Neal Family reaching for a new record with their June 26th bottle drive supporting the Food Bank and the Compassion Society

graphic community 5By Staff

June 6th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This isn’t the first time the Neal Family has done a bottle Drive. Each time they hold a drive the amount they raise increases.

BOTTLE DRIVE

The last one came in at $8000 and loads of food plus significant cash donations.

Bottle Julie Neal

Julie Neal with her son explaining how the bottle drive got started and then just grew.

One person drove in from Kitchener with a load of bottles.

The volume has gotten to the point where they are asking people who drop off bottle to separate the cans from the bottles.

The drop off point this time is the North Burlington Baptist Church located at 1377 Walkers Line –  just north of Forest Run Avenue

They open at 9 and will close it up at 4 pm.

It all takes place on Saturday June 26th.

They are hoping they can pass the $8000 mark they set last time.  This is serious business.

bottle drive Neal Drive

This is what they were dealing with last time.

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Meed Ward, Kearns and Nisan featured in production that uses sex as a weapon of humiliation in theatrical production at the Performing Arts Centre

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

June 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

In an earlier version of this story there was a headline that was inappropriate.  It was revised.  The production happens to be about sex being used as a weapon.  The three members of council are part of the production.  Apologies to anyone who was offended.

There was a time when radio is all there was. And it was great.

Radio captures the mind and lets the imagination run rampant.

There were those classic programs:  Johnny Dollar the report of a private investigator and what he spent his fee on. There was Allan Mills and his program. There was that Bed Time story that CBC used to run.

Television was never able to do what radio does.

burlington-performing-arts-centre-hall-03-leed-gold@2x

The audience will be “out there” instead of these seats.

The people at the Performing Arts Centre are taking us back to what radio was all about: words, tone and inflection all used to capture the imagination and build up a sense of what was being communicated.

Because The Show Must Go Online the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Presents Dangerous Liaisons Online

BPAC will stream a virtual reading of the classic play, Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons Dangereuses) next Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. Tickets for the stream cost $20 per household, or $15 for BPAC members and volunteers. To thank Burlington-area front-line healthcare workers for their sacrifices during this pandemic, they can contact the BPAC Box Office for complimentary tickets to the show.

Dangerous Lias

Three council members amongst the cast.

Adapted to run approximately 60 minutes, this reading will be directed by Stratford Festival director Richard Ouzounian. The incredible cast features local artists and politicians, including Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Councillors Lisa Kearns and Rory Nisan, KooGle Theatre’s Leslie and Christopher Gray and others.

For those of you who remember the moment when the Mayor sang from the passenger seat of a Smart Car – you can once again hear the dulcet tones of a women who trained to sing opera. Listen to how she did.

“After such a long time without being able to entertain the people of Burlington, it is exciting to be back doing what we do best – and that is putting on a show,” said BPAC Executive Director Tammy Fox. “Working with a director the caliber of Richard Ouzounian and a cast that mixes talented performers and enthusiastic local leaders is fun, energizing and just the tip of the iceberg of what we can accomplish when we are able to welcome patrons back.”

Participating restaurants Paradiso and Pepperwood Bistro have prepared delicious prix fixe takeout meals to accompany a night at the online theatre, so patrons can make it a true dinner and a show experience. Hungry theatre patrons can find all the details about their tantalizing dinner options through the BPAC website.

About the Show
Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a 1985 play adapted from the 1782 novel of the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The plot focuses on the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, rivals who use sex as a weapon of humiliation and degradation, all the while enjoying their cruel games. Their targets are the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges, a young girl who has fallen in love with her music tutor, the Chevalier Danceny. In order to gain their trust, Merteuil and Valmont pretend to help the secret lovers so they can use them later in their own treacherous schemes.

About the Cast
The Marquise de Merteuil – Leslie Gray
The Vicomte de Valmont – Christopher Gray
Madame de Tourvel – Councillor Lisa Kearns
Cécile Volanges – Arielle Nielsen
Madame Volanges – Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
The Chevalier Danceny – Councillor Rory Nisan
Madame de Rosemonde – Bev Mattson

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Virtual Play Reading of Dangerous Liaisons
June 11, 2021 & June 12, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Streamed from The Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone:
905-681-6000 | https://burlingtonpac.ca/events/dangerous-liaisons/
Tickets per household (All-in): Regular $20 / Members $15

The full schedule of BPAC Presents events is available here:

burlingtonpac.ca/bpacpresents – Tickets and dinner choices

facebook.com/BurlingtonPAC | twitter.com/BurlingtonPAC | instagram.com/burlington_pac

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Outdoor Graduation ceremonies - maybe. School boards have heard nothing from the province. Several schools have planned virtual events

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

June 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In a grand gesture yesterday the Premier announced that outdoor graduation events were going to be permitted.

