November 2012
Milton Villager Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 - November 2012 Community based magazine that focuses on local news and events www.MiltonVillager.com 11,000 copies distributed each issue to Milton homes by Canada Post 600 copies distributed each issue to Milton businesses If you would like to advertise in Milton Villager Magazine email rick@dilorenzo.com or call 416-821-1219 Publisher - Rick Di Lorenzo Photographers - Ann Kornuta, Theresa Brereton Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner Guest Reporters - Faisal Lodhi, Jenifer Sim, Anshul Sharma, Carol McDonald Cover Photo Gavin McLeod, Milton Talent Contest winner 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
UNITED WAY MILTON’S FIRST RUN/WALK A SUCCESS
By Carol McDonald
Proceeds from this event and all other United Way Milton fundraising efforts stay in Milton to help fund local social service programs benefiting children, youth, families, seniors and people in need throughout the community. United Way Milton’s campaign goal this year is to raise $685,300. Currently, United Way of Milton provides funding for 43 unique programs offered by 27 local agencies and organizations. For more details about ticket sales and the United Way Milton, please visit
Rachael and Robb Derkatz Photos by Theresa Brereton
www.miltonunitedway.ca or call 905-875-2550.
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“We were totally thrilled with the participation in this inaugural event,” commented Leslie McLaren representing Roxul, the title sponsor. “It was great to see families out enjoying the day and a morning spent exercising together along the streets of Milton. The Run/Walk attracted serious runners in training along with people who were giving it a try for the first time. Everyone got into the spirit of the day wearing their United Way t-shirts and enjoying the food and drinks and grab bags given to them at the finish line. United Way Milton was the biggest winner of all!”
As a special thank you and recognition to the participant bringing in the highest amount of pledges, the volunteer organizers offered a trip to New York or Las Vegas. The recipient this year was Paul Cripps who personally raised over $2100 for United Way Milton. Krystal Cameron was a very close runner-up in pledges and Derkatz Political Consulting surprised her by donating a trip for her. Congratulations to the fastest 10k runner, Todd Wrigglesworth, who finished the course in 41 minutes.
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ver 200 local runners and walkers of all ages showed their support for United Way Milton’s 2012 campaign by participating in the first-ever 10k Run/5k Family Walk for United Way Milton September 30th. Together they raised an amazing $19,900 in pledges for the campaign
We Love Puppets!
C
ome see Milton’s youth give back to their community at an upcoming puppet show at the Milton Public Library.
We love puppets and have a wide variety of them for use in our storytimes. We know that puppets are very important for language and literacy development and have learned that using puppets in story time programs help children become more engaged. Recently, Library staff members have introduced their love of puppets to local teens through the Teen Advisory Group’s Creative Stream. Over 8 weeks TAG Creative Stream members are trained to design, produce, and perform a puppet play based on a favourite picture book. The TAG Creative Stream also gives teens the opportunity to create positive relationships with library staff and community members, and
$489,900
473 Kearns Dr., Milton
also to gain community service hours in a supportive, creative environment. TAG members will be offering a special program at Main Library on Saturday, November 24th for 2 – 6 year olds from 12:30 – 1:15 pm & for 6 – 11 year olds from 2:00 – 2:45 pm. Teens from Beaty Branch will host a puppet show for 3 – 7 year olds on Saturday December 8th from 1:30 – 2:15 pm. At the end of each show a quick craft will be available for all participants. Having children retell a favourite story using a puppet is a great way for children to develop the early literacy skills needed to become successful readers later in life. Puppets enable children to use their imagination and storytelling skills starting at a young age. Milton Public Library is proud to offer programs that introduce children to the joy of puppetry.
