Milton Villager Magazine Volume 1, Issue 13 - October 2013 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, Eva Mende-Gibson Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Leslie Kennedy, Elizabeth Kogan, Samantha Dotson 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, Kabul Fine Foods, La Rose Bakery Food: Hero Burger, Pizza Nova, Troys Diner, Coffee Culture, Heritage Fish and Chips, Symposium, Shoeless Joe’s, Portabello’s, Bombay Grill, Mama Mila’s Cafe, Quiznos, Cafe Zauq, Empire Wok, Mr. Sub Recreation: Milton Sports Centre, Leisure Centre, Milton Centre for the Arts, Making Waves Swim School Shopping: Milton Mall, Home Hardware, Staples
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Event Calendar
Villager
Milton Talent Contest - October 17 at Milton Centre for the Arts www.miltoncentreforthearts.ca Teeing off for a “Miracle” Golf Tournament - October 18 at Granite Ridge Golf Club, 905-878-9956 MS. Boudoir Gala - October 19 at The Royal Ontario Golf Club www.facebook.com/msboudoirgala Phantom of the Opera - silent movie with pipe organ accompaniment, October 20 8pm at Knox Prebyterians Church Great Ride N Stride - October 20 at Country Heritage Park www.greatride.ca Milton Haunted House - October 26 & 27 at Milton Mall www.MiltonHauntedHouse.com My Darling Judith (Milton Players Theatre Group) November 1-2 and 7-9 at Milton Centre for the Arts www.miltonplayers.com Black & White Pajama Party - November 8 at Teatro Conference & Event Centre, 905-864-8511
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Mallowe’en Spooktacular!
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 10 am - 12 noon Hallowe’en Craft & Pumpkin Carving Mallowe’en Magic Show Smoke & Potions Science Show
10:00 am - 12 noon 10:30 am - 11:00 am 11:30 am - 12 noon
Pumpkins, supplies and goodie bags are limited to the first 300 children present. Parent(s) must remain with their children (ages 4 - 12) *One per child, while supplies last. For more details visit miltonmall.com, click on the Kids’ Club icon.
Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
C
Attendees entered the Mohawk Inn lobby to be greeted by a roped-off red carpet, complete with photographers. Each was greeted with a glass of champagne, adding to the glamour. There was a corner where Inspire Cosmetics set up shop, offering ladies a chance to refresh their makeup and buy their all-natural cosmetics. “Philanthropy at the same time—we offer free makeovers in exchange for giving a percentage of our profits to the United Way,” explained Inspire’s owner, Wendy Chrystal. After having their make-up done, ladies had their photos taken in a photo booth for the cost of a donation,having access to a table full of props, including cowboy hats and feather boas. Then it was onto the main event in the smaller ball room. Tables for ten were elegantly set around the room, with three food stations set along one wall, containing fish and seafood, pasta, and prime rib. At the back of the room was a silent auction. Dessert featured “make-your-own-s’mores,” complete with a little fire for roasting marshmallows. In official remarks, Williamson emphasized that United Way touches everyone: “I’ve used these resources,” Williamson told the crowd. The United Way has unveiled its 2013 campaign goal of $705,300, leading to the question of why one should donate. For Williamson, it comes down to supporting the community: “We are all about supporting the average everyday community member, and family member. It’s so important to give back because it’s like an insurance policy. You don’t know when you’re going to need those programs.” United Way has launched its 2013–2014 campaign with a goal of raising $705,300.
Rustic Red Carpet
Raises over Ten Thousand By Laura Steiner Photos by Ann Kornuta
Milton Villager
The theme was rural, inspired by the setting: “It’s a very rustic feel here, so it made sense to have the Rustic Red Carpet,” United Way CEO Kate Williamson said of the event. The United Way of Milton helps twenty-eight agencies and more than 25,000 Milton families, including Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton, Food for Life Canada, and Girls’ Inc. The Rustic Red Carpet raised $10,022.
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ampbellville’s Mohawk Inn served as the setting for this year’s second annual “Red Carpet” event on August 28. Organized by Milton Area Female Entrepreneurs (MAFE), Sandy Hatzis, and Milton Mompreneur’s Maria Locker, the event raised funds for the United Way of Milton.
