Milton Villager Magazine Volume 2, Issue 13 - Decemeber 2015 www.MiltonVillager.com
If you would like to advertise in Milton Villager email rick@dilorenzo.com Publisher - Rick Di Lorenzo, rick@dilorenzo.com Photographers - Ann Kornuta, Denise Cooperwhite, Grant Rushton, Trevor Black Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Genevieve Rushton-Givens, Kiran R. Khan, Liudmila Tarasova, Jessica Lyons, Emmanuel Ponce Graphic Designer - Tudor Maier Cover Photo - Father Mark Curtis 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, Little Kabul Fine Food, Sobeys, Longos Food: Hero Burger, Pizza Nova, Troys Diner, Coffee Culture, Heritage Fish and Chips, Symposium, Shoeless Joe’s, Luigi’s Lasagna & Pizzeria, Mama Mila’s Cafe, Quiznos, Empire Wok, Mr. Sub, Tim Hortons, The Hen and the Roost Recreation: Milton Sports Centre, Leisure Centre, Milton Centre for the Arts, Making Waves Swim School Shopping: Milton Mall, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire
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2 | Milton Villager | December 2015
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Thompson Family Dental:
YOUR DENTAL HOME T he patient is the centre of Thompson Family Dental. The new dental practise officially opened its doors on November 15, 2015. You walk through the front door and are treated to a bright, airy reception area with a large painting of the Niagara Escarpment along one wall. The friendly neighbourhood atmosphere carries through to Dr. Deena Samaan who has 20 years experience in all fields of modern dentistry. Preventative treatment is essential to achieving the utmost of modern dentistry”, Samaan explained. That means an overall exam including x-rays, thorough oral examination and dental cleaning should be done every 6 month. The services they provide include everything from the scaling and polishing, routine fillings to teeth whitening, root canal therapy and implants.
“What we’re trying to do is to set a higher standard for Thompson Square dental practice”, Clinic Manager Dr. Husam Mahmoud said. There are two exam rooms each with the latest technology of digital x-rays, intra oral cameras, a root canal treatment system, an oral cancer screening system (Velscope) with TV to entertain people while in the dentist’s chair. Their goal is to make patient visits to the dentist as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. “People with dental phobia need to feel as relaxed as possible and that’s where freezing system and nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas is available to ease the treatment”, Mahmoud said. He credits his colleague Dr. Samaan as being, “easygoing, and relaxed while maintaining
4 | Sponsored Content | December 2015
Dr. Deena Samaan
professionalism�. Emergency appointments are taken same day. Thompson Family Dental is located at 9067 Derry road, unit 1, (Thompson Square) Milton Ontario. They can direct bill to insurance plans, or patients can also use easy payment plans. They are offering a complimentary consultation appointment, and free VELscope screening for oral cancers. To take advantage of that call: 289878-3900. For more information visit their website at: www.thompsonsdental.com
Mayor Krantz with Dr. Deena Samaan and Clinic Manager Husam Mahmoud
December 2015 | Sponsored Content | 5
MILTON’S NEW YEAR’S DAY LEVEE by Rick Di Lorenzo photos by Ann Kornuta
T
he Town of Milton’s will be hosting a New Year’s Day Levee on Friday, January 1st from 1 to 3 pm at Milton Town Hall (150 Mary Street). Residents are warmly invited to come and exchange New Year’s wishes with Mayor Gord Krantz and councilors. It’s also a day when public servants will literally serve the public with coffee and refreshments. Sumptuous tasty treats and fresh coffee and tea are cheerfully served to all who attend by Milton’s Town Council as the New Year is celebrated.
“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.” As well as enjoying warm hospitality and meet and greets with Milton Town Council the levee provides an opportunity to learn updates on various town projects and speak to local elected officials. Hope to see you there!
