 By Staff
September 26, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a perfect fall day – sunshine and fresh breezes with a glimpse of fall colour appearing in the trees. Several hundred people showed up at the tarmac at the John C. Munro airport in Hamilton to pull a 200,000 pound A300 airplane a distance of 50 yards.
 An Airbus A300 was pulled 50 yards by teams of 15 people. This is the same model of airplane that Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger ditched in the Hudson river several years ago – that story is now a feature movie. “Sully” It was the kick-off event for the Burlington Hamilton United Way fund raising campaign.
Over 200 community partners joined UPS and United Way to rally around this fall’s fundraising campaign for the community impact organization. Hundreds of observers watched as teams of 15 pulled with all their strength to move the 200,000 plane across the finish line.
 United Way CEO, Jeff Vallentin “We are so grateful for the support and dedication of partners like UPS and so many of you who continue to stay committed to making our community great for everyone”, said United Way CEO, Jeff Vallentin during his opening remarks at the Hamilton Airport. “This year we are asking the community and all of you here today to strive for five. That could be a five percent increase over last year’s investment, or it could be an investment of $500 more. United Way is committed to doing 5% better overall in many of our initiatives and, most importantly, we are striving for 5 new initiatives of community impact”, said Vallentin.
 They actually moved that air plane 50 yards. The organization is putting a call out to all community members to get involved in a way that is meaningful for them. The ultimate goal is to increase revenue for the organization that does so much to support social service programs and initiatives in the Burlington and Hamilton community. Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair Shirley Thomas-Weir said “this means that everyone can get involved. We are asking all of our donors to give 5 more of whatever they can. For those that cannot give dollars, we are asking for them to consider giving 5 hours of community service, or to have 5 conversations with friends and family about the important work of United Way”. During her remarks, Thomas-Weir spoke of people like Don and Barbara, a couple in their eighties who are able to live safely in their home in Burlington thanks to United Way.
Joe Vanderbeck, Vice-president of Operations at UPS Canada spoke about the importance of giving back to our neighbours, family and friends and their over three-decade long partnership with the community organization. “Last year, UPS Canada donated $1.2 million to the United Way…but we didn’t stop there. Our employees also gave over 84,000 volunteer hours to various charities; investing their time in communities across the country”, said Vanderbeck.
This year UPS hosted 4 plane pulls across Canada, in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Hamilton to raise awareness and funds for the national organization.
In addition to UPS, organizations that registered teams for the pull were RBC, State Farm Insurance, Canada Bread, CUMIS, Community Living Hamilton and Canada Revenue Agency.
 Burlington’s Blair Lancaster, on the left, representing Mayor Goldring at the pull for the United Way with former Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina. Burlington city Councillor Blair Lancaster spoke on behalf of the Mayor’s office. “The City of Burlington is proud to be a long-time supporter of United Way with a relationship that dates back to the 1960s’s. Social needs in a community like Burlington are sometimes hard to see but there are residents in our community who need a helping hand. According to the 2011 census, almost 8% of the population in Burlington lives in poverty. United Way is committed to building a strong and resilient community, but they cannot do it alone” said Lancaster.
 Little people – little plane. The United Way is stepping away from setting a hard target they want to reach each year. Jeff Vallentin said “We have historically raised around six and a half million from our generous community and we are looking to accomplish that, if not more, this year. We can always use more money than what we set out to achieve at the beginning of our campaign as the need is great. We are dealing with pervasive social issues that are resistant to change, but if we work together, I believe we can create a community that’s great for everyone.”
Last year, United Way helped 19,195 kids get school ready, 15,989 individuals and families access safe and nutritious food, and 39,328 people access community mental health initiatives.
 By Staff
September 23, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
The 7th annual Culture Days weekend kicks off next Friday, September 30 and runs through Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd. Burlington is getting more involved than ever by making arts and culture accessible to the community.
This year’s Culture Days will feature many different types of artists, activities and events, including Doors Open Burlington us for the 5th year in a row.
Here is a breakdown of some of the events taking place:
Art Gallery of Burlington,
Burlington Libraries,
Burlington Performing Arts Centre,
Burlington Student Theatre,
Burlington Teen Tour Band,
On October 1st, Civic Square is transformed into Art in the Square, an event that runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Artists and artisans will showcase their artwork in a marketplace and provide interactive activities for the community. The event will feature live music and dance performances and provide the opportunity to be a part of the audience, explore various art techniques and try something new.
