This Fall, Help Keep the Sherman Hub Clean!

Do you think anyone will notice the name change? Maybe we can get a story from the Branding Committee for the next issue. Soooo glad Shiona came on board to do the event listings. I feel like the paper is really coming together. Amazing how long it takes. Now if only we could find someone to take on finance. PS I’m sad that we didn’t get more Thanksgivingish stuff in this issue. Hard to think of that in July. For the December issue I really think we should…

A publication of the Sherman Community Planning Team

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013 This Fall, Help Keep the Sherman Hub Clean!

Come have fun walking and exploring areas of the Hub while picking up litter and keeping it clean. Get to know your neighbours during these two upcoming events, and lend a helping hand to beautify the Sherman Hub! Everyone is invited to participate.

• FREE hot drinks and donuts at 9:30am • High School students: earn volunteer hours! • FREE pizza lunch at noon • Learn more about the one garbage bag limit, composting, and recycling from a • Scavenger hunt with prizes! Public Works master recycler who can • Kids and youth: ﬁll up a bag of litter for great prizes! answer all your waste collection questions!

AUTUMN CLEAN-UP Saturday, September 28th 10am-Noon Meet at the Scott Park baseball diamond at the corner of Melrose and King Street East. Free parking behind the arena.

POST-HALLOWEEN CLEAN-UP Saturday, November 2nd 10am-Noon Meet at Powell Park, 53 Birch Ave. Wear your Halloween costume for an extra prize! Bring along your carved pumpkins for a competition afterwards!

Future clean-Up areas will rotate throughout the Hub. Watch for new events every 4-6 weeks!

These events are brought to you by the Sherman Hub Clean-Up Team - an action plan team that was put together as a result of the Sherman Hub Action Plan. If you want to join our fun, fastidious and passionate team, please email: [email protected]. TRATION: ANNA B ORSTADTRATION: S ILLU SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013

have been a champion for helping event were proudly posed for and taken all residents of our fair city find their but this was all pomp and ceremony Voice, exercise a Choice and gain compared to the overwhelming desire Access to the things that will improve of this group to continue on their their quality of life. journey of discovery. To build on what ABCD The City of Hamilton and most they had learned and explore ways to (Asset-Based Community Development) specifically the Office of the City expand that knowledge and continue BY DAVI D D ERBYSHIRE Manager and the Neighbourhood to build their capacity to make a Strategies Office who have stepped up difference in their neighbourhoods. over the last couple of years and joined And so to the graduating class of the “Go in search of your people, Since October of 2012 this group the Foundation in building the capacity Hamilton Neighbourhood Leadership Love them; has been dedicating one Saturday of residents in neighbourhoods that Institute 2013: Chantal Malette-Jones; Learn from them; Plan with them; a month to coming together and have traditionally been better known Sandra Penner; Evan Fraser; Elisabeth Serve them. building their capacity to provide for their challenges than their assets. Brown; Joanna Millions; Brian Begin with what they have: leadership to their Neighbourhood The 18 presenters who brought Goodman; Dawn McIlmoyle; Steve Build on what they know. Association or Planning Team as they their whit and wisdom to share with Calverley; Steve Devisser; Marie Raftis; But of the best leaders, when their task is navigate their journey to implement group as they explored the various Wanda Eades; Dave Deslandes; Monika accomplished, the Action Plans they had all spent aspects of leadership from how to run Ciolek; Sharon Whiteside; Naseer When the work is done, the people will the better part of the previous year and effective (or was that affective) Malik and Nelly Sinclair remark: developing. They came from a variety meeting to how to deal with conflict. I say thank you for your commitment We have done it ourselves.” – Lao Tzu. of backgrounds, with various levels of These presenters came from a variety of to your neighbours and your formal training prior to the group but backgrounds ranging from University neighbourhoods. I anxiously wait This quote was shared with me by my with a collective desire to build their professors to the guy or girl next door, to hear how you have taken these friend and colleague Sharon Charters capacity to provide leadership as their each recognized for their “expertise” in skills and parlayed them into bigger when I was making a transition in friends and neighbours began their a particular aspect of leadership. and better things within your my work from an employee of the work to collectively move their plans It should not be lost that the neighbourhoods. Hamilton Community Foundation from mere words on a piece of paper “Graduation” was held at the heart of “I must follow the people. Am I not to my current gig as a Community to actions that would bring people leadership within our city, City Hall their leader?” Developer with Wesley Urban together to do the things they had and the honours were bestowed on Benjamin Disraeli Ministries. I keep it over my desk as a identified as important to making their the recipients by none other than our reminder of the importance of building neighbourhood a better place to live, Mayor, Bob Bratina the capacity of the people I have had work and raise a family. and Mr. Terry Cooke, the pleasure of working with and of the As with most things the Leadership President and CEO awareness needed to effectively build Institute would not have been possible of the Hamilton leadership. without the support of a team of Community On June 15th of this year 16 collaborators that included but was not Foundation. residents of 6 neighbourhoods across limited to: Speeches were this City were recognized as the first The Hamilton Community made, certificates Graduating Class of the Hamilton Foundation, of whom I can not say presented and picture Neighbourhood Leadership Institute. enough. For the past 11 years they commemorating the

2013 Hamilton Neighbourhood Leadership Institute graduates with their diplomas (left); our own Steve Devisser (above left, with Hamilton Community Foundation President and CEO, Terry Cooke) and Steve Calverley (above right, with Mayor Bob Bratina).

LIVING AND WORKING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

2 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013

Contributors Communication, & Acknowledgements Relationships, The Sherman Hub News is published bi-monthly by the Sherman Community Planning Team Delivered door-to-door from Wentworth to Gage, Escarpment to the Water Engagement If you would like to join the Hub News team, please contact us at [email protected] BY REBECCA DOLL We would love to have your help. www.hubnews.wordpress.com Urgent to take the available solution and EDITOR I N CHIEF: Five years have come and gone not necessarily the best solution. Rebecca Doll PUBLISHER: Greg Reader in the blink of an eye in the Sherman It begins to feel like we’re running MANAGING EDITO R: Kathy Calverley Hub. Here we are with a dozen in a hamster wheel because there’s ADVERTIZING M ANAGER: Steve DeVisser action teams creating value in the always another urgent coming DESIGN: Michael Erb community, a tenuous connection around the bend. LAYOUT & PRO DUCTION: Mary Bowness through the paper to our four When people work together COPY EDITOR: Lynlee Spencer corners, and a way of working that on an issue, we get to rise above EVENTS EDITOR: Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison is inclusive and asset-based. How the urgency, even when some of WEBSITE EDITO R: Naomi Kennedy did it happen? us are desperate (Bed Bug team PROOF READERS : Ashley Ross; Charlie Langsford One important factor is that we anyone?). We get to pool our skills, DISTRIBUTION M ANAGERS: Justin St. Louis and Breana Ehman started focusing on what’s important perspectives, connections, resources DISTRIBUTION S UPERVISORS: Ashley Ross, Darin Martin, for the long term rather than just and experiences to look for good, Dave Lefebvre, Deb Stringer, Don Gavreau, reacting to problems in the short long-term solutions. Graeme Kirk, Greg Reader, Reuben Vanderkwaak, Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison term. By taking an asset-based The number one thing that look at the long term we are able people say they like about Hamilton to build on all the great things that is the people. We’re open, frank, Contributors already exist (like your skills and helpful and engaged. We’re also Dave Belland Danielle Dingle Darin Martin experiences) to help strengthen the focused on what’s important. And it’s Anna Borstad Cassandra Dolan Sarah Martin relationships, the infrastructure, the a luxury. I’m really thankful that so Steve & Kathy Calverley Rebecca Doll Roy Maybery opportunities for all of us. many of my neighbours are able to Patty Clydesdale Justin Gallant Bernie Morelli Most of us are being driven by pop their heads up above the David Derbyshire Matthew Green Lynlee Spencer what’s urgent in our lives, so that urgent, take the long view, focus on Melissa Deruiter Paul Johnson Candy Venning we never get to stop and focus things that they think are important, on what’s important until it too and stay the course until we start to Acknowledgements becomes urgent and then it is too see changes. Hamilton Community Foundation late for planning and relationship- I’m feeling the change already. building. At that point we need Are you?

