In Articles

Clay-Mation – The Burlington Potter’s Guild

May 16, 2018

If you told Monika Schaefer her life had gone to pot, she would agree. That’s pot, as in pottery, and Monika is not only a dedicated potter but she has helped many others enjoy the craft. Since joining the Burlington Potter’s Guild 20 years ago, she has been on the executive, set up the website (which she also manages), co-ordinated sales for potters at the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) and run electric kiln training workshops. She’s also the Guild’s sales chair. And, of course, she makes pots, lot of them, as well as other enchanting items, like birdbaths and garden ornaments. “I am lovingly referred to as the GOAT which means Goddess Of All Things,” says Schaefer, laughing.

She’s one of the many potters who have worked quietly behind the scenes to keep the Burlington Potter’s Guild alive and thriving. The Guild was formed in January 1969 when a small group of experienced potters came together to celebrate their art and, within ten years, they had 100 members, 18 wheels, two kilns and were offering some 27 classes. The AGB is a great base for them and is also home to the largest contemporary ceramic art collection in Canada, as well as home to several other Guilds.

The Guild’s goal is to provide a welcoming and learning environment for members to further their craft. Members meet monthly, bring in guest speakers and arrange two sales per year. Then there’s the social aspect. “What I like about the Guild is that it is very welcoming and people are willing to share experiences, tips and techniques, no matter what your experience level,” Schaefer states.

Many members, including Schaefer, joined as a beginner after taking a class at the AGB. Now she teaches. After all these years, she’s never lost her love of the clay craft. “I love how it feels in my hands, especially when it’s at the leather hard stage and at that point it can be carved into. I also love the Christmas morning like surprise every time I open the kiln and see how that load has turned out,” she says.

Toss your worries aside and try your hand at throwing some clay on a pottery wheel to see what you can create. Fire up the kiln and fire up your imagination.

Benefits of Pottery

It’s messy, it’s creative and making pottery is also said to have health benefits,
including the following:

It’s a chance to practice mindfulness.
You only focus on your creation rather than worries outside of the studio.
Focusing on the pottery helps the mind relax, which transitions to all aspects of life.

It helps you express your creativity and
it is something people of all ages can participate in.

The act of making pottery is gentle yet
it helps to strengthen the hands, wrists and arms.

It’s immensely fun for everyone, especially kids.
When kids get to squish, roll and manipulate the clay
it gives them freedom to express themselves and
they get a kick out of how the clay feels in their hands.

Over time, working with clay gives children
more precise motor control and hand-eye co-ordination.

It captures memories.
Archaeological digs recover age-old pottery and offer
clues to civilizations past. While your work may not one day end up
in a museum,seeing your work on display instills pride and
serves as a reminder of your accomplishments.

by Denise Davy

Local Link

Burlington Potter’s Guild
burlingtonpottersguild.com

In Articles

Local Tech Based Businesses – The Sky’s The Limit

April 16, 2018

They were a company with sky-high dreams looking for ways to grow. In a short time, The Sky Guys, an Oakville-based drone technology company, had become leaders in aerial photography and video services by using state-of-the-art drone technology. Their clients included everyone from real estate companies who hired them to capture property photos to oil and gas firms who hired their UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to acquire data and imagery from the air.

Last fall, The Sky Guys turned to Haltech for advice on how to grow their business. The Haltech Regional Innovation Centre, known better as Haltech, is a non-profit organization in Burlington funded by the Ontario government to help tech-based start-ups. Their mission is to support businesses by providing connections, potential clients, and new ideas and ways to launch products. Kevin Ming, interim director of operations, said they offer three basic services: advice from successful entrepreneurs who help them develop their business, marketing advice, and services to connect companies to resources and potential customers. “When people think of tech start ups, they tend to think of Toronto and they don’t realize there is a lot of activity in Halton,” says Ming. “The value in providing what we do here is that it will enable and foster growth within the innovation culture here.”

