Pickleball a part of the Live and Play offering at city recreation centres. It is all on line.

News 100 yellowBy Staff

August 10th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The 2017-18 Fall/Winter Live and Play Guide – the City of Burlington’s guide for information on recreation, sport, culture programs and festivals and events is now available online.

Printed copies are available for pick up at recreation centres, City Hall (426 Brant St.), Burlington Tourism (414 Locust St.) and Burlington public libraries.

The online Live and Play guide allows you to review and share program information as well as register for programs directly from any computer or mobile device. View the online guide.

Live - play registration dates

 

An interesting program that has become quite popular is pickle ball, a trending sport that is taking the world by storm. Easy to learn, Pickleball can be geared to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from those new to the sport to the most seasoned players.

Pickle ballBurlington offers registered lessons for Pickleball players of all levels. Many drop-in times and locations are also available. These drop-in programs are designated as beginner or intermediate levels and provide flexible, convenient opportunities to enjoy the sport.

In coming years, Pickleball in Burlington will expand to include more advanced lessons, advanced drop-in times, and tournament play. For now, we encourage advanced level players to play with similarly skilled partners and opponents or to respectfully adjust their level of play to the level of others.

More on the program online.

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Burlington Herd has to win this evening to remain in the IBL playoffs.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

August 8th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The London Majors powered past the Burlington Herd in a lopsided 15 – 2 romp Sunday night.

Justin Gideon hit a solo home run, while Kevin Hussey had the other RBI.

Ryan Beckett (0-1) gave up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits in 1.2 innings. He walked one and struck out one.

On the London side Byron Reichstein and Michael Ambrose each hit two home runs.

London leads the best-of-seven quarter-final 3-1 and can advance with a win Tuesday at home.

The Toronto Brantford series has the Leafs leading the best-of-seven quarter-final 2-1.

In the Hamilton Kitchener series – Kitchener leads 2-1.

With all three quarter final playoff teams playing this evening how things are going to fall out should be clearer.

In the meantime the Barrie Baycats patiently wait to learn who they will be playing in the final round. The only team that has been able to beat the Baycats has been the Toronto Leafs.

Future games
Tuesday, Aug. 8
Burlington at London, 7:30 p.m.
Kitchener at Hamilton, 7:30 pm.
Toronto at Brantford, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 9
Brantford at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.2017 playof sched FINAL

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Police investigation ongoing into Stabbing at Burlington's Solid Gold adult entertainment establishment on Plains Road.

Crime 100By Staff

August 7th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It was clearly a difference of opinion that got out of hand.

Solid Gold imageEight people on the street outside the Solid Gold nightclub located at 53 Plains Road East in Burlington got into a fight that had the police responding at approximately 12:30am on Sunday August 6th 2017 ,

During the fight, one of the suspects used a small pocket knife to stab two other people involved in the fight. Those people have been treated at hospital for minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery.

Detectives have since identified each of the persons involved in the incident and are continuing conduct interviews and investigation into this matter.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or may have any information concerning this incident to contact Detective Joe Barr of the #3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca, or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

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Almost totally SOLD OUT weeks before the curtain rises: Annie Jr to be performed at the Drury Lane Theatre.

artsblue 100x100By Staff

August 3rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Every artistic director wishes for words like these:

KooGle Theatre Company is very excited to announce that they are presenting a Youth Musical Theatre Summer Intensive for youth ages 8-18 – culminating in a production of ANNIE Jr.

Annie jr short logoAll actors have auditioned for a role in this production.

Tickets are on sale now! Only $10 each!

Saturday August 19, 2017 1:30pm – SOLD OUT
Saturday August 19, 2017 6:30pm – SOLD OUT
Sunday August 20, 2017 1:30pm – TICKETS AVAILABLE

Performances at
DRURY LANE THEATRE
2269 New St., Burlington

For tickets, please email us at
info@koogletheatre.com
or
call 905-633-8788

Excited they should be.  Leslie and Christopher Gray, Co-Artistic Directors at KooGle Theatre work very hard at getting productions to the stage and then hoping that the audience reaction is good and that tickets are bought based on the reaction to the show.

When they brought the Putnam County Spelling Bee to Burlington a few years ago and put it on a stage at the Performing Arts centre the response was good. There were a couple of SOLD out nights, but nothing like this.

