Milton Villager Magazine Volume 1, Issue 17 - February 2014 www.MiltonVillager.com
If you would like to advertise in Milton Villager email rick@dilorenzo.com Publisher - Rick Di Lorenzo, rick@dilorenzo.com
MILTON Villager
Event Calendar
Photographers - Ann Kornuta, Denise Cooperwhite, Grant Rushton, Andrea Ramos Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Elizabeth Kogan Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily that of the publisher and no liability is assumed for omissions or errors Follow us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MiltonVillager Milton Villager Magazine is available at these fine local businesses: Grocery stores: Metro, Food Port, Real Canadian Super Store, La Rose Bakery Food: Hero Burger, Pizza Nova, Troys Diner, Coffee Culture, Heritage Fish and Chips, Symposium, Shoeless Joe’s, Portabello’s, Bombay Grill, Mama Mila’s Cafe, Quiznos, Cafe Zauq, Empire Wok, Mr. Sub Recreation: Milton Sports Centre, Leisure Centre, Milton Centre for the Arts, Making Waves Swim School Shopping: Milton Mall, Home Hardware, Staples, Canadian Tire
*Please contact the publisher to have a magazine rack installed at your local business Printed at:
Brain Teaser Trivia Night - February 7 at Mohawk Inn www.creativitygoesbang.com/trivianight Milton Indoor Turf Centre Official Opening - February 17 at 1145 Bronte St. South Darelle London (Milton Bishop Reding Secondary School Alumnus) performs with Ambre McLean - February 20 at Milton Centre for the Arts Coldest Night of the Year - February 22 at St. Paul’s United Church www.coldestnightoftheyear.org/location/milton (905) 699-5744 / MiltonCNOY@gmail.com Walk of Fame Inductee Ceremony - February 22 at Milton Town Hall www.milton.ca/en/townhall/walkoffame.asp Taste of Milton - February 27 at Milton District High School. Tickets need to be purchased in advance 905-878-2839
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by Elizabeth Kogan / photos by Ann Kornuta
4 | Milton Villager
O
n a slightly chilly evening on Saturday, January 18, 2013, impeccably dressed individuals sauntered into the Milton Centre for the Arts for the second annual Mayor’s Gala for the Arts: a premier arts event that helps to raise the profile of arts and culture in the Milton community. The vivacious Las Vegas theme was on vibrant display and guests walked the red carpet for an opportunity to take a picture with Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz as well as two stunningly beautiful showgirls. Elegant wine glasses in hand, people mingled and chatted, and although it couldn’t be seen, the energy in the air was powerfully enticing. “It’s a night of anticipation and excitement,” Melissa Janjevich said, and then added, “I think it’s so fun to get dressed up and be with friends. Supporting the mayor in this event is an honour.” The success of the 2013 inaugural event incited many of last year’s attendees to return. As Virginia and Don D’Orazio expressed, “We moved to Milton four years ago from Sault Ste. Marie. We are huge supporters of the arts — we just love the arts. We’ve gone to a few performances at the Milton Centre for the Arts, and we’re excited about tonight and the great entertainment we’ll have.” Nadeem Dhalla, who also attended the event with his spouse last year, said, “The Mayor’s Gala is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole community together — old Milton and new Milton — everyone coming together in support of the arts.” The opulent dinner buffet, reminiscent of sparkly Las Vegas (two identical buffets were set up in the Cogeco Escarpment Hall and the MinnMaxx Hall), was a mesmerizing sight to behold and an incredibly delicious
For those seeking a little photo fun, a Las Vegas photo booth, complete with props and an Elvis cutout, provided much amusement as people posed and laughed while the camera snapped. The experience served as a charming souvenir as there were picture printouts to take home. True to the theme, there was play money to be spent. The bills read “In Gord We Trust,” and they could be used to play mock casino games. The telltale bell sounded softly, signalling it was time for jazz artist Matt Dusk’s performance, and the guests were ushered into the theatre. Mayor Krantz gave the opening address, which was followed by an introduction of the evening’s events by the emcee, CTV anchor Andria Case. Dusk delighted the crowd with his witty talk from the stage, smooth dance moves, and soulful voice. Dusk’s rendition of “Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad,” written by Bono and The Edge for Frank Sinatra, was particularly spellbinding. Talented Bishop Reding alumnus Darrelle London also sang a heartrending performance of her song Fine while playing on the stage’s nine foot Steinway Grand Piano. Tickets are now on sale for her show in Milton on February 20, 2014 at www.miltoncentreforthearts.ca At the end of the night, as gala goers put on their coats, leaving with fond gala memories, Mayor Krantz’s concluding words, “It doesn’t get better than this,” were powerfully touching.
