks reports that “On October 26th, 2016 the City notified BSCI that it would assume these responsibilities as of November 1st, 2016.
 Chris Glenn, Director of Parks and Recreation was reported to have never been happy with the Memorandum of Agreement the city signed. The Parks and Recreation people that are part of the city managers leadership team should have explained that the seniors have to be handled just a little differently – and we might add – with a little more respect.
Are there some of the old arbitrary ways creeping back into city hall?
Mr. Ako-Adjei added that the BSCI Board has not dissolved, the Board is an independent not-for-profit so the City has no authority to dissolve them.
While the board itself may not have been dissolved – the use of the Board Room has been taken from then. The only thing they are able to do is complain.
It was the very loud complaining six years ago that led to the signing of a Memorandum that turned over the running of the operation to the seniors.
There were people within the Parks and Recreation that didn’t like that arrangement which led to the review.
The biggest problem area at the time was the kitchen. In many ways it is the heart of the Centre. They call it the Bistro and is run jointly with the city. The one employee is on the city payroll, mostly because the Centre doesn’t have anyone who can process a payroll and ensure all the proper deductions are made.
With the kitchen manager on the city payroll – the city wanted to ensure they had the required oversight and that was the problem – the seniors didn’t want the city getting involved in the running of the kitchen and the city didn’t want to be in the kitchen either. When there is any food handling involved the city out sources the work.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre and the focal point for many of the administrative problems. The 2012 agreement with the city didn’t resolve this problem but they have agreed to give it a year to come up with a solution that works for everyone. They had a neat little kitchen operation and they wanted to keep it that way. Fine said the city but if the employee is on our payroll there is some liability that lands on the city’s desk and if there was going to be liability – the city wanted control, or at least enough control to be able to manage the problems when they crop up.
 Former City manager Jeff Fielding didn’t win this time. Joe Lamb, negotiating for the Seniors’ Centre basically took Fielding to the cleaners with the deal he talked the city into. And that is where the working relationship between Lamb and Fielding, the city manager came into play. They agreed that an agreement was necessary but they didn’t have one – so they would agree to work together with the revised MOU for a year and during that time let experience and time get put to use to find something that works for everyone.
The reality of this is that the employee is on the city payroll in a building the city owns – that boils down to the city having the final word. That is something the seniors are going to have to accept. Fielding just has to find language that keeps the seniors happy. The seniors all recognise the phrase “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” and they have a year to figure out just how much sugar is going to be needed. The city doesn’t appear to have too many problems spending money on seniors.
Five thousand for incorporation, $9,000, give or take a couple of hundred for insurance – tasting pretty sweet at this point.
The BOM (Board of Management) owns some of the equipment in the kitchen, the city owns the rest. BOM reimburses the City for Maria’s costs and any profit or loss for the kitchen goes to the BOM
The kitchen is rented out many times in the evening and weekends by the city. Both parties share keeping the place clean and for the most part the city is responsible for bigger maintenance and capital items. It is a unique arrangement which seems to work.
BOM doesn’t want to take over the operation of the kitchen; to do so would mean taking on the same contingent liability. The Board turns over quickly with only 2 year terms, and although have some kitchen knowledge there are no assurances that this will continue in the future.
 More than 150 members showed up to learn about the new agreement with the city in 2012. The first meeting to explain the problems drew 300 +. City hall just might hear from these folks again. That’s where things were left five years ago – something went wrong – was it with the city or were there problems with the board that was running the place – there were some personality conflicts with one particular member of that board – was that enough to scrap the relationship and begin to treat the seniors like children that can’t run their own affairs?
 By Pepper Parr
November 3rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington is announcing innovative program after innovative program while the Performing Arts Centre continues with its ongoing production of musical chairs.
 From the left, chair of the Burlington Theatre Board, Ilene Elkaim, former Executive Director Brenda Heatherington, former Executive Director Brian McCurdy and former Executive Director Suzanne Haines. McCurdy is back in as interim Executive Director. The best executive director the place ever had is back in the saddle – Brian McCurdy gave the place stability and some of the best programs that have graced the stages.
He did more with the community than anyone else but home was in Kingston and that was one hell of a commute.
So McCurdy left and they brought in a woman from Richmond B. C.; that didn’t work out and she went through the revolving door.