Weeks before the curtain goes up for the first time there is just the one performance left for which tickets are available.

Extending this show would make real sense.

Has something like this happened in Burlington before?

 

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The Food Trucks at the Joseph Brant Day in LaSalle Park are not to be missed. Smokey maple bacon poutine - on Monday August 7th.

News 100 blueBy Staff

August 3rd, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

For Canada’s 150th birthday, the Museums of Burlington are celebrating Joseph Brant Day at LaSalle Park with all things Canadian.

2017 Brant festivalThis year, revel in the food truck rally highlighting Canadian ingredients.

Enjoy the main stage entertainment by local performers. Interact with local organizations and businesses, hosting a variety of fun games and activities.

You will sure find something to love from our long list of exciting features, including: a “Made in Canada” vendors market, henna tattooing, live art performance, community mural project, and many more!

Museum Board has plans for a major upgrade to the Brant Museum - is this a place for you and your skill set?

The Joseph Brant Museum as it looks today. It has been closed for close to a year and probably will never again be open to the public.

But you may not hear very much about the $10 million expansion that is to take place at the Joseph Brant Museum on Lakeshore Road.

Before packing things in for the summer city council approved the provision of a $1 million dollar top up sum to ensure that all the funding was in place for the construction of the new updated museum that will turn the replica structure into an administrative office that the public won’t get anywhere near. What is now the museum will be pivoted and moved a short distance while construction of the new museum, much of which will be underneath a large pile of earth.

brant-museum-rendering

Artists rendering of the proposed re-development of the Joseph Brant Museum.

Neither the Museum staff or the Museum Foundation have said very much about just what is going to be in the new structure other than to say that it will be 300% bigger than what is in place now.

One would have thought that the Joseph Brant Day would have been an excellent opportunity to tell the public about these big big plans.

This time next year the construction will be well underway.

For this year what the public gets is
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

11:30 Opening Ceremony
12:30 First Nations Pow Wow Dance Demonstrations
1:30 Halton Dance Network Interactive Dance Workshop
2:30 Curious Canadian Critter Show
3:30 Bar Blue Sea Live Band

At various times during the day there will be Interactive First Nations Drum Circles

FOOD TRUCK RALLY

Brant Day - Food truck line -2

Food Trucks have proven to be very popular at the annual Joseph Brant Day celebration.

Feast at the Food Truck Rally. This is a really smart addition to the Brant day celebration. The dishes being offered are said to be inspired by Canadian ingredients.

Enjoy a smokey maple bacon poutine, a True North burger, maple cotton candy and more!

There’s something for everyone: Dora’s Express, Luchadore Gourmet Streatery, Cafe du Monde Creperie, Pappas Greek, Sweet Temptation Cupcakery, MeatVentures, and Triple Treats.

MADE IN CANADA VENDORS MARKET

Explore the vendors market which will showcase the work of local artisans and businesses. Plan to visit the Purpal Paisley Soapery, Ruff Trade Ties/ Little Kitchen Helpers, The Davidson Co., She’s Got Leggz, In Front Design Studio, Voxx Life, Healing Treasures, Woodfully Wooden World, The Good Red Earth Soap Company, Pandamonium Publishing House, Rubber Ducky Co., Life lounge Chiropractic and Health Centre, Papas Pens by Bill and more.

What would Joseph Brant have said about all this? Maybe his peers knew what was best for Brant when they moved his remains from Burlington to Brantford where they rest in peace today.

Brant tomb in Brantford -Mohawk chapel

The Brant tomb sits just outside the Mohawk Chapel near Brantford.

Joseph Brant – the man.

Just who was this man Joseph Brant, the corner stone of the city’s history ?

The Museum staff tend to tell the public very little about the man who was given the land grant that Burlington was built on. Lest he be totally forgotten – here is a short version of his story:

Mohawk Leader. Born on the banks of the Ohio River to Tehonwagh’ kwangeraghkwa of the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk. In his early youth, Thayendanega became a favorite of Sir William Johnson, the British Superintendent of Northern Indians of America.

