Milton Villager Magazine Volume 2, Issue 7 - June 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, Julian Rushton-Givens, Salman Avi, Ann Kornuta Graphic Designer - Tudor Maier Cover Photo - Keenan Pereira and Chris Hadfield 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, Food Basics, Sobeys 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, Taylor Nursery
*Please contact the publisher to have a magazine rack installed at your local business Past issues available from archives by request
Printed at:
2 | Milton Villager | June 2015
ZOO}-ZOO}
3-YEAR
3-YEAR
5-YEAR
7-YEAR
NEW VEHICLE
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
POWERTRAIN
ANTI-PERFORATION
UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY
UNLIMITED MILEAGE
UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY
UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY
Now, there’s no limit to how far you can go. Only a car company committed to an unrivalled driving experience could introduce a warranty like this on all 2015 and later models. A first-of-its-kind unlimited mileage warranty* that lets you drive as much as you want, as far as you want.
0 PURCHASE FINANCING ON ALL 2014 AND 2015 MODELS %
†
Experience Revolutionary SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY for Yourself.
ICCM Holds
Mother’s Day Dinner-Dance
By Laura Steiner Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
S
he’s known as mom—she’s there to bandage our scraped knees or comfort us with hugs after a bad day. The second Sunday in May is her day to be spoiled. The Italian Canadian Club of Milton (ICCM) got into the spirit by hosting a Mother’s Day Dinner-Dance on May 9, 2015.
Organizers pulled out all the stops to host a full house of mothers and families. Ladies were offered red roses. A table of door prizes was set up. Guests had the chance to win door prizes, including hanging baskets and single flowers. Mother’s Day has always made Tina Braam think of what her mother meant to her: “It means honouring my mother and all that she’s done for me and my siblings.” The room had a friendly spirit. It was “a crowd of people that interacted with each other and enjoyed everyone’s company,” Braam described. Dinner was a formal sit-down affair with elaborate place settings and chairs covered with white linen. The meal included wine and a filet prepared the way Braam liked it. “It wasn’t a crowd of strangers,” she said of the group. The crowd danced up a storm, and Braam’s was one of the last tables to leave. “It was a happy crowd,” she said. Singer Antonella Vizzini and keyboardist Tony D’Amato serenaded the dancers throughout the night.
4 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Lena and John Vascotto
Lina and Mike Lauricella
34th Annual
Muhammad Adnan Mortgages, Refinancing, Renewal, Transfers, Emergency Loans & Reverse Mortgages for Seniors 416.670.5102 | www.chooseadnan.com
Saturday, June 27, 2015 Milton Fairgrounds (Robert Street) 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
AZ Mortgage Solutions Inc. Lic 12145 218 - 330 Bronte Street S, Milton, ON L9T 7X1 Each Mortgage Centre office is Independently Owned & Operated
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 5
enhance_hawthornehalfJUNE:Layout 1 5/25/15 8:17 PM Page 1
Laser Hair Removal Upper or Lower Legs $150, Package of 3 $400 Full Legs $300, Package of 3 $750 At enhance we use medical-grade lasers, not aesthetic-grade lasers, to ensure the best results. Book your free consultation and meet with our experienced laser techs.
Relaxation Massage $49 Add on a pedicure for $39 Come and relax your mind and soul with 2 amazing services.
New Pricing on Eyelash Extensions! Full Set $99, Fill $49 natural looking single-lash eyelash extensions. Must have had full set at enhance within previous 3 weeks to have fill.
enhance
packages must be prepaid. not valid with any other offers. All offers expire June 30 2015.
COSMETIC
Kids’ Club
SATURDAY, JUNE 20th, 10 am - 12 noon Get your summer off to a safe start with our Safety Scavenger Hunt followed by treats and entertainment.