VOICE O F YOUTH The Sherman Community Planning Team is a resident-led group of folks from the community who bring together neighbours, businesses, churches, government, education, and other agencies to work together towards our mission of creating a great place for us to live, work, learn and raise a family. BULLYING! We meet monthly to coordinate the many projects and events going on and to work BY CASSANDRA DO LAN towards the realization of our Neighbourhood Action Plan. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us. The more people who get involved, the more likely things will get done.For more information about the Planning There is an issue every kid deals with at of great friends, awesome family support and Team, visit our website, email someone on the team or call our Community Developer. least once in their life. They will start the help of the teachers and principals at our We can’t do it without you. dealing with it again soon, seeing as school school, they have made it through the rough is back around. That issue is something that patch. What I am trying to say is, don’t let www.southshermanhub.wordpress.com is not nice. It hurts a lot of kids more than you being bullied keep you away from school, Community Developer, David Derbyshire: (905) 528-5640 ext.260 that person really intends to. If you have not after school activities, and enjoying your life. [email protected] guessed it, that issue is bullying. Bullying Every person out there should get to enjoy can happen to anyone, anywhere. It can life and participate in clubs and groups. happen at the store, at the playground, Also to the parents out there, if it is you that The Wever CORE will host Community Cafes as an opportunity for all stakeholders to share information and create dialog and discussions on topics that affect the Wever Community. We invite service Community Café at home and where the biggest place you is bullying your own children, then you need providers, community organizations, community groups to share information with each other and see it happen…. at school! Whether it is a to get up, and get help. There is absolutely residents in the Wever Community. classmate, a friend, a parent, a sibling, no no reason as to why you should treat your We extend a special invite to parents, seniors and local residents to attend these café sessions. Learn matter who it is, if they are making fun children that way. And if you are not like more about services and opportunities, see what is happening in our hub, and be part of the positive change. of you, hurting you, calling you names, that then you still have to start realizing anything along those lines; they are bullying how much your kids are hurting and be Community Café Dates you. And it is about time you said something there to help them. They will need a lot Cathy Wever School to someone. You think you can handle it on of support throughout their whole lives 5:00pm – 6:30pm your own but I am sorry to say it, you can’t. especially if they are getting bullied. To all The Wever CORE will host Community Cafes as an opportunity for all stakeholders to share information and create dialog and discussions on topics that affect the Wever Community. We invite service It will eventually get harder. Bullying has led the bullies out there, all of you think you are The Wever CORE will host CommunityCommunity Cafes as an opportunity Cfor aféall stakeholders to share information andproviders, create dialogcommunity and discussions organizations,Community on topics community that affect groups the to Wever share C informationaféCommunity. with We inviteeach other service and to several deaths. Many teenagers get bullied so tough, and some of you are ‘just trying providers,residents communityin the Wever organizations, Community. communityOctober groups 16, to 2013 share information with each other and whether it is at home or school, and some to hurt them like they hurt you’, well, step residentsWe extend in thea special Wever invite Community. to parents, seniors and local residents to attend these café sessions. Learn th more about services and opportunities,November see what is happening 20 , 2013 in our hub, and be part of the positive of them are already depressed or down and back and take a look. Some of your actions We extend a special invite to parents, seniors and local residents to attend these café sessions. Learn change. then start believing that whatever that bully may have caused someone a lot of pain, more about services and opportunities,January see what is 15happeningth, 2014 in our hub, and be part of the positive is saying to them is true. Some teenagers maybe not physically but mentally. All in change. Community Café Dates Cathy CommunityWever School, Café 5:00 Dates – 6:30pm have it happen so often to them that they all, bulling is not something to be taken CommunityCathyMarch Wever 19 Cthafé, 2014School Dates will start hurting themselves because they lightly. It is a huge issue of these upcoming Cathy5:00pmOctober Wever – 16, 6: 201330pmSchool Novemberst 20, 2013 believe that is the only way to relieve the years and it will not stop until we decide May 21 , 2014 5:00pmJanuary – 15, 6: 201430pm pain, and then some of them will eventually to actually stand up as a force and do OctoberMarch 19, 16, 2014 2013 instead of speaking up about it, will commit something about it. May 21, 2014 October 16, 2013 November 20th, 2013 th suicide. I know a lot of people that have Sincerely, Wever Celebrates September 19 , 2013 been and still are bullied, and with the help a past victim of bulling November5:00 – 7: 2000pmth, 2013 January 15th, 2014

January 15th, 2014 March 19th, 2014 3

March 19th, 2014 May 21st, 2014

st May 21 , 2014

Wever Celebrates September 19th, 2013 5:00 – 7: 00pm Wever Celebrates September 19th, 2013 5:00 – 7:00pm SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013 WARD 3 NEWS BY BERNIE MORELLI

Dear South Sherman Neighbourhood • King Street Corridor: I want to need an extra blue box or a resident of Ward 3 and Residents, I hope summer was a good thank staff for completing the King green cart, please call my a former employee of the one! There are a few updates as we Street Corridor re-pavement project office at 905-546-2702 and it Office of the City Clerk, move into the fall term: which I accelerated due to the poor will be delivered. Ward 3 Councillor Mary-Ann is familiar with • Neighbourhood Clean-Up: I want to previous condition of the street. • Trees: If you have a Bernie Morelli the current issues in Ward 3 applaud everyone in your continuing • Scott Park Precinct: Project property, a portion of which and the broader City. Please efforts to make our community vibrant. consultation with respect to the Scott includes City property, and wish to join me in welcoming her to the Ward I hope to see many of you at the Park Precinct is continuing and you will receive a tree, please do not hesitate to 3 team. upcoming Neighbourhood Clean-Ups. receive further information in the fall. contact me as I continue to encourage They will take place on September • Property Standards: My office, more tree planting in the Ward. As we have much to be thankful for 28 from 10 a.m. until noon (meet at Municipal Law Enforcement and all • Office Changes: I want to update in the last year, I want to take this Scott Park baseball diamond) and on major standards enforcement agencies you regarding some changes in my opportunity to wish you, your family November 2 from 10 a.m. until noon continue to aggressively pursue illegal office. Nick Westoll, my former and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. (meet at Powell Park). multiple unit properties, property Executive Assistant, will be returning Should you have any municipal related • Gage Park Summer Concert Series: standards and safety issues in the to school in September at my questions/concerns or would like to Consistent with the commitment Ward as a top priority. Do not hesitate encouragement after six and a half discuss any of the issues above, please to restore and refurbish Gage Park, to call Municipal Law Enforcement years in my office. I would like to do not hesitate to contact me or my Sunday night band concerts returned (Phone: 905-546-2782 or E-mail: mle@ thank him for all his service and office at (905) 546-2702, by e-mail at this year. The “Seven Sundays in Gage” hamilton.ca) or my office if you have contributions throughout his years [email protected]. We need your included a full program of free concerts any properties that you feel should be at the City of Hamilton. He has and input and look forward to working with this past summer. There were a total inspected. It is my belief that we are will continue to be a part of the team staff and community to address your of eight concerts at the Gage Park making headway but cannot let up in on special projects. It has always been concerns and interests. Bandshell that ranged from big band this challenge my strong advice that he return to PS. A special thanks to all those who to blues to folk music, also with the • Blue Boxes and Green Carts: Along complete his schooling. Please join expressed their kindness to me during addition of food trucks and pre-acts. with the City, I am strongly committed with me in wishing him well. my recent stay in the hospital. The plan is to expand the program to to improving our efforts toward waste Mary-Ann Meyer will be replacing include movies as well. diversion. If you should Nick as my new Executive Assistant. As