Doors Open Burlington
 The 7th annual Doors Open Burlington takes place on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is an occasion to see your city from a different perspective and celebrate the cultural importance of the sites throughout the community. The event will highlight important buildings, organizations and landmarks that make Burlington a culturally vibrant place to live, work and visit. Admission is free!
 The city is a collection of doors – next weekend you get a chance to open many of them and take a peek inside. The Burlington Cycling Committee will lead a bicycle tour of the Burlington sites for the Doors Open event. Meet at City Hall, Civic Square at 10 a.m. and begin our journey to explore the sites. All ages are welcome and we will keep a leisurely pace using all available bike paths and bike lanes. There will be an opportunity to stop and visit each site. We estimate the cycle tour will take about two hours.
The looming question about this event is – will they drive along New Street and take advantage of those new bike lanes – and will that traffic count in the data the city is collecting.
Registration is required at the start of the tour.
Visit www.burlington.ca/culturedays to plan your weekend.
 By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Openings, openings, openings – the Sound of Music is looking for people who can chair strong committees made up of hard working and very capable volunteers.
These are leadership opportunities.
Open Committee Chair positions include VIP, Sponsorship and Special Projects.
Join the team! See soundofmusic.ca/volunteers for information on volunteering.
Hiring, hiring, hiring!
We’re also hiring a Sponsorship Manager (full time staff position).
See the job description for more details and apply by September 26.
Does this sound like you?
The competencies and qualifications needed:
 Hundreds of volunteers make the Sound of Music Festival work – two of them mark the location for a vendor. University degree or college certificate and 3 to 5 years of sponsorship experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous experience in the not for profit environment with Committee, volunteer workforce and event management required.
Proficiency at Microsoft Office programs
Superior interpersonal and communication skills are pivotal to establishing and maintaining harmonious internal & external relationships
Demonstrated experience creating and implementing sponsorship and public relations strategies
Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize are essential to aid working to tight deadlines and multi-tasking
Can work independently with ease and be a contributing member of a team
Highly motivated individual with collaborative approach to work and proven problem solving skill especially when under pressure.
Send a cover letter and resume to hr@soundofmusic.ca, referencing the position title in the subject line. Application deadline is on or before Monday, September 26, 2016.
 By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer will be over tomorrow – which seems to mean that the Sound of Music can put out their call for the 2017 band submissions.
The deadline is December 31, 2016.
Sound of Music Festival will book a minimum of 15 Sonicbids artists for the 2017 event, compensation is provided.
Submissions will only be accepted via Sonicbids.
More information can be found at soundofmusic.ca/band-submissions.
How did the 2016 program go?
Check out the story in pictures. Photographs courtesy of the SOM photography crew: Kris Gelder, John Gelder, Greg Gaines, Wally Graves, Doug Lapp, John Prior, Anthony DeBenedictis, Chris Langley, Robert Georgeff, Michelle Pluim, Cody Loro.
 John Street when the parking bylaw officer wasn’t around.  Eerie look as the stage lights wash over the crowd.  Name the band and you win a burger with two beers at Wendel Clarks. First response to winner@bgzt.ca. Include name and phone number and we will call you.  Your Burlington from the lake.  She is just loving it.
 By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Opening day delayed until late October. The opening of Aldershot Arena will be delayed until late October because of a delay in the manufacture and shipping of a new heat exchange unit for the arena’s ice plant.
For recreational skating, please check our calendar for skate times at other locations.
By Staff
September 21, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
 Regional chair Gary Carr tasting honey on a farm tour. “Agriculture is important to Halton, and Harvest Halton and the Pumpkins to Pastries Trail provide us with wonderful opportunities to showcase our local farmers, retailers, restaurants and attractions,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “These events are a great way to bring family and friends together to enjoy locally-grown food and help us support our local agricultural community and our regional economy.”
The preview Harvest Halton event kicks off the start of Halton’s popular Pumpkins to Pastries Trail, running from September 12 to October 31, 2016. Join the Trail and experience the best local cuisine, on-farm markets, specialty shops, events and attractions in Halton.
Click on the LINK to see just how many stops there are along the trail or visit: www.halton.ca/p2ptrail for the interactive online guide
 Click on the LINK above and play with this map interactively. Lots to do – and don’t forget the selfie contest. This year’s Trail participants can also snap and win with Halton Region’s Selfie Contest. Simply snap a selfie on the Trail and post the picture on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #p2ptrail to enter for a chance to win a prize basket of fantastic local offerings.
