Conduct an orchestra! They will put the baton in your hand. Wow!

News 100 blueBy Staff

July 7, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Have you ever marvelled at that guy in front of that big orchestra and the way he waves his arms around and gets everybody to play just the way he wants?

orchestra conductorSymphony on the Bay has been performing in Burlington for the past 4 years at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.(www.symphonyonthebay.com)

They were the orchestra playing the concert with the fireworks on Canada Day in Spencer Smith Park.

The orchestra will be taking part in Culture Days and is looking for people, ages 6 and up, who would like to conduct the orchestra in a” pass the baton” relay at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, September 27.

Anyone interested can contact Andrea Battista at abattista1@cogeco.ca.

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Be part of the show - Koogle looking for dancers to take part in September's Culture Days

News 100 redBy Staff

July 6, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Koogle Theatre Company will be holding auditions on Sunday August 9 for local dancers!

Koogle at bandshell - hippies

A Koogle Theatre event that took place in Central Park – they will be taking part in Culture Days in September

They are looking for dancers of all ages for the Culture Days event on Sept 27,

Contact info@koogletheatre.com if interested.

Rehearsals will be on Sundays in August and Sept.

Culture Days, which take place in late September have grown to become almost the major growth event that involves people in the city and the thousands that visit Burlington.

Here is an opportunity to be part of the event.

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SHOWTIMES for CineStarz from July 2 to 9 , 2015

Cinestarz logoShow times for Cine Starz at Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street Burlington On.

 

 

SHOWTIMES July 2 to 9 , 2015

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:40 3:40 5:40 7:35 9:30

WATER DIVINER 14A
Fri to Thur 1:20 3:25 5:30 7:35 9:40

PITCH PERFECT2 PG
Fri to Thur 11:15 3:25 5:20 7:40 9:45

TOMORROWLAND PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:00 3:00 5:20 7:20

MAD MAX FURY ROAD 18A
Fri to Thur 7:25 9:35

ENTOURAGE 18A
Fri to Thur 11:25 9:40

HOME G
Fri to Thur 11:15 1:20 3:30 5:30

WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Thur 11:20 1:20 3:20

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Thur 1:20 5:15 7:25 9:35

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Strike against the city and the transit system are now distinct possibilities - picket lines around city hall?

News 100 redBy Staff

June 27, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

James Ridge Day 1

City manager James Ridge wants union workers to understand the issues before the walk off their jobs.

In a message to the citizens of the city Burlington city manager James Ridge, who seldom makes public comments, said on the city’s web site:

The City of Burlington’s bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with the union’s bargaining committee on Monday, June 29, 2015. The city is committed to working hard to reach a resolution that is fair to our employees and responsible to our taxpayers. If we are unsuccessful, the union has advised us that we can expect a strike.

To be very clear, the city does not want a strike. Strikes are hard on everyone–union members, management, City Council and, most especially, city residents.

Before you go on strike, we urge you to understand the issues and make sure you communicate your views with your union. We simply ask that you know what is at stake and make good decisions.

Burlington city hall with clock

Will there be picket lines around city hall?

That last sentenced had the thread of threat in it – well what are the issues and what is at stake?

Corporations are usually loath to involve media in the labour bargaining process – it muddies things up. The city is negotiating collective agreements with two unions: CUPE Local 44, outside workers and arena/outdoor pool operators, and Local 2723, Burlington Transit workers. Both unions have stated that if there is no agreement by the end of June, they will begin strike action as of midnight (12:01 a.m.) on July 2, 2015.

The unions maintain that benefits for workers over the age of 65 are written into the existing collective agreement but are not being paid. A staff member at a senior level who asked not to be named has said that the city and the outside workers are “not that far apart but that there is considerable distance between the city and the transit drivers.”

Burlington’s transit drivers earn considerably less than their counterparts in Hamilton and Oakville.

If there is a strike there will certainly be picket lines – will the inside workers cross those pickets lines.

Get ready for some disruption.

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Citizens will be signing the Book of Best Wishes for Prince George at the Brant Museum on Canada Day.

Event 100By Staff

June 26, 2015

BURLINGTON,ON

For the second year the citizens of Burlington will have an opportunity to sign a Book of Best wishes to Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge who will turn two on July 22nd this year.

RR-BBW-cover-with-gold

The cover of the 2014 Book of Best Wishes sent to Prince George to commemorate his first birthday.. Citizens will be able to sign the second birthday Book of |Best Wishes outside the Brant Museum on Canada Day

The Burlington Gazette has sponsored this initiative. Last year beautifully leather bound book was shipped to the Governor General at Rideau Hall who sent it along to Kensington Palace.