$589,900
250 Featherstone Rd., Milton
$499,900
642 Laughren Cres., Milton
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ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM A Great Way To Start The Christmas Season By Laura Steiner
The Pageant started with 10 scenes, and this year has 22 scenes. It began with donations; sponsors giving only $100 or materials. Visitors begin their tours at Gambrel Barn and are divided into groups of 25-30 people. They meet their tour guides who introduce themselves using biblical names and say “You are my family, and we are going to Bethlehem to pay our taxes.” The guides themselves interact with the actors sharing bits of knowledge and trivia about the times. “Kids love bits of knowledge/ trivia,” Rowbottom said. The first stop is at Mary’s house, where the Angel Gabriel appears. The route to Bethlehem will take visitors to King Herod’s court where Herod rants, and raves. They’ll also meet fellow travellers how share their complaints about paying taxes, and also the occasional bit of gossip. The final scene depicts a group of angels singing to Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. They
The pageant has grown to over 200 volunteers, each with tailored costumes. It is considered a true community effort with the volunteers representing Milton area Churches. It’s the volunteer effort Rowbottom found incredible: “Whatever your personal beliefs are set aside and we all work together for the good of the Nativity scene; the Christmas season,” was how Rowbottom described it. On the Way to Bethlehem averages 5000 visitors a year from all over the world. One year people from Wales who purposefully planned their trip to see family around the pageant. She hopes visitors “would feel the joy and spirit of the Christmas season.” A total of 48 thousand people have come through over the pageant’s 11 year history. This year’s edition runs from November 30-December 3, beginning at 6:30 each night. The admission is $5 for adults, and children get in free. Children also get a colouring book as a souvenir of their journey. Any extra money is put towards next year’s efforts. For more information please visit their website at: www.onthewaytobethlehem.ca.
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The thought came to Pageant Director Andrea Rowbottom shortly after Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together (MACCWT) formed in 2001. “The idea just popped into my head. I could see it coming together.” she said in a recent interview. Because MACCWT was just starting she felt she couldn’t just go to the board without anything concrete. She began making inquiries, and met with the management at Country Heritage Park. As they toured the grounds they began planning out where a good site for the shepherds would be; where they would place the Inn. Rowbottom struck a verbal agreement with them.
exit the barn into dark of night. It produces a variety of reactions from everyone. “Kids often turn to their parents and say I just saw the baby Jesus,” Rowbottom said.
Milton Villager
On The Way to Bethlehem is a unique outdoor reenactment of the Nativity Story presented by Milton Area Christian Churches. This year’s edition takes place at the Country Heritage Park over four days November 30, December 1, 2, and 3.
n t a a C S laus Par n o t l i M ade T he By Faisal Lodhi
T
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he Christmas season has always been an important part of Milton’s social life. Every year Milton residents look forward to the annual Santa Claus Parade, with big colorful floats, marching bands, and of course Santa Claus himself, marking the beginning of the awaited Christmas season. The 87th annual Milton Santa Claus Parade returns Sunday 18th November starting at 2 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is “The Escarpment Country Christmas”.
Some of the favorite attractions coming this year are the Shrine Pirate Ship, Maid of Mist and the Halton Region Police band. Milton Transit runs their “Stuffa-Bus” in the parade collecting food donations for the Salvation Army food bank in Milton. The parade starts at Bronte Street leading to Main Street and going east behind the shoppers Drug Mart. For more information visit www.miltonsantaclausparade.ca
How to have an enjoyable visit with Santa
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If this is the first visit for your child, let your child stop and watch other children with Santa before they meet him. Their first visit might not be the best day to get a photo taken so consider making multiple visits
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Don ’t force your child to sit on Santa ’s knee. Some kids get overwhelmed and need to be allowed to choose to approach him. Feel free to try again later
Visits: •
If your child is young, avoid visiting Santa close to mealtime or naptime, bring them when they are at their happiest
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Try to avoid long lines by visiting on weekdays. If this is not possible, come prepared with snacks and toys to distract them while waiting for their turn
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Be sure they ‘ve had a chance to go to the washroom, they ‘ll be more comfortable and less fidgety
Photos: •
Consider backing in very young children to Santa and putting them on his lap; the element of surprise can give a photographer a few seconds to snap a shot before the child reacts.