Prizes will be awarded weekly and your picture could be featured on Halton’s trail gallery. Visit halton.ca/p2ptrail for contest rules and to view the gallery.
By Pepper Parr
September 20, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The original target was 2166 to beat the previous record holder. The Hospital Foundation went for 3,500 people, which they figured they would need to get their name into the Guinness World Book of Records. Then Queen’s University came up with a plan of their own and set a new record of 3,373.
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation found they had to up their number to 3374 from the original target if they were to make it into the Guinness Book. To be on the safe side the Foundation is aiming for 4000.
 The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation plans to put 4,000 people into that orange J that starts at the pier and works its way west along the edge of Spencer Smith Park. The record for this category in the Guinness Book of Records when the Hospital Foundation announced their plans was held by Dell Computers, who formed the slanted E in their logo with 2,166 people. “We required 2,167 people to break that record” said the Foundation in one of its initial releases.
For the safety of all participants, the first 4,000 people to register at Spencer Smith Park will be permitted to be a part of the Guinness World Records Official Attempt.
Getting that number into a single place for the ultimate photo op shouldn’t be a problem for this city . Gosh we put 12,000 into Spencer Smith Park for the Tragically Hip concert this summer and the Art Gallery of Burlington attracted 3,000 (some say the number was more than 3,500) to the fourth annual No Vacancy event.
“Join 4,000 of your closest friends and neighbours and set a Guinness World Records title” (GWR) bugled the Hospital Foundation.
 Anissa Hilborn, president of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, finds herself continually changing her target number to get into the Guinness Book of World records. What started out as 2166 has risen to 4000 people gathered together in Spencer Smith Park. “We’re trying to set the Guinness World Records title for the largest human letter, in the shape of the letter “J” — for Joseph Brant Hospital — to show support for the expansion and renovation project” said Anissa Hilborn, president of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
The current record is held by Queen’s University, which formed a ‘Q’ with 3,373 people earlier this month, on September 6th. Burlington decided to up their target to 4000. And that is where they are going to have to top out they can only accommodate 4000 in the formation for safety reasons.
This all happens Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (EDT) at Spencer Smith Park. There will be all kinds of sign showing you where to go.
This event is free; participants DO NOT need a ticket. They need to register to ensure we capture their name as a participant in the world record attempt.
The Foundation decided they would not be scanning tickets, so it is a ticket-less event.
When you arrive at the park you will be able to join the formation in any area. There will NOT be assigned sections, people will be asked to enter the formation upon arrival, and will remain there until the record attempt is complete and verified by the Guinness World Records judge on site.
Water and snacks will be provided, and there will be live entertainment throughout the day including a DJ and emcee on stage to keep participants informed. There will also be food trucks and once the record is broken. All participants will get an official Guinness World Records Title Holder keepsake.
 An aerial perspective of the renovation/rebuild of the Joseph Brant Hospital scheduled to open in 2018 Can Burlington do it – BEFORE someone sets an even higher record?
By Staff
September 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
You are going to have to hold it for just a little longer if you are out for a stroll at Ireland Park –
the Washrooms and Concession closed until further notice –
 This is not Ireland Park – yet. due to a water main break.
 By Pepper Parr
September 19, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It went well, it went very well.
The MoonGlade event put on by No Vacancy in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington was a huge improvement over the event last year. Shows what a curated event can be.
When Denis Longchamps, Chief Curator, added his skill set to No Vacancy’s organizational talents the city ended up with an event that can only grow. We are all winners with this one.
 The tunnel portion of Kune Hua’s installation It is an event Burlingtonians are going to have to grow into. Among the 17 “installations” pieces the one put on by Kune Hua was by far the most popular. While it wasn’t “art” per se, it certainly attracted a lot of people.
There was a line up outside the installation even though most people didn’t know what it was until they got inside and had a conversation with Kune who talked to everyone who passed through.
 Part of the Kune Hua installation consisted of a number of tents set up – people went in and just talked to the person inside. About what? We didn’t ask – hundreds lined up. It was described by one arts professional as something that was more philosophical than installation art – but it appealed to people.
Kune was on a high when the event came to a close; he sent a thank you out to all those involved and said: “What an incredible night! 🌸🌝 Feeling so much love 💗 and the light ✨ was certainly bright tonight. The LOVE garden was in full bloom and hundreds of people picked up the fragrance. Thank you so so much to everyone who helped make this happen from creating it, supporting it and experiencing it! It truly was a magical night.”
