October 2019 | Urbanicity Hamilton

Local chocolatier shines in a competitive industry David Levy, chocolatier and founder of Chocolate Tales, doesn’t wear a purple suit or a felt top-hat while crafting his truffles and bars.

His facilities aren’t powered by a chocolate waterfall, or hidden from the public behind a swirling, wrought-iron fence. Rather, he wears a black button-up chef’s shirt, sources his cacao beans from a fair-trade organic Venezuelan farm, and will gladly open his workshop to anyone wanting to try their hand at making sweet treats.

“There’s a great Japanese word, otaku,” David shares, onsite at the Chocolate Tales studio cornering York & Locke. “It describes something that’s more than a hobby but a little less than an obsession. Something specialized, unique, and fine — that you don’t see often.”

The concept partly guides the business’ vision to creatively make, sell, and experience chocolate.

For the nine years Chocolate Tales has been in action – initially in Toronto, and more recently in Hamilton – David and his team have aimed to innovate. In tandem with supplying quality, equitable, and delectable products, they offer immersive workshop sessions personalized for any age-group and occasion. continues on page 10

MEET HAMILTON’S VEGAN CHEF, FRASER FITZGERALD

NEW HAMILTON LIVE SHOW LENDS VOICE TO AMERICAN FOOTBALL

BRINGING AN APPROACHABLE METHOD TO COOKING

A PERFECT LEAD-IN TO KICKOFF EVERY SUNDAY

DOWNTOWN HAMILTON’S GRUESOME PAST LINGERS IN DARK CORNERS

MOTEL RESTAURANT OWNERS TO OPEN NEW BAR “STARDUST”

SOME SERIOUSLY CREEPY STORIES LURK IN THE CITY'S PAST

THE 10 BEST COFFEE SPOTS IN HAMILTON FOR 2019 GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX AT HAMILTON'S BEST

A DIVE BAR UNLIKE ANYTHING HAMILTON HAS SEEN BEFORE

LOCAL HERO HIKES FOR THOSE WITH PTSD ONE PARAMEDIC IS GOING WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

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OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

AN ICONIC 14 STOREY CONDOMINIUM IN THE HEART OF HAMILTON’S URBAN ART SCENE.

ARTIST CONCEPT. RENDERING BY INVENT DEV. E.& O.E.

CURRENTLY 63% SOLD OUT! CALL ROBERT AT 905-531-7778 OR EMAIL ROBERT@URBANICITY.COM TO LEARN WHAT'S AVAILABLE!

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P U B L I S H E R + E D I TO R Robert Cekan robert@urbanicity.com L AYOU T & D ES I G N Ta fa ri A n t h o ny

All of these stories are motivating; some help me empathize and relate in ways I hadn’t considered before while others give me hope for the future. The link between them is that they are all distinctly Hamilton, and that speaks volumes to the type of people this city is churning out.

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Urbanicity has never had a theme for October, and while I welcome unthemed issues from time to time, there’s a certain draw about having each month focus on a different topic that is so alluring to me. The restraints force creativity which generally leads to the unraveling of untold stories.

That’s why I decided to make this October our first ever ‘Movers & Shakers’ issue. Every month we already place the spotlight on individuals and businesses making waves in the community, but I thought it would be fun to have an issue that’s jam-packed primarily with these types of features.

Every year, I become more and more proud of being a Hamiltonian and it’s personal stories like the ones in this magazine that continue rooting me into this community — I hope you feel the same way.

In other news, WE HAVE AN APP!!

It’s currently available for iPhone and iPad (we’re working on Android next), so if you happen to have an Apple mobile device nearby, I would greatly appreciate if you could search ‘Urbanicity’ in the App Store and download it!

Our app is a perfect companion to catch up on Hamilton’s latest stories as well as a terrific way to explore Hamilton’s local restaurants, shops, and activities. You can even keep track

of your adventures by marking places as ‘unlocked’. It’s super cool — give it a try!

This app is a culmination of years of work and planning. Hamilton has yet to have a great mobile-friendly way to explore all of the hidden gems in the city and we aim to fill that gap.

Not to mention that we’ve stepped up the number of daily articles on our website urbanicity.com to five per weekday! Between the exploration function of the app and the regular headlines we’re releasing, there’ll be plenty of great content to catch up on as you await next month’s issue.

Until then, enjoy this copy and have yourself a great October! If you would like to contribute an article or have any concerns you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email through robert@urbanicity.com

ROBERT CEKAN

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TRIVIA 1. Hamilton is home to the first Tim Hortons. Which street did it open on?

2. Who is Jackson Square named after?

3. What year did the McQuesten family bequeath Whitehern to the City of Hamilton?

4. Webster's Falls and Tews Falls are both part of which conservation area?

Answers on page 19

SEE WHAT’S HATCHING AT NEST! Unique Canadian handmade gifts and home decor items for animal lovers.

171 Locke St. S. Unit 2 nesthamilton.com info@nesthamilton.com

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

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Meet Hamilton’s vegan chef, Fraser Fitzgerald

AYOLT DE ROOS

Recently moved to Hamilton from Amsterdam, Ayolt is a huge fan of sports, craft beer, and good food. Currently loving The Hammer as his new home.

Over the past few years Fraser Fitzgerald has built a rather impressive résumé for himself. After deciding that his corporate career in renewable energy was not giving him enough fulfilment, he turned to his passion for cooking and hit the ground running.

Through culinary school, various positions in a number of kitchens, and as an instructor, Fraser has now touched down in Hamilton, where his next chapter awaits him: teaching people about cooking, food, and nutrition full-time.

A SE ASO NED V ET ERA N Fraser’s résumé already reads like he’s been around in the culinary business for quite a while. He holds a degree in Culinary Management and Nutrition and a Vegetarian Culinary Art Certificate, both from George Brown College in Toronto. He has worked as Menu

and Product Developer for Grasshopper Restaurant (Toronto), Line Cook at Fresh on Bloor (Toronto), Head Chef at The Nook (Halifax), and Kitchen Manager at Dundurn Market (346 Dundurn St S, Hamilton). And if that wasn’t enough, he also has himself a side hustle as an Instructor with President’s Choice.