CALLING ALL Gage Park SHERMAN HUB Monument NEIGHBOURHOOD BY DAVI D BELAND, HIS TORICAL City Beautiful movement of E xperts! DIRECTOR, FRI ENDS OF GAGE PARK that time as can be seen in the re you a professional formal gardens and expansive views On September 21st, The Friends the Rainbow Bridge of Gage Park. Much of their original working and/or living of Gage Park will be unveiling a Gardens in Niagara Falls. design can still be seen in the park. in the Sherman Hub monument to Howard and Lorie In 1913, they founded Sheridan neighbourhood? Impart Grubb, the landscape architects who Nurseries to produce plants for THE GaGe ParK your knowledge, designed Gage Park. There will be two their many projects. FOUNTaiN aND maSTer expertiseA and skills to your fellow plaques on the monument. One will Locally, Howard and Lorrie Grubb PLaN RENEWAL neighbour at the Sherman Hub “Ask show pictures of Howard and Lorie, were strongly promoted by Parks Board The Gage Park Fountain was designed an Expert” day. with historical text outlining their member Thomas McQuesten. by John Lyle. Eugenie Gage sponsored “Ask an Expert” day, sponsored contribution to landscape architecture. its building. It was completed in 1927, by the Spokes, is now booking local The other will show a reproduced map hamiLTON and dedicated by Governor General professionals who live and/or work of their original design for the park. COmmiSSiONS Willingdon. The fountain and its in the Sherman Hub neighbourhood From 1919 to 1927, Howard and Lorie run off channel fit naturally into the (Gage to Wentworth, Escarpment to DUNiNGTON-GrUBB were the landscape architects for Gage Grubb’s design for the park. The City the tracks). The event is being held at LaNDSCaPe arChiTeCTS Park. In 1926-27, they prepared a of Hamilton restored the Dunington- HARRRP, located at St. Clair and Main In 1911, Howard Grubb and Lorrie Master Plan for the northwest entrance Grubb Reflective Gardens as well as on November 10th, 2013. ER IES Dunington, both landscape architects, of the City including the High Level the main fountain to its original form Applications will be accepted for UR S were married in England. That year, Bridge and the surrounding area. in 2012/13 as part of a renewal plan consideration until October 15th, 2013. they immigrated to Canada and set up In 1927, they designed the entrance for the park. DAN N DAN Professionals should provide an office in Toronto. They wrote about, to McMaster University and the Unveiling of the monument to name or company name, contact st and taught, garden design and produced renowned Sunken Gardens, which take place September 21 in Gage information, type of professional a vast number of residential and were destroyed for an expanded plan Park at 11 a.m. Light refreshments to

Y OF SHER I advice/consultation offered, provide commercial designs in Toronto, around of the McMaster Medical Centre. They be served. Meet at the Greenhouse a minimum of one promotion/special

the province, the country, and abroad. also designed the perennial beds and Works Yard from 10:30 a.m. S URTE offer to participants, and advise of O

A few examples are University Avenue sunken gardens at Whitehern, the onward. Please check the HUB C any special needs for the event (ie: in Toronto, Parkwood, the Estate of home of Thomas McQuesten. website for further instructions: table, 2 chairs, wall space for signage,

R.S. McLaughlin in Oshawa, and The Grubb’s designs reflect the southshermanhub.wordpress.com PHOTO additional floor space required, seminar/workshop space, etc). If you would like to facilitate a free seminar, class or workshop, please provide LAKESIDE topic, complete outline, duration and spacial requirements. INSURANCE & FINANCIAL LTD If you are a professional and agree auto • life • home • business to dispense free advice or consults to investments • estate planning your neighbours at our event, please “Quality Products, Superior Service Since 1958” contact Patty Clydesdale, Lead Spoke at [email protected] 957 king e hamilton, on l8m 1c8 905 544-5092 and write in the Subject line, “Ask www.lakesideinsurancefinancial.com and Expert”

4 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013

THE SPOKES

time with her family and friends, STEVE & KATHY Meet reading, volunteering with the Sherman CALVERLEY Hub Community Planning Team, and Steve and Kathy Calverley along with tending her yard (when time permits!) their daughter live on St. Clair Avenue Patty became involved with the Spokes and are your Spokes for St. Clair Some in the fall of 2012, to spearhead an Avenue between Main Street East and needed action item designed to engage Dunsmure Avenue. Steve is Principle and connect neighbours. of Crafted Renovations, specializing “I moved to Hamilton 4 years ago; in interior renovations. Kathy works it’s home and I’m proud to say I live with the Hamilton Community Legal of in the Sherman Hub. Our people are Clinic. Steve dedicates much of his free wonderful, and the architecture and time serving as Chair of the Sherman treed yards are magnificent. I wanted to Community Planning Team (SCPT) Melissa Deruiter put down roots and get knee deep in my and Kathy currently serves as the Our community, so I became involved with SCPT’s Interim Secretary. Both Steve the Spokes to share my skills and talents, and Kathy serve on numerous SCPT and to help build our community. In Committees and are also involved with return, I am enriched by the kindness the North St. Clair Neighbours group. and caring of others. When you put The Calverley family interests include Spokes yourself out there, engage and connect spending time in local parks (especially with your neighbours, it redefines you. Gage Park), enjoying evenings on their BY PATTY C LYDESDALE The Spokes effectuate change, and front porch, getting a great meal from heighten awareness about the benefits Good Life Deli and engaging and of neighbours supporting, uplifting and connecting with neighbours and friends Patty empowering each other. Lend a hand (or in their neighbourhood. Clydesdale walking, nature, God, spending time a cup of sugar), introduce yourself and “We have lived in Hamilton for five with her son, drinking Diet Coke say good morning to your neighbours- years and thoroughly love the lower (especially fountain pop) and helping it’s just the beginning. Let’s start a city’s urban beauty with its tree-lined others (not necessarily in that order!). neighbourhood revolution!” streets and historic neighbourhoods. Melissa became a Spoke because she The greatest asset of the Sherman Hub wanted to become involved in helping SARAH MARTIN are its people and it is an honour and her neighbours, bring people in the Sarah Martin is a wife, mother to three pleasure to connect with our immediate community together, and ultimately daughters and is a supply school teacher neighbours along St. Clair, in addition help to make the Sherman Hub a with Hamilton Wentworth District to those throughout the entire Hub.” healthy place for everyone. School Board. She generally teaches at “I’ve lived in Hamilton for over schools in her neighbourhood where she four years now, and I love this city. can walk or bike to work. She’s also your Sarah Martin I am blessed to live in such a great spoke for Balsam Avenue South between neighbourhood, and enjoy how diverse Main Street East and Dunsmure it is. The parks, the homes, the people, Avenue. the recreation, the trees...it is truly an Her family’s interests include CALLING ALL awesome place to live. The Sherman music, cycling and working on their NEIGHBOURS! Hub neighbourhood is a great example community garden plot at the Gage of healthy urban planning-with people Park Community Garden. Their Do you need from all social classes, backgrounds and family is enjoying getting to know their some professional abilities living together harmoniously. neighbours and are looking forward to advice? Need some help My aspiration is to continue to meet my having a block party or BBQ sometime with that backyard weed forest? neighbours, to become more involved in the fall of 2012. Want to know how to budget Steve & Kathy in community wide events, to spread “I’m a Spoke because I believe that for renovations? Having trouble Calverley the word about community events, and the key to developing a place where deciding on finishes for your to empower residents to be proud of people live, work and raise a family kitchen? Need new and creative our community.” is to be neighbourly and to connect ways to stay fit? These are only MELISSA DERUITER people. If we create a climate where some of the questions being Melissa DeRuiter and her family live PATTY CLYDESDALE we offer to help a neighbour rather answered! on Burris St. South between Delaware Patty Clydesdale is an interior designer than complaining about them, where Mark your calendar and plan and Cumberland; she is a registered (ARIDO) and works with David people are known and connected to to be at the Sherman Hub “Ask nurse and is a care co-ordinator for the Premi Architects inc. She’s a proud each other, it will result in less problems an Expert” Day, sponsored by the Community Care Access Centre at a wife and mother, a member of the that concerned us. Crime won’t be Sherman Spokes on November 10th busy Hamilton hospital. Melissa is your South Sherman Community Planning anonymous and people will be cared for at HARRRP, located at St. Clair and Spoke for Burris Street South, Gladstone Team (SCPT), the Lead Spoke for the as they share skills and knowledge. The Main! Watch for our advertisement in South and Fairleigh Ave South between Sherman Hub Spokes and is your Spoke Sherman Hub is a valuable resource and the next SSH News for more details Cumberland and Delaware and includes for Gage Avenue South and Connaught I am glad to connect my neighbours to and a complete list of professionals her neighbours living on both Delaware Ave South, between Main Street East the information and support that they who will be available to answer all and Cumberland that span these streets. and Dunsmure Avenue. can access through it, as well as the many your pressing questions! Melissa’s interests include reading, Patty’s interests include spending opportunities to get involved.”