That news came as a surprise to every high school principal in the province.

The Halton District School Board was taken by surprise when they heard the news.

Bateman graduation class 2017

Bateman high school graduation in 2017

“At this point we don’t even know if we will be able to do it. Many Boards have already said they will not be doing it” said a news source.

“The Ministry has not given any direction, we haven’t spoken to Public health about it yet. It was a total surprise to us he announced it.

“Many schools have already planned their virtual events, which weren’t easy. Also don’t forget he said a celebration for every grade not just graduation.

The school board “will be going over this next week” – what they need is clear direction from the Ministry of Education. “… we have also yet to receive any written confirmation or direction from the Ministry.

The Premier said that there would be graduation events for every grade – which has not been the custom for Ontario schools. The long standing practice has been for high school students to graduate. More recently there have been graduation events for those completing elementary school.

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June is the Month of Play - Get Outside and Play.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

May 27th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

June is the Month of Play – Get Outside and Play.

That is the message coming out of city hall.

Heard in households across the city are the words: “ Can we go outside and play”

The terribly mixed messages coming from the province are being ignored. In Burlington most of the rules are being followed – some more responsibly than others.

Vaccination rates are climbing creating the sense that we are almost out of this aren’t we?

To kick off June, Mayor Meed Ward has proclaimed June as the Month of Play and the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to get outside, play, have fun, stay safe and be active with a variety of options.

First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park

First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park

Straight from the desk of the Mayor: “June is the time of year where the City’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads and events come to life. Being active is a powerful way for residents to maintain or improve mental and physical health. As we celebrate June as the Month of Play, we encouraged residents to get active indoors or outdoors and enjoy options the City offers, safely.”

Get Outside and Play Challenge
The Get Outside and Play Challenge begins on June 1 and continues until June 30. The Challenge is a fun way to learn more about Burlington while completing the activities.
• Download the app from burlington.ca/playoutside
• Search for the Get Outside and Play Challenge (Game code ZDB8GE)
• Create login as a family or a group

Let’s Fly a Kite – Presented by the Rocca Sisters Team
Let’s fly a kite on Father’s Day, June 20.
Together, let’s celebrate play and fill the sky with colour starting Father’s Day, June 20. This June, the City will be offering a limited supply of FREE Kite Kits to Burlington residents. Registration is required and will open on June 7, 2021. Learn more at burlington.ca/kitefestival.

family picnic

Picnics – with the weather we are having – great idea.

Recreation and Parks Month
June is also Recreation and Parks Month, so Parks and Recreation Ontario has provided a list of fun activities for everyone.
Splash Pads and City Outdoor Pools

The City has 9 splash pads, including a new splash pad location, Brant Hills Park Splash Pad 2300 Duncaster Dr. All splash pads are now open. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay.

LaSalle Splash Park and the outdoor pools, Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park and Nelson Pool and Splash Park are expected to open June 14, also pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions.

Learn more at burlington.ca/waterplay.

Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming

No snow? There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot.

There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot.

Tim Hortons Free Swims will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 5, 2021, pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Registration will be required. Learn more at Burlington.ca/timsfreeswims.

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture might be beginning to think that he is close to being able to operate a normal recreation program and comes close to bursting when he says: “June is the month of play is a big kick-off to the summer. Everyone is eager to get outside and play, to explore our city and we’ve got so many great opportunities for families, individuals and people of all abilities.”

Links and Resources
burlington.ca/timsfreeswims
burlington.ca/waterplay
burlington.ca/playoutside
burlington.ca/kitefestival

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Have you ever wondered how organizations manage to get corporate sponsorship for their events?

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 25th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Have you ever wondered how organizations manage to get corporate sponsorship for their events?

Festivals Ontario is holding a virtual event that will feature Judy Haber, a woman considered best in class in the Sponsorship industry. Judy has been selling Corporate Sponsorship and Naming Rights for the past 25 years.