Thayendanega was among a number of young Mohawks who were selected by Johnson to attend Moor’s Charity School for Indians at Lebanon, Connecticut where he became known as Joseph Brant.  That school evolved into what today is known as Dartmouth University.

Brant was always pretty good at getting grants from the British, but this Council probably isn’t going to hear his argument.

Joseph Brant was frequently painted by British artists who were keen to capture his image – he was very popular during his several visits to the United Kingdom.

Brant left school at about age 13 and followed Sir William into battle during the French and Indian War. He became Sir William’s aide in the Indian Department, administered by the British out of Quebec. In August 1775, the leaders of the Six Nations of the Iroquois League met in council and decided that the growing conflict was a private affair between the British and the colonists, and that they should stay out of it. Brant denounced the Iroquois League’s decision to remain neutral and called the Americans the enemy of all Indians. He feared white expansion would push the Iroquois off their lands if the colonists achieved independence. Brant used his influence to engage the League for the British, four tribes, the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas entered into an alliance with England.

Brant property boundary on Allview

The oak tree on Allview, a street that runs off the North Shore Road, marks the western boundary of the land grant given to Joseph Brant.

The Oneidas and Tuscaroras ultimately sided with the Colonists splintering the confederation. Brant received a Captain’s commission in the British army and was placed in charge of the Indian forces loyal to the Crown. Brant took part in the Battle of the Cedars in 1776, German Flats, and Cherry Valley in 1778, establishing a formidable reputation for himself. At war’s end, Britain abandoned its Indian allies in the 1783 Treaty of Paris, when it ceded the Crown’s claim to land south of the Great Lakes and accepted peace terms that contained no mention of tribal rights.

2_Joseph_Brant_Painting_George_Romney-1200x500Brant retained his commission in the British Army and was awarded a land grant on the Grand River in Ontario by Governor Sir Frederick Haldimand in 1784. Brant led almost 2000 Iroquois Loyalists from New York to his grant where they settled and established the Grand River Reservation.

In this portrait Joseph Brant is seen wearing the gorget given to him by King George III. That gorget is the most important piece in the collection at the Joseph Brant Museum.

In this portrait Joseph Brant is seen wearing the gorget given to him by King George III. That gorget is the most important piece in the collection at the Joseph Brant Museum.

This land grant was separate from the 3000 plus acres he was granted in what became Burlington and whee he built a home. The current museum is a replica of the house he built.

Brant traveled to England in 1785 and succeeded in obtaining compensation for Mohawk losses in the American Revolution.

He encouraged the Mohawk to adopt Christianity and support British style schooling. His translations of Saint Mark’s Gospel and the Book of Common Prayer into Mohawk were published in 1787. Brant died at about 65 years at his home in what was then known as Wellington Square which came to be known as Burlington.

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Community needs tools to complete the building of a neighbourhood playground on Sunday August 13th..

News 100 blueBy Staff

August 1, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The KaBOOM! Aldershot community planning committee are looking for gardening and construction tools to help build a new playground at Bolus Gardens Parkette on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017.

A few volunteers are also needed to join Foresters FinancialTM, and non-profit KaBOOM! to create the new play space, which will serve more than 1,200 children and their families in the local community.

The design for the new playground is based on drawings created by neighborhood children at a special Design Day event that was held in June when community members met with organizers from KaBOOM! and Foresters Financial to design their dream playground. The drawings inspired the final playground design.

KaBoom visual

Designed by the kids – assembled by the community – they need to borrow some tools to get the job done.

Volunteers are asked to bring tools and community residents and businesses are encouraged to loan or donate items such as garden hoes, wheel barrows, various drills, hammers and saws. Please see the complete list at www.burlington.ca/bolus or contact Kim Napier at 905-335-7600, ext. 7900. or kim.napier@burlington.ca.

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to register at https://www.tfaforms.com/4618494. There are limited spots for this opportunity.

Since 1996, KaBOOM! has been dedicated to ensuring that all kids get the balance and active play they need to thrive.

KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids, particularly those growing up in poverty in America. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy lives and communities.

Foresters Financial is a KaBOOM! Founding Partner and National Partner.

Bolus Parkette is on Francis Road south of Plains Road East.

Related article:

Parkette adjacent to proposed community re-development.

