Milton Villager March 2015

Page 1


Milton Villager Magazine Volume 2, Issue 4 - March 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, Eva Mende-Gibson, Trevor Black Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Elizabeth Kogan, Genevieve Rushton-Givens, Julian Rushton-Givens, Jodie Sales, Kiran Razzak Graphic Designer - Tudor Maier Cover Photo - Nicole and Walter Schau 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 | March 2015

Hawthorne Villager Join online discussions about local issues that matter to you. Visit www.hawthornevillager.com


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.


V T

he minus temperatures gripping their fingers and toes, people dressed in puffy winter wear trudged forward toward the Milton Transit Bus on a deceivingly sunny, yet unforgivingly cold Family Day (February 16, 2015). Destination? Milton Velodrome – Mattamy National Cycling Centre grand opening event. Given that mass parking is not yet available at the facility, grand opening attendees were encouraged to use the free shuttle bus service from Jean Vanier Secondary School. The event, open to the public, ran from 10 am – 2 am (free admission). The first 1000 visitors received a free water bottle. Jeff Douglas, co-host of CBC Radio One’s show As It Happens, was the event MC, and spoke eloquently of Milton’s natural beauty: the escarpment; its postcard pretty downtown; the Milton Sports Centre; the Milton Leisure Centre; the Milton Centre for the Arts; and now thanks to its devoted and talented people, a world-class cycling centre was created. Minister of Transport, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, spoke of the national sports facility

4 | Milton Villager | March 2015

Family Day

elodrome Grand Opening by Elizabeth Kogan | Photos by Howard Chang of Top Drawer Creative

helping our Canadian athletes compete internationally, and that the facility is “for our families going forward”. Her 13-year old son, John, who plays for the Milton Stags basketball club, commented, “the basketball nets are cool.” The massive sports and recreational facility was “filled with what this is all about – families,” expressed Indira Naidoo-Harris, MPP, Halton Region. Naidoo-Harris described the Velodrome as a “breathtaking

state of the art facility”, which will build dreams for children; athletes; and provide a solid foundation for our community for years to come. Sporting a bright orange, “Move More Milton” shirt, Mayor Gordon Krantz said the centre was the result of a partnership and that “no one level of government makes this happen by themselves” and that it’s “community that makes this day so special.”


Jennifer Reynolds, Director of Community Services for the Town of Milton, spoke of the late Mario Belvedere’s vision (Belvedere served as the town’s CAO from 1999-2012) in making the facility a reality. Representing Mattamy Homes, Dave McLean defined the world-class facility as a “game changer for professional athletes” and “a giveback to a community we love.” Following the ribbon cutting, visitors explored and choose their own fitness and health adventure. You could try your hand at basketball; badminton; and pickleball (a newer sport, using a paddle and wiffle ball that is a cross between badminton; tennis; and table tennis); zumba demos and more!

Photo by Azim Rizvee

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 5


enhance_hawthornehalfMAR:Layout 1 2/23/15 9:19 PM Page 1

enhance enhance laser clinic:

Laser Hair Removal: Half Leg (upper or lower) $99 Full Leg $169 Save $231

Offers not valid with any other offers. Offers expire March 31, 2015

Save $101 Before & After Natural looking Xtreme Lashes - no mascara needed!

3 Facial IPL Treatments $499 3 treatments must be prepaid

Free EyeTight

(series of 3)

enhance spa:

with every Thermage

Buy 3, get a 4th FREE on Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, Facials, Waxing. Full Set of Xtreme Lashes $99 NEW! Teen Facial $49

Save $51

Save $26

2 3 8 M A I N S T R E E T E A S T, M I LT O N Call/Text 905.864.0000 I www.enhance.ca I www.facebook.com/enhancemilton

Hippity Hop

Dental Clinic 905-864-4040

Preventative & Cosmetic Family Dentistry

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS Saturday, March 14th, 21st, 28th & April 4 ~ 11 am to 4 pm Sunday, March 15th, 22nd & 29th ~ 12 noon to 4 pm Monday, March 16th to Friday, March 20th ~ 12 noon to 4 pm Thursday, April 2nd ~ 4 pm to 8 pm

Steeles Ave.

Martin St.

Bronte St.

HOURS

Main St.