Judy Haber sponsorshipJudy was instrumental in packaging and selling events that included The Shoppers Drug Mart Toronto Marathon, The Bay Street Rat Race, and over the last 10 years has spearheaded the B&O Yorkville Run for Charities. Since inception, the B&O Yorkville Run for Charities has raised millions of dollars for local not for profit groups, with sponsorship support from companies that included New Balance, Lexus, Equinox, Camrost Felcorp, Hill Street Beverages, Whole Foods, and other like brands.

The events have consistently covered their operating expense with Corporate Sponsorship.

Join Judy on Thursday, May 27 at 1:00pm for an hour of insight on the current landscape of Sponsors, how to package and sell community events, and answers to your specific question.

sponsorship link graphiicSend these to debbie@festivalsandeventsontario.ca by tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12 noon.

Click on the link below to register for free, reserve your space, and get the ZOOM link.

 

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Gypsy Moth Spraying to take place Tuesday - early early in the day

News 100 greenBy Staff

May 21st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On Tuesday, May 25, the City of Burlington will be using a low-flying helicopter to apply a bio-pesticide over four wooded areas to control gypsy moth populations. The gypsy moths eat the leaves of trees, causing significant defoliation and potential long-term impact to the City’s urban forest.

gypsy moth

This moth will eat your tree bare

Application of the pesticide will be completed between 5 and 7:30 a.m. and is expected to take 5-10 minutes for each park.

The areas identified for spraying include:

  • City View Park
  • Kilbride Park
  • LaSalle Park
  • Zimmerman Park

City staff will be stopping traffic on roads nearest the park while the helicopter is spraying. The road closure will take 15 minutes or less.

aerial spraying gypsy moth

The aerial spraying is being done as safely as possible.

An interactive map is available on burlington.ca/gypsymoth that allows residents to enter an address so they can see where the address is in relation to the spray areas.

The second spray date will be posted on the City’s Twitter and Facebook accounts @CityBurlington and online at burlington.ca/gypsymoth at least 48-hours before the spraying.

Steve Robinson Forestry Manager

Steve Robinson Forestry Manager

Steve Robinson, Manager of Urban Forestry explains:  “The weather forecast shows good conditions for the aerial spraying and the gypsy moth larva are at the right stage in their development for the treatment to have maximum impact on them. A successful reduction in their number will help protect the health of our trees and the environment which is a win for everyone.”

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Aldershot market accepting new applications - will operate four Satudays

News 100 blueBy Staff

May 18th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Aldershot Village BIA outdoor Vendor Markets are running for the 2021 season!
Spots are limited so apply soon for this summer / fall season.

Aldershot BIAThe markets will take place on four Saturdays 9am to 1pm: July 17th, Aug 21st, Sept 18th & Oct 9th

Interested?

Head to the BIA website for the application and all the details.

Call for Market Vendors!

Email: events@aldershotbia.com for more detail

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Food Bank will be closed on Monday of the ong weekend

graphic community 3By Staff

May 18th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you are in need of food support, please call us or email before Thursday this week so that we can arrange for delivery on Friday. If you need your delivery for Thursday evening then please contact us by Wednesday this week.

Bailey Food Bank March 31-20We hope you all enjoy a nice Victoria Day long weekend and have a chance to get outside and enjoy this wonderful warm sunny weather. Great for our mental health!

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

The people who handle the food intake and then pack the food packages that go out to homes in Burlington need a break and it is a public holiday.

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A perfect spring weekend in the city - were you there?

graphic community 2By Staff

May 17th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

How well did Burlingtonians behave on Sunday when the weather was about as good as it gets this time of year?

The Parks Culture and Community Department decided not to have staff in the parks keeping an eye on people – looks as if it wasn’t needed.

The pictures that follow are worth a thousand words.

tulips + women

Pictures like this get put on post cards.

 

 

LaSalle Geese

Watching the geese at the LaSalle Marina.

girl with chipmunk RBG

Feeding the chipmunks at RBG – these are the best fed creatures in the city.

Easterbrook ;ined up

This is typical Burlington – spending some time at one of the few places in the city that deserves to be called iconic

canal social distancing at its best

This is what social distancing is all about. Now if we can get this across to the younger set – we just might have a complete summer.

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A day filled with sunshine - Spencer Smith Park was busy but not packed

graphic community 3By Staff

May 16th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

musician picolo

Facing the lake and tempting the waves on bright sunny day.

What a beautiful day it was!

bikes on the promendae

Not many of these people chose to wear masks.

Families were out enjoying the weather; the kids were playing and there was a gentleman tempting the waves with his flute.

Sunday is going to be just as big a blessing.

Enjoy what our staff photographer recorded.

