Current & Past Articles » Letters

Free speech?

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

by BRIAN LOCKHART

I used to have a friend from college who routinely offended people around her.

It’s like she had absolutely no filter at all. If she didn’t like something, she said so. Where a normal person would keep a thought to themselves, she would blurt out her opinion regardless of who might be offended or hurt.

She pretty much alienated every other female she knew because of her way of letting someone know she didn’t like their hairstyle, clothing, or telling them they had gained too much weight.

I once called her out on her behaviour.

Her response was, “I speak my mind.”

When I bought my new house, she wanted to come over to see it.

I was pretty happy with my purchase. I had saved for years for a down payment and finally had a place of my own.

She walked through the house, criticized everything she didn’t like, and left.

Over the next several years, she mentioned several times that I had not invited her back. She had apparently no clue, why I have never asked her back to my home.

It was a decision on my part, to not listen to her ridiculous and offensive opinions any more. I simply ignored her.

She has the right to say whatever she wants – and I have the right to not listen to it.

We supposedly have free speech in this country. You can form any opinion you want. If others don’t like it, they don’t have to listen.

However, when people are sanctioned or disciplined for having an opinion, that’s a problem.

Libraries have been going through a lot of controversy over the past few years. Books have been banned or removed from shelves because of perceived “offensive” content. This includes many books that were previously considered classics.

But who gets to decide what is offensive? Just because one person finds a book’s content to be offensive, someone else may not.

We don’t need anyone telling us what to read.

If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Pretty simple.

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the chief librarian was fired from her job for an opinion piece she wrote in a local newspaper column.

She exercised her right of free speech in a column titled, “Freedom to read is more than fighting book bans.”

The library board said the Chief Librarian had written in support of a “right wing” American group.

In the column, the librarian wrote, “viewpoints that don’t conform to progressive agendas are rarely represented in library collections and anyone who challenges this is labelled a bigot.”

The library board certainly proved her point themselves when they fired her for having an opinion.

Basically it came down to a “philosophical disagreement,” said the library board chair.

This is a public library, not a religious or political institution.

Since when are librarians forced to follow an institutional thought program?

What next? Are they going to fire an employee because they found out someone voted for a political party they don’t like?

The board asked the librarian to “take a few days” to reflect on the article and decide what to do next to resolve the article’s impact on the community. Did the Niagara-on-the-Lake library board get this right out of Kim John Un’s official manifesto?

They actually want someone to correct their opinion to fall in line with their own way of thinking.

Would this library board have made the same decision if she wrote in support of a far left organization? Probably not.

When the far left and the far right get too far, they eventually meet and are doing the same thing.

Does the library board send out spies to hang around the water cooler to listen to conversations and see if an employee makes a comment they don’t like, then take action against them having the “wrong” opinion?

I’m not even sure you can call the library board thought process, “political correctness.” It’s more like social incorrectness.

Here’s the thing – not everyone in life is going to agree with you.

Not everyone will follow your way of thinking – you aren’t right all the time, whether or not you think you are.

If this library board fires a person for not having the “right opinion”, what else have they done?

When you have people in a public institution disciplining someone for having the wrong opinion – maybe the someone should write a book about that to go into the library.

On second thought, it’s already been done.

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Current & Past Articles » Letters

Losing a friend, a piece of ourselves

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

by Mark Pavilons

Our home is a bit quieter than usual.

It’s a strange silence, where you know something isn’t right.

Our 14-year-old Lab Marley is no longer with us. For dogs, that’s a heck of a life, roughly equivalent to 98 human years!

We don’t really “own” our best friends but merely “rent” them. We all hope for a long “lease.”

Saying goodbye to a four-legged family member is never easy, and I’m sure most pet owners will attest to that. They may not be our whole lives, but they do make our lives whole.

We love our animals with all of our hearts and believe they’ll always be with us, even though their lifespans are relatively short.

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day,” John Grogan said.

Even when our beloved pets get old, we don’t want to say goodbye. We’re never ready for the inevitable.

These things, however, aren’t really in our hands.