H

James Snow Parkway

Laurier Ave.

Ontario St. S.

Alliance Dental Clinic 470 Bronte St.

Photo packages starting at $15.00. For more details visit miltonmall.com

After Hours Emergency Appointments Available

HWY 401

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

Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com

6 | Milton Villager | March 2015

Email: alliancedentalclinic@gmail.com Web: www.alliancedentalclinic.com

Milton Professional Building 470 Bronte St. S, Suite 109 Milton ON, L9T 2J4


Spring time

Milton Mall After what feels like a long and cold winter, Milton Mall is more than ready to welcome Spring to the mall and invites families to take part in the Plant a Tree, Win Some Green contest. Seedlings will be available from the Easter Bunny during photo hours from March 21st until April 4th and parents are encouraged to pick up their free seedling and help their child choose a place to plant it. To enter the contest, simply take a photo of your child or family planting the seedling and send it to info@ miltonmall.com by Wednesday, April 22nd. We will celebrate Earth Day by randomly selecting one photo from all of the entries and awarding that family a $500 gift card to a local greenhouse to get their garden started.

Cassandra Warner

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 7


The Coldest Night By Laura Steiner | Photos by Ann Kornuta

M

ilton Transitional Housing (MTH) held its second annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser on February 21, 2015. This year walkers didn’t just have to contend with the cold, but the snow as well. The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a national fundraiser taking place in 80 different locations on the same day.

Participants began arriving at the Milton Lions Hall at 4pm for registration. 168 walkers had the option of walking 2, 5, and 10 km routes throughout the Dempsey neighbourhood.

“It’s our largest fundraiser of the year,” MTH Chairman Arnold Huffman explained. The event’s goal is $40,000.

Official speeches began at 5pm with a reminder from Executive Director Donna Danielli of the reason for the walk. “People tell me there are no poor in Milton,” she told the crowd. 1 in 7 children in Milton are living below the poverty line, and 6% of people in Milton have an income of $20,000 or less. “The need out there is incredibly strong, but we couldn’t do what we do without you.”

Kashif and Abeer Abrar

8 | Milton Villager | March 2015


It was a family event this year. Lesley Fraser, and her friend Valrie Ewan were part of the St. Paul’s United Warm Hearts. It surprised them to learn there was homelessness, and hunger in Milton. “I was quite amazed to hear the speech given by Donna (Danielli), Ewan said. “That there was so much need,” Fraser added. Fraser had her two daughters with her who said they liked it all. Their team’s goal was $750, and they surpassed their goal raising $800. Cheryl Bucknor brought her son, and daughter out. Participating gave them a sense of perspective. “We got an idea of how cold it was for other people.” They liked the community spirit that surrounded the event. “I hope he has a little bit more awareness of how he can help in the community,” she said of her son Tristan. Tristan contributed $40 to their team total of $1780. As of press time the Milton walk sits at $32742, or 81% of the goal. Donations are being accepted until March 31, 2015. The money will go to helping MTH with three new clients. For more information on the event, including how to donate visit: www.coldestnightoftheyear.org.

Jenny Panda

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 9


Chinese New Year festivities at Milton Mall by Jenifer Sim | Photos by Trevor Black

T

he cold weather did not deter Miltonians from coming out to celebrate the Chinese New Year as several hundred people were onsite at Milton Mall to welcome in the Year of the Goat with an afternoon of traditional dance performances. The festivities began with a welcome from Mayor Gord Krantz, MPP Indira NaidooHarris and MP Lisa Raitt. As the traditional eye dotting ceremony was carried out, the lion dance performers roared to life and toured the

mall accompanied by the pounding of drums. Programming included songs and dances by members of the Milton Chinese Arts Society and a table set up to showcase traditional Chinese art. Now in its 9th year at Milton Mall, the event has grown larger and more dynamic each year and is brought to Milton by Independent Living Halton with the support of the Milton Chinese Association and the Milton Chinese Arts Society.

Dancers from the Milton Chinese Arts Society performed the “July Torch Dance”

Kids and adults of all ages enjoyed the sights and sounds of the dragon dance which went all over the mall

10 | Milton Villager | March 2015

A dancer from the Milton Chinese Arts Society performed the “Death of the Bamboo Dance”


Cameron and Kathryn Champion show off their art work

Katie Zhu, Becky Zhu, and Nancy Lu are students at the Milton Chinese School

Lisa Raitt and Mayor Gordon Krantz join dancers from the Milton Chinese Arts Society.