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Burlington Herd gets ready to start what might be a very short play-off series against the London Majors.

sportsred 100x100By Staff

August 1. 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Herd T-shirtThe beginning of the end of the playoff season for the Burlington Herd starts on Wednesday when the team takes to the ball diamond and plays against the London Majors, a team they were not able to beat during the regular season.

This could be a very short play-off season for the Herd.

The schedule is as follows:

SERIES “B” – LONDON (3) vs. BURLINGTON (6)
Game 1: Wednesday, Aug. 2, at London, 7:05 p.m.
Game 2: Thursday, Aug. 3, at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.
Game 3: Friday, Aug. 4, at London, 7:35 p.m.
Game 4: Sunday, Aug. 6, at Burlington, 5:30 p.m.
Game 5: Tuesday, Aug. 8, at London, 7:05 p.m.
Game 6: Thursday, Aug. 10 at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.
Game 7: Friday, Aug. 11, at London, 7:35 p.m.

2017 playof sched FINAL

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Othello will be in Lowville this Wednesday evening - just the one performance - not to be missed.

artsblue 100x100By Pepper Parr

July 30th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

If you do what many of us do – plan your week on Sunday you might want to give some thought to slipping up to Lowville to take in a performance of Othello at Thinkspot where you can sit outside on a large large lawn and watch gifted actors perform one of Shakespeare’s plays.

Getting out in the middle of the week to watch a play isn’t the way most people spend their time – unless of course they are on vacation.

Hamlet - Lowville Festival - people on grass

Driftwood Theatre performing at Thinkspot in Lowville

Whether you are on vacation or putting in time at the office – Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm the Driftwood Theatre Company will take to the outdoor stage and give you an interpretation of Othello that you will not have seen before.

Lowville has been the locale for a number of artistic endeavours. The annual Lowville Festival is now an established event that has shown admirable resilience getting off the ground. With three years behind them and respectable sponsorships in place – they can be expected to do nothing but grow.

Thinkspot has been welcoming the Driftwood Theatre to their location for a number of years. Lowville has become one of the more than 20 locations that Driftwood performs at each year.

At the end of the production, always to boisterous rounds of applause, some of the deeply committed audience for the works of William Shakespeare gather around a fire place and talk about the merits of the performance and the how’s and why’s of what the director chose to do.

Othello graphicUsing  Canada’s United Nations role in Cyprus as the backdrop for a production of Othello is both a brave and audacious decision.

The experience is well worth the time and the locale is one to be treasured.

This is a Pay what you can event with a suggested $20.

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Burli Blast Festival - Saturday - 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Sherwood Forest Park. Burlington Youth Soccer at its best.

sportsred 100x100By Staff

July 28th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Youth Soccer Club (BYSC) is hosting its “Burli Blast Festival” this Saturday, July 29th to celebrate the end of the soccer season for the U3 – U6 age groups in their Outdoor House League program.

BYSC girlsThe Burli Blast Festival is an event dedicated to celebrating the successes and achievements of the players and volunteer coaches over the course of the summer season. There are over 800 players in these age divisions, and with parents and coaches, the expected attendance is upwards of 2,500 people.

Burli Blast will take place from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Sherwood Forest Park (at the end of Fairview Street past the Appleby GO station) in Burlington. The festival will feature 60 mini soccer matches and medal presentations spread throughout the morning and afternoon.

byscThe BYSC has also invited many of its community partners that are providing bouncy castles, carnival games, food, and prizes. The BYSC invites the Burlington community to come out and enjoy the day, regardless of whether your child plays in their programs. An information tent with staff will be in attendance if you have questions about any BYSC programs or if you are interested in registration.

For more information about Burli Blast Festival or other BYSC programs, visit www.burlingtonsoccer.com or call 905-333-0777.

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MPP will be in chat mode next Wednesday - look for her on her bike at the Pier

News 100 redBy Staff

July 27th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

She wants you to join her on the Pier for a bike ride and a chat next week.

McMahon with a bike

Eleanor McMahon before she was elected to the provincial legislature.

Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon has used riding a bike to great advantage in her political career – she was one of the driving forces on Share the Road before she was tapped to run for public office in Burlington where the Tories had owned the seat for more than 70 years.

There is a provincial election on its way – June 7th, 2018 and McMahon, like every MPP, is out and about meeting people.