Since starting in 2012, Haltech has worked with close to 700 tech-based companies, including medical technology, apps and software. Ming adds that the group went through a transformation and rebranding in 2015 and last year alone helped some 130 companies. The majority of their clients – around 70 per cent – are from within Halton and the other 30 per cent come from areas around Toronto and Hamilton. Surprisingly, there’s no charge for their work, which includes having access to a full team of advisors, including Ming, and entrepreneurs who have been successful and want to give back to the community. They have a core team of four and, combined with their advisor base, there are 15.

When The Sky Guys approached Haltech last year, they were already well established and were using drones to do inspections of flare stacks, pipelines, cell towers and unmanned inspections of oil and gas sites. They also create full 3D models of land and infrastructure for surveying.

Ming says even though The Sky Guys were already a successful business, Haltech was still able to help and provided advisory support in the form of connections with investors, industry collaborators, government funding agencies and national innovation awards. “A lot of the work we did helping them was connecting them with potential clients and customers from a lot bigger companies,” says Ming. A few months ago, because of the connections from Haltech, The Sky Guys secured a contract with the Ministry of Transportation to develop an artificial intelligence-enabled drones solution to monitor the HOV lanes on Ontario’s 400-series highways.

The Emerson Suite, another Oakville-based startup, reached out to Haltech last spring to help boost sales. The company’s mission is to help leaders or managers excel by providing them with the tools they need. They use a web-based mobile app, which shows managers how to establish and achieve objectives. After working with a Haltech Entrepreneur-In-Residence, they made changes to their business model and their customer focus.

In March, Haltech was written up in Forbes and was referred to as the “secret sauce” behind Ontario’s innovation growth. Haltech also offers learning workshops and free community events at their office at 5500 North Service Road in Burlington.

by Denise Davy

Look Local

Haltech, Burlington
haltech.ca

The Sky Guys, Oakville
theskyguys.ca

The Emerson Suite, Oakville
emersonsuite.com

In Community

The Royal Botanical Gardens – One Unique Outdoor Experience After Another

April 9, 2018

The definition of a botanical garden includes, but is not limited to: a reasonable degree of permanence; an underlying scientific basis for the collections; proper documentation of collections; monitoring of plants in the collections; labeling of plants; exchange of seed or other materials with other botanic gardens or institutions; open to the public. The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is all those things…and more.

The RBG was founded over 80 years ago by Hamiltonian and conservationist Thomas Baker McQuesten. It’s patterned after the famous Kew Gardens in England. The number of collections has increased over time, and so has the number of programs. Today you can choose to stroll through the trails and various garden properties to see what’s in bloom, but you can also experience the RBG in many surprising ways. There are over 200 courses and workshops for families, adults and kids that focus around gardening, nature, the botanical arts and wellness.

The following are just a few ways to experience this local gem.

Master Your Garden lets adults flex their green thumbs with the help of experts. Upcoming workshops will help you get your garden into shape. Learn how to maintain a healthy lawn, discover container gardening, and grow your own fresh produce. Some workshops offer multiple sessions to further your keen for green.

Into the Wild is where adventure meets education. A peaceful paddle in paradise puts the beginner canoeist in touch with local flora and fauna and includes topical discussions with experts in the RGB nature sanctuaries. An Introduction to Canoeing workshop runs this June 9 and 10, and Paddling into Paradise experiences are happening May 12, 22 and 27. Both allow you to see Cootes Paradise by canoe and see nature and wildlife both in the water and on land. Get Back to Nature Walks run every Sunday; a volunteer leader takes hikers on a family-friendly walk through the RBG’s vast ecosystems. These walks are free, and it’s a surefire way to get your fill of nature and fresh air.

Beekeeping is becoming a popular activity, and it seems that we humans are becoming increasingly responsible for maintaining a healthy bee population. The Urban Beekeeping series is one of the RBG’s newest experiences. In this series, veteran beekeeping instructors and honeybee breeders will guide you through topics that include an introduction to bees and the hive environment, summer hive maintenance and honey harvesting, as well as putting the bees to bed in the fall.