The latter role is what got Fraser interested in teaching, but it was at Dundurn Market that this career really took off. As the store closed at 6 pm, management gave him the opportunity to use their kitchen to teach classes in the evening. These turned out to be really popular, exceeding the expectations Fraser had set for himself.

Pursuing opportunities to expand his reach, Fraser teamed up with Goodness Me! Natural Food Market (multiple locations throughout the Hamilton area) in June. In their kitchen he continued to teach classes and due to the high demand was asked to teach there as often as he possibly could. It was at this moment that he thought to himself, for the first time, “This could perhaps become a full-time job…”

S TARTING W ITH TH E FUNDAM E NTALS Over the past few months Fraser has partnered up with various Hamiltonian kitchens, expanding his curriculum. All the classes he teaches have one

common denominator: the basics are key.

"TEACHING PEOPLE THE BASICS OF COOKING MAKES THEM STOKED TO COOK IN THE LONGER RUN"

You will not walk out of the classroom with the recipe of a single showstopper dish in your pocket. Nor will you learn fancy risotto or a difficult soufflé to whip up every time you want to impress your friends or in-laws. No, what you will walk away with is much more fundamental. As Fraser puts it, “Teaching people the basics of cooking makes them stoked to cook in the longer run.”

One of the best pieces of advice Fraser gives comes straight from his knife skills class: make sure your knife is comfortable in your hand. As the chef puts it nicely, “If you don’t like holding the knife, you’re going to be reluctant to pick it up every day.”

Take his knife skills class for example. Here you will learn how to hold a knife properly and optimize your cutting skills. “Such a class is instrumental. Imagine if writing took up a lot of your time and one person comes up to you and says ‘you could also hold the pen like this’ and all of a sudden you save time and energy while writing.

That’s what I set out to do with cutting,” claims Fraser.

For Fraser, it's all about taking away barriers (like not feeling comfortable with a knife) that prevent people from stepping into the kitchen and cooking up something homemade for themselves. “Cooking is not as difficult as people sometimes make it out to be. It can be time consuming, sure, but you just have to set yourself up for that. And mastering the basics, like using a knife properly, can make it so much easier.”

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S TR O NG FOC U S O N NUTR IT IO N Obviously Fraser wants to help his students in making tasty food for themselves. However, in his classes he is more focused on nutrition than simply taste. “Tasty food is easy: just add butter and salt. That will always do the trick, but it’s less nutritious.” How to make things tasty and nutritious at the same time is the real challenge he wants to tackle.

Something that sparked this focus on nutrition was undoubtedly the fact that Fraser decided to become a vegetarian about 10 years ago. His parents had always made sure that he was involved in the cooking at home, but not being able to eat what the rest of the family was having forced him to start thinking about his own meals a lot more. Slowly but surely his eyes were opened and he realized that there is so much you can do with vegetables.

Fraser began practicing veganism the past three years, which has been even more of a creative outlet for him. “Limiting is the wrong word, but by becoming a vegan you’re taking things away that make food taste good rather easily.

Like cream or butter.” You have to think of new and different ways to make a flavorful and nutritious meal, which is what Fraser teaches in his classes, all of which have a vegan element to them.

CLASSIC VEGAN FONDUE Straight from one of Fraser’s vegan cheese classes, the chef was happy to share this popular dish with Urbanicity readers. Give it a try and tag #urbanicity before chowing down!

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

2 cups raw cashews

1. Except for white wine vinegar, place all ingredients in a blender.

1 garlic clove ½ tsp mustard powder 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp white pepper 1 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp white miso paste ¼ cup refined coconut oil ¼ cup corn starch 1 ½ cup hot water 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

However, what he feels would be even better is to create a plant-based and vegan curriculum. Culinary schools all over the country could offer this to students, giving them the opportunity to obtain their culinary degree, with a vegan focus.

This would be completely different than the education Fraser got at George Brown College, where his degree only included one vegan course in total.

“It was a great class, but it was shocking that the whole program didn’t talk about how to cook beans properly or how to prepare tofu.” He feels like the reason for this comes from the schools not seeing the added value of such courses (yet). “They are preparing their students for life in the kitchen and at this moment they assume that doesn’t require any specific vegan knowledge,” Fraser explains.

Fraser’s diploma could fill a real void he feels. “Nobody is denying that vegan food is a major trend, so the new talent

3. Place the mixture in a small saucepan and heat through, stirring constantly. Keep the heat on low. If you heat the cheese too fast, it will become lumpy. If this happens, turn off the flame and whisk the mixture until smooth, then begin again. The cheese is done when it starts to pull clean from the edge of the pan as you stir.

4. Turn off the heat, fold in the white wine vinegar. Add a pinch of extra salt for taste.

5. Pour your vegan cheese into a serving dish. Serve with skewered fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, or fresh baked bread.

T H E F U TUR E IS V EG A N Down the road, Fraser would love to have his own kitchen space, which he can treat like a culinary school.

He would have other people from the industry come in and teach a wide variety of courses. “Hamilton has a vibrant culinary scene, with more than enough interesting people to invite over.”

2. Blend on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for another 90 seconds.

entering the kitchens should be able to answer to that need.'' The different way to approach vegan cooking compared to non-vegan cooking is that a much more creative approach is required.

“You can’t just grab cheese and use it, often times you have to make it yourself to start with.” Fraser believes that just teaching people such techniques and giving them these creative options can help them in the long-run, regardless of whether they end up working in a vegan kitchen or not.

FOC US ON TE AC H ING ( FOR NOW ) Until the day comes that he launches a new diploma, Fraser will continue to focus on teaching. He will continue to optimize his curriculum, which also sometimes means killing your darlings.

Take his kombucha class for example, one of his most popular ones: “It has reached a point at which the people that are interested in kombucha have already taken a class and there are not a lot of repeat customers. For now it has run its course, but I will likely bring it back in the summer.”

One class that he thinks will not be

outdated anytime soon is his vegan cheese class. “The main attraction of this class is that most people think it’s super difficult to make vegan cheese and they are curious to find out more.

