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BIG QUESTION Let’s talk about sex... education Tell us your opinion at: www.bcitymagazine.com
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Summer 2015 Director and Publisher Leah Flippance leah@flipsidemediagroup.com Editor and Creative Director Louise Sherwood louise@bcitymagazine.com Associate Editor Camille Llosa camille@bcitymagazine.com Account Executive John Pase john@flipsidemediagroup.com Contributing Food and Drink Editor Alex Bielak Graphic Designer Ashley Giannice Advertising Designer Andres Esis Photography Marcie Costello Marcie Costello Photography Maria Gagliardi Mary Pics Photography Mark Zelinski Mark Zelinski Photographic Design Shutterstock.com Contributors
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he changing sexual education curriculum in Ontario schools has been a cause of controversy in the media. Misinformation and alarmist rumours have made this a hot button issue. A recent Globe and Mail article on the subject made mention that the word, ‘love’ is being left out of the sex-ed discussion with students, a decision education experts say was an inherently strategic one. While interpersonal and relationship skills are left to post secondary school, if at all, we want to know, would teaching kids, at an age appropriate level about relationships and love be beneficial to their education? Would it infringe on home teaching, or would it be a welcome addition to the school curriculum? Or, do you think it would further confuse the already tricky topic? We want to know your opinion. Visit www.bcitymagazine.com and tell us your thoughts. You could see your comment appear in our next issue, ‘The Relationship Edition.’
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Sarah Jane Skinner Brown Shannon Gilles Jill Harrington Sherina Harris Steve Jenkins Miranda Kendall Jamesin Rossborough Noah Rutka Derek Walter Carley Warren To advertise in B City Magazine contact us at: info@bcitymagazine.com 289.684.2482 B City Magazine is published by: Flipside Media Group Stoney Creek, ON www.flipsidemediagroup.com
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On the cover - Life in B City Photos by: Maria Gagliardi Marypics Mark Zelinski Photographic Design
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Have a good story to share about where you found love? Send it to the editor at louise@bcitymagazine.com and you could be featured in the next edition of B City Magazine. Upcoming Edition September 2015! We focus on what is most important to us: our relationship with LOVE! Where to find and enjoy love in B City as well as a focus on the darker side of love. Be sure to get four editions of B City each year with guaranteed mailbox delivery! Visit www.bcitymagazine. com to subscribe, including the B City Gift Envelope. See page nine for details.
Contents Life Edition
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54 6 Publisher’s Letter 8 Editor’s Letter 10 On the Bookshelf A review of four top lifestyle reads that will give you the goods on what to discuss in your social circles.
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46 13 B City Young Writers Five Burlington youths ages 10 to 18 share their personal perspective of life and its challenges for young people. 20 Back to the Drawing Board The option of continuing education that many Canadians are considering as a way to improve their life.
23 The Politics of Parking in B City What is the situation with parking downtown? Customers and business owners weigh in on this heavy and costly subject that impacts life for all who live, work and play downtown.
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25 Growing up on the Other Side of B City Experts in child welfare note medical and physical problems, which are evolving into mental health problems. 30 Senior Life A not so unusual story of senior citizen and how she is fairing in Burlington. 34 Bringing your own Healthcare System to Life An insightful look into additional health care services that may be needed from time to time in addition to standard Ontario Health Care. 38 Infographic It’s graphic. A succinct look at life around the world, from religion, to bio-diversity, to population. 42 Mark Zelinski A collection of extraordinary photos of life on and above our home; The Niagara Escarpment.
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46 Young Turks Alex Bielak meets with two young chefs to discover and share what makes them the regions most promising top chefs. 52 Shining Light out of the Darkness A profound photo exhibit of the Architects of Change Project exposing light out of the darkness.
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54 Repository of Lost Relationships A historical landmark on the shores of the Burlington Bay. 56 The Last Word Two men whose love for one pig, changed their life.
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BCity Summer 2015 5
Publisher’s Letter W
ell it seems the warm weather is here, and just in time for the release of our Life Edition which will carry us through the summer! In this edition we take a different look at “Life” and I hope it will resonate with our readers just as much, if not more than our last Life Edition. At B City we try to look at things in a different light, to find new ways to connect our advertisers with their consumers. It’s not really about advertising, as much as it is about connections. After much thought, we have decided it would work best to publish in the four most complimentary times of year, so we can provide a richer publication, which will be well read on a quarterly basis. Last summer’s Best B City Caesar competition went so well (with Joe Dogs bringing in the win) that we decided to do it again! This fall in our Relationship Edition we will be holding another friendly competition. Stay tuned for news on that soon, and as always, another envelope full of generous gifts from your local Burlington Businesses! Thank you again for your continued support in your local Burlington Magazine! Leah Flippance Publisher
LET’S GO “SHOE OF THE YEAR”
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#SUPPORTBCITYBUSINESS SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN OUR B CITY. TWO-THIRDS OF ALL EMPLOYEES IN CANADA WORK FOR A SMALL BUSINESS AND BUSINESSES WITH FEWER THAN 50 EMPLOYEES CONTRIBUTE ONE-QUARTER OF CANADA’S GDP. SOURCE: BURLINGTON CHAMBER FLIPSIDE MEDIA GROUP IS DEVOTED TO HELPING LOCAL BUSINESS GROW. ARE YOU? VISIT US AT FLIPSIDEMEDIAGROUP.COM AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP LOCAL BUSINESS GROW.
Editor’s Letter
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his edition is all about the little things in life that actually turn out to be the big things in life including Esther the pig (see page 56 the Last Word). Our Big Question (see page 2) is at the root of that which creates life, we’re talking about the sex-ed curriculum in Ontario. So why is there such a big question surrounding how to educate people about it? I’ve been asked my opinion and given the chance to talk of such a hot topic I give my opinion freely. I think that
In support of:
start2finishonline.org
jbhfoundation.ca
artgalleryofburlington.com
we need to educate people at an early age in “relationship” education first and sex education will naturally follow once we get the basics of how to experience mutually respectful interactions, including sex. Why is it that how we relate with one another is so essential but there is no such education in the education system? That is the big question. I welcome you to share your thoughts on this big question that has created quite the stir in Burlington and throughout the province.
Inspired by a talk given by Burlington pediatrician Dr. Ford Jones I was motivated to share his wisdom with our readers. Writer Jamesin Rossborough’s feature article on page 25 presents the problems that Dr. Ford Jones has observed while caring for the health and wellbeing of Burington’s children. Dr. Ford Jones has spent his career focused on childrens’ wellbeing. In the spirit of providing opportunities for youth we coached five young writers ages from 10 to 18 to share their words about life from their perspective. We are proud to of their efforts and to publish their written words. Photographer Maria Gagliardi, a part of Architect of Change Project shares her profound photos of people life experiences captured in a different light. I admire the courage to share truth and the possibllity of healing through these moving portraits that show that life miracles are nothing more than light appearing out of darkness. Burlington’s own, world-renowned photographer Mark Zelinski has travelled all across the globe but still finds beauty at his home on the Niagara Escarpment. We highlight his original photo exhibit in this issue. Mark’s keen artistic eye sees the simple and beautiful details of life including the bees, the birds, the flowers and the trees, and of course the little Jefferson Salamander which our city makes an valiant effort to protect. I hope you are inspired and uplifted by this edition all about life in all its wonderful forms. Wishing you lots of little things in life you love! The little things really are the big thing when they are all connected together. Louise Sherwood Editor
Burlington’s
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8 BCity Summer 2015 Presented by: Rotary Club of Burlington Central | www.rotarycbc.on.ca | rotarycbc@gmail.com
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On the bookshelf In this issue we bring you a broad selection of current ‘lifestyle’ reading. We look at the plasticity of the brain, tips for being a wellrounded adult, how to eat like you give a f*ck, and random facts that will definitely make you sound interesting at a dinner party. Camille Llosa
When to Rob a Bank…and 131 More Warped Suggestions and Well-intended Rants Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps By Kelly Williams Brown
he Steven and Stephen duo of Freakanomics fame celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their cult classic first book with the release of their latest, When to Rob a Bank. The Freakanomics franchise (which now includes an award winning blog, multiple books, a highly ranked podcast, lectures and a movie) brought economic and social thinking to the masses with irreverent voice, insatiable curiosity and entertaining thoughtfulness. In this latest installment the duo sifted through more than 8,000 blog posts and selected the best to bring to print. These short, easy to read pseudoessays tackle topics that don’t seem inherently economic, like: If you were a terrorist, how would you attack? Or, How advantageous is home-field advantage? A definite easy read, this book is a conversation starter.
n this charming yet wise book, Journalist Kelly Williams Brown maps out the keys to becoming a worth-while adult in easy to follow, sometimes self-deprecating steps. Sure, it may seem like this book is intended for twenty-something’s just leaving the nest, venturing out on the first forays in life, and for sure, some of those steps absolutely are. Like step 32; ‘do some daily cleaning,’ or step 417; ‘don’t drink and drive, and yes, tipsiness counts.’ But there are some well reasoned gems of advice for those of us who already consider ourselves adults. For example, step 305; ‘don’t treat your friends like your unpaid life coaches,’ or step 1; ‘accept that you are not special,’ ouch! This book covers topics from money, to love, to cooking and general social interaction, and hey, who couldn’t use a refresher course in that.
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Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck
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his cookbook made a splash when it was first released, earning praise and acclaim: a punk makeover for veganism. Touted as a no nonsense how-to guide for those looking to add a little veganism to their lives, this book is packed with attitude and swagger. Its expletive laden prose is humourous, and the tongue-in-cheek attitude about food will sway some of the less vegan-inclined to give the recipes a try. The pitfall of this cookbook is that it doesn’t stray from the typical mandate of the vegan cookbook. Sure, vegan cooking is inherently limited, but Thug Kitchen adheres to the standards of the vegan cookbook in a way that seems juxtaposed to its branded attitude. Included are the mandatory basic ingredient tutorials, and the typical staples of: soup, chili, wraps and salad found in most vegan cookbooks, save a little more Southern California influence. The simplicity of its form and crass delivery makes the expletive rich pages seem to be a bit gimmicky. On the plus side, Thug Kitchen does not shove veganism down your throat. It isn’t a proponent of the meat-substitute culture, just clean veggies - a pleasant departure. Must try recipes include; roasted carrot and cumin dressing and baked spicy plantain chips.
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity By Norman Doige
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he latest book by Canadian psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and New York Times bestselling author looks at the burgeoning field of neuroplastic healing. Doige turns what was once commonplace thinking about the brain - that it is static and unable to regenerate - and turns it on its head. Using fascinating case studies with relatable and endearing characters, Doige expertly explains how the brains capacity for healing is greater than once believed. He demonstrates that using gentle, non-invasive techniques like light, sound, movement and vibration can open pathways to neuroplastic healing. In case after case these techniques have astounding results. A man rids himself of some of the most debilitating aspects of Parkinson’s with walking, vision is restored using mindful meditative techniques and traumatic brain injury and stroke substantially healed with sensory devices. This book exemplifies in scientific terms the veracity of the mind-body connection, a connection western medicine has long ignored.
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Welcome to Studio B, Ghkma ;nkebg`mhg l [^lm d^im l^\k^m' Emerson bulbs cast a soft glow on the warm grey walls. A natural oak ledge extends the length of the room, providing guests with the perfect resting place for a warm cup of coffee or a favorite magazine. Studio B sets the mood with an eclectic blend of music and if you’re lucky, Miles the salon dachshund will jump into your lap while your color sets in. The professional and contemporary touch is visible in every aspect of this independently run business. If you already know what you love, Studio B knows how to deliver. If you feel like a change but you’re not sure what you’re looking for, they can guide you in the right direction. The stylists have unparalleled vision and talent when creating the look that is right for you. From classically gorgeous cuts, to edgy and fresh colors, Brock and Darce leave their clients feeling beautiful and chic. For a full list of services and to book your appointment today, visit www.studiobrock.com or call 905-331-8111.