Perhaps Marley knew, long before we did, the end was near. There were a few occasions when she looked at me with an unusual stare, as if to say “I’ve had enough.” I felt it.

We humans have such power over our pets and yet, we are often helpless.

At the end, in our home filled with loved ones, we said farewell as she quietly slipped away. The tears flowed, joined by sorrow, and plenty of what-ifs.

Vets always tell us it’s the humane thing to do. When a dog no longer has the ability to walk, run and play, or even stand at their bowls to eat, their quality of life is gone. They are merely existing, moving through the fog, from one day to the next.

They can’t vocalize and tell us about their aches and pains. At 14, Marley likely had many.

Her back legs were strained and she lost the ability to stand recently. She became incontinent and had a horrible cough. The vet mentioned Marley was enduring a great deal of pain.

The decision was, really, the only one.

But our furry friends don’t fear death as we do, they have no concept of it. I’m sure as she drifted away from Earth, she felt at ease. For all we know, as she crossed over, she may have thought she’d see us all the very next day.

I read that it was important that her last sights and sounds were of her family members – ur faces and voices. I hope she carried these images with her and know that we loved her dearly.

Maybe her final thoughts turned to grassy fields, chasing balls and swimming in a lake. Perhaps, finally, she was once again bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the white light that welcomed her.

I have a keen interest in the afterlife and watch all shows, movies and documentaries on the subject. Many contend that while we are separated from our bodies, our souls are everlasting. And since dogs are allowed in Heaven, I’m sure the same holds true for them.

One of my favourite original Twilight Zone episodes is of a man who drowns trying to save his dog in a river. As the duo walk down the country path searching for the Pearly Gates, the first gatekeeper welcomes them, but says dogs aren’t allowed. The man found this odd, so he continued on his way, only to find the true entrance to Heaven, where he and his dog were welcomed. The first gate was, of course, Hell. A timeless tale, indeed.

For Kim and I, Marley was our second dog together. Kim searched for a breeder and we picked her out of a litter of energetic, cute-as-a-button critters. Great lines, it appears. We got her sister Lola from the same breeder. We’ve since added two more sisters, a pair of year-old Belgian Malinois (mixed with Boxer) herding dogs.

Yes, we have a full house.

At first, we see them as cuddly, living stuffed toys. We get them to fill a need, perhaps even a selfish one.

But what happens is quite remarkable. A bond develops between human and dog that can’t really be explained. It’s a deep, heart-felt connection that defies the human condition.

Our dogs just accept us. Who would put up with us, ignore our irrational behaviour and still kiss our faces at the end of the night? Our dogs. Who would nudge their noses at us, refuse to let go of their chew toys, still wagging their tails? Our dogs. Who would stick by our side, through thick and thin, until death do us part? Our dogs.

Pet owners all say they can’t imagine their lives without one of these companions by our side, under our feet, or stealing our sandwich off the counter. One of new puppies ate an entire breakfast serving of bacon that I left too close to the edge!

As our pets age, we try not to notice their frailties, and inabilities. They demand patience, at every stage, but especially as they age.

Everyone in the family had to exercise plenty of patience as Marley struggled. We had to use lift straps to carry her from her bowl to the door to her bed.

My wife doted over her for weeks, straining her own arms, shoulders and back in the process.

She broke her ankle just last week slipping on ice at the back door with dog in tow. My ever-compassionate spouse would do anything, for anyone, to her own detriment. She should be right as rain in four to six weeks!

We all had very heavy hearts –  dark, dreary, soul-draining feeling – in the days leading up to the final farewell.

Goodbye Marley – ur playmate, confidant, soccer player, garbage disposal, sentry, welcome mat, friend, comforter and foot licker.

We will all miss her dearly.

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all of the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are.” – nonymous

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Current & Past Articles » Letters

Tackling illegal dumping

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

OUR READERS WRITE

As an ex-Peel cop who never saw justice served (a.k.a. The Punishment fitting The Crime), I have an idea regarding all the illegal dumping we are seeing on all the beautiful landscapes of Caledon.