City staff  are in a bit of a holding pattern, waiting for direction from the province as to what can be opened up and when.

We know that there won’t be a traditional Sound of Music event; they are working up a program – nothing yet on what they are going to be able to do.

soaking up the sunshine by Skyway

Soaking up the sunshine out by the Skyway with a breeze coming in off the Hamilton Harbour.

Ribfest might be able to open up – if the new infection numbers are low enough.

kids in turnstyle

Everyone wanted to be on the turnstile.

 

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Cougars prospect camp dates are announced - first come, first served

sportsred 100x100By Staff

May 3rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

No one is certain as to when the hockey season will start – but the Burlington Cougars are going ahead with their Player Prospect Camp.

The rules will be a little different: Covid19 protocols are in place and will be strictly adhered to.

hockey player cougar 1

Showing the coaching staff what you have going for you when the skates are laced up.

The Player Prospect program has been a great success in recent years helping players to develop and showcase their on-ice skills with the assistance of the Burlington Cougars coaching staff.

Registration for the 2021 camp will be on a first-come first-serve basis if roster spots become limited due to COVID-19 guidelines. If registration(s) occur and you are unable to attend due to these circumstances and/or if we are limited in our capacities due to these guidelines, a 100% refund will be issued.

Please contact us directly if you have any specific questions or concerns. The health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and community are of the utmost importance to the Burlington Cougars organization and we are utilizing all resources at our disposal to be align with these strictures.


Summer 2021 Program Details

Friday, June 11, 2021: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, June 12, 2021: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday, June 13, 2021: 11:00am – 12:30pm

All sessions will take place at Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington (1201 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON)


Registration

We are currently accepting registration and payment for our 2021 Prospect Camp. Please complete the forms below to initiate your registration. All registrants must complete the

Click here to complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire.

This form must be completed by each player prior to admission,  participants will have to complete this questionnaire each day.

 

Contact Burlington Cougars Head Coach and General Manager, Mark Jooris, for more information regarding the 2021 Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp – (905) 467-9119.

markjoorisburlingtoncougars@gmail.com

COST: Players – $367.25 ($325+HST)

Payment for Burlington Cougars Prospect Camp 2021 can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Burlington Cougars.’ E-transfer payments can be sent to BurlingtonCougarsOJDL@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email once we process your payment.

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Burlington Mundialization Committee coordinates a virtual celebration of spring, including a live photo stream of the Japanese cherry blossoms in Spencer Smith Park

News 100 greenBy Staff

April 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Watching the Cherry Blossoms Bloom.
The City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee invites residents to celebrate spring and the city’s friendship with its twin cities, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19 and following the current provincial Stay-at-Home order, all celebrations will be held virtually this year.

These trees have been in place for close to 25 years and each spring their blossoms come out first in pink and then change to white and then fall to the ground. Each spring the hope, the beauty and the relationship with the people of Japan who gave us the trees is renewed.

These trees have been in place for years: each spring their blossoms come out first in pink and then change to white and then fall to the ground. Each spring the hope, the beauty and the relationship with the people of Japan who gave us the trees is renewed.

Virtual Sakura Festival
This year’s virtual Sakura Festival commemorates Burlington’s 32-year twin-city friendship with Itabashi, Japan and includes:

• Live photo stream of cherry blossoms: Follow the progress of the Japanese cherry blossoms on the Sakura trees in Spencer Smith Park as they get ready to burst into bloom over the coming weeks, with a live photo stream available on burlington.ca/CherryBlossoms.

Through the photo stream, residents can view new photos of the trees, taken every day, or select the time lapse feature to see the progression of the blooms to date.

• Videos celebrating Japanese culture: Between May 5 – 12, follow the City’s social media channels, @cityburlington on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, for videos featuring traditional Japanese performances in music, dance and more.
Canada Netherlands Day

This year’s virtual celebration recognizes the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Armed Forces and the 16th anniversary of Burlington’s twinning with the City of Apeldoorn.

• May 5 – Follow the City’s social media channels, @cityburlington on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, to see two videos featuring distinguished guests, and musical performances from groups in Apeldoorn and Burlington. Highlights include a speaker who shares his experiences as a small boy at the end of World War II, and a unique performance by elementary school students from Trinity Christian School in Burlington.

Commisso and Mayor in Japan

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward leads the parade in Itabashi, Japan, with city manager (white shirt center) Tim Commisso following and showing fine form.