5 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013

T HANKS TO YOU, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION STRATEGY his summer, the staff in the Neighbourhood Development Office at HAS GREAT the City of Hamilton is busy preparing information that will appear in our TAnnual Update to Council (currently MOMENTUM scheduled for October 2nd, 2013). Our BY PAUL JO HNSON, DI RECTOR, NI EGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES, CI TY OF HAMI LTON goal is to provide a synopsis of all the activity that occurred this past year in the 11 Neighbourhood Action Strategy residents, businesses and organizations. in the neighbourhood. One example heated discussions. But you know how neighbourhoods. As information is The Sherman Hub News continues of this is the work in the Stadium to approach topics respectfully and you compiled about the amount of work to be a best practice example of how Precinct. The many residents who have care about each other and so, even the happening across neighbourhoods, to communicate effectively with your participated in the “Precinct Planning” difficult conversations can take place. the emerging picture is a testament to neighbours. It is well written, full of process have ensured that the proposed I know we still have some work to do the strong commitment that residents, great information and professionally redevelopment includes key elements to build a strategy around these issues, business and organizations have to this produced. It is often one of the items that will help make the neighbourhood however, the fact that we can work great city they call home. I use in the “show and tell” part of my an even better place to live, work and together will help us build an approach The volume of activity is impressive. speeches about neighbourhood work raise a family. Major elements of the that works for everyone. I am also I love the way the work is being done. in Hamilton. Your commitment to Precinct Plan are before Hamilton impressed by the way you have tackled Neighbourhoods are working in communication does not stop with City Council for debate and decision- internal organizational issues such as collaborative ways and ensuring that the newspaper. The recent completion making. The construction of a new the “boundaries” of the neighbourhood their conversations are inclusive. With of the Sherman Video demonstrated high school, new recreation and seniors and how best to structure yourselves Action Plans in place, neighbourhoods your desire to share the story of the centre and increased outdoor recreation to implement your action plan. Paying are able to ensure activities are part of a neighbourhood in a new way. The fact space would be huge new investments attention to how people can connect to larger strategic objective. And best of all, that residents, themselves created it also in the area. The Precinct Master Plan your neighbourhood work is important. you are getting things done! shows a commitment to utilizing the presentation is available on the City’s The best groups, organizations and Aristotle once said, “We are what we strongest asset of the neighbourhood… website at www.hamilton.ca/panam businesses are flexible and can adapt to repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not the people who live in it. Finally, Your excellence is clearly evident changes around them. The Sherman an act, but a habit.” This quote describes you have tackled communication in the way you hold thoughtful Community Planning Team clearly the way the partners in the Sherman at a very local level through your and well-planned discussions on understands this, and is open to finding Hub go about their work. Excellence Block Champions program (now sometimes difficult topics. I have been the best way to ensure success. clearly is a habit you have formed and it called Spokes). This effort to connect very impressed by the way you have These few examples highlight why is paying off with big rewards. neighbours block-by-block is critical to discussed complex neighbourhood it is such an honour for all of us at the Your excellence is demonstrated in building a true sense of community. issues, such as safety and sex work in City to work with you. We want to help the way you have taken specific actions Your excellence is demonstrated in your neighbourhood. These are difficult where we can and where you think we to increase communication between your commitment to redevelopment conversations that can often lead to should. Thank you for all you do. The New Naturopathic Doctor in Town BY D R. JUSTI N G ALLANT

Hidey ho neighbours, I would like to Public School. I moved to Edward Some patients like to come see me more introduce myself as your new local Street for a short while and then to often than that which is totally fine Naturopathic Doctor. I know what Selkirk, Ontario where I commuted with me. A referral is not needed. Most you’re thinking: What the heck is to Cathedral High School. Once people who have benefits are covered, a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)? In finished at Cathedral, I moved and I try to stay within that range. Please general, a ND is trained as a primary to St. Catharines to attend Brock visit my website to read more about what care physician, meaning I am trained University, where I received a to expect or feel free to email or call me. to serve as your Family Doctor but degree in Kinesiology. After that, In the future, I will be writing a I prefer my patients to have both an I moved to Toronto to attend the health column for the Hub. If you have MD and an ND. ND’s and MD’s both Canadian College of Naturopathic anything in particular you would like have their limitations and if you’re Medicine for another 4 years to me to write about please contact me. seeing both of us, the majority of those become a Naturopathic Doctor. Feel free to check out my website www. limitations can be covered. ND’s take I am now living and working in DrJustinGallantND.com and don’t a holistic approach so we look at every Hamilton and loving it. forget to check out my blog! aspect of your life including dietary, A little bit about my clinic, If you have any questions, comments supplementation, stress, emotions, sleep, Advantage Chiropractic: We’re or would like to book an appointment digestion, to name a few. The main located at 59 Dunsmure Road, with me please call the number listed treatments I use are dietary and lifestyle and by “we,” I mean me, Dr. John below or email me. guidance, proper supplementation, Millett, our Chiropractor (who’s Thanks for reading! herbal medicine, acupuncture and a not just your average Chiropractor), few others. One of my favourite and our Registered Massage Therapist, supplements, family history, etc. The My contact information: most important things that I do is trying Katrina Bem, and our receptionist, second hour-long visit is a physical Dr. Justin Gallant ND to figure out the root cause of what is Mary. We’re in a big, old beautiful exam and we will go over a review of Naturopathic Doctor ailing my patients. I see people from all Victorian home. You should come check systems as well as a diet diary with you. Bachelor of Kinesiology walks of life: pregnant women, babies, it out! We have free parking too. I usually start treatment within the first 905-547-5393 kids, teens, adults and elderly with any What to expect: The first visit is an or second visit. I like to see my patients 59 Dunsmure Road condition you can imagine. hour long and consists of a thorough twice within the first couple of weeks (Dunsmure and Sherman) A little bit about me: I grew up on health history intake including past and then once every couple of months www.DrJustinGallantND.com Belmont Street and went to Memorial medical history, medications and for 30-minute follow-up appointments. [email protected]

6 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013

MUS ICA L JOURNEY us, from Tom Wilson to the Arkells, ice cream trucks, the click clack of Jed Monster Truck to Ian Thomas and the Dancing man’s boots. To some, many more. this may just be noise; to me this is I love that right in our own the music of the City. It has a sense of Music In The City neighbourhood we have events like energy and movement. There is always “Seven Sundays” in Gage Park where sound. It is the soundtrack of our city. BY DARIN M ARTIN you can hear live music for free. One My hope as a musician, inspired of my favourite experiences of this was regularly by the sound of this City, is to Over the summer, I have had the Blues, Jazz, Country, Singer Songwriter, last summer when a few friends from contribute my own voice into the sound opportunity to do a fair bit of travelling Rock, or Hip Hop, you can find a place the Hub met on picnic blankets with of Hamilton. As I travel and play music, to play music, and I have bumped into to go and hear it. homemade salsa made from the veggies I want my songs to give people outside of a several people who have all asked me, Recently, I was walking along James grown in our own community garden. Hamilton a glimpse into the sound and “So, where are you living now?” When Street for Art Crawl and while I was Music is happening all around us. heart of our city. At concerts, when I I answer, I always get some form of the having a “pinch me, is this real?” If you want to hear it, I recommend mention that I am very proud to be from question “Why Hamilton?” moment just thinking about how cool that you go for a walk and leave your Hamilton, I want to answer the question There are many good reasons that our city is, I was amazed at the variety headphones at home and just listen “Why Hamilton” by introducing them my family and I have put our roots of music being played. Roughly every to the music in the City. If you listen to the sound of our City. My hope is down in Hamilton, but one big reason 30 steps one artists’ song seemed to you will hear things like the wind that other great musicians and artists is our amazing music scene. On any fade into a whole new sound and feel blowing, cars moving, car stereos, from our city will also share the music of given night in Hamilton you can find of music. I love the variety; I love that kids playing, neighbours laughing, our city with others. a cool venue with a great musician musicians at all levels can find their way fireworks, cats meowing, sprinklers, “Why Hamilton?” Just listen and you sharing their songs. Whether you like here. We have legends living among roofers working, planes flying overhead, will see there is no other place like it.

