troys diner

Tigerfest 2010

Mike Cluett

Saturday June 5th, 2010 will be the 4th annual Milton Street Festival.  The current incarnation of this event started back in 2007 as the master committee of the Milton 150th Anniversary celebrations made this one of the pillar events of the year.  The response has been overwhelming and the Town of Milton continues the tradition with another great event.

This year will be nothing less than amazing.  Last year over 20,000 people came to Milton’s downtown core to take part in many events, games, and live music at all ends of Main Street.

Troy’s Diner proudly announces that it will be hosting the first ever Tigerfest this year.

It will be an all day long event starting at 12pm with Dynamo Wrestling demonstrations.  From 1pm to 4pm watch Milton’s own EC Drury wrestling tournament showcase its skills.  You will also see FIREPOWER Crossfit Fitness Demo and later on that evening, live pro wrestling will be the main event.  Matches to be announced soon.

All proceeds from this event will be going to the Milton District Hospital Foundation. 

It is an all ages event.  Stay tuned to www.mikecluett.ca for more information on Tigerfest 2010 or you can go to www.tigerjeetsingh.com as well.

Mutt Strutting and Sun Burning

Mike Cluett

I had a busy weekend planned  for the family as we had Miranda’s second birthday party at Pat’s hotel (Four Points Sheraton Meadowvale…cheap plug) with family and friends coming out.  Of course she was spoiled with lots of clothes and toys (her favourites being baby strollers and a tea set)  Pat and I spent a good part of Sunday night having tea parties.

The other part of our weekend was yesterday and the Oakville Milton Humane Society put on the first annual Mutt Strutt at the Milton Fairgrounds.  One word can be used to describe the day…success.

The weather looked like it would put a damper on the event but as the morning continued until the afternoon the clouds made way to a sunny, warm afternoon.  Families came out with their pooches to take part in a fundraising effort and to help raise awareness of the local humane society.

For years the society was known as “Oakville & District” which caused quite a bit of confusion for us as Milton was always part of the district, but many people didn’t know it was.  They have changed their name to Oakville and Milton Humane Society and with this event, helped people realize what exactly it does.

There were so many dogs of all kinds, shapes, colours and breeds that lined the fairgrounds.  The registration table was lined with people and their pledge forms and some of the totals were staggering.  I cant wait to see how much they did raise.  Halton MP Lisa Raitt, Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, Mayor Gord Krantz and Regional Councillor Colin Best kicked off the event and led the group of dogs in either the 5k walk or the shorter one around the fairgrounds.

The food was amazing as the ever popular Troy’s Diner was there with hamburgers, hot dogs and other tasty deserts. Troy’s large inflatable COKE bottle was the first thing most people saw and hearing comments from people walking in, “HEY, Troy’s here!”  You haven’t had a burger until you’ve had a TROY’S burger.

The walk wasnt the only part of the day as there were demonstrations from professional and amatuer dog owners showing off their canine tricks, like frisbee catching and dancing.  The day could only be described as a success by those who attended.  Speaking with a lot of people there, I heard that they cant wait for next year.  A big congratulations goes to the organizers of the event…well done.

Taking advantage of the great weather, Anthony and I decided to head out and go door knocking on Freeman Trail…until he ended up at his friends house.  Then I lost my volunteer because in his words “this is more fun Dad”

With the good weather I was able to talk to a lot of people  who were working on their cars, cleaning out their garage, or just sitting on their porch reading  a book.  Most people I did speak with were shocked that I was out early in the year, seeing how the election is in October.  There are a lot of homes to visit and Ive been getting an early start on the campaign trail.  My commitment is to knock on every door in the ward personally and speak to as many voters as possible.

Its not just for the election, as one of my campaign promises is to continue to visit the doors in between election campaigns.  There are a few people from residents to political vetrans who think thats a tall order but its part of the game and what our elected officials SHOULD do on a regular basis.  In many cases, your councillor and local level of government has the most impact on our day to day lives from by laws, property taxes and other services.  Your councillor should be accessible and most times are peoples first phone call. 

Some of the issues that were brought up during the day was traffic problems at Louis St Laurent and Thompson Road and the need for some kind of cross walk near the Metro plaza so people on both sides of Thompson Road can safely cross the street.  Traffic lights at LSL and Thompson Road are in the works and staff are doing counts to make sure they can make that intersection a safe one.  In order for it to happen, we need to keep up the pressure and your council representative needs to speak out on your behalf.

During that part of the afternoon I got ready to go home with a few future lawn sign locations and some commitments from people that they will indeed come out to vote for me on election day.  Their support is humbling and I look forward to speaking with more as the months, weeks and days go on.

The one thing I did forget during the day was sunscreen as Anthony and Pat reminded me when I got home.  My head, face and arms were quite red and I didnt feel it until later in the evening.  Must remember to keep some in the car.

Over the next day or so, I will endevour to get some pictures of the event posted for my site.  Until then, I’ll see you at the doors.

Miltons Newest School Named After Tiger Jeet Singh

Mike Cluett
tjs troys

Just this past week the Halton District School Board chose from a number of different name options for Milton’s newest school (known before as Milton #4) and it seems to have caused some controversy.  But the selection of the name couldn’t have gone to a better person.