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way to satiate the palate. On the second level, attentive staff poured Peller Estates Crush wine as guests savoured their meals.
TJ Fergus had two assists in the Milton Ice Hawks 7-2 obliteration of the Orangeville Flyers on January 10 at Milton Memorial Arena.
6 | Milton Villager
Milton Ice Hawks soar past Orangeville
T
he Milton Ice Hawks dominated the last-place Orangeville Flyers 7–2 on January 10.
The Ice Hawks racked up 23 penalty minutes and a game misconduct during the second period, a streak of undisciplined play that head coach Dan Currie said needs to change. “We had the game under control, and then we started to get penalty after penalty after penalty and got out of our rhythm,” he said. “For the most part, things were going our way even though we ran into a bit of penalty trouble. Other than that, I thought it was a pretty good game tonight.”
Following checking-from-behind and fighting incidents, referee Ryan Moniz explains the penalty minutes to representatives from both teams.
After missing the playoffs last season, the 2013/14 OJHL season has been a turnaround for Milton. With the post season weeks away, the Ice Hawks are in second place in the South Division. Currie attributes “all-around team play” to drastically changing his team’s fortune. “Our goaltenders are playing great, our D are playing really well. The combination of everything,” he said. “The guys have a lot of confidence.” The last regular season Ice Hawks home games at Milton Memorial Arena on Thompson Road are on February 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on February 17 at 1 p.m.
by Stuart Service
Ryan Burns in the Ice Hawks sin bin anxiously counts down the seconds before returning to the ice following a 2-minute holding penalty
by Jenifer Sim
at Milton Mall
T
he Year of the Horse got off to a lively start as Milton Mall hosted the annual Chinese New Year Festival on January 18. The festival, which is brought to Milton by Independent Living Halton with the support of the Milton Chinese Association and the Milton Chinese Arts Society, is now in its eighth year. The festival originated from a desire by Joyce Scott Non-Profit Homes Inc. to find a way to inform the community about the services provided by Independent Living Halton. John Beaudette, chairman of the board at Independent Living Halton, said, “The Chinese community in Milton has always been very active and supportive of local organizations such as ours. Partnering with the Milton Chinese Association and the Milton Chinese Arts Society provides us with an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of ‘Deborah’s Home’ and our Outreach services. For many years, we have joined together to celebrate the rich Chinese culture that exists in Milton.” The festival kicked off with the eye-dotting ceremony, done by Mayor Gord Krantz and Halton Liberal Indira Naidoo-Harris. The ceremony is done to awaken and bless the lion and is followed by a traditional lion dance. The two teams of lions danced throughout the mall to
Performance by the Milton Chinese Arts Society
Martial arts performance by the Milton Chinese Arts Society
Milton Villager
Chinese New Year Festival
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Crowds came out to support the young dancers from the Milton Chinese School Dance Group
welcome the New Year and bring wishes of happiness and good luck to everyone they passed. Afternoon programming brought in an excellent-sized crowd as over 500 people gathered to enjoy music and dance. Emcee Siamak Tenzif from the Milton Baha’i Community introduced performances by the Milton Chinese Arts Society, the Milton Flying Rainbow T’ai Chi Group and the Milton Chinese School Dance Group. “The Chinese community in Milton is a small group but very much a part of the Town of Milton as a whole,” said Teresa Tan, president of the Milton Chinese Association. “The Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in our calendar and gives us an excellent opportunity to share our traditions and culture with everyone in the spirit of promoting multiculturalism.” It’s clear from the positive reaction of the audience that the spirit of multiculturalism is growing strong in Milton.
8 | Milton Villager
All activities are free of charge; however, donations made on the day of the event are gratefully accepted by Independent Living Halton and will go toward offsetting the cost of producing the event.