Itabashi, Japan

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward had this to say: “The cherry blossoms of the Sakura trees in Spencer Smith Park are one of our city’s most picturesque landmarks our community, and visitors, look forward to every year.

This year, as we do our part to stay home and limit outdoor gatherings to members of the same household, this virtual experience means that residents can enjoy these beautiful pink blooms no matter where there are. I’m also looking forward to commemorating an important milestone in Canada Netherlands Day marking the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Armed Forces – arguably the birth of the deep connection and friendship between our two nations.

We are very fortunate in Burlington to have formed strong friendships with our twin cities – Itabashi, Japan and Apeldoorn, the Netherlands — and I thank our Mundialization Committee for coordinating this year’s virtual events in honour of these important and special relationships.”

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Registration for Summer Camps and Park Play Program opens May 1

News 100 greenBy Staff

April 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Is that light at the end of the tunnel?

The small buds on the trees are turning into leaves; the Farmer’s Market has announced they are opening in the middle of May.
And now the city Parks and Recreation department has announced that registrations for summer camps will open on May 1st.

This is progress.

The City is hopeful that Summer Camps and a new Park Play program will be able to run, with registration for both opening May 1, 2021 at 9 a.m. As always, any City-run program will be subject to the Provincial and public health regulations and could be cancelled as we continue to respond to this pandemic.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, summer programs will meet health regulations designed in consultation with Halton Region Public Health and in alignment with provincial health regulations. Precautions include lower ratios of participant to staff and capacity, physical distancing, mandatory health screening and enhanced facility cleaning.

Natural parks

No one within six feet.

Park Play Program
The Park Play program is for children and youth ages 8 to 14 years and includes fun, active and creative games run by City staff in four local parks: Iroquois Park, Mohawk Park, Cavendish Park and Leighland Park. The program will run July 19 to Aug. 13, 2021.

The participants may choose not to stay the entire time, they can leave and go home for lunch and come back or bring their lunch to the park to eat. Sign in and out procedures are the same as Drop- in programs, but only registered participants are permitted to participate with the group.

Summer Camp
Similar to 2020 summer camps for youth ages 4 to 16 years, this year’s program will offer outdoor and physical activities, active and quiet games, arts and crafts, and nature-based activities. These camps are inclusive for all participants and feature additional staff for a smaller camper to leader ratios to help maintain physical distancing in camp and ensure safe supervision of campers.
Summer Camps include:

• SNAP 4 to 10 years old
• Youth 9 to 14 years old
• Junior Leadership 12 to 14 years old
• Leaders in Training for 14 old 16 years old
• Music Camp for 7 to 10 years old
• Student Theatre:
o Arts Camp for 6 to 15 years old
o Theatre Specialty Camps for 9 to 15 years old

All programs have spaces for Individuals with Disabilities within each camp group.

To register or for more information, visit burlington.ca/summer.

Recreation Fee Assistance
Recreation Fee Assistance is funding made available to individuals or families who need help to pay for City of Burlington recreational programs.
For more information or to apply, visit burlington.ca/feeassistance. Information available by telephone – call 905-335-7600, ext. 8501 to leave a voice mail.

Glenn Chris

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture

Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, community and Culture said: “Last summer’s camp programs went very well and we’re hoping to build on that success for this year. The new Park Play program is not a day camp but will offer many of the same fun games and activities that people of all abilities can participate in. ”

Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/summer
www.burlington.ca/feeassistance

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Film on how we manage contentedness and disconnectedness during a pandemic

News 100 redBy Staff

April 28th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW) is an annual Canada-wide initiative encouraging all Canadians to take actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.

In line with the pressures of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s EPW theme of Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything, the City of Burlington is launching the first of multiple screenings of the film The Great Disconnect.

Residents can sign up for the free May 4 or 6 virtual screenings of The Great Disconnect which will include a panel discussion with local leaders and film crew members.

Link to the Eventbrite site to register: CLICK HERE

Great disconnect pic

Two screening: one during the day and a second in the evening.

About the film

The Great Disconnect uncovers why, in a world seemingly more connected than ever before, people are feeling more and more socially isolated – and the true cost this has on our lives and communities. It was written, directed and produced by passionate people wanting to make a difference in the lives of those who live in their communities, neighbourhoods and abroad. Since its official launch in October 2019, the film has screened across Canada through multiple municipalities, non-profits and NGOs, and has been shown in ten countries across Europe. It has also been featured in over twelve independent film festivals, and in October 2020, the documentary won the award for Best Feature Film at the prominent Better Cities Film Festival. The judges’ panel included the famous architect Jan Gehl alongside other esteemed architects and urbanists.

disconnect awaards graphic

Acclaimed.