Vernon Attew, Francois Fullum, Samantha Attew
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Roger & Eleanor Hadfield with Mayor Krantz
Nancy Cuttle, Fred Smith, Mayor Krantz
2015 Babies ...
... GET A FAST TRACK TO SANTA ON MONDAYS! A baby’s first visit with Santa is a milestone and we’re pleased to offer special perks for their parents. On Mondays from 4 to 8 pm, parents with 2015 babies can head to the front of the line. And, to commemorate the occasion, a keepsake ornament will be included with any purchase. (limit one per customer, while supplies last).
Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
December 2015 | Milton Villager | 7
By Ann Kornuta
A
n estimated 30,000 people watched the 2015 Milton Santa Claus Parade as it marched down Main Street on November 15th. The parade has been a great family event for many years in the community and it’s always something to see grow and develop over the years. Milton resident Kevin Difrancescantonio who brought his family has been watching the parade
since he was child. “I remember when I was little there were more people in the parade than watching it,” Kevin said. “Milton has changed so much since then and I am happy to be able to now bring my family to see it.” Citizen of the Year photographer Laurie Goodman was asked to be this year’s Honorary Parade Chairman and was riding up front in the Hadfields’ car with Mayor Gord Krantz. “”I was
Meghan and Kevin Difrancescantonio
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overcome with giddy anticipation!” Laurie said. “I recognized in an instant that this was quite a privilege!” Being right up front, Laurie had one of the best views of the crowds along the parade. “As we started the parade route the goosebumps came through loud and clear as I saw thousands of happy faces young and old lining both sides of Main Street,” Goodman said. “Many I knew well and some I’d never met yet it felt like we were all one in that short time. We all waved and smiled and wished each other well. People posed for my camera - of course I had to bring it! I was thinking about how truly blessed I am to be a part of such a beautiful community as ours filled with friendly people.” 2015 Parade Assembly Marshal and Regional Councillor Colin Best said it was one of the biggest he’s ever seen. “According to police they estimated that over 30,000 people watched the parade this year, one of the largest crowds I have seen in my thirty-plus years of working on the parade,” Colin said. “The parade committee heard from a number of residents who thought it was a great parade and they loved the horses, dances and clowns!”
Milton Dance Elite
Laurie Goodman
Milton Dance Element
December 2015 | Milton Villager | 9
C
elebrate the holiday season by coming home with a special Christmas concert by Father Mark Curtis. Featured as a musical sermon, the festive musical presentation includes holiday standards and songs personally written by Father Mark. More than just a concert, it’s Father Mark’s hope that it will invite people to come together to celebrate the true meaning of the season at Grace Anglican Church on December 20th. “What is predominant in my life now is the world of justice and I have been very privileged to be appointed Justice of the Peace back in 2007,” Father Mark said. “From Monday to Friday I am a Justice and I really believe it’s a calling.”
“What’s different with my concerts since 1990 is that technology has changed,” Father Mark said. “I’m incorporating more of the video presentations with some of my music which really enhances the whole experience.”
The idea behind this musical concert is “coming home to the heart of Christmas,” as Father Mark describes. Through a selection of contemporary, traditional and personal songs written by him, the concert is a way that Father Mark can give back to his community while offering people a warm and inviting place to spend the holidays. “The whole program is called coming home to the heart of Christmas,” Father Mark said. “It’s basically an opportunity to provide people with an experience of the meaning of Christmas outside of maybe their traditional experience in a church on a Sunday morning and at the same time it’s an opportunity to welcome home anyone who’s been kind of somewhat adrift for years and is looking for a place to celebrate the meaning of Christmas.”
Father Mark first got the idea many years ago while working in another parish in Southern Ontario. “The pastor there sent out
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an invitation to everyone in the town, if they didn’t have a place to go on Christmas they could come home to his church,” Father Mark said. “I thought that was a real brilliant idea in the eighties, long before the internet and texting and twitter and all that. Back then, they used the medium of the post office and sent letters to everyone in the community saying ‘if you don’t have anywhere to go this Christmas you’re welcome to come to our church’ and that’s where I got the idea of coming home.” The concerts will be held at Grace Anglican Church on Sunday, December 20 with two concerts that day at 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm. “I’m still committed to sharing my music ministry through these musical sermons I put on and the musical presentations I do,” Father Mark said. “Since my appointment as a Justice my music is my way of giving back to the community.”