THE URB AN GARDNER success. As you browse bulb catalogues, mulch to build healthy soil.Truly fertile electric leafblowers are available with a spare a thought for where it all begins, earth does not come in a bag, it takes a vacuum, a bag and a mulching blade to Autumn’s at ground level, with your soil. Everyone multitude of organisms and biological speed up the process of breaking leaves knows about cleaning and bagging leaves processes to build up the complex ‘food’ down, bags can be emptied into beds but don’t clean up too well, there’s much for plants to thrive.Reduce, re-use and (offer some to a neighbour if you still have True to be said for just letting them lie in your recycle never works so well as in nature. too much). Option two is to add them to beds (garden beds that is). Consider for Manure, compost, natural slow release your home composter, that forlorn and a moment, a forest floor. What supports fertilizers combined with undyed mulch forgotten black silo in the corner of the Magic the diversity of trilliums, ferns, anemone are effective amendments to soil, allowing garden may not be getting fed with the BY CANDY VENNI NG and mosses thriving in deep shade with more nutrient uptake for beautiful city taking away most of our scraps in no gardener or Miracle-Gro in sight? blooms and dense foliage. Don’t think it the green bin, but leaves will eventually Fall is a time for reflection on the garden, The very simple magic of leaf mulch. looks nice leaving the beds ‘au naturel’? break down here and be available in time a time to edit failures, (before they are Naturally falling and composting leaves Here are two other options for keeping as ‘black gold’ Those crispy golden leaves forgotten) remove or treat diseased building over the years, adding nutrients the fall bounty and reducing the amount collecting on the ground truly are golden specimens and plan for next year’s and texture, creating the effect of a perfect of bags at the curb this year. Rechargeable when it comes to your garden. GOOD LIFE, G REAT FOOD BY DANIELLE DINGLE

Good Life Deli of house-made sweet chili sauce that will 943 King Street East (just east knock your socks off in flavour. I love of Sherman) that they also offer lighter breakfasts like Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. oatmeal and fresh fruit or poached eggs, Price Range: $3.75- $9.75 Breakfast; fruit and cottage cheese. The breakfast $3.75- $9.50 Lunch; $7.50- $24.95 parfait is certainly not to be missed, as it Dinner. is almost too beautiful to eat. Open 7am – 8pm, Seven days a week. The Good Life is a family-owned and run restaurant. Chef/Owner Last summer, a little restaurant Chhayden Lor did most of his training opened quietly in our neighbourhhood. in fine dining restaurants in Stratford There was no fanfare, no bombardment and London Ontario before opening of advertising; just one morning, the the establishment in Hamilton. His Good Life Deli opened for business. training is reflected in the menu, and his I discovered it quite unintentionally insistence that all ingredients are fresh soon after. Located where the old Apollo and made in house. diner stood at 943 King Street East, The Good Life has evolved slowly. just east of Sherman, the Good Life Lor has watched the neighbourhood, Deli offers more than just your typical and tailored the restaurant accordingly. diner fare. They recently expanded their dining A significant minority of my life space and started offering a dinner has been spent looking for the perfect menu. After 5pm on any given night, breakfast. The Good Life Deli sign the fine dining side opens, the lights said “open,” so in I went expecting dim, and the bustling brekkie crowd an average meal and found breakfast departs, to be replaced with well-dressed nirvana instead. Besides the usual, couples of all ages. You might find but very well executed, bacon and egg yourself wondering, as I did: Is this really brekkie, the deli offers a whole host of a diner? My answer: yes, in an idealized, less conventional, but equally, satisfying Hamilton-chic sort of way. Add to that dishes. Most noteworthy is the huevos a respectable wine list, cocktails and rancheros. The unorthodox, but a new tapas/appetizer menu soon to delicious, huevos rancheros is made be released, you have an appealing with a Montreal smoked meat chili and new dining option with something for topped with two eggs and Monterey jack everyone in the heart of the Sherman cheese. The hefty portion also has a side neighbourhood.

7 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013 HARRRP AND Canada THE ART Learning SOCIETY Bond BY RO Y MAYBERY BY R EBECCA DOLL

My name is Roy Maybery and I run amazement, the leader of this order, most – if the Hamilton Art Society housed in operation at the time, the not all – of the any Canadian families St Peter’s HARRRP at Main and St Reverend Sue-Ann Ward, acquiesced to current members who have undertaken are eligible for the Clair. We meet on a Tuesday Evening the idea. She gave it the nod and, lo, the this are snapping at the heels of the Canada Learning Bond, at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. We have been Hamilton Art Society was born. great. Of course, in the true artistic and yet, very few apply. going for a few years now, and we are My original vision for the Hamilton sprit of self-criticism, if you were to ask Here in Hamilton a large also blessed with talented members. Art Society was as a place where artists them they would deny it. Mmulti-stakeholder team is working to As for me, I am an enthusiastic could meet, do their thing and bounce Nonetheless, they are producing good help promote the program, increase amateur. I have little formal training in ideas off each other. Instead, I found work. While I would not deny the natural applications and thereby encourage fine art. I am an industrial machinist, that there was a demand for formal talent of our members, the fact remains more youth to pursue a college or though I have an academic side; an instruction in classical method. While that painting, like any other skill, can be university education. One thing we’ve archaeology degree and a MA in my original plan is far from dead, the learned. That is the idea of an atelier. The discovered so far, there are an awful history. I am also licensed to teach high society has nonetheless developed in word ‘atelier’ is French for workshop. In lot of hoops to jump through to take school in Ontario, however, I don’t at such a way as to have a substantial the current context, it means a teaching advantage of the Canada Learning this time. What formal training I have teaching component. workshop for the fine arts. Bond program. in fine art I have acquired in Hamilton; The Hamilton Art Society is open Producing a fine painting in the style If you think this program would first at the Atelier of Paul Richard James to all types of people, from complete of the old masters is not a matter of some help your children go to post-secondary on Bold St, and second at the School novices to accomplished artists. We also magical gift. It can be acquired from any school, I’d love to hear about your of Classical Realism at the Hamilton encourage all types of artistic styles and number of classical ateliers around the experience if you decide to apply. Here Conservatory. mediums. My main skill and emphasis, world. Indeed, some of these reside in is some basic info from their website: About two years ago, I approached however, is classical portraiture in Hamilton. As I pointed out in an earlier www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/clb. HARRRP with the proposal to set oils, which is also the style of the old paragraph, I attended two of them. shtml (Think of it as a starting point up a classical painting atelier. To my masters. While this sounds like a tall I attempt to teach this style of and persevere.) painting at HARRRP, not only because it is what I know, but I also believe that The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is to do a good painting of any sort – $500 offered by the Government classical or modern – it helps to know of Canada to help start saving now how to paint. Just as good spelling and for your child’s education after high grammar are essential to writing a book. school. Plus, your child could get HARRRP is a charitable organisation $100 every year until the child turns and does not charge for the space it 15 years old to a maximum of $2,000. provides. It is also contingent upon having that space provided that the ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION Hamilton Art Society does not charge • The child’s family must receive the either. As a consequence, the Hamilton National Child Benefit Supplement. Art Society expects its members to • Children must meet the following provide their own equipment: brushes, criteria: paints, canvas, etc. That being said, we – have been born after December do have a limited quantity of student- 31, 2003 grade materials available for the use of – have a birth certificate new people who wish to give it a go. – have a Social Insurance Since HARRRP and the Hamilton Number (SIN) Art society are charitable organizations, – be a beneficiary under an RESP however, we do lack some of the luxuries – reside in Canada that the better-equipped private ateliers enjoy. Nonetheless, we make up for it FINANCIAL INFORMATION with enthusiasm and faith that as time • The children qualify for $100 Bond goes on, we will find ways to acquire all instalments until age 15 for each those things that we need. year their family is entitled to the As for the future, it is my hope that Supplement. the Hamilton Art Society outgrows me, • The Bond is paid into an RESP and that others come along and take established by the family. the helm, and that individuals more • The first Canada Learning Bond talented than myself will take leading payment includes an additional $25 roles. Happily, such people might be to help cover the cost of opening the more abundant than a man as conceited RESP account. as I might imagine. Lastly, it would be wonderful if it outlived me and still be CONTACT INFORMATION there in a hundred years. General Inquiries: 1-888-276-3624