She is a strong campaigner, one of the best in the Region and bonds well with people.

McMahon bike meet upSo – if you want a couple of minutes with your MPP and can get out on your bike – be at the Pier on Wednesday, August 1st at 6:00 pm.

But don’t drive your bike – that’s a no no. Not sure the MPP was fully aware that bikes are not permitted on the Pier

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Burlington Herd takes one from the Hamilton Cardinals with a 9-4 win: a game that had 13 walks.

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

July 26th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Burlington Herd took advantage of 13 walks in a 9-4 win over the Hamilton Cardinals Tuesday night.

Burlington collected eight hits but used the free passes to build a 5-0 lead after three innings and a 9-1 advantage in the seventh.

Herd player

Giving that incoming ball a close look.

John Whaley drove in a pair of runs, and Justin Gideon scored twice and swiped a pair of bases. He also had an RBI.

Ryan Freemantle, Matt McCue and Nolan Pettipiece each singled, scored and had an RBI, while Andrew Mercier drove in a run. Ethan Cummins singled and scored twice.

Rich Corrente (2-3) went six innings and allowed a run on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts.

Mike Hart singled twice and had an RBI and run for the Cardinals. TJ Baker had a pair of singles, and Connor Bowie went 2-for-2 with an RBI. Luke Tevlin drove in a run and scored once.

Jackson Jones (0-3) took the loss, giving up five runs (two earned) on three hits with eight walks and two strikeouts in five innings.

Future games

Thursday, July 27
Toronto at Burlington, 7:15 p.m.

Standings
Barrie Baycats 30-1
Kitchener Panthers 27-6
London Majors 22-9
Toronto Maple Leafs 15-17
Brantford Red Sox 14-18
Burlington Herd 13-20
Hamilton Cardinals 8-24
* Guelph Royals 1-35
* – Ceased operations

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Barometric pressure impacts the results of an attempt to complete an Evertest challenge on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

July 24, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

The first ever Halton Everesting challenge Saturday along Kerns Road didn’t end the way organizers had hoped.

After beginning the one-day vertical ‘climb’ of Mount Everest at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, remaining riders George Orfanogiannis and Matt Zielinski had to call the event at lap 69 (just short of 73 laps of the 4.9-kilometre loop)) due to malfunctioning measuring equipment.

What are a bunch of cyclists doing on Kerns Road pretending they are climbing Mount Everest? They were “Everesting”.

George Orfanogiannis’s eight year old son Joey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January of 2016 and has been battling the disease since then.

Joey is currently at a point where the disease is being maintained. His doctors hope to be able to say it is in remission if his current maintenance program goes well through to 2019.

Joey on the rock

Joey – ready to take on whatever comes his way.

Joey is now on daily chemotherapy medication and monthly visits to the hospital. He had to be homeschooled for a year but has returned to his school and is looking forward to getting back to class in September.

The “Everesting” was to raise funds and awareness of the cancer that has invaded Joey’s young body.

George was a cyclist with the Oakville Morning Glory cycling club; they took up the challenge of driving up and down Kerns Road in Burlington until they had ridden the equivalent of 29,029 feet in elevation – which is the height of Mount Everest from its base camp.

They did all the paper work and set up stuff with the Everest organization – they are the people who oversee the challenge for any group that wants to create a target they can work towards achieving.

The day of the “climb” turned out to be less than stellar, drizzly rain was an on and off thing throughout the day but that didn’t deter Joey for as much a minute. He was running all over the place serving people lemonade. His day took a huge surge when a Burlington Fire department truck rolled into the parking lot and Joey was made an honorary fire fighter and got to wear fire fighters clothing and have his picture taken. Big moment for Joey Orfanogiannis.

Joey - bike rider 60+

Non the worse for a stern lecture from a police officer fr blowing through stop signs one of the cyclists checks in with the family.

Half an hour earlier a police cruiser slide into the parking lot. The officer had pulled over a couple of the cyclists who were blowing through stop signs at speeds in the 60km range – on the downhill portion of Kern Road. No tickets – but stern warnings. All was forgiven when the police officer bought himself a tall lemonade.