 Former Executive Director Suzanne Haines chatting up a theatre patron. Shortly before Suzanne Haines lost the title of Executive Director, the best person the place ever had doing marketing and promotion decided she too wanted to move on. Hillary Saddler got the call to come back – quick and do what she and McCurdy had done so well in the past.
Don’t however look for anything in the way of news from either the Board of the theatre operation or from the people who run the place day to day.
Events are booked and the task now is to try once again to find just the right person to lead the operation.
 Brian McCurdy listening as he is lauded during his first retirement party. He is back in as the interim Executive Director They want to look into cloning Brian McCurdy and also to learn how to communicate with the people who put up the dollars to get the place built.
By Pepper Parr
November 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
With stories like this – the opening sentence is usually – Trouble in Paradise.
The Seniors are not happy – they have been stiffed by city hall.
 Joe Lamb thought the agreement he put together with the city was going to last forever. A number of years ago there were some problems with the operation of the Seniors’ Centre which got resolved when then city manager Jeff Fielding and Joe Lamb met and worked out an arrangement that kept everyone happy.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Burlington Seniors’ Centre Inc. (BSCI) expired on December 15, 2015.
Fred Hendriks, president of the seniors’ centre organization explains that “Under this agreement BSCI, a not-for-profit volunteer Corporation had the responsibility, at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, of running the Bistro Café, Day Trips and Events.
He adds that “On October 26th, 2016 the City notified BSCI that it would assume these responsibilities as of November 1st, 2016.
 Lead negotiator for the seniors was Joe Lamb on the left talking to then city manager Jeff Fielding on the right. The agreement they hammered out was approved unanimously by the seniors Centre membership. Now the city has decided to take over what they walked away from a number of years ago. Joe Lamb, the man who put the agreement together with the city said: “The key question is why they took this drastic step. Are they now in the food business again?
The kitchen was always a big thing to the city. They wanted out of the business at arenas because of liability, not a core competency. Seems to me they are back in the business. Didn’t the Board and the city just complete renovations in the kitchen and renew the Chef’s contract?
Are they not concerned about senior pushback? Is this Chris Glen (Director of Parks and Recreation) finally getting his way? How does the city communicate effectively with members now? Is the city now free to increase fees as they see fit? This whole issue is potentially a firestorm politically particularly if the right person steps forward to rally the Seniors in the City.
Fred Hendriks, BSCI President said in his statement that: “The City and BSCI have been in discussion for many months about BEGINNING negotiations to renew the MOU. BSCI is disappointed that the City chose to end the relationship in this premature and disappointing manner without any BSCI consultation.
The BSCI board will meet in November to discuss next steps. Their goal is to continue to be a vital organization supporting the well-being of Burlington’s diverse and growing community of seniors.
 Mayor Rick Goldring signing his Seniors’ Centre membership application. Is he going to put in a good word for the seniors with the city manager? The current city manager runs the city through what he calls a leadership team that consists of all the Directors – perhaps a few other people. This matter will come before them for certain.
We haven’t seen the end of this story.
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward chose not to make any comment until the BSCI had made its position known. The Councillor is the city’s representative on the Senior’s Advisory Council.
 By Staff
November 2, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They have been doing this for more than a decade – they are in their fourteenth year.
It’s a studio tour that takes place every November – this year on the 5th and the 6th. Hours 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Bring your cheque book.
 Studio locations – you will need a full day to cover them all – and have a lunch at the same time. It is an opportunity to tour nine different studios in the city and on a few occasions just outside the borders.
         The event is free – and it is an opportunity to look a superb work done by painters, photographers, potters, stained glass artists, jewellery makers and woodworkers.
The location of the studios are always well marked and you will find that you meet up with the same people and begin exchanging ideas, likes and dislikes.
There is every opportunity to buy some art. May art collectors made their first purchase at an Art in Action Tour.
It is an experience to be enjoyed.
The Art in Action Tour has set up a web site – there is more there than you will ever wants to know
By Staff
November 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A media release came in from Dennis Longchamps, Artistic Director & Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Burlington his agile mind to things other than art.
Do you wonder he asked, what happens behind the scenes at an art gallery? Do you have a sense of adventure?
 The Art Gallery of Burlington invites you to a night of discovery with After Hours.
Beer and wine tastings – unusual food pairings– experimental music and video art – dance performance – graffiti painting – and so much more!