I show them that it really isn’t that hard, as all my cheese recipes are very straightforward.”

I would recommend you to have a look at Fraser’s website (theplantedfork. org) and browse the other classes he teaches. Vegan tacos, game day snacks, nut mylk, I’m pretty sure there is something there for all interests, regardless of your kitchen skills or food preferences.

"NOBODY IS DENYING THAT VEGAN FOOD IS A MAJOR TREND, SO THE NEW TALENT ENTERING THE KITCHENS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER TO THAT NEED."

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

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A young Hamilton voice advocates loudly for better city planning

ADRIAN MEKLI

Adrian is a REALTOR® and graduate from McMaster’s Degroote School of Business.

He is a life-long Hamiltonian who has worked for various local firms such as CIBC, McMaster University, and Dofasco.

Teenagers are becoming a force to be reckoned with. They champion some of the most important social issues of our time. Climate Change has the voice of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish student making noise at the UN Climate Summit. Gun control has David Hogg, a Parkland School shooting survivor, Women’s Rights has Malala and Hamilton has Lachlan Holmes; our own local teenage activist who is championing smart development in the city.

At only sixteen years of age, the Westdale School student is the founder of HamiltonForward, a smart-development advocacy group that is challenging the city’s planning decisions.

While technically born in Toronto, Lachlan and his mom moved into the Durand neighbourhood when he was just a one-year-old and has called the neighbourhood home ever since.

We sat down with Lachlan to learn more about this young Hamilton mover and shaker, in a Q&A style format.

reputable architects, to young professionals. What we all have in common is the shared goal of a smart urban development for this city.

Q: What is Hamilton Forward?

A: Hamilton Forward is an organization that seeks to provide a unified voice in support of development. We fight for quality development, specifically in the downtown core. This does not simply mean support for density, taller building, and more units. We support good architectural quality, buildings, and plans that are pedestrianfocused, more mixed use in downtown, no surface parking, and a number of other items we define as quality development.

Q: Why did you start the group?

A: Growing interest in how the city was developing. There was no voice in the community being a proponent of more density. However, there are numerous voices against density.

Q: How many members are in HamiltonForward?

A: We currently have 30 members with a board of directors of 6 people. Our members range greatly in age and profession from high school students, to

Q: Does HamiltonForward support the Downtown Secondary Plan?

A: Yes. We are mostly in support of the plan except for some density, massing, and shadow issues.

Q: How can someone support the group?

A: You are able to make a donation to the group via our website. But simply joining the email list is a great first step. Once you join the mailing list, you will receive a monthly update regarding developments in Hamilton, upcoming planning meetings and our group’s stance on development projects and issues.

Q: What are some current development projects the group is focused on?

A: While we are interested in all of the city’s projects, we are following two closely.

The first is 1190 Main St W which is a McMaster student residence building. The University is proposing towers between 10 to 15 stories which will hopefully return a lot of the older

homes in the neighbourhood back to single family.

The second project we are watching closely is 468 James St North. Here JvN Developments proposed 8 stories and a unique purchase set-up where there are no preset unit layouts. The set-up was covered thoroughly in a Hamilton Spectator article earlier this year.

Q: How do you measure the group’s success?

A: The most immediate measure is when the Ontario Municipal Board decides the height limits on Brad Lamb’s Television City project. As a private citizen I provided a participant statement in support of the project – it was a 4 page, 20 minute statement.

I was one of only two parties who showed up and supported the project publicly while there were numerous ones against.

Q: What initiatives do you have in the pipeline?

A: We have a letter to the city to change the information signs you see on potential development sites throughout the city. They are currently the large white signs filled with small text that you need to walk right outside of in order to read them. Our proposal is to make them clearer and more readable with some graphics. We also want to make

information regarding developments more accessible and available to the public. Currently, we physically have to go to City Hall to receive the information when we would like to receive the information online.

Q: What other issues do you support?

A: The list is endless. But in short we support LRT and are excited about BLAST, the Waterfront to airport transit system is vital to our city’s growth.

We also support cycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and two-way conversions of one-way streets.

Q: Who can join?

A: Anyone. We welcome everyone and it’s completely free to join.

Q: How do they join?

A: We have a sign-up sheet on our website which can be found at hamiltonforward.ca

BE SURE TO FOLLOW HAMILTONFORWARD ON TWITTER @HAMILTONFORWARD, FACEBOOK @HAMILTONFORWARD, AND ONLINE AT HAMILTONFORWARD.CA FOR THE LATEST CITY PLANNING DEVELOPMENTS!

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New Hamilton live show lends voice to American football airs every Sunday at noon on TSN 1150 – has become a hit amongst football fans. The program focuses on the Buffalo Bills, but also ventures into other prominent topics to do with the league south of the border.

SHAWN SMITH

Shawn is a writer from Hamilton. He enjoys sports, music, and reading. His work has appeared in The Globe and Mail and on Bleacher Report, Vice Sports, and Sportsnet.ca.

Ask sports fans in Hamilton to describe sports in the city and one thing becomes clear; Hamilton is a football city.

Whether it’s CFL (the city’s obvious affection for the hometown Tiger-Cats is on display all the time) or the NFL (the Buffalo Bills are only an hour away across the border), it’s clear that football has had a major impact on our sporting community for decades.

Rob Spehar has become one of the preeminent voices covering professional football in the city. His weekly radio show The Roster Spot – which

“It’s an hour-long show, a perfect leadin to kickoff every Sunday,” said Spehar. “I’m a new voice in Hamilton on sports. I’m looking towards bigger things, such as a Youtube channel and other on-camera content.”

Spehar is a lifelong sports fan. Growing up in the city’s east end, Spehar followed and played sports religiously growing up and developed an encyclopedia-like knowledge of everything he could get his hands on, with a particular love for the NFL. Wanting to share his knowledge with the city, Spehar got in touch with TSN 1150.

“I reached out to TSN 1150; they wanted to do an NFL show covering the Buffalo Bills because there is a large contingency of Bills fans in the area,”

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Spehar said. “The NFL is my niche.”