Synopsis

Experts who were interviewed for The Great Disconnect, described our time as the “age of loneliness.” Despite Western advances in technology, living conditions, education and healthcare, we as a society, are isolating ourselves from one another and because of this, facing a health crisis that affects all ages, genders, races, and cultures. But how have we become so disconnected? And what can we do to change the status quo and fulfill our potential for health and well-being? Join wellness expert Tamer Soliman as he journeys through North American cities to meet with local citizens, community activists, and leading authorities on social, economic, and urban planning to discover the true factors that have profound and lasting impacts, not only on our health, but the health of the communities in which we live.

Virtual screenings

Residents can sign up for one of the free May virtual screenings on Eventbrite and take our quick survey to help inform the discussion with the panelists at Great Disconnect Survey.

Tuesday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The panel will include:

  • Tamer Soliman, Director, Producer and Co-Writer of The Great Disconnect
  • Sarah Douglas, Writer and Story Editor of The Great Disconnect
  • Lisa Crapsi, Recreation Coordinator for Neighbourhood Development, City of Burlington
  • Susan Biggs, A/ Superintendent – #1 District |Milton|Halton Hills, Halton Regional Police service

Thursday, May 6, 6 to 8 p.m.

The panel will include:

  • Tamer Soliman, Director, Producer and Co-Writer of The Great Disconnect
  • Sarah Douglas, Writer and Story Editor of The Great Disconnect
  • Steve Jones, Master Trainer, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • Karen Roche, Fire Chief, City of Burlington
  • Lisa Crapsi, Recreation Coordinator for Neighbourhood Development, City of Burlington
  • Sergeant Ryan Smith, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Halton Regional Police Service
  • Beth Martin, Founder, Together Burlington
  • Ryan Gallagher, Founder and Host, Mental Edge Lifestyle Podcast

This Emergency Preparedness Week event is an opportunity for community members to view this timely documentary that invites people to reflect on the relationships we have with those around us and raises the question: is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?

In an emergency, residents may need to evacuate or stay in their homes for long periods of time. Everyone needs a kit with enough supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Either build your own kit or buy an emergency kit online and in stores across Canada.

Amber Rushton, Community Emergency Management Coordinator explains the context in which the film is being screened: “With the pandemic impacts we have all experienced in our own way, social connectedness, other-centred action, and neighbourhood preparedness will help us recover and build our new normal as a community.

“Everyone has a role to play in an emergency and building community resilience and mental health readiness is critical in protecting ourselves and our loved ones. The City of Burlington is proud to provide this virtual viewing opportunity to residents to help shine a light on the importance of the health of our communities.”

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People with hearing impairment will benefit from hearing loops to be set up in the city

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 27, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington will receive $59,700 from the Ontario Government’s Inclusive Community Grants program that will be used to install hearing loop systems in city recreation centres to help individuals with hearing aids and cochlear implants get clearer sound, participate more fully and enjoy their experiences in programs and activities.

As part of the Burlington Active Aging Plan, the City has expanded recreational programs for older adults and seniors across the city. As this segment of the population grows in Burlington so does the demand for recreational services. This initiative will help keep older adults and seniors active, healthy and engaged in the community and offer them recreation and social programs that will enrich their quality of life. These projects are planned for completion by March 31, 2022.

hearing hand at ear

4 million people in Canada have some degree of hearing loss.

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association estimates that 4 million people in Canada have some degree of hearing loss, which works out to almost 1 in 10 Canadians. Hearing aids are an effective solution to improving hearing quality. However, hearing aids are not always effective in all environments on their own. Induction loop systems (hearing loops) are a great way of improving sound quality for individuals wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Many individuals in City programs rely on hearing aids. By installing hearing loops in City facilities, it will make it easier for these individuals to hear and have a more positive experience.

Hearing loops will be installed in areas including customer service counters, meeting rooms, multi-purpose program rooms and auditoriums in City facilities that host the majority of adult and senior programs. Initially, the City will focus on five community centres:

Haber name in sign

Haber Recreational Centre is one of the locations for the hearing loops.

The Burlington Seniors’ Centre, Tansley Woods Community Centre, Haber Community Centre, Mountainside Community Centre and Brant Hills Community Centre.

