February 2013
Milton Villager Magazine Volume 1, Issue 5 - February 2013 Community based magazine that focuses on local news and events www.MiltonVillager.com 15,000 copies of each issue are distributed in Milton - more than 14,000 by Canada Post, and 1000 to local businesses If you would like to advertise in Milton Villager Magazine email rick@dilorenzo.com or call 416-821-1219 Publisher - Rick Di Lorenzo Photographers - Ann Kornuta, Denise Cooperwhite Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Anshul Sharma, Jenifer Sim Cover Photo Mary Long Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily that of the publisher and no liability is assumed for omissions or errors Follow us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MiltonVillager
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“Publishers don’t do it for you. You have to do it for yourself and be your own salesperson.”
By Stuart Service, Photos by Ann Kornuta
Ron Base
Milton Author Conducts Successful Self-Publishing Investigation
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prolific fire was lit under Milton novelist Ron Base three years after he decided to self-publish a series of mystery novels set in a busy tourist destination.
“Publishers don’t do it for you. You have to do it for yourself and be your own salesperson.”
Base has sold books under major publishers Macmillan, Doubleday and St. Martin’s Press, but that lost its lustre after he saw consistently low sales margins and experienced minimal interactions with his readers.
“I’m looking around for a market and here’s my brother suggesting ‘look, here is a market,’” Ron said. “I’ve got German readers—British readers. Instead of you having to go out and find the market, the market comes to you. The audience flows onto the island.”
Base found his market on the Sanibel-Captiva Island upon learning that it was bereft of a series of mystery Base has created a trilogy of Sanibel Sunset Detective novels. He also found out through his brother, Ric Base, novels in less than two years since releasing the first. president of the Sanibel-Captiva Island’s Chamber of Each adventure, which stars private investigator Commerce, that nearly 500,000 people visit the island Tremain “Tree” Callister, is among the top five each year. Ric suggested that his brother could “market the hell out of the book” to copious tourists. bestsellers at the Sanibel Island Bookshop.
“I’ve always been intrigued by detective novels,” he Base now independently publishes with West-End continued, “the shorter, smart, page-turning mysteries Books and gets to meet his readers all the time. He’s and thrillers that I loved when I was a kid.” even become a regular at the Milton Farmer’s Market, He came up with the concept of a private detective on Main Street during summer Saturday mornings. who works the Sanibel Island beat. “If you’ve ever been “I have ended up doing things that I never expected in to Sanibel Island, you’d realize how incongruous that a million years,” he said. “I never imagined being out at is,” Base said. a farmers’ market peddling books. “Everybody of course thinks this guy [Tree Callister] is “I think it’s something authors have to do these days crazy to be a detective on Sanibel Island, where nothing no matter who you’re published by,” Base continued. ever happens,” he continued.
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Base said he was raised on mystery novels.
Milton Villager
“I don’t think I ever saw a reader,” Base said. “I was determined I wasn’t going to go through this again.”
“Well, as I conceived things, things do happen to my character. And in thinking of what kind of character I would like, I kept thinking, who would be stupid enough to start a detective agency on Sanibel Island?” Base said. “I thought, I know. A guy like myself. I’d be stupid enough to do something like that.” In what’s become an annual tradition, Base opened his Mill Street home for a party/book signing on January 27, to officially release his third Sanibel book in Canada.
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In Another Sanibel Sunset Detective, Detective Callister meets two clients, both looking for girls named Elizabeth. One client is a former director of the Pakistani Secret Service, and the other is an accused war criminal who pays up front with wads of C-notes. As Tree is wondering if both clients are looking for information on the whereabouts of the same girl, a
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frightening man wielding a cutlass shows up at the P.I.’s office demanding information about a girl named Elizabeth. “I try to keep the reader turning the pages,” Base said. “With this new book, I think it’s the best of the three, just because I ’m feeling more comfortable with the characters and more comfortable about what Tree would do or wouldn’t do.” Base is in the process of writing a Milton-based detective novel. “In using the sort of template that we developed in Florida, I’m writing a book now that’s going to be a mystery set in Milton with a new set of characters,” he said. “Again, I was inspired by people telling me ‘I really enjoyed your book on Sanibel Island. Why don’t you set something here in Milton?’”