The Kids’ Club is free & open to children ages 4 to 12. No pre-registration is required. Parents must stay with their children. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
6 | Milton Villager | June 2015
CENTRE
&
SPA
2 3 8 M A I N S T R E E T E A S T, M I LT O N (AT MAin & MArTin, pArking AT reAr)
Call/Text 905.864.0000 www.enhance.ca www.facebook.com/enhancemilton
Halton Regional Police Say
S.C.R.A.M. to Criminals By Chris Perkins
C
rime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. The simple act of locking your car doors will separate you from the 80 percent of victims who leave their cars unlocked for thieves to help themselves. With the advent of more advanced and cheaper technology, home security is going ultra-high tech. Home surveillance security cameras and recording equipment are very reasonably priced, easy to install, and even easier to use. Today’s equipment can even be streamed to your mobile phone, giving you instant access to views of the exterior (or interior) of your home when you’re not there. Placing cameras around the perimeter of your house to protect your property makes your home more secure and far less attractive to criminals. But residential video surveillance cameras are far more than just an effective crime prevention tool; they can also assist in solving crime. Your cameras can benefit all of your community. Back in the day, it was “Neighbourhood Watch” programs that encouraged neighbours to look out for neighbours; now we can all help each other, using modern tools. If you take the protection of your home and property seriously and have installed cameras, the police are asking you to join the Security Camera
Registration and (S.C.R.A.M.).
Monitoring
program
When a crime occurs in your neighbourhood, the police will often canvass the local community to inquire about video systems that may have captured important footage or to inquire as to whether anyone witnessed anything relevant or suspicious. This can be a time-consuming endeavour as it may include a 360-degree radius around the crime scene. Armed with the knowledge of the locations of security cameras, police can better focus their investigations. This has proved helpful in many Milton and Halton Hills investigations, where suspects’ vehicles or the suspects themselves have been picked up on third-party camera systems. Knowing a suspect’s “direction” enables investigators to concentrate on that one particular bearing, even over considerable distances, where perhaps another camera may be located, such as in a gas station or on other commercial premises. S.C.R.A.M. enables community members to voluntarily identify and register their residential video surveillance equipment through a simple, secure, confidential, online form located on the Halton Regional Police
Service website. Once registered, your address is added to a database of surveillance camera locations for officers to view when investigating criminal offences in your neighbourhood. This strategy will assist police by enhancing the ability to locate surveillance evidence in the crucial initial stages of an investigation. The program is an innovative way to increase awareness, participation, and resources, helping to prevent and solve crimes. This makes our community safer for all of us. It’s team work. You’ll find a lot more information, some FAQs, and the link to register for the program at http://www.haltonpolice.ca/CrimeFiles/ Pages/CaughtOnTape.aspx. The registration remains entirely confidential, and no one other than police will ever have access to your information. We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful community, and the chances of your ever being contacted by the police are unlikely. There is no obligation to enrol; it’s just the right thing to do. The possibility of having your camera(s) record crucial evidence in a missing child case will be (thankfully) remote, but it could happen. Is that not reason enough?
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 7
By Laura Steiner | Photos by Betty Pink
MS Walk Raises $78,000
M
ore people in Canada are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) than anywhere else in the world. May was MS Awareness month, proclaimed by Mayor Krantz in a document reading in part: “Now, therefore, I, Mayor Gordon Krantz of the Town of Milton, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2015 as MS Awareness Month. MS is a neurological disease affecting 100,000 Canadians. The causes and cure are unknown, but research is ongoing. Sunday, May 3 was the annual MS Walk. Nearly 250 walkers gathered at Bishop Reading High School, choosing 1.5-, 5-, or 7.5-kilometer routes through the surrounding neighbourhoods. Walkers finished in about two hours and were welcomed at the finish line with a community barbecue. Most of those participating had personal reasons for walking. Tracy Saunders was walking for her sister, who has the disease, and said, “What surprised me the most was, when I announced I was walking, how many people came forward and said, ‘I have MS, too.’” Three Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day.