Anyone caught dumping any type of garbage in Caledon would be charged and released with these two conditions:

One, for one full year every time there is illegal dumping in Caledon they will be called to come and assist the Caledon Works Department to do the cleanup.

Two, for every time they fail to show when called to help, they will be charged a $1,000. fine as well as remaining on the call out list to assist for the entire year they were sentenced to.

Will this help?

Any deterrent more than the current slap on the wrist has to help if we want Caledon to continue to be the Country Jewel it is/was.

Brian Perras
Caledon

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Current & Past Articles » Letters

An evaporating sense of humanity?

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

by BROCK WEIR

My first real job in a newsroom began with something of a whirlwind.

Reasonably fresh out of university, the job came about in a somewhat unexpected way and unfolded in a similar manner. Little was asked of me beyond my ability to make deadlines and, from there, it was directly into the eye of what was painted to be a storm.

From the outset, I had no shortage of well-wishers and community members at large making contact to give me “the real story” on the community and its so-called power-players, elected and otherwise.

Some of it was good, some of it… less so and unlikely, but as my first week wore on, I felt as though my eyes were growing wider and wider. Finding my feet, I was able to sift through the bulk of this detritus and forge ahead. But it soon became apparent that getting the “scoop” cut both ways.

Before too long, a leading politician of the day, who I first met on the second day of the gig, came up to me in a flurry of concern to ask if I was okay.

As far as I could tell I was fine and asked them why they had asked.

Apparently, due to a minor limp I’ve had since elementary school due to arthritis that decided to settle in a bit earlier than most, a story was circulating that I had been in some sort of terrible accident. I think we were both relieved that was not the case – I certainly know I was! – but nonetheless the rumour persisted for a good long while, bubbling up to the surface without any rhyme or reason.

Thankfully, as far as rumours go, it was a reasonably inconsequential one; something that I was able to brush off pretty quickly, with no lasting harm to myself or my family.

The same, I fear, cannot be said by the Princess of Wales as she continues in the early days of her cancer journey.

On Friday, the Princess announced to the world that the serious abdominal surgery she underwent in mid-January sadly, and after the fact, resulted in a cancer diagnosis. In her moving statement, she thanked people for the well-wishes she had received since her surgery was first announced and during her subsequent recovery out of the public eye.

“At the time, it was thought my condition was non-cancerous,” she said. “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay….

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

One can only hope they get as much time, space, and privacy as private individuals do during this difficult time – as it was certainly absent in the lead-up to Friday’s announcement.

Since stepping back from the public eye shortly after the New Year for a then-undisclosed reason, Catherine and her family were subject to some of the most vile treatment on social media I’ve ever seen aimed at an apolitical public figure who, along with her family, have stived to be figures of unity more than anything else.

They were faced with countless alarming worst-case-scenario online rumours of her health, a particularly distressing turn of events for someone who has children growing up in the most tech-savvy generation we’ve yet seen; disheartening and outlandish claims about their personal lives; and even claims of things sinister and/or criminal afoot.

Each step they made was the subject of intense and off-the-charts scrutiny – suddenly, everyone and their uncle appointed themselves among the ranks of the great Photoshop savants and foremost AI experts of our time – all the while a very real family was going through an experience traumatic in itself, but trebled due to what I think can only be described as a lack of basic of consideration for one another – and, when it comes down to it, a lack of humanity and compassion not just for her, but everyone going through a private battle.

Despite going public with her diagnosis – an announcement some have argued she was coerced into by keyboard warriors in an effort to quell their increasingly unhinged ramblings – those culprits are still working overtime to try to prove their theories; or, quite unbelievably, trying to turn the blame back on the Prince and Princess of Wales for being less than forthcoming and leaving them a vacuum to fill.

Intense scrutiny bordering, in my view, on the ludicrous is nothing new when it comes to the Royal Family.

Catherine’s late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, certainly experienced it with tragic consequences. Her father-in-law’s wife, Queen Camilla, experienced it as well. Her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex, continues to experience abuse of her own, burnished with inarguable racial undertones; and now this.

Yet, this was something else again.