Spring & Summer Activities Registration Day
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Dance to drama, or soccer to swimming, you can register everyone in the family for the activity of their choice, all in one convenient stop!
For a list of participants, visit our website and click on Activities Registration Day under Mall Events.
miltonmall.com
Family Day at Milton Fair Grounds
By Laura Steiner, Photos by Julia Snow
a winter demolition derby, and when Family Day was created, we thought it would be the perfect day to host it,” said Secretary-Treasurer Babs Wingrove. The society added a midway, a petting zoo and pony rides. A dash of food and entertainment completes the Family Day Winter Festival.
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he first Family Day was celebrated on February 18, 2008. Since then, Family Day has been held on the third Monday in February. As of 2013, it will be celebrated in six provinces and be known by three different names. In Manitoba, it overlaps with Louis Riel Day, and in Prince Edward Island it’s called Islander Day. The other four provinces, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, recognize it as Family Day. This year British Columbia becomes the latest province to celebrate on the third Monday in February instead of on the second Monday. In Ontario, Family Day started three years ago as part of an election. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty promised a holiday if he was re-elected following the 2007 provincial election campaign. He won and passed legislation in October 2007 proclaiming the holiday. Ontarians now have a day off to spend with their families. How do you celebrate the day with your family? The Halton Agricultural Society offers one suggestion. The nonprofit group runs the Milton Fall Fair and owns the Milton Fair Grounds. “We always wanted to run
This year marks the second annual event. The society has partnered with the Knights of Columbus to add a pancake breakfast starting at 9 a.m. in hall one, located by the Robert St. gate. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the demolition derby at 1 p.m. It is a favourite part for many, including the organizing committee. The organizers plan the event with something for all ages. They see it as an affordable hometown event and urge people to “come spend the day with your friends and neighbours.” Admission is $5 for adults and children over six years old. Kids younger than six are admitted free. Limited on-site parking is available. There are a few volunteer opportunities for high school students to help with setting up and tearing down. Email miltonfair@cogeco.net for details.
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Spend
The
airy
Lock-in
at Milton Public Library By Anshul Sharma
8 | Milton Villager The girls who wish to be called “The Storm Giants” on guard at their fortress
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he new year kicked off with a hobbit twist for the kids who attended the hobbit-themed amusement park, known by day as Beaty Branch, Milton Public Library (MPL). The event, formerly known as Welcome to the World of the Hobbit, was a great success! Two of the MPL staff, Kate Bastarache and Emily Thompson, organized the event and ensured that everything went according to plan for the nine students in attendance. “I really loved the interactive web that we had to walk around and play with. It’s really cool and the library staff
was awesome. I look forward to the new activity,” said Alyssa, a first-time attendee. The activities, inspired by the hit movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, had the girls maneuvering an interactive, sticky web as I approached their fortress. They were quick to defend their land through the shadows with their coat of arms and swords ready. The boys, meanwhile, were role-playing scenes from the movie with staffs and swords and even a bit of dazzling magic!
It was really quite a sight! The smiling library staff was hard at work while the time flew by as the kids played. Three hours felt like minutes in the magical fortress they were confined to. The “hobbits” in attendance were all giggles and smiles, as well, loving every second of being there. With the energy in their faces and the enthusiasm in their voices, it really did seem like they were embarking on an unexpected journey. Kate and Emily did a wonderful job, and I wish I could travel back in time to my days as a youth to participate in an event like this. “We really enjoy organizing events for teens like this one celebrating J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit,” said Leslie Fitch, CEO, Milton Public Library. “Promoting the love of reading through trivia, activities and adventure is fantastic. It’s as much fun for the staff as it is for the teens who attend,” Emily said.
The warriors of Middle Earth as they prepare for combat
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I certainly hope they do. Next time around, I won’t just be writing about it and taking pictures; I’ll be in the thick of things!