The Book of Best wishes will be set out at several locations around the city – and will be on display outside the Brant Museum where people can sign the book and take away a commemorative book mark.

Bookmark - front

A commemorative book mark will be given to all those who sign the Book of Best Wishes.

Our eager promotional team will be on the grounds wearing their Burlington Gazette T-shirts and directing people to the museum where the Book of Best Wishes will be available for signing from 10 am to 4 pm on Canada.

The Book of Best Wishes was bound in a deep burgundy leather with green trip.

The 2015 edition will be bound in red leather with blue trim.

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City of Burlington Canada Day closing information

News 100 redBy Staff

June 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Canadian flagA number of Burlington city administrative services will be closed Wednesday, July 1 for Canada Day.
City Hall: Will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, and reopen on Thursday, July 2, 2015.

Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities: Customer service counters at arenas and community centres are closed on July 1. Pools are open for registered swimming lessons, and Mountainside Pool, Nelson Wading Pool and LaSalle Wading Pool are open for drop-in swimming, weather permitting. See www.burlington.ca/calendar for swimming schedules. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.

Burlington Transit and Handi-Van: On Wednesday, July 1, Burlington Transit will operate a holiday service and the downtown Transit Terminal will be closed. Regular service is scheduled to resume on Thursday, July 2. The administration offices are closed on Wednesday, July 1, and will reopen Thursday, July 2. Call 905-639-0550 or visit www.burlingtontransit.ca for more information. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.

Roads and Parks Maintenance: The administrative office will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, and reopen on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Only basic and emergency service will be provided. Should a labour disruption occur on July 2, please visit www.burlington.ca/labourdisruptions for updates.

Halton Court Services: Provincial Offences Courts in Milton and Burlington will be closed Wednesday, July 1, 2015.

Parking: Free parking is available in the downtown core at all municipal parking facilities on the street, surface lots and parking garage on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.

All this of course will be determined by what the Outside Workers and the Transit drivers decide to do in terms of a possible strike

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Ribfest to run for an additional day in September

Event 100By Staff

June 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The return of Canada’s Largest Ribfest on Labour Day Weekend at Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park will be one day longer than in past years – they are adding a “Throw Back Thursday”.

Ribfest Burlington - said to be the biggest in the province.

Ribfest Burlington – said to be the biggest in the province will run for an additional day in September

This event, is the oldest Rotary run Ribfest in Canada and this marks the 20th anniversary. To celebrate the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore is starting the event a day earlier

2015 will mark the 20th anniversary of an event that now draws 150,000 people to the city over the Labour Day weekend – the 2015 Festival will run from Thursday the 3rd of September to Monmday the 7th.

It all takes places in Spencer smith Park where award-winning Ribbers from all over North America show off their succulent skills and compete for titles such as “Best Sauce” and “Best Ribs”.

Part of Premier Kathleen Wynne"s on -the-job training as she learns to flip a rak of ribs at Ribfest.

Part of Premier Kathleen Wynne”s on -the-job training as she learns to flip a rack of ribs at Ribfest.

The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore which as to date raised $3 million for local and international charities and community programs, is celebrating the event with throw back music and pricing on beer and ribs.

Thursday, September 3rd to Monday, September 7th, 2015
Time: 5:30pm – 11pm on Thursday, September 3rd,
11am – 11pm on Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th, and 11am – 8pm on Monday, September 7th

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Craven’s behavior gives a whole new definition to politicians being in bed with developers.

SwP thumbnail graphicBy Pepper

June 26, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Some people in each community listen carefully, ask probing questions and trust their member of Council to keep them up to date on what is happening in their community and to protect the best the community has.

Every member of a city council has their own unique style; something that defines who they are and the way they see their job.

In Burlington there are a number of different political styles. Councillor Marianne Meed Ward was once out on Christmas Day picking up garbage when a resident called her t complain.

During the flood last August Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison walked into hundreds of basements to personally see the damage done.

Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman put his heart on his sleeve when her spoke to a group of Rotarians during the Rubfest launch and pleaded for help for the people in his community.

Ward 3 Councillor John Taylor doesn’t hold meetings for his constituents – they are more like family get togethers – he has been in office that long.

Blair Lancaster - almost holding court with her constituents at a corn roast.

Blair Lancaster – almost holding court with her constituents at a corn roast.