Visit Santa ...
...EVERY DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Santa will be at the mall for visits & photos: Mondays to Fridays 4 to 8 pm (break 6 - 6:30 pm) Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm (break 1 - 2 pm) 12 noon to 5 pm (break 2:30 - 3 pm) Sundays December 21st - 23rd 10 am to 8 pm (breaks 1 - 2 pm and 5 - 5:30 pm) December 24th 10 am to 3 pm For a list of photo packages & prices, visit miltonmall.com and click on Santa Photos under Events. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
December 2015 | Milton Villager | 11
ICCM’s Third Annual Venetian Gala
By Jessica Lyons Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
O
n Saturday, November 14th, 2015 the Granite Ridge Golf Club was transformed into a Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice) where guests were transported back in time and halfway around the world for the Italian Canadian Club of Milton’s Third Annual Venetian Masquerade Gala Fundraiser. Elaborate masks and dazzling gowns flooded the ballroom in order to celebrate and uphold the traditions of the Italian heritage for its current members and future generations to come. The ICCM is a non-profit organization run by volunteers with a mission to honour Italian culture, support local charities and foster fellowship and unity among Italian Canadians and the community. The social, cultural and family organization also strives to promote awareness and keep traditions alive for young Italian Canadians in the area. “Every opportunity we have to get together is always very nice. When we get together, we talk about the old days,” Ross Cescon, who has been involved with the ICCM since 1969, says. The funds raised at the gala through ticket sales and a large silent auction will go toward the ICCM’s building fund in hopes of upgrading the kitchen and making some aesthetic enhancements to their banquet hall located at 104 Tremaine Road, which is open to all who
Marianna Cardona from The Dance Class Miton
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Elegant dancer
wish to hold a celebration or family function. As Milton continues to grow, the organization wants now more than ever to attract the entire community, made up of many cultures, to hold events at their facility. “We want others to understand more about what ICCM stands for and enjoy with us and establish a community bond through our culture,” Gina Bello, a member of the Board of Directors, explains. “The organization and our hall is not just for Italians, but for everyone. We encourage them to be Italians-at-heart.” The reception, dinner and dance included music by the Milton Philharmonic Quartet and Daniela Taurasi, as well as a performance by members of The Dance Class dressed in beautiful Venetian-inspired costumes. “It was so fun to meet all of the guests and take pictures with them,” Mariana Cardona, one of the group’s talented young dancers describes. “It’s so elegant.” Also in attendance were Mayor Gord Krantz, special guest speaker MPP Laura Albanese (born in Taranto,Italy) and MPP Indira NaidooHarris who addressed the guests and praised their strong foundation in the community and the importance of their contribution to the Town’s cultural vision over the years. For more information about the Italian Canadian Club of Milton, or to inquire about their banquet hall, please visit: www.iccm.ca
It’s a full house Nancy Hyatt-Jacobs and Larry Jacobs
Susan Bradley and Ross Cescon (First President of ICCM 1969)
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December 2015 | Milton Villager | 13
Victorian home window display
By Kiran R. Khan Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
F
amily and friends are once again invited to the Singleton Family Christmas Display to celebrate the season.
The tradition of the ‘Lights on party’ started around the mid 90’s, 35 years after the first event. “Our old stone farm house first had Christmas lights about 35 years ago,” says Barb Singleton, the host. “The lights were initially modest, consisting of only several strands of lights on the bushes at the front of the property.”
The festival of lights is open every night from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. from Nov. 14th to Dec. 31st at the Stonehouse of Campbellville at 8565 Guelph Line in Milton. Visitors are asked to bring either an appetizer or dessert to share with others. The event is completely free of charge. “In the early years party would consist of a pot luck dinner and there would be about 150 guests,” says Singleton talking about the opening night party on Nov 14th.