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At the end of the night, everyone agreed that it was a great event and heart-warming to see the teens having such a great time being in the library. Library staff indicated they are very interested in organizing similar events in the future to the benefit of our community.
The Chinese New Year Festival
Celebrating the Year of the Snake
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he annual Chinese New Year Festival takes place at Milton Mall on Saturday, February 16th. 2013 is the Year of the Snake and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The first Festival in Milton was in 2006 and was held at the Tonelli Arena during a day of Martial Arts competitions. It was organized by Independent Living Halton as a way to showcase their facility as a real home for their residents. According to Lyndon Smith, one of the organizers and also the Past President at Independent Living Halton, “It became a simple decision that through exhibits of Tai Chi and performances of traditional Chinese dance, we could accomplish public awareness in many ways and reach those with disabilities and Halton seniors, as well as promote multiculturalism.” The event moved to the mall in 2007 and the number of participants and attendees has grown steadily since then.
By Jenifer Sim
Over the years, participants have included Tai Chi classes from both the Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre and the Georgetown seniors community; representation from the Halton Multicultural Association and contributions from several individuals. “Siamak Tenzif from the Seniors’ Centre has been great support to us in handling the programming, music and acting as the master of ceremonies. Our greatest support has come through Henry Ho from Toronto as he has consistently brought us talent and volunteers from the Chinese community in Markham”, noted Smith. New to the team of organizers this year is the Milton Chinese Association. One of the highlights of the Chinese New Year celebration is the Lion Dance; a wonderful cultural experience that brings two massive, colourful lions to life with the traditional dotting of the eye. Teams of dancers animate the stunning costumes and wind their way
through the mall to the beating of drums and clanging of chimes, welcoming the new year with hopes of luck and happiness! This year, the dance will be performed by high school students provided by the Milton Chinese Association (MCA). The MCA has also co-ordinated dance performances by the Milton Chinese Arts Society. The day starts off with the Milton Monkeys Kids’ Club getting together from 10 am to 12 noon to make Year of the Snake wind mobiles. The festivities continue at 12 noon with opening remarks and the traditional Eye Dotting Ceremony by Mayor Gord Krantz, followed by the Lion Dance. From 1:00 to 2:00 pm, there will be programming including Tai Chi demonstrations along with the dance performances. There will also be the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Milton Chinese New Year Gala, taking place at the Milton Centre for the Arts on the following Saturday at 7:30 pm. This amazing event is brought to Milton by Independent Living Halton. All activities are free of charge, however, donations made on the day of the event are gratefully accepted by Independent Living Halton and will go towards offsetting the cost of producing the event. For more details, visit www.miltonmall.com and click on Chinese New Year Festival.
Chinese New Year Festival
Brought to you by
IL Supported by
Supported by
DR. SHEILA A. WONG General and Family Dentistry
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16th, 10 am – 2 pm 10 am - 12 noon 12 noon - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 1:00 pm 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Children’s crafts Opening remarks and Eye Dotting Ceremony Lion Dance Tai Chi & martial arts demos Traditional dances by the Milton Chinese Arts Society
For more details visit miltonmall.com
miltonmall.com
Province announces approval of four Milton Elementary Schools “When it came out that we got Milton #8 and Milton #9, that was just absolutely fantastic news,” said Donna Danielli, Milton’s Wards 2–5 HSDB Trustee. “Most importantly, those kids will be getting their own school.”
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To that end, those kids Danielli mentioned are the 400 or so students in grades 1 to 6 currently enrolled in an unnamed school, Milton Elementary #8, in classes at a makeshift elementary school in the E.C. Drury High School building. Last September, E.C. Drury High School students moved into the recently built Craig Kielburger Secondary School. With the building emptied, part of E.C. Drury was retrofitted to temporarily accommodate Milton Elementary #8.
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Donna Danielli
hen the Ministry of Education released its list of capital projects on January 17, Milton trustees were thrilled to see provincial funding is on the way for two new elementary public schools. Milton Elementary #8 will be located on Farmstead Dr., south of Derry Rd. W., and Milton Elementary #9 will be located south of Louis St. Laurent Blvd., in the town’s near-future residential area, the Boyne Survey Secondary Plan.