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Young Writers
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he B City Magazine team was inspired to give aspiring writers who had a dream of being published an opportunity to make it real. Five young writers, ages 10 to 18, took a bold step
to share their passionate perspectives on life. We are pleased to publish their stories and congratulate each young writer on their submissions and making their dream come true when they followed through!
BCity Summer 2015 13
Please Don’t Ask “That Question”
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eing young and passionate isn’t easy. No one ever told you life was going to be easy, but for that matter, no one ever really told you anything about the future. There is no guidebook to life, no rules telling you how to live. This can be confusing, and scary, especially for someone who is trying to grow up—someone trying to live their dream. Your parents didn’t have the same experience you did when they were young, because you could be a doctor, an accountant, a journalist, or homeless. There weren’t many options, which is why when you try and explain to them that you want to be a YouTube star, they aren’t exactly welcoming of such an idea. But then there’s that question; the question that makes you cringe at the thought and comes up at every family gathering, every guidance appointment, and every encounter with an adult. “So what do you want to be when you grow up?” Ah yes… the very question to crush your dreams. There is no correct answer to that question, no possible way to answer it. Does it sound reasonable in any way to ask a seventeen-year-old girl what she wants to 14 BCity Summer 2015
be when she grows up? It’s not fair to ask someone so young where they want to be in twenty years when people who are forty still don’t know what they want to be when they ‘grow up.’ You will change your mind again and again, and it will be exhausting trying so many things, but just remember to find something you love. According to BizCommunity the average person will change their career path between five and seven times, so don’t assume you have to get it right the first try. That seventeen-year-old girl doesn’t even know what her full potential is yet, and has yet to explore the world, welcome change and culture, hardship and victory. She doesn’t know what her career will be, or house will look like, or what she’s going to name her children. She doesn’t know much, but what she will do, is never give up. Society puts so much pressure on her. “You need to constantly be ready, and have a plan,” they say. You could do that, and you could work a nine to five shift, and do the minimal amount of work that life requires…but it will never cause you to grow or inspire change. This girl will live in the moment and push for the future. She
Miranda Kendall
doesn’t always have a plan because life will blow her in the right direction of where the wind wants her to go. How can you ask someone so young what they want to ‘be’? Do you think that when Steve Jobs was seventeen he said to himself “I want to make cool little mobile phones where you can upload your data wirelessly to other devices you own!” It doesn’t work that way, and let that be an ode to the world to just keep moving. It is okay to be extraordinary. It is okay to aim high. It is okay to go into a profession that makes you happy rather than makes you lots of money. It is okay to not know. Next time you are about to ask a seventeen-year-old girl that question, don’t. “When I was five years old my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” —John Lennon
Sometimes the Quiet Helps
Noah Rutka
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ave you ever walked to school with expensive shoes, pants and a nice shirt but not happy with how you look because you think you’re fat, too skinny, weird or stupid? Well, you are not alone. Noah was a boy just like that. He was a shy boy who kept to himself and rarely hung out with friends. He wore his hair long and pulled over his face to hide. He always wore sweatshirts and never looked in the mirror. Along with many shy kids, Noah was misunderstood and nobody seemed to know that he felt alone or how to help. When Noah was younger he talked a lot but as he grew older his peers got annoyed by his constant chatter, so he just stopped and it just got worse from there. He became aggressive because he thought no one understood him. One night, he was talking to his mom about how he really felt about himself. He wanted to get fit, fast! He had played team sports before but didn’t enjoy them that much so he decided to try swimming at the local YMCA. Noah swam three to four times a week because he had set a goal to accomplish 10 laps a night within three weeks but he ac-
complished so much more. This was the sport that stuck. Before long he was recruited by the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) swim team. The Lifeguards at the YMCA helped him. He learned to do flip turns, the dolphin kick and more. Most importantly, those lifeguards showed him generosity in his time of need and Noah learned to reach out to his community more, especially the swim community that he was now a part of. Noah’s confidence wasn’t quite 100 per cent yet. He wore a shirt and snorkel mask at GHAC swim practices. The coach didn’t pressure Noah, knowing he would remove his shirt and mask in his own time. At his very first swim meet, Noah took off his shirt and he never wore it again. This was the moment Noah realized he no longer cared what people thought, he just felt good. Eight months later Noah, feeling accomplished and confident is now training for his first regional swim meet. Noah’s lack of self-esteem was the reason he was shy. Other kids become shy because of overly busy lives. Noah believes that the pressures at school to be perfectly behaved, get perfect grades and be the best in their sports or arts are what kids say make them
feel shy. But we are all growing and maturing mentally and physically at different rates. But all shy kids have one thing in common; almost all of them are heavy thinkers, and that’s ok! If a quiet kid talks to you, then listen because they have something important to say. Sometimes the quiet helps. Jessica Minkoff from Big Brothers, Big Sisters believes all kids are different and their social circles are smaller and might take longer to develop trust. She never participated and was shy as a child and rarely participated in social activities. Jessica believes stress in shy children comes from social media. Stress was less when she was a child because there was no social media. Jessica made a good point in that if you’re shy and not opening up you might miss out on sharing some pretty creative ideas and show people that you’re smarter than they thought because a silent voice is misunderstood as an ignorant voice. But it can work the opposite. Being shy can challenge kids and make them try harder in school but her answer completely depends on the kid.
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A New Type of Dependence: Cell Phones
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ell phones today are more than the portable land lines used when needed to make a call. Today, technology has provided unparalleled access to instant messaging, photo sharing, online networking, social media, games, class notes, financing, music, the weather and email. In short, it is a teenager’s whole world in their back pocket. Social media is raging and teens have the ability to tweet, message and post online 24/7. This sounds like a dream but is becoming a nightmare. The greatest challenge teenagers across the globe face today is the obsession they have developed by using their cell phones constantly. With more than 75 per cent of the world’s population having access to mobile devices, Alyshia Reid from Everyday Health warns that this is a growing addiction. A teenager with a cell phone in their hands is no different than a heroin addict inserting a needle their arm or a quiet drunk drinking at home because these addicts don’t think it’s a problem if they’re only affecting themselves. Suzanne T. Phillips from the website Emotional Life, studied MRi tests and concluded, “Neuro-imaging has shown that back and forth texting floods the pleasure centers of the brain, the same area that lights up when using heroin. The emotional disruption of a real or perceived negative response, however, necessitates more texting to repair the mood, to fix the feelings of rejection, blame and disconnection. The addictive potential is obvious.” Reasoning with teens who do not think constant connection is a problem for the parents trying to raise the issue. Consequently, parents need to educate themselves with the research of the severity with this addiction. According to medical author Honor Whiteman from Medical News Today, 60 per cent of high school students claim they may be addicted to their cell phones after spending an average of 9 hours a day on the tiny, but powerful devices. As stated at, dailymail. co.uk, data was collected on 150,000 users by the Android App Locket and found that, “the high frequency users [use] it is 900 times a day or 18 hours total.” Further, in 2013, a study by Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers found the average user checks their phone nearer to 150 times per day. The word which describes this type of addiction is: “nomophobia.” Nomophobia is an anxiety which indicates a psychological dependence on cell phones because the devices are a convenient way for us to meet basic human needs. This is an ideal word to define the causing dependency teenagers have on their phones today. Maryellen Weimer, PhD from Faculty Focus has found that students believe they can work on their assignments during class as well as frequently use with their phones. She 16 BCity Summer 2015
Carley Warren
also discovered that majority of students do not multitask well when they’re on their cell phones and taking part in classroom duties rather than if they were just focused on their school work. “The research is almost unanimous journalistresouce.com finds, which is very rare in social science, and it says that people who chronically multitask show an enormous range of deficits. They’re basically terrible at all sorts of cognitive tasks, including multitasking.” Whiteman has also discovered that these distractions have also lead to cheating, conflict with professors and employers and family members. The purpose of Whiteman’s particular study was to pinpoint the cell phone activities that are most closely linked to cell phone dependence. Teens even stay connected while learning the skill of driving. Canadian Family Physician.com has confirmed that society’s pressure to stay connected via telecommunication devices has led to texting while driving. It is proven by Texting and Driving Safety that 80 per cent of young people ages 16-20 admit to texting while driving. What’s worse is that according to Texting and Driving Safety, 77 per cent of young adults are very or somewhat
confident that they can safely text while driving. Yet, Auto Safety.com proves the leading cause of preventable deaths in teenagers are by texting while driving with more than 3,000 deaths year...talk about addicts in denial. Mental health problems are a main side effect of constant use of one’s prized possession. With research from Huffpost Living Canada, there are many different health problems that cell phone addiction will result in if it is not controlled. Not only do teenagers latest devices affect their brains, overuse can result in poor emotional and eye health, chronic pain and spreading germs. Another study was conducted in 2012 by media specialist Lizette Borreli, which showed that frequent cell phone use increases stress levels that symptomize depression and mental health issues. Sleepreview.com, Huffpost, Livescience. com, PBS and professional writer Traci Pedersen have all mention that by teenagers using their devices after hours are sleep deprived. About 70 per cent of teenagers interviewed, answered “yes” to having their phones in their bedroom when they sleep at night Sleepreviewreports. The results of a PBS survey showed that four out of five teenagers sleep
with their phones next to them. Sleepreview that is by receiving help. Parents are the way studies show it is also proven that nighttime of arranging help because they are the people technology use is harmful for one’s circadian who love their kids most. First of all, parents need to proactively essystems, it damaging teen health as well as their learning potential. The most important tablish rules before buying their kids a cell qualities a teenager can have is ruined by the phone. They can start off by trusting the teens habit forming qualities the latest cell phones to avoid taking their devices out of their lockers during class hours with the exception of offer. The results conclusively show that teen- emergencies. Learning comes first. Students agers should not use their phone once they must follow the boards acceptable use guideenter their bedroom at night. Those who fre- lines during learning time. Calculators and quently use their phones after bedtime had a other single use tools should be purchased so higher sense of poor mental health along with students are not tempted to use their phones as suicidal thoughts and seemed have harmed a calculator or research tool. Modern smartthemselves according to livescience.com. phones have notifications, which constantly Utilizing a cell phone after “lights out,” con- interrupt work flow with social media updates structs teens to feel obligated to check their that destroy concentration. Finally, in case of phones, get caught in the texting or sexting emergencies parents should call the main oftrap and many more factors explained on fice not the cell phone so school officials can PBS. All of these chronic aspects that come help families navigate trouble. Parents must continue supervising their with owning cell phone are not under parents control, which puts teenagers in risk of many kids schedules into the teenage years. Cell phones should not be out during homework defects in their future. It is one thing to be informed on the prob- hours. Parents should be aware of the implicalems with cell phones, but is there a point of tions of the cell phone apps teenagers want to being aware of an issue when you have no add to their phone. Parents should be friended control to stop it? In this particular case, there on social media sites, if any are permissible are solutions for these challenges teenagers at all, so online interactions can be monitored are facing that parents of these teenagers can so bullying cannot occur. Cell phones can be returned once homework had been completed contribute with. With that being said, there is only one which ensure multitasking will not destroy positive aspect that comes with having an the best of teenagers ability. The cell phone should be taken away one addiction and that is the most important feature. That feature is that there is always hope. hour before going to bed each night. The cell There is always a way of getting better and phone should be at a charging station on the
main floor where teens cannot access them when they’re in their rooms. The cell phone should have a curfew. It should not be taken out after 10 or 11 p.m. each night including weekends in order to get proper hours of sleep. These rules can be amended once the child has earned their trust. Mom and Dad should encourage sons and daughters to begin getting involved with extracurricular activities and start developing hobbies. Once teenagers find an interest in activities, they will get used to the fact that phones are not the only way to have interactions with peers. Face to face interactions make it more likely that kids will develop social skills, communication skills and confidence. Kids who deal with people are less likely to retreat back to the online world. Parents should insist that a no texting and driving pledge must be signed before taking a drivers test. A pledge can be found places like http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/ which states no to texting while driving. Having an addiction is as serious as it sounds. Whether it be heroin or a cell phone, the two dependencies have lists of negative side effects and will not be treated unless help is acquired. This is extremely challenging for teenagers because the world around them today is all based off social media, which is accessed through their cell phones. By having the opportunity to have teenagers experience life primarily is a solution all parents should work towards for a brighter future for their children.
