By Ken Hirter
As the holiday season fast approaches and with a new year on the horizon, It is time to look back throughout the past year. It is about the people, places, things and of course the celebrations held throughout the calendar year. It truly made my walkabouts memorable and enjoyable. I want to thank you all.
January and February 2024: Compass Community Health Centre
It was about starting off a new year on the right path to a healthier lifestyle; it was diet 101 in a 2-part series at Compass. Thanks to the knowledgeable and informative Registered Dietitians Cory Ma and Jennifer Desrosiers for teaching me and taking the time to talk about diet, food, health and nutrition. Dietitians help you unlock the potential of food. For simple nutritious, sustainable meals. For more information about this wonderful program please call (905) 523-6611 ext.2000 or visit the website https://compossch.org
March 2024: Jamesville Ceramics & Paint.
This favourite neighborhood hardware store has been serving the North End and Central Hamilton since 1990. The motto of Manual Picador, owner of Jamesville Ceramics & Paints store is “Everything we have, you need. If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” It’s the best little ole hardware store in the neighborhood!
April 2024: Waterfront Park.
Those April showers did bring those beautiful May flowers. Walking around beautiful Pier 8 and the Discovery Lane corridors it was such a beautiful, sunny spring day to take in the stunning art installations “All Our Relations” at the Promenade Park by award winning artist and designer Angela DeMontigny, in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. So go outside, put on your walking shoes and take your walker, wheelchair, bike, bus or car over to Discovery Lane at Pier 8. ” Yours to Discover.”
May 2024: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Compass Community Health Centre
Did you know that April 14th – 20th 2024 was National Volunteer week, celebrating the over 24 million volunteers throughout Canada? On Friday April 19th Compass Community Health held a Celebration of Champions dinner to show their appreciation. The theme for this year was the 2024 Paris Olympics, celebrating the everyday champions and heroes – the volunteers at Compass. If you are interested in volunteering at Compass, please contact Sarah French at (905) 523-6611 extension 3063.
June 2024: Summer Camp at Welcome Inn Community Centre
This wonderful day camp ran from July to August and was a complete success. Michelle Urbanek and her crew rolled out the camp days with the children, who had a fun summer making cherished memories. For more information on the other children’s programs offered at Welcome Inn please contact Michelle Urbanek – Children’s Program Coordinator michelle@welcomeinn.ca Office: (905) 525-5824
Summer 2024: Seniors Diner Club BBQ
The seniors at the Welcome Inn Seniors Diner club came together to celebrate the start of the summer season. This annual barbeque and reunion was held on the Compass Community Health Centre grounds. The food, music, and good cheer made for memorable moments. Fun was had by all those who attended this annual barbeque. If you are interested in becoming a Senior Diner club member or to volunteer with the seniors at Welcome Inn please contact Ruth Kaulback – Senior Coordinator Phone: (905) 525-5824
Compass Community Health Centre 25th Annual PARK ‘N’ PARTY.
Over 500 people came out to kick start the summer season at the 25th ANNUAL PARK ‘N’ PARTY BBQ. Despite the rain and being held indoors, it did not dampen the spirits of those who came out to celebrate this wonderful yearly event.
September 2024: Remembering Bob Morrow
It was absolutely wonderful to attend the Premier screening of GOLDEN ERA: THE LEGACY OF BOB MORROW at the Westdale theatre. He was Hamilton’s 53rd Mayor, serving the longest term in office, for an impressive 18-year tenure.”
The film by Rosemary Baptista and Scott C. Newman was winner of the best documentary at the 2024 Touchstone Independent Film festival.
October 2024: Celebrating the North End and Its People
We were back to the Bay once again on Saturday September 14th 2024 for the North End Breezes Awards, Reunion, Picnic and BBQ. Hosted by the North End Breezes and the North End Neighborhood Association (NENa) . Recipients were: Ed Stewart Legacy Award – Chris Pearson; Community builder Award – Curtis Buehler: and Heritage Award – Mrs. Beatrice Jeffrey. It was an absolutely beautiful, sunny day for all of us to come together and to celebrate the end of the summer season as well. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Fun was had by all of those who attended this wonderful community yearly event.
November 2024: Hamilton Fall Garden and Mum Show
I had the opportunity to take in the annual Hamilton Fall Garden and Mum Show. Celebrating 104 years of Autumns best at the Gage Park Greenhouse. It was bountiful, beautiful and oh so colorful. There were over 200 varieties of Chrysanthemums and more than 100,000 blooms. Every year the theme of the show is chosen by the City Horticulture staff. The theme for 2024 was Welcome to Candy Land. The floral arrangements and designs were absolutely stunning – they put on a wonderful show this year. It was a great day and way to kick start the fall season.
As this year is coming to a close. I would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the shops and the shopkeepers along James Street North, that have sadly closed their doors this year. We say goodbye to the following: The Harbor Diner, The Lighthouse Fish Market, Patty’s, Toyoko Smokes and the Wild Orchid to name but a few….
Given these challenging times, remember this holiday season continue to support the local small businesses, make a donation to your favorite non profit organization or donate food to your local neighborhood food bank in your neighborhood today. Tis the season to be shopping local and giving back to your community.
All of us here at the North End Breezes will be taking a winter break, returning in February.