Ashley Zhong came wearing a traditional Chinese red dress for the New Year’s celebration.

Get ready for a SUPER March Break! ALL WEEK , MARCH 16 - 20, 10 am to 12 noon Monday Tuesday Wed. Thursday Friday

Super Science Craft 10 am - Mad Science 11 am Super Foods Craft 10 am - Petits Chefs 11 am Super Space Craft 10 am - Space Hero 11 am Super Fit Craft 10 am - Kids Fitness 11 am Super Heroes Craft 10 am - Kids’ Club Parade 11 am Photo Booth & Prizes! Come in Your Favourite Hero Costume

For more details, visit miltonmall.com and click on Kids’ Club. All supplies are limited to the first 200 children present each day. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 11


Big slick competition at

By Stuart Service

wintertime poker tournament

A

building is quite old,” Conteduca said. “We need new chairs, tables and there are some other things to be repaired in this place.”

Club board member Peter Conteduca said the tournament held every other Friday night at the ICCM building on Tremaine Rd., north of Steeles Ave., is providing a much-needed source of funding this winter.

The $45 tournament entry fee means the competition is immune to beginners’ luck. And the attempts at psyching out the competition at the February 20 match were hilarious. Everyone, including myself, pretended to have a weak grasp of the game.

my way to victory with a couple of garbage hands. The gentlemen beside me, who also pretended to be foggy about how to win at Texas Hold ‘Em (“What is a ‘big blind?’”), wised up to my desperate strategy and began to call my nonsense bets. We all gradually revealed ourselves to be card sharks in sheep’s clothing and I lost my initial $3,000 of poker chips within the first hour.

“The reason we’re doing this as a tournament is we’re raising funds for the building. The

“I haven’t played in years,” was how I introduced myself at the table before I bluffed

“We’re getting a lot of returning players each week,” Conteduca said. “A lot of players

n ongoing Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament is creating a boost this winter for the Italian Canadian Club of Milton’s (ICCM) building fund.

ICCM members in attendance at the February 20 poker tournament from left: Tom Dusmet, Arturo Figliomeni, Enzo Turco, Leigh Theriault, Emily Graper, Dan O’Neill, Peter Conteduca and Joe Taurasi.

12 | Milton Villager | March 2015


returning who like to play a good, competitive poker game but who are also looking for a nice, casual atmosphere.” The tournament run by the ICCM’s Leigh Theriault is well organized to maximize the high level of competition. Winners of each bi-weekly match earn a seat at the tournament finals on June 26 to compete for big cash prizes. “We haven’t announced yet what the grand prize is going to be, but we are looking at a mini trip; a threeday getaway kind of vacation,” Conteduca said. “There will be a cash reward as well as the trip, and we will have a second and third prize as well.” Consider this a call to action for all rounders, who are invited to join the fun by visiting www.iccm.ca to register online for the next Hold ‘Em tournament. Remaining poker games are scheduled to take place at 104 Tremaine Rd. on March 6 and 20, April 2 and 17, May 1 and 29. The final table of the February 20 edition of an ongoing ICCM Texas Hold ‘Em tournament.

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 13


History in the Making Story by Julian Rushton-Givens | Photos by Ann Kornuta

W

hile Milton may have started out as a small town of about 300 settlers in 1821, it’s gradually risen to become a much larger town. However, in the past 13 years they’ve experienced very rapid growth, including a 71% population increase between 2001 and 2006, and it was ranked the fastest growing community in Milton for the second time in a row in the 2011 Census at 84,362. As our population is estimated to grow to 150,000 (well beyond what defines a city) within the next 6 years, we need people to document our history so we can hold onto our heritage as we grow into a focal community of Ontario. Helping us to do this is the Milton Historical Society, a charitable organization with the goal to preserve the heritage and history of Milton, to educate about Milton’s history, and to help the members of this community. They hosted this open house to introduce people to what the Society does, and to show off their expansive collection of archives and artifacts. The event was at their headquarters, the Milton Historical Society Archives, located in the upper story of