Why The World Of Today Needs ‘Kid Power’
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’ve been on this planet for 11 years, but it’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve begun to realize that things are not as wonderful in this world as I have been lead to believe. Finding out the truth about Santa and the Easter Bunny was bad enough, but there are actually worse things - really! There are things that affect millions of kids all around the world, but the grownups don’t seem to be doing much about them. And the worst thing is that they don’t even want to listen to us, the ones who are most affected! ‘Kid Power’ must be recognized! What’s ‘Kid Power’ you ask? ‘Kid Power’ is when millions of kids around the world unite to have our voices heard about the things that are of major concern to us: things that the grownups with power don’t seem to be doing very much about. One of the things that is a major concern to us kids is Internet predators. Lots of kids have had serious problems with them. According to PureSight Online Child Safety, the majority of the targets for Internet predators tend to fall between the ages of 11 to 15; while the predators themselves tend to fall between the ages of 18 to 55! When a person is on the Internet, they can claim to be anyone they like. They can’t be seen, so they can fool kids into believing they are the same age as the kids and have the same interests. PureSight Online Child Safety also states that 75 per cent of children are willing to share personal information about themselves and their family in exchange for goods and services! Things like gifts and passwords for example. What can kids do? Use ‘Kid Power’ thinking - look for the ‘Stranger Danger’ signs. The biggest one is when a stranger on the Internet starts asking for personal information like your name, address, school, or your friends’ names. Immediately get off the Internet site and tell your parents, your teacher or even an older brother or sister. The person you tell should then go on the site and report it. Always keep ‘Stranger Danger’ in your mind when on the Internet. I would suggest that every time a kid goes on the Internet, they should first write ‘Stranger Danger’ in big letters on a piece of paper and keep it clearly in view beside them. Next up to bat for top kid concerns is environmental endangerment. Most kids love animals and everything to do with the environment. The stuff that is happening is making us crazy! We hate that grownups litter, kill animals for fun, cut down trees without planting new ones, poison our oceans, rivers and streams and pump deadly gases into our air. No one’s thinking about the future we will 18 BCity Summer 2015
have to live in. We don’t want to live on a dirty, lifeless, oxygen-less planet. Take the Amazon Rainforest for instance. National Geographic states that the Amazon Rainforest supplies 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen and – almost single-handedly – stabilizes the earth’s climate due to its content of billions of tons of carbon; yet the rainforest is being mowed down at an incredible rate each day. By killing the rainforest we’re killing ourselves. And what about our companion beings on this planet who don’t have a voice at all: animals. Kids and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it’s more than that – we need to stop killing animals - especially just for “fun” - because they contribute to the survival of our planet. Every creature interacts in some way with every other creature. If you endanger one species that can have a ripple on many other species and all the way up the food chain to us. According to an interview by National Geographic with Australian anthropologist Thom Van Dooren, the endangered Gyps vultures of India are great at cleaning up camel, cow and buffalo carcasses every year. Who’s going to do it if they go extinct? Can you imagine a planet without birds, or deer, or chipmunks – yeah, cats and dogs too? Pretty ugly, right? We need to use ‘Kid Power’. We need to stand up and say, “We don’t want this for us, our children or our children’s children. We want a clean, healthy planet where animals thrive and we have tons of fresh air.” Well, what do you say – are you with me? ‘Kid Power’, yeah! Next, let’s talk about another subject of major concern to kids - bullying. If you are saying that you have never been affected by bullying, then you are probably a, “Liar, liar pants on fire.” A lot of kids know how bullying can ruin lives. According to the Canadian Council on Learning, a study published in The European
Sarah Jane Skinner Brown
Journal of Public Health found that students who were bullied on a weekly basis are almost twice as likely to experience headaches, stomach aches, backaches or dizziness, as their non-bullied peers. There are kids who are afraid to go outside their house because of their fear of being bullied. There are kids who are even bullied right inside their own homes because of Internet bullying. There have even been a lot of kid suicides due to bullying. Reuters Health says that school children who are bullied are more than twice as likely to think about killing themselves and to make suicide attempts as their peers who aren’t bullied. It also says that researchers also found that cyberbullying, such as harassment over the Internet, was more closely linked to suicidal thoughts than in-person bullying. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. Yes, people actually die because of bullying! What can we do to stop it? How about this: try sitting down with the bully, tell them in detail how deeply it hurts you and then try to find out why they do it. Hopefully, things can be worked out. We need to use ‘Kid Power’ to stop bullying. Bullies need to learn just how much they are hurting other kids just for what they may think is just a joke. If talking to the bully doesn’t help, you need to tell your parents and teachers about it. If you don’t tell them, how can they help? Researchers funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education found that nearly 65 per cent of victims said the bullying was not reported, either by themselves or others, to teachers or school officials. In no way is bullying a joke. Because of the actions of bullies, kids’ lives are ruined – even ended – before they even get a chance to begin living. Please join me in promoting ‘Kid Power’ for a better world. Adios Amigos!
Students Stressed Sherina Harris
Binders overflowing with homework, backpacks stuffed with textbooks, sporting equipment, and notes from clubs and councils. Nights spent trying to fit homework into a schedule already crammed with a job, a competitive sport, or extracurricular activites. With all of these things deemed normal, even necessary for teenagers, the pressure to succeed in everything is on - and teens are feeling it. According to Stress in America a 2013 study by the American Psychological Association (APA), teens rated their average stress level as 5.8 out of 10. Adults rated their average stress level as 5.1. The study also found that 42 per cent of teens don’t think they are doing enough to manage their stress. Stress in teenagers is a vicious cycle. It is brought on by the expectation of having an impressive resume for post-secondary applications. This means that in addition to achieving high marks, students seek out opportunities to make themselves look well-rounded, like volunteering in their community, joining clubs or teams at their school, and participating in and leading community activities. Trying to reduce involvement may mean lowering stress - but it also means losing out on activities that many teens believe are necessary to their success in life. One way that teens can manage their stress is to focus on activities that they are passionate about. The common belief that things should be done to look good on university applications is not a belief that will bring genuine happiness, as some things that teens do for those applications are not things they truly enjoy doing. There are a multitude of opportunities to do things that are not only enjoyable and relate to passions, but also look good on resumes. It is important to consider that the reason teens take on so many activities isn’t always internal. Pew Research Center’s 2015 Teens, Social Media and Technology survey found that 92 per cent of teens use the internet daily, and 71 per cent use more than one social media site. With this use of Internet and social media comes constant exposure to advertisements and celebrities, both of which can fuel the desire to be successful, and therefore take on more. All of the outside voices telling teens to do more to be more can be daunting, but obeying this outside advice isn’t always worthwhile. According to The Impact of Stress from PyschCentral, stress can have serious implications.High levels of stress have been linked to the weakening of the immune system, therefore making it more likely for a stressed individual to fall ill. The amount of activities in which a teen partakes means their waking hours are busy - and their sleeping hours are minimal. APA’s survey found that the average teen sleeps 7.4
Why Stress?
hours on school nights, low on the scale of 7-9 hours recommended for the age group. Lack of sleep can contribute to a host of other problems, as The Huffington Post reports that lack of sleep can lead to: increased memory loss, increased risk of cancer and obesity, and heart problems. “Rob yourself of sleep and you’ll find you do not function at your personal best,” writes Arianna Huffington in her novel Thrive. She has had a first hand experience with this; once, suffering from complete exhaustion, she fell and was surrounded by a pool of blood. It was at that moment that she knew she had to change the way she lived and how she defined success. Stressed teens shouldn’t wait for a drastic wake-up call to alter things causing them stress. Although Tina Fey famously said, “Say yes and figure it out later,” sometimes the best thing to do is say “no.” Saying no may make some teenagers feel as though they are closing the door on an opportunity to enhance their future; but really, it is simply allowing them to have more time to focus on other things that they are already involved in.
“Students are often given the impression that there’s a race, and they can’t mess up along the way, or they will lose,” Ian Manion, executive director of the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health told The Globe and Mail. Students may think the only way to mess up during the race is to not take on every opportunity they get. In reality, they are actually messing themselves up by piling on stress and not taking time to deal with it. “You can do anything, but not everything,” David Allen once said. This seems to be the main problem with stress in teenagers; they feel pressured to do everything, and then become more stressed when they fall short of that impossible marker. Realizing doing everything is impossible is the first step - the second step is to choose what (out of “anything”) they would like to do. In the end, stress doesn’t help teens, it hinders them. By choosing activities they are passionate about, listening less to outside voices trying to indicate that they are not doing enough, and saying “no”, teenagers can reduce their stress and improve their lives - a win-win situation. BCity Summer 2015 19
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
New stressors in the search for a job has many graduates and new Canadians pursuing continuing education as a means to improve their lives. Camille Llosa
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t’s undeniable. The workplace and job markets have changed, and not for the better. A generation ago, a bachelor’s degree could gain you almost immediate employment. These days, the more schooling you have does not necessarily translate into a well-paying, secure job. A fact that many new graduates are discovering According to a new study by CIBC Economics, job quality in Canada is at a 25year low. The unemployment rate of young people in Canada is a staggering 15 per cent – double that of the general population. Approximately one in three college or university grads is underemployed. A Statistics Canada study showed that one out of five university graduates in the workforce held a job that required no more than a high school diploma. Underemployment coupled with student debt can lead to long-term economic and social problems, not just for students but for communities at large. These days, people looking to increase their job prospects, earn higher wages or improve job satisfaction are going back to school. But not for traditional graduate degrees. Increasingly adult learners, new graduates and new Canadians are participating in the boom of continuing education, going back to school to learn specific skills that employers are looking for. Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto says, “The earth is moving beneath our feet, and I don’t think that education has really come to terms with that yet. The job market has changed. It used to be, the more degrees you had the better you did. But now, emerging
20 BCity Summer 2015
graduates are discovering that’s not necessarily true. What leads you to a better job is actually having a set of skills that employers need, and we hear that not just from students but from employers too.” The Chang School is one of the largest continuing education schools in North America with approximately 70,000 enrollments each year, 20,000 of which are online. They offer 1,500 seminars, workshops and lectures and 80 certificate courses all of which are career related. In order to ensure the Chang School is offering valuable education, Bountrogianni, says that they conduct regular focus groups
with public and private sector employers to know what they are looking for in an employee. “They say that the name of a school is not important. What’s important are skills in an actual specialization as well as soft skills like interpersonal relations, project management, communications, wiring and task completion,” she says. At the Chang School, 75 per cent of the continuing education students already hold a university degree and 90 per cent of students are enrolled to update their existing skills. According to Bountrogianni the most popular and in demand courses the Chang School offers are: data analytics, computer security, film, photography, publishing and project management. Anita Chui is a graduate of the photography program at the Chang School. She was a part of the first round of intensive photography study, a certificate that ran full time, Monday to Friday for three months. Chui has a business background, but quit to pursue her lifelong passion of photography. “It’s something I have always wanted to do but didn’t know where to start. I chose this program because it was quick, intense and building on everyday momentum is big for me,” she says. Since graduating Chui started her own photography business specializing in retail and commercial interiors. For her, the biggest reward was, “Learning a new skill set I never thought I could pick up. Especially as a mature student, you can get stuck in your ways sometimes, you never think if you can learn something new,” she says. Candice Tardiff is a graduate of George Brown’s Continuing Education School’s
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Medical Office Assistant Certificate program, another in-demand field, is an example of the employability of continuing education graduates. “I found employment before I even graduated. In April 2013 I decided to start volunteering at a hospital, and through that I landed a job there. By February 2014 I was hired on full-time by a cardiologist,” she says. Tardiff decided to go back to school to gain more satisfaction in her job. “I was doing the same thing day after day and nothing really challenged me. I wanted more,” she says. She now finds her job very rewarding, saying, “Everyday is different, and every day is changing. I do get great feedback from the patients and I get to make my bosses life easier, so that’s great.” Aside from personal satisfaction Tardiff notes that the financial security has made a difference and is worth the challenges of continuing education. “At times it can be hard, I was working and going to school at the same time, so it could be a challenge, but the teachers really make it a great experience for you,” she says. The work-life balance is one of the biggest challenges for continuing education. “There is no sugarcoating adult education,” says Bountrogianni. “If you’re working full time and you want to further your career or knowledgebase it is a sacrifice and we as educators need to acknowledge and be humbled by that, we need to make it as easy as possible for them.” One way the Chang School accommodates continuing education student’s lives is by offering a diverse array of delivery. There are evening and weekend classes for those with full-time jobs as well as many courses and programs offered online. A major hindrance for prospective continuing education students Bountrogianni finds is support from their employers. “Research has shown that when your employer supports you, you will do well. Unfortunately in Canada the private sector does not give as much training time or money as our American counterparts,” she says. “If there is one recommendation that has come from a number of sources is if Canadian companies could invest more in training it would come back ten-fold. I think we need to change our mindset in Canada, training and education will benefit us all.” Bountrogianni says from past experience when she asks why employers don’t invest more in employee training, the response tends to be that an employee trained on the companies dime will leave for a different company. “To me that is small minded thinking,” says Bountrogianni. “But if you stop and think about that, then if someone else spent the money and you get their employee, then it all works out in the end. And that is the model in Germany and the Netherlands where they invest really heavily in their employees. They know that if they invest in their employees, sure there is a chance that you may lose them, but because their competitors are doing the same thing, they will benefit as well.” Tardiff describes her experience in continuing education as, “Fabulous! People ask me all the time if they should or shouldn’t go back to school and my advice is, Just do it! What have you got to lose?”