8 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Saunders walked the 7.5km route; it was something she did for all those who couldn’t. “Every step I took, I took for all MS sufferers because healing and respite is all about taking one step at a time.” All routes started and ended at Bishop Reading. The walk began with a posed picture outside of the school, with all participants holding a banner; route maps were then distributed, and the walk began. Walkers were of all ages; little kids toddled along with helping hands from their parents, and older kids rode bikes. I walked the 5km route. Everyone enjoyed the sunshine. Participants raised $78,000 in total, which will stay in the community to help the Milton-Halton Hills chapter with its programming. The programming includes everything from renovations that make the home more accessible to transporting people to and from appointments. Also, a portion will go to research. The flag flew above Town Hall on May 4, 2015. This year’s campaign theme encouraged people to choose between fighting and fleeing. The organization’s website endms.
ca is shocking with its red and black colour scheme. If visitors run their mouse over the “flee” button, a chicken clucks. If visitors click the “flee” button, they’re given a list of countries represented by national flags. The visitors click a flag and are given a country profile with flight times. If visitors click the “fight” button, they’re given links to resources on research, how to donate, and learning more about the disease. To learn more about next year’s MS Walk, stay tuned to the organization’s website: mswalks.ca.
FIRST TIME EVER MONTHLY
FLEA MARKET IS COMING TO THE TOWN OF MILTON A great opportunity to shop at bargain price in the Monthly Flea Market which will be held every month in Milton. Vendors specializing in different products like Electronics, Clothing, Jewellery, Toys and food will be there to serve you.
The market will come to town on following dates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Milton Sports Centre (Banquet Room)
06 June 2015 Upcoming Events: 04 Jul 2015 • 08 Aug 2015 • 12 Sep 2015 • 17 Oct 2015 SPONSORS
Project by Event Ontario, for details contact: (647) 855-8050 | (647) 261-3462 | (647) 290-0267
Dental Clinic 905-864-4040
Preventative & Cosmetic Family Dentistry
After Hours Emergency Appointments Available
HWY 401
Steeles Ave.
Martin St.
Bronte St.
HOURS
Main St.
H
James Snow Parkway
Laurier Ave.
Ontario St. S.
Alliance Dental Clinic 470 Bronte St.
Derry Rd. W
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 2 pm
Dr. Kulvinder Singh Hans • Dr. Disha Kaur Hans Tel: (905) 864-4040 Email: alliancedentalclinic@gmail.com Web: www.alliancedentalclinic.com
Milton Professional Building 470 Bronte St. S, Suite 109 Milton ON, L9T 2J4
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 9
Youths who received awards
Milton Youth Awards Celebrate Outstanding Youth
I
nside the banquet hall of the Milton Sports Centre, quiet excitement bubbled as people gathered to celebrate the second annual Milton Youth Awards on Thursday, May 7. The goal of the awards is to recognize outstanding young people (ages 13–18) who contribute to their community in a positive way. The hall was bustling with excited award winners, proud parents, nominees, and guests. The guests wore formal attire, and everyone was in a friendly and celebratory mood. Two young men played calming music on flute and guitar during the reception, while bruschetta, spring rolls, and other treats were provided by the Lunchbox Café. The awards included mission-focused categories such as Painting a Path (arts), Unity in Diversity (diversity), Environmental, Personal Triumph (overcoming obstacles), Community Leadership, Group Nomination (a group of young people), and a new award introduced this year, Champion for Youth, which celebrates an adult or business dedicated to supporting and mentoring youth.
10 | Milton Villager | June 2015
By Genny Rushton-Givens | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
The Milton Youth Awards were created by the Milton Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC), a group of volunteers aged 13–18 focused on issues regarding youth in Milton and the organization of youth-focused events during National Youth Week (May 1 to 7).The Milton Youth Awards, which took place on the last day of National Youth Week, are part of the Town of Milton’s youth week festivities. This group, who will be “sitting around council’s table in the future,” in the opinion of several Milton councillors (source: insidehalton.ca), aims to give youth a voice in their community, contributing to a more positive youth image. The youth committee organized the awards and judged them with the Town of Milton.