Waldie’s Blacksmith shop (with their entrance on the right side of the building) at 16 James Street from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The room was almost entirely surrounded by rows of filing cabinets, many of which had artifacts from Milton and other parts of Ontario resting on top. Their archive’s sections included photos (both from the Champion and donated by Milton’s residents), family histories, and general archives (ranging anywhere from cemeteries to churches to organizations). They also have several computers that have access to a massive stockpile of information, giving them the opportunity to access more information and to check their database for people inquiring about Milton’s history. Their staff of volunteers was highly knowledgeable and informative, and could discuss a plethora of historical topics in rich detail. When asked about why people should join, Marsha Waldie, a volunteer for the Society, said: “Hopefully to learn about Milton’s history and to help us preserve it, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. The more volunteers,

14 | Milton Villager | March 2015


the more people that you have becoming a part of it, then you spread the word and it’s more likely for people to, if they’re cleaning out a house, bringing it to us first rather than throwing it into a bin.” That’s not the only method they have of preserving history either. “I’m very happy that the early members of the Society stood up and said this building [referring to the Milton Courthouse] was significant and should be preserved.” said Bruce Carlin, an executive in the Society. “I’m happy to see that because it helps to keep the downtown relevant,” he continued. Carlin went on to explain that the downtown area has

a strong inventory of historical buildings and that growing up in a mining town where most of the historical buildings were demolished, he enjoys seeing Milton’s efforts to keep its heritage intact. Activities the Society performs include compiling books, artifacts, photos, and other important parts of Milton’s history, writing books about the history of Milton, re-binding historical books, performing inquiries for residents of Milton (such as genealogy or school projects), providing the service of creating and maintaining house plaques for

historically important buildings, hosting a themed event with a guest speaker the 3rd Thursday of every month, and many other important tasks. The Milton Historical Society website can be found at www.miltonhistoricalsociety.ca and they also have a website called Milton Images (http://images.milton.halinet.on.ca/ search) that hosts over 7000 historical images from Milton. They also have a small meeting room available for small community group meetings, for more information contact them at 905-875-4156.

For your complete window covering needs

w een Decor

Services we Offer California & Plantation Vinyl Shutters Roller Blinds & Shades Vertical Blinds PVC and Fabrics Horizontal Blinds 1” Aluminium & 2” Wood & Faux Wood Pleated Shades, Roman Shades Panel Track Blinds, Vienna Blinds Silhouette Blinds, Glass Door Inserts

Call us for an immediate quote to fulfil your needs while remaining within your budget.

160 Main Street East, Milton, ON, L9T 1N6

905-462-1582 / 416-878-5378

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 15


February’s

Milton housing market especially hot

F

ebruary has been a busy month for Cliff Barron, sales representative for Sutton Group Signature Realty Inc.

He’s seen an increase in sales coming from the Bank of Canada’s recent and significant interest rate reduction, which is compelling homebuyers to jump into the market. “Every time there is announcement of lower interest rates there is a big flood into the market again,” Barron said. Although there’s always potential for lending rates to fluctuate, “I don’t think they can go much lower.” He said there’s still room for Milton properties to appreciate in value. “There always seems to be. It’s amazing. A lot of it is reflected on the Mississauga market. If you compare the similar houses in Mississauga they’re still valued eight to 10 per cent higher.” That means the current state of Milton real estate is extraordinarily busy. Barron noted that he hosted 45 showings of a Costigan Road property before he sold the home in about a week. It’s times like these that the Buy-Versus-Rent debate gives a distinct advantage to buyers. “For renting, you won’t have to worry about maintenance costs. The landlord has to worry about that,” Barron said. “But you lose out on the appreciation of the property. Whereas when you buy, you’ve got an asset as well. The bank looks at you more favourably so you can leverage that asset to get other assets.” Barron highlights 2004 for example, when the market was thought to be especially overheated, and when some homeowners decided to sell their homes to get out of the market and rent instead. Unfortunately for them, the ceiling they perceived to be caving in didn’t. The housing market has since doubled. “They thought ‘I’m going to come back into the market when it comes down.’ Now, they’re completely out of the market because they can no longer afford to get back in.” Barron is coming up on 10 years in the business, although he’s been raised around real estate due to his father’s background as a mortgage broker. Barron is a decorated agent with Sutton Group, an author, and always available to help prospective home buyers navigate the peaks and valleys of the housing market with honest advice. For more information visit www.callcliff.ca or call 905-286-5888.