Blair Lancaster in ward 6 tends to have two different public styles; one that gets used for those south of Dundas and another that gets used when she is politicking north of Dundas; there is nothing duplicitous ion this approach – she is dealing with two different mind sets and adjust her message to meet her understanding of each community.

Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven, who gave up talking to the Gazette when we wrote something about him he didn’t like, held a community meeting.

Last Wednesday evening Councillor Craven held a community meeting to talk about the 324 townhouse project on Masonry Court being developed by the ADI Group. It wasn’t a particularly unpopular project – the meeting didn’t cheer when the presentation was over – they just thought the developer could do something that was more “livable” and “imaginative”. “Not very creative” was the most stinging comment.  He was speaking to an audience of about 40 people who were for the most part involved in their community and wanted to know more.

Councillor told them that the population of Aldershot had grown by just 4000 people in the last 15 years and that without more in the way of growth the chances of there ever seeing a grocery store in the west end of the community were very slim.

Rick Craven: Best committee chair the city has; not big on the warm fuzzy stuff through.  Needs a hug badly.

Rick Craven: Best committee chair the city has; not big on the warm fuzzy stuff through. Needs a hug badly.

Rick Craven

Ward 1 Councillor Rick Craven – seems to have forgotten everything he knew about the ADI project on Martha at Lakeshore Road.

The meeting was just like most community meetings in Aldershot; people listened and asked questions and for the most part got fair answers.

Until ..

Until one woman asked the speaker from the ADI Group to tell her a little about the company – she’d never heard of them before.

The company representative told their story – sort of. He skirted totally the situation with the 28 storey application that ADI had made to the city for an application at the corner of Martha and Lakeshore Road which the city and planning department was completely against – including Councillor Craven.

ADI rendering second view from SW

The ADI Group’s 28 storey development proposal on the downtown core was not mentioned at a meeting about their Masonry Court development.

The rules that govern development applications are such that if the planning department doesn’t do something with an application the developer can take their case to the Ontario Municipal Board. Burlington city council didn’t get to vote formally on the project within that 180 day window.

On the 181st day ADI had taken their case to the OMB.

The project is one that the city feels is a mistake from a development point of view and has been consistently vocal about.

But not a word about this issue from Councillor Craven when a constituent asked to know more about the company.

Councillor Craven had an obligation to tell his constituents that there was a problem with a major ADI development application and they were playing a very sharp game – albeit within the rules of the game.

Craven’s behavior gives a whole new definition to politicians being in bed with developers.

Background links:

Aldershot community meeting Wednesday June 23rd, 2015

Full profile on ward 1 Councillor.

Councillor chooses not to represent his constituents; property expropriated.

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Saturday - 10 to 4 - Naked Artists take over the Art Gallery of Burlington.

Event 100By Staff

June 24, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

WHAT: The Naked Craft Network is an international research project that brings together the best of contemporary Canadian and Scottish craft. and the general public to discuss the themes explored throughout the Naked Craft Project, and to look forward to the future of craft.

BAC aerial

Saturday – 10 to 4 – Naked Artists take over the AGB.

WHEN and WHERE: Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10am – 5pm at the Art Gallery of Burlington
The word Naked certainly caught my attention. Tell me more.

Speakers

Art Auction - more 200 x 200

Denis Longchamps – curator at the AGB will be speaking at the symposium

Dr. Sandra Alfoldy, Professor of Craft History at Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD) University and Associate Curator of Fine Craft at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Dr. Denis Longchamps, Chief Curator, Art Gallery of Burlington
• Aaron Nelson, Associate Director, Medalta Museum
• Emma Quin, CEO, Craft Canada
• Dr. Heather Read, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ryerson University
• Dr. Susan Surette, Postdoctoral Fellow, NSCAD University
• Arno Verhoeven, Lecturer, University of Edinburgh School of Design and Sr. Tutor at the Edinburgh College of Art

Artists

• Jeanette Sendler (Scotland) – Hat maker, costume design and fibre artist, Sendler’s interest in costume design developed into performance art featuring large-­‐scale installations, rendered in knit/felt on paper.

• Beth Legg (Scotland) -­‐ An artist from the Highlands of Scotland, her practice is concerned with landscape, memory and the language of materials. Her work as a precious metalsmith has been included in numerous international publications.

• Aaron Nelson (Canada) – In addition to an active studio practice, Aaron is the Associate Director at Medalta in Medicine Hat, Alberta. This position has allowed him to develop relationships with a regional, national and international community of makers, and thus contextualize the diversity of contemporary approaches to ceramic practice.