“After eating everyone would get the winter clothing back on and go out to the front of the house. People brought their own flashlights because everything was in the dark. We would have set up at least 12 digital timers and there would be ‘the countdown’ and with luck when the count hit zero, the lights would all turn on, and the Christmas music that was being broadcast from speakers under the boxes would come alive. It was really magical for everyone,” Singleton recalled.
The display is said to have now become a family tradition for many people who return every year. Grandparents bring grandchildren and they walk around talking about everything Christmas. The only electronics in anyone’s hands are the cameras and phones they use for taking pictures or shooting videos.
“Several years ago, we met a young couple with their first child,” recalled Singleton. “They said that they had been coming here for years and then one year, amongst the sounds and lights of the display, he had gone down on one knee and proposed to her. The next
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A display for heads, fun for the whole family and photo ops
Colourful lights right at the entrance
year they were married and have now started their own new family tradition by bringing their first child to see the Christmas display.” Singleton mentioned that the entire set is put together by family members. She said that everyone enjoys ‘meeting and greeting’ many visitors.
“We have expertise in building the wooden boxes, keeping track of donations, setting up the sound systems and computer programs, and changing battery operated Christmas toys into household electricity operated displays for everyone to enjoy,” says Singleton. The main lesson taught here is to children about giving. Beside the donation box is a gift box. Inside the box are free gifts for the children who are encouraged to take one gift for themselves and the second gift for them is to give to someone else.
into the boxes. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk around and see all 16 different locations playing music and reading stories scattered about the property, some with the very traditional sounds of Christmas,” says Singleton.
“The time is special because grown-ups and children get to talk with each other. We love the idea that parents and grandparents are talking with their children about the Christmas stories,” added Singleton. Donations collected at the event over the course of a little over a month will go towards the two Halton Women’s Place Shelters. “We do have a donation box set up amongst the display and 100 per cent of the collected money is given to support the children at the Halton Women’s Shelter for their children’s program,” said Singleton.
“It is never too early to teach the importance of giving”, added Singleton.
In addition, the women and children of the shelter are invited to enjoy the display every December.
“Our display is built to be family friendly. You park your car and get out and walk around. The displays are built at ‘kid height’, which means that some adults have to bend over to look
For more information on visiting the Singleton’s Christmas Festival of Lights see their website at www.thestonehouse.ca/ christmas
Singleton says that there are many great Christmas displays in Ontario and each one has a different focus.
Great conversations going on inside after seeing the amazing Christmas lights outside
“Our home is made richer by their presence. It is our way of sharing our own Christmas celebrations with them,” says Singleton.
Mrs. and Mr. Singleton
December 2015 | Milton Villager | 15
p
Registered Dietitian Yumna Khan with patient
The Halton Diabetes Program focuses on the South Asian community
T
he Halton Diabetes Program (HDP), a regional program for adults in Halton, that provides information, counselling, and support for adults with diabetes has now started the diabetes self management education for South Asians, looking at an higher risk factor. “As you are aware, the risk of diabetes is up to four times higher in South Asians compared to other ethnic groups, which likely is secondary to a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” says Yumna Khan, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at HDP. The initiative involves group education and one-on-one individual appointments with a nurse and dieticians. Services are provided in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. Group sessions are also being offered at mosques and temples. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association’s 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines, people of South Asian descent are one of the populations at a higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes, a disease in which your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or your body does not properly use the insulin it makes causing glucose to build up in your blood instead of being used for energy. South Asian ancestry includes those who are from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