8 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013 EDUCATION BY MATTHEW GREEN

ight now we are experiencing a the impending changes would have on their families Studies have identified that the clustering of low critical transition in the delivery and neighbourhoods. income neighbourhoods results in lower over all EQAO of Hamilton’s Public education There has been uncertainty through out the entire test scores where school with a greater mix of income system. This has been caused by Accommodation Review roll out about the provinces levels does better over all. (Income and Performance shifting demographics of where funding of these new schools, the location of the new in Hamilton: Centre for Community Study) The past young families with school age proposed replacement schools which would combine policy of magnet School programming failed to reverse children choose to settle and the the catchments of the areas left in the “New” North what had essentially become the ghettoization of resulting decline in enrollment and “New” South Hamilton and the process through education across Hamilton. for some of our City’s neighbourhoods. which these various student bodies would be integrated A successful transformation of our system will RTraditionally our schools act as our neighbourhood’s with each other. Would this forced neighbourhood require a genuine community supported integration anchor. At an elementary level the class room is first disruption in fact cause increased classism by busing that furthers the role of the New North Secondary place of community for a child outside of their family in students from such varying socio economic school as a centre of excellence offering students and perhaps their religion. In High school, social circles backgrounds? a creative learning environment coupled with an and lifelong friendships are often defined by where and Despite the HWDSB’s best efforts at community opportunity to connect with peers from a wide cross who you went to school with while growing up. When engagement and Public consultation there still remain section of socio-economic backgrounds. Further the well integrated into a community our neighbourhood some serious questions which until fully answered New Norths’ physical property could be utilized by schools help bolster our community’s shared identity. It will leave many families in our neighbourhoods with the surrounding North End neighbourhoods as a seems a common question in Hamilton when meeting doubts about raising their school aged family in our Community Hub supporting after hours community someone new is often where are you from followed by community. A review of the Secondary Program programming as well as including a well designed where did you go to school? Schools act as a reference Strategy listed on the HWDSB’s website (www.hwdsb. public green space for outdoor community recreation point for defining your youth. The availability of on.ca/programstrategy/) provides the Vision for and leisure. From this new model we can reclaim opportunity in any given school offers the primary education as explained by the Director of Education Dr. our public schools role as Community catalyst and introduction to music, sports, arts and other special John Malloy. neighbourhood anchor. interests which in turn help us determine our future The HWDSB Secondary Program Strategy academic and career paths. has a vision. However, along with the strong ties to community • All secondary schools will be great schools Q UICK FACTS identity that came with the traditional ‘neighbourhood • Students will have choice within their local schools school’ model also came the geographical sectioning off • Expanded access for students looking for of our city’s neighbourhoods based on catchments and specialized programs MIND THE GAP: boundaries and the resulting segregation of students • All students achieving and graduating in HWDSB INEQUALITY IN ONTARIO’S based socio-economic status. “We want all of our secondary schools to be great SCHOOLS In order to better balance out these diverse schools, where students have choice, support and People for Education Annual Report on demographics the Hamilton-Wentworth District success within their local school communities,” said Ontario’s Publicly Funded Schools 2013 School Board (HWDSB) “had positioned its “Programs Director of Education Dr. John Malloy. Quick Facts 2013 of Choice” schools in some ways to combat this In his brief introduction video Dr. Malloy explains phenomenon. School boards across Ontario, such that “where possible the goal is create a diverse learning • Average enrollment in both elementary as the HWDSB counted on magnet schools with community, learning needs, learning styles different and secondary schools has declined by more special programs in sports, arts, social justice, and cultures, socio economic backgrounds come together to than 10% since 2001. other specialized areas to attract students from across learn effectively. We believe that type of environment • Students in high income schools are the city and increase enrollment at schools that might makes the greatest difference.” more likely to be identified as gifted. otherwise be considered for closure.” (Hamilton’s Social • High income schools fundraise five Landscape Sarah Mayo) times more per year, on average, than low Despite the introduction of the magnet school WHAT DOES THIS MEAN income schools. policy the steady decline in enrollment continued for FOR THE SHERMAN HUB? • Students in high income school are much some neighbourhoods and as a result there appeared he New North Secondary School will more likely to have the chance to participate to be the inequality of educational experience for some be classified as a “Tier 3” school based in a choir, orchestra or band. students in the system. on both the proximity to the Stadium • The top 10% of fundraising schools raise In response, the HWDSB under its Director Precinct and the critical mass of students as much as the bottom 81% altogether. of Education Dr. John Milloy performed an taken from the 3 existing schools Delta, • 91% of elementary schools charge fees Accommodation Review process which audited SirT John A McDonald and Parkview. It is outlined for field trips, and 52% charge fees for enrollment, demographics, infrastructure and in the complete Secondary Program Strategy that: extracurricular activities. budget. The resulting decision rolled out in Board’s “the new North Secondary School, with its associate • 33% of schools have neither an itinerant, “Secondary Program Strategy” was to reduce the elementary schools, will employ and learn from a new nor a specialist music teacher. current number of Secondary Schools from 18 to digital approach to student learning. This is much • Students in schools with specialist music 13. Among those high schools selected for closure more than a technology project; it is about using a new teachers are more likely to have a chance include Sir John A MacDonald, Delta and Parkview approach to teaching and learning to support student to learn an instrument, sing in a choir, play two of which (Delta and Parkview) are within South achievement and engagement. This is an innovative in a band or see live performances. Sherman Neighbourhoods catchment boundaries. concept that will require broad dialogue beyond the • Between 2001 and 2013, the average ratio These catchments were then combined to create a present program strategy consultation with our staff, of special education students to special ‘New North’ Secondary School scheduled to be built in students, parents and community partners to come to education teachers has risen from 22 to 1, proximity of the Stadium Precinct and a ‘New South’ fruition. We believe that this groundbreaking direction to 36 to 1 in elementary schools and Secondary School to service the central Mountain will engage students in learning through a meaningful from 48 to 1 to 66 to 1 in secondary schools. community absent of Barton, Hill Park and Mountain exploration of their interests. Learning in the digital • On average, 32% of students take applied Secondary Schools. The Dundas schools of Highland approach will foster curiosity, initiative and a culture of mathematics in grade 9. and Parkside which were both scheduled to close have high achievement. The program strategy also envisions • Average family income in schools with a high been saved/delayed by lack of infrastructure founding a tiered program offering, which addresses what all proportion of applied math students committed from the province for the building of a new students need, what some students need and what a few is almost half that of the schools with the low Secondary School. students need. These tiers support the goal of meeting proportion of applied math students. Through out the Public consultation process for the needs of all learners, regardless of their program • Only 44% of students in applied math what would become the School Boards Secondary requirements.” (HWDSB Secondary Program Strategy achieved the provincial standard, versus Program Strategic Plan communities organized to April 2013; www.hwdsb.on.ca/aboutus/meetings/ 84% of those in academic math. save their schools (Sherwood) and react against documents/sc_agenda_20130415.pdf) the decisions made through the Board’s mandated Within the language of this Strategic Plan is a very consultation processes, while other communities promising advancement in the quality and equality simply tried to make sense of the potential impact that of opportunity for students in our neighbourhood.