Things weren’t going as smoothly for the “climb”

At the approximately 315-kilometres point, the cyclists were “feeling good and ready to go the distance” said Orfanogiannis.

But something didn’t seem right, the riders “did a quick recalculation” and found that the device that measured altitude had been affected by the day’s air pressure, and had “robbed us of 60’ for every climb we did.”

“That would have taken the ride to 88 laps and pushed us to 6 a.m. We were ready to go to 6 a.m., but the issue became was going to rain again and we thought if we get to 6 a.m., what happens if the rain robs us of more laps; does it become too dangerous to finish?”

“We stopped just short of what should have been 27,064’ but on the device doing the actual measurement was reading 23,000’ (Everest is 29,029’) The ride doesn’t count unless it is measured on by the software that takes all the data and calculates just how many feel of elevation the cyclists have completed.

What no one told the riders from Morning Glory was that atmospheric conditions were part of the calculation – lots of clouds meant a different barometric pressure reading on the measurement device.

But these riders wouldn’t be considered hard-core cyclists if they gave up after their first attempt.
“We gotta get up it. I won’t stop until I get it and neither will Matt,” said George

Orfanogiannis came up with Halton’s first Everesting attempt, not just as a challenge for himself, but to raise funds and awareness in support of research into pediatric oncology; his son Joey, 7, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January of 2016.

Joey father - confirm

George Orfanogiannis

“When my son was going through treatment I always told him I wouldn’t ask him to do what I wouldn’t do. I asked him to climb a mountain so I owe him a mountain,” said Dad.

Orfanogiannis said the event was incredible nonetheless based on the hundreds of people who came out to support the cyclists, not just fellow riders but members of the community and those touched by cancer. Two thousand dollars was also raised.

“Four young children came down at midnight with their parents to donate their allowance money,” said Orfanogiannis, a selfless act that moved him to tears.

The next day a small group of girls had set up their lemonade stand on Kerns Road, raised $130 and donated that to the cause as well.

The residents along Kerns Road were so moved by the effort that they said they will ask the city to close the road next year and make it a much bigger event.

Orfanogiannis and his team “knew what we were in for physically and emotionally, it was devastating when we realized we came this far only to be robbed by technology.”

Joey laps poster

Lap chart at 2:00 pm on a rainy Saturday afternoon. The challenge began at 4:30 am. They made it to lap 69

George Orfanogiannis isn’t all that good at giving up. He reports that “there is currently open dialogue with Strava the software that manages the data for rides and there may be a chance the realize the error in the technology and be willing to correct it – if that is the case I would need to climb the hill eight more times which I am prepared to do.”

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Othello in the open in Lowville - one night only.

eventsgreen 100x100By Staff

July 24th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When the weather works for us this time of year the days get described as those lazy hazy days of summer. The evenings still have warmth in the air and a bit of a breeze makes being outside pleasant. Being in the country gathered with friends and enjoying a play and then talking about it with people around a camp fire is about as Canadian as you can get.

That’s what it is going to be like in Lowville on August 2nd – when those who were taken enough with the Driftwood production of Shakespeare’s Othello gather with the director to talk about why he produced the play he did.

Hamlet - Lowville Festival - people on grass

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and settle in for an evening of Shakespeare’s Othello as done by the Driftwood Theatre.

It is usually a small group that gathers around the pit in which a nice fire glows. Deep seated Muskoka chairs are pulled into the circle and the conversation goes on late into the evening.

Othello is being produced by Driftwood Theatre and put on in more than 20 locales around the province this summer.

Debra Pickfield of Thinkspot has brought the travelling troupe into the hamlet of Lowville for the past three years.

Pickfield believes that it is the sense of community we have that helps us survive as a society and that community happens when people come together to listen to each other, take part in a social event. Bringing people together is the vision and mission of Thinkspot – it made sense to extend that vision more deeply into the community.

People drift into the open space yards away from the fire pit bounded by trees on three of the four sides, set up their lawn chair or spread out a blanket and settle in for an evening of Shakespeare.

Othello graphic

Othello – at Thinkspot in Lowville – one night only. august 2nd – actors take to the stage at 7:30 pm.

Driftwood is known for the interpretations they do of whichever Shakespearian production taken on.