What is a garden if not art in flower form? There are a series of dates and workshops over the next few months around the topic of Art in the Gardens. Learn how to paint spring landscapes, or explore watercolour techniques; a course on Chinese Floral Painting teaches balance, harmony and stroke techniques while you sit in the lilac dell. One of the programs in the Health and Wellness series allows you to learn about yoga and Tai Chi outdoors – a unique and tranquil way to combine your downward dog with the daffodils.

Kids are curious by nature and there’s no better way to satisfy their curiosity than to submerge them in an interesting environment. Junior Naturalists meet one Saturday a month until May, and Gardening Programs for Kids teach kids how to take care of their own garden plot (plus cooking, hikes, games and crafts too).

How about enjoying breakfast with a beat? Throw a little jazz in with your toast and jam at the Jazz Brunches. This summer concert series is served over weekends with a wide menu that appeals to all ages, but make sure to reserve early. Mom would likely love the Mother’s Day brunch. Afterwards, take her on a stroll through the gardens, and perhaps even down memory lane.

by Becky Dumais

Local Link

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington/Hamilton
rbg.ca

In Articles

Heaven Sent – The Angel Project Speaks for the Voiceless

March 23, 2018

It started with a bare and lonely hospital room, 10 years ago. While visiting a friend in the Complex Care unit at London’s Parkwood Hospital around Christmas, Lisette Kingo asked how many patients had to remain in the facility over the holiday.

What she learned about one bedridden resident left her shocked and shaken. “They told me he had no family members to speak of, and basically hadn’t left not only the hospital, but his room, for many years,” she says. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It seemed inconceivable.”

That encounter led directly to Kingo creating The Angel Project, a charity designed to assist patients who will often spend decades in hospitals, never to return to a real home again. Their circumstances can range from accident victims with spinal cord or brain injuries, to those suffering from MS and ALS.

Regardless of their histories, all have been left without the tools and finances to fend for themselves, either because they have no families, their families cannot afford the expenses, or, in the worst case scenarios, families have simply walked away from the burden of responsibility. “Basically many of these patients have been forgotten. They are discarded people,” says Kingo. “They are in Complex Care units, often for decades because they simply have nowhere else to go. When I tell this to people, they either can’t believe there’s a program like The Angel Project, or they can’t believe there’s a need for it. And unfortunately, there definitely is.”

Most people don’t realize that hospitals do not provide basic hygiene necessities for long-term Complex Care patients such as shaving cream, soap, deodorant or shampoo, and there are no funds set aside for recreational activities, haircuts or even a cup of coffee.

The Angel Project’s vital Slush Fund provides money for the latter, and their ongoing fundraising efforts help with the rest, but the organization does much more than that. “We work to provide money for co-payments on vital pieces of equipment that can often mean the difference between a patient being trapped in silence, or finding a voice to communicate with those around them,” says Kingo, noting that they have raised funds for co-payments of up to $19,000 in the past.

The charity also raises funds for outings for patients who would never be able to leave the hospital on their own. It also provides gifts at Christmas and even clothing for those who have none. “There was one young man with a spinal injury who basically lived in a hospital gown because there was no family to buy him clothing,” says Kingo. Heartbreaking stories such as this are just a few of the reasons why this organization’s work is so imperative.

Funds also assist in at least one outing per eligible patient per year, and when possible they assist with the purchase of items such as wheelchairs, voice boxes and speech computers, and even simple comforts such as stuffed animals, soft blankets or gifts at Christmas.

The charity prides itself on being one of the very few organizations that operate with minimal overhead, run by a volunteer team and a board of directors. All money raised goes directly to patients at the Complex Care Unit at both the Joseph Brant and Parkwood hospitals. For personal stories and videos from those directly affected by the project, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/TheAngelProject.

Just a few of the items The Angel Project has raised funds for to date include approximately seven customized wheelchairs, iPads with retina displays, SMART boards for patient use, hundreds of hand-made quilts, chair lifts, outdoor gardens, BEPAP machines, TVs and DVD players, stroke walkers and treadmills.