Some argue that, in the United Kingdom, the privileges enjoyed by members of the Royal Family are funded by the taxpayer – the intricacies of that claim can be the subject of a column all its own – and therefore (at best) the public has the right to know and/or (at worst) these individuals are public property.

While they are, in my opinion, public servants, they are not public property. They, just like any other individual, regardless of who pays for or maintains their lifestyle, have the right to wage private health battles as they see fit, particularly where minors are concerned.

Those who say otherwise need to get some fresh air.

Holding our public figures accountable for the work they do is integral to any democracy. Relentless bullying of a public figure to lay bare what was always clear from the outset to be a significant health concern does not fit the bill. 

I can only hope that following Friday’s announcement that these “concerned” parties, if only for a moment, put themselves in the Princess’s shoes and consider their own life choices. 

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POLICE INVESTIGATE LINKS BETWEEN RECENT SHOOTINGS AND HOMICIDES

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

POLICE INVESTIGATE LINKS BETWEEN RECENT SHOOTINGS AND HOMICIDES

On Thursday, Peel Regional Police (PRP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) shared information on the joint investigation of recent residential shootings and homicides which are believed to be related. 

“On November 7, 2023, PRP responded to a shooting incident in the area of Cottrelle Boulevard and Thorndale Road in the City of Brampton,” say Police. “Two suspects discharged firearms outside of a residence and are believed to have left in a black Dodge RAM 1500 pick-up truck. On November 11, 2023, a similar incident occurred at a residence in the area of Lorenville Drive and Elbern Markell Drive in the City of Brampton. Two suspects dressed in black hoodies fired shots at a residence. They are believed to have left in a burgundy Dodge RAM 1500 pick-up truck.

“Another shooting incident on November 14, 2023, occurred in which a suspect discharged a firearm from a vehicle directed at the same residence in the area of Lorenville Drive and Ebern Markell Drive in the City of Brampton. The suspect fled in a late model silver Mazda 3 hatchback.”

No reports of any injuries were made following these three residential shooting incidents. 

“On November 15, 2023, PRP responded to a homicide in the area of Royal Windsor Drive and Winston Churchill Boulevard in the City of Mississauga. The victim is Jagraj Singh, a 29-year-old man from Brampton. It is believed that the suspects arrived and departed in a blue Dodge Challenger.

“Caledon OPP Detachment members are investigating a shooting incident that they believe involved multiple individuals on Mayfield Road in the Town of Caledon on November 20, 2023. This shooting resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries for a third victim. In relation to the November 20 incident, the possible suspect was seen entering an alleged stolen truck, a black Dodge RAM 2500 pick-up truck, which travelled westbound on Mayfield Road. The same truck was involved in a vehicle fire on Olde Baseline Road and Creditview Road in the Town of Caledon.”

This alleged stolen truck was taken on November 14, 2023, in the area of Mississauga Valley Boulevard and Arista Way in the City of Mississauga, police say.

Investigators are asking for assistance in identifying a person of interest in relation to the theft of that vehicle.

“Although the police believe that all the shootings were targeted, the victims in the homicides were not the intended targets.”

To view photos of the suspects, a person of interest and the vehicles, please visit the Peel Regional Police peelpolice.ca.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about any these incidents to call the dedicated tip line at 1-833-941-5570. Anonymous tips can be shared by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau and Caledon OPP Detachment Major Crime Unit continue the investigation, with assistance from the OPP and Peel Regional Police Forensic Identification Services and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and the Centre of Forensic Sciences.

THEFT INVESTIGATION

Members of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a theft from a local business and are requesting assistance to identify two individuals.

“On March 16, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a theft on Queensgate Boulevard, near Highway 50, in the Town of Caledon,” say Police. “The investigation revealed two individuals attended the store, took a variety of items, and left without making a payment. At this time, investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to the identification of the individuals displayed in the footage photo.

If you recognize these parties, or have information regarding this incident, please contact the Caledon OPP at (905) 584-2241 or 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

FATAL COLLISION INVESTIGATION CONTINUES, VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continue to investigate a fatal collision on Highway 10.