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Santa always wears red & white, most photographers suggest a contrasting colour for your child’s outfit
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Let your child visit with Santa without the pressure of being told to smile for the camera. Santa will work his magic to bring a smile to their face and send you away with the perfect photo
Santa will be at Milton Mall beginning November 17th & children are invited to come and visit as often as they wish. For a complete list of hours and photo prices, please visit www.miltonmall.com and click on Santa! under About Us.
Milton Villager
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visit to Santa is a tradition for many children and photos are a cherished memory for parents. Here are some tips to ensure a good experience:
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By Jenifer Sim
CONTEST PROVES
Milton‘s got talent By Stuart Service | Photos by Ann Kornuta
W
ith a powerful voice far exceeding his small stature, 13-year-old Gavin McLeod blew the roof off Mattamy Theatre on October 18.
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McLeod’s performance of “The Cave” by Mumford and Sons was awarded first place at the Milton Talent Contest.
Last but not least at the Milton Talent Contest was Chester Espino, Justin Magalona, Adrian Malaran, Tristian Malaran, Neil Robles and Kristen Romano, who are the six members of the lone dance act at the talent show, Undefined.
“I feel great right now,” McLeod said after his performance. “I came into this thinking it’d be fun. It’s been an amazing experience.” The Milton Centre For The Arts ‘ Steinway piano was put to good use by 14-year-old Kristina Koznova, who played a flawless rendition of Chopin ‘s “Waltz.”
“We are used to a confined stage,” He said. “We haven’t Placing third was the lone dance act in the contest, performed this piece at Mattamy Theatre. Blocking Undefined, a Milton crew of six members formed two and stuff was really hard, but we tried our best.” years ago. The group used the entire stage’s surface to Other notable acts include the lively Tina Turner perform a sophisticated range of moves and styles. impersonation of “Proud Mary” by Tamara Lopez, and Though they danced to a medley of hip-hop tunes, the chill-inducing performance of “Memory” from the Tristan Malaran of Undefined said “We’ll dance to musical Cats by Meagan Carey. anything.” Zach Boswell, a 15-year-old who said he’s written about 20 songs, played guitar and sang his original song “Exchanging Words.” Also singing an original song was Cristina Steinhauser, “Someday,” preempting her performance by downplaying the song. “This song is kind of cheesy,” Steinhauser said to the crowd. In just their sixth month together, the Milton Show Choir performed to open and close the talent contest at the centre for the arts on October 18.
“I wrote it about a year ago for my boyfriend. He’s here today, but his parents aren’t because he was too embarrassed to bring them,” She added.
Milton talent contest winner Gavin McLeod performs “The Cave” by Mumford and Sons.
The final lyric of Steinhauser’s song strummed with a ukulele, “I think it’s beautiful when you marry me,” got a big “awww” from the audience.
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Judging the talent contest was Bob Hall, a vocal coach, choir director and music teacher in the Halton District School Board, Kelly MacIntyre, a singer/songwriter and broadcaster, and Heinar Piller, who has directed or produced more than 300 shows. Following deliberations by the judges that ran five minutes past the deadline, Piller highlighted the bravery of all the 11 finalists. “It takes courage for young kids, and some not so young people, to come out and expose themselves, without experience most of them, in front of an audience of strangers,” Piller said.
This lively act by Tamara Lopez channeled the spirit of Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”
“If this is an example of what’s up and coming in Milton,” MacIntyre said, “this art centre’s going to be filled with incredible entertainment to come.”
Meagan Carey singing a chill-inducing rendition of the song “Memory” from the musical Cats.
Singer/songwriter Zach Boswell, 15, performed an original song he wrote called “Exchanging Words.”
