Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto: MEDIA ALERT

Kids from Carnival Nationz helped out at the Children's Parade media preview

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CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL MEDIA PREVIEW - 150 KIDS IN COSTUMES, CALYPSO, PAN TOO.

DOWNSVIEW TUESDAY, JULY 2nd

MEDIA ALERT

SCOTIABANK CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

JULY 1, 2013  (Toronto) On the morning of July 2^nd the media is invited to join Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto’s CEO Denise Herrera Jackson, local MPPs, city of Toronto councillors, and members of the Caribbean Canadian community for the releasing of important information about this year’s Junior Carnival/Family Day which will be held July 20^th at Downsview Park.   The festival will be releasing key information about major changes to the children’s parade route and the introduction of  a Junior Soca and Caylpso Showcase into the day-long event. For the first time also, there will be a Junior Steelband Showcase, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Steelpan.

This outdoor media preview will be both colourful and visually exciting. Approximately 100 children in costumes (with signed model releases) from a dozen mas camps will be showing their new costumes for the first time!  There will also be Junior Calypso singers, a dance group and steelband performances.

The media preview will be held at Downsview Park near where the actual parade will take place.  The parade moved last year from Jane/Finch to Downsview because of traffic safety concerns and because of space limitations. This year over 2,000 children in mas costumes are expected to take part in the parade, making it the largest children’s carnival parade in North America. The Family Day Event follows the Parade until 8pm.

Who: Representative from two corporate supporters – Chevrolet and Scotiabank. Spokespeople from the Parade, MPPS, and councillors will speak at the press launch. Children in costumes will play mas for the cameras. Steel pan orchestra will perform. Calypso singers will sing!

When: 11.30 a.m to 12.30pm TUESDAY, July 2, 2013

Where:   35 Carl Hall Road, east of the John Drury Drive (within Downsview Park - enter on John Drury Drive - off Sheppard Ave W)

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
or sweir5492@rogers.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com

LAST YEAR - YOU TUBE VIGNETTE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlKFG-2IMaA&list=UUDzisKyJmzPIAV_bqLGZI8g&index=22

Stephen Weir

Dameian Muirhead - Media Alert - Hearing on Wednesday

MEDIA ALERT

 The disturbing Police Services case of Dameian Muirhead continues Wednesday in Aurora as community supporters prepare to attend a public York Regional Police Services Board  Meeting.  They will attempt to question the police chief about the treatment of Officer Muirhead.
Dameian Muirhead is a Jamaican Canadian police officer with ten years sterling service with the York Region Force. He is currently involved in a lengthy police displenary hearing for his conduct at an event in York Region. He is, in part, accused of misconduct over an investigation where racial slurs were yelled at him at a drunken farm party where a woman had been run over by a vehicle. As the Toronto Star reported "oddly, Muirhead, in part, is accused of not properly investigating the racial taunts made against him." He is also charged for not picking up a leather coat owned by a party goer at the racous party incident. The coat fell off a motorcycle when Officer Muirhead was checking its plate.

Supporters of Officer Muirhead plan to attend and asked questions the next public York Regional Police Services Board meeting which will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Supporters unable to attend will be sending questions and comments to the Board meeting via email.  Chief Eric Jolliffe and his senior staff will be attendance.

The public meeting will be held at:
York Region Administrative Building
... Committee Room A
17250 Yonge Street
Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 4W5

Issued by:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT.
CANADA. M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101
www.stephenweir.com twitter: sweirweir

MEDIA ALERT: PARADE OF STUDENTS JUNE 14, TORONTO

PEACH, The York Centre For Education and Community and three high schools will be on the road this Friday taking a Walk of Excellence to York University

Students graduating from C. W. Jeffreys, Westview Centennial and Downsview Secondary Schools will be taking a “Walk of Excellence” to York University. Sponsored by Toronto's PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Help), The York Centre For Education and Community, York University and the Toronto District School Board, this first annual parade will celebrate the passage of age from high school to post secondary education for local youth. A group of Caribbean Carnival Parade Marshals will be volunteering their help and guiding over 300 students along their way.