Tickets are limited – $50 per person includes all of the above – Must be 19 years and older. Tickets available online only: https://artgalleryofburlington.com/afterhours/
Food and drink provided by Collective Arts Brewing, Son of a Peach Pizzeria, Sunshine Doughnuts, Twist of Fate and the George Hamilton. Music and video presented by And All Was Bright.
 Trevor Copp and Jeff Fox doing their First Dance routine. Liquid Lead Dancing presented by Trevor Copp and Jeff Fox.
This could be really interesting. The media release doesn’t say if this is a one off – or if Longchamps has an ongoing program in mind.
Thursday, November 17th – 7 pm to Midnight
Midnight to 7 am would have been more exciting.
Looks like it is worth checking out.
#AFTERHOURS #REVOLUTIONAGB
A revolution at the AGB – this is Burlington you know.
 By Pepper Parr
November 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
No one was sure exactly when it started – 1984 was the date that was floating around.
 The occasion is not just for the kids – wonder Mom got in the act as well. And who started it – word we got was that there was a resident who lived on the street closer to Lakeshore than New Street and that he had once owned an entertainment park and had a huge plastic gorilla that you could fill with air – which he did and stuck it out on his lawn and that started the tradition that has people on Seneca decking out their lawns which imaginative Halloween decorations.
 There is a dog somewhere that is now in therapy. The little mutt walked by this “cat” as it darted out of the leaves – th dog jumped a clear two feet into the air and fled – dragging his owner with him Some of them are very impressive – and there are a couple that I guarantee scared the daylights out of your child. There is one resident whose dog is never going to be the same after its encounter with a mechanical cat that sit in a pile of leaves and jumps out with green eyes just glaring.
Seneca has become a mecca for the trick or treat crowd.
Last night was another success. Many of the parents got themselves gussied up and made a night of it.
Set out below are what some of the home owners chose to do on Hallowe’en.
 Skull city – in the dark of the evening this must have been quite a site.  We didn’t hear any sound coming from this pumpkin – but we can imagine how it might have laughed.  It wasn’t all just for the kids – this household used the occasion to make the evening a small food drive as well.  The family collection of sombreros got put to good use. The small bags were empty – just some sand to hold them on place – we checked.  The wonder of it all for for the little people. These two were just fascinated with what they saw up and down their street.  What a good idea eh! And,except for getting permission to block cars from coming on the street for a couple of hours, city hall had nothing to do with the event. Power to the people!
By Pepper Parr
November 1, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The winter snow isn’t even on the ground yet – but there are people at city hall planning for community garden usage next year.
 Former General Manager Scott Stewart listen to Amy Schnurr at the opening of the community garden at Central Park. Rob Peachy who played a major role in making it happen is on the far right. This is one of those programs that came out of a community initiative that took just a little arm twisting to get the city onside – but they made it work and now it is a program with four community gardens located in the city
“Next year will be our sixth growing season with the community gardens program,” said Rob Peachey, the city’s manager of parks and open spaces. “We are once again accepting the applications in November to give our gardeners more time over the winter months to plan and prepare their gardens for the spring.”
There are four community gardens residents can apply to:
• Amherst Park,
• Central Park,
• Francis Road Bikeway, or
• Maple Park
Next year’s planting season will run from May 1 to Oct. 22, 2017. There are a total of 125 plots available, which includes 10 raised, accessible plots suitable for persons with limited mobility. Applicants may indicate a preferred garden location and plot style on the application.
 Michelle Bennett paces off the distance for the Community Garden Burlington Green hopes to be able to convince the city to go along with. The BG’s got 85% of the money through a provincial government grant, and now want 15% from the city. The cost to rent a plot for the season is $50. Water, soil and compost are supplied and all plots have full sun. Plots will be allocated by lottery at the close of the application period, and all applicants will be notified of their lottery result by early December 2016.
Community garden applications will be available online beginning Nov. 14 (online address is shown below) at the Seniors’ Centre, or City Hall, 426 Brant St., at the Service Burlington counter.
Completed applications must be received by the city no later than Nov. 30, 2016 for the 2017 planting season. Applications received after Nov. 30 will be entered into the draw for 2018 garden plots.
It was about six years ago when Michelle Bennett and Amy Schnurr of Burlington Green appeared before Council asking them to support their initiative to get a provincial government grant. The two woman were going over some literature about a provincial government program that was part solid idea and part pilot project. It fit the BurlingtonGreen mandate like a glove but there was a hitch. They had to have some real, cold hard cash participation from the city or from an organization that was on a par with the city.