Philanthropist and author Craig Kielburger signs a copy of his book Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World, for a student who attends the Milton high school named after him. Photo by Stuart Service
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Author Craig Kielburger visits his new Milton high school By Stuart Service | Photos by Stuart Service
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fter nearly two years of construction at the corner of Louis Saint Laurent Avenue and Ferguson Drive, Craig Kielburger Secondary School celebrated its official grand opening on October 9. The day featured a perspective-gearing speech from the school’s namesake, a writer and philanthropist who has authored several books, appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, and has traveled around the world more than 20 times. Many of the school’s 1,200 students waited in line to meet the school ‘s namesake and to get an autographed copy of brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger ‘s book, Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World. Grade 9 student Dawson Nicholls enjoyed Kielburger’s speech so much he joined that snaking lineup of students. “His speech was amazing. It ‘s really inspiring how we can change the world by ourselves,” Nicholls said. Me to We, the title of the book written by the Kielburger brothers, is also the name of a for-profit organization
Craig Kielburger Secondary School teacher Tania McPhee and principal Donna Taylor speak to the school ‘s namesake during the building ‘s official grand opening.
that donates heavily to the Free The Children charity. Me to We specializes in organizing life-changing volunteer school trips that make a major difference in communities in third world countries. Tania McPhee, a World Issues, Law and Civics teacher at the school, will be among four teachers and 27 Craig Kielburger students traveling abroad next March.
“We ‘re taking a group of students to Ghana on a Me To We ‘voluntour, ‘” McPhee said. “We ‘re going to start the building of a school and learn a lot about leadership and sustainable development. “We ‘re going to try every year to take a trip and have kids get their hands dirty in different environments, get their own perspective and their own sense of how lucky we are to live in the country we live in.” McPhee said she wasn’t surprised by the excitement generated by Kielburger’s speech. “The namesake of our school is somebody who we believe is influential and inspirational to young people,” she said. “It feels great to come here to work everyday, that we know that we ‘re constantly being inspired by the endless possibilities that is in each and every one of our students.”
Grade 9 Craig Kielburger Secondary School student Dawson Nicholls with Jackson and Wilson, Maasai Warriors from Kenya who were in attendance for the school ‘s grand opening on October 9.
Here Comes Santa
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 10 am - 12 noon
Bring the kids out to be entertained by How the Grinch Stole Christmas (life size puppet show) at 10 am, and welcome Santa at 11 am. Hallowe’en am - 12 17th noon– 24th: Santa HoursCraft & Pumpkin Carving 10:00 December Smoke & Potions Spooky Science Show 10:45 am - 11:15 am to 8 pm November 17th - December 16th: Monday to Friday, 12 noon Creepy Critters Demonstration 11:30 am 12 noon Thursdays & Fridays, 4 - 8 pm Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays, 10 amand - 5goodie pm bags are limited to the Sunday, noonpresent to 4 pm Pumpkins, supplies first 30012 children Sundays, 12 noon - 4 pm* Christmas Eve, 10 am to 3 pm
Parents must remain with their children. Open to children ages 4 - 12. morewill details the Kids’ Club icon. *For Santa be visit busymiltonmall.com at the paradeand on click Nov.on 18th. For more details visit miltonmall.com
www.miltonmall.com corner of Main and Ontario miltonmall.com Corner of Main and Ontario
Wingfield’s Progress at Mattamy Theatre The town of Milton is blessed with a state of the art facility, the Mattamy Theatre, located within Milton’s Centre for the Arts building. Theatricals, musicals, concerts, and other great events have found their way here. Douglas Beattie’s anticipated play, Wingfield’s Progress, is no exception to this rule and will be enjoyed by hundreds of Miltonians on Friday, November 30, 2012.
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The production, directed by the talented Douglas Beattie, features a play written by Dan Needles showcasing the extravagant stage presence of a one-man show, Rod Beattie. To those familiar with the arts scene in Milton, Beattie and the gang were here last year for their inaugural show Letter from Wingfield Farm, the first part of a seven-part saga. It is the story of one man’s attempt to embrace a less complicated world. In a series of letters to the editor of the Larkspur weekly newspaper, Walt Wingfield tells about the people and events of his first year as a man of the soil. Only one show has been offered at the Mattamy Theatre, but yearly continuations of the series have been promised. The Wingfield Farm Saga, one of the most successful and long-running critically acclaimed theatricals Canada has ever seen, has been performed over 4,400 times. We were able to catch up with Douglass Beattie for a couple of questions. When asked how he would briefly describe Wingfield’s Progress, he commented, “This play is second in a series of comedies for a solo actor portraying a stockbroker, Walt Wingfield, turned farmer. In this presentation, Walt fights a condominium development that threatens the rural splendour of Persephone Township.”