• Other Artists: Sarah Alford, Jennifer Cantwell, Caroline Dear, Amanda McCavour, Kevin Andrew Morris, Clint Neufeld and Kari Woo

 

werv

A John Willard  quilt part of a recent show at the Art Gallery of Burlington

 

Naked Craft Symposium Event Schedule

AM
9:00 to 10:00: Registration and complimentary continental breakfast 10:00 to 10:10 Welcoming remarks
Robert Steven, CEO and President of the Art Gallery of Burlington 10:10 to 11:00 North and Identity panel
Presenter and moderator: Heather Read
Participants: Kari Woo, Amanda McCavour, Beth Legg and Kevin Andrew Morris 11:00 to 11:20 Pause
11:20 to 12:10 Tradition and Craft panel
Presenter and moderator: Susan Surette
Participants: Sarah Alford, Jennifer Cantwell, Caroline Dear, Jeanette Sendler and Clint Neufeld
PM
12:10 to 1:00 Complimentary buffet lunch
Naked Craft in Discussion
*Speakers & Artists available for interviews 1:00 to 1:20 New Positions, Denis Longchamps
1:20 to 1:40 Tooling up, Aaron Nelson
1:40 to 2:00 DIY (Do-­‐It-­‐Yourself), Sandra Alfoldy
2:00 to 2:30 Moderated discussion
Moderators: Heather Read and Susan Surette
2:30 to 2:50 Pause
3:00 to 4:00 Keynote: Making MAKING Matter, Aaron Nelson 4:00 to 4:15 Question period
4:15 to 4:30 Closing remarks, Emma Quin, CEO Craft Ontario 5:00 to 7:00 Official opening of Naked Craft
Curators: Sandra Alfoldy, Denis Longchamps, Juliette MacDonald, Emma Quin, Arno Verhoeven

Up to this point I still didn’t know much about what was taking place over at the Art Gallery – needed to do a little research to bring myself up to speed as it were on what the artists are up to these days.

Naked Craft is designed to be playful in how it engages a public audience; at a time in popular culture when the words “handcrafted” and “artisanal” are the “it” words of marketing houses, attention must be redirected back to craft itself. Craft is a sexy word, and Naked Craft intends to show the viewer just how sexy craft itself can be. Naked Craft examines craft practice through the four main themes: New Positions; Down and Dirty: politics and materials; DIY; and Tooling up: new technologies and economies.

Naked Craft looks to contribute towards a better understanding of continuity and change within the discipline. It is evident that despite the cultural diversity and obstacles that influence craft making in Canada, in Scotland, and around the world, there are many similarities and shared values that influence the craft sector. In Canada we’re putting forth a concerted effort toward public outreach and new ways of presenting craft to audiences as diverse as the communities of craft makers whom we support. With an increase in the awareness of contemporary craft and an understanding of its value, comes the potential of increased sales, consumption, recognition and promotion for both makers and their objects. As such, both the individuals creating craft as well as those consuming it are rewarded with culturally enriching experiences, which support the local economy and encourage a focus on high-quality craft objects that are lasting and well made.

Naked Craft has spanned almost four years of research in two countries and includes two workshop/residencies, three symposiums, a touring exhibition and a publication. The NCN is interested in broadly developing a better understanding of the relationships between the identities that are inherently attributed to geopolitical regions of practice, and the reciprocal role that the material production of craft plays in building, maintaining and disseminating these identities in a global arena of commerce and culture in the future.

Oh – so they aren’t running around the grounds stark naked – nope they are just doing craft stuff with a newer, sexier name.

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Community Living benefits from the 100 woman who care enough to write a cheque for $100 each

Event 100By Guida Feliz

June 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Get The Word Out!!

The 100 Women Who Care Burlington welcomes women of all ages to become a member. They came together Wednesday evening to once again to select a charitable organization to support.

The room at the Burlington Golf and Country Club was filled with members and three excited and hopeful recipients. I spoke with Marion Goard, one of the co-founders. She was enthusiastic and passionate about the success of the organization.

The other co-founders are Megan Healey, Laurel Hubber, Wendy Saunders and Tara Stanford. This extraordinary organization began in 2012 and are now over 80 member strong. They bring together women who truly care about the Burlington community.

100 woman who care square logoIt was evident there was passion, commitment and dedication from the members. The members were so pleased to be able to support local charities in the Burlington Community. 100 Women Who Care Burlington meets four times a year and each member donates $100 to the winning recipient nominated by a member.

The recipient introduces their charity and shares their goals. The members listen to each recipient. They then vote for one of the three charities and once the winner is chosen; each member writes a cheque for $100.00. It is a very simple process with successful results.