 Michelle Bennett inspected a number of community gardens as she researched what might be possible back in 2012. Here she looks over a garden in the east end of the city. The two woman put together their application and got it off to Queen’s Park who got back to them saying they liked the idea but there was nothing about the city’s participation. Burlington Green people have no problem delegating to city hall. It didn’t go all that well during the first round. Both woman brought more enthusiasm than solid business case to the city council committee but they were on to something and that was enough for Council to ask staff to take a look at it and see if they could make something of it.
Three of the four people who made the Community Garden project happen: former General Manager Scott Stewart, BurlingtonGreen Executive Director Amy Schnurr and Rob Peachey, Manager Parks and Open Space for the city.
That put the BurlingtonGreen ladies into the hands of Rob Peachey, Manager Parks and Open Spaces, who found a way to come up with things the city could do that would amount to the 15% in cash or in kind the BurlingtonGreen people needed to get the provincial funding secured. A location was chosen that worked for everyone. It had a water line, it was steps away from the library where classes could be held, it was moments from the Seniors’ Centre where BurlingtonGreen hoped to entice some of the members.
 Michelle Bennett was given the Community Service award – Environment, for her efforts to make the hardens happen. From the left: Michelle Bennett Environment, Sam Kawazoye Community Service, Trevor Copp Arts , Mayor Goldring, Wendy Hager, Citizen of the Year, Dan Taylor Junior Citizen and Jim Frizzle, Senior of the year. The provincial funding was for a “teaching Pilot”; a program that would figure out the nuts and bolts of how to get a community garden up and running; what you had to do, what you shouldn’t do and where you go for help – that kind of thing.
This is one of those projects that came out of a community initiative and caught the imaginations of city council and was put into the hands of a city staffer who knew exactly what had to be done and got it done,
That first community garden led to three more.
Citizens can apply for a community garden plot for the 2017 growing season in one of the city’s four locations between Nov. 14 and 30, 2016.
They can go online at: www.burlington.ca/communitygardens
 By Pepper Parr
October 31st, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The 2016 Hamilton Burlington Junior League Annual Holiday House Tour has three location; two in Burlington and a third in Ancaster.
Every year, generous homeowners loan their homes to the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington (JLHB) and talented design professionals transform them to showcase stunning holiday décor and entertainment ideas.
“Often it’s the little things. Everyone can find ideas for their own home, while on the tour.” says Dianne Brown, co-chair of the 2016 House Tour Committee.
The event is the JLHB’s signature fundraiser that generates the financial resources to help the charitable organisation, now in its 80th year, continue to make a lasting impact in the Hamilton-Burlington community.
 The Ancaster home house rep team, from the left: Kathy, Karyn, Sarai and Roseanne. The committee making this happen is made up of Diane Brown and Iris Hughes who are supported by teams of House reps who oversee the coordination of the designers who are going to make the home look and feel festive.
The Ancaster home is a 3,200 sq. ft. – four bedroom, four bathrooms house that has undergone a significant renovation.
The biggest challenge in decorating the 10-year old Ancaster home was finding the right decorators. The house had just undergone an extensive renovation, and been completely redesigned.
It now has a very fresh and youthful, yet classic appearance.
This house has a stunning conservatory which hosts a beautiful grand piano. The room is majestic, elegant, and serene. Perfect for reading and relaxing while listening to lovely music.
The open concept plan across the back of the main floor boasts a beautiful kitchen and dining room with large two story high ceiling family room to the left.
Expansive windows across the back take full advantage of the spacious backyard views. The oversized dining table is a focal, point for large family gatherings.
House Reps, serve in an advisory role with the decorators, helping them to coordinate with each other.
 The House Tour is a great way to pick up some ideas for holiday decorating – and those holiday aren’t that far off are they? The event hours for this the 34th Annual House Tour are: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday, 10:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are available on-line – cost $25 for the three house tour
The Junior League is looking for people who would like to serve as volunteers for some of the three hours shifts at the different house tour locations. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Junior League – sort of a toe in the water approach.
If you think you can help please email Annette at housetours@juniorleague.ca
By Staff
October 29th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is time during each day that Member of Parliament get to say something about their community.
Last week Karina Gould rose in the House to tell her 338 colleagues about a remarkable young man named Griffin Gervais. Gould said:
Madam Speaker, on October 15, I had the opportunity to celebrate one young boy’s determination in revitalizing an important space in his community.