MC Siamak Tenzif from Milton Baha’i Community, Halton Liberal Candidate Indira Naidoo Harris,John Beaudette Chairman of the Board of Independent Living Halton
Halton Liberal Candidate Indira Naidoo Harris, Lyndon Smith and Mayor Gord Krantz with the Lion dancers
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Performance by Anne Anderson of the Milton Flying Rainbow T’ai Chi Group
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Community beams with optimism at New Year’s Day Levee
by Stuart Service | photos by Ann Kornuta
T
he Town of Milton’s New Year’s Day Levee is an opportunity for elected officials to discuss town projects and initiatives with local residents.
It’s also a day when public servants will literally serve the public with coffee and refreshments. “It’s a thoroughly nice way to start the New Year,” said Milton resident Eleanor Hadfield. “You see friends, neighbours and new people and can have a nice glass of whatever’s going on.” Levee regulars Kimberly Chan and her son Ilish echoed that sentiment. “It’s such a special tradition to be able to meet those in public service here in Milton,” Kimberly said. “It really helps my son and me better understand the community in which we live.” Campbellville resident Liz Lambrick, who had just recently had her electricity restored after the GTA’s late-year extended power outage, talked about the neighbourly generosity of the community. “We
appreciate the community that we live in,” Lambrick said. “It’s small, but it’s certainly come together in these last couple of weeks. We pulled for each other to get us through the ice storm.” “From the village of Campbellville, I’d like to wish everybody a happy New Year in 2014.” said Lambrick.
by Liz Kogan | photos by Andrea Ramos & Grant Rushton
Jennifer Smith, Ron Base, Magdalena Jackiewicz
Making Milton Memories: First-Ever
MILTON FILM FESTIVAL
By Elizabeth Kogan | photo by Adam Smith
T
he air outside was delightfully warm on the skin during the evening of January 11, 2014, as film enthusiasts walked into the Milton Centre for the Arts for the gala reception of the first-ever Milton Film Festival.
10 | Milton Villager
Inside the spacious lobby, filmgoers mingled, sipped refreshing drinks and nibbled on delectable treats. The trailblazing weekend-long event began on January 11 at 11 a.m. with the showing of Blancanieves, a silent film set in 1920s Spain and inspired by the Brothers Grimm tale “Snow White.” The highly anticipated gala affair held prior to the screening of The Hunt, starring Mads Mikkelsen, was a highlight of the Milton Film Festival. The Hunt was nominated for a Golden Globe award and is Denmark’s submission to the Best Foreign Language film category at the 2014 Oscars.
Barb and Randy Ross, loyal patrons of the monthly Film Forum program, were delighted to be a part of the inaugural Milton Film Festival celebration. “We have been subscribers from the start of the monthly Milton Film Forum program,” they said. “This particular film [The Hunt] was one that we really wanted to see, and we’ve really enjoyed the movies we’ve seen so far.” Rebecca Hunter, a proud sponsor of the event, shared, “We are very excited to be here.” Kathy Base, whose
Donna Danielli expressed her appreciation for the festival organizing team, saying, “I applaud the organizers for the creativity and vision shown through this event. It is just awesome. I’m looking forward to everything: local shows, local artists, and groundbreaking films.” The ambiance was one of swanky elegance as guests had the opportunity to have their pictures taken against a red carpetstyle step-and-repeat featuring the film festival logo. Katie Pearce, short film coordinator for the Milton Film Festival, stated, “I’m super pleased with the turnout. Despite a few technical difficulties, everything seems to be going very well overall. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, and knowing that our inspiration came from Ebertfest — it’s really nice to hear the post-film talk as the people leave the theatre as we know we’ve accomplished our goal.” Guests raved about the pioneer initiative to bring a showcase of cinematic genius right to our town. Larry Masson said, “ We are excited about this arts event in Milton and supporting our local film festival.” Karen Mistuzzi Canning and her spouse, Brenden Canning, shared, “We love film, and this is something at home.”