Also among the province’s $711 million toward new schools and additions are two new catholic elementary schools in Milton. Their locations will be at Pringle Ave. and Savoline Blvd., and at McLaughlin Ave. and Farmstead Dr. “If we could pick and choose our surprises, I’d pick those” said Nancy MacNeill, Milton’s Wards 1, 6, 7, and 8 Halton District School Board Trustee.
MacNeill said that the partially renovated E.C. Drury is “working well” as a temporary “holding school.” Hopefully, they’ll be able to move into their brand new school sometime next year.” Before E.C. Drury became a solution, Milton Elementary #8 students were attending P.L. Robertson Public School. About 1,150 students packed the school, which opened in 2010, and where already there were projections of needing 48 portables by 2014. “We couldn’t do it any longer,” MacNeill said. “That’s why we did a boundary review last year and did a holding school up at E.C. Drury.”
Both MacNeill and Danielli applaud the community efforts that went into getting the attention of the Ministry of Education to address the town’s student population boom.
“We’ve been very fortunate that we have the support,” Danielli said. “Everyone has been working as a team together.” MacNeill said it was “definitely a community effort that brought the information to the Ministry of Education, saying we really need these schools.”
By Stuart Service, Photo by Ann Kornuta
Jeopardy winners the Sheldon Coopers
Milton Fridays get Funtastic By Laura Steiner
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television, movies, literature, music, and sports. If the team members gave an incorrect answer, the other team could steal points. The game was complete with commercial breaks acted out by the staff, including one for the Easy Bake oven.
Play is defined on the town’s official website as “anything a younger person does in his or her free time,” including sports, theatre and volunteering. For this purpose, Milton established Funtastic Fridays. Formerly known as Milton Leisure Centre Fridays, the program is part of a response to an identified need within the community, according to recreation coordinator, Janet Davis.
After Jeopardy, the kids enjoyed a quick break for snacks, after which they played a game described as “live guess who.” Taped to the kids’ foreheads were pieces of paper bearing the names of famous people. The kids were allowed to ask three questions of the other team members to help them determine their identities. “Someone give me a clue,” echoed throughout the room. The last game of the night was movie charades.
he town of Milton is a Play Works certified silver youth-friendly town. Play Works is a recognition program whose aim is to acknowledge communities that are ensuring youth have “continuous access to diversity of play.” The program includes youth 13 to 19 years old.
The evenings run from 6:30 to 9, and each has a specific theme. January 18 was Jeopardy Night. Kids spent a half hour playing in the gym before starting the activities. Sixteen kids split into two equal teams. Each team was asked to pick a name. One team chose The Sheldon Coopers and the other, Push to Open. The Sheldon Coopers won a gold victory trophy. The game was played like on the television show. Each team could choose a question from one of five categories:
A Valentine’s Day party will be held on February 15, and an event called 365 Birthdays will be held on March 1. For a full list of events, see milton.ca under the “recreation” heading. For Janet Davis, the best part is “knowing they can participate in recreation activities in a safe and positive environment.” Funtastic Fridays are held at the Milton Leisure Centre, 1100 Main St. East, and are offered on a drop-in basis.
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Host Emma asks questions
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First Annual Mayor’s Gala for the Arts
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Pockets of the Centre’s lobby became landmarks that included the statue of liberty, and various Manhattan street corners. The catered, Big Apple themed event was headlined by Milton Talent Contest winner Gavin McLeod and Canadian broadway performers Michael Burgess and Rebecca Caine.
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On Saturday night Jan. 19, guests were greeted at the door and led to the Milton Main Library, which was temporarily renamed New York Public Library, and also temporarily turned into a photo booth and a coatcheck. Guests then entered a flashy sign and were greeted by mayor Gord
Krantz, who wore a tuxedo while holding a silver-top cane that matched his top hat.
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veryone who was anyone in Milton was in attendance at the Mayor’s gala fundraiser at the Centre for the Arts.