“On March 19, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 10, near Escarpment Sideroad, in the Town of Caledon,” say Police. “The incident involved two passenger vehicles. An 85-year-old male and an 86-year-old female from Amaranth were pronounced deceased on scene, while a third individual sustained serious injuries, but is in stable condition.”

Investigators from the Caledon Detachment are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of the collision. Please contact the Caledon OPP at (905) 584-2241 or 1-888-310-1122 if you have information.

FOUR TIMES LEGAL LIMIT: POLICE

Officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a Brampton resident with operation while impaired after they registered over four times the legal limit.

“On March 25, 2024, just before 1:00 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop while patrolling the area of Mayfield Road and Coleraine Drive, in the Town of Caledon,” say Police. “Officers formed grounds that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently arrested.”

As a result, Angad Singh, 39, of Brampton, was charged with:

Operation while impaired – alcohol;

Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);

Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor.

The driver is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on April 11, 2024, to answer to the charges.

The charges have not been proven.

Additionally, the driver’s vehicle was impounded for a period of seven days, and their driver’s licence suspended for a period of 90 days.

“Caledon OPP would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.”

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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Current & Past Articles » General News

New parking and stopping prohibitions coming to Belfountain and Brimstone

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

Popular scenic areas see many visitors in the summer and fall

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There will soon be new parking rules in effect in two of Caledon’s villages. 

New parking and stopping prohibitions are going to be implemented in Belfountain and Brimstone. These scenic areas see many visitors, especially in the summer and fall months.

Within these two villages, parking and stopping on the shoulders of roads will now be prohibited except at “select locations where permissive shoulder parking can safely be accommodated,” according to Region of Peel staff. 

Region of Peel Council approved the new prohibitions on consent at a March 21 meeting. 

A report from Peel traffic engineering specialist Nathan Sinka notes that Regional staff received numerous inquiries from residents and councillors to designate safe shoulder parking areas for visitors on regional roads in Belfountain and Brimstone.

“Staff conducted a comprehensive review of the road right of way and identified areas

that require designation as prohibited parking and stopping, as well as permissive

parking zones within the villages to address pedestrian safety for residents and visitors,” reads the report.

According to the report, residents said since the onset of the pandemic there’s been a marked increase in the number of visitors to the area. Residents said there’s been increased traffic volumes, vehicle noise, shoulder parking, and pedestrian activity.

Residents said that visitors parking along the shoulders of roads often blocked residential driveways.

“This parking behaviour has created safety risks to area residents potentially being unable to leave their home in case of an emergency,” reads the report. “Visitors also often park vehicles in areas where the shoulder is too narrow, forcing pedestrians to walk within the travelled portion of the roadway posing additional safety concerns.”

Maps showcasing the new parking and stopping rules can be seen above.

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Current & Past Articles » General News

Vince’s announces results of 2024 Toonies for Tummies campaign

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Neil Moore

Vince’s continues its steadfast commitment to fighting hunger in our communities, raising $7,296 in the recent Toonies for Tummies (TFT) national campaign. This annual initiative, supported by Vince’s customers and team members, contributes to the Grocery Foundation’s efforts to ensure that no child goes to school hungry.

Over the last nine years, Vince’s has contributed more than $38,000 to TFT. They are part of a growing community of nearly 1,500 grocery retailers across Canada supporting this vital cause, which is focused on nourishing the 1 in 3 children at risk of going to school on an empty stomach. This year, the campaign aims to raise $4 million, which will help provide approximately 2 million healthy meals to school-aged children in more than 3,000 programs.

Maria Ciarlandini, Vince’s Community Support Ambassador, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you to every customer who donated a toonie and made this year’s Toonies for Tummies campaign so successful.”

The campaign ensures that 100 percent of donations made at participating stores and online directly support the Grocery Foundation’s student nutrition partners. This year’s beneficiaries, The Breakfast Club of Canada in Western and Atlantic Canada, and Student Nutrition Ontario offer judgment-free, inclusive programs, which are a key source of nutrition for many students. Beyond providing healthy meals, they also offer nutrition education and foster a supportive school community, helping students flourish throughout the day.