The Hamilton family. Tracey, Adrienne, Alex and Gerry
“We wanted to do something different from what the schools often do. They do a lot of academic awards or sports awards,” said Jennifer McPetrie, staff liaison for MYAC. “They’re also not only about what [the winners are] doing personally but how they’re giving back to the Milton community.” A special treat was keynote speaker Tiger Ali Singh, a famous Canadian wrestler and son of Tiger Jeet Singh, who gave an inspiring speech about the value of giving and hard work, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Singh addressed the winners, nominees, and MYAC members: “In my opinion, you all are
Annick Kemeni, Chloe Kemeni, Emilie Kemeni, Vissy Elad and Pierre Kemeni
the epitome of what a true leader is about, and I’m so proud to be here. I’m proud of you all and feel so confident that not only the town of Milton but the world is in great hands.”
at the Milton Talent Awards. Chloe Kemani won the Unity in Diversity award recognizing her leadership in creating the first student-led Black History Awareness Day at her school.
After the Q&A, the award winners were announced. Michael Kassar received the Community Leadership award for volunteering, participating in MYAC since 2010, and organizing several Youth Week initiatives. Jessica Lockwood won the Painting a Path award for her active role as a musician in Milton’s arts scene and for placing third
The winner of the group nomination was the Me to We social justice group, for its Random Acts of Kindness initiative and its work supporting and donating food to an orphanage and school in Kenya. Finally, the Fine Arts Society of Milton (FASM) won the Champion for Youth award (accepted by Tina Newlove) for its free youth-mentoring
workshops. There weren’t enough nominations for the Environmental award, so it was not part of the ceremony. Councillor John Pollard, who is also part of MYAC, rounded out the evening with closing remarks. It was an uplifting and inspiring evening; hopefully, at the third annual Youth Awards, the room will be even more crowded with outstanding young people. To find out more, visit MiltonYouth.ca or the MYAC Facebook page.
Balance Health Service Acupuncture and Massage Therapies
647-271-4645 Zhao McPhail, R.Ac, RMT, Ph.D Effective treatment for: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, disc disorder, muscle disorder, migraine, sinusitis, digestive irregularities, etc. Special guest, Tiger Jeet Singh Junior offering inspiring words to everyone
316 Martin Street, Milton ON L9T 2R6 By appointment only
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 11
By Salman Alvi | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
O
is that all participants will enjoy their games and camps, nestled under Milton’s very own world-class velodrome.
Milton has grassrooted many sporting associations that develop kids into better players. Milton now has a new club helping kids to augment their volleyball skills, Milton Edge Volleyball. On April 30, this new group held its first open house to welcome (back, in some cases) Milton kids to volleyball and beach volleyball.
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz was seen swinging an arm and participating in some volleyball drills when he subsequently briefed the utilization of the velodrome for this new institution. “It’s great to see Milton Edge Volleyball and other sports taking advantage of the velodrome. We wanted to focus on the multipurpose potential that we have here, as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other court sports that can be utilized by the public of Milton,” said Mayor Krantz.
ur kids are the engines of our life, and we expect them to contend for the best. When it comes to sports, we fantasize that our kids will get that buzzer-beater, carve a winning pass, or even score an overtime goal.
