By Ken Hirter
This year’s North Ender of the Year Awards were held Saturday October 18th at James North Baptist Church. Thank you for hosting this years North Ender of the Year Awards for 2024.
The awards celebrate our community members, neighbors and those that make a difference in this close-knit community. It is the loving and caring people that make the North End a special place for work, rest, play with an abundance of community spirit.
Kit Darling, Editorial Assistant introduced Breezes board members Maureen (Moe) Scally, Interim Treasurer and Chris Pearson, Community Connector and Andrew Robinson, president of the North End Neighbor Association (NENa)
The North Ender of the Year award began over 25 years ago by Ed Stewart of Wood Street. Over the years he participated in activities and events in the North End and wanted to honour those who contributed to the community. Ed passed away in September, 2020 at 90 years of age.
The Breezes recognized the Community Building merit and wanted to continue his Legacy. In 2021, we partnered with the North End Neighborhood Association (NENa) to recognize some of the many amazing people who have made the North End great.
Ward 2 Councillor: Cameron Kroetsch presented the awards and sharing his warm memories and his association with the North End Breezes and the North End Community throughout the years.
THE AWARD CEREMONY
ED STEWART LEGACY AWARD
This award honors individuals, group or business, recognizing an outstanding contribution to the North End through community engagement, service or leadership. They have demonstrated a long-standing, significant commitment to the improvement of the neighborhood through professional or voluntary efforts.
The Nominees were:
Brent Esau (winner) absent
Andrew Robinson and Alissa Denham-Robinson
Dr. Walter Owsianik
Brent has dedicated himself to the long-term improvement of the North End through both professional leadership and genuine community care. His leadership is marked by patience that brings clarity and support to both staff and clients.
Brent, leads by example, fostering a culture of respect, equity and collaboration within the organization and in the broader community. He is deeply attuned to the needs of the North End and consistently champions initiatives that prioritize the well-being. He also plays a critical role in mentoring emerging leaders within the organization, helping to build a strong, sustainable future. His deep understanding of the North End, the challenges, strengths and potential has shaped the way COMPASS COMMUNITY HEALTH responds to community needs. We are pleased to present the Ed Stewart Legacy Award to Brent Esau
COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
This award recognizes the efforts by an individual that shows community spirit and time dedicated that impacts the North End and its residents.
The Nominees were:
Angela Cardinal
Chrissy Chrzan (winner)
Cassandra Allen
Chrissy is involved with anything and everything that embodies the North End. From the Sunset Garden, The North End Breezes and more recently, The North End Garage Sale for 3 years now including a community get together with music and performers.
Chrissy uses her expertise as a Project Manager, she pulls together a team that makes our neighborhood so much more engaged than it ever has been. She will help out any neighbor at a drop of a dime. She is what the North End is all about. We are proud to present the Community Builder Award to Chrissy Chrzan
PROFESSIONAL AWARD
This award recognizes individuals who have used their professional expertise, resources or leadership to drive positive changes in the North End. This award celebrates those who actions through their workplace and independent efforts, have strengthened community connections, support growth and inspired others to build a brighter future for the North End.
The Nominees were:
Kathy Allen Fleet
Tyler Morris Roofing (winner)
Nick & Carrie Jabour
Tyler is a lifelong resident of the North End who has dedicated both his professional skills and personal energy to strengthening his community. A former student of Bennetto School and is a father of five, he embodies the values of hard work, service and care for his neighbors. By employing local residents he contributes directly to the economic health of the North End. His business is built on trust, generosity and community connection. He is known for going above and beyond often offering discounted or even free repairs to ensure that no family is left unsafe due to financial hardship. His work ethic and commitment to community are also being carried forward by his son who is stepping into the family business. Together they represent not only the present strength of the North End, but also its future by passing down values of service, integrity and pride in the neighborhood from one generation to the next.
Tyler is more than a business owner; he is a neighbor, a mentor and a role model. What sets him apart is not just his professional skill, but his genuine care for the people around him. He doesn’t just offer a service, he offers peace of mind, reliability and kindness, demonstrating every day what it means to be a true North Ender. We are proud to honour him with the Professional Award to Tyler Morris
Congratulations to ALL of our Community Champions your simply the best of the best.
The North End Breezes relies on the contributions and support of our Community Partners: Without them we would not be here.
Brigs, Open waters-Open doors
City of Hamilton, Bennetto Recreation
Compass Community Health
Hamilton & Oshawa Port Authority
James North Baptist Church
North End Neighborhood Association
St. Lawrence The Martyr Parish
The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
Welcome Inn Community Centre
GIVING THANKS
Thanks to Darlene Billingsley and Patty at Our Corner Bar and Grill for the wonderful brunch of sandwiches, fruits, crackers and cheese. The celebration cupcake cake was from Metro.
Maureen Scally alongside with the North End Breezes Board, North End Breezes, NENa and the North End Community. We send out our thanks, thoughts and well wishes to our Co-ordinator and Editor in Chief Brenda Duke. Unfortunately Brenda could not make this years Awards Ceremony which she has been organizing with a few great volunteers since 2016.
At the Awards, Brenda was bestowed an honor with a date to be determined.
Throughout her work, dedication and volunteer work with the birth and evolution of Beautiful Alleys to Keep Hamilton Clean. It was announced after the award presentation that her neighborhood park Birch Park, Hamilton. will be renamed: THE BRENDA DUKE PARK. Congratulations Brenda so well deserved.
The North End Breezes will be there for the unveiling ceremony date to be determined.
I must say that the North End Community is such a wonderful close knit loving and caring neighborhood. It is a joy to write about the NORTH ENDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS.
Congratulations again to all the receiptants, nominees and for all those who came out in Celebrating Community Spirit here in the North End.
The North End Breezes has been apart of this wonderful neighborhood community since 1972. Fun was had by all who attended this wonderful yearly event and tradition here in the North End of Hamilton.
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