Friday, June 14^th 11.00 am – 2.00 pm

June 13, 2013  (Toronto) – The media is invited to witness the first annual Walk of Excellence Parade. The parade brings together students, families, the school community and the wider community to walk, gather and witness a rite of passage as students take a symbolic walk to York University and begin the post-secondary phase of their lives.  The students will walk from the C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate Institute at 340 Sentinel Road (near Keele & Finch) to the Telus Centre, York University.

What:         15 Caribbean Carnival volunteers will join with other organizations and act as parade marshals during the Friday parade from C.W Jeffreys High School to the Telus Centre, York University.

Why:          Organizers expect over 300 students will be taking part in the assembly, parade and awards reception.

Who:        Students. Parents. Teachers. Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke. Media Supporters. Volunteers from the annual Caribbean Carnival Parade.
 

Best Photo Op:    Rain or Shine. The parade will travel north along Sentinel Road from the high school to the university. It is expected to take 40-minutes. Best visuals at Sentinel and Finch Avenue West. Students have been issued photo waivers.

When:        10 a.m.  Assembly at C.W Jeffreys School  11 a.m.  Expected start of parade along Sentinel Rd to York University   Noon – 12.30 p.m.  Presentation in Telus Centre.  Reception follows

Parade Contact:   Community Organizer Itah Sadu 647 - 521 7874

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For more information: Stephen Weir  Festival Publicist. Phone 416-489-5868 Cell: 416-801-3101
Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com                          

McMichael Gallery has a very successful fundraiser

SATURDAY NIGHT IN KLEINBURG - WHERE YOU CAN STILL SEE THE STARS SHINE

Holly Cole performs at the McMichael - Tom Sandler

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection held a very successful fundraiser Saturday night in Kleinburg, Ontario. Okay so there wasn't a full moon on June 8th, but the stars came out to the Moonlight Gala to help support the only public gallery that has 100% Canadian content.

This unforgettable evening featured internationally acclaimed East Coast jazz chanteuse Holly Cole performed outdoors in front of the log cabin gallery.  Host of the evening was CTV's Marci Ien (Canada AM).  Guests were treated to culinary delights especially designed for the evening by Chef Jamie Kennedy. There was also -- cough, cough, a cigar bar,  and thanks to Via Allegro Ristorantea scotch bar and a martini bar!

Proceeds of this event support educational programming and exhibitions at the McMichael, creating a lasting impact on Canadian art and culture now and in the future. The gallery is located in the village of Kleinburg, Ontario, just a few kilometers north of Toronto.

Marci Ien and Gala chair Tina Tehranchian. Tom Sandler

Pictured are two photographs by well know celeb picture taker Tom Sandler. Holly Cole performs (top) and above Canada AM's Marci Ien and Gala chair Tina Tehranchian at the Moonlight Gala.

MEDIA ALERT FOR THE MCMICHAEL'S MOONLIGHT GALA IN KLEINBURG

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The McMichael Canadian Art Collection to host its 2nd annual premier fundraising event, Moonlight Gala 2013! 

Jazz singer Holly Cole to perform at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection's Moonlight Gala

WHAT: Moonlight Gala 2013 

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection will host the second annual Moonlight Gala, a memorable evening of gourmet cuisine, curated libations, and dancing under the stars on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Entertainment will be headlined by internationally acclaimed jazz chanteuse Holly Cole, singing fan favourites and some new songs from her latest album, NIGHT, on an open air stage. Visit the gala website for more information:
www.mcmichael.com/moonlightgala

Single tickets, $350
Group Packages (10 tickets), $3,000

Tickets may be purchased at mcmichaelmoonlightgala2013.eventbrite.ca
or by calling 905.893.1121 ext. 2207 or toll free 1.888.213.1121
 
WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2013, 7:00PM - midnight

WHERE: McMichael Canadian Art Collection located at 10365 Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Vaughan.

WHO: This unforgettable evening features internationally acclaimed jazz chanteuse Holly Cole, dancing under the stars and an irresistible silent auction. Guests will be treated to culinary delights especially designed for the evening by Chef Jamie Kennedy. There will also be wine tasting, a scotch bar and a martini bar curated by Via Allegro Ristorante.  

WHY: Proceeds of this event support excellence in interactive and accessible educational programming and inspirational exhibitions at the McMichael, creating a lasting impact on Canadian art and culture now and in the future. The McMichael is the only major gallery devoted exclusively to collecting Canadian art.