“The power of this program is that every toonie has an impact,” said Grocery Foundation Executive Director Shaun McKenna. “Individual toonies can help nourish a child, and collectively, when we help an entire school or several schools, we are helping students and communities today and for the longer term. Breakfasts come with a welcoming smile, and they elevate a child’s day both physically and emotionally. We are incredibly grateful to Vince’s, to their store teams, and every donor who is part of helping dreams take flight and making essential nourishment within reach.”

But Vince’s commitment doesn’t stop with the annual two-week February campaign. The independent grocer has expanded its support, through the Community Product Initiative (CPI), to continue fundraising for TFT throughout 2024. CPI involves all four stores, participating vendors, and, crucially, Vince’s customers. This program selects various staple items (Community Products) throughout the year, and sets aside 15 percent of sales for the CPI beneficiary – which is Toonies for Tummies in 2024. Since its inception in 2018, Vince’s Community Product Initiative has raised approximately $150,000 for several life-changing organizations, and looks forward to significant contributions in 2024.

“We are proud that we’re able to make an even greater impact on this program in 2024,” said Vince’s President Giancarlo Trimarchi. “A big thanks to our customers for helping tackle child hunger. It’s wonderful to see the difference we’re making in kids’ lives, boosting their nutrition, and helping them focus and succeed in school.”

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Current & Past Articles » General News

Ontario Vocal Jazz/Contemporary Festival held at Mayfield Secondary School

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

Students from over 25 different schools enjoy festival in Caledon

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A recent music festival held in Caledon hit the right note. 

On March 21 and 22, the Ontario Vocal Jazz/Contemporary Festival was held at Mayfield Secondary School. It featured student vocal groups from more than 25 different schools, and at the festival students got to perform in a professional environment and learn in workshops with professional vocalists.

Mayfield Secondary School’s auditorium has all the bells and whistles of a real concert hall, from the sound system to the lighting.

Jennifer Moon, a music teacher at Mayfield Secondary School, helped run the festival, which saw several vocal groups from Mayfield Secondary School perform. For example, Mayfield showcased a 200-voice choir, an 80-voice gospel choir, and performance from the “Magnetics”, a vocal group from a music class Moon teaches.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Moon of the festival.

She explained it’s in a growth phase right now as it had to be put on hold during the pandemic.

This year, there were approximately double the number of groups performing as there were at last year’s festival. 

Moon said groups from as far east as Oshawa and west as Waterloo came to Mayfield for the festival. In the past, groups from even further have come to the festival, and Moon hopes to see them return in the coming years.

“We’re lucky here because we have an amazing facility,” said Moon. “We’re really happy to host because many kids walk in and they’re used to performing in their cafeteria. You’ll hear kids say, ‘Wow, this is impressive’.”

Moon said hosting the festival is a way that Mayfield can give back to the greater music community. She said the workshops held at the festival are a great way for music students to learn about music and the music industry. 

“You get a good, long clinic… with esteemed musicians. They work with the kids and as a teacher, they give you ideas,” said Moon. “It’s a really great experience for everybody… no matter what level your ensemble is, come and do it because you get so much out of it.”

One of the best parts of hosting the festival is seeing students get inspired, said Moon.

Some of the tunes performed by Moon’s students included Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and a funk-meets-swing arrangement of “My Favourite Things”.

Moon said Mayfield is planning to host the festival again next year and continue to try and grow it. 

“The more the merrier, I always say,” said Moon. “Next year it’ll be even bigger and better.”

To any students thinking of getting involved in music, Moon said it’s an amazing experience.

She said students get to explore so many different genres of music in school and can become very well-rounded musicians.

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Current & Past Articles » General News

Orangeville Lions TV Bingo approaching $200,000 in total funds raised over two years 

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

The Orangeville Lions will soon be wrapping up their second season of TV BINGO after achieving fantastic results in its first year.