 Griffin Gervais with his parents Eleven-year-old Griffin Gervais was disappointed that his baseball diamond at Lakeshore Public School was in rough shape and not scheduled for an update. Rather than just accept the fact, Griffin decided he would lead the effort to repair the diamond.
Starting last January, Griffin with the help of his family, classmates, his community, and the city of Burlington’s neighbourhood community matching fund, raised a total of $12,000. Today, with two updated benches, new chain-link fencing, and a freshly mowed field, the Lakeshore Public School baseball diamond now looks better than ever.
 A smartly laid out baseball diamond behind Lakeshore Public school. Griffin’s story is one that is truly inspiring and shows that individuals can make a impact on their community if they set their mind to it. I thank Griffin for all of his hard work. I was proud to attend the grand opening and to see him throw the first pitch on the field.
 Burlington MP Karina Gould throwing the opening pitch at a Burlington Bandits baseball game. Gould by the way is no slouch on the baseball diamond either. She got it right across the plate – which is more than can be said when the Mayor was asked to throw that opening pitch.
By Staff
October 27th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Thus is one of those event you want to order your ticket for now – they do go quickly.
The Art Gallery has been putting on this event for 20 years – this is the 20th anniversary of an event that has become a favourite fall fundraising event!
 Hundreds of hand made bowls await the guests who take part in the annual Soup Bowl lunch at the Art Gallery The event brings together hundreds of people to select a handmade ceramic bowl and pair it with a gourmet soup from a local restaurant, all for a great cause. Last year we welcomed 900 guests and raised over $30,000
 The set up is very tastefully done – the room sparkles. They do up the space nicely for a lunch that is a bowl of soup.
The funds raised support children’s programming, including Open Studio (a free drop in art centre for kids), diversified program offerings, and financial assistance for youth.
Thursday Nov 24 Lunch – 12pm
Very limited tickets available – call us at 905-632-7796 to purchase
Friday Nov 25 Lunch – 12pm
Very limited tickets available – call us at 905-632-7796 to purchase
Saturday Nov 26 Lunch – 12pm
Individual Tickets: $40 AGB Member, $50 Non-member
Tables of 8: $300 AGB Member, $375 Non-Member
Sunday Nov 27 Lunch – 12pm
Individual Tickets: $40 AGB Member, $50 Non-Member
Tables of 8: $300 AGB Member, $375 Non-Member
 By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Local artist and newly appointed Co-President of the Burlington Fine Art Association, Vanessa Cress Lokos invites you to her exhibition, “Suspended.” Vanessa has a lengthy history with the Art Gallery of Burlington as a volunteer, staff and guild member.
The exhibit takes place October 29 – November 28, 2016; opening reception is Sunday November 6, 2:00 – 4:30 pm in the Fireside Lounge / 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON
 Suspended This body of work speaks to time and to all things suspended, literally and figuratively. Inspired by the diversity of landscape, it’s unnoticed details and the unexpected.
Primarily through the forgotten tradition of glaze oil painting, Vanessa explores luminous colour and depth. Whether derived from open air or first captured with a lens, these paintings compel the viewer to slow their pace and contemplate the beauty around us.
 Vanessa Cress Lokos Vanessa Cress Lokos obtained a BA with a Concentration in Visual Arts from the University of Ottawa. Her travels led her through Europe and eventually to Melbourne, Australia, where she continued to study art, exhibited and sold her work. Vanessa has also exhibited in Georgetown, Mississauga, Toronto, Waterdown, and juried exhibitions in Burlington and Hamilton. Vanessa is a member of a variety of art organizations including the Burlington Fine Arts Association and the Canadian Glaze Oil Society.
An Honourable Mention was awarded to Vanessa and members of the BFAA for a collaborative work at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Her work has been accepted and sold at several AGB live Art Auctions.
 By Staff
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
More public art.
 The public art painted on the King Road grade separation a number of years ago was done by Judy Mayer-Grieve and was reasonably well accepted. A new program through Burlington Public Art – the Park Marker Program will be drawing on the success of the Burlington Mural Project, which commissions local artists to create murals.
Additional detail on the mural project has been added to the end of this article.
 Teresa Seaton did the art work that is in Amherst Park park next to a community garden. The art has been tempered and will easily withstand the winter weather. The Park Marker Program will focus on public art sculpture.