About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of almost 6,000 artworks by Canadian artists, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. The gallery is located at 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan. For more information: www.mcmichael.com.
 

MEDIA INTERESTED IN COVERING CONTACT:

Stephen Weir
publicist
stephen@stephenweir.com
416-489-5868
or
Wendy Campbell
Manager, Media Relations and Online Presence
905.893.1121 ext. 2201
wcampbell@mcmichael.com 

Scotiabank Extends its Title Sponsorship of Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival for three years

The 46^th Annual Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival returns with improvements to the Grand Parade route and an expanded list of events

Images from the May 21st Media Launch for the Carnival
Top - Pooja Handa CP 24
left - singer Dan Hill
right MPP Laura Albanese

May 28, 2013  (Toronto) The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival kicked off today with music and dancing at the Ontario Science Centre.  MPP Laura Albanese, (York South-Weston) Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport helped unveil the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2013 campaign this morning. 

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival will run from July 9, 2013 to August 4, 2013, and once again bring the culture of the Caribbean to over a million spectators in downtown Toronto. The public launch will take place on July 9, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at Toronto's Nathan Phillip's Square, where dancers, musicians, and calypso singers will get the city into the Carnival spirit.

"The funding from our sponsors means that the Festival can continue to deliver new and exciting events again this year,” said Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson.  “We are changing how the big parade will be run due to the construction on the CNE grounds which will give more opportunities for spectators inside the park grounds to see our colourful parade.  Once again, funds raised at our events will be donated to four community charities – The Children's Breakfast Club, The Caribbean Children's Foundation, Prostate Cancer Canada and Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario.”

“In 2008, we became title sponsor of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival -- the largest North American Caribbean festival of its kind.  I’m proud to say that once again, Scotiabank has extended our partnership for another three years,” said Christine Williams, Scotiabank Vice President, Toronto East District. “This partnership started an exciting new chapter for Scotiabank because the Caribbean is where the Bank’s international story began.”

“For the fourth year, we are happy to sponsor the Ontario Science Centre Innovative Costume Award which recognizes innovation in costume design,” said Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “There’s a foundation of science behind the beauty and creativity of each and every costume. From the mathematics involved in the design, the physics involved in how the costumes move to the mechanics and engineering involved in the structural integrity for the larger, more elaborate pieces.”

The Toronto waterfront Carnival parade, taking place on August 3rd, is expected to draw over a million people down to Toronto’s CNE grounds. This year the staging area for the 16,000 costumed masqueraders and floats is being moved to the north-end of the CNE property.  The parade will travel the width of the CNE grounds before entering Lakeshore Blvd, giving the festival more space to accommodate spectators.

Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival events include:

• Junior Carnival Parade - July 20, 2013: The first big event, the Junior Carnival Parade, will take place at Downsview Park. In 2012, over 2,500 children performed for the judges and played Mas along the streets of the Downsview Park. Chevrolet supports the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Junior Carnival Parade.
• Festival Cup Match - July 20, 2013:  Sport fans will want to watch the Canadian Rugby League take on the Jamaica Rugby League at Lamport Stadium. This is the third year for the Festival match – the Canadian team remains undefeated. Game starts at 7:00 p.m.
• NEW FREE EVENT: The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Summertime BBQ JULY 25,  2013: Food, Soca music, costumes, and Moko Jumbies at the Eglinton Square Shopping Centre (Eglinton East / Victoria Park).
• The Annual Gala - July 26, 2013: The Annual Gala, a formal wear party to honour the rich history of the festival and to sample the Caribbean arts, will take place at the Liberty Grand Ballroom on the CNE grounds.
• Monarch Contest - July 28, 2013 Ontario’s best Calypso performers compete to see who will wear the crown as this country’s top Calypso singer. Evening competition to be held at the Chinese Cultural Centre’s P C Ho Theatre in Scarborough.
• The King and Queen Contest - August 1, 2013: This nighttime event showcases the elaborate costumes, which will be worn by the Kings and Queens in the Grand Parade. Due to overwhelming demand, the seating for Lamport Stadium is being increased to accommodate spectators at this year’s King And Queen competition.
• Pan Alive - August 2, 2013: Pan Alive is the largest outdoor steel pan orchestra competition in North America.  Over a dozen orchestras from Ontario and Quebec will compete in an evening battle of the bands at Lamport Stadium.
• THE GRAND PARADE - August 3, 2013: Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd. 10am – 6pm. Rain or Shine!
• Beyond Lime August 4, 2013: Music. Food. Performances. Traditional end to the Caribbean festival.