Sera-Lys McArthur, Bruce Turner & Steve Belford
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spouse, Ron Base, was the host of the two-day event, added, “We are looking forward to seeing the film [The Hunt] and being a part of the first film festival of Milton.” Jennifer Smith, director and committee chair, spoke before the filmgoers entered the theatre and expressed, “I’m thrilled to see so many people. The Milton Film Forum began one year ago and we thought that having a film festival would be a nice complement to the Film Forum: a selection of local, Canadian, and international films right around the corner.” Smith thanked the extraordinary team of volunteers for their efforts in putting the event together and mentioned Roger Ebert, the late film critic and creator of Ebertfest, a film festival that celebrated films that Ebert felt had been overlooked. Ebert, Smith explained during her talk, was a believer in the transformative power of film, and Ebertfest was a source of inspiration for the Milton Film Festival. With Smith’s final words, “Enjoy the show,” the guests filed into the theatre. Event host and emcee Ron Base welcomed the filmgoers to the historic first-ever event of its kind in Milton. Base introduced Milton native Steve Belford, whose two short films were screened prior to The Hunt: A Star on Hollywood Boulevard, directed by Belford and The Wolf of Waubamik Woods, co-written and co-produced by Belford. Shortly after Belford introduced his film team, the lights dimmed in the theatre and everyone sat back to enjoy a night of film magic.
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Ryan: 647-999-5710
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MILTON YOUTH THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Willy Wonka, owner of a magical and mysterious chocolate factory, invites the audience to join him in a world of "Pure Imagination.“ Although Wonka excels at making candy, he is ready to retire and find some “bright spark” to continue his candy confectioning ("Golden Age of Chocolate").
March-May Shining Stars 4-6 yrs Mini Stars 7-8 yrs Juniors 9-13 yrs
Kim Belvedere mytpinfo@gmail.com
(905) 875-7674 www.miltontheatre.ca
“Vibrant” Showcase for Kids by Laura Steiner,
photos by Andrea Ramos
Aarya & Pushti Desai
Aditi Kansal (7 yrs)
12 | Milton Villager
Jerenimo Rios (3 yr)
V
ibrant Milton Connections formed in November 2013. Its mission is to bring communities together through social networking and events such as their Vibrant Karaoke Club. The group held a kids’ talent show at the Milton Seniors Centre on January 17, 2014.
The event allowed kids ages 3 to 11 to show off their talents in a safe, friendly atmosphere. Emcee Amod Kala got the event under way shortly after 7 p.m. He kept the energy positive, allowing time for applause following each performer and making sure to thank them afterwards. Proud parents found themselves at the front of the auditorium with cameras, making sure to capture those precious moments on film.
Harshini Bharadwaj (7 yrs)
The evening’s finale was an awards presentation. All performers were presented with medals for participating in the talent show. Organizer Asha Ashwal spoke of their desire to see more people out next time. “We would like to see you more, with more of your friends,” she remarked. To find out more about Vibrant Milton Connections’ upcoming events, please visit their website at http:// vibrantmiltonconnections.weebly.com.
Kids were grouped according to age, starting with the youngest: 3-year-old Geronimo Rios sang Katy Perry’s “Sticks & Stones.” He loved being on stage, grinning at the audience, and dancing to the song. Eleven-year-old Ananya Barwaj choreographed a cultural dance, Barso Re megha. She enjoyed doing it, she said, “I might make a dance class just for fun, if I have time.” She performed as a solo artist too, a routine she also arranged. Seven-year-old Harshini Bharadwaj was multi-talented — she danced in the group with Ananya, and later sang on her own. She preferred dancing, she said, because “I did it with my friends.” She liked seeing the other participants too. “You get to see people’s talents,” she said. A fashion show followed the performances, presenting a display of the evening’s colourful costumes.
Andrea Rios (9yrs)
Aarya Desai (7 yrs), Pushti Desai (4 yrs), Ria Kala(7 yrs ), Harshini Bharadwaj (7 yrs) - performing a dance called ‘Barso Re megha’ . This dance is choreographed by Ananya.
Soumyaa and Aditi Kansal
Ananya Bharadwaj (11 yrs)
Activities Registration Day
Milton Youth Theatre Productions presents…
“Hawaiian Hideaway”
March Break Camp
Located at the Milton Fairgrounds, Indoor/Outdoor facilities 136 Robert St. Auction Building
Come join us for a week of adventure and discovery at our Hawaiian Hideaway. Theatre camp is filled with acting, singing, dancing as well as games and crafts! All campers will put on a show for family & friends to enjoy at the end of the week.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, 9:30 am - 2 pm Get a jump start on the warm weather and see what Milton has to offer your family. Come out for information and to register for a wide variety of local teams, clubs and activities. Visit miltonmall.com and click on Activities Registration Day for a list of participants.