This year, things are a little bit different. The program airs every Sunday at noon for one hour, perfectly commencing the NFL week which usually starts at 1 pm on Sundays.

“This season we have a better time slot with a bigger audience. It’s pre-game and people are more invested in receiving this information leading straight into the game.”

As the only NFL-focused show in the city, Spehar believes that he and cohost Ian Domenegato are bringing an entirely unique voice to football talk in Hamilton.

“I like to think that I bring something different; we bring humour along with in-depth information,” Spehar said. “The show is an hour, but I could talk for hours about sports. It’s hard to fit everything into that time slot, so I try to share as much information as I possibly can to the listener.”

Along with the weekly show on TSN

1150, they will be hosting a live, in-person aspect to the show. Once a month, The Roster Spot will host a live show at Shoeless Joe’s on Upper James St. Those shows will take place October 13th, November 24th, December 8th, January 12th, as well as a live show the day of the Super Bowl.

“We just want to get in front of the people and let people know who we are,” Spehar said. “We are Hamilton’s only NFL talk show, and there is no other show like this in the area. We want people to be aware of us. Come listen to local radio by local people.”

The Roster Spot is one of the many aspects of Spehar Sports Media that is taking off in the city. The show will be released each week as a podcast and Spehar has intentions of launching a Youtube channel and more video content in the near future.

For more information, you can follow Spehar Sports Media on Instagram @speharsports or on his website at speharsports.media

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

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St. Joseph’s Hospital unearths an unsuspecting mover and shaker

CYNTHIA CARPENTER

Cynthia is a freelance writer and poeticminded writing mentor who works at The Hamilton Public Library. Reading, writing, and music are her passions along with yoga and lake swimming.

Sometimes the movers and shakers of this town are disguised to the general public but shine brightly within a small community.

The patients of St. Joseph’s Hospital on Charlton Ave have such a person.

tales that highlight the plight of the long-term resident patients. This provides an understanding for those who have recently arrived on the ward, or are fortunate enough to be short stay residents that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to know their fellow sufferers. John’s communication with patients and their visitors while carrying out his regular duties enables people to understand each other.

to appreciate the day before his shift.

A modest concentration on the self, renewing the love in his heart that he states is the greatest vibration.

of the job is putting love into it saying, “I don’t put a condition on my job. I’m proactive and I co-operate. There is no purpose to arguing.”

Seven years ago, John left the tool and dye business to start work in the stores department at St. Joe’s. It was the best thing he ever did because he can be himself. He says he feels lucky that he doesn’t miss factory work at all.

John continues to say that he is going to get a coach to explain how happy he feels all the time. I laugh, because although John refers to a life coach, I picture a bus of Hamiltonians learning the route to happiness.

On the ward, John quells irritation and fear that patients experience when they hear others crying out in pain or despair. Understanding others is a universal concept that we can all aim to adopt and it’s this self-appointed task that John carries out which led me to pinpoint him as one of Hamilton’s movers and shakers.

What keeps John in his role at St. Joe’s When told that I considered him a is the diversity and his love for peo- mover and shaker in Hamilton, he ple. He says he has the same love for responds with thankful praise. He says everybody and considthat if others can see ers their wellness and what he sees then he is who they are over their hopeful. His desire is "I DON’T PUT illness. John read about for anything that makes A CONDITION mindfulness one day in us more positive. John ON MY JOB. the elevator and went hesitates before sayon to look up healers.

I’M PROACTIVE ing, “I’m glad when He said he was lookthey go home. I mean, AND I COing for something in I’m happy for them.”

OPERATE. his heart. John learned Here, I can sense his THERE IS NO to meditate four and wistfulness before he PURPOSE TO a half years ago and blurts, “And when they says the power of his go to heaven… I think of ARGUING.” thoughts control his them. I know they are life. He replaces negathere.” tive thoughts with positive ones. Here I reflect on a similar model used in I remember leaving the ward. How I behaviour therapy and realize John’s glanced back and reflected on John intuitive nature. who slipped back noiselessly and animatedly through the lives of the ill. I John says that given a trillion dol- believe this won’t be the last time I see lars, he would be the foster parent him. of the world. I tell him that in a way, he already is. John’s favourite aspect

John McCarthy goes beyond his role as cleaning staff, offering patients an animated ray of sunshine during his room visits. John not only provides a thorough service, diligent in keeping equipment clean and sterile, but his presence creates an atmosphere of joy and humour mixed with quirkiness and kindness.

John has multiple ear piercings, a shaven head, and a missing tooth. He is slight of build and mentions staff members fondly. He touches on the humanity of all the other characters on the ward, and believe me, there are characters. John makes visitors’ and patients’ lives more colourful for his appearance.

Unfortunate circumstances may have led Hamiltonians to John, but their situation is lifted temporarily as he does more than keep their souls infectionfree during their stay.

Sliding Hollywood-style into the room, yet silent and unobtrusive, John ducks behind oxygen machines, telling gentle

Living right across the street from the hospital, John wakes each day with gratitude. He takes fifteen minutes

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Downtown Hamilton’s gruesome past lingers in dark corners

"YOU CAN’T DO THIS WORK FOR 20 YEARS AND JUST MAYBE BELIEVE IN GHOSTS”

worker. He left town soon after, seeking new, naive victims to peddle his wares to.

ELISE COPPS

Elise is a born and raised Hamiltonian and Ticats fan by marriage. When she's not working as a communications professional, she enjoys exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and spending time in the garden.

If you think the LRT debate going off the rails is the scariest thing that’s ever happened in Hamilton, you probably aren’t familiar with our city’s haunted history. I joke, but Hamilton does have some seriously creepy stories lurking in its past. And chances are you’ve set foot in at least one of the haunts Stephanie Drumbeck insists are, well haunted.

Drumbeck, better known as Spooky Steph, is the historian of horror behind Haunted Hamilton. She has spent hours researching the most gruesome events that have transpired in the golden horseshoe, and swears she has felt the presence of spirits while exploring local buildings and alleyways. “You can’t do this work for 20 years and just maybe believe in ghosts,” she jokes. “YES, I believe in ghosts!”