While some of these items can cost more than $10,000, in the end, says Kingo, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference, providing dignity, a sense of worth and purpose to those in need. “We try to give a voice to the voiceless,” she says. “These patients often can’t speak for themselves, so we speak for them.”

by Alison Dempsey

Local Link

The Angel Project
theangelproject.ca

In Blog

Digital Parenting in the Social Media Age

March 19, 2018

It was mid January and, despite brutal cold temperatures and deep snow, the room at Frontenac Public School in south east Burlington was full. They were all parents who had come out to learn how to help their child safely navigate the world of social media.

The speaker was social media expert Chris Vollum, an Oakville parent who runs CMV Social Media Inc. and who is a widely-recognized educator on such social platforms as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. Vollum didn’t pull any punches in telling parents they need to get more involved. One of his biggest concerns is that kids and teens are using social media for self-validation. “The single biggest issue I experience with kids and teens and their social media use is the obsession to use their content as validation to be accepted and liked. It’s almost like their content is an extension of themselves and their self-worth. This, to me, is an addiction,” said Vollum, in an interview after his talk.

Cyber bullying. Screenshots. FOMO (fear of missing out). They’re the new language of social media and most parents are playing catch up with their child or teen and struggling to understand what it all means. A British study that included 1,500 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 found that their use of Instagram and Snapchat were contributing to the development of low self-esteem, poor body image, lack of sleep and fear of being left out, or FOMO.

When Vollum has asked students what they expect from posting to social media sites, they all have the same answer – more Likes, Followers, Shares, and Views, which translates to wanting more popularity, attention and recognition. “No sooner do they post something and they’re checking for Likes and Comments and hoping that their Follower numbers increase. The more Likes a child or teen receives, the better they feel about themselves. The problem is the way they measure their self-value on the numbers-based results of their content is so high.”

Vollum’s advice to parents is simple – get involved. That means becoming more aware of what your child or teen is doing on social media by signing up for the social apps and platforms your kids use, and becoming functionally literate with them. That includes Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Parents should also “follow” their kids and be their “friend” on social media under the authentic premise of being there for safety and support. “Parents need to be at the very least functionally literate as to how they operate, so that if their kids come into crisis or have an issue, they can jump in,” said Vollum.

Whatever you do, said Vollum, don’t allow your child or teen to keep their phones in their bedroom at night. If you notice your child or teen constantly looking at their phone, or if they seem withdrawn or agitated when looking at their phones, that could be a sign of cyber bullying. If that’s the case, Vollum said, parents should intervene immediately and contact the school administration where necessary. “When this happens, kids will find that they won’t lose followers, and they won’t have less fun, but rather, their friends and followers will adapt to their new way of using social media,” said Vollum.

The ultimate goal is for your child or teen to show balance in using social media. This means putting a greater focus on your child’s accomplishments at school, in sports and extracurricular activities, as well as through the relationships they have with family and friends in real life.

At the end of the day, today’s parents are doing their best – just like the generations of parents before them. By speaking openly about the matter and supporting one another, we can all work together to create a safe and supportive community – both online and off – in which to raise our children.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

CMV Social Media Inc.
cmvsocialmedia.com

In Articles

Supporting The Younger Set – Mentoring Programs for Kids and Families

January 22, 2018

Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped thousands of children and youth in the years they have been in Halton. Big Brothers in Halton dates back more than 50 years, and in 2005 the agency merged with Big Sisters. The agency’s goal is to provide positive role models in the lives of children and youth through trained volunteers.

One story that has stayed with executive director Sandra Baker involves an eight-year-old girl who was matched with a “big sister.” Like many matches, the girl thrived under the mentorship of her big sister. When the girl reached 15, her mom noticed her daughter was getting in with the wrong crowd and that her grades were dropping. “(She) saw her daughter going down the wrong path and called us back and said, ‘I saw what happened before and I know what Big Sisters can do’,” recalls Baker. This time the teen was matched with a “big sister” who happened to be a financial advisor. The woman taught the teen about money management which inspired the teen to change her spending habits.
She even began educating herself on investments. Baker cites the story as an example of how relationships that develop through the program can yield unexpected results.