Othello, a searing tale of race, jealousy and revenge, is being done against the backdrop of the 1974 Canadian Peacekeeping initiative in Cyprus where our Armed Forces were caught in a life and death struggle on that small island in the Mediterranean.

The production is one of those Pay what you can events with $20 suggested.

The actors take to the stage at 7:30 pm

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Not quite a free lunch but still a mighty fine deal - one day only!

eventsorange 100x100By Staff

July 18th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

There is no free lunch – right?

But a slice of pepperoni and cheese pizza slices for 99 cents – from a brand name operation is as close to free as you’re going to get.

And onion rings at 50 cents is reason enough to head out to a Pizza Pizza this Saturday.

To entice you to get there early – there are $10 gift cards for the first twenty five people who show up at the four Pizza Pizza locations in Burlington,

Why the close to free lunch?

Pizza Pizza 50th logoIt’s Pizza Pizza’s 50th anniversary and they are celebrating with a pizza party for the whole family! The four Pizza Pizza locations in Burlington will be hosting community pizza parties on Saturday, July 22 as a way to thank its customers for their continuous support during their 50 years of operation.

WHEN: Saturday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Pizza Pizza

2184 Mountain Grove Avenue
3537 Fairview Street
2201 Brant Street
 2485 Appleby Line

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Classical and electronic to come together at the RBG Rock Garden July 20th.

eventspink 100x100By Staff

July 16, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

A string quartet and an electronic band playing outdoors on a sultry summer night.

Illitry - by Martin Bazyl

Illitry will perform with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Rock Garden. Photograph by Martin Bazyl

It’s part of what summer is supposed to be and on July 20th at 7:00 pm the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the electronic band Illitry will perform together at the RBG Rock Garden.

Rock Garden sign

One of the gems Burlington shares with Hamilton.

They will be performing work by both classical and contemporary composers.

Catch a mini guided tour of the Rock Garden during intermission. Admission to the Gardens is included with the price of ticket.

Cash bar and concession items will be available for purchase prior to the concert and during the intermission.

Rock Garden AFTERDARK: Stick around following the show to have a drink and enjoy the tranquility of our famous garden, meet the musicians and listen to their favourite tunes.

Garden opens at 6pm to those who have purchased tickets. Seating is first come first served.

Tickets available at:  CLICK HERE

Ticket prices:

Adult (13 years and older) $30.00
Senior*** / Student** $21.00
Child (4-12 years old) $15.00
Toddler (1-3 years old) Free
Babes in Arms (0-12 months) Free

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Get yourself nominated as one of the 150 special people in Burlington.

eventsred 100x100By Pepper Parr

July 16. 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

It’s a little like the gift that keeps on giving.

If you thought the Canada 150 theme was just for Canada Day – think again.

The Ontario Liberals plan to get all the mileage possible out of that one by renaming the event at Ontario 150.

It looks as if each provincial Liberal is going to hold an event at which you the public get asked to nominate 150 people as special.

Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon tell us she is “so thrilled to announce a call for nominations for the Burlington 150 Awards! “

McMahons 150“In a year focused on celebrating our province and country,” said McMahon “let’s honour 50 women, 50 men and 50 youth who embody the qualities and values that make our province great and who have dedicated their time and talent towards community service in Burlington.

Burlington150 celebrates people who contribute to:

Celebrating diversity/inclusion
Building community/capacity
Protecting the heritage of Burlington
Protecting the environment
Promoting a healthy community

You don’t even have to live in Burlington to be nominated but “their work must have had a direct impact on our community. You are not limited to the number of people you wish nominate!

Nominations close September 30, 2017.

McMahon at Up Creek - side view - smile

McMahon out in the community.

FOUR EASY WAYS TO NOMINATE

1. Website: www.eleanormcmahon.onmpp.ca
2. Email: emcmahon.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org [Subject: “Burlington150 Nomination”]
3. Phone: 905-639-7924
4. Mail: 472 Brock Avenue, Suite 104 Burlington, ON L7S1N1

This wouldn’t be a way to collect names of people that can be called upon to vote for the re-election of the Burlington MPP in 2018 – would it?

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The Herd hangs in to beat Hamilton Cardinals 18-13 in a 30 hit game Friday evening..