This annual program will commission artists to create small-scale sculptures in neighbourhood parks throughout the city. These commissions are open exclusively to artists residing in Burlington, Ont. Applicants do not need previous public art and/or sculpture experience to apply to this program.
Applications are due Monday, December 12, 2016.
About the Park Marker Program
Applications for the 2016 program are now open! Please visit the Calls for Artists page to download the Request for Proposals and access the online application system.
There will be a workshop on Saturday, November 12, 2016, Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Central Library, Holland Room, 2331 New Street that will give you helpful insight into planning your project and preparing a great submission that will get you noticed by the jury.
The workshop will start with a brief overview of the Park Marker program and 2016/17 projects followed by a session led by artist Matthew Walker. Matthew will give helpful tips and tricks on preparing your submission and the steps you need to take to conceptualize your project. Following a brief break, public art fabricator Mike Bilyk will lead a session exploring material choices for outdoor sculpture and pointers on working with a fabricator.
This workshop is FREE and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday November 8th by visiting https://parkmarker.eventbrite.com
Workshop Facilitators
Matthew Walker: Matthew Walker is a Hamilton artist whose sculpture-based practice incorporates diverse technical approaches to object-making in public spaces. He has been involved in the production of public art in a range of capacities, including designing public calls, adjudication, receiving commissions, and engaging with other artists in the field as a technical mentor and advisor. For over a decades and a half, Matthew’s work as a facilitator has exposed him to a diversity of practices and conceptual approaches to art making that reflect the expansive experiences that are possible in the creation of public work.
During this workshop Matthew will provide insight into the processes behind the commissioning of artwork. How are calls for public art designed? How does the commissioning process take shape? What are some of the criteria that are considered when assessing a submission? Emerging artists seeking to enter the field of public art will find this discussion useful as they reflect on what approaches they may take in designing their work for public space, and, how to prepare an application.
Matthew’s current and previous work experiences includes being a member of The Town of Banff’s Public Art Committee, Supercrawl’s Curatorial Committee and as the Sculpture Facilitator at the Banff Centre’s international residency program. Matthew is currently working on a public commission for Artfarms in Buffalo, NY. You can look at what this artist does at – https://matthewwalkersculpture.carbonmade.com
Mike Bilyk is the President of Lafontaine Ironwerks, a custom metal fabrication and installation company located in Tiny, Ontario. Over the past 16 years, Lafontaine Ironwerks have developed a unique specialty in working with artists to develop and deliver complex public art projects. Mike and his team have worked with numerous internationally renowned artists including: Douglas Coupland, Michel DeBroin, John McEwan and Vito Acconci. Lafontaine Ironwerks works closely with artists from concept through to finished product to ensure the utmost in quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
For this workshop, Mike will give workshop participants a behind-the-scenes look into some of the large-scale projects produced by Lafontaine Ironwerks. Mike will also cover material choices and installation techniques for outdoor public art sculpture as well as helpful tips and tricks to consider when working with a fabricator.
https://www.liwi.ca
One-on-one Application Review Sessions: November 30, 2016, Times: 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.*
Location: Burlington City Hall (426 Brant St.)
Artists preparing a submission to the Park Marker program may book a 30-minute session with the Public Art Manager to review a draft of their application package and get constructive feedback.
Attendance is optional and appointments must be booked in advance. To book an appointment please contact: Kim Selman, kim@cobaltconnects.ca or 905-548-0111
The first round of public art was a collection of paintings in public places. The city’s public art adviser ran a juried competition and the following six people were selected:
 Tamara Kwapich did the mural in Orchard Community Park; once the location for some of the best apple orchards in the province. • Judy Mayer-Grieve: King Road Underpass, Ward 1
• Claire Hall: Freeman Station, Ward 2
• Teresa Seaton: Amherst Park, Ward 3
• Hannah Sell and Liam Racine: Port Nelson Park, Ward 4
• Tamara Kwapich: Orchard Community Park, Ward 5
• Donna Grandin: Ireland Park, Ward 6
 Hannah Sell and Liam Racine did the art work that is located in the small Port Nelson Park where it will be seen by thousands. There was a time when tonnes of timber was shipped from a wharf at the foot of the park.
By Pepper Parr
October 25th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
There is an Ontario Arts Council workshop where valuable guidance on applying to the OAC’s Visual Artists grants program for individual artists is available. They can answer any questions you may have about applying for funding.