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Our B City followers shared their opinions about continuing education on Facebook Alison Grimley I started a course last month through work, which will allow me to grow within my company. While the time commitment is tough right now it will only benefit me in the end professionally and personally. By completing the course I will be able to move into a more senior role, which will in turn lead to a higher pay. This means that as a single mom some financial stress will be alleviated, which will allow me to be better all around for my boys. I am also learning a great deal on a personal level that is helping me find balance. Tascha Jane I worked for a cleaning company for years, minimum wage pay, and I was always miserable. I figured my daughter would see her mom as a hard worker and value that, the company I work for sold and I was left without a job. This is when I decided to go back to school, which is by far the best decision I have ever made. My daughter is in kindergarten and I am almost graduated. We pack our bags together everyday and it could never be more rewarding. I find myself happier and enjoying life. Building yourself a future with education is an opportunity everyone should take part of, and it’s never to late.
Krystal Jade Continuing education is necessary for anyone who wants to further their career and should be made more accessible within the community. Janine Jaconelli I am a firm believer in life long learning from birth to the grave. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” Babe Ruth!! Jerry Tsia Education never stops. We need better accessibility and wider range of topics. Tam Hug Furthering ones education improves ones knowledge and experience on exponential levels. I recently returned to school after a medical leave and not only have I gained focus and found better balance, I have learned that there is pride is extending yourself educationally, mentally. Gaining information allows people to apply themselves and utilize what they have learned. Giving them the ability to share that knowledge with others and gain true experiences. It is something to be grateful for, that we have the opportunity and the right to education, which truly enriches us. Sometimes we need to be reminded that not everyone is lucky enough to have these opportunities.
BCity Summer 2015 21
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The Politics of Parking Shannon Gillies
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isit any downtown and you’ll find a perception that downtown parking is not readily available or convenient, and that the possibility of being ticketed is enough to turn any downtown shopper or diner into a loyal mall-goer. Burlington is no exception. In surveys, residents say they would visit our downtown more often if they could park for free, but free parking could actually make it more difficult to find a spot. Does convenience trump expense? Last year, Burlington adopted free downtown parking on Saturdays and for the entire month of December--an initiative enthusiastically welcomed by business owners and residents, but one that could cost the city $124,000 in lost revenue annually. Has the Free P! program brought more visitors and business to the area? The jury’s still out on that one. In a survey done to evaluate the success of the program’s first year, 47 per cent of businesses said their customers told them they came downtown because off the free parking, yet 42 per cent of customers said they found it more difficult to find a parking space. Twenty per cent responded that it did not affect their decision to shop downtown. Kelly Childs owner of two downtown businesses, Kelly’s Bake Shoppe and Lettuce Love Café, says that free parking in December did not bring more customers to her either of her businesses. In fact she says,“A few customers actually called us when they could not find a parking spot, and we ended up doing curb-side service, bringing their orders out to them.” Employees of local businesses were, understandably, taking advantage of the perk, and spots were filling up before stores even opened. The City and the Burlington Downtown Business Association are currently reviewing the Free P! program. Downtown businesses are not required to provide on-site parking, but pay a levy to finance future parking lots or garages. Just how much money do parking fees, fines, and levies bring to our city? In 2014, revenues were just over $2 million. A recent consultant’s report on Burlington’s downtown parking lists a number of parking philosophies that Burlington might adopt, one of them being that parking should be friendly, but not free. Planners tell us that if a downtown is built properly--compact and walkable, with amenities and attractions people want--people will find a way to get there and parking issues will take care of themselves.
While downtown merchants and visitors are asking for parking to be free and more convenient, the City is trying to intensify its population and manage growth by discouraging our collective car dependency which creates a conundrum of sorts: Do we want more cars downtown, or do we want fewer cars downtown? Ideally, we want more people, but without all the extra vehicles. That means attracting visitors who come by bike, by bus, or on foot, and getting them to stick around for more than just one trip to the bank or nail salon. Alex Mickelow, owner of Test Kitchen restaurant is confident his new pop-up patio is one sure way to bring more people to Brant Street this summer despite occupying two valuable parking spots. The BDBA and the City are behind his idea 100 per cent. City planners and advocates of complete streets tend to be big fans of pop-up patios, believing they put activity and eyes on the street, but there are always skeptics who say the last thing downtown needs is fewer places to park. St. Catharines, Ottawa, Oakville, and Calgary are just a few Canadian cities that have dialed into the pop-up patio craze, and businesses are loving it. Up in the north end of Burlington, the residential areas in Alton Village and The Orchard have their own parking challenges. When subdivisions in these neighbourhoods were built, the economics of development determined most houses would have driveways
big enough for two cars. But of course, young children grow up to be adolescents who drive, and there’s nowhere to put that third, or fourth car. Cars get parked on the street, irking some residents who say the vehicle clutter makes for ugly, unsafe streets. A city survey on the issue closed early in May, and Council has directed staff to look at options to address these challenges. So what’s the good news? Despite negative perceptions, the most recent parking study shows there is actually a surplus of downtown parking. While there are concerns that new developments will turn that surplus into a deficit, city staff are undergoing a review of zoning bylaws which currently do not require developers to build a certain amount of visitor parking with each new condo building. If updates are made to zoning, we could see more visitor parking spaces in new developments, freeing up street parking for business patrons. And the other good news; coin meters will soon be replaced with credit or cash pay-and-display machines which should up the parking convenience factor. What do you think? Does the price and availability of parking affect your decision to shop and dine downtown? Are you a resident of Alton Village and The Orchard? Do you think the City needs more bylaw enforcement to prevent residents from using the streets as permanent parking? Have your say at www.bcitymagazine.com. BCity Summer 2015 23
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opefully, your earliest memories are of love and laughter; playing in the park and bedtime stories. If they are, you may find that you are naturally capable of dealing with stress in a healthy way. You may also have done well in school, grown up to marry a loving spouse, and have a steady income. All of these things are related to a healthy environment during childhood. “Children’s brains have to be built properly from the start, from conception onwards,” says Dr. Anthony Ford Jones, a pediatrician for 35 years. “If a fetus is living in a toxic environment of stress and disadvantage, from the beginning the brain is not being built properly.” Increased levels of cortisol, which many people may recognize as, “The stress hormone,” plays a big role in child development. It is common knowledge that stress is hard on your body, but in children it is fundamentally dangerous. Neuroscientists have learned that stress from childhood abuse and neglect impact brain development, which leads to longterm mental health problems. These developmental changes influence learning, memory, and reactions to stress. According to Harvard University’s Center On The Developing Child, brains are; “Built over time, from the bottom up.” These processes happens through learning, and constant connections being made between neurons. Try to imagine this process like branches and roots forming on a growing bush. Stresses are an important factor in this growth process, as they encourage the brain to find new ways of dealing with situations (both physical and non-physical). However, too much stress leads to toxicity in the brain, which has the opposite affect, preventing the brain from branching out, and depriving our growing bush of the intricate root system that it needs to grow. “One of the things I have seen over the years, is a huge change from medical, physical types of problems, to mental health problems,” says Ford Jones. “We spend all kinds of time, and money, and energy, trying to prove that they don’t have a brain tumor, or this or that, to ultimately come up with a mental health disease masquerading as what we call a ‘medically unexplained physical symptom’.” Assessment of Childhood Disorders, by Eric J. Mash, Russell A. Barkley, defines maltreatment as four possible acts of commission or omission, including neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It also states that an important fact to consider
is that most maltreatment is committed by the caregiver, who has an integral role in defining the child’s sense of safety, trust, and needs fulfillment. Ultimately, the cause of toxic stress is ongoing adversity. It may seem hard to believe but even in Burlington, with the the reputation of affluence, this is an ongoing problem. And, according to Ford Jones, it is magnified greatly in the presence of poverty.
“A significant number of kids in Burlington are living below the poverty line,” says Ford Jones. He also says that some of the problems we are facing in urban areas are because kids don’t go outside to play anymore. This means that socialization and recreation are more difficult for children living in poverty. “Rich kids can enroll in sports, but the poor kids can’t afford it,” he says. “The problem that needs to be addressed is getting the gov-
ernment to understand that by putting a relatively small amount of money into dealing with prevention, which is usually by sorting people’s poverty out, the ultimate gains are probably 17 fold.” The North BurLINKton Community Group is made up of Burlington Youth, and is supported by adults and Community Development Halton. It is working on solving some of these problems by finding ways for kids to connect. Its mission statement says: “Together we create inclusive and friendly neighbourhoods that help people connect and increase their sense of belonging.” In April it announced that it was awarded the Government of Ontario Youth Opportunities Fund grant of $181,700, and on May 13th it held it’s first team meeting. “It’s a real bottom-up approach to creating space [for youth to connect], so exactly what it will look like, I have no idea, we literally began yesterday,” says Rishia Burke, social planner with Community Development Halton. “We need to get in there and start talking to lots of kids, start building relationships with new community partners, and see where it goes.” The group has already made progress, receiving support from the local police, who have offered to play sports with the kids. This provides a strong support system for children in need of a role model, especially those who are living with abuse or neglect. The group plans on looking for places that 26 BCity Summer 2015
are safe and available for youth to take part in all kinds of activities from games, to socializing. These places are undetermined as of yet, but Burke says they could include church basements, parking lots for playing hockey, and more. She also says there will be no cost for youth to participate, making it a solution for those living in poverty to get involved.
