COMMUNITY LEADER AND GREEN SPACE ADVOCATE BRENDA DUKE IS AWARDED THE ORDER OF HAMILTON

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

Our Congratulations go out to our Editor and friend, Brenda Duke

This past January, 2021, Mayor Fred Eisenberg honored 10 of Hamilton’s finest people during his Virtual New Year’s Levee with “The Order of Hamilton”. The award presentation to those 10 honorees was followed by a reception & entertainment by Ginger St. James, Greg Briscoe and the Mohawk College Jazz Band.

This award recognizes volunteer efforts and leadership that helps Hamilton to be a city where people can live, work and age gracefully.

To quote the citation “Brenda is the visionary and founder of Beautiful Alleys and is a tireless advocate in her keeping our community and city clean and green. She is truly a shining example of what can be accomplished by a small group of people. Brenda inspires and organizes volunteers with multiple programs and projects such as the Team Up to Clean Up program, Community gardens, Pollinator Gardens and the Adopt-A-Park program. She was the lead volunteer in recruiting volunteers to help out with the Extreme Park makeovers at Woodlands Park and was instrumental in the recruitment of over 200 volunteers for the Extreme Park Makeover at Powell Park which was part of a TVO TV special called The Giver. She also serves on the Clean and Green Citizen Committee with the City of Hamilton. Brenda is the lead on the adoption of Powell Park, Birch Avenue Greenspace and co-lead on Woodlands Park and is now in the process of adopting J.C. Beemer Park. She is currently the editor of the North End Breezes community paper. From community gardens, to extreme park makeovers from alley way cleanup to community Easter events Brenda Duke is there serving her community.”

For those of us who contribute to creating, designing and distributing The Breezes 11 times a year, Brenda is a continuing inspiration and support. Thank you from the Board members and all the volunteers at The Breezes and congratulations for a well-deserved recognition.