6 | Milton Villager
By Elizabeth Kogan
W
as that a howling wolf you heard? Did you just see a vampire creep by you? What are these sights and sounds around you, you ask? These are the mysterious signs of the Milton Haunted House that will transform the Milton Mall during the weekend of October 26–27, 2013. The spooky spectacular, now in its fourth year, is a fundraising event in support of Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF). This year’s fundraising goal for the Milton Haunted House is $10,000. The money raised from the event will go towards the purchase of essential medical equipment for Milton District Hospital. The Milton Haunted House, featuring activities such as face painting, penny raffles, and more, has quickly grown in popularity over the years, and is now a Milton Hallowe’en favourite. Volunteer Deren Bostanci said, “When I was given the chance to perform in a haunted house three years ago, I took it up. It’s been a fun experience, with each year getting better than the one before. It’s really a team effort, where, in the process, you get to meet a lot of new people and make new friends. And, of course, scare the pants off of adults and children alike.”
What makes this particular Hallowe’en-themed event oneof-a-kind is that people of all ages can attend and enjoy the festivities. At the start of the walk, families are asked if they would prefer to walk with a flashlight. The flashlight is an indication for the volunteers to lessen the “jump-out-andbehold-the scream” factor. Volunteer Kim Macdonald said, “The Haunted House has been a blast to help with during the past two years. No doubt this year will be even better. The volunteers have a great time putting the event on, from assisting with construction to getting into costume and scaring attendees. We’ve been blessed to have a wonderful creative director and a number of really creative, theatre-oriented students step up the game with the costuming and make-up that add an extra layer to the great experience.”
Milton Villager
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For more details on the Milton Haunted House, please visit www.miltonhauntedhouse.com.
Evan Parant holding a K2 meter, trying to find traces of electromagnetic energy emitted by a paranormal being.
By Stuart Service
Searching for Ghosts
with the Halton Paranormal Group
8 | Milton Villager
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here were tears and laughs when the friends and family of the Halton Paranormal Group’s five Milton members attended a premiere of 30 Ghosts in August.
The documentary’s engaging storytelling, put together by Richmond Hill filmmaker Sean Cisterna, was filmed over the course of the year during which he followed the Halton Paranormal Group (HPG), capturing the honesty and hilarity of their pursuit of becoming well-paid television personalities. “I heard them on a radio show, and they struck me as very charming and good-humoured,” said 30 Ghosts director Sean Cisterna. Cisterna was intrigued by the conflicts following the group. Whether it was the financial plight of the group’s founder, Campbellville resident Kim Hadfield Verheul—who conducts all her investigations free of charge—or the occasions when police were called mid-investigation on the HPG. Originally, Cisterna planned to make a science-based documentary following multiple paranormal investigators. Those plans changed when Cisterna discovered the goldmine that is Kim’s life journey. “Kim’s story became so compelling that I decided to focus solely on her and her (HPG) counterparts,” Cisterna said, adding that he was pleasantly surprised by the candour of Kim’s HPG colleagues from Milton; these individuals included Jeff Sharpe, Kimberley Valstar, Leah Hurst Lywood, and Evan Parant. “Occasionally, when I meet people they’re quite shy and don’t really make strong, on-camera subjects,” Cisterna said. “Every member of the HPG was just so open, honest, and comfortable sharing their life stories on camera.” Viewers of 30 Ghosts will learn everything about Kim, including the financial struggle to support her three children, to pay the bills of her costly horse farm, and to purchase new ghost-hunting equipment.