9 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013

MID WIFERY

was feeling pretty good and like I had do that. After all, he was on medicine settled into the groove of motherhood. for his reflux. I told myself that as soon One of my close friends from Toronto as I found some stability, I would make had visited me around this time. She, some changes in my life to prevent this herself, had struggled with postpartum from happening again. depression after the birth of her first In addition to taking medicine, child, and remarked on how well I I also joined a postpartum support Postpartum was doing and how I was “out of the group, which I had been reluctant to woods” for PPD. The midwife voice do before. One of my colleagues took at the back of my head reminded me a photo of a flyer for an 8-week group that women were at risk for developing run by a local doula on preventing and PPD up to a year after the birth of their assisting with postpartum depression. Depression child. I was too proud, and blinded by She felt strongly, and with conviction, the apparent achievement of “super that I needed to attend this group. mom” standards, to listen. I expressed my concerns at being a Even midwives Less than a week later, a reality midwife in the community, and the check slapped me in the face. As I potential for running into previous or are not immune wrote in a previous HUB news article, prospective clients. I sent the doula BY LYNLEE S PENCER motherhood became a rough road an email outlining my reservations, around this time, and I never really and she was very supportive and found my footing again until my son encouraging, and suggested that I come was 4 months old, when I finally sought out to see if I thought it was a good fit. help for the postpartum depression I She also offered the perspective that had been denying. At first, I felt like I the other women in the group might had exposed a deep dark secret -- some find it beneficial that I was a midwife bad part of me -- and I felt ashamed that and doubted that they would respond I had struggled this way. I had looked with judgment. The small number of forward to being a mother, and had the women in the group all turned every intention of enjoying this time out to be lovely in their own, unique with my son. It was very difficult for me ways. Even after the 8 weeks ended, to admit, and to accept, that I was not and in spite of our busy lives, we have having any fun, that every day had felt remained in touch. And we continue to like a nightmare, and that, through it rely on the support of one another with all, I had become increasingly isolated. each new, and passing, challenge. I didn’t realize how bad it was at the time, but when I think about it now, I can clearly see just how awful it was. If you are you concerned that you Part of this shame had a lot to do or a loved one has a postpartum with my own self talk: “I should know mood disorder, please contact your better.” With all my training and family doctor, a public health nurse knowledge, how did I let things get at 905-546-3550, or Women’s Health so out of hand? What I really had to Concerns Clinic at 905-522-1155 accept was not that I was the one in x33979. If you are in crisis, please call three women, but that I was, first and COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support foremost, a woman; and a new mom, Team) at: 905-972-8338. at that. Being a midwife did not protect A friend of mine posted this simple, disorders, certain personality traits, and me, nor give me an upper hand. Also, The following are some signs yet poignant, cartoon on facebook this life events can make a woman more the coping strategies I had used to deal and symptoms of a postpartum past spring. It speaks volumes about at risk for PPD, and that elements of with life’s challenges prior to having mood disorder: the silence that shrouds mental health; the postpartum -- difficult birth, sick a child were not effective any more. • feeling generally overwhelmed even today, when our society has made and/or fussy baby, poor social support, While I had always been able to pull and/or anxious leaps and bounds in understanding breastfeeding difficulties -- contributed myself out of the proverbial “deep, dark • changes in sleep patterns and appetite and supporting this important facet to its development too. hole,” the chronic sleep deprivation, • feeling sad, low, hopeless, empty of humanity. My natural curiosity For all of these reasons, I was and lack of sense of self and personal • having little feeling or negative about the mind, coupled with my mindful about the possibility of space added new dimensions to life. feelings toward your baby undergraduate in the study of it, developing PPD, but I expected it to My family doctor encouraged • excessive worry about baby’s health has heightened my awareness of the look a lot different. My job exposes me to try an antidepressant, which • thinking the same thoughts or development of postpartum mood me to an outsider’s perspective on scared me at first. I was afraid to put doing things repeatedly disorders in my clients. Prior to how it can manifest in the first 6 synthetic chemicals into an already • loss of interest in activities that experiencing the postpartum period weeks. I was mindful that I might “out-of-balance” body. It was new, would usually bring pleasure first hand, I knew that postpartum have a lot of trouble not having my and uncharted territory. I took a day • unrealistic, negative thoughts depression (PPD) occurred in about 1 own mom around but, strangely, to think about it, and realized that I about self worth out of 3 women, and I had studied its didn’t consciously feel her absence was in dire straits, and no amount of • feelings of excessive guilt etiology -- there is no greater shift in after my son was born. Much later, I complementary therapies or counseling • thoughts of harming yourself or hormones than when a woman goes could reflect on a more subconscious were going to help me in the short your baby (while mothers may have from being pregnant to newborn in longing for her as a sounding board for term, nor did I have time or finances these thoughts, it’s important to arms. I knew the signs and symptoms, normal infant behaviours, as someone to support this route. I needed a little seek help immediately the tools by which to identify it, and I wholeheartedly trusted to take care help to get back on my feet, and to see had community resources at hand of my son, and who I would not have clearly. My son needed me to be well Lynlee Spencer is a Registered Midwife where women could find help. I also hesitated to ask for help. and present for him, and wasn’t going working at Access Midwives in Stoney knew that a family history of mood When my son was 4 weeks old, I to judge me if took some medicine to Creek, ON.

Healthy Minds Canada (HMC) in collaboration with various partners DETAILS FOR THE H AMILTON SYMPOSIUM: across Canada is hosting the 5th annual Open minds across Saturday October 5, 2013 OPEN Canada mental health Symposia in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, 12:00pm-2:30pm hamilton, Timmins, Toronto, Durham region, Kingston and St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Juravinski Innovation Tower, Miller Amphitheatre, Room T-2203 halifax. This is a day for members of the community to receive 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton MINDS information and resources of mental health and addictions. Admission PRESENTATION THEME: Advances in the treatment is complimentary and registration is recommended as seats are limited. of anxiety disorders: A lifespan approach

T HE EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVE STREAMED O N WWW.HEA LTHYMI NDSC ANADA.TV .

10 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2013

WHAT’S ON AT THE BARTON LIBRARY • Wii Gaming for Children SATURDAYS – SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21, 28, 2-4 p.m. Drop in. Practice your Wii gaming skills and have fun with other kids on Saturday afternoons at the Barton Branch! Info: Caitlyn Hicks 905-546-3450 x3443

• Family Movies for Children SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 14 & 28, 10am – 12pm. Drop in. Kids enjoy a fun Saturday morning movie while parents can relax with a magazine, catch up on internet or check out materials for the whole family to enjoy at home. Info: Caitlyn Hicks 905-546-3450 x3443

• Barton Bibliophiles Book Club MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013, 6:30pm. Drop in. If you like great reads and good company, join the Barton Bibliophiles. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546-3450 x3443

• Knittin’ Around MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013, 2:00 p.m. Drop in. Bring your knitting projects and share tips and techniques with other knitting enthusiasts. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546- 3450 x3443

• Tour of the Universe WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013, 6:30pm. Registration Required. Call Barton Library at 905-546- 3450 by Monday September 9 to register. Join us as we take a journey through the planets and stars to the farthest reaches of the Universe. Be amazed and humbled as we explore incredible images. Don Pullen, from Hamilton Amateur Astronomers will share his knowledge and insight. This introductory program is ideal for adults who are interested in learning more about the fascinating hobby of astronomy. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546- 3450 x3443

• Future Direction MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013, 6:30pm Learn what steps you need to take to achieve your future goal, whether it is taking a general interest course, improving your literacy, finishing high school, or applying for college or university. Adult Basic Education Association staff will be available to book free learning referrals. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546-3450 x3443

• Book a Librarian ONGOING, Contact Caitlyn or Dale at 905-546-3450 x3443 to book an appointment.

• Project Safe Neighbourhood TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27, 2-3pm, Drop in. Fire prevention staff will be at Barton Library Tuesday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. Learn how to keep your home and family safe from fires. Find out about special programs. Drop in with your questions or concerns. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546-3450 x3443

• Noble Health Bus MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 16, 23, 2PM. THE NOBLE Health Bus is a mobile clinic that brings health screening right to the corner of Milton Avenue. The service is free to the public and everyone is welcome. Info: Dale Kent: 905-546-3450 x3443

11 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER, 2013

EVENTS: THERE’S A LOT GOING ON!