About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 46th year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival.

Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, Chevrolet, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, FLOW fm, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Library, Eglinton Square Mall, and the Liberty Grand.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For more information about the programmes and events, please visit the festival's official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is located at 19 Waterman Avenue. Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608;

Email: info@torontocaribbeancarnival.com.

For media inquires:

Stephen Weir

Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Publicist

Phone 416-489-5868

Cell: 416-801-3101

Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Sheena Findlay

Scotiabank

Cell: 647-628-3501

Email: Sheena.findlay@scotiabank.com

Guardian Brotherhood formerly complains about two senior York Region Police officers

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MEDIA ALERT

 The disturbing Police Services case of Dameian Muirhead continues in Aurora

MAY 23rd UPDATE:  The hearing scheduled for Thursday has been postponed for at least two weeks. Hearing officer considering wheither or not he should step down

May 20, 2013 .... The Guardian Brotherhood, a newly formed fraternal organization comprised of black uniformed provincial correctional officers, OPP Officers, and Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services civilian employees, has filed a formal complaint to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. The Brotherhood has made a complaint about York Regional Police Detective McRobbie and Inspector Rouse, over testimony made at an ongoing Police Disciplinary Hearing against officer Dameian Muirhead, which is set to resume Tuesday morning in Aurora.

" On May 3, 2013, I attended the disciplinary hearing for constable Dameian Muirhead. The hearing was being held by York Region Police," wrote Keith Hassell, the head of the Guardian Brotherhood. "During said hearing, lead detective investigator Detective McRobbie stated that he attended the provincial court to observe and report on the threatening charges that Constable Muirhead laid against a Mr. Dugay. Mr Dugay had filed a complaint against Constable Muirhead for the arrest and Detective McRobbie was assigned by the Chief of Police to investigate. Detective McRobbie admitted (in the disciplinary hearing) that he reviewed the court file without lawful authority. Further Detective McRobbie interfered with the court of justice by suggesting to the Crown that the charges be withdrawn without any lawful authority."

The Guardian Brotherhood has also filed a police complaint against Inspector Rouse, who, like McRobbie, is also a member of the York Regional Police Force.  Inspector Rouse is the hearing officer in the hearing concerning York Region Police officer Damaien Muirhead. The Guardian Brotherhood state in their declaration that when the admissions were made by Detective McRobbie in the hearing, "Inspector Rouse decided that he wouldn't investigate, but suggested that it was outside the hearing (jurisdiction)."

Dameian Muirhead is a Jamaican Canadian police officer with ten years sterling service with the York Region Force. He is, in part, accused of misconduct over an investigation where racial slurs were yelled at him at a drunken farm party where a woman had been run over by a vehicle. As the Toronto Star reported "oddly, Muirhead, in part, is accused of not properly investigating the racial taunts made against him." He is also charged for not picking up a leather coat owned by Mr Dugay. The coat fell off a motorcycle when Officer Muirhead was checking its plate. 

What: Officer Dameian Muirhead's Discipline Hearing. 
The hearing is open to the media and the public.   
IT is expected that supporters of Dameian will attend the hearing. 
The Brotherhood is expected to attend the hearing on Thursday. 
Stephen Weir will not be in the court until Wednesday.

Who:       Officer Dameian and his lawyer, Courtney Betty will be in the hearing before Inspector Rouse.

When: May 21, 22 and 23 - hearing begins at 9.30 am

Where: 100 John West Way in the town of Aurora

Why:        This is a case of racial prejudice against a Christian man who did as the Bible says, he turned the other check when called a Nigger and many other foul names while investigating the drunken York Region farm party.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Stephen Weir

Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
2482 Yonge Street, Unit 45032, Toronto, ONT  M4P 3E3
Tel: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101
 twitter: sweirweir