Photo Credit Terry Manzo Personally, I have never seen Letter from Wingfield Farm, but I will definitely be in the audience on the opening of this great event, and I hope you will too. This will surely be an event that will be remembered for a long time by the residents of the Milton community. For more information about the play and the people behind the show, please visit their website http://www.wingfieldfarm.ca/ For ticketing information visit http://MiltonCentrefortheArts.ca or call the box office at (905) 878-6000.
By Anshul Sharma
AnnK completes “Past Tense” eBook of Milton’s historical sites
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ilton artist Ann Kornuta has produced the first electronic history book about the Town of Milton.
Past Tense features photos and information courtesy of the Milton Historical Society combined with Kornuta’s colourful blend of original paintings and illustrations of her hometown. The artist featured her interactive book at Culture Days, a nation-wide event on September 29 and 30 with Milton’s edition taking place at the Centre for the Arts. Kornuta’s Culture Days display drew a range of Milton residents, who reacted differently upon learning about their town’s history. “People who’ve lived here for years, it’s a nostalgic feeling for them,” she said. “People who are new here to town [found] it’s an interesting way to learn about the community that you’re living in.” Past Tense by Ann Kornuta will be available for iPads through the iTunes store. “I chose the iPad because it’s the best platform for a visual experience,” she said, adding that versions for other platforms like Android may be available in the future.
“It’s a great way where you can self-publish, I just thought why not try it out?” Kornuta continued. “With the possibilities of this technology, it’s quite easy to do something as long as you’re willing to put the effort and the time into something like an eBook.”
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Milton Artist Ann Kornuta demonstrates her electronic book to a group at Culture Days at the Milton Centre for the Arts on September 29 and 30. By Stuart Service | Photo by Stuart Service
SPRINGRIDGE FARM PROUDLY PRESENTS THE
2012
Town and Country Christmas House Tour By Faisal Lodhi
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very year for the past 21 years, United Way Milton has provided an opportunity for the public to see houses professionally decorated for Christmas. The planning for this event began last March with the help of the house tour volunteers and committee members, BANG! creative communications, Theresa Brereton Photography, sponsors, decorators, limousine services, entertainers and retail partners who have been putting in countless hours working on the project. Without this crew, the Christmas House Tour would not be possible. This year’s Christmas House Tour is sponsored by Springridge Farm, with the goal of raising over $30,000 with all proceeds going to United Way Milton to help support 27 local social service agencies.
The Dinner & Limo Tour on Friday, November 23rd is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the Self Guided Tour on Saturday, November 24th from 10 am to 5 pm. The Christmas House Tour will be featuring a church this year, along with five spectacular homes. St. George’s Anglican Church will also be hosting a Christmas Tea Luncheon on Saturday, November 24th from 11 am until 2 pm. Those interested in taking in this festive event can purchase tickets for $30. Tickets are available from Springridge Farm, as well as other local Milton businesses. For ticket sale locations & information, visit www.miltonunitedway.ca or call United Way Milton at 905-875-2550
Maranatha Log House An historic log home located in Campbellville that delivers the charm of yesterday, complete with an award winning adjoining flower and seasonal decorating shop. This location has been featured on television and in magazines and several artists have painted and photographed this picturesque home and shop. The house was built in 1844 and is currently operating as a Bed and Breakfast Inn.
King Street House Originally built in 1936, is a two bedroom bungalow located in Milton, Ontario.
Moffat House Originally built in 1987, it continues to keep up to date with modern features, while keeping pieces of the original old English charm.
Moorelands Crescent House It’s a traditional house, recently renovated and located in Milton, Ontario.
Hood Terrace House A new house located in Milton, Ontario.
St. George’s Anglican Church New to the 2012 event, this stone church is the first to be fully decorated and added to the tour. The many stained glass windows offer a breathtaking view of the Niagara Escarpment.