“Issues of poverty can be very hidden in this community,” she says. “A healthy neighbourhood is [one] that is for everybody, and that needs to be inclusive. So everything we are doing includes kids from diverse cultural backgrounds, kids with different abilities, and different perspectives, as well as kids that don’t have a lot of [money].” Between 2006 and 2011 the prevalence of low income families in Halton region rose from 6.9 per cent to 7.4 per cent. Dr. Joey Edwardh, Executive Director of Community Development Halton, says that many people never managed to come back from the recession that occurred in 2007. An after tax income of $32,912 for a family of four is considered low income, based on a 2011 study. This means that although we have recently raised the minimum wage, if you are living on it you are below the poverty line. “There is a call for a living wage,” says Edwardh. “It is 2015 and we have a minimum wage that is declared, but not linked to a any evidence that [determines] the cost of living.” If you stand back and look at the big picture, all of these problems are stemming from a single source, and like modern medicine, we are often treating the symptoms instead of the root cause. “We have a perfect tsunami in Halton, and in Burlington, where we are an area of the GTA that is growing, and yet the investment in our services has not matched the growth of our population,” says Edwardh. Edwardh points out that we have a fantastic distribution system for food in our society grocery stores. However, instead of creating access to that system for those in need, we have created a second system of food banks. It is a backwards way of doing things, in that we created a whole system outside of our already effective system, and is also a poignant reflection of how we treat the issue of poverty
in our society. Do we see poverty as embarrassing, shameful, bothersome? Because these people are not only lacking access to fresh food, they are being denied basic emotional needs. Being a member of society, or feeling normal, isn’t a luxury. It is a necessity for good mental health to feel like you belong, and are accepted. One in five people suffer from mental health issues. This number impacts all of us. “Poor mental health results in poor parenting,” says Lynn Barker, Director of Children and Youth Services at the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Halton. She says that mental health and addiction play a huge role in where CAS referrals come from. “If the parent is unable to get out of bed, and the child is now preparing breakfast for siblings, and trying to get the children out to school, that is an issue for us to become involved in, and it becomes a situation of child neglect,” says Barker. This is an issue that many people are surprised to hear is happening in Burlington, and some cases still go unreported. The reasons why they are unreported are equally perplexing. “I think people wonder if they are doing the right thing by calling in,” says Barker. “They are tentative about whether it is their role.” She says people worry about what may happen, and might also not realize the call is confidential. Reporting child abuse and neglect is all of our responsibility, but is most often reported by medical professionals and schools. There are things we can do as a community to prevent these problems from arising in the first place, and all it requires is a little forward thinking. “If we invested in prevention it would save us millions down the line”, says Edwardh. She says those with inadequate housing and
We specialise in growing feet ĂŶĚ ĮƫŶŐ ŽƌƚŚŽƟĐƐ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ƐŚŽĞƐ 905.331.4391
ďƵƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶŽƌƚŚŽƟĐƐ͘ĐŽŵ 1900 Walkers Line, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 4W5
BCity Summer 2015 27
a lack of food security, suffer from more chronic health problems. “The evidence is all there,” she says. So why is this approach not being implemented now? Edwardh explains that our system of government operates in four year terms, and that the benefits of programs that will provide real results may not be tangible for ten, twenty or even thirty years. Some of the solutions may not sound pleasing to taxpayers, as raising taxes in never popular. However, this approach would be an investment in our children living in poor conditions, our health care system in years to come, and even our economy. We need consumers to spend money to keep our businesses afloat, and consumers need money to do that. It is not a new theory that money must circulate in order to maintain a healthy economy. “We need a mix of public policy and human services at the community level, that come together to support people,” she says. She agrees that group projects like the BurLINKton Community group are vital in bringing about change. She explains that having youth involved in decision-making is crucial, as many youth feel distanced from the very politics that will impact their futures. The CDH, and CAS, and many other organizations are working on these complex issues, and are asking for the support of Burlington residents. Whether these problems are caused by mental health issues, poverty, neglect, or addiction, everyone seems to be in agreement that solutions are about connecting the dots, and working together. “It is difficult because the needs so outweigh the services that are available,” says Barker. “What we are looking at is partnerships (...) no one agency or service provider can do it on their own.” You can learn more by visiting the Community Development Halton Website, Childrens Aid Society Halton website, and by taking a more active role in local politics. Every child matters, and every voice that speaks-up helps. Resources Parental addiction http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2013003/article/11774-eng.htm Economic down turn and education http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-599-x/81-599-x2012009-eng.htm Age 25 associated with reading ability at 15 http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-004-x/81-004-x2011002-eng.htm Youth Crime http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/080516/dq080516a-eng.htm http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/060920/dq060920d-eng.htm Family Violence http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150115/dq150115a-eng.htm Self reported delinquency http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/070925/dq070925a-eng.htm Victims of violent crime http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/050420/dq050420a-eng.htm Book: Assessment of childhood disorders http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=wHQXUci_ZnwC&oi=fnd&pg= PA3&dq=youth+eating+disorder+neglect+canada&ots=QilEn2D1Ia&sig=_Y 8PAT4yCVD7bWEpYB9DRWNe9Hk#v=onepage&q&f=false
Y͘ DLJ ϭϬ LJĞĂƌ ŽůĚ ŝƐ ĂŶ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĐŚŝůĚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĂŝŶƐ ŽĨ ƐĞǀĞƌĞ ŚĞĞů ƉĂŝŶ͘ tŚĂƚ ĚŽ / ĚŽ ͍ A.There are several causes of heel pain in children , and one of the most common is Sever’s syndrome. It is most commonly ĨŽƵŶĚ ŝŶ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ϴ ʹ ϭϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽůĚ ǁŚŽ ƉůĂLJ ƐŽĐĐĞƌ͕ ƌƵŶ Žƌ ĚŽ ũƵŵƉŝŶŐ ƐƉŽƌƚƐ͘ zŽƵ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚ ǁŝƚŚ LJŽƵƌ ƉŚLJƐŝĐŝĂŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐŝƐ ĮƌƐƚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚ Ă WĞĚŽƌƚŚŝƐƚ ĨŽƌ the appropriate treatment. dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ͗ Ͳ /ĐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĂīĞĐƚĞĚ ĂƌĞĂ - Calf and Hamstring stretches Ͳ KƌƚŚŽƟĐƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƚŚĞ ĨŽŽƚ ŵŽƟŽŶ Ͳ ,ĞĞů ƉĂĚƐ ƚŽ ůŝŌ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĞů Ͳ ĨŽŽƚǁĞĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ ŐŽŽĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ
Y͘ tŚĂƚ ƚLJƉĞ ŽĨ ƐŚŽĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŵLJ ĐŚŝůĚ ďĞ ǁĞĂƌŝŶŐ͍
“ Our kids pay for the social conditions of their birth. I can’t think of anything more nonCanadian than that. That is not what we want for our children, our children are our future.” -Dr. Joey Edwardh Jamesin Rossborough is interested in politics, health, and animal welfare. She enjoys continuous learning, and in her spare time takes various educational courses, and volunteers at a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre.
A. ZƵŶŶŝŶŐ ƐŚŽĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ŶŽǁĂĚĂLJƐ͘ DĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ Ă WĞĚŽƌƚŚŝƐƚ ǁĂƚĐŚĞƐ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ǁĂůŬ ƐŽ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽĚĞů ŽĨ ƐŚŽĞ ďĞƐƚ ƐƵŝƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ some very easy shoe tests you can do to determine the right type of shoe for your child. Ͳ ,ĞĞů ƐƋƵĞĞnjĞ ƚĞƐƚ͗ ƐƋƵĞĞnjĞ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĞů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ĂďŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƐŽůĞ͘ /ƚ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ŚĂƌĚ ĂŶĚ Įƌŵ͘ ĞǁĂƌĞ ŽĨ ƐŚŽĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ƚŽŽ ƐŽŌ ĂŶĚ ƉůŝĂďůĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĞů͘ Ͳ ĞŶĚ ƚĞƐƚ͗ ƚŚĞ ďƌĞĂŬ ƉŽŝŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ďĂůů Žƌ ŵŝĚĨŽŽƚ ĂƌĞ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ƚƌLJ ĂŶĚ ďĞŶĚ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ͛Ɛ ƐŚŽĞ ĂŶĚ ŝƚ ďĞŶĚƐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŝŶ ŚĂůĨ ǁŝƚŚ ŶŽ ƌĞƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ƚŚĞŶ ŝƚ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƐŚŽĞ͊ Ͳ ZĞŵŽǀĞĂďůĞ >ŝŶĞƌ͗ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĞĂƐŝůLJ ƌĞŵŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ŝŶŶĞƌ ƐŽĐŬ ůŝŶĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽĞ ƐŽ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƌĞƉůĂĐĞĚ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƐŚŝŽŶŝŶŐ ǁĞĂƌƐ ĚŽǁŶ͘ dŚĞ ƚŚŝĐŬĞƌ ƚŚĞ ůŝŶĞƌ ƚŚĞ ďĞƩĞƌ͘ Ăůů ƵƐ Ăƚ ϵϬϱ͘ϯϯϭ͘ϰϯϵϭ ƚŽ Ŭ ŝŶ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ͛Ɛ ĨĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ ŐƵŝĚĞ LJŽƵ͘
BCity Summer 2015 29
Senior Life Life goes by So Quickly... Jill Harrington
F
lorence awakened one April morning to the sensation of crippling cold feet. The comfort of her warm robe was short lived as throbbing shot from her feet to her knees, making each step a struggle. Slowly, she made her way to the bathroom and looked into the mirror, she giggled at her reflection. Her blonde curls badly needing brushing and the sleep in the corners of her hazel eyes needed a splash of water. Gathering a damp facecloth she returned to the mirror but now she only saw Florence, the senior. Thin, silver hair now replaced her blonde curls and her hazel eyes saw everything through the haze of her diminishing sight. She walked away from the reminder of this reality only to be confronted with a walker awaiting her in the bedroom. To Florence, this is the device that stole her independence. Gone were the hectic days of running multiple errands then rushing to her children’s sports events, now this walker was her lifeline in her “Golden Years” and the only way she could walk more than 20 feet. Did you awaken this morning and look in the mirror at a 40-something woman with slight creases in your brow that weren’t there yesterday or are you a corporate executive celebrating your first day of retirement by readying for a flight to one of many well-earned vacations. Florence was both. She moved to Burlington as a young adult after meeting her husband at the nearby university. Together they built a home, family, volunteered in their church, supported their community leaders and celebrated retirement. Like you, for several years, it all was perfectly planned. However, life changed. As she grew older and lost family and friends the loneliness and isolation changed her perception of her value to the community. She had always seen herself as a vital member of the town and this was not how she expected her life to turn out. Florence is one of 30,000 seniors living in our community with the numbers growing every year. Seniors living in low income or poverty conditions is rising as well. They may not be seen or heard but they are most definitely here. They are in crisis for housing, food, transportation and health risks. The questions we face as a community are many but the most critical question to be addressed is preparedness. Do we have enough affordable housing? Are there medical and social resources available with transportation to get them there? Is the information on our present resources available and reaching our seniors? Most importantly, are the families and caretakers of our seniors prepared? Florence is in a better financial position than most. She is able to stay in her home without the need of subsidization and the lo30 BCity Summer 2015
cal home health care company has outfitted her home with a walker, stair climbing wheelchair and bathroom assist bars and seat She also has a Scooter her children purchased to help maintain her independence. Many of her peers require subsidized housing or financial assistance. There are 600,000 seniors living in poverty in Canada and approximately 5,000 of them reside in Burlington. Burlington has and continues to take action. We have five assisted living/subsidized housing geared to seniors through Halton Community Housing for adults 65 and older. Our community has also recognized the importance of social inclusion for seniors. Joseph Brant Hospital Wellness House and Burlington Seniors Center offer numerous programs for seniors with various degrees of mobility for those with complete independence to those requiring assistance (wheelchairs, walkers). Therapeutic recreation, physiotherapy, social events and guest speakers are just some of the services offered. Handy-Vans are a crucial necessity to get many people to these programs. Burlington provides nine Handy-Vans with a tenth coming in the fall of 2015. In 2014, 47,895 individuals requiring assisted transportation including seniors That’s 132 each day, seven days a week. Eventually, Florence will add herself to this growing number. Unfortunately, the issue of accessible information, such as Handy-Van’s, remains. Many seniors and their families are not aware of the resources available to them in our community. Yes, it can be obtained through the family
physician, C.C.A.C. (Community Care Access Centre) and the City of Burlington but the number of seniors in their homes are still unaware. Why is this? Currently, what we are doing isn’t the correct direction to access our seniors. We have not had a collaborative, comprehensive evaluation of the needs of seniors in terms of Government and all levels of service providers. Until we have a thorough understanding of our community, build community networks and neighborhoods and provide training to community members to educate seniors and their families, this information will not reach most of our seniors. Burlington is on course to being a leader in age friendly communities and not unlike other communities now needs to find ways to communicate directly with our seniors. Social inclusion resources, transportation, Power of Attorney, safety issues (Elder Abuse vs Elder Neglect) all need to reach our seniors. Florence grips tightly on the arm of the garden bench while pulling the walker towards her. As she stands up, she determines the distance to her back door and ponders what can she do, where can she can go, to “fill in” the remainder of her day. Jill Harrington is an impassioned advocate for seniors and Founder of Children of Christmas Past, a charity for seniors alone at Christmas. Jill has been self-educating and reaching out to seniors since the death of her father, a victim of Elder Abuse. She is a long time resident of Burlington and a strong voice for seniors in our community.