Jim Riley was given the space he needed for his visual installation.
One person who attended said the Art Gallery had probably never seen this many people in the place at one time before.
An added bonus for the people who went to take part in MoonGlade was the “stitched art” exhibit that was on at the same time. Unfortunately many, if not most people didn’t realize that the work was unique and one of the best shows of stitching, which is an offshoot of quilting, that will be seen in this province.
Kelly Bruton of Newfoundland had an excellent installation that called for some interaction to be fully appreciated.
 Shevon Madden’s installation. Shevnon Madden’s installation of a wire sculpture of a horse head with all the musculature of the neck clearly delineated was quite stunning. Her visual and vocal commentary made a telling point on how we train animals.
Longchamps wanted a much more hands on approach and art that was both interactive and made a social comment. For the most part he got much of what he wanted.
What was missing was public interaction.
 The Deconstruction table – created by Kelly Bruton Kelly Bruton had difficulty getting people to spend any time at either her destruct or reconstruct tables. The object was cut up T-shirts into strips of cloth and use the strips to make rugs.
 The reconstruction table. What we noticed was that people flitted from one installation to another and didn’t quite know what to do when they got there.
The exception was the Kune Hua installation. No one was able to say quit why it worked – just that it did. And that can be said for everything about MoonGlade.
 It was mediation and music – which is what many wanted. The Beer Garden went well; the Food Trucks met the need and the music was just fine.
Look for this event to be repeated next year. Kune Hua hasn’t a clue as to what he will do for a repeat. He has a full year to think that through.
By Staff
September 18, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Something in the order of 1000 British motor cars covered the grassy fields at Bronte Provincial Park today as the Toronto Triumph Club hosted their 33rd annual British Car Day.
 This MG was an 80 year old model – running like a charm. Millions of pounds of machinery from a low-end 1950 Morris Series MM to “the Rolls Royce of cars”, the Rolls Royce. And more if price is no object.
There Jaguars (or Jag-u-ars depending upon your pronunciation), Triumph, Lotus, Sunbeam, MG and Land Rovers.
 The close-up photo of the engine that drives the Morgan Three wheeler.  Alan Harrington got behind the wheel of the Morgan Three Wheeler. The oldest car was a 1933 Morgan 3 wheeler painted a very light sky-blue.
The owner has had the car for 50 years. It seats two but the passenger on the left has to help with left/right hand signals.
 Fords Yellow 1994 TVR Griffith 500 Getting in and out of this “no-door” three wheeler is a minor task even for a yoga master.
There were Marcos, Bentley, Hillman, Daimler, BMW’s and Fords Yellow 1994 TVR Griffith 500 (lic UK)
At the back of the field are a dozen DeLoreans lined up gull-wing to gull-wing. DMC was the star of the Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux capacitor. DeLoreans were made in Northern Ireland that allows them to join all the other British made vehicles.
 The Rolls Royce with a table in the rear Harrington was quite taken with the Grey Poupon mustard.  The trusty Land Rover that really didn’t need the Union Jack to show its British pedigree. Alan Harrington, who is a regular at this annual event, managed to get himself behind the wheel of the Morgan; getting out was apparently a bit of a challenge.
Cars on display with anniversary years included MG TA Midget and Triumph Vitesse (80 years) the RED one in the photo and Morris Minor 1000 (60 years), cream coloured in the background of the photo with the gentleman with fancy hosiery.
 The DeLorean was used in the Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux capacitor. Comment from a reader: “Land Rover that didn’t need the British flag…” was really a second world war Willys MB made in Toledo, Ohio. The Land Rover and the Austin Gypsy were England’s answer to the Willys Jeep, which was the original. The role it played in defending England from Nazi tyranny is apparently good enough to allow it into this all-British event, and I enjoy seeing them displayed. Incidentally, the Land Rover display was the largest I have ever seen and also very enjoyable.
The music played during the event was was all 60’s British Invasion music; the treat for the nose was the faint whiff of incomplete gasoline combustion.
Food was available for the other senses.
All the photographs were taken by Harrington, except for the one of him in the Morgan – that was taken by Dave smith, the owner of the vehicle.