Her unique brand of spooky is a perfect mixture of fear and fun – she hosts a big Halloween bash each year – but

it’s her intimate knowledge of local history that appeals to both the believers and doubters among us. I joined her on a recent ghost tour of downtown Hamilton, and she’s agreed to let you in on a few of her scariest stories. I dare you to read this in the dark with your door unlocked.

DOE S A M ISSING TH E ATRE M AG NATE HAUNT TH E TIVOLI? In its heyday, the now defunct Tivoli was owned by theatre magnate, Ambrose Small. Small was a selfmade success, owning several theatres and many other properties. At age 56, he suddenly sold all of his holdings, including the Tivoli, cashing in a fortune worth millions. Then he disappeared, leaving all his money behind.

Multiple playhouses, including the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario claim his ghost resides within.

During renovations on the Tivoli in the 1990s, Spooky Steph says workers insisted they encountered a homeless looking man skulking around the theatre wearing bizarre clothing: a Victorian era suit and bowler hat. Every time a complaint came in, the boss would search for the man, but find no one. The theatre manager knew the building’s history, and found his staff’s descriptions eerily close to the appearance of the playhouse’s former owner.

He showed his workers a photo from

a book on Canadian theatre history.

“That’s him!” they said, referring to Ambrose Small.

It gets weirder. Amidst construction, a boarded up passageway filled with dusty steamer trunks was uncovered.

Most of them contained yellowed movie posters and antique film reels, but one trunk was firmly shut. Theatre staff pried it open and discovered a skeleton inside! Before they could determine the origin of the bones, the trunk was discarded with a pile of construction materials. Spooky Steph believes the skeleton was that of Ambrose Small.

This story certainly has some gaping holes, but don’t all good ghostly tales?

Let your mind wander.

DID A Q UAC K DOCTOR ARRE STE D IN HAMI L TON G O ON TO B E COME JACK TH E RIPPER ?

Tucked behind the James Street North Bread Bar location, accessed via King William Street, is an L-shaped alley — a jigsaw puzzle of aged brick and fire escapes. It’s on this very ground that a man believed by some to be Jack the Ripper was arrested by Hamilton Police. It was 1856, more than thirty years before the serial killer’s spree.

According to Spooky Steph, Francis Tumblety, a self-proclaimed doctor who was really more of a snake oil salesman, was discovered performing a back alley abortion on a local sex

Many dispute his suspicion as Jack the Ripper, but legend has it brass rings bearing the same markings as those stolen from the serial killer’s final victim, Mary Kelly, were found in Dr. Tumbelty’s belongings after his death.

I S WHI TEHER N HAU N TED

BY THE MCQU ESTEN PATR I A R CH? This final haunted tale is perhaps more sad than scary. It centres on one of Hamilton’s most notable families, the McQuestens, who bequeathed their home to the City.

Isaac McQuesten, father to Thomas Baker (T.B.) McQuesten and his five siblings, is believed to have died by suicide in the front room of the family home. His wife found him dead surrounded by a lethal mixture of sleeping elixirs and booze. Isaac suffered from alcoholism, and his addiction cost him the family fortune he inherited.

Spooky Steph says interpreters who work in the museum have told her they believe his ghost is present in the building and have reported seeing him lingering on the front steps when they are locking up for the day.

N O SHOR TAGE OF HAU N TED L OCAL ES I N HAMI L TON Looking to send shivers down your spine? You can explore more of Hamilton’s haunted history with Spooky Steph herself. Find details on her website at haunted-hamilton.com

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

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CO NTI NUE D F RO M FRO N T PAG E

“I used to manage restaurants and bars,” shares David. “I always enjoyed creating and staging experiences — the theatre of business, right?” This knack has only swelled since, morphing into the colourful and careful craft of chocolate.

“We’ve worked with about 150,000 people in the last nine years,” says David, seeming surprised by the number himself. “They’ve all come through this journey and hopefully left with a really positive mindset.” Participants, whether attending birthday parties, corporate events, bachelorettes, or any other shade of shindig, often enter with little sense of what to expect.

“It feels awkward when you haven’t done it before,” David admits. But as people settle into the guided practices of roasting, winnowing, grinding, aerating, tempering, blending, moulding, cooling, and savouring — the honorary chocolatiers start “to feel good about themselves,” empowered by the practice of something new. Come session’s end, they head home with a whack of historical fun-facts and packaged goods ready to be flaunted before (and maybe even shared with) friends and family.

“You’re getting positively reinforced by that experience,” David has noticed.

“So when I say I like to make people happy, it’s not just bringing smiles— but creating impact. That’s really the engine that inspires me to do what I do.”

A second part of their mission is collaboration, which, David says, is uncommon in the realm he calls the “chocolate space.”

“This space is extremely competitive,” he explains. “It’s actually known for lack of collaboration. Colleagues who own confectionaries have said the same; it’s crazy how GTA bakers and chocolatiers are so fanatical about not collaborating. But I feel like if you’re not open to it, you’re not going to grow.”

Having taken this to heart, Chocolate Tales looks outward in hopes of crosspollinating with other markets. Chocolate plus yoga, I’m informed, equals choga. And while truffles undoubtedly pair well with cheese companies and wineries, what about craft breweries?

The possibilities stir.

One upcoming partnership is with artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibway painter from Ontario. “[Joshua] was presenting at the Art Gallery of Hamilton last week,” David recalls, “so that’s how we got in contact. I’m looking for someone who would sponsor him to put his art on our packaging; he’s got amazing stuff.”

The business’ name is holding its weight; chocolate is the vehicle through which tales are being shared.

“Tales are what we’re all about,” David says.

“The human stories, the history — the things behind the scenes.

That’s our direction.”

"SO WHEN I SAY I LIKE TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY, IT’S NOT JUST BRINGING SMILES—BUT CREATING IMPACT.”

And it’s a direction they’re heading in full force.

“We do about 800 events per year right now,” David tallies. “Which is a fair bit.”

Considering their ability is about 1500 events per year based on facility and staff, they’re poised to grow.