Catherine Pegg and Jacqueline Holmes of the Alzheimer Society of Burlington were recipients at the last meeting. They talked to the woman who donated so generously about how the group will use the donation to help them launch the Music for Memory Program that will be run by Jacqueline Holmes.
The winning recipient at the Wednesday meeting was Catherine Thomson of Community Living Burlington. She was so happy to be receiving the donation for her charity.

If you have a charity ‘close to your heart’ then I suggest becoming a member of 100 Women Who Care Burlington – ‘they will welcome you with open arms.’ Raising money for your charity has never been so liberating and effortless. There are so many causes and charities in the Burlington community who benefit from the support of these caring women.

At the end of the meeting Marion thanked everyone for attending . She also spoke highly of the members and the dedicated support they continuously give to the Burlington community. The group would like to reach the 100 member level on which the name is based; help by telling your girlfriends, sisters, nieces, aunts, mothers and grandmothers to join today.

It is a truly “Magical” feeling to know exactly which charity your donations are supporting. To learn more about 100 Women Who Care Burlington check out their website

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Free movie at Emerson Park marks the beginning of schools out

Event 100By Staff

June 25, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

School is out – and the kids will be around the house and perhaps underfoot for the next two months.

Untitled

With school out – the kids get excited and their behaviour changes. Mom and Dad must have just loved this picture.

The Rocca Sisters, a Burlington real estate company have used this occasion to give back to the community by being the primary sponsor for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation Stars under the Stars Movie Event!

Bring the family for a FREE outdoor movie, Night at the Museum – Secret of the Tomb, rescheduled for this Thursday, June 25th at Emerson Park (2390 Sutton Drive, Burlington).

The event begins at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk. Join us for food trucks, popcorn and more!

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CineStarz show times for June 26-July 2nd

Cinestarz logoCine Starz Upper Canada Place
460 Brant Street
WWW CINESTARZ.CA
SHOWTIMES June 26 to July 2, 2015

PITCH PERFECT2 PG
Friday 1:15 7:20 9:30
Sat to Thur 11:20 1:25 3:30 5:20 7:20 9:30

TOMORROWLAND PG
Friday 11:20 1:40 7:25 9:45
Saturday 11:20 1:40 3:00 7:25 9:45
Sun to Thur 11:20 1:40 3:00 5:00 7:25 9:45

MAD MAX FURY ROAD 18A
Friday 1:00 7:30 9:40
Sat to Thur 1:00 3:10 5:20 7:30 9:40

ENTOURAGE 18A
Fri to Thur 7:45 9:40

HOME G
Friday 11:30
Saturday 11:30 1:15 5:30 6:00
Sun to Thur 11:30 1:30 3:15 5:35 6:00

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 14A
Sat to Thur 9:30

WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Friday 11:30
Saturday 5:35
Sun to Thur 11:30 5:35

ALOHA PG
Fri to Thur 7:30

MONKEY KINGDOM G
Friday 11:30 1:20
Saturday 11:30
Sun to Thur 11:30 1:20

POLTERGEIST 14A
Fri to Thur 9:40

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Friday 7:35
Sat to Thur 3:25 7:35

CINDERELLA PG
Friday 11:30 1:30
Sat to Thur 11:20 1:25 4:00

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First day of the Sound of Music Festival goes off without a serious hitch - weather holds and the beer flows.

som3 100By Staff

June 20, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Kick Off took place, the parade was held and the Pan Am flame was lit on the Sound of Music stage – that means the festival has begun – right?

Brant street getting ready

The restaurants set out their chairs believing it isn’t going to rain – and it didn’t. Brant Street becomes a place with no cars – where people take things easy.

The length of the Sound of Music Festival is no longer as clear as it used to be – something to think about when they begin planning for next year.

For 2015 – it’s going to be a great show. During the day it is very much everyone in the family event. The evenings get set aside for the younger crowd.

The pictures tell the story.

SoM slam dunk starts

She was giving it her best shot – and she made it.

SoM climber

It was a tough climb – tougher than this young man expected – he didn’t make it to the top

SoM whose beef

Does the man with the butcher shop know about the guy parked right outside his door?

Vendors waiting for customers SoM

Vendors line all the walkways offering every imaginable taste bud treat and toys you didn’t think existed. The bubble gun attracted our attention.

Looking FROM the west

The Ferris wheel is in place, the crowds are gathering and the Sound of Music is about to begin – weather is holding wonderfully.