Back to the Future film and one was decked out with the flux
The show is an annual event – takes place the third Sunday of September – website –
https://www.torontotriumph.com/BCD/
 By Pepper Parr
September 15, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Mark Mulholland was 24 the day Terry Fox ran through the streets of Burlington. Fox was on his way to a reception at Royal Botanical Gardens but “I wanted to see the man while he was running and I decided to watch from the side walk on Lakeshore Road.”
 Terry Fox captured on film by Mark Mulholland as Terry ran along Lakeshore Road on July 13th, 1980. ”I used a small 35mm Vivitar camera I was given as a graduation gift – it was pretty automatic – all I had to do was point and click.
“I remember saying hello to Terry as he passed by – I don’t remember if he said anything back to me.
“I had the sense that I was watching someone heroic. It was an incredible feeling. I felt I was there alone with him.”
The picture was taken at a spot almost opposite to where there is a monument put up by citizens who understand how important an occasion that run was.
Terry Fox started something – high school kids who weren’t born when he made his run get out there every year and relate to a courageous young man.
Mulholland made a revealing comment when he said Terry Fox wasn’t a celebrity and added “we didn’t have celebrities then. We had heros.”
 A group of citizens collected the funds, oversaw the design and made sure that an historic occasion for the city and the county was properly commemorated. Mulholland said he kept the picture on his desk for years, it faded after a while. Then he had it enlarged – remember those were the days of film – not digital. When the web site for the Fox run was created he knew the picture had to be there as well.
“What I remember most” said Mulholland “was that he didn’t have any airs about him. The feeling I had that day has never left me.”
 By Pepper Parr
September 15, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
How would you describe getting the kids to drink water and give up sugar-sweetened beverages?
Some would call that a “challenge” which is exactly what city staff and Community Development Halton are going to try to do at the Healthy Kids Community Challenge that will take place Tuesday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mountainside Recreation Centre.
Residents are invited to a community workshop to share ideas on how to encourage children and families to drink water as a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.
 Mayor Goldring was on hand for the launch of the Healthy Initiatives program. He didn’t try the hoola hoop but he did draw in chalk on the sidewalk. “Having a city that is healthy and green is one of the four key objectives in Burlington’s 25 year strategic plan,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “We want to help motivate kids to drink water when they are thirsty and make choices that will lead to good health.”
Ideas generated from the community brainstorming event will be used to support the second theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Water Does Wonders.
Burlington is one of 45 communities selected to take part in the Province of Ontario’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge program, created to support healthy and active lifestyles in children zero to 12 years old.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will launch a new theme related to physical activity or healthy eating about every nine months and Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington will work together with local organizations to develop programs, policies and initiatives that promote and enable healthy behaviours.
 The program started out as a provincial Healthy Kids Community Challenge, created to support healthy and active lifestyles in children zero to 12 years old. Millions were to be put into the program which the city outsourced partially to Community Development Halton. “Children need a lot of water to stay hydrated and healthy,” said Jennifer Spence, the co-project lead for Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington. “Water makes up more than half of a child’s weight, and a steady supply is necessary to keep bodies working properly.”
When members of city council are deliberating and are in their seats for a couple of hours – they have a small fridge that holds cool beverages. In the five years the Gazette has covered this city council we have yet to see anyone of them come out with a container of water.
The Mayor does bring in his personal water bottle.
City council chambers might be a good place to start this change.
There is more information about the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington, visit www.healthykidsburlon.ca or like Healthy Kids Community Challenge Burlington on Facebook, follow @HeathlyKidsBurl on Twitter and @HealthyKidsBurlON on Instagram.
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It started out as Run Jump Play
By Pepper Parr
September 14, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to be a packed weekend with all kinds of things to do.
The MoonGlade event takes over the Art Gallery of Burlington Friday night; the Amazing Bed Race will close down Brant Street for a part of Sunday and the Terry Fox run will take place the same day.
The Terry Fox run is the focus of this piece.
 Thousands take part of the Terry Fox Run for a Cancer Cure every year. Small changes in the route this year. The route for the run is basically the same but shorter because of the rebuilding of Lakeshore road where it bends around the Joseph Brant Museum, the route had to be changed.
Instead of starting out on the western end of Lakeshore Road – the start will be at a location behind the Waterfront Hotel at the foot of Brant Street and works its way along the Naval Promenade of Spencer Smith Park to a point just east of the Brant Museum.
A detailed map of the route is expected later today.
The run will have a different emotional feel to it this year. Perched on a small rise of Spencer Smith Park is the monument to Terry Fox’s run through Burlington in 1980.