16 | Milton Villager | March 2015


Story By Genevieve Rushton-Givens Photos by snapd Milton

T

he weather was violently cold and windy, the ground slathered with snow and ice, but Miltonians stayed warm by celebrating Valentine’s Day inside the Milton Lions Club Hall. for the Optimist Club Valentine’s Dance. The dancing ran from 8 pm to 12 midnight, with a light buffet and a cash bar. The fastest growing club in Canada (currently with 120,000 members), the Optimist Club is a charitable organization. Each local chapter is personalized to the needs of their community with all the money raised being put to use locally. The club promotes philanthropy, charity and, naturally, “optimism as a philosophy of life,” according to their website. Milton’s chapter focuses mainly on youth with the motto “Bringing out the Best in Kids.” Originally an event for members only, the dance now welcomes everyone and their attendance has increased from around 30 people to 60 people last year and then 80 people this year, according to Keith Lamson, President of the Optimist Club.

“This is the first year there’s 20 people here that saw us on Facebook and aren’t related to anybody or a friend of anybody that all of a sudden show up,” said Keith Lamson, who also received 3 new applications for volunteers that evening. The hall was dimly lit with Valentine’s decorations, pink tablecloths and a spacious area for dancing. Neither too crowded nor too poorly attended, the mood was cheerful and laid back with mostly a middle-aged crowd in attendance. For $15 a ticket it proved to be an inexpensive but entertaining night out. DJ Rockin’ Rob kept the dance floor busy, playing both classic hits and energetic top 40 such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Proclaimers, Bob Marley, Carly Rae Jepson and Psy. Everyone seemed joyful and carefree, dancing at various skill levels and slow dancing as Rockin’ Rob played romantic ballads. The scene of several Optimist Club members dancing cheerfully to Happy by Pharrell Williams was both apt and uplifting.

The purpose of the Valentine’s Dance was less about fundraising and more about socializing and for people to learn about the Optimist Club and their purpose in the community, which is youth. Nevertheless, this year’s dance aimed to raise money for Food4Kids, a program that addresses the lack of food for underprivileged children during the weekend when they can’t benefit from school food programs. “[Food4Kids] told us stories about a 7-yearold who went the whole weekend without anything other than drinking water,” said Lamson, “and that’s happening in Milton, unfortunately. That’s happening a lot more than people think.” Of all the things to be doing Valentine’s Day night, the Optimist Club Valentine’s Dance was definitely a great choice and well-deserved for the members of the Optimist Club. As Keith Lamson puts it, “We work hard to earn money and then we play hard as well.” For more information about The Optimist Club of Milton and upcoming events, visit: www.optimistclubofmilton.org and www.facebook.com/optimistclubofmilton

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 17


By Kiran Razzak | Photos by Ann Kornuta

nne J. MacArthur Public School opened its doors on Feb. 18 welcoming students, parents and community members for its official grand opening.

A

other students, Sarah N. and Hasan K. “We are so fortunate this afternoon to have our distinguished guests who have taken the time from their busy schedules to celebrate with us.”

The event was held in the gymnasium and was attended by all students and parents along with staff members and officials from the Halton District Board, the Milton Historical Society and the school council.

McArthur also said that it was exactly a year ago when this school had started and that there had been consistently overwhelming and positive support and true spirit from all community members.

“Thank you very much for joining us on our first anniversary and our official opening of our amazing new school,” said Kathy McArthur, Principal of AJM public school while welcoming the crowd along with two

The AJM public school community comprises of 1,200 students from 40 different countries. The school has a French immersion program running from grades 1-7 with a school council, which comprises of a group of parents who

18 | Milton Villager | March 2015

address issues such as safety, budget allocation, fundraising policies and more. The ceremony started off with a pipe performance on “MacArthur Road” which was performed by MCpl, CD Pipe Sergeant Michael Cleland leading a procession of official members from the school board and council co-chairs. The ceremony continued with many different performances such as: “Power Rock & Presto” performed by the Junior Band, “Les Cloches du Hameau” performed by classes 4/5 FI and 5-1FI, “AJM Song” performed by class 1-2, “True Colours” performed by the Junior Choir, “Best Day of My Life” dance performed


by Chloe Warford and closing the ceremony were tracks such as the “Seige” and “Nautilus” which were performed by the Senior Band.

incredible journey in Jan. 2013 when Milton number 8 was newly created and located at the former E.C. Drury High School site.”