Last year, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton impacted the lives of more than 1,200 youth and children. While the children and youth came from different life situations, their common thread was that something put them at risk of not developing to their full potential. Some had parents who were experiencing mental health or addiction problems, or their family was living in poverty and the parents were working multiple jobs. In addition to the one-on-one program, the agency has a school-based program and a seven-week after-school program for boys called Game On where a mentor volunteers with four boys at once.

Some 800 mentors volunteered with the agency last year, but there is always a need for more, as current wait lists are anywhere from 18 months to two years for a big sister or big brother. Baker says it takes around 20 hours to move through the screening and training process (which includes police checks) and, after a person qualifies, the requirement is that they meet with their little sister or brother for a minimum of one outing a month. People who step forward to volunteer do so for a number of reasons but most do it for the love of helping others. “It’s a good lesson in selflessness. When you really boil it down, it’s people who just want to help,” Baker notes. One sign of the program’s success is seen in how many people who are matched continue to stay friends after the person turns 18. “Our mentors say over and over to us, ‘I get so much more out of this than I think he gets out of it’.”

There are several other agencies in Halton that offer mentor programs for children and families as well as couples. Family KiNnections has a youth mentor program that involves paid staff that are specially trained to help youth develop their social skills and life skills. A social skills coach works with them one-on-one to help them develop people skills. They also have life skills coaches who teach them about day-to-day skills like cooking, doing laundry and budgeting. The agency is based in Hamilton, Oakville, and Mississauga and also offers in-home counselling and coaches who will work with a child who needs one-to-one attention or who just wants a special friend.

The Oakville-based group Community Youth in Action Network (CYAN) also offers several ways for youth to connect and engage with others, including its Summer Passport program.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Halton
halton.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Family Kinnections
familykinnections.ca/services/youth-mentoring

Youth Inspire, Oakville
youthinspire.ca

In Community

The Backyard Rink is NOW OPEN at Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake!

December 18, 2017

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery is pleased to announce the official opening of the Great One’s rink, right here in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. It just wouldn’t be Wayne Gretzky’s without a backyard skating rink! Guests are invited to bring their skates, or rent a pair, and spend the afternoon in wine (and whisky) country. After a skate, warm up on The Whisky Bar Patio with a whisky-inspired hot beverage or cocktail, a glass of wine and Chef Frank Dodd’s winter menu.

Don’t worry, the patio has heaters, too. Skating admission is $5 per person and skate rentals are available in limited quantities for $10, plus taxes.
The rink will be open from December to March, weather permitting.

The Winery & Distillery (and skating rink) will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25th ) and New Year’s Day (January 1st). The rink will operate daily from 12 noon to 6 pm, occasionally closed due to private bookings.

Visit waynegretzkyestates.com for hours of operation and
skating rink rules.

Note that hockey sticks, pucks, balls or nets are not permitted during public skating hours, and helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and younger.

The rink spans 5,000 sq. ft. and doubles as a reflecting pond during the summer months. A loonie,placed by The Great One himself, is located in the concrete at center ice. Custom Ice Inc., based in Burlington, installed the 40,000 linear feet of Glycol tubes under the concrete floor in order to
create and maintain the ice rink. A 35 ton chiller will cool the antifreeze that circulates through the pipes. A fluid temperature of -10°C is needed to maintain ice at outdoor temperatures of -5°C. The system should be able to maintain ice up to 7°C.

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery Wayne Gretzky wines celebrate excellence in winemaking across the country. Whether they’re made in the Okanagan or Niagara, they’re produced from the finest grapes and developed by some of the greatest winemakers in the country. The same soils that produce great grapes also grow grains that are used to produce the brand new Wayne Gretzky No 99 ‘Red Cask’ Canadian Whisky; whisky that is finished in red wine casks from the Gretzky winery.

In Articles

‘Tis the Season … to Give Back to Others

November 24, 2017

It’s better to give than to receive: that familiar saying is repeated often and with good intention, especially during the holidays, but how many of us actually take that adage to heart? No matter which holiday you celebrate, this time of year is often a virtual shopping frenzy, more materialistic than meaningful, and while everyone likes to receive presents, perhaps you’re hoping to dig a little deeper this year and add some extra significance to the season. If that’s the case, volunteering in the community might be the best gift you don’t have to buy.