Terry Fox running his Marathon of Hope in 1980 is shown at that point on Lakeshore Road that is exactly opposite where the monument to his achievement stands today. Mark Mulholland found a picture of Terry Fox running along Lakeshore Road in 1980 and posted it to a Facebook page. The picture was taken at a spot that is opposite where the monument to his remarkable achievement stands today.
For those who were around when Terry Fox made that heroic run across the country seeing the picture and knowing that he ran through our city leaves one feeling a little unsettled.
The Terry Fox run is a major event for hundreds of Burlingtonians who use the occasion to remember and reflect on those who have been lost to cancer and an occasion to raise additional funds for cancer research.
 The Terry Fox monument – steps away from the point at which he ran along Lakeshore Road 36 years ago. Given what we know now about that disease today, we may not have lost Terry Fox 36 years ago.
Progress but at the same time we grieve the loss of a remarkably courageous young man who set out to make a difference. The expression on his face is painful to look at. But he was out there every day running with that sort of a step and a hop that he used to propel himself.
By Pepper Parr
September 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
They are called “ART QUILTs” which is defined as a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.”
 Donna Funnell’s Stitch Scroll is a delicate length of cloth with exquisite stitching. Kind of technical sounding and really isn’t much in the way of an introduction to a marvelous art form that is currently on display at the Art Gallery of Burlington.
 Those ;eaves are not painted – they were stitched onto a piece of backing – the detail is incredible. Titled the Ginko Tree by Cecelia Cameron, Sudan Durham, Shirley Kilpatrick and Patricia Mennon – the Ginko Tree predates the dinosaurs. Called Fibre Content – the show includes more than 100 pieces that will delight the eye – there is one piece that you swear is a photograph but in close inspection is a stitched piece of work.
 It looks like a photograph – but it is stitching. “The Way is see myself by Sharron Deacon. A rare selfie. Our apologies to our readers for not telling you about this exhibition earlier – it runs at the AGB until the end of next Sunday.
Well worth taking the time to attend.
Art quilts came out of the quilting community and created a niche of its own that has grown in the past thirty years. The tendency within this niche is to explore new ideas and new forms.
 Mary Cope’s contribution to Fibre Content on display now at the AGB. These are not the familiar Mennonite quilts that the Kitchener area of Ontario are famous for – this work is known as art quilting; an art form that uses both modern and traditional quilting techniques to create art objects. Practitioners of quilt art create it based on their experiences, imagery, and ideas rather than traditional patterns. Quilt art generally has more in common with the fine arts than it does with traditional quilting. This art is generally either wall hung or mounted as sculpture, though exceptions exist.
The feminist movement and the new craft movements of the 1960s and 1970s, were the social environments that brought this art form into the public sphere.
The social activism of the time resulted in intricate, celebrated quilts (which often included rare Scandinavian indigo dyes). The transition from traditional quilting through art quilts to quilted art was rapid; many of the most important advances in the field came in the 1970s and 1980s.
Jean Ray Laury, one of the more prominent and influential of early modern quilt makers was an “academically trained artist and designer who encouraged women to create their own new designs based on their own experiences, surroundings and ideas rather than traditional patterns. Laury. Who died in 2011 said: “There are no rules in stitchery — no single ‘right’ way of working.”
 Firefly by Monika Sheddon of Dundas was inspired by a large piece of fabric created by using free motion machine stitching, collage and paints. Face is needle sculpted on cotton. That art form is on display at the Art Gallery of Burlington – not to be missed.
AGB Hours
Monday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 5:00 pm
By Pepper Parr
September 12, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was one of those really pleasant afternoons – the weather was fine, there was food and a chance to bump into friends and get caught up.
The event was Eleanor McMahon’s annual summer BBQ – the turnout was good – not packed but good. They did run out of hamburgers – five maybe six people had to go without.
 The Teen Tour Band Alumni handed out the cooked up and handed out the burgers – there were none to spare. The food as taken care of by the Burlington Teen Tour Band Alumni – an interesting group of people who get out into the community and just help out.
Oddly, none of those I spoke to actually played in the band; they either had children or grandchildren or friends who played in the band but they themselves didn’t.
It was a full day’s work for our MPP who is also a Cabinet Minister.
 The McMahon hug People with issues, grievances, personal matters they need some support on were literally lined up to talk to the MPP. When you meet to talk to Eleanor McMahon you start out with a hug. And then you get the full fifty by which I mean you get all her attention. There is nothing passive about this woman – she is in everything she does up to her elbows.