Don’t Forget To Pack: Peanut FREE lunches & snacks - Refillable water bottles - Indoor shoes Outdoor clothing (weather permitting)
-
Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
March 10th-14th, 2014 Activities begin at 9:00am and finish at 4:00pm. Parents will need to check-in and out each day with your camper’s counselor. Before and After Care Available. Starting at 7am, ending at 5:30pm.
Contact Kim (905)875-7674
mytpinfo@gmail.com www.miltontheatre.ca
Achilles Mazda open for business in Milton
14 | Milton Villager
Achilles Pelitis, owner of Achilles Mazda in Milton, sees tremendous potential in his dealership’s new location northwest of the James Snow Parkway on 1195 Steeles Ave. The business relocated to Milton in July 2010 after 33 years in Acton. “The hard work in Acton was convincing people to drive the 15 [to] 20 minutes to get here,” Pelitis said. “The work here in Milton is a little bit different. There’s lots of people in the area, lots of traffic. The work here, being in a row with other car dealerships, is knowing what the competition is doing and managing the customers who come through the door.” “The potential here in Milton is very high,” he continued. “But that doesn’t minimize how Acton supported us for all those years either. To survive in a town of three to ten thousand people over our history [in Acton], they were very supportive of us. We always attracted local clients, plus Milton and Georgetown, and that was always our area of responsibility.” Les Pelitis, Achilles’s father, emigrated from Greece and settled in Acton in the early ‘70s. Les was a mechanic by trade and decided to open an all-inone repair facility, snack bar and gas station. “They ran that for a few years, but my father’s dream was to be a car dealer,” Pelitis said. “Mazda was the right situation at that point in time,” he continued. “Mazda required very little
[start-up capital] and my parents had very little at that point. My parents took on the Mazda franchise and the rest is history.” The recipe of his company’s success in Acton was based on selling a quality product, while at the same time consistently delivering all customer service fundamentals. “We wouldn’t have been able to survive in a small town if the product wasn’t good,” Pelitis said. “Part of our longevity, of course, I would like to think is what my parents had done, how we’ve always treated our customers and clients and friends over the last four decades.” Pelitis said the root of the stellar online reviews written about his Mazda franchise stems from his philosophy of treating customers the same way he wants to be treated. “We’re very conscious of our online reputation,” he said. “The most important aspect of our business is managing our reputation and managing our client care. I’d rather spend a couple hundred dollars to make our customer happy than spend a couple hundred dollars to put an ad in the newspaper.” “The client that I satisfy, take care of, help outside of the warrantee — that person is going to refer neighbours and friends and keep coming back to us.”
www.miltonbusinessconnections.ca
Author
Interior Design
Niraj Adhiya | 905-875-3939 info@discovermilton.com www.discovermilton.com
Gail Haynes gail@lemonadestandmillionaire.com www.lemonadestandmillionaire.com
Lena White | 647-382-8358 lena@musesigns.com www.musesigns.com
Vitamin Supplements
Mortgage Broker
Photographer
brokerage #10287
Sonya Levear 905-462-4400 slevear@gmail.com www.sonyalevear.usana.com
Christine Walker | 647-801-0001 Christine.walker@mtgarc.ca www.mortgagesbychriswalker.ca
Eva Mende-Gibson | 416-986-9559 eva@blinkofaneyephoto.ca www.blinkofaneyephoto.ca
Contractor
Graphic Design
Life Insurance
Jason Sandilands | 416-873-6941 jason@i-gotta-guy.ca www.i-gotta-guy.ca
David O’Connell | 905-636-9393 david@creativitygoesbang.com www.creativitygoesbang.com
Doug Hopkins | 905-467-0346 douglas.hopkins@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/douglas.hopkins
Every Milton area small business owner who is looking to make new connections, should come out and meet our group to meet other great Milton entrepreneurs. Where: Ned Devine’s Irish Pub, 575 Ontario Street South When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7pm-9pm Hope to see you there. RSVP to connect@miltonbusinessconnections.ca
Milton Villager
Online Digital Media
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Your Connections to Milton’s Small Business Community
All Kinds of Sports!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15th, 10 am - 12 noon Join in the spirit of sport as we bring some great winter games out of the cold & in to the mall! Celebrate Canada with tattoos, medals and make your own torch! Please note, parent(s) must remain with their children. Open to children ages 4 - 12. *One per child, while supplies last. For more details visit miltonmall.com and click on the Kids’ Club icon. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
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