The film highlights Kim’s sharp wit and unapologetic use of salty language. She shares her best stories, including the time she pulled the woman sleeping with her now-ex-husband through a drivethru window. The film also enters into dark territory when Kim shows viewers a resume of the medication she takes, as well as her tragic explanation for why she believes what she believes. When asked if Kim ever pleaded to have a scene removed from 30 Ghosts, Cisterna said he was surprised that she never did. “There was nothing like that—I thought she would,” Cisterna said. “She saw the first cut of the movie, her darkest moments sort of unfolding in front of everyone to see.” Kim recognized that holding nothing back would result in a better movie. “My life is an open book,” Kim said. The HPG invited me to tag along for a paranormal investigation on a Saturday night. During the drive, Kim hyped up the experience, saying that the house we’d be walking into is haunted by a murderer of children named “Jack.” I could expect to hear growls and might be told to “get out.” “The abandoned houses are what we find are just full of [paranormal activity] because there’s no people there,” Kim said. “It’s kind of like, that’s where the spirits go to hang out.” When asked where her dream paranormal investigation location would be, she said that Kingston Penitentiary is “on my wet dream list.” “We leave an imprint of what we do,” Kim said. “So all those prisoners in there, all the imprints and energy left over from them—it’d be insane.” When we arrived at the house, the most unsettling room had a fivefoot-tall wooden cross leaning against a wall beside a dusty mirror
with the word “run” written on it. Despite Kim and company’s best efforts to provoke a soul into doing something, I didn’t hear or see anything unusual. In my last-ditch effort to have a paranormal experience that night, I asked Jack if he wanted to come into the basement to talk about baseball or politics.
Perhaps something was trying to be a good host, following us to the driveway to see off their guests. But I took this as more of a “hurry-up-and-get-off-my-damn-driveway” sign. We packed up quickly and sped off.
Abandoned House Number Two I decided to try one more investigation. This time, it was just me and Evan from the HPG heading solo to another rural location. We borrowed Kim’s K2 meter and drove to an abandoned home surrounded by swamps. A K2 meter lights up depending on the strength of nearby electromagnetic energy. If the HPG is inside an abandoned home cut off from the hydro grid, any K2 “spike” could be considered the electromagnetic energy emitted by a paranormal being. I wore headphones plugged into my sound recorder, plugged into a shotgun microphone duct-taped to a tripod with a light on it. The evening’s “hunt” was documented with 24-frames-per-second film—I wanted to capture sweet ghost footage. But that never happened. What I did capture was a K2 meter that frequently lit up on its own in response to Evan’s questions. Whenever the K2‘s lights flickered, I would hear on my headphones what sounded like cellular interference—that same noise heard whenever I receive a text message or a phone call while standing near a speaker or microphone. Neither Evan nor I received a text message. When I asked whatever was communicating to us to shout into my microphone, I heard a thud somewhere in the house. We later moved into a silent room with a view of an overgrown tree from a broken window. Evan asked the mysterious communicators if they wanted us to leave. He declared that he’d count to ten, and encouraged the mysterious energy to make a signal during that time if it wanted us off their abandoned property.
Halton Paranormal Group investigators Kim Hadfield Verheul, Evan Parant, Jeff Sharpe and Kimberley Valstar
Family Expo
The K2 lit up a beat after Evan said “ten.” At the same time, my eyes widened as I heard rustling in the bushes outside the window. “It was probably just some critters, like a raccoon or some mice,” Evan said. The K2 lit up as he said that, as though something was trying to assure me what I heard was an animal. We didn’t want to be where we weren’t welcome, so we packed up our things and left. We walked up the driveway to the car, which was parked facing the road, in case we needed to make a quick getaway. Evan and I talked about what had just happened as we placed our gear in the trunk. When I told Evan I didn’t find tonight’s experience all that frightening, the K2 meter in Evan’s hand flashed red. We went quiet, our attention now trained on the K2. The lights flickered back to normal, and then spiked back up to red.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm If you have young children or are expecting, this is the place to be. Get the latest on information, services and products from many local organizations and businesses catering to families. Plus, the first 250 people to register through momstown Milton will receive a FREE gift bag filled with great giveaways! Gift bags in partnership with
Presented in partnership with
momstownMilton
Visit miltonmall.com or milton.momstown.ca Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
If I were to describe Ashley Burton’s one-woman play Nonna’s Party in one word it would be relatable. I sat at my table watching it at the Minmaxx theatre September 20, and was constantly reminded of my own family. That’s the point according to Burton: “to have everybody look at where they’re at, and reconnect with family.” The audience were party guests, seated at tables throughout the theatre, and in telescopic seating. Every party features good food. This was no different and featured a table serving pasta, bruschetta, and anti-pesto. At 8pm the lights went down, and Burton appeared, explaining it was a surprise birthday party for her grandmother. She made her way to the platform at the front where she entertained the audience with stories about her family; her grandparents, aunts, and mom Louisa aka ZsaZsa, changing costumes at times. The ZsaZsa character was over the top started as a reflection of her mother as the family’s black sheep. Burton’s mom is okay with it. “She’s so supportive,” Ashley described her mom.