“Medical therapy has very important role but patients with Diabetes also require advanced education and support on other aspects of their Diabetes Management,” says Dr. Nageen Hameed, Endocrinologist at Halton Healthcare. “The addition of the South Asian Team will be a major strength to the Halton Diabetes Program. Coordination of care by a team with an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and most importantly the specific barriers and challenges faced by many in the South Asian community will facilitate education. Empowering patients with knowledge is critical in the management of this chronic condition.” The program has a team of specialized diabetes educators including nurses, dieticians, and social workers, who work together with patients and doctors to provide information, suggestions, support and encouragement. “All aspects of the diabetes program are designed to enhance and improve patient diabetes management,” says Rafat Saleemi, a Registered Nurse. “Individualized, holistic care is provided based on the particular patient needs. Collaborative goals are set which are realistic and achievable for the patient.” The program goes through all aspects of diabetes management which include but are not limited to: what diabetes is, risk
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factors, individualizing nutritional plans, medication review, insulin starts and management, glucose meter training, foot assessment and teaching for daily care, lifestyle management and others. “We provide care, education and support to adults with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes to women who become pregnant and pre-existing diabetes,” says Khan. “Our services are fluid and mobile. We do outreach clinics at various community locations to avoid cost of parking. We also offer extended hours for patient convenience.” Maheen Sayal, a patient at the HDP says that “the professional and culturally specific help which I received for my type 1 diabetes from the team continues to inform my dietary and lifestyle choices and has significantly improved my blood sugars. I would encourage everyone, who are at higher risk of developing complications from diabetes to avail themselves of the services provided by Halton Diabetes Clinic.” Patients can be referred by their doctor or they can self-refer themselves by contacting the Diabetes Central Intake program at 1-855-223-6847. They can also visit www.diabetes.ca/ for more information. By Kiran R. Khan
By Laura Steiner Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
An Art Gallery Unveiled
W
e have all seen art made with standard materials such as paint, pencils, or clay, and how it is made can be fascinating. Recently, a group of Grade 8 students at Sam Sherratt Public School decided to try and challenge the artistic norm. They did so by using an unusual artistic medium to complete an entire art project: packing tape. On October 28 they unveiled an art gallery in room 11. It housed a series of sculptures made of plastic tape modelled on human beings. The class paired off, and each person would completely tape the other. Each person took about two days to tape.
teacher’s desk to create the atmosphere of a gallery. On the ground a pathway in red tape guided the class through a tour, and they were led out.
The results were sculptures of everything from ballet dancers to teacher Kimberly Savage-Paulson. Each of the sculptures had an accessory or costume to better show the personality of each plastic statue.
Students showed off their work to all the other grades. Each class was invited down to view the gallery individually, and asked to line up in front of the door. They were greeted by a tour guide who told them not to touch anything, and taken inside the classroom. They entered a room where purple table cloths were hung over the
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Grade 8 gifted student teacher Mrs. Paulson with herself all taped up
Joseph Sagrove and Areej Amjad
Leah Imhoff of JK and Ms. Jill Donaldson like the creation of Mrs. Paulson
and couldn’t do it. Those students were able to shine in other areas such as helping with technology and organizing it. That was the best part for Paulson, figuring out who had what talents and watching as the kids built trust, and teamwork.
Visitors were greeted by Spiderman hanging over the front door. It was a clear demonstration of creativity. Those who liked to read were holding a book posed as if waiting for a bus. Star Wars fans made one of Yoda hanging from the ceiling with a note that read: ‘do or do not, there is no try’. Paulson’s statue sat in a rocking chair in one corner with a pink wig on its head. Some turned out in unexpected ways; human beings were turned into zombies.
I’m a comic book fan and the Spiderman hanging out over the top of the door was my favourite sculpture. I was impressed by these kids because of the methods, material, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The hardest part for a lot of the students was the face. Some would get claustrophobic,
Grade 4 class visiting the Museum
Very well done creations by the Grade 8 gifted class
Grade 7 students about to go into the Museum
Get your Grinch on!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 10 am - 12 noon Get your photo taken with the Grinch and support the Food4Kids program. Regular photo prices are in effect and all proceeds will be donated to Food4Kids North Halton.