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

July 14th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The lead changed hands several times; there were 30 hits and eight errors but the Burlington Herd eventually beat the Hamilton Cardinals 18-13 Friday night

Herd T-shirtBurlington’s Justin Gideon went 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, four runs and two steals. Justin Whaley homered and drove in four. Canice Ejoh had three hits, three RBI and two runs, Ryan Freemantle scored twice, Quinton Bent singled twice and scored twice, while Cooper Lamb, Kevin Hussey, Eddie Chessell and Nolan Pettipiece all drove in a run.

Herd reliever Kyle Symington (1-2) gave up three runs on five hits over three innings for the win. He didn’t walk or strike out a batter. Derek Zwolinski started and gave up five runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts in three innings.

Jake Chiaravalle went 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI for Hamilton. He also scored three times. Connor Bowie doubled twice, singled, and scored three runs, Logan Stewart had two hits, two runs and an RBI, Callum Murphy singled twice and had an RBI and run, Marcus Dicenzo went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run, and Greg Marco added an RBI.

Ben Reid (0-1) took the loss in relief, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts in 1.1 innings. Nick Virdo started and allowed seven runs (three earned) on three hits with seven walks and five strikeouts in 4.1 innings.

Future games
Saturday, July 15
Kitchener at Burlington, 1:05 p.m.

Standings
Barrie Baycats 23-0
London Majors 19-5
Kitchener Panthers 20-6
Toronto Maple Leafs 12-14
Brantford Red Sox 9-15
Burlington Herd 10-17
Hamilton Cardinals 7-18
Guelph Royals 1-26

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Teen Tour Band to celebrate its 70th anniversary at a concert this evening at the Central Park Band shell

eventsred 100x100By Staff

July 9th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The city will celebrate the Burlington Teen Tour Band’s 70th anniversary at a concert on Sunday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park Band shell.

Will the citizens be out marching in the streets along with the Burlington Teen Tour Band when the city announces they have settled all the pier related lawsuits in a closed mediation session?

Burlington Teen Tour Band opened The Pier.

The BTTB started in 1947 in a room on top of a store on Brant Street with 75 young and eager musicians. Since that time the BTTB has grown into Canada’s Premier youth marching band.

Burlington is probably the only city in the country that has a band that represents the citizens at all major events and flies the city’s flag at events around the world.

The FAmily room is one of those spaces that just works. Here the Burlington Teen Tour BAnd marches into the room with every instrument blaring away. It was a great day for the Centre and the day the BTTB made the place their home base. The Centre needs more events like this.

The BTTB opened the Performing Arts Centre.

The BTTB represented the city in Holland during the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII and will march in the Rose Bowl parade later this year.

Bring you chairs and take in a significant celebration – something the city can be very proud of.

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Herd still in the standings - lose to Hamilton

sportsgold 100x100By Staff

July 9th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Hamilton Cardinals scored twice in the top of the ninth inning, with a little help from the Burlington Herd, to take a 7-5 IBL win at Nelson Park in Burlington Saturday afternoon.

Standings July 9

The Guelph Royals ceased operations earlier in the season.

Burlington had tied the game with three runs in the bottom of the eighth but then Hamilton got the win with two runs in the ninth on just one hit, three errors and two walks.

Jake Chiaraville singled to open the inning, went to second, and then third, on errors by the pitcher and scored the winning run on a fielder’s choice.

Connor Bowie had a single and a double for Hamilton and TJ Baker hit a home run, scored twice and drove in two runs.

Justin Gideon had two hits for Burlington, including a home run, stole two bases and is now batting .414. Catcher Kevin Hussey also homered for Burlington.

Benson Merritt recorded the win and Kyle Symington was tagged with the loss.

It was the sixth win of the year for Hamilton and Burlington drops to 9-17.

Sunday is a big day in the IBL as the undefeated Barrie Baycats travel to London for a doubleheader with the second-place Majors.

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Temporary road closures during the Burlington Downtown Car Show.

notices100x100By Staff

July 6th, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Saturday, July 8, 2017 – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Car show - police carThese roads will be closed on Saturday, July 8 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Burlington Downtown Car Show:

• Brant Street, between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road

• Ontario Street and Elgin Street between Locust Street and Brant Street

• James Street between John Street and Brant Street.

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