by Ken Hirter

We gathered at the Macassa Bay Yacht Club on Saturday September 14th, a lovely sunny day, to reminisce and to celebrate some very special neighbours. 

Our hosts were the North End Neighbourhood Association and the North End Breezes.

Elizabeth Poynter, Chair of the Breezes welcomed everyone and introduced her fellow board members present. She noted that she has finished her term on the Board and welcomed anyone who is interested in joining the Board to put their name forward.

Brenda Duke, Editor introduced members of the publication team who are responsible for gathering, editing and formatting content to be published on-line and in print.

Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch then opened the awards Presentations with a few words.

ED STEWART LEGACY AWARD nominees were Randy Maracle, Chris Pearson (winner) The award was presented by last years recipient Sandra Hudson.

Chris Pearson is a fixture in the North End. He moved here in 2006 and began volunteering upon retiring in 2011. Chris is always part of any activity and any group that needs support often attending neighborhood events to represent the North End Breezes. He is a well-known figure in the community through his involvement with the Welcome Inn Community Centre and their programs. He is particularly active with the Senior programming and attends their luncheon to offer support and encouragement. He helps deliver food for the food bank and supports all fundraising opportunities. Chris is also a longstanding member of the Breezes Board of Directors. His “unofficial” role is Community Connector and he certainly fulfills that role. 

COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD nominees were Jeff Lindstrom, Katie Fitzgerald, Curtis Buehler (winner) The Award was presented by last years recipient Margaret Kneulman 

Curtis Buehler is active in the community on many levels. As his parents were active volunteers, Curtis is now passing that on to the next generation. He participates in the Neighborhood Association to improve our community and has worked on many community efforts to make this a Child and Family Friendly neighborhood. Curtis organized a neighborhood party with food and music at Welcome Inn. One of the largest projects that he’s organized is the North End Food Drive in support of Welcome Inn. It involves kids and their families in a regular “Thanksgiving” neighborhood event!  Curtis has coached sports since high school including the North End Soccer league and currently his son’s baseball team  – soon will be coaching hockey. Curtis and family are also regular participants in the Strides for the General which takes place at Bayfront Park. 

HERITAGE AWARD ~ Mrs. Beatrice Jeffrey. Presented by Andrew Robinson (North End Neighbourhood Association)

Mrs. Jeffrey resides in the home she and her husband moved into in 1955 and where they raised their 11 children. She also worked for Family Services of Hamilton Wentworth for 17 years. She was an advocate to City Hall to address neighbourhood issues as a member of the North End Residence when it was located on the corner of John and Wood Streets. Mrs. Jeffrey continues to advocate for the North End through letters to the Spectator and Council. A lifetime honorary member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) she received an award for her years of service. She also received a certificate of public service from the City of Hamilton in 2011. Although her contributions were done years ago when she was at an age that allowed her to do so, her efforts and time should not go unnoticed. It is a great honour to acknowledge a true blue, lifelong North Ender.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and recipients for supporting the North End Community through giving, sharing, and speaking up.

So get out and make a difference in your Community – volunteer today!

A full list of all the volunteers who work to create and bring The Breezes to your door and your computer, and there are many – is in the September issue of The Breezes. Without this small army, we would have not lasted for 52 years.

The North End Breezes would like to thank our sponsors for contributing to the Reunion; Darlene Billingsley – Our Corner Bar & Grill, Pane Del Sole, North End Neighbourhood Association, Architect Hair Design, Mercury Wholesale Foods, and 1GR8 Carwash.

The North End Breezes relies on the contributions and support of our Community Partners City of Hamilton, Bennetto Recreation Centre, Compass Community Health, Hamilton & Oshawa Port Authority, James North Baptist Church, North End Neighborhood Association, St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, and Welcome Inn Community Centre. Without them we would not be here. 

And from all of us here at the North End Breezes, we wish our Chair Elizabeth Poynter all the best in her future endeavors. Elizabeth is moving on as of October. Enjoy your studio and your trip to Portugal. Thanks for all that you have done and wishing you all the best

If anyone is interested in joining the Board of Director or to volunteer please contact the Breezes @ www.northendbreezes.com  or at office@northendbreezes.com