She has this capacity to listen intently and she will tell you straight out if she thinks you are being unreasonable.
 Chasing a butterfly The event done, the Teen Tour Band people all packed up and on their way home and McMahon gathers with her team around a picnic table to debrief and make sure that all those who were spoken to have been handed off to a staff member and the follow up work done.
 The interview line-up – for the MPP the annual BBQ was a work day. Based on our observations McMahon talked directly with as many as 25 people – and these were not 15 second quickie chats.
The Gazette has watched every politician in the city – some quite closely – this one has a gift rarely if ever seen in the others. Her political stripe is one we happen to share but it doesn’t colour our ability to see how effective she is.
There are concerns with several of the major issues the provincial government is dealing with – hydro rates are a problem and the decision to see a part of the hydro assets is disturbing. The cash for access problem just doesn’t seem to have really gone away and there is that lingering suspicion that something isn’t quite right.
 Deciding what she will have to drink. Those are matters for another day. Yesterday was a full day for our MPP and a fun day for most of the people who were there.
 By Pepper Parr
September 9, 2106
BURLINGTON, ON
Just a little more than a week before the 4th No Vacancy event takes place in Burlington – this time the event will be branded as MoonGlade and take place at both Brock Park, right behind the Art Gallery and within the gallery as well.
 The first event took place at the Waterfront Hotel in 2014 and while the attendance was small it was the most startling cultural event in the city that year – we might add that it was startling in the most positive way possible.
The second event took place at the Village Square where the place was packed.
The third event took place on Old Lakeshore Road and something didn’t work. Was it the location, was the line-up of talent not quite right – the event just wasn’t as good as the public had come to expect.
During the conversations surrounding the Supernova event Denis Longchamps, Artistic Director & Chief Curator, suggested that using Brock Park might have been a better choice. He added that some of the installations could also be held in the Art Gallery.
Longchamps however said if the Art Gallery was involved it would have to be a curated event – which means the participants would be selected by people with the depth and experience needed to know who to invite.
While that approach could prove to be limiting – with Longchamps in place that is not likely to happen. The involvement of the Art Gallery gives a degree of legitimacy that these events didn’t have previously.
 There will be 17 art installations at the MoonGlade event to be held on September 16th at the Art Gallery and in Brock Park at the rear of the Gallery. Food Trucks will be in place as well. There is now a level of professionalism that hasn’t been in place up until now.
Involving the Art Gallery also gives that organization to support and promote an event that has the potential to put the gallery on the map in a way they haven’t been able to do in the past.
There is nothing but good news behind this move on the part of Longchamps. The artists participating in MoonGlade this year offer some amazing opportunities to see art in a way that you may not have seen it before – you can expect several of the illustrations to be interactive.
By Pepper Parr
September 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
“Burlington was part of a national moment, where people came together in parks, community centres, restaurants and living rooms across the country to honour a beloved band and raise money to combat cancer,” said Marianne Meed Ward, Ward 2 Councillor, and co-chair of the event planning committee.
 A reported 12,000 people took in the CBC simulcast of the Final Tragically Hip concert that was shown at at Spencer Smith Park. “The people of Burlington responded very positively to this event. It was like no other in recent memory”, added Brian Dean, General Manager, BDBA, co-chair of the planning committee. “Attendees were very generous to our local charitable partners and responded to Gord Downie’s heartbreaking diagnosis by going out of pocket to support local cancer care.”
Hundreds of Burlingtonians also added their personal thoughts to a “book of well wishes” set up at the event.
The book has been available for signing at the lobby of City Hall and Tourism Burlington office post-event. The book will be officially closed at the community donation ceremony and sent to the agent for The Tragically Hip.
The presentation is to take place at city hall Monday September 12th at noon in the atrium.
The CBC simulcast at Spencer Smith Park was financed through a cost-sharing agreement between the City of Burlington and the BDBA. A significant number of community partners also lent their time and talents to the execution of the event.
 Gord Downie performing at his final concert. Partners will be present at the community donation ceremony. Total costs for the event were approximately $22,000, under the projected budget of $25,000. The City and BDBA equally committed up to $12,500; the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Office and Councillor Meed Ward’s office also contributed $1,000 each.
More than a reported 12,000 people crowded into Spencer Smith Park on August 20th to watch the CBC simulcast.