Navigating growth in both Toronto and Hamilton has brought up unique challenges and possibilities. It has

also highlighted contrasts in the cities’ culture surrounding small businesses.

“Here,” David says, “I feel like we have more support. It’s more grassroots and there’s a wish for you to succeed.

In Toronto, it’s a little bit more cut-throat; we felt like we were trying to prove ourselves. But here, we’re encouraged to keep going. There’s a lot more openness.” Finding support and solidarity as an entrepreneur – especially in a time as fluctuant as ours – is the golden ticket.

“Today, business is more different than it ever was,” says David. “The potential to grow is enormous; the tools small businesses have now are ones we never had before.

“At the same time, it’s also a saturated market with oversaturated messaging; it’s almost like a juxtaposition. So that’s where small businesses struggle in the West. Really, you have to do something that’s compelling. And you have to do it together.”

ELISE ARSENAULT

Elise is a writer and musician based in Hamilton. Find her reading at a bus stop, trespassing to sniff flower gardens, or SoBiking around the lake she's still enamoured by.

URBANICITY.COM

11

Experience eco-luxury and wellness at this Hamilton studio and vegan that hurts far less than other products on the market.

many trees they have planted since they opened in June 2015. The “Flourish Forest” is now close to 3,000!

“I have this incredible opportunity to do something different. Why not provide products and services that people know are safe and effective, while never compromising quality or luxury? It was a no brainer for me,” explains Swayze.

These green efforts have not gone unnoticed as Flourish is recognized as a Green Certified Spa. They award this certification to the spas who actively support the green movement in doing their part for the environment, while encouraging others to do the same.

Flourish Skin Studio is also an active member of the Hamilton Community. Aside from promoting a healthy lifestyle and teaching people about self care, Flourish contributes to a number of different charitable organizations. Locally, they work with Interval House of Hamilton, Food4Kids Hamilton, Communities Helping Kids as well as the Neighbour 2 Neighbour Foodbank.

ERIN MONTGOMERY

Erin is a journalism graduate with over 10 years of writing experience. She has written for numerous online and print publications and has expanded her knowledge into the social media marketing and public relations fields.

Eco-luxury and wellness: these terms have been gaining a lot of traction over the last few years.

As a society we are becoming more aware of the environment around us, what we put in or on our bodies and making conscious efforts to choose products that are more green and environmentally friendly. But in the beauty industry sometimes those choices are not always easy to find. Living a clean life should not mean you’re compromising on quality or luxury.

Let us introduce Krista Swayze, owner at Flourish Skin Studio, an eco spa that promotes eco-luxury and wellness through their clean, green products and services.

Flourish Skin Studio offers your traditional manicure, pedicure, and facial treatments but their services differ in that they are always striving to decrease

their carbon footprint. At their studio, a pedicure is done by wrapping their clients’ feet in hot towels to avoid wasting water by soaking the feet. They use an all-natural nail and body care line called SpaRitual that offers a full range of body products and amazing Vegan Nourishing Nail Colour that is free of the 13 most harmful chemicals in nail polishes.

The SpaRitual motto is “Slow Beauty in a Fast World” and Flourish has absolutely adopted that philosophy in their nail services. Flourish is about promoting a healthy lifestyle overall and selfcare is at the heart of that.

“I realize all of the dangers of so many harmful chemicals that we are exposed to every day, especially in our self-care products, and I just wanted to provide a space and products that takes the guesswork out of purchasing,” says Swayze. “The number of people who are concerned about these harmful chemicals in their products is growing every day and it's no wonder why, with all the studies out there proving these things cause so many different issues.

We all need to do our part to protect the environment, ourselves, our families and for the generations to come.”

For the spa, the aim is to provide an experience that relaxes the body and soothes the soul, including their nail services. They even use a hair removal system that is soy based, biodegradable,

Flourish also contributes to “Trees for the Future”, which is an initiative created by the skin care company they carry, Eminence Organics. Every time someone purchases an Eminence products from Flourish, they plant a tree. Their “Flourish Forest” is a representation of how

“We try to reduce our carbon footprint as much as we can and we had to meet a list of criteria in order to obtain the Green Certification,” says Swayze.

“Some of our practices include using only LED lighting, using power bars for all of our equipment that we turn off every night, and using sterilizable tools including metal foot and nail files instead of disposables.” Other practices include purchasing in bulk and only sending email receipts to cut down on paper waste.

In designing their space, about 95% of the furniture was second hand. To build their pedicure platform, they used 100 year old cedar planks rescued from the demolition of a historic Hamilton building. The list goes on, but it’s clear that this eco spa practices what they preach!

Check Flourish Skin Studio out yourself by stopping by in person at 1157 Rymal Road East Unit 4 or visit online at flourishskinstudio.ca

HAMILTON RETAIL LEASE OPPORTUNITIES

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Rare opportunity to open up business on the his-

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across from three schools, surrounded by a large,

will be delivered in a white box condition. Situated

feet mix between retail and office space. Single or

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1,100 sqft, all with fantastic exposure, great parking

City condo towers, and under a 10 minute walking

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lage, and King/Main street arterial roadways.

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PRIME DOWNTOWN RETAIL! Three phenomenally

'The Centennial' is one of central Hamilton’s largest

Welcome to 'The Covington'. Located on the future

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LRT route, this opportunity is the closest retail space

ranging from 788 sqft to 2,680 sqft. Brand new

has received an entire makeover and will soon have

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one of the best-looking commercial facades in the

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city. Located just outside the gates of Downtown

able. New facades make this location a 10/10.

historic building — this opportunity will not last long!

Hamilton, there are four 1,000 sqft spaces ready for your business.

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Fantastic neighbourhood plaza in Dundas with

tional Village. High traffic location as the building is

plaza with very cooperative Landlord. Enjoy neigh-

ample parking on a high traffic artery. This unit is

straddled by both King and Main Street, including a

bours such as a new JuJitsu Studio, Medical Clinic,

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nience store. The plaza was recently renovated with

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boy Donuts! Gross lease — no extra charges beyond

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Landlord can assist with buildout. This is well located in one of Hamilton's most affluent neighbourhoods.