During the ceremony many guest speakers presented their speeches congratulating the school for its grand opening as well as talking about the life of Anne J. MacArthur.

Tom Adams, an education officer with the Ministry of Education was also present at the ceremony with a message from Liz Sandals, the Minister of Education.

Jan Mowbray from the Milton Historical Society mentioned in her speech that Anne J. MacArthur was the only woman to serve as mayor of Town of Milton and she was an environmentalist. She was also the founding member of the Niagara Escarpment. She referred to her as a “pioneer”, further explaining that the term did not mean the literal definition of a pioneer but it meant that she was about embracing new ideas and trying out new things.

“To the participants of the official opening ceremony of the AJM public school on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I am pleased to extend best wishes due on the occasion. AJM public school is at the beginning of a long and promising journey that will provide its students with a well-rounded education to inspire and challenge them to be successful in a global economy. Education is about more than just learning, to read, and write. It is also about learning to be good citizens. I am confident that the school will offer the support to its students, which they need to achieve success in the classroom and after graduation. Many thanks to the educators, parents and community members who were instrumental in making this new school a reality” wrote Sandals in her message.

Mrs. Anne J. MacArthur was a dedicated wife, mother, teacher and Councillor. She was born in Nassagewaya (Milton) and attended the Milton area schools along with Milton District High School, the University of Toronto and Ontario Teachers College leading into a career of teaching for over 27 years in Milton. She was never afraid to hold her own against her male counterparts and has become a trail blazer for her gender. She was a fierce defender of the Escarpment and did all she could to protect it, at the same time she served as a Mayour of the Town of Milton from 1974-1976. She gave the first half of her life to teaching the second half to her community. “The support that AJM Public School has received from the board and its many different departments and the construction company and the local Milton community has been awe inspiring,” said McArthur. “Thank you so much to all of our trustees and to David Euale the Director of Education and Stewart Miller our Associate Director for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to embark on this

Station. McArthur pointed out the double paged picture on page 142, a photo of Toronto and the GTA including Milton blanketed under fresh snow, saying that it was fitting for the school and for this day and dedicating it to the memory of Anne J. MacArthur for her contributions towards the Milton community and to education. “Our AJM students are caring, passionate, and community minded,” said McArthur. “They remind us all the time that they are concerned about conservation and the world around them. I believe that you Mustangs will carry on the legacy of Anne J. MacArthur.”

“We’re growing this school building into a vibrant community,” said Kim Graves, Trustee from the Halton District School Board. “Parent involvement is an important piece of student success and parents at AJM public school are very much involved. They give freely of their time volunteering and host fundraiser events. Community members too have given their time.” McArthur dedicated a special new book to the school library on this special occasion marking the first anniversary and the official opening. The book is titled You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes, written by Chris Hadfield, also a former Milton resident. The book contains 200 pages of photos that Cl. Hadfield took from the International Space

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 19


By Laura Steiner | Photos by Dave Geall

MDHF O

n February 5, 2015 Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF) said thank you to its community partners in an event held at Teatro Conference Centre. The partners represented fundraising efforts from as big as McHappy Day to as small as a neighbourhood lemonade stand. A brief reception was followed by a recognition ceremony. Executive Director Helen Vatistas spoke first inviting Board Member Bob Lee, to say a few words. “Each of you has found your own special way to support the Milton District Hospital Foundation from charity barbecues to PJ Parties to holding a golf tournament etcetera,” Lee commented in his opening remarks. The groups were announced individually, and Vatistas briefly described their accomplishments.