Milton Edge Volleyball came together in February 2015, cognizant of the volleyball demand in Milton. “So many young kids here tonight means that we have a really deep pool that want to play volleyball and play with our rep and competitive teams that we’ve slated for the 2015 –2016 season,” stated Milton Edge Volleyball President Robert Bishop. The aim for this organization is to sculpt our Milton kids into better volleyball players by offering house leagues, rep leagues, and summer skills camps. The icing on the cake
12 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Judging by the assemblage at the open house, the demand for volleyball was loud and clear. Kids of all ages were seen playing mock games, where introductory aspects of the game were being directed. In terms of curriculum, the club has already forecasted which specific age groups can learn through classes. “This summer we’re taking kids from ages 10–14 and teaching them basic skills like passing, setting, serving, and floorspiking. We teach them how to be ready and move when they play volleyball. We
Maija Grinbergs
Lauren Goodwin
also Milton has initiated many grassroots sporting associations that develop kids into better players. Milton now has a new club helping kids to augment their volleyball skills, Milton Edge Volleyball. On April 30, this new group held its first open house to welcome (back, in some cases) Milton kids to volleyball and beach volleyball. Milton Edge Volleyball came together in February 2015, cognizant of the volleyball demand in Milton. “So many young kids here tonight means that we have a really deep pool that want to play volleyball and play with our rep and competitive teams that we’ve slated for the 2015 –2016 season,” stated Milton Edge Volleyball President Robert Bishop. The aim for this organization is to sculpt our Milton kids into better volleyball players by offering house leagues, rep leagues, and summer skills camps. The icing on the cake is that all participants will enjoy their games and camps, nestled under Milton’s very own world-class velodrome. Milton Mayor Gord Krantz was seen swinging an arm and participating in some volleyball drills when he subsequently briefed the utilization of the velodrome for this new
institution. “It’s great to see Milton Edge Volleyball and other sports taking advantage of the velodrome. We wanted to focus on the multipurpose potential that we have here, as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other court sports that can be utilized by the public of Milton,” said Mayor Krantz. Judging by the assemblage at the open house, the demand for volleyball was loud and clear. Kids of all ages were seen playing mock games, where introductory aspects of the game were being directed. In terms of curriculum, the club has already forecasted which specific age groups can learn through classes. “This summer we’re taking kids from ages 10–14 and teaching them basic skills like passing, setting, serving, and floorspiking. We teach them how to be ready and move when they play volleyball. We also set up stronger teams and weaker teams. That way, we can challenge them each night,” explained Coach Raymond Fox. What is an evening without some star power to promote an open house? Olympic gold medalist Josh Binstock’s towering athletic talent exhilarated the masses of aspiring players, who were keen to pick up
some tidbits from the Olympian. Josh was busy with the kids, taking selfies, signing autographs, and also brandishing his gold medal. “It’s fun to give back and inspire the youth. When you step into a facility of this caliber, it’s even more motivating, mainly because it’s a high-quality establishment. For them to have something to play in like this, which I didn’t have growing up, should get them excited about volleyball,” said an elated Binstock. Parents seemed the most optimistic that a club like Milton Edge Volleyball had finally set ground. “My son’s playing volleyball for a couple of years, but there’s nothing really in Milton. We’ve had to go out to Mississauga for him to play. A start-up like this is a great idea,” said Mario Periera, who was patiently waiting for his son. The night might have been utilized to impart some introductory and organic aspects of volleyball, but with the deluge of support that poured into the velodrome, it is galvanizing to know that Milton Edge Volleyball’s mission has surely sparked zeal. For more information on Milton Edge Volleyball, please visit miltonedge.com
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 13
Golf Tournament By Laura Steiner | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
Andrew Knox
Gerard Silang
Briar Young
14 | Milton Villager | June 2015
M
ay 23 was a perfect day for golf. The sun was shining, a cool breeze blowing. The Milton Optimist Club took advantage of conditions by holding their second annual Junior Optimists Golf Tournament at the Granite Ridge Golf Club. The day began with skills contests given by Golf Canada in which golfers were able to compete for the longest drive and the shortest putt. They were also taught some golf etiquette. Golfers were invited to play either nine or eighteen holes, featuring six holes with prizes, including a dirt bike if anyone made a hole-in-one.