There are so many excellent reasons to consider volunteer opportunities, either for you alone, or with friends, your kids, or your entire family. Teaching children the importance of giving time instead of money is an intensely rewarding experience that will last a lifetime.

Daily life is busier than ever now, with full-time jobs, school and extracurricular activities, numerous family responsibilities and stresses of all kinds. One good thing about volunteering during the holidays is that you may have a little extra time on your hands. If your kids are out of school and looking for something to do, volunteering is a great way to spend some quality time together, doing something valuable and rewarding.

If your kids are too young to volunteer, why not suggest that they sort through clothes and toys they no longer use or play with, and then donate them to local shelters and charity drives. Food banks are always in dire need of donations during the holiday season, and it’s something kids are happy to get involved in. Practising simple and random acts of kindness such as shoveling for neighbours or making kits for the homeless can make a huge impact.

If you are interested in volunteering in the community, there are a few steps you need to take first. Do a search online to see what’s available in the community. Once you find something you’re interested in, you may have to fill out an application form, then possibly participate in an interview. Many volunteer positions require you to fill out a registration form, provide character references and be willing to undergo a police check, followed by orientation and training. But, the most important part of volunteering is enjoying the experience for what it brings to others, and what it brings to you and your family.

And don’t forget, volunteers are needed year-round. Once the holidays are over, make volunteering a year-round habit for you and your family. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Where to Volunteer in Halton Region this Holiday Season?

There are so many opportunities to give back, but here are a few examples to peak your interest:

Salvation Army

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Christmas Toy Depot, setting up pre-assembled shelving and organizing donated toys. Begins Monday December 11 and ends Friday December 15.
Times are flexible. Contact: Shannon_Robinson@can.salvationarmy.org

Big Brothers and Sisters of Halton

Volunteers help Ikea Burlington customers select their Christmas tree and also sell tree bags to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Responsibilities include greeting Tree Lot customers, helping customers pick out Christmas trees and transporting trees to vehicles, tree bag sales and money handling, tree lot tidy up, including fallen/blown over trees and sweeping needles. Must be 16 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
Contact: natalie.michlewicz@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Christmas Kettles

Enthusiastic volunteers needed to stand at Christmas Kettle locations across Oakville. Shifts are three hours, so donate as much or as little time as you like. Individuals, Students, Families ALL welcome!
November 18 to December 23, 14 year(s) and up.
Contact: Emma Wong at 647-534-0611, or tsaoakvillekettles@cogeco.net

Kerr Street Mission

Help bring comfort and joy to an Oakville family in need this Christmas, with a goal to provide Christmas to more than 1,000 individuals in the area. The “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program ensures families in need can celebrate Christmas. Your financial gift not only offers help for the present, but also hope for tomorrow. We offer gift and food cards to families, giving them the chance to choose the gifts and food that their families will enjoy.
Contact: Agnes Stassen at 905-845-7485 or agnes@kerrstreet.com

by Allison Dempsey

In Articles

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Comes To Oakville!

November 21, 2017

Just about everyone will want to lace up their skates and join in the fun this winter, as Rogers Hometown Hockey visits 24 communities coast to coast between October 2017 and March 2018. Dubbed the ultimate NHL fan experience, the tour will celebrate local hockey stories and the game’s biggest stars. And, as an early Christmas gift for local hockey fans, on November 25 and 26 The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour visits Oakville for a fun-filled weekend festival of hockey.

Oakville was one of the 24 Canadian communities chosen as a stop for the tour. Join the hosts Tara Slone and Oakville’s own Ron MacLean, plus NHL alumni, and enjoy free activities, games, interactive experiences and live entertainment for the whole community. The festival will end with an outdoor viewing party on Sunday where Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will broadcast live from the Sportsnet™ Mobile Studio as the Vancouver Canucks take on the New York Rangers.