The new school on Yates Drive that is due to open this coming fall, will be named Tiger Jeet Singh Public School.

This honour adds to the list of accomplishments this great Miltonian has earned over the years.  Tiger Jeet Singh, along with his son Tiger Ali Singh, are world renowned for their success in the field of professional wrestling.  You may remember Tiger Ali’s stint with the WWE (Formerly World Wrestling Federation) and since then he has moved on to more international success.  The mere mention of their names in the squared circle brought their opponents to submission as they are fierce competitors in the ring.

But thats just the wrestling persona’s.  Outside the ring, they are true ambassadors to the Town of Milton and do what they can to help both their home town and home country.  The list of philanthropic activities of Tiger is head spinning.  Here is a brief list (courtesy of local historian/author John Challinor)

• $200,000 donation to community of Sujapur, India (1990) (money used to build water and sewer infrastructure)
• $100,000+ donation committed to Milton District Hospital Foundation (2006)
• $35,000 raised through his leadership with Kopz4Kids (monies were shared between Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington and Halton Healthcare facilities in Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) (2008)
• $30,000 raised through his leadership with Troy’s Diner Toy Drive (2009) (toys went to local Salvation Army and Sick Childrens Hospital in Toronto )
• $25,000 donation to Milton Historical Society to publish local book of history, Milton Streets (2008)
• Annual pilgrimage to India to donate money, including the following:
o Five buses purchased for various Sikh temples in Punjab, India, so that poor had transportation to worship (2009)
o Land purchased for college campus in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, so students could study locally as most couldn’t afford transportation to study out-of-town (2009)
o Donated monies for clothing and other items to unspecified villages (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Lord Athol Layton for Shriners Foundation (late 1970s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Whipper Billy Watson to help expand Newmarket Hospital and raise visibility for plight of handicapped children (early 1970s)
• Anonymous large annual donor to numerous local charities (ongoing)

Humanitarian Activities:

• Non-governmental ambassador (trade) to United Nations with a mandate to reach out to South-East Asian countries (2000 – 2001)
• World-wide Economic Development Ambassador to Milton, Ontario (1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Drug, alcohol, education and physical fitness (Tiger-fit) awareness advocate in Canada, Japan, South-east Asia, addressing thousands of parents and students (1990s, 2000s)
• Chief Patron, Punjabi Sahit Sabha of Ontario (organization facilitates education, culture, societal value and general promotion of Sikhism) (since 1976)
• Recognized leader in Canadian South-East Asian community that members from across the country come to when in need of guidance and support (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at major South-East Asian community religious, community, athletic events (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at Canada Kabaddi Cup (typically alongside Prime Minister of Canada) (ongoing)

And as I said…that’s just SOME of what Tiger Jeet Singh is involved in.

Recently reported in the Toronto Star, there was a column that outlined some parts of a popular Internet forum called The Hawthorne Villager.

Here is a what I posted. 

Milton Walk of Fame Inductee Tiger Jeet Singh, Canada Day 2007

 

Not that this decision needs to be defended, but I’ll put in my 2 cents worth.I have absolutely no problem with the name chosen for the school. All of the contenders, so to speak, were highly qualified to have their name adorn the school walls.

Both Tiger Jeet and Tiger Ali Singh were named as inaugural members of Milton’s Walk of Fame…an honour highly deserved.

The Tigers (Hans family) have grown up in Milton over the course of many years. They were residents of this town long before many of us were called Miltonians. During this time, they have given back to our community. One of the Hans’ sons is a member of the Halton police force, serving and protecting our community. There were stories in the past of what they had to endure from “rabid wrestling fans” and others alike who made life for that family almost unbearable. Too many stories that this family is too proud to talk about. Lets just say life wasn’t made easy for them.

Yet they stuck it out.

Tiger Jeet Singh is a world renowned wrestler and a classy gentleman who doesnt hesitate to offer his help whenever its needed (Troys Diner and other charities) I remember during the Canada Day Celebrations of Milton’s 150th anniversary (where he along with his son were inducted into Milton’s Walk of Fame) talking with him and listening to his acceptance  speech which was quite moving. More moving still was his son’s speech (Tiger Ali) and the pride that both of them felt for their home town. They felt the honour they received by being inducted to the Milton Walk of Fame was the highlights of their lives…and given the careers both individuals had, that’s saying something.

I had the privilage of being the soccer coach of their grandson and despite hectic schedules and travelling all over the world where they are still in demand, he made it to most of his grandsons soccer games.

Through all of this they call Milton their home and they burst with pride when they do so.

There are a number (way to many too count) of Miltonians who have lived here and currently live here that deserve the honour of having a school named after them and Tiger Jeet Singh IS one of those people.

***

 As far as I’m concerned Tiger Jeet Singh is an excellent choice to name the school.  He plans on taking part in the activities, as does fellow Milton Walk of Fame member Chris Hadfield of Hadfield Public School.  The children who attend this school will be lucky to have another role model to look up to.  And its doesnt just stop at Tiger Sr.  His sons and the rest of the family also are involved in bettering our community.  One of Tiger Sr.’s sons is a member of the Halton Police force, serving and protecting the community he grew up in.  I had the privilege of coaching Anthony’s soccer team a few years back and with his experience, helped me be a better coach. 