C.A.R.P. December 11, 2014 “Stats Canada” 600,000 seniors in Canada live in poverty, including more than 1 in 4 single seniors according to new Statistics Canada report.
STATS CANADA – 2011 Census Both sexes 65 and over in 2011 were 29,720 a 17.2% increase of 4,165 from 2006.
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“Employment and Social Development Canada” www.hrsdc.gc.ca In 2011, an estimated 5.0 million Canadians were 65 years of age or older, a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years to reach 10.4 million seniors by 2036. By 2051, about one in four Canadians is expected to be 65 or over.
!#%2*$%"#&/1 3.4%)'((#4#$2# Report Card on Poverty – Oakville Seniors 2011 www.cdhalton.ca/pdf/report-card-on-povertyoakville-seniors.pd
REGISTERED NURSES manage all cases.
“In 2005, there were over 4,700 low income seniors in Halton Region representing nearly one tenth of the senior population.”
We PROVIDE OPTIONS to help guide families through medical events. Our approach is to ADD VALUE.
NATIONAL SENIORS COUNCIL – www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca “Social isolation can result in reduced social skills. For example, seniors “who develop depression, social anxiety, loneliness, alcoholism, and schizophrenia tend to become socially isolated and uncomfortable around other people. This leads to an atrophy of social skills, partly because of disuse, and partly because of the way that psychological symptoms can disrupt social behaviour.”
Homecare and assistance with PROPER ORIENTATION, MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT.
qualicare.com/burlington burlington@qualicare.com Telephone: 1.289.787.0505
Advertorial
LIFE at Pearl & Pine Retirement Residence - Retirement by Signature
Y
ou’ll feel right at home the minute you step into Pearl & Pine. Moments away are parks, the lake, shops, and many of Burlington’s finest restaurants. Just across the street is Village Square – a sophis-
ticated turn –of-the-century setting. Just steps away are the scenic shores of Lake Ontario and walking paths at Spencer Smith Park. At Pearl & Pine you’re nestled in the heart of a vibrant neighbourhood filled with activity.
Come home to an address as stylish as it is inviting, where no detail has been overlooked in creating the grand and glorious lifestyle you deserve. One walks into the grand entrance of Pearl & Pine to be greeted by the concierge and is immediately enveloped in the sophistication, serenity and safety of Pearl & Pine. With a warm and friendly ambiance and a wealth of stimulating amenities, Pearl & Pine offers you a rich spectrum of opportunity. There’s always something rewarding to do every day. Knowing that as our residents age in a place they have the peace of mind that Pearl & Pine is there for them. Whatever the need, whether great or small the professional nursing staff will assist you all the way. The Wellington Lounge is the perfect gathering place for a snack, a drink or a chat with new and old friends. Enjoy live entertainment or catch up on current affairs. Share a glass of wine while playing your favorite card game in the Brock Billiard Room. Perhaps you would like to perfect a recipe in the Spencer Activity Room, which is fully equipped with a gourmet kitchen and lots of table space for arts and crafts. Enjoy feature films and classics, or listen to informative lectures on interesting topics, in the Brant Theatre. Your maître d’ welcomes you into the beautifully designed Elgin Dining Room, as warm as it is sophisticated, with white table cloths and fine bone china, fresh flowers and cozy banquettes. On a fragrant summer’s night you could choose to dine on our lovely Lakeside Terrace. Whether you choose from our daily menu of culinary creations or a traditional favorite, fine dining is a signature here. If there’s a spark that powers that sense of vitality you’ll find at Pearl & Pine, it’s CLUBfit, our specially designed fitness program created just for our residents. Whatever your physical condition we have a program to help you get more out of life. Pearl & Pine Retirement is designed to delight, uplift and energize all who visit and live at Pearl & Pine.
905-633-8300 390 Pearl Street, Burlington www.PearlandPineRetirement.com 32 BCity Summer 2015
Advertorial
Here’s what our resident have to say about life at Pearl & Pine “ Very comfortable with my new home. I am pleased with the way everything is prepared” - George Vallance “ As a professional, Pearl & Pine respects my needs and goes beyond my expectations. The staff is exceptional” - Dr. Suminthra Peeris “ The location is perfect!” - Margaret Clay “ Getting used to everything being done for you has been a pleasure. There are so many activities to pick and choose from - Scrabble, yoga, exercise and lots of entertainment. I have really enjoyed meeting new friends” - Paul Kershaw “Pearl & Pine is exactly what we were looking for -- an elegant, vibrant and warm environment, in a perfect location with every possible amenity. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived, and each subsequent visit has been a pleasure. What was initially just a first foray into researching possible retirement residences became -- in a small space of time, like turning a corner! A commitment to Pearl & Pine with a confirmed move-in date. Our family couldn’t be more pleased with our father’s choice. We’ll be spending lots of time there too. It already feels like home” - Jane Kershaw “ I think this is the most beautiful building in Burlington. I admire the building design and construction. It has been like living on a cruise ship all the time with the best of everything” - Fred Voytek “ Once I stepped into Pearl & Pine I knew I was here for the long run. Not one other residence in Burlington can compare. Pearl & Pine is the best!” - Tom Parris “ It’s like staying in a five-star hotel. The staff are wonderful” - Betty Ann Macintosh “ Pearl & Pine won on our checklist and the figures all added up. I felt comfortable from day one” - Joan Sinclair “ We look down the Lakeshore at other residences and Pearl & Pine is the Best, especially the wonderful people that are part of the staff” - Don Brown
BCity Summer 2015 33
Bringing Your Own Healthcare System to Life Jamesin Rossborough
T
o be alive is to be in a constant state of change. Sometimes that change can be exciting and refreshing, other times it can be difficult, stressful, and confusing. As the baby boomers are growing older, more and more people will be dealing with difficult changes in health, housing, and family care. “My mother had been healthy and completely independent,” says Geoff Hadrill. Hadrill lives in Toronto, but his mother, who suffers from ALS, is in Montreal Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a degenerative disease that affects the brain. Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, which makes normal daily activities difficult, and eventually impossible. People suffering from ALS generally need a lot of help as the disease progresses, which
Hadrill says can be very difficult. “You don’t even know what you are getting into,” he says. “My mother can’t speak anymore. She only communicates with an iPad or by texting.” According to Statistics Canada, in 2012, 3.7 million Canadians reported giving palliative care to a family member or friend. This includes anything from housework and preparing meals, to medical care, to transportation - and this number will undoubtedly grow. The Ministry of Finance reported last year that the number of seniors 65- years and older will more than double from 2.1 million in 2013, to 4.5 million by 2041. They also reported that Halton is projected to be the fastest growing census division in Ontario, with growth of 72.7 per cent by 2041. This is poor timing, considering the federal government’s
$36 billion in health care cuts. “It used to be one nurse to five patients, now it is one nurse and two PSW’s to thirty patients,” says Jerry Tsia, owner of Qualicare in the Oakville, Burlington, and Dundas regions. “We have seen a rise in people using private health care services, the primary reason is that family members are not in the same city as their parents.” This may be a reflection of the times changing- women have entered the workforce, and are balancing work with family, and people are more likely to travel for business. Also with more accessibility of transportation, kids are growing up and moving farther away from family members. When this happens, having private health care can be a necessity for the family, as well as the person receiving care. According to a statistics Canada report
by Martin Turcotte, titled; “Family Caregiving: What are the Consequences?” caregivers experience mental and physical impacts, lost time at work, and personal finance issues. Tsia Agrees, “The care is for the client, the support is for the families,” he says. Private health care companies offer a range of services that may make these situations easier for both the client and family. Some offer help with finding adequate housing, coordinating medical appointments and keeping track of medications, visiting and socializing in the hospital or home, and even advocacy. For example, if someone is eligible for a free wheel chair, there is a process to obtain it that may be difficult to deal with from afar. Other opportunities may also be overlooked by people who are unfamiliar with the health care system, and simply aren’t aware of their rights. “Early February I got a call. My Mom’s sister, who is 82 and living in Burlington, had her second health crisis,” says Hadrill. “I got a phone call from a neighbour saying ‘she is in the hospital and she is not in good condition’.” Hadrill’s aunt has a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, and had fallen in her home. This was when he decided to hire a private company, and after spending a lot of time researching, decided on Qualicare. “It was a huge relief to me when Ashley stepped in and I saw what she could do,” says Hadrill, referring to the Qualicare nurse who oversaw his aunt’s case. “I immediately
felt relief, and was able to go back to [being] her nephew, taking her out for coffee, laughing and telling jokes.” He says without this help, family members become the health care workers, and the stress is compounded because those family members aren’t trained as healthcare workers. Although some insurance companies will cover attending care, many people are left to pay for private services out of pocket. “It can be tempting to blame the government for health care cuts,” says Tsia, “but how are we, as individuals, preparing and saving for ourselves?” It is an unmistakable fact that our Canadian culture relies heavily on the government for health care. Very little emphasis is put on financial planning for health-related situations, or the disabilities our parents could face in years to come. Hadrill recommends setting up a joint account early with aging parents, to be sure there is accessible money for care in case of emergency. Aside from the aging population, there are also many people that need long term care for degenerative diseases, or injuries. According to a Statistics Canada report, 18 per cent of homecare recipients with physical disabilities had unmet needs, compared to 10 per centwithout disabilities. The report, called “Canadians with unmet homecare needs,” goes on to say that 62 per cent of people with partially met needs experienced loneliness, compared with 31 per cent of those whose needs
were met. This type of stress works against the healing process. “My aunt was happier, healthier, and got out sooner, because we were able to make use of this service,” says Hadrill.
From Statistics Canada “Canadians with unmet home care needs” by Martin Turcott • In 2012, nearly half a million Canadians, or 461,000 individuals 15 years and older, needed help or carein the 12 previous months for a chronic health condition, but did not receive it. They are referred to as persons with ‘unmet’ home care needs. • Of the 2.2 million Canadians who received home care in 2012, 15 per cent (331,000) did not receive all the help needed. They are referred to as persons with ‘partially met’ home care needs.
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Life around the wo
Accordin this year’s W Happiness Re is the num 1 happiest country is Switzer
Canada is the country with the most lakes in the entire world; actually, Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Our lakes make up 9% of our land mass While Canada ranked number 5
8,000 years ago, at the dawn of agriculture, total world population was estimated to be about 5 million
31% Christian
The least populous country in the world is Vatican City in Rome a mere 799 inhabitants
Brazil is the world’s most bio-diverse country with the highest number of known mammals and freshwater fish
According to The Un the country with the expectancy is Cent Republic at 46 ye The world avera
23% Muslim
16% No religious affiliation
The 5 top faiths by the numbers
15% Hindu
7% 38 BCity Summer 2015
orld by the numbers
ng to World eport mber rland
The country with the largest population is China with approximately 1,401,106, 373 people, 19% of total world population
By 2030 India is expected to become the most populous country
The United Nations ranks Japan as having the highest life expectancy at 83 years old. The world average is 68
It is well known that Mount Everest in Nepal/Tibet is the highest peak on earth at 8,848 metres, but did you know the Marianas Trench in the Pacific Ocean is deeper than Everest is tall, at 11,034 metres!
nited Nations e lowest life tral African ears old. age is 68
The total world population is expected to reach 7.325 billion people by July 2015
When most people think of desert, they think hot, sandy and sun-parched, but did you know that the largest desert in the world is actually Antarctica at 5.5 million square kilometres which receives less than 200 milimetres of precipitation per year
% Buddhist BCity Summer 2015 39
Mike Wallace MP
Meet Burlington's Federal Liberal Candidate
KARINA GOULD
Karina is working hard for Burlington. She is out in the community, listening to you and advocating for the issues you care most about. Get in touch today: info@karinagould.ca @karinagould
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Citizenship and Immigration Passports Employment Insurance Maternity/Parental Leave Benefits Social Insurance Number
Constituency Office: 905-639-5757 mike.wallace.c1@parl.gc.ca www.mikewallacemp.ca
Anonymous... Have a story to tell about a relationship gone bad and wish to remain anonymous? Write to us at info@bcitymagazine.com and we may publish your story in our upcoming relationship edition.