To learn more about this organization visit their website at Food4Kids.ca. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
December 2015 | Milton Villager | 19
Milton By Laura Steiner | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
I
magine how much fun it would be to party in your pyjamas. You’d have none of the headaches involved in choosing the right outfit, or the fashionable accessories to go with it. Plus there’s the added bonus of being ready for bed after getting home from your night on the town. On November 6, 2015 270 Milton women got to find out what that was like at the 4th annual Black & White Pyjama Party thrown by Marg Saliba at Teatro Conference Centre.
and a new maternal-newborn unit. “Two years from now, we’ll be in it,” Hospital Chief Operating Officer Janet Skupsky described. The project is expected to be completed by 2017. Three cranes are currently on-site. When completed the new hospital will also be the new home to the Ontario
This year’s edition benefitted the Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF), and raised $17,361. That was the universal reason why everyone was there. “All the proceeds go to Milton Hospital, and I think it’s very important at this time for the expansion of the hospital,” Lorette Shermet explained. The new expansion will triple the size of the hospital, and includes an expanded emergency room,
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Florist Jolanta Ziolkowska acting as model for the evening
Breast Screening Program. It’s an initiative offered by the Province of Ontario for women ages 50-74. It operates by selfreferral meaning women can call for an appointment for a mammogram without consulting their family doctor. “Everything can be done in the community,” Skupsky said.
Shannon McCrae and Linda Walters
The party began in Teatro’s lobby with a raffle table, silent auction, and 50/50 tickets. Some women met that night for the first time, while others renewed friendships from the previous year’s Pyjama Party. The common interest of the Hospital created a festive atmosphere in Julie Van Dreumel’s opinion. “It’s the community spirit. Milton’s such a tight-knit community. Everyone comes together, and everyone helps out.” Julie was volunteering her time selling raffle tickets.
or tails where people had to guess which side a flipped coin would land on, and a hot potato-style game where items were passed quickly amongst table-mates. It was enjoyable evening for a good cause. And nobody left the party empty-handed. For more information on MDHF, including how to give, visit their website at: www.mdhf.ca If you want to party in your pyjamas next year stay tuned because tickets sell out quickly.
The fun game of What’s in your Purse
Attendees made their way inside and took their seats at tables of 10. A podium was set up at the front of the room, with screens on either side. The games began when organizer Marg Saliba requested a banker be appointed for each table. The banker’s job was to collect $1 or $2 from each of their table-mates depending on the game. The first game guided party-goers through a search through their purses. If you didn’t have the item, you had to sit down, and were out. Other games included heads
Lorrette Shermet
Yvette Simpson and Katherine Mitchell having fun
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December 2015 | Milton Villager | 21
By Liudmila Tarasova Photos by Trevor Black
D
im light, mysterious atmosphere, the audience fell silent… Three, two, one... start! A man in black clothes, his scarlet tie the only bright spot in his costume, appears on the stage. Dramatic music heightens the feeling of mystery and excitement with every kid and adult longing for astonishing miracles, and they will not be disappointed!
That amazing fundraising event, arranged to support the Salvation Army, took place on November 19 in Milton Bible Church in the very heart of our town where a glorious magician, Tyler Fergus, amused children and their parents with his thrilling conjuring tricks, appealing to every age. Having performed several masterly tricks, Tyler continues his show with a story about his childhood when he used to be dangerously ill and spent much time reading fantasy books, which resulted in his decision to learn how to do something unusual, something magic.
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Then, for over half an hour, he demonstrates his sleight of hand, making kids stiffen with astonishment or scream with delight. A bottle of ketchup, disappearing from a bag and turning up again; a quite empty magic box where a dove appears after it was covered with a red cloth; a scary trick of sawing a girl in half; a vanishing and reappearing $20 banknote; pigeons turning into a small cute bunny - all these being only a few of the impressive tricks presented by the gifted and mighty magician. The audience, mostly consisting of kids from three to ten years old and their parents, full of excitement, actively participated in the show and obviously loved it. After the event, when I asked the kids how everything had been, their words were mainly, “Awesome! Fantastic! I loved it! Magician is cool!” Emily, a mother of two, added, “We enjoyed the show a lot. Tyler managed to impress the audience with his unforgettable tricks encouraging kids to get interested in something else but computers and the Internet.” Tyler successfully combined three important components in his show: entertainment, charity and education, being approachable and friendly at the same time. Everyone who had come to see his performance had a perfect time and experienced many positive emotions.
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