A great honour for a great champion!  Congratulations Tiger!  This is an honour which is well deserved.   More importantly…THANK YOU!

You can also read more about the decision at Troy’s Diner Blog with even more details on what Tiger has done for Milton, and children everywhere.

Breakfast Television at Troy's Diner

Mike Cluett

If youve been in Milton, oh lets say 10 seconds or longer, you know of Troy and Troy’s Diner.

Troy is a true example of someone who gives back to the community with his sponsorship of numerous town events.  He’s got a heart of gold.

Today Breakfast Television visited his location at the Best Western in Milton to shore up support for his Salvation Army campaign.  Milton noteables were there including Milton Walk of Fame members Tiger Jeet Singh and Tiger Ali Singh as well as the incomperable Walter Gretzky.

Here is the link for BT’s coverage of the event.  I couldnt make it there this morning but it was very well attended.  Make sure you check out www.troysdiner.com for more information on his locations and is continued support of our local community.

Milton Santa Claus Parade

Mike Cluett

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Hundreds of people began lining the Main Street parade route as early as 1pm. Prime seats became hard to get for a great parade that gets better year after year and this year was no different.

Friends alike were seen along the parade route. Some people I haven’t seen in some time and a few people from out of town (as far as Orangeville I heard) to see what all the fuss was about. People come from far and wide to take part in Milton’s Santa Claus Parade.

Milton’s Santa Claus parade has a reputation for being one of the best in Ontario, let alone one of the best in Canada. This year had a bit of extra attention across Canada.

I opened my Friday’s edition of the National Post to see the result of a story first published in the Milton Canadian Champion by Melanie Hennessey. Organizers of the Milton Santa Claus parade had some hard decisions to make to keep the parade from becoming too long. They had made the decision to cut down on the extra cars or floats by asking Regional Chair Gary Carr, Halton MPP Ted Chuldliegh and Halton MP Garth Turner not to take part in this years parade.

Having politicians in a parade like this is tradition as far as I’m concerned. It goes along with all the other businesses and organizations that take part and create floats or cars or trucks.

I have no problem with having our local members being a part of the parade. But in the same breath, I am not the ones organizing. One would have to realize that hundreds and hundreds of hours are being volunteered by an untold number of people over the course of the year. To give you an idea, shortly after the new year the committee will reconvene to plan next years parade. Thats almost a years worth of planning. The parade was looking to be long (and it was this year) and they needed to make some cutbacks. There were some people that planned on being a part of the parade but couldnt. They looked to the current participants and decided that they could cut it down by the number of floats by removing the politicians. A hard decision mind you, but a necessary one according to members of the committee.

I was asked today that if I won the election last year, would I be upset if I wasnt able to be part of the parade today. Of course I would be upset, but I would accept the decision of the committee and move on.

Only the Mayor of Milton was asked to be the only politician allowed to participate in the parade. The theme of this years parade was for the 150th anniversary, a committee I have been part of since its inception back in 2005, and the floats and parade participants were to promote our 150th birthday year.

While Mr. Carr and Mr. Chudleigh were upset at not being allowed to take part in their usual way, they both showed class and stated they understood the decisions of the committee and planned to abide by it. Ted Chudleigh said that he would probably sit along the parade route with others and enjoy it as a spectator.

Over the past week this battle of words with Mr. Turner and those involved in running the parade reached a fever pitch where on his blog Garth stated that “he would walk the parade route with his dog” defying the committee and their decision.

Its gone beyond stupidity now with Garth claiming theres a conspiracy against him, and how the parade committee is partisan against him and its a way of shielding children from politicians and the political process and on and on and on. Its become so laughable its hard to believe that a grown man is making this much of a fuss about it. I hope it just goes away.

For those of you who were wondering, and as far as I could see, Garth didnt make an appearance on the parade route. In fact his name was brought up a couple of times, but only after the Mr. Grinch character made his way down by us did the name Garth Turner come up. Those who did bother to talk about this whole mess mentioned that its blown out of proportion and “SOMEONE” should grow up. I concur.

If someone is that bound on being in a parade, and the committee continues with their “ban” on politicians next year, maybe he can get involved in a number of organizations in order to be part of the parade and wave. He might have to put away his MP HALTON sash, but at least he can sit an wave.

The parade reached us in downtown Milton at about 225pm and Santa made his way at about 350pm. That made for a very long parade. Just imagine if there were politicians in the parade, eh? HA.

A great parade again this year and the people who planned this event should be congratulated!!! Excellent work this year. Pictures to be up shortly and if you have any, please feel free to email them to mike@mikecluett.ca and I can post them here as well. To those who took part in the parade and kept the crowd laughing and cheering along the route, thank you. And to those who braved the chilly wind with their kids, and holding tightly their hot chocolate from Troy’s Diner, shivering along the streets….thank you for coming out.

A classy event for a classy town. And no one was arrested for crashing the parade. A good day all around. Merry Christmas everyone!