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Sales Representative keriann@ambitiousrealty.ca 905-912-2289

URBANICITY.COM

13

Motel restaurant owners to open new bar “Stardust”

since its opening, adored by foodies, hungry students, and locals alike.

But what happens when the daily brunch window closes?

BENNETT SWAN

Bennett is a history student and plays as part of McMaster’s men’s volleyball team

Every single week it feels like Hamilton’s food and drink sector expands.

Christ Hewlett, the owner and founder of popular Barton Street Brunch spot, MOTEL, has assured the people of Hamilton that this trend will not stop anytime soon.

MOTEL, which opened over two years ago, has boiled down the essence of human indulgence and pleasure by encapsulating it in the form of hefty breakfasts and bright backsplashes.

MOTEL has experienced great success

Well, co-owner Chris Hewlett and the MOTEL team have you covered with the addition of their newest Barton street attraction — a cocktail bar called Stardust.

Located just three doors down from MOTEL, Stardust is what Chris describes as a “premium dive bar.”

The name was inspired by the 80’s cocktail bars of Las Vegas and will feature dark, dingy walls covered in neon tube-lighting, with “cherry fuchsia bench allure plush seating”, complete with palm trees and cacti to capture that Nevada feeling.

By all means, this establishment is set to embrace a unique gritty, dirty, and lived-in charm that is difficult to encapsulate but paradoxically adored by all.

Chris, an incredibly creative and passionate restaurant owner and manager, imagined Stardust as a compliment to MOTEL. His current restaurant was never designed to be anything more than what it is; a premium brunch service. This is why MOTEL maintains its hours, closing at 3 pm, despite often having waiting lists of over 100 people.

When MOTEL closes for the day, Stardust will open. This flexibility will allow for Chris and his team to offer the same unique and premium indulgent experience after dark. Brunch fanatics will be happy to know that Stardust will also offer its own brunch service too, but only on weekends!

Stardust is postured to fill the void of premium cocktail bars in the downtown Hamilton area. The bar scenes of Hess Village or Augusta Street are unique and valuable in their own ways, but neither of them offer the experience that Stardust is set to provide.

Chris, the British Columbia native, is delighted to be able to offer this

AFTER WORKING ACROSS ALL OF CANADA, HE WAS DRAWN TO HAMILTON BY THE OPPORTUNITY. experience to the people of Hamilton.

After working across all of Canada, he was drawn to Hamilton by the opportunity. He saw a city filled with people who love great food and local business.

When asked why he decided to open Stardust he said that he’s witnessed a “domino effect” of amazing restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more opening around him since he opened MOTEL. He, like many others, has noticed the beauty in Hamilton, using the encouraging statement, “Let’s keep investing in it!”

Stardust is set to open in 12 weeks’ time.

Until then, you’ll just have to settle for the always-pleasant brunch at MOTEL just a few doors down.

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OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

14

Top five toys encouraging language development STR I N GABL E FA R M THEMED BEA DS

BY BAREFOOT BABIES

This toy can be used to help build narrative and storytelling skills. Add animals onto the beads as you add parts to the story. If your child struggles with retelling events in their day or stringing many thoughts and ideas together, this can be a great way to practice. It helps them visualize the sequence of the story’s parts.

AMRA DURAKOVIC

Amra is a consultant helping brands and businesses create custom PR & marketing strategies that work! With nearly 15 years of experience spanning across many continents, Amra lives and breathes communications.

$18

The 10th biannual Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo returns to the Hamilton Convention Centre on November 2nd & 3rd with nearly 100 top brands and guest speakers showcasing their latest products and services addressing the needs of new or soon-to-be parent(s), the ones with a toddler, or the extended family and friends. Confirmed brands include Baby World of Stoney Creek, Thinkamajigs, Barefoot Babies, Tupperware, Hello Fresh, and many more!

Helping parents navigate the world of children 0 – 5 years old has always been the mandate for this expo, and the toy industry continues to do an incredible job of keeping pace with innovation and trends seen beyond the toy aisle in order to bring kids and families exactly what they are looking for: “Play that is engaging, enriching, and fun," says Jacqueline Hunter, show director for the upcoming expo.

With the help of Bump, Baby and Toddler expert Lauren Costie, M.SLP RegCASLPO, Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of Lingo Therapy, here are the top five toy finds encouraging language development.

BA L L OON POWER ED BOAT

BY BAREFOOT BABIES

SPRAY SQ UE E G E E C LE ANING SE T

BY THINKAMAJIGS

Miniature versions of everyday household objects are a great way to help your young child get involved in routines at home. We love this set because it allows your child to join in activities you’re doing anyways and can function as play. You can model tons of descriptive and actions words as you complete chores (wipe, clean, dirty, sweep, wet, dry, etc.) $19.95

This is an excellent toy for language in the bath — just make sure you are in control of the balloon at all times as it can be a choking hazard. This is another toy that needs the adult to make it work, which is essential in creating opportunities for communication. Set up a routine with this toy, using the same words and language each time. Blow the balloon up bit by bit, modelling a word each time. For example, say “blow” or “bigger” and then wait for your child to imitate or attempt to imitate your word. If your child is not yet talking, they may smile, nod, reach, squeal — repeat the word and blow up the balloon. $8

L ATCH E S BOARD

F I N GER PU PPET SET

BY THINKAMAJIGS

BY BAREFOOT BABIES

Lots of language can be elicited and modelled using this toy where there is opportunity to label colours, numbers, location prepositions (beside, under, on top, between), descriptive words (stuck, hard, bright, locked), action words (open, close, lift, pull), and nouns (animals behind the doors).

Allow the child to explore the toy and attempt to open the latches. Children at this age love repetition, so repeat, repeat, repeat!

For more advanced storytelling and imaginative play, this adorable finger puppet set is excellent.

Help your child act out a familiar story or create your own. Be sure to add rich, descriptive language or “story sparkle” into your performance. See if your child then imitates the phrases or words you use. Include dialogue between characters, discuss the story after with your child. "What happened at the beginning, middle and end?" Come up with alternative endings. The possibilities are endless.