Labour Day BBQ Supercrawl Saturday at several venues including: Empire create large kinetic sound sculptures. SEPTEMBER 2, Noon; L’Arche SEPTEMBER 14, 11am-midnight Theatres Jackson Square, Art Gallery Admission rates apply. Hamilton, 64 Fairholt Rd. South James Street North. of Hamilton, AGH Design Annex, Info: 905-546-4797 • A fun opportunity to meet people • A free festival showcasing the Hamilton Public Library, Burlington and make friends within the larger intrinsic charm and cultural character Performing Arts Centre, SilverCity Exploring Art in the Early Years community. Hot dogs and hamburgers of the street, and featuring music, Ancaster Cinemas, Stoney Creek OCTOBER 16, 9:30am-11:30am will be available. Free. RSVPs art, dance and theatre from Hamilton Mountain SilverCity, and the Starlite Ontario Early Years Centre – Sanford requested: 905-312-0162, x.0. and around the world. Drive-In. Single Film Ticket $10; 10- Neighbourhood Site, 735 King St. East Info: 905-777-1223/[email protected] Pack $90; 20-Pack $170; Full Festival • Once a month, Boys and Girls Clubs Drop-In Play Pass $200 before Sept. 4, after $250. of Hamilton Art Educator, Sandy, joins MON.-THURS. 9am-3:30pm / Fri. HIEA Community Advisory Info: www.aghfilmfest.com / david@ with children, parents and caregivers 9am-Noon, Boys and Girls Clubs of Panel Meeting artgalleryofhamilton.com to explore various art materials in this Hamilton, Ontario Early Years Centre – SEPTEMBER 17, 5:30pm-7:30pm fun, interactive and creative program. Sanford Neighbourhood Site 735 King ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Main Office, Hamilton & Scourge Memorial Free. Info: 905-525-5855 St. East, Floor 1A 1330 Burlington St. East SEPTEMBER 21, 11am-4pm Hamilton • A free ongoing program offering • Presentations by Hamilton Industrial Military Museum, 610 York Blvd. Wever CORE Community Café interactive play opportunities for Environmental Association (HIEA) • A day of free events to celebrate 200 OCTOBER 16, 5pm-6:30pm parents/caregivers to bring their child members Bitumar and Bunge and years of peace and remember the 53 Cathy Wever School, 160 Wentworth (ren) into the Early Years Centre to others to be confirmed, in the American sailors who lost their lives St. North. play and interact with other families Conference Room. The meeting is open during the sinking of the U.S. Navy • Monthly cafes offering community- during the hours the program is open. to all interested citizens, but space schooners Hamilton and Scourge, in related information sharing. Info: 905-525-5855 (Joanne/Leanne) is limited; please pre-register: hiea_ 1813. Held at the Dundurn National Parents, seniors, and local residents [email protected]. Historic Site, the event features the are invited to learn more about what is Sherman Community Info: www.hiea.org debut of the film ‘On the Water’. There happening in the area and be part of Planning Team Meeting will be music, indoor and outdoor positive change. SEPTEMBER 3; OCTOBER 7, 7pm When We Were Young children’s activities. Dundurn Castle Info: 905-546-3122 / [email protected] L’Arche, 664 Main Street East at Whitehern and the Hamilton Military Museum will Info: 905-528-5629, x. 260; david. SEPTEMBER 17-NOVEMBER10, also offer free admission from noon. Ontario Archaeological [email protected] Noon-4pm, Whitehern Historic House Info: 905-546-2872 Society Monthly Lectures & Garden, 41 Jackson St. West. OCTOBER 17, 7pm-9pm Cultural Family Time • The second exhibit in Whitehern’s Informational Support Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, SEPTEMBER 6, 9am-Noon Red Curtain series will feature the Meeting for Polycystic Kidney 64 Sulphur Springs Rd., Ancaster Ontario Early Years Centre – Sanford lives of the McQuesten children during Disease Patients • Each month, a lecture or film is Neighbourhood Site, 735 King St. East, their early years. A display of toys, SEPTEMBER 22, 2pm-4pm presented, with coffee and snacks. Floor 1A. games and items from their youth will St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Admission rates apply. • Come and be a part of your be featured in the McQuesten Room. 50 Charlton Ave. East. Info: 905-648-8144 community every Friday! This Boys Admission rates apply. • Free talks, webinars and peer- and Girls Club of Hamilton program Info: 905-546-2018 sharing sessions about various ArcelorMittal Dofasco is for families with children 0-6 aspects of chronic kidney disease, Community Liaison Committee years old, offering weekly activities Localicious Launch Party held on Sundays, every other month, (CLC) Meeting (sewing, knitting, cooking) and parent SEPTEMBER 17, 6 -9pm, Joey and in Classroom B of the Juravinski OCTOBER 24, 6pm, ArcelorMittal workshop topics. Note the Parents/ Toby Tanenbaum Pavillion and Innovation Tower. Hosted by the Dofasco’s Main Office, 1330 Burlington Caregivers part of the program runs outdoor sculpture garden, Art Gallery Hamilton Chapter of The PKD St. East. in the Community Room at 71 Sanford of Hamilton, 123 King St. West Foundation of Canada. • As part of our commitment to Avenue; the children are cared for in the • Guests sample menu items from Info: 1-800-410-1741 / keeping the local community informed Ontario Early Years Centre at 735 King the Delicious Dozen restaurants, [email protected] of our operations, ArcelorMittal St. East. Free for Parents/Caregivers. local wines and beers and enjoy Dofasco will host a (CLC) meeting. Info: 905-525-5855 (Joanne/Ania) live entertainment. $20 per ticket. Apple Festival Free. Community members who would Proceeds go to the ‘Art without SEPTEMBER 28, 9am-4:30pm like to observe the next meeting Art Bus Barriers’ programme offering Summer Battlefield House Museum & Park please contact Jim Stirling at 905- SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 6:30pm Art Camp experiences to inner city 77 King St. West, Stoney Creek. 548-7200 / jim.stirling@arcelormittal. The Pearl Company Arts Centre, 16 children through the AGH. • Harvest fun in Battlefield Park. com Steven St. The first two Friday nights Info: www.downtownlocalicious.org Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games, of each month, Barbara Milne takes pumpkin decorating, demonstrations, Music Through Time you to Hamilton’s top galleries where Wever Celebrates entertainment, and remember to enter OCTOBER 26, 7:30pm you can catch openings, meet the SEPTEMBER 19, 5pm-7pm the Battlefield Bake-Off. Free outdoor HARRRP Community Centre (St. artists, learn about their work, and Cathy Wever School, 160 Wentworth event. Info: 905-662-8458 Peter’s Church), 705 Main St. East meet fellow fine art enthusiasts on the St. North • SteelTown Symphony presents a bus. $15 per person. $10 for students Info: 905-546-3122/[email protected] Life of a Servant: A Family tribute to every style of music from the past 400 years, featuring Bach, and artists. Info: 905-524-0606 Garden and Cooking Workshop Oktoberfest SEPTEMBER 28, 10am-12:30pm Beethoven, Sousa, Elvis, Michael, and Wiggle Waggle Walk SEPTEMBER 20, 21 (see ad on p. 5) Dundurn National Historic Site, Ozzy! $10 per ticket. & Splash Hamilton-Burlington Germania Club, 863 King St. E. 610 York Blvd. Info: www.steeltownsymphony.com SPCA Fundraiser Info: 8905-549-0513 • In the 19th century, children were employed in large homes like SEPTEMBER 8, 10am-3pm, Mishaps, Misadventure Dundurn Castle to do tasks including Confederation Park & Wild Waterworks, Sleep Out for Hunger & Misfortune: Tales gardening and household chores. 680 Van Wagners Beach Road SEPTEMBER 20, 6:30pm, from Whitehern and the In this workshop everyone will help A scenic 5km walk followed by a Mohawk Sports Complex, 1100 Mohawk Neighbourhood 1852-1968 • harvest seasonal produce. Children OCTOBER 26, 7pm-9pm doggie pool party. Minimum pledge Road East, can try 19th century servants’ chores. Whitehern Historic House & Garden, $40 per person. • Organized by Neighbour-to- Workshop has outdoor components; 41 Jackson St. West. Info: 905-574-7722, x.427 Neighbour. Participants will sleep outdoors in ‘homemade’ shelters to please dress for weather and to work • Enjoy an evening of unusual Golden Horseshoe experience how challenging life can be in a garden. Pre-registration required. neighbourhood stories and interesting Live Steamer Days when you live below the poverty line. $35 for 1 adult and 1 child. $13 for each family tales from the McQuesten additional child. Info: 905-546-2872 family lived in the home. Includes tea, SEPTEMBER 8, 11am-4pm, No tents allowed. Bring your own box. sweets and entertainment. $15 per Hamilton Museum of Steam & Minimum $150 in pledges to participate person. Info: 905-546-2018 Technology, 900 Woodward Ave. in this event. Proceeds towards N2N Combine Project, Catch a ride on miniature trains and food bank services. by Steven White • OCTOBER 4- JUNE 20, Noon-4pm Note: Events are subject to change witness the social and mechanical life Info: 905-574-1334 / n2ncentre.com Hamilton Museum of Steam & without notice. Please contact the of Canada’s early industrial revolution Technology, 900 Woodward Ave. specified host to confirm in advance. during a guided tour of the museum. AGH BMO World Film Festival A body of work based on an Free event and museum admission. SEPTEMBER 20-29 • obsolete combine harvester left on If you have an event you’d like us to know Info: 905-546-4797 • Screenings of more than 30 award- winning international, independent Steven White’s property in Walter’s about please contact Shiona Mackenzie- and Canadian films will be presented Falls, Canada. Various moving parts Morrison at [email protected]