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Ashley Worobec hands the Pan Am flame to Oldershaw who lights the cauldron on Sound of Music stage.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

June 20, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

It was a little chaotic – many people weren’t sure what was going on but when Mark Oldershaw finally got to the stage to light the cauldron with the flame of the Pan Am torch he was carrying, people knew that the Pan Am Games were not far off and that for Burlington the flame was bright and alive.

Worobec getting readt to light up Oldeshot

Mark Oldershaw, an Olympic paddler gets ready to be lit up by Ashley Worobec as he prepares to take the Pan Am flame to the Sound of Music stage.

Burlington’s Ashley Worobec handed over the flame to Oldershaw at a point on the Naval Promenade – it was tough to see the two – there were almost more police than spectators. Those police officers must have thought they were protecting some world leader.

Worobec looked a little lost in the crowd of people – and the uniform they gave her to run in certainly lacked for any style.

BTTB den mother

The Burlington Teen Tour Band Den Mother helps a band member get the uniform put together.

But the Torch did arrive – ushered in by the Burlington Teen Tour Band who did themselves and the city proud.

I don’t how much money the city spends on the Band but whatever it is – we are getting our money’s worth.

For those who knew what was going on – there was a level of expectation. I suspect many thought that Ashley Worobec was going to take the flame up onto the stage.

Oldershot lights flame

Mark Oldershaw uses the Pan Am flame to light the cauldron on the Sound of Music stage. The games begin next week.

Mark Oldershaw certainly has a bigger public profile and he is an Olympian but the people of Burlington chose Ashley Worobec – didn’t they?

The Olympian got to take the torch to the Sound of Music stage.  The Gazette may have been the only media to capture that moment on video – click to see the event.

A path was created for Oldershaw to run through while the crowd cheered him on.

When he got to the stage the emcee wanted to create some drama and excitement and asked Oldershaw to give him one word that described his feelings for the games that were going to soon begin.

Oldershaw paused, looked reflective and said – he really had two words that would be separated with a hyphen and then in a decent yell – shouted.

Kick Ass!

The audience went for that one

BTTB - O canada

There is never any doubt where this band comes from – our very own.

The politicians of course spoke, the sponsors found a way to deliver their message and then the Teen Tour Band took everyone through the singing of O’Canada.

Pan Am police coverage

Police security was so heavy it was difficult to see the torch bearers. In this picture there are at least five police officers – was this necessary?

It was a fitting way to close an event that was fun, if a little chaotic – but why all those police officers.

Did someone at police headquarters really think we were at risk.

Get a grip people!

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Temporary Road Closures for Sound of Music Festival - June 19 to 21

News 100 redBy Staff

June 19, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Road closures for the Sound of Music Festival will include:

Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road

Friday, June 19 2015 – 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

John Street from Pine Street to Lakeshore Road

Saturday, June 20, 2015 – 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

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CineStarz - Showtimes and feature for week of June 18 - 25

Cinestarz logo

SHOWTIMES  and feature line up for June 19 to 25, 2015

 CineStarz is located in Downtown Burlington at 460 Brant Street in Burlington

HOME G
Fri to Sun 11:35 1:20 3:10 5:35 7:15 9:00
Mon to Thur 1:15 3:10 5:15 7:15 9:00

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 14A
Fri to Sun 1:45 3:40 5:30 7:30 9:20
Mon to Thur 1:15 3:20 5:15 7:10 9:10

WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Sun 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:00

ALOHA PG
Fri to Sun 11:30 5:45 9:30
Mon to Thur 3:45 9:00

MONKEY KINGDOM G
Fri to Sun 11:30 1:05 2:40 4:15
Mon to Thur 12:45 2:15 5:40

POLTERGEIST 14A
Fri to Sun 6:00 7:45 9:30
Mon to Thur 5:30 7:15 9:00

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Sun 11:40 1:50 5:00 7:20 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:20 5:00 7:00 9:10

CINDERELLA PG
Fri to Sun 11:30 1:30 3:35
Mon to Thur 3:10

EX MACHINA 14A
Fri to Sun 4:00 7:40 9:40
Mon to Thur 3:30P 7:15P 9:15P

AGE OF ADALINE PG
Fri to Sun 11:40
Mon to Thur 1:10

 

Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99

 

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A real photo opportunity - the Mayor will be on site Thursday to get his picture taken.

News 100 yellowBy Pepper Parr

June 17, 2104

BURLINGTON, ON

The city decided to spend some of our tax money on gussying up parts of the city. Norton Park had a lovely stretch of wall that was just dying for the hand of an artist.