The next phase will look at customer service counters at various City pools.

Ward 4 Councillor, Shawna Stolte said: “As our older adult and senior population grows in Burlington, it’s important for the City of Burlington to invest in safe, accessible community spaces for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

“I am proud of my fellow council members for recognizing this need and investing City funding to augment this grant. This will allow the City to install hearing loops in as many facilities and spaces as possible to enhance the recreation experience for those in our community with hearing loss.”

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An interesting Mother's Day option: A Tea Treat at the Ireland House Museum

eventspink 100x100By Staff

April 26th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Coming up with something to do for Mom on Sunday May 9th will be a little more challenging this year.

It will be the second year in a row when the traditional visit can’t take place.

What are the options out there?

If Mom has a taste for quality tea in a different setting give some thought to the online Mother’s Day Victorian Tea and Treats.

Museum Tea Treat

Tickets are $30 and include a Victorian Dessert Trio (Victorian sponge cake, currant scones, lemon shortbread), three 20g samples of Monarch Tea Co. loose leaf tea, and a 45-minute tea tasting led by certified Tea Sommelier, Katie Cyr.

Tea and treat package pick-up is Saturday, May 8 between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at Ireland House Museum.

The online portion of the event takes place from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 9. It includes a hearth demonstration and a tour of the ladies’ parlour at Ireland House Museum.

Tickets can be ordered by clicking here

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Gardener in chief recruiting volunteers for the Food Bank community garden.

graphic community 2By Pepper Parr

April 24th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Food Bank managed to have 7 plots in the community Garden on Maple Avenue assigned to them.

They then had to find a volunteer who would oversee the operation of those 7 plots.

That volunteer would then have to recruit a volunteer crew to manage each of the plots.

Sam LaGRand 2

Sam LeGrand and Robin Bailey at the market garden site on Maple Avenue

Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Food Bank did the interviewing and felt he had the ideal volunteer – Samantha LeGrand, who prefers to be known as Sam.

The two of them did a short interview on-site where Sam asked for people to foster some of the seedlings she has – she has run out of space at her own dwelling.

Sam LaGrand 1

Sam LaGrand – Good Bank gardener

If you think you could look after some of those seedlings please go to the Food Bank web site and register as a volunteer and then select the tab on the registration to do with Community Garden help.

In early May Sam will need volunteer help for planting, and then subsequently help for watering and weeding throughout the season.  You can contact  Sam at garden@burlingtonfoodbank.ca

Sam brings an eclectic education to the gardening she is going to supervise – she is the kind of gardener who gets her fingers dirty.

She was a student at OCAD, the Ontario College of Arts and Design where she studied drawing and painting – she has had a number of gallery showings.  She was also a student at Western University where she studied astro-physics and creative writing.

She said she loved the job she has at the Children’s Place; retail was something she liked.

Gardening is as much a passion as it is working.  Sam knows gardening – she has some ideas for the different designs she wants to use – high yield is one of her objectives.

The community gardens in Burlington – there are now seven of them – was the result of work done by Michelle Bennett and Amy Schnur when they approached city council in 2015 looking for support on an application they had made to the provincial government to create community gardens.

The province required municipal support for every grant they provided – at the time city council wasn’t all warm and fuzzy about the idea.  They were reluctant to put up some real dollars.

Amy and Michelle weren’t prepared to walk away from the project – they convinced the Parks and Recreation department to put in the water service that was needed.  From that point on community gardens were real – they sold out the day they were opened.

Related news stories

Community gardens a hit

How Burlington community gardens got started

 

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Public school board hosting Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

News 100 blueBy Staff

April 21st, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

anxious person

Halton District School Board – Supporting positive mental health and well-being.

The Halton District School Board is hosting more than 15 Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians, with the first session held on April 27 and others scheduled throughout the month of May. These sessions will cover specific topics based on feedback from parents/guardians through a survey sent earlier this year. Each will be led by a mental health expert in that area who will share their knowledge and provide helpful information and resources.

Session presenters will include HDSB staff and mental health experts from local community organizations including Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), ADAPT, Danielle’s Place, National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), Eat2Grow, CHM Therapy Services, Halton Support Services, Developmental Services of Ontario, Mental Health and Addiction Nurses, Roots Community Services, and Bayridge Counselling Centres.