Donations to Joseph Brant Hospital Cancer Clinic and Canadian Cancer Society – Halton Branch amounting to $3900 was collected. The funds will be split with 50% given to each organization.
By Staff
September 8, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington has been approved for funding to support a number of infrastructure projects around the city. This funding opportunity is through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in connection with the Government of Canada’s celebration of our country’s 150th anniversary of confederation in 2017.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has approved a total of up to $247,287 for eight projects in Burlington under the first intake of the program:
1. Central Park Washroom Accessibility Upgrades
2. Hidden Valley Park Washroom Accessibility Upgrades
3. Elgin Street Promenade/Multi-Use Pathway
4. Cenotaph War Memorial Restoration
5. Central Arena Accessibility Upgrades
6. Aldershot Pool Filtration Upgrades
7. Angela Coughlan Pool Filtration Upgrades
8. Centennial Pool Filtration Upgrades
 Cenotaph was recently restored. Hopefully that restoration included changes to the plaque that described the monument that was filled with errors. See the related story. Restoration work has been completed on the Cenotaph War Memorial at City Hall.
Karina Gould, Burlington’s Member of Parliament said “The upgrades funded through Canada 150 will continue to provide members of the community with safe and accessible public facilities. This funding will allow the people of Burlington and their families to enjoy moments of sport, recreation, leisure and contemplation for years to come.”
These projects were approved by Burlington City Council for eligible costs totaling over $833,000. The remaining project funds will come from the city’s capital budgets in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Gazette doesn’t recall these projects being discussed at council and we are unaware of any public input. It appears that the city sough $833,000 and got $247,287
City hall reports that the remaining projects are planned for completion by March 31, 2018.
The people in the east end of the city would certainly have liked to have seen the replacing of the Nelson pool on that list.
Related news story.
By Staff
September 8, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Transit has issued an update on the routes 1 and 101 – they are dealing with Hamilton’s Supercrawl.
During Hamilton’s Supercrawl event, Routes 1 and 101 will be detoured from September 9 (from 10 a.m.) through to September 11, 2016. York Blvd from Bay to Hughson Streets and James Street from King to Strachan will be closed.
During Hamilton’s Supercrawl event, Routes 1 and 101 will be detoured from September 9 (from 10 a.m.) through to September 11, 2016. York Blvd from Bay to Hughson Streets and James Street from King to Strachan will be closed.
Bus stops within the road closure area will be bagged. For service, please proceed to bus stops on King Street or Bay Street at Vine.
By Pepper Parr
September 8th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
A number of years ago there was an award given for the nicest garden in the city – at one point it was known as the Mayor’s Rose Award or something to that effect.
At the time the Mayor wasn’t comfortable with the gardening award having his office attached to it.
The City of Burlington was one of these sponsors, contributing the prestigious “Mayor’s Cup” and providing the committee with a city facility (for some years now the Tansley Woods Center’s large room) for its awards evening, which draws some two hundred attendees.
 This award used to be called the Mayor’ Cup. The name of the award was changed to Burlington Civic Rose Award. An award that had a history and a tradition got away on the Mayor – or rather he didn’t understand the social value of these things. He does now – thus the two new awards.
Maybe the Mayor will develop a green thumb and do kissy kissy make up with the gardener’s?
After a term and a half in office the Mayor has figured it out – people want this kind of expression of approval coming from the Office of the Mayor.
He now has two awards that are given in his name:
Mayor’s Community Service Awards and the Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award.
The Mayor’s Community Service Awards recognize social responsibility demonstrated by for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
The Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award honours sustainable business practices.
“These awards provide a meaningful opportunity to recognize outstanding organizations and businesses that make our city a great place to live and work,” said Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring.
Nominations for both are now open.
Submit your nomination and help us celebrate the people who go above and beyond every day in our community.”
 Brandon Wagner – a formidable wheelchair basket ball player being recognized by Mayor Goldring and Councillor Paul Sharman Last year’s Mayor’s Community Service Award recipient was Special Olympics Burlington. The Mayor’s Sustainable Green Business Award was presented to Mountain Equipment Co-op – Burlington. Both safe awards – who can raise an eyebrow over either of these?
The nomination deadline is Oct. 3, 2016. The awards will be presented on April 6, 2017 at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala.
For a full list of criteria or to submit a nomination, visit the Burlington Chamber of Commerce website at: https://www.burlingtonchamber.com/events/business-awards-gala.
Related news story:
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