Through its public art program, the city selected artist collective, PA System (Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka), to install the mural in Norton Community Park.

“The mural will provide a sense of community pride in Alton,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We look forward to seeing the mural..” he said.

Art outdoors on a lovely late Spring day spells photo op – and sure enough the city’s media managers scheduled such an event.

Norton Park - mural

The is the eastern side of the wall. while we were photographing this collection of high school students from Hayden High happened along and we knew instantly that we had a real photo opportunity.

The Gazette frowns on photo ops just for the sake of getting your picture in the paper – but we thought the art was worth sharing with a wider public.  So we travelled up to Dundas to see how the northern half of Burlington lives and walked through the park to see what had been done.

You don’t have to walk very far to get the gist of the mural – colour – it just screams of colour on a wall that is easily 20 feet long and 10 feet high – with two sides to put paint on.

Artists were asked to consider student involvement, community diversity and the wide range of uses for the site in their concept development and installation process. The city’s public art program steering committee received 23 mural applications and shortlisted three artists: Charles Johnston, Lesia Mokrycke and PA System (Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson).

“Resident-submitted comments guided the jury’s selection and were considered in addition to artistic merit, technical considerations and student engagement around each finalist’s work,” said Angela Paparizo, the City of Burlington’s manager of arts and culture.

Burlington residents were able to view and comment on the proposals during Culture Days in September, at Haber Recreational Centre, and online. The community jury reviewed the feedback, including 340 comments, along with the artistic and technical merits of each proposal to make their selection.

“PA System’s past experience working with community members to create unique and inspiring murals is impressive,” said the jury’s statement. “The use of bold colours and patterns will create a year-round focal point for the park and the abstract nature of the design allows for a broad range of interpretations, allowing each viewer to connect to the work in their own way.”

Norton mural backside

It was built as a wall to shelter people from the wind and turned out to be a great place for a mural. This is the inside of the wall

About the Artists
PA System, which is comprised of artists Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson, have a broad background in community-based art projects, youth projects and mentorship. For the past 10 years, Hatanaka and Thompson have worked on a range of visual arts projects in the arctic. They have created numerous murals in the hamlets of Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Iqaluit and Hall Beach as well as in the Northern Quebec towns of Kangiqsujuaq and Kuujjuaq, and have facilitated youth projects at York University, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and the National Gallery.

Hatanaka and Thompson exhibit and paint murals across Canada and around the world. Their work can be seen in the Royal Ontario Museum, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Guanlan International Printmaking Base.

The high school students who posed for our photo op thought it was great work and pulled out their cell phone and asked that we take pictures of them with the art work.
Real photo ops.

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CineStarz movie line up with show times.

Cinestarz logo

 

Movie line up at the CineStarz Upper Canada location at 460 Brant Street for June 12-18.

WOMAN IN GOLD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:20 7:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:00 9:00

ALOHA PG
Fri to Sun 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:00 7:15 9:20

MONKEY KINGDOM G
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:50 3:45 5:45
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:30 6:05

POLTERGEIST 14A
Fri to Sun 1:50 5:30 7:20 9:10
Mon to Thur 1:00 3:40 7:45 9:30

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:35 9:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 5:30 7:10

CINDERELLA PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 1:45 3:45 5:45 7:30
Mon to Thur 5:10

FURIOUS 7 PG
Fri to Sun 1:15 3:00 7:15 9:10
Mon to Thur 4:30 7:00 9:10

EX MACHINA 14A
Fri to Sun 7:45 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:30 7:35 9:30

AGE OF ADALINE PG
Fri to Sun 11:45 3:25 5:30
Mon to Thur 1:30 3:00 5:10

PAUL BLART MALL COP 2 PG
Fri to Sun 11:40 1:20 5:45 7:20 9:40
Mon to Thur 2:45 4:25 9:30

Admission General $5.99
Admission Senior / Children $4.99
Admission Tuesday $3.99

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It's official - the Nelson Outdoor Pool will not open this summer.

element_sportsBy Staff

June 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Nelson Wading Pool and Splash Pads are open, weather dependent, Saturday, June 13 to Monday, Sept. 7.

Swimming girls with masksThe pool was scheduled to open for the 2015 summer season. As part of preparing for the summer opening, city staff conducted a pool inspection after the winter season. The pool structure has been deemed unsafe for public use by a structural engineer. Attempts were made to see if any short term solutions could be found for this summer season however, repairs measures are too extensive. As a result, Nelson Pool will not open for the summer 2015 season.