The idea behind the tournament was to bring the kids outside and offer them a chance to meet new people. “It’s a good team-building day, where kids who would never really play together would golf and actually get a chance to make new friends,” Optimist club member Samantha Attew said. The Junior Optimist program has approximately twenty members. Geography proved no obstacle for this tournament; competitors appeared from as far away as Aurora. Seventeen-year-old Sonia Nagindas has been golfing since she was five years old. “I love just playing, trying to get better each time,” she said of the sport. “I like seeing all the fun the kids are having.” This was her first tournament of the year. Optimist member Larry Green was responsible for much of the tournament. He started setting up the criteria last year. He
knew he’d have a challenge encouraging kids to sign up. “Some of the kids I hear from state directly that they want to do it. I say, ‘Well, get your mom and dad to sign the paperwork,’” Green explained. It also worked the opposite way. “We’ve been able to get most of the parents enticed enough to talk to the kids,” he added. Some of the parents came out to watch. Tony Nacev realizes how important it is to keep kids in sports. “Playing golf is fantastic, especially when he gets to walk the course,” he said. His son Mat made his way across the course as we spoke. Green finds Junior Optimists to be the best spokespeople for the program because they encourage kids to be more active in their community. “It makes you feel good,” Parker Theriault said of volunteering. Theriault helped out at last year’s Milton Orthotic Wellness Centre (MOWC) ball-hockey tournament, and he looks forward to doing so again this year. For more information on the Optimist Club of Milton, visit its website at optimistclubofmilton.org.
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 15
Talks to the Animals
M
Productions. Program director and founder Kim Belvedere and her two directors, Brooke Rawson and Kathryn Preisner, have their work cut out for them.
Dr. Dolittle is the story of a doctor who doesn’t seem to have the knack to assist humans but possesses an incredible ability to talk with animals. We follow him along, barking, howling, and chirping through his general animal practice on a wide range of animalia. Most people remember the 1990s film adaptation, but the infamous stage production features a memorable score of timeless songs and dances.
Both Brooke and Kathryn have both stuck it out for almost twelve years in Milton Youth Theatre Productions. They are now in their twenties and are giving back to the group that nurtured them over the years, now in their director roles.
ilton Youth Theatre Productions has grown during its twelve years in Milton. For their current stage production, Dr. Dolittle, four casts perform over several days at the Milton Centre of the Arts main stage. Every night brings over 300 excited viewers to watch the zany little story about a doctor who talks to animals.
A play with such a large cast was perfect for the Milton Youth Theatre
16 | Milton Villager | June 2015
“The best thing about working on stage, may it be drama, comedy, or a musical,” Brooke said, “is that by just walking out on stage can assist with a few fears while teaching kids the values of teamwork, leadership and confidence.”
“They can’t get rid of us now,” Kathryn said jokingly. “When you have been around this kind of company for so long, they are like family. You know these
By Ann Kornuta
people very, very well, and you have the same interests and you are around them all the time so you might as well stick around with them.”
The major success from being in Milton Youth Theatre Productions is that chance to get out on stage and perform. Some kids are just natural in their performing roles, but for some, being together “We all call Kim ‘Mom,’” Brooke said. with the cast helps them to build their “It’s like a close bond you get when confidence levels. working with a group of people for so long, and working in this industry, you “It definitely helps to build self-esteem need to be great friends because its and confidence,” Director Kim Belvedere stressful, fast-moving. Stuff happens said. “The kids who walk through the that you don’t mean, and it takes a strong door the first week are totally different group of individuals to stay friends at when they are performing on stage. That’s why they are registered for it the end of it.” because the parents are trying to build that and help them with that, so it’s such a gradual process that the ones who are not really too sure about it are really looking forward to it when it comes to show time.” “It feels great that it’s such a success, and it’s great that it’s grown and climbed way above our expectations, and every year there is a change,” Kim said. “I grow with it and add new things or change things that need to be changed to make the program better for all the kids.”