Paint the Town Red

Residents, businesses and community groups downtown and across Oakville are encouraged to Paint the Town Red in preparation for the arrival of Rogers Hometown Hockey. There are lots of ways to participate; all Oakvillians are encouraged to get involved in the celebration by decorating their local homes, businesses and/or community organizations leading up to the festival weekend.

How to get involved and help Oakville ‘Paint the Town Red’?

Have kids draw creative Canadian and hockey-themed designs on their local sidewalk and driveway
Hang a Canada flag, red and white pendants or other Canadian and hockey-themed decorations on your store window or garage door
Swap out your regular white light bulbs for red ones, indoors and out!

Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour Schedule:

184 Church St, Downtown Oakville

Saturday, November 25: 12 – 6 pm

Sunday, November 26: 11 a.m. – 6 pm

Pre-Game: 1:30 pm

Game Starts at 2 pm

Free Oakville Transit Shuttle
The Town of Oakville will be providing a free Oakville Transit shuttle service from the Oakville GO Station to the two-day event in downtown Oakville.

In Articles

Homes for the Holidays – St. Andrews Church Christmas House Tour

November 20, 2017

For many people, the popular St. Andrew’s Church Christmas House Tour is more than just a house tour. “What I always hear from people is that the tour gets them into the Christmas spirit,” says tour co-chair Frances Mantle. “It’s also a great way to reconnect with friends and many of the people we see get together just for the tour.”

This is the 19th house tour organized by St. Andrew’s Church, which started the tour in 1981. It’s held every other year and, for many people, it’s become a huge tradition. They’ve had visitors from London, Bowmanville and Guelph. “When we were selling the tickets last year, one person came up and said, ‘my daughter and I have done this since 1995,” Mantle says. Its popularity can be traced to the homes. This year’s tour has nine homes in beautiful southeast Oakville, including on Dunn Street, Maplegrove Drive, Morrison Heights and Chartwell.

Co-chair Sue Harason says a committee of around 15 church members started the work of finding the homes in January and this year came up with a mix of architecturally unique homes. Each home will be decorated by a local designer and dressed up in the finest Christmas attire. “It’s beautiful to see what ideas people come up with. They come up with these stunning looks,” says Mantle. It’s no surprise that the 2015 tour raised more than $90,000 from the sale of 1,600 tickets, sponsorships and advertising in the tour booklet. Even the booklet is beautiful and includes sketches of each home by Oakville artist Tanja Sassi.

Designer Brittaney Elgner, who lives on Morrison Heights and runs Olly and Em decorating company – named after her children – owns one of the homes on the tour. The theme for her decor will be feathery whites and green tones. This is her first year in the tour and she says, “We’re super excited about it. I have a lot of white in my house so I’m going to play off that with things like a frosted white tree that has green undertones and branches dusted in fake snow.” Her home is surrounded by trees and on a large lot so she decided to bring a little nature inside and decorate with white feather wreaths and natural greenery, such as olive leaves and boxwood wreaths. “I really wanted to play off the outside natural elements,” notes Elgner, who describes the vibe as “Christmassy but with more of an elegant look.” One room will have a whole wall of match houses made of little pieces of wood and little wooden mice figurines plus artificial trees.

The event is so popular that they have more than 200 volunteers during the Saturday tour. “You get the opportunity to look at these stunning homes and it’s also a great way to bring the community together. There’s a real sense of camaraderie,” says Harason. The tours will run on December 1st and 2nd this year. Friday night includes a special Candlelight House Tour and Reception. Tickets for Friday night are in high demand because there are no lineups.

There are two levels of tickets for Friday; $100 tickets that include a reception at the Oakville Golf Club and $75 tickets that are only for the tour. The Saturday tour also includes tea and cookies at the church. “We get them coming from far and wide,” says Harason. “It’s just a great day.” All proceeds go to St. Andrew’s Church, Kerr Street Mission, Community Living Oakville, and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halton (Particular Council in support of the Halton Fresh Food Box Program).

Local Link

St. Andrews House Tour
standrewshousetour.ca