The Tim Hortons free swims scheduled for July 6 and Aug. 9 at Nelson Pool will be relocated to Centennial Pool, 5151 New St.

The July 6 swim will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and the Aug. 9 swim will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Sound of Music gets off to a solid start - public seems willing to live with the ticketed events.

som3 100By Guida Feliz

June 15, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

The Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off came alive at the Waterfront. It could not have been a more perfect weekend. The hot Saturday sun beat down on the Burlington Sound of Music Festival while the beat of the concert music played to a high energy crowd.

SoM Guitarist 2 Head banging with style photo 3

Head banging with style – or the photo op of the day. Whichever – the sound drove the crowds wild at the Saturday SoM Kick Off.

The crowds of adoring fans arrived in droves to watch their favourite bands. The food trucks lined up along the boardwalk. The Waterfront was busy with boats anchored to listen to the music. Everyone showed up to enjoy this event; families, dog lovers, teens, people of all ages came out to support the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick Off.

As I walked through the main gate I could see the teams of volunteers attending to everything from ticket scanners to assisting people and answering questions. I ran into Ted Mills, ‘really I had to move to avoid being run over by him’ Ted wore a bright yellow t-shirt with the words “Event Control”.

I asked him if he had a few minutes to chat with me. I asked him how long he had been a volunteer with the event. He smiled and said “14 years’. Ted told me he was very proud of the event and felt this was a great event for Burlington to host. Ted loves what he does and this is his way to give back to the Burlington Community.

I also had a chance to chat very briefly with the Ticket Scanner volunteer. She smiled and told me this event was great. She explained the ticket scanning was a great idea; and a great way to keep the line ups moving quickly so everyone could get to their concerts. .

I was excited to be joining the other photographers and journalists who were taking photos of Burlington’s own Finger Eleven as they performed. We all gathered by the front gate waiting to be escorted by the media coordinator to the media pit. We hung
our cameras over our shoulders and got “ready to aim snap and capture” the band Finger Eleven in concert.

SoM Guitarist 1 photo 3 Finger Eleven Concert

Fingers 11 – working that instrument at the Sound of Music Kick Off on Saturday.

Finger Eleven was introduced to the excited fans by the Host of CHCH news anchor Nick Dixon. The band was formed in 1989. The first guitarist came out whaling his electric guitar joining the drummer and base guitarist. Then we all got a real treat, a ‘head banging” show from the guitarist.

As he began to play his guitar he was hidden behind his long long black hair. His hair flew in the air as he dropped his head back and forth to the sound of his guitar. Throughout each song he bounced across the stage with such energy; the loud applause and cheers could be heard for miles. Finger Eleven was one of many concerts during the Burlington Sound of Music Kick Off this past weekend.

There were fans standing inside the media ‘Pit’ as well. Concert go-ers wishing to get real close to their favourite band; could do so by purchasing a $60.00 ticket plus another $25.00 which gave them access to the ‘Pit’. “Yes you could stand inches from the stage.”

This apparently is the first time the Sound of Music has asked for payment to gather at favoured spots right up close to the stage – where we were told when we could click our cameras and when we couldn’t.

Historically the Sound of Music has been a free event – is there a change in policy in the works? Could we see the Sound of Music as a fully ticketed event in the future?

SoM Chimneys Food Truck Kristin and Justin Butler

Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck doing their first SoM event.

I noticed long line ups at the food trucks. So, I took a few minutes to chat with Kristin and Justin Butler; owners of the Chimneys food truck. This was their first time at the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off and found the energy invigorating.

I was able to chat with David Miller, Executive Director of the Burlington Sound of Music. He was a very busy man this weekend. According to David, there were a few unexpected glitches; this only meant they will look closely at how to avoid future issues. Concentrating on making it even a better experience. He is very proud of the event which he has been heading up for nine years.

This was the Fourth year of the Burlington Sound of Music Kick-Off. I asked David who was the brainchild behind the idea for a Ticketed Event. He told me it was a ‘collaborative effort’.

He explained how the Burlington community and others have been asking for a bigger and better concert line-up. David was able to fill that request by adding bands such as: Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Collective Soul and David Wilcox, to name a few. He also mentioned that the ‘Free’ weekend at the Burlington Sound of Music has also been a success.

During the ‘Free’ weekend there were a few options: the Front Row Concert Tickets cost $25.00; the Sweet VIP Concert Tickets cost $100; this includes a drink and a meal.

Every year the money raised goes to a different recipient. This year the recipient is the Joseph Brant Hospital, Music Therapy.

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