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 17
Hosted by Milton Public Library By Laura Steiner | Photos by Grant Rushton
W
hat do Batman, Elsa, and Sad Monster have in common? They were all characters seen at Milton Public Library’s first-ever ComicCon on May 3, 2015. Comic conventions combine sciencefiction, comic book, and fantasy genres across movies, video-games, and television. It was an afternoon of comic book–themed activities for all ages, including crafts, a scavenger hunt, and tips for teens on how to make costumes. The comic book theme started the moment people walked through the doors and were greeted by Elsa from Disney’s Frozen or Princess Peach from Super Mario Brothers. The crafts section included superhero masks, which kids could make for themselves. The main event featured Canadian science fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer, author of twenty-one novels, including Hominids, FarSeer, and Flash Forward. Sawyer believes the meaning of the term ComicCon has broadened to include general fans of pop culture. “The fact that it’s this one big tent in which all of us can explore our geekiness is really a wonderful thing,” he said in an interview before his speech.
18 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Comic-con isn’t just about the actors or faces in front of the camera. In the science fiction and fantasy genre, everyone knows the creators as well: Joss Whedon, George R.R. Martin, and J.J. Abrams. “We know the names of the people who are creating the things we actually love,” Sawyer said. Whedon created The Avengers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Martin is writing the Game of Thrones series, and Abrams is responsible for the reboot of the Star Trek franchise. Sawyer’s speech touched briefly on his own work and background before taking numerous audience questions about his processes. “I’m very much proud of what my genre does. I’m very much proud to be a science fiction writer,” he told the crowd. Sawyer’s license plate even reads “SF writer.” He patiently signed autographs and sold books after his speech. Sawyer’s next novel is untitled. It’s about a quantum physicist who partners with a psychologist, and they believe the bulk of the human race consists of philosopher-zombies. It’s due out in March 2016. For more on Sawyer, visit his website: sfwriter.com. To keep updated on events at Milton Public Library, visit its website, mpl.on.ca, or call: 905-875-2665.
Bocce Courts By Peter Conteduca
F
ollowing an ambitious and far-reaching strategic plan in 2014, the board of the Italian Canadian Club of Milton (ICCM) approved the redevelopment of the club’s bocce courts. It required not only the physical and financial means to complete the revitalization of this breathtaking escarpment scene overlooking the fourteen acres surrounding the ICCM property, but the board also needed a vision for what this property could become—not only for its beauty but also for its functionality—to bring Milton residents together, Italians and Italians at heart, to play the ancient Italian heritage game of bocce. Similar to lawn bowling, this game is played on crushed stone, typically in laneways divided by wooden boards.
INSTALLATION & REPAIR SERVICES FOR MOST MAJOR BRAND APPLIANCES, FURNACES & AIR CONDITIONERS Fully Licensed and Insured
(905) 466-4746
www.assuredhomeapplianceservices.com
The chain link outdoor enclosure neatly seals the four courts together so that four games can be played simultaneously—two teams per court and typically two players per team—each game ending when the first team reaches twelve
points. Each game normally runs 30–45 minutes, depending on player experience. Each team member has two bocce balls to toss onto the gravel, and the object of the game is to get as many balls closest to the small white marker ball. players forcefully and Experienced meticulously toss their five-pound bocce balls into the court to knock an opponent’s ball out of the way, landing the ball right where they want it. Starting in June, you can join weekly recreational men’s, ladies, or co-ed leagues for those who’d like to play competitively. Visit ICCM. ca for details. The bocce courts and grounds are available for rental on any occasion, and if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact ICCM board member Dan O’Neill at dan.oneill@proforma.com. Not ready to commit to the league? Come out on a Thursday or Friday night to cheer on the teams and pick up some tips for the next season. Enjoy a drink under the stars on the newly constructed licensed patio and enjoy the spectacular view while taking in the sights and sounds of bocce: Italian-style!
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 19
The Ivison family gets ready to tidy up Holloway Park on Scott Boulevard.
Hundreds volunteer Saturday morning to tidy community Story and photos by Stuart Service
T
he first Saturday of May is springcleaning day in Milton, a volunteer effort that’s become a town tradition for more than 20 years.