 Taking place at Hamilton Artists Inc., 155 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario. Attendance is free but registration in advance is requested by Wednesday November 2 at 5:00pm.
It is being put on by the Hamilton Arts Council Visual Arts Committee – no reason why someone from Burlington can’t attend.
There is also the November 22 deadline of the Visual Artists: Emerging program is one of the few OAC programs selected as a pilot for a new online grant application system. This session will highlight some of the changes artists will see online, and provide some information on further Visual Arts program updates coming up in 2017.
To learn more about these upcoming changes, visit https://www.arts.on.ca/Page6375.aspx
Attendance is free but registration in advance is requested by Wednesday November 2 at 5:00pm.
 By Don Graves
October 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
I’ve been painting landscapes for the past 20 years. Prior to that I served as the Dean of Art at Sheridan College and later as the Dean of Art and Business at George Brown College. Incongruous as that sounds, art is a business and business certainly includes art.
 Don Graves – showing a piece of art to a potential client – they bought. My quick guide to buying art: if you see something that draws you in, something that ‘speaks to you’, a piece that has triggered your imagination… then you’re establishing a relationship with an artist and their work. I buy art from the person who created it. This isn’t full proof, it just works for me.
Where can you see and purchase fine art and fine craft?
• An art gallery. Big, small, located in major urban centres, nestled in seasonal tourist locations.
• The artist’s home studio and website. And the new variation, the gallery-studio.
• The auction—big time, fast paced, frenzied six-seven figure bidding down to small local silent auctions for good cause fund raising.
• The local art show-tour: one of the best, informal sources for art in homes or offices.
I’ve done all of the above and here’s why the local art show and local studio tour is my go-to choice.
 Don Graves – expounding on what art is all about. Understanding the business of buying art.
1. Artist cost: rent, paint, frames, brushes, website… and commission that can reach 50% and higher. (For an artist to recover $500.00, a gallery price hits at least $1000.00). Art shows and studio tours charge a contained rental fee. Like most artists, I want to see my work on your walls and art shows make that affordable for the artist and the buyer.
2. I want to meet you, talk about art, listen to you, and perhaps even paint. An informal atmosphere, with a coffee, is ideal.
3. What is art worth? Such a loaded word…worth. In the final analysis it is worth what someone will pay for it. A local show-tour offers the most purchase flexibility: prices with no jumbo-sized commissions, a reasonable price with payment terms.
4. “Damn, it’s sold. Look for it…and act.” The art show is an ideal place for that. I’m not suggesting buy in haste, repent at leisure. I am saying, buying art is based on what moves you, captures your imagination. A buyer needs to listen to their soul and act. I’ve had one buyer in 3 years come back to me saying they’d made a mistake. Do I want a painting on a wall where it is not wanted? I know few artists who do. I took the painting back and the buyer chose another piece.
The Burlington Studio tour is a unique opportunity. A studio tour is a rare opportunity to glimpse inside a working studio, a bit like my second choice on where to buy. You are where the action is, be it wood turning, painting, stained glass, jewellery, pottery. All fine art and fine craft, individually designed and created.
The 2016 Art in Action tour takes place November 5th and 6th.
 A collection of Graves’ art displayed in the Fireside Room at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Burlington is home to two exciting variations on this theme. Teresa Seaton’s Stained Glass studio and gallery and Gallery 2, with painters Anne Moore, Cheryl Goldring and Don Graves plus guests. The art of creation open to you…from inspiration, design, sketch, create to sell.
A closing thought; An art show-tour is a mix and mingle recipe. Couples, families, artists, location, fresh air, funky food…something special happens.
By Pepper Parr
October 24th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Would a Tour of homes, beautifully decorated for the holiday season be complete without something in Roseland?
The Hamilton Burlington Junior League has included a beautiful, older home, typical of the Roseland neighbourhood in the tour this year.
 One of the homes that makes Roseland the community it is – this is not one of the homes on the tour. You need to buy a ticket to learn where you will be going. The 5500 sq. ft house has been renovated to have all of the modern amenities but has kept the character of the original house.
The home is the largest one on the tour this year. It is very unique, in that the renovation and the decorating are both being done, in conjunction with the homeowners, by one decorator/builder. Marnie Warman of Interior Design House and her team at IDH Build group have worked with the homeowners to renovate this beautiful home.
Traditionally Junior League Home Tours have involved several decorators.