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Life on and above our Home - The Niagara Escarpment Photos By: Mark Zelinski from the upcoming book Heart of Turtle Island: The Great Escarpment
Our home, the Niagara Escarpment, is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve: its ecosystems supports hundreds of at-risk species that coexist alongside the most densely populated and heavily developed region in Canada. This significant landform is recognized globally as a one of the world’s unique natural wonders.
Walkers Line cuts across the shadow of Burlington’s Mount Nemo, ablaze in the colours of October Burlington photographer and publisher Mark Zelinski has travelled to all seven continents throughout his career. His lifelong appreciation of the magnificent Niagara Escarpment has inspired Zelinski to create Heart Of Turtle Island: The Great Escarpment, a hardcover book of landscape, wildlife and cultural photography from Niagara Falls to Manitoulin Island. Through Zelinski’s images, and through the personal accounts of conservationists, scientists, and residents of the diverse aboriginal and settler communities that thrive along its rugged, curving path, readers will have the opportunity experience a multi-layered perspective of the living escarpment. Scheduled for release in 2016, Heart Of Turtle Island: The Great Escarpment is aimed at the decision-makers of tomorrow; young adults in the GTA concerned with sustainability, health, community and global conciousness. The book will address compelling social and
environmental issues and reveal some of the most unique and fragile gems of The Escarpment. It is a tribute to the work and ideals of growing legions of individuals and organizations that strive to protect The Niagara Escarpment – including The City of Burlington. “I’ve been drawn to the lands of the escarpment: my early work as a painter, photographer and filmmaker was inspired by the ancient trees, cliffs, potholes and waterfalls that became my friends as a child. I’ve spent much of my life traveling the world exploring remote regions and cultures but I always return here. The escarpment has always been a powerful influence, an ever-present personality: like a spine that connects life force, for me it is a place of healing.” – Mark Zelinski For advance orders of Heart Of Turtle Island: The Great Escarpment see www.MarkZelinski.com BCity Summer 2015 41
Mayor Rick Goldring, City of Burlington Mark Zelinski is a proud Burlington resident and a gifted, award-winning photographer. I am thrilled his next project is on The Niagara Escarpment, which is one of Burlington’s most treasured assets. The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the cornerstone of Ontario’s Greenbelt. Burlington City Council has worked diligently to safeguard this land and protect it for future generations. Burlington is considered to be one of the best places in Canada in which to live. The Niagara Escarpment is a key reason for this reputation. I encourage you to support Mark’s project, which will serve as a keepsake for generations to come and an important reminder to continue to protect our natural treasure.
The sanctuary lands of Royal Botanical Gardens are home to 40 per cent of the plant species of Ontario, like this Canada Anemone that grows in abundance along the moist banks of Grindstone Marsh
Robert Patrick, President Coalition On The Niagara Escarpment I find it hard to pick just one example of the City of Burlington being forward in protecting our environment. The wetland complex created as a new after use out of a former quarry at Kern Cliff Park with visitor trails for the public to learn about and enjoy this water purifying feature. The Seven Generation Mount Nemo vision and the City of Burlington’s participation in the 15-month Joint Board Hearing that stopped the Nelson Quarry Expansion shows us that the city put the health of it residents and the wellbeing of endangered species that have taken refuge on Mount Nemo ahead of the financial gains from aggregate extraction. The City of Burlington has worked hard with the public at meetings held in the Kilbride Elementary School to develop the new rural agricultural first Official Plan for North Burlington. 42 BCity Summer 2015
Burlington’s From The Heart Yoga uses local escarpment wilderness as a spectacular venue for students to increase awareness of their external and internal experience
Ken Phillips, Chief Administrative Officer, Conservation Halton Burlington City Council’s decision to completely close a section of King Rd. to all traffic for three weeks, to allow for the migration of the endangered Jefferson Salamander, demonstrates a shift in attitude and a recognition of the importance of protecting the natural environment in our community. This closure, which has taken place every year since 2012 has helped immensely in recovery efforts for the Jefferson Salamander and has also bolstered public support for species at risk protection. Burlington provided a model for other municipalities to follow. Burlington City Council has also established an urban boundary no further north than Regional Road 5 (Dundas St.) and Highway 407 which allows people to have access to beautiful natural areas only minutes from their homes with places like Mount Nemo Conservation Area and sections of the Bruce Trail. It also protects rare and valuable ecosystems along the Niagara Escarpment that provide habitat for endangered species like the Jefferson Salamander.
The return of the majestic Great Blue Heron to Grindstone Marsh heralds promise for the natural wetlands protected by The Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System
During a heavy rainfall, the elusive and endangered Jefferson Salamander makes a quick midnight migration from its breeding pond of spring snow melt water BCity Summer 2015 43
Amy Schnurr, Executive Director Burlington Green Environmental Association Our vision is for everyone in Burlington to recognize that we are all connected to and dependent on the natural environment and that we must act on this understanding to ensure a quality of life and healthy environment for generations to come. Founded in 2007, our agency has been a strong and effective voice for the environment, engaging thousands of citizens, youth and groups in environmental learning while providing an array of volunteer action opportunities to benefit the planet locally.
Like a splash of ruby on a green canvas the cheerful cardinal brightens the gardens and wild lands of Southern Ontario.
Beth Gilhespy, Executive Director Bruce Trail Conservancy The residents of Burlington are an important part of the Bruce Trail Community. They enjoy close and plentiful access to the Bruce Trail - Canada’s longest and oldest marked footpath. They can explore the urban forests of Kerncliff Park and touch the living history of a 200 year old oak that was born before the City of Burlington. They can peek under logs for an elusive salamander, wander through meadows, open forests or take in the stunning views of Grindstone Creek on land acquired and stewarded by the Bruce Trail Conservancy. All of these wonders are on the Bruce Trail, right in Burlington’s backyard.
Dwindling populations of pollinators like the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly signal a growing need to protect the Niagara Escarpment and Greenbelt lands for future generations.
A sunlit Mount Nemo is reflected through the frozen lenses of dangling sculptures crafted by The Great Ice Storm of December 2013.
Trained as an artist and a designer at OCAD, Mark Zelinski has enjoyed a diverse career as a professional photographer since 1977, and is also a publisher, writer, painter, filmmaker and winner of the Canadian Governor General’s Medal. Mark has published seven internationally acclaimed photography books, which include forewords by Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, King Constantine, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander and Justin Trudeau. In 2010 Zelinski launched the “Books That Heal” campaign - donating 7,000 copies of his books to 100 charities worldwide to aid rescued victims of human trafficking, child abuse prevention, homeless youth, addiction counseling, crime prevention and literacy. www.markzelinski.com Photo Credit: Marcie Costello Photography
Trees of Woodland Cemetery provide winter shelter to a slumbering Red Screech Owl (left) and a Downy Woodpecker (right) BCity Summer 2015 45
YOUNG TURKS
Interviews with two of our region’s most promising young chefs Alex Bielak, Contributing Food and Drink Editor Photos by Alex Bielak
W
ho are the best young chefs in the region? At age 27, and both with three wins apiece in the Taste of Burlington, Mitchell Lamb and Will Edsall could both lay legitimate claim to that title. The former is Executive Chef at two sister establishments, Stone House Restaurant in Burlington and Lake House Restaurant in Vineland. The latter, recently departed the Queen’s Head Pub in Burlington, where he had developed a loyal following, has made the short hop up Guelph Line to Campbellville, where he’s taken over the kitchen at the new Risposta Bistro. Both have paid their dues, not in top-end kitchens or under “name” chefs, but rather coming through the ranks of restaurants in Burlington and Niagara. Each benefitted by working for operators who recognised something special in them and who gave them their head. Joseph Nahman has been in the business for 40 years, and, with his wife, owns both the restaurants Lamb oversees. The first day he saw Lamb operate as a line cook at Lake House nine years ago, he could see the potential. “He was born to be a chef, and is one of a kind,” says Nahman. Ed Catley, owner of the Queen’s Head, was so confident in Ed-
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sall’s abilities he gave him carte blanche for the last two and a half years of his four-year tenure. Clearly sad to see him go, he knew it was time for this, “Wonderfully creative young man,” to take on new challenges. Edsall is continuing to consult as needed for Catley as the pub moves forward with a new summer menu, and some new talent in the kitchen. B City asked Lamb and Edsall to cook a dish (see sidebar) they felt best represented them, asking a series of questions designed to explore their life’s journey as passionate, inventive cooks. As radically different as they might appear at first blush, their career paths, culinary philosophies, motivations, and ambitions are remarkably similar: these progressive young Turks are set to lead the region’s diners on culinary journeys they’ve never before contemplated. During our wide-ranging interviews both chefs were articulate, often pausing before responding and choosing or emphasising their words carefully to make their points. Relaxed during the interviews, both were intensely focussed while cooking, and clearly care about and love what they do: enjoy their thoughtful responses to our questions below.