Says Thank You to Community Partners beautiful milestone.” The result was a unique evening that raised $8,000 in proceeds for MDHF. “I don’t like to follow anybody; I wanted something original. And that’s what I tried to do,” Ross said. Also raising funds for MDHF was Inspire Halton. The group finished raising money for Georgetown Hospital, and wondered what other hospital they could fundraise for. “We contacted Milton Hospital, and ended up holding the talent bash,” Brooklyn LeBlanc explained. They raised $200 from their efforts,

Ross Cescon has lived in Milton since the early 1960s. He celebrated his 80th birthday on July 13, 2014. He was a founding member of the Italian Canadian Club of Milton (ICCM), and wanted a way of giving back to the community. He had some help implementing it from his daughter Melissa. “My father was turning 80, and he wanted to acknowledge the

20 | Milton Villager | March 2015

Inspire Halton


and hope to motivate others to do the same. “We’re inspiring the community- not just youth; the whole community to give back,” LeBlanc said. Every cent of the community’s collective fundraising efforts are being put to good use. Milton District Hospital is in the final stages of planning for its expansion. Last month they announced the final selection of the group that will design, finance, and maintain the final development. The completed facility will feature an expanded maternity ward and emergency room. It’s expected to break ground this spring.

March 2015 | Milton Villager | 21


On 2014 campaign

By Laura Steiner | Photos by Ann Kornuta

United Way “Touches Down” F

ebruary 19, 2015 marked the end of the United Way of Milton’s 2014 fundraising campaign. They held their touchdown event at Milton Toyota to announce a total of: $712,977. The total included a pair of lastminute donations of $5000 from Evergreen Crematorium, and $2000 from Milton Toyota.

The funds raised by these events go to a wide variety of agencies such as Girls Inc, a group dedicated to helping young women build self-esteem, and Acclaim Health for their visiting program. “It means our programs run. Without the support of the United Way

The money was raised through events such as the Rustic Red Carpet, the United Way 10K, The United Way Christmas House tour, and the Mayor’s Golf Tournament. In comments to the lunchtime crowd, Campaign Chair Melissa Janejevich credited her campaign cabinet for the success. “Our campaign cabinet is responsible for spreading the word throughout the community, about exactly what it is United Way of Milton does.” Public awareness was the overall theme of the campaign. “Getting the message out there is really what it’s all about,” Mayor Gord Krantz remarked.

22 | Milton Villager | March 2015

it means the thousands of people we help in Milton aren’t going to get help in a nutshell,” Melissa Cameron said. Acclaim Health provides visiting programs to Milton area seniors with a goal of keeping people at home for as long as possible.


The touchdown event also marked the end of Janjevich’s time as fundraising campaign chair. She stepped aside after three years on the job, but will still remain a part of the fundraising team. Replacing Janjevich are Co-chairs Bridget, and Shawn Saulnier of the Mohawk Inn and Toronto West KOA. Shawn Saulnier has had 25 years previous experience as a fundraising consultant. “It’s a pleasure for me to give back at this time,

and be able to go back into my past and claw forward a few ideas that might add value,” he said in prepared remarks. Saulnier stood at the microphone leaning on a cane after snapping his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). “It did make me actually far more aware of the needs of people with disabilities,” he said. The agency hopes to eventually mount a $1 million campaign. For more information on the United Way of Milton visit their website: www.miltonunitedway.ca

Balance Health Service 647-271-4645 Zhao McPhail, R.Ac, RMT, Ph.D Registered Acupuncturist

316 Martin Street, Milton ON L9T 2R6 email: daria_talanova@yahoo.com 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

www.miltonbusinessconnections.ca

Your Connections to Milton’s Small Business Community Accountant

Community Group

Vinyl Signs & Window Films

Airikka Passmore | 905-693-8269 airikka@airikkapassmore.com www.airikkapassmore.com

Sam Kassam-Macfie | 416-995-0939 sam.kassam@momstown.ca milton.momstown.ca

Lena White | 647-382-8358 lena@musesigns.com www.musesigns.com

Vitamin Supplements

Mortgage Broker

Home & Auto Insurance

brokerage #10287

Sonya Levear 905-462-4400 s.levear@gmail.com www.sonyalevear.usana.com

Christine Walker | 647-801-0001 Christine.walker@mtgarc.ca www.mortgagesbychriswalker.ca

Rob Clarkson | 905-825-1065 rclarkson@youngsinsurance.ca www.robclarkson.ca



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.