On May 2nd, Milton’s Good Neighbours Community Day (MGNCD) launched early in the morning outside Hugh Foster Hall, featuring in-kind donations from local businesses and free back-bacon sandwiches served to more than 600 volunteers courtesy of the Rotary Club. Throughout the morning uniformed police officers travelled from site to site bringing volunteers refreshments and additional cleaning supplies.
“The first time I attended we just went down to clean up Sixteen Mile Creek,” said Wellstead, now a MGNCD organizer. “There are now almost 60 sites. Different town sites, parks, private residences and waterways.
“This is nice, this is easy. Families can take an hour or two to clean up a park or parkette,” he continued. “We’ve got some big groups that will take shopping carts out of Sixteen Mile Creek.”
In attendance was Len Lee, the original organizer of the inaugural MGNCD in 1993. “When it started it was about 20 to 30 people and just a few places in the neighbourhood,” he said.
Lee’s neighbour, Alex Wellstead, attended his first MGNCD at the age of six.
20 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Plastic water bottles were the majority litter item found by Beth Snoj at Brian Best Park on May 2.
Wellstead said that tidying up the trash revealed after months of winter weather is an effective way to restore community pride.
“When the snow melts we see garbage everywhere,” he said. “Rather than just be upset about all that garbage and all that dirt, we want to something about it.” Volunteering to tidy Brian Best Park was
Lianne Krane, who was surprised by her discoveries beneath the baseball diamond bleachers. “Tim Hortons cups, plastic bottles and cigarette butts,” she said. “I find most of the garbage around the garbage cans. Go figure — couldn’t walk the five extra steps. But it’s nice to be doing this. It’s a perfect day for it and great to see everyone contributing.”
Rather than go on their usual Saturday-morning hike, Igor, Erin, Ryan and Aven Dmitrovic opted instead to help clean a green space near Derry Road and Ontario Street. Although she was only a few steps away from a trash can, Lianne Krane still found a pop can, a newspaper and cigarette butts while mining beneath the Milton District High School bleachers.
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 21
Milton lines up to meet its favourite astronaut by Stuart Service | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
H
undreds packed Milton Public Library on May 25 for the opportunity to meet the charismatic, astronaut-cum-author Chris Hadfield. “I’ve had the chance to travel further than I think anybody from Milton ever has. I’ve gone a hundred million miles and around the world 2,600 times,” Hadfield said. “It’s amazing to get to know the planet that way, but it so delightful then to be able to come home to the place where I learned to fly with the air cadets, where I graduated high school and where my parents still live.” He learned over decades of speaking at schools that space stories are interesting, and decided to document those experiences in his first book: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.
Cèu Burrell with grandson Santiago Vitelli and Chris Hadfield
22 | Milton Villager | June 2015
Since its publication in 2013, Astronaut’s Guide has been translated into 20 languages. It is also this year’s One Book, One Milton read, an initiative by Milton Public Library to encourage a town-wide synchronized book reading. Hadfield said his job in space may have been a lot different than what is perceived by the general public. “I think when people look at an astronaut’s life they get a very distorted view, just like when I look at an athlete’s life or a movie star’s life,” he said. “For an astronaut, I served 21 years in the Astronaut Corps and I was only in space for six months. The real life of an astronaut is working on the ground, preparing, studying, learning and changing who you are.”
Daniel and brother Aryan Einollahi are learning great things from Chris Hadfield
Chris Hadfield
Hadfield remains busy with speaking engagements, a music album to be released in the fall and also a third book. “Life continues to be as interesting and as challenging as I choose to make it. I think that’s maybe the whole lesson of it: don’t let one event in your life define who are, whether it’s negative or positive. That’s how I view life. “And I got to fly in space a few times. But those aren’t the things that define or limit my image of myself. They’re just amazing things that have happened so far.”
Danièle, Dan, Arden and Anouk Cybulskie with Chris Hadfield
Warrant Officer 2nd class Keenan Pereira
Chris Hadfield signing Elizabeth Spinks book
June 2015 | Milton Villager | 23