To Register CLICK HERE

Session topics include:
Healthy eating, body image, eating disorders
• Self-regulation and emotional well-being
• Substance use, vaping, online/video gaming
• Supporting children with learning disabilities
• Social isolation and connectedness for 2SLGBTQ+ youth
• Impact of COVID-19 and racism for Black identifying families
• Staying engaged during online learning
• Anxiety
• Psychiatric medications

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Parents/guardians can register by completing the Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions Registration Form. Sessions will be held on Google Meet or Zoom (depending on the session) and registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. Sessions will not be recorded.

Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to submit questions when completing the registration form or during the session.

The Board’s new Mental Health & Well-Being webpage has information for parents/guardians and students on mental health, ways to support positive mental health and well-being and how to get additional support at school and in the community.

Mental health postcard

 

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Keeping the faith that we will hear that applause again one day soon; because the show must go on!

artsorange 100x100By Tammy Fox

April 16th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

I find it beyond belief that we have been existing in this Twilight Zone of a pandemic for over an entire year now.  COVID has, and continues to have, absolutely devastating effects on everyone – personally, professionally, economically, socially – you name it.

Fox Tammy with glasses

Tammy Fox, Executive Director, Burlington Performing Arts Centre

We invested a great deal of time, effort and funds in developing a sold COVID-safety plan for BPAC last summer so that by early fall we would be in a position to welcome back reduced-capacity audiences in the safest way possible.  We increased our air filtration, purchased plexiglass screens and every type of PPE available.

We invested in a socially-distanced ticketing system and seating plans, as well as patron self-screening software.  We thoroughly sanitize the venue at least three times daily.  When we were finally permitted live audiences of up to 50 people for October and November we scrambled to put together an exciting ‘mini-season’ of incredible artists, like Tom Cochrane, Chantal Kreviazuk, The Spoons and more.

We sold out every performance and I watched as my technical staff’s eyes welled up with tears on our ‘opening night’, overcome with emotion at having the opportunity to finally return after 6 months of suspended operation to what it is that we all do best.  To the industry that we love.  And then just like that we were slammed back into the ‘red zone’ and the stage lights went dim once again.

Now we are once again in lockdown.  We are struggling to understand why we are not permitted to support our community and the Canadian arts ecology when we all need it most, by at the very least offering livestream performances.  A typical livestream production might involve 5 – 10 people, between staff and artists, carefully and safely socially distanced in our incredibly spacious venue – but no, the province has deemed that too risky.

Film shoots involving 100 cast and crew are ok.  For a long while, allowing hundreds to cram into malls and big box stores was ok.  But no livestreaming allowed!  Once simply can’t help but feel that the notion of the arts being somehow superfluous, non-essential to the health and spirit of a community is now up in lights on the marquee for all to see.  It’s a very scary time for our industry, which has been deemed ‘the hardest hit’.  Our industry will be the very last permitted to return to full operations.  Ours will take the longest to fully recover.

With that said, there is an incredible amount of heart and effort going into advocacy efforts for the live entertainment sector.  Federal agencies are doing what they can to keep us sustainable until life can return to ‘normal’.  I do believe that people are eager to return.  I feel that people are now truly becoming aware of the cavernous gap left in our lives and in our communities when the performing arts go dark.  You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone – but absence will make the heart grow fonder!

burlington-performing-arts-centre-hall-03-leed-gold@2x

There will come a day when there will once again be a full house

At present, I think that the best that we can hope for is offer a series of performances outdoors on our Plaza this summer. I hope to see us being permitted to operate at a percentage of capacity by the fall.  At some point someone has to do the math and see that 250 patrons spread out across a 718-seat venue is safer than 50 people crammed into a Walmart check-out line.

Jazz-SRO-768x451

An outdoor performance on the plaza where the best seats were on a marble bench.

In the meantime, we are constantly trying to find ways to support our staff, our patrons and our local artists and arts organizations and to keep our volunteers informed and engaged.  We have been working with the HDSB by offering students a virtual education series, and we are developing an artist residency program that will see us offering our space and services to local artists.  And mostly, we are working towards remaining optimistic and keeping the faith that we will hear that applause again one day soon.  It will happen.

Because the show must go on!

Tammy Fox is the Executive Director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre

 

 

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Plants that can only make a dismal time feel much nicer - available May 1st

graphic community 2By Staff

April 5th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

They have been doing it for 25 years – providing lush hanging baskets of flowers.

The event is part of a fund raiser where everyone wins.  St. Matthews Church in Aldershot takes great pleasure in making these plants available.

A bright spot in a not so bright situation.

They go quite quickly. Get your order

21- Plants Order Form Flyer

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