10 | Milton Villager
Nonna’s Party
Nonna’s Party format is flexible, with Burton switching material based on events happening throughout the year. This year Burton added a story about her grandmother catching skunks in her garden. “Every moment can change from showto-show.” It keeps the show authentic, and gets audiences coming back for more. By Laura Steiner | Photo by Max Portughes
Milton Firefighter Appreciation Day
Firefighters Fighting Tires!
By Samantha Dotson | Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
He went on to say that while it was a tough challenge, he felt pretty good; he wasn’t so sure about his recovery in the days to come, however.
Andrea and George Savard, owners of the facility, hosted the event in honor of firefighters who have fallen in the line of service, as well as those who continue to keep our community safe from the destruction of fire.
Hollingshead has been with the Milton Fire Department for almost twenty years. He says that being a firefighter requires a lot of physical endurance, and simple cardio workouts just don’t cut it.
“The idea behind the event is that it is for the public,” said Andrea. “You guys, come and try the gear on and see how hard it is. See how physically demanding a firefighter’s job is.”
“I find it funny that they’re having a firefighter appreciation day because the town of Milton is already so supportive,” he said. “I believe that the Milton Fire Department is very dedicated to the community, and, in return, the community is very vocal in supporting us—and that feels great.”
Andrea’s husband, George, has been a firefighter with the Toronto Fire Department for twelve years, which is why FirePower was added into the name of their facility. Event goers had the chance to suit up alongside firefighters and compete in a series of activities. “It’s great to see the people out here putting on the bunker gear, putting on the air packs, seeing how much weight it is and how hot it can get when doing physical activity,” said Captain Michael Clouston, who has been with the Milton Fire Department for fifteen years. “It gives people an appreciation of what we do.” One such activity involved a stand that had four 40-pound weights on it. Teams of two would start off with what is referred to as a “prowler push” by pushing the stand across a set distance. After four minutes of this, the teams approached three tires stacked upon one another. With sledgehammers, they pushed the two tires on top of the third tire, which was heaviest. Once this was completed, the team finished by flipping the third tire. Once Captain Paul Hollingshead finished the two harrowing tasks, he appeared exhausted. “During the event, it was brutal,” said Hollingshead. “Lifting that last tire is the worst. You’re lifting dead weight; there’s no momentum, and your arms are just so tired.”
A total of $25,000 was raised on this one day. While the bulk of the proceeds were donated to the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Foundation, $500 of this year’s event funds were donated to a Carlisle father of a three whose home was lost to a fire just a few days prior to the event.
Milton Villager
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he fifth annual Milton Firefighter Appreciation Day was held at the Reebok CrossFit FirePower facility on September 14.
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Milton Firefighters - Michael Kain, Michael Rego, Matt Smith and Captain Michael Clouston
By Elizabeth Kogan | Photos by Eva Mende-Gibson
12 | Milton Villager
Raining Team Spirit Third Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament T
he skies were an ominous dark grey hue, and the air felt slightly cool to one’s cheek on the morning of Saturday, September 7, 2013. Despite these signs of temperamental weather, a group of dedicated and committed players came out in solidarity for the third annual Beach Volleyball Tournament in support of Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF) at the Milton Sports Centre. Angelo Posteraro, founder of the Milton Orthotic & Wellness Foundation, explained that the eight teams were recruited through a social media campaign, and there were posters distributed throughout the town. All funds raised have stayed in Milton to purchase vital medical equipment and improve hospital facilities. Paula Paré, an event assistant explained, “This is my second year supporting this event. I just love how it brings people together.” As the players practiced their manoeuvres on the court prior to the start of the tournament, Michelle Emson played upbeat and motivating music. George Michael’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” was a particularly fitting choice for the morning’s event. After opening remarks by Judi George, a board member from Milton District Hospital Foundation and Mayor Krantz, Posteraro blew the whistle signaling the start
of the games. Despite the rain, the players braved the muddy court in their bare feet and dove to make their volley attacks. The event also had a silent auction made possible by the generosity of local businesses, with an amazing prize value of over $1,800. Although the rain waged a fierce battle resulting in the halt of the tournament after one round, the event had raised an astounding $2700.