The main floor is open concept, featuring a beautiful kitchen-great room combination with two islands, allowing ease of preparation and serving when entertaining a larger group. It also allows everyone to be able to move around without feeling that they are missing out on another part of the party. The other important feature of this home is the completely renovated master suite that has been added over the garage. This space will give the parents a beautiful place to relax and escape to at the end of the day.
Putting together this annual Junior League event calls for a level of organization that is handled by co-chairs Diane Brown and Iris Hughes. Each house is assigned a team of “reps” that makes sure everything comes together; that the home owner is fully involved and that the different decorators are coordinated so that everything is the way they all wanted it to look like when the doors are opened to the public.
 From the left: Fonda Loft, Anne-Louise Watts and Emily Stewart. The reps for the Roseland Home are Fonda Loft, Anne-Louise Watts and Emily Stewart.
Tickets are available online for $25 each. CLICK HERE to get to the ticket ordering location.
There are opportunities to help out. If you think the Junior League is something that might interest you – tip your toe in the water and give Diane Brown a call at- divinepresents@gmail.com – – she would love to talk to you.
By Pepper Parr
October 23rd, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
With a modified corporate name the Burlington Foundation held its annual gala, Share to Care, Saturday night at the Performing Arts Centre and took a “Marche” dining approach. No tables, there were what appeared to be organized collections of people in the Mezzanine/balcony areas.
 The picture is worth the thousand words. The gowns that were good were stunning. When the women in the city decide to show it off – they do a great job. It is no longer socially acceptable for men to comment on how stunning some women look – so we will leave it at that.
The Foundation uses the gala to raise their operating funds and manage the numerous endowments they have to do the fine work they have done and will undoubtedly continue to do.
They were responsible for raising the profile of mental health in the community and deserve credit for doing what no one else was prepared to take a chance on.
There are hundreds of not-for-profit groups in this city who are able to do their work to some degree because of the funding they have gotten from the Foundation in the past.
The Burlington Community Fund grants to the pressing needs in Burlington, with a current focus on poverty, youth and mental health. This unrestricted endowed fund responds to grant applications received from local charitable organizations.
 The Sold Out crowd made a night of it. During fiscal 2015-16 the Foundation made 14 grants that ranged from $1500 to $20,000.
When push comes to shove and there is a hard job, a really hard job that has to be done with no time to dither – it is the Foundation that gets the call. They in turn make the calls to the people they know will produce.
The response to that flood in 2014 is a sparking example as to just how effective a soundly run community organization can be. This newspaper still doesn’t understand why they took the word community out of their name – but with the track record they have – they can do whatever they like.
 That is a Jean Belliveau sweater. The Silent Auction tables were full enough – there was a Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater with the late Jean Belliveau’s number on it – worth whatever someone paid for it.
The sold out crowd appeared to enjoy themselves Saturday night. The DJ providing the music had a great selection – but this reporter didn’t see anyone dancing – well – this is Burlington.
The opportunity to network, get caught up with people they may have lost touch with and then take in some first class entertainment when Allan Doyle and The Beautiful Gypsies performed in the Main Theatre made it a fine evening.
By Pepper Parr
October 20th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is just under a month away but registration for this event is going to fill up very quickly – you will want to register now if you’d like to attend.
This struck the Gazette as one of the more interesting ways to promote the history of the city – and if anything is history in Burlington it is the Freeman Station.
 Pauline Grondin – the year is 1920 and she is at the Burlington Junction station in Freeman. On Saturday, November 19th, well-known professional storyteller Pauline Grondin will again work her magic as she relates, first-person, her story of life around Freeman Station.
The year is 1920, and the Burlington Junction Station in Freeman is a vibrant hub of community comings and goings.
Pauline will bring history to life for us as she relates what’s happening around the village. (A bit of gossip here and there?)
 Waiting for the train. The Friends of Freeman Station invite you to join them at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre for “Breakfast at the Bistro,” beginning at 8:30 AM for a delicious meal followed by Pauline’s enchanting presentation.
Reservations are required, seating is limited, breakfast is only $ 6.18 per person, tax included, it’s all for a great cause, and a good time will be had by all. Nostalgia guaranteed, tears optional.
Book early! Registration is required. Limited seating, and typically sells out well in advance.
To register, log onto: https://secure.burlington.ca/recexpress/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp
and enter the code “345506” in the TTR Barcode Search field to pull up Breakfast at the Bistro – Pauline Grondin – 345506
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