From October 2022 to May 2023, the group raised $91,000 and in the more recent season – from September 2023 to May 2024 – the group is anticipating they’ll tally up an even higher amount 

Counting both seasons, it is likely the Lions will be close to or surpass $200,000 in total fundraising dollars from TV BINGO since it launched in late 2022.

“It’s been so incredible to be able to raise that much money in that amount of time,” said Yasmine Slater, Orangeville Lions Club member.

Some of the organizations that received funds generated through TV BINGO are Dufferin Emergency Search and Rescue, Meals on Wheels’ Project Lifesaver, Lions Home for the Deaf, Dufferin Alzheimer’s Society and Hospice Dufferin.

Other recipients include the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, Lion’s Camp Dorset, Bethell Hospice Foundation, Food Cupboard at St. Mark’s Church and Celiac Canada.

At $10 per BINGO card, the game is an affordable way to support local charities while providing yourself with a chance to win.

“Everybody loves the sound of calling BINGO!” Slater enthused. “It’s just a great way to support our community, and have a chance at winning a $500 or $1,500 cash prize.”

BINGO cards are available in Orangeville at Metro (150 First St.), Zehrs (50 4th Ave.), Sobeys (500 Riddell Rd.), Broadway Shell (226 Broadway), Raceway Esso (87 First St.), 7-Eleven (268 Broadway), Daily Convenience (200 Elizabeth), Total Convenience & Video (1-41 Broadway), ConWINience (235 Centennial Rd., Unit C) and Circle K (400 Townline, Unit 1).

In Shelburne, BINGO cards are available at the Giant Tiger (226 First Ave. E), Food Basics (824 Ojibway Dr.), and Ultramar (517 Main St. E).

In Caledon, cards can be purchased at Bolton Milk and Variety (17 Queen St. N.), Food Basics – Bolton (301 Queen St. S.), Foodland – Caledon East (15771 Airport Rd. #4A), and Tom’s Family Restaurant (16033 Airport Rd.)

The Orangeville Lions’ TV BINGO is broadcast every Tuesday on Channel 63 of Rogers TV, which can be watched online or on cable.

To learn more about the game or reach out to the BINGO committee, email bingo@orangevillelions.org.

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Current & Past Articles » General News

Motionball Caledon team preparing for biggest day of sports fun yet

March 28, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Motionball Caledon team is encouraging residents to mark their calendars for this year’s “Marathon of Sport” event.

On September 28 at Edelweiss Park in Bolton, the third-annual Motionball Caledon Marathon of Sport event will be held. The annual event welcomes all to enjoy a day of fun sports and games alongside Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers hope to raise $20,000 from the event for Caledon Special Olympics and Special Olympics Canada.

Motionball is a national non-profit that raises money for Special Olympics through integrated sport and social events. 

Lucrezia Chiappetta, one of three executive directors on the Motionball Caledon team putting together this year’s event, said: “We’ve spent the last couple of years building awareness on what Motionball is and how it benefits our community. This year, we would like to see more residents and businesses participating.”

She said many people who attended last year’s event didn’t know what to expect — but left the event smiling, having had an incredible time and looking forward to this year’s event.

Chiappetta said whether you play sports every day or never have, there’s a place for you at the event.

“It’s about coming out and being together, being inclusive,” she said.

Teams of all kinds have participated in the event, such as teams from local businesses, the Caledon OPP, and Caledon Fire. Friends and families often team up to participate in the event too. However, having a team isn’t necessary.

“If you want to do it as an individual, we’ll get you on a team… it’s a great way to meet new people,” said Chiappetta.

People looking to play in this year’s Marathon of Sport in Caledon, either as a team or as an individual, can email motionball.caledon@gmail.com. There’s also ample volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available for the event.

“There’s so many different ways to support the event… we would love to see as many people as possible involved,” said Chiappetta.

She said the event is a great way for high school students to get some volunteer hours done in a fun way, and that many have done so in previous years.

Last year’s event was fun, said Chiappetta, and the Motionball Caledon team will be working hard in preparation for this year’s event.

“Everybody had a great time… it’s a big event and we want to make it the best we can possibly make it,” said Chiappetta.

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