at the Milton Mall
One of the best parts of being a community shopping centre is that Milton Mall is able to keep connected to Miltonians by staying tuned in to what their interests are. For the last few years, the majority of the new residents have been made up of families with young children. With that in mind, Milton Mall is pleased to present two events, and play host to a third, all guaranteed to appeal this group. First up is the Family Expo on Saturday, October 19th from 9:30 am until 2:00 pm, presented in partnership with momstown Milton. If you are expecting a new arrival or are a parent with young children, this show is a “must attend”. Parents will be able to get expert advice, product samples and information while their children enjoy interactive displays, games and crafts. Young crawlers are invited to show their speed in the Diaper Dash and race to win $500 in diapers! Plus, the first 250 people to register through www.milton.momstown.ca will receive a free loot bag filled with great giveaways. For a complete schedule of events and list of participants, please visit www.miltonmall.com and click on Family Expo under Mall Events.
On Saturday, October 26th children under 12 are invited to join us for the Mallowe’en Spooktacular – one of the best events of the year! There will be pumpkin carving from 10 am until 12 noon, a Magic Show from 10:30 to 11:00 am and a Smoke & Potions Science Show from 11:30 am to 12:00 noon. In lieu of store-to-store trick or treating, kids can fill their own loot bag to take home with them. Please note that supplies are limited to the first 300 children and parents must remain with their children. Finally, the mall will once again play host to the Milton Haunted House on October 26th and 27th. Admission is by donation and proceeds go to the Milton District Hospital Foundation. The Haunted House is designed to be suitable for all ages. Before they enter, parents and children will be asked if they would like to carry a flashlight as a signal for volunteers to not scream or jump out as they pass through. Volunteers inside the set are trained to watch for the flashlights and react accordingly. As a result, the experience can be a gentle but slightly spooky adventure for little ones as well as a scream fest for the more daring visitors. For more details, visit www.miltonhauntedhouse.com.
Milton Villager
Community Events
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by Jenifer Sim
Volunteers unite to raise $700,000 14 | Milton Villager
By Stuart Service
U
nited Way Milton set a lofty, 2013 fundraising “We’ve just been touring, performing around and target of $705,300 at the charity’s campaign bringing change.” Gonzales said. kick-off event on September 12 at Milton Toyota “Youth programs are a priority for United Way on Steeles Ave. Milton’s social service funding so it’s appropriate In attendance were more than 100 people including that the focus of our 2013 campaign be all about volunteers, aid workers, and recipients of United youth,” said Melissa Janjevich, the 2013 volunteer Way funding. campaign chair for United Way Milton. The event began with a live musical performance by “Inspiration,” a hip-hop group formed by four members of the Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton: Cameron “Camzilla Monster” Gonzales, Ilisa Merz, Shawn Matten and Kionte Colins.
“Children and families are a huge priority in Milton and a big reason why we need to meet or exceed this year’s [fundraising] goal.”
United Way is one of the only nationally-recognized charities that raises funds locally to be spent “The government gave us a $6,000 grant for a exclusively on local social service programs. This project called ‘Creation Nation,’” Gonzales said, year, the charity’s Milton chapter is supporting 46 adding that the money could only be spent on a programs at 28 agencies. project that facilitates and advocates change. “So why not create a song?” Using a large portion of the grant, Gonzales said the band hired a Hamilton production studio to film and edit a slick music video, which played on a big screen during their Milton performance. Inspiration has made television appearances and recently performed for parliament.
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October is Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness month. Being a mother of 3, the thought of Child Abuse and/or Neglect really boils my blood. Some of you may remember this fundraiser from last year, but you might not have heard how successful it was. Call me. I understand.
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So, in support of this great cause, I again am going to donate 10% of my commission not just for the month of October, but from now until the end of the year, to the Children's Aid Foundation of Halton! If you or anybody you know is looking to Buy, Sell, or Lease a home, please contact me and let's give back to our community together!