On Burlington’s Restaurant Scene and winning Taste of Burlington… In previous interviews with the author, Edsall and Lamb had respectively described the culinary scene in Burlington as both “crowded” and “fresh.” When asked if that had changed, Edsall says leaving downtown Burlington was, “Kind of bitter-sweet.” He feels that he has done most of what he could in the core, which he found fun but also crowded. New places frequently coming and going made it hard to get a really good foothold. A free spirit, he had already decided to move on before the opportunity with Risposta presented itself. Lamb – revelling in Stone House having just been awarded the Open Table award for top steak house in South-Western Ontario (including Toronto) – indicated while certain points are indeed fresh, overall he now finds the scene, “Lacking.” Despite the potential for really good restaurants, the city is flooded with corporate chains. He perceives a need for the more casual, but spot-on, modern service and food common in Toronto, for example. Their respective hat trick of wins at Taste of Burlington events were cherished by both chefs, providing an opportunity to stretch culinarily. Edsall says, “I don’t know if I treated it as more of a big deal than some of the other chefs involved, but it was always something I looked forward to doing because it meant a couple of months of being able to play with
recipes. I could do what I wanted to do... it was fun, really fun.” Lamb found winning a “confidence booster” and dearly wants to win again at the summer 2015 launch event, one Edsall indicates he’d love to participate in again, if he’s able. On Inspiring customers, and themselves… Lamb likes to dine out at many restaurants because that is where he learns, from seeing what others are doing. He then looks to develop the formulas he believes exist to create perfect dishes to put on his menu. He relishes getting his clientele to try unfamiliar things, and have them inspired by a new flavour. Like Edsall, he is fascinated by the possibilities offered up by molecular cuisine, but says the clientele in Burlington seem intimidated by something they don’t (yet) understand. In January, after his honeymoon in Spain, he put on a seven-course molecular cuisine-inspired tasting menu at Stone House. It included his own twists on modern Spanish food, including a foie gras four ways (seared, frozen and shaved, powdered and mousse), circled with 15 different flavoured gels. Edsall indicates he’s mostly self-inspired. He hasn’t had cable for years, so doesn’t watch TV shows, but loves cookbooks, looking at dishes and seeing how leading chefs do things. He loves to twist something old, something people are comfortable with, breathe new life into it, and take guests out of their comfort zone. But he’s very aware there’s a fine line
between something too avant garde and what people are familiar with. “For the most part, a lot of the people will go with what they are really familiar with, but I always want to push it to the very, very edge of that line, and to get people thinking a little more outside of the box. That way we can keep pushing it further and further. And have more and more fun with our cuisine,” he says. On happiness in the kitchen… Edsall smiles: “Organization is happiness in my kitchen. When I walk in and I feel like everybody knows exactly what they should be doing. That way I don’t stress out and I can get to what is important to me.” For Lamb, morale is very important, but sometimes it’s hard to maintain in what is “A very stressful
Braised rabbit ready to plate
Braised wild Ontario rabbit with gnocchi and morels BCity Summer 2015 47
Braised beef short rib with red cabbage, spätzle and pureed turnip high paced environment.” He makes sure to come into work happy because; “Happiness is contagious.” On balance… Edsall always wants to have fun by, “Tipping the scales in favour of something a little bit more avant garde or adventurous,” but notes balance is necessary to keep everybody happy. Lamb considers all the angles before responding: with industry norms of twelvehour days, six to seven days a week, it can be difficult to find balance, something that is key to being happy in a chosen profession. He learned that early on from the owners of the business, praising them for respecting that staff need time to achieve balance in their lives. On the culinary front, he advises diners to eat what makes them happy. If you are going to go out and spend some money or a nice meal, “Eat what you really want”, he says. “Don’t be conscious of what you are eating those days. Save your diets and restrictions for the other six days of the week that you’re eating at home” he adds with a grin. Who they’d like to cook for and what they’d serve… Once again, both chefs are in accord. Edsall reflects for a moment before responding. “Nobody famous. I’d just like to cook for my girlfriend and my mother. A Lot... It matters a lot to me that the public like my food, but at the end of the day, I don’t go home with them, so I don’t get to experience the everlasting effects my girlfriend is going to have 48 BCity Summer 2015
from eating my cuisine for the rest of her life.” He says he’d serve them, “Something new, something that I’ve never done before. Because the people who know me the best know that’s what makes me happiest.” Lamb visibly wells up before replying. “I’d like to cook for my grandparents. My grandfather passed away two years ago and my grandmother has been in a nursing home for the last eight years… so they haven’t been able to see what I’ve become, and what I can do. And I feel they would be really proud to see it.” He’s cooked for celebrities, but ultimately they’re just like any other customer to him. If it is someone who personally means something to him, Lamb says he is going to go out of his way to “Make sure it’s the best thing (he’s) ever done.” He’d make a molecular meal for his grandparents because he knows “That is something they would have never experienced, something completely new.” Where do they see themselves five years from now… Both Edsall and Lamb think the sky is the limit, and see themselves as the head of a kitchen, but more hands-off, with trusted people in place executing their vision. They both want variety and can see a future with their current employers, but on expanded playing fields. Edsall has full support for his aspirations from one of the partners in Risposta: Patrick Beatty, a mixologist and certified sommelier, runs the front of house, and has big plans for
the from-scratch, terroir-driven establishment. Apart from the operational food lab where he and Edsall can play, and a hydroponic garden that supplies the kitchen with insalata mix and herbs, Beatty says an on-site brew pub is in the works, and new restaurants, featuring cuisine other than Italian, are also on the horizon. Georgetown, London, Kitchener/Waterloo, Hamilton, and perhaps even Toronto are all potential locations, and Edsall would oversee them all. Lamb can see his bosses opening up a new concept, perhaps following some of the ideas he has. When asked if he’d like to share, he demurs. “It’s definitely a new thing and I don’t want it to get out there before I lose my chance. I definitely have a couple of very unique ideas.” Story continues on page 51
Piping-hot braised beef short rib, just out of the oven
BCity Summer 2015 49
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Braised Beauties Alex Bielak
Chef Will Edsall says his dish epitomizes him because of the methods he used, new age melded with traditional rustic cooking. Raised on a New Brunswick farm, he felt you couldn’t get much more rustic than potatoes and rabbit. His braised wild Ontario rabbit with gnocchi and morel mushrooms was comfort food taken to a new level. Terrific in a restaurant setting, I could as easily imagine tucking into a less-elevated version of the dish by a pot-bellied stove in a cabin, a glass of wine to hand, after a day of hunting mushrooms in the woods. The rabbit was cooked sous vide for 12 hours at 168 degrees with red wine and morel mushrooms. The meat was de-boned and set aside with the mushrooms, and the braising liquid then reduced to a rich demi-glace. Chef chose a medium bodied Sicilian merlot so as, “Not to overpower the naturally earthy flavour of the rabbit.” Adding insightfully; “The wine is herbaceous, tying into the rustic elements of the dish, with a touch of fruit to sweeten the final demi-glace.” The gnocchi were hand-made and smoked five times using a smoking gun before being flash-frozen prior to cooking. Chef uses Yukon Gold potatoes for the gnocchi, noting the starch to sugar ratio is perfect for maintaining shape and texture, while cooking them from frozen also helps retain their shape. The meat was re-incorporated with the demi, some béchamel sauce, the morels, caramelized onions and confit garlic. The garlic was simmered five hours in olive oil to develop an additional and wonderfully-sweet layer of flavour. The gently-boiled and then pan-fried gnocchi were mixed in. Just prior to serving, so it doesn’t lose its freshness or vibrant green colour, a half tablespoon of fresh basil pesto, and some fresh arugula, were incorporated into the pan. The dish was plated under a glass dome with a
Chef Mitch plates the spätzle
Chef Will checks the braised rabbit puff of smoke for a nice reveal: The smoke helped tie it all together, and a bit more of the peppery lettuce and a shaving of parmesan served as garnish. Chef Mitchell Lamb says the food he likes to cook is the food he likes to eat, something warm and comforting. His beef short rib was the centerpiece of a colourful, enticing plate: deeply lacquered and darkly sweet, and garnished with a few peppery basil microgreens, it was fork-tender and hugely flavourful. No wonder it is a perennial favourite at both the Stone and Lake House restaurants. Chef braised the beef for four hours in Sleeman dark ale, with dried cherries, sherry vinegar, wild mushrooms and pearl onions, with some demi-glace for an extra layer of complexity. A portion in a well-used sauté pan came out of a hot oven bubbling hard prior to plating.
The meat was served atop a bed of turnip puree, simply finished with truffle oil and salt. The vegetable is not one of my favourites, but tasted delicious, perhaps because of the dollop of added cream. The accompaniments included spätzle and crisp green beans, both well-seasoned and sautéed with butter. Braised red cabbage - a signature vegetable for the restaurant, was made with red wine, cider vinegar, cinnamon and brown sugar: simultaneously spicy, sweet, sour and crunchy, it both complemented and contrasted with the sumptuous beef. Overall, it is a terrific and impressivelydramatic dish: I can appreciate why Parisianborn owner, Joseph Nahman, says he’d be in trouble were it ever to come off the menu at either of his establishments.
Alex Bielak is Contributing Food and Drink Editor to B City Magazine. A passionate cook, epicure and storyteller, his engaging writing and photos have appeared in various Canadian and international media, including a regular online column in The Hamiltonian. Follow him on Twitter: @AlexBielak BCity Summer 2015 51
Shining Light in the Darkness of Life “ Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack, in everything. That’s how the light gets in”. Anthem~Leonard Cohen All photos Maria Gagliardi
B
urlington photographer Maria Gagliardi uses the eye of her camera to bring the viewer into some very different worlds. Creating evocative, sometimes disturbing, but always truthful and beautiful images, she empowers both the viewers and her subjects, shining a light into sometimesdark corners of life. Through her art, she deepens our understanding of ourselves and of our fellow human beings.
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This project began when Maria felt the need to photograph something real - and human, real people in the midst of crisis. She has photographed a hoarder, a woman that let her boyfriend put his cigarettes out on her back, a rape victim, and many others. Through her lens, the beauty in each of these people comes out, we see their humanity. Maria believes that once you truly accept a negative part of yourself, you can love yourself to transcend it – and she’s holding space
for people to not only do this for themselves, but hopefully inspire others. An empowering project that will set free those who have lived through mental crisis and inspire positive community conversation. To learn more about her ‘Architects of Change’ project connect on Facebook facebook. com/architectsofchangeproject, Instagram, @architectsofchangeproject and at mariagagliardi.ca
All photos Maria Gagliardi- Architects ofBCity Change Project Summer 2015 53
Repository of Lost Relationships Perched on a cliff above the Burlington Bay, the Bayview Mausoleum has for more than a century been a place where people have gone to reflect and connect with lost relationships. The marble walls of the Mausoleum dats back to the turn of the century when the European trend of entombment became a more popular option as part of funeral rites in Ontario. In addition to crypts, the Bayview Mausoleum has wall niches with moving memorials to loved ones.
W
alking in the Mausoleum and down the spacious corridors there is a sense of the spirit of the meaning of life, subtle, yet strong in the stately and serene surroundings. The spectacular stained glass windows designed by Artist James Blomfield are iconic, yet mysterious, communicating comforting messages to our heart and soul with symbols. The few profound words include a few lines of Tennyson.
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For more information visit www.baygardens.ca or email events@baygardens.ca
Crossing the Bar By Alfred, Lord Tennyson Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.
Photos Courtesy of Bay Gardens
One day all relationships end. What we grieve is the bond lost, the presence of, our beloved.The Mausoleum is a reminder of our communionand connection with the mysterious cycle of life and our relationship with it. There is comfort given here that speaks to the mystery of our relationship with loss that comes when a loved one is no longer present The grand staircase of the Mausoleum gives pause. For a moment one can wonder about our most important relationship - the one we have with life - a hauntingly beautiful presence we are reminded of when visiting the Bayview Mausoleum. The Bayview Mausoleum is located at 740 Spring Garden Road, Burlington. To arrange a tour call: www.baygardens.ca
The last word
What do you do when Life gives you a big curve ball? Derek Walter and Steve Jenkins chose to get for a pet, what they thought would be a miniature pig – under the impression she would always remain small. Life threw them a curveball when this pig, Esther, grew to become a massive 700 pounds and quickly outgrew their home.
Steve, Esther and Derek at Happily Ever After Esther Sanctuary Derek and Steve, together you’ve experienced significant changes in life in the past couple of years. What was the catalyst? Steve: Simply put, allowing ourselves to get to know an animal that we otherwise would have only thought of as food. Esther was able to break that barrier in our hearts and taught us true love and commitment. What has surprised you about life? Derek: Complacency. Just when you think life is all level and balanced, a curve ball going in a completely unimaginable direction can get you. What delights you about life? Derek: Everything. Every breath. Every chirp from every bird. Wind blowing. Everyday is a holiday. What have you found challenging about life? Derek: Hindsight is an ambivalent colossal waste, and a valuable resource all at the same time. Use it wisely.
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Steve and Derek looked for an alternative home for Esther. Ultimately the new home they found for Esther is the farm sanctuary they have founded in Halton Region where they reside with Esther, the now world famous wonder pig, and a growing group of friendly fellow animals.
What has Esther taught you about life? Steve: Nothing is definite. Commitment is love. There is someone inside every pair of animal eyes. Someone who wants love and values life. Given a chance would you change your life? Derek: The chance is always in front of us to redirect. Nothing is definite. Change starts with education and an open mind, both of those, which are forever evolving. We change our lives and the lives of others every single day with every little action. To not change means to fail existence.
Would you do it all again? Derek and Steve: We would do it again...and again...and again. Your life has changed a great deal over the past few years. Is there anything you would change? Derek: Sometimes it was so busy that we were not always in the present moment and we missed experience or adventure that was otherwise turned down for another. Esther inspires a lot of people’s lives. What do you think is her magic? Steve: Esther’s magic is in her kindness. She inspires people to live compassionately and she really inspires change through simple questions and thought provoking messaging.
To find out more about life with Derek, Steve and Esther at the Sanctuary visit: http://www.twitter.com/estherthepig http://www.facebook.com/estherthewonderpig www.estherthewonderpig.com http://instagram.com/estherthewonderpig#
BCity Summer 2015 57
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