$29.95

$23

URBANICITY.COM

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Leo Johnson is a top mover and shaker in Hamilton

a deficit-based approach that assumes newcomers are needy and victims rather than recognising their skills and contributions. Sustainable support systems are the main issue, and the process of integration is a lifetime experience.

CYNTHIA CARPENTER

Cynthia is a freelance writer and poeticminded writing mentor who works at The Hamilton Public Library. Reading, writing, and music are her passions along with yoga and lake swimming.

Empowerment Squared, at King William and Walnut Street in Hamilton, houses a valuable space for newcomers and Hamiltonians to contribute their skills toward building a better community. The thrust of this movement originates with founder and poetic philanthropist Leo Johnson who is backed by staff and active volunteers.

The building Empowerment Squared occupies stood vacant for two years, then came to life as a permanent home for the organization in 2017. The main objective is to support the needs of refugee children and youth arriving in Hamilton. The focus on young people fulfills a specific deficit, as children can be under represented among Canada’s new arrivals. Their specific needs differ and include mental health, specifically pre- and postmigration and settlement trauma.

Broader considerations for newcomers hinge on a sense of disempowerment,

The first year of a newcomer’s life in Canada is when the trauma relaxes, and this is aligned with when the city is excited about offering services to new arrivals. Campaigns often occur over the first six months of arrival. At a later date, when people need the support most, they can be abandoned. Empowerment Squared intends to address awareness of these short falls and build community support through a Gala, in recognition of the efforts and benefits newcomers bring to the city. Planning is underway and the Gala is anticipated for May 2020.

Leo states that he does not speak on behalf of anyone. If people identify with his words and they resonate, so be it. People have put their lives on the line for him and he feels compelled to reciprocate.

So much of what I was fortunate enough to hear resonated with me.

Empowerment Squared has the tagline, “The Power of People”. The idea of people over money is one I genuinely share. When asked how Hamilton in general can move towards this reality, Leo responds that he lived most of his life without money. Money is a medium

that we have placed more emphasis on than the other tools in our toolbox.

Leo suggests listing what we have here in the city rather than concentrating on a deficit model highlighting what we must do. He says stop listing things we need and start looking at what exists and question whether we are adding value to these spaces and resources as a community. This supports a point of view of dignity for us all. We can consider the city the way we look at people — as worthy rather than victims.

When asked how Empowerment Squared helps overcome the friction of original cultural practises being compromised by new Canadian laws and expectations of society, Leo notes that the key is teaching adaptability in order to change parents’ strategies. In other words, giving them the tools to adapt to new ways of achieving the same result.

For instance, one can spank their child, not in anger, but appropriately. Leo suggests engagement in dialogue as to how this made the child feel relative to their misdemeanor. He links his example to spanking a child that has overpowered another child, then engaging in a dialogue about how the overpowering of the spanking feels. This way we empower newcomers with tools they may never have had access to before. The result of the teaching is achieved amicably within the laws and expectations here in Canada.

There is an annual Community Report

which discusses actual changes and impact made by the organization the previous year, such as how many young people became engaged, what improved, and what got worse. Analyzing what went wrong is an honest and transparent approach that establishes emerging needs for the coming year. The assessing of emerging needs is continual and links to the success of Empowerment Squared. 2020 will focus on bringing the Children’s Aid Society and parents on board to understand parenting rules and laws in order to prevent last year’s overwhelming negative occurrence of children being taken from their families.

The meeting also lends itself to educating people as to how they can contribute to building a better community via Empowerment Squared. This meeting was held last week and is open and made accessible to the whole of the community. Empowerment Squared works closely with school children and youth, therefore the Community Report is aligned with the school year.

Leo’s engrossing philosophy lingers along with my attraction to the colourful drums. It is difficult to leave them. I look forward to the continued positive impact Empowerment Squared will bring for the remainder of the year and beyond.

To support or learn more, please visit empowermentsquared.org

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

16

The

Best

coffee spots in Hamilton

SA L T Y ES P RES S O 175 John St S, Hamilton (905) 521-0222

On top of expertly-brewed coffee sourced from 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters in Vancouver, Salty offers delectable lunch and brunch options like smashed avocado toast and chia pudding, with recipes inspired by the owners' respective Australian and Canadian roots.

There's also usually an incredible-looking and always-changing cake (baked daily by Mai Nguyen) on display just tempting you to grab a slice... or four.

S M A L L S CO FFEE 8 Cannon St E, Hamilton

One of James North's most popular caffeine stations, Smalls Coffee is aptly named; it holds the title of the tiniest coffee shop in Hamilton, with a space almost entirely consumed by the sizeable counter, which holds a small case of daily pastries and an espresso machine. You won't find any tables or workspace here; we're talking strictly grab-and-go.

Luckily, the coffee (supplied by Toronto's Sam James Roasters) is beyond excellent, with drinks crafted exquisitely by some of the friendliest folks you'll find.

RE DC H URC H CAFE 68 King St E, Hamilton (905) 407-0459

Located in the historic Victoria Hall in Gore Park, the primo location is a perfect match for Redchurch's gorgeously renovated cafe space and excellent coffee.

High ceilings and ample seating make this an excellent spot for nomadic professionals to plunk down with a latte and laptop. The rear of the cafe also plays host to The Assembly Gallery, allowing coffee drinkers to take in the ever-changing local art on display while they sip.

A rotating selection of coffees and espressos from Toronto's De Mello Palheta Roasters is complemented by seasonal menus of appetizing cafe fare.

SY NONY M SH OP 328 James St N, Hamilton (905) 525-7974

GR U PETTO

24 King St W, Dundas (437) 241-2453

This place is the very definition of a hidden gem.

While most who wander downtown Dundas typically hit up Detour for their coffee needs, a slight "detour" across the street and down the gravel alleyway beside the Horn of Plenty will lead you to a bare-bones, hidden hybrid of a coffee shop and cyclist gear store.

But make no mistake: Grupetto is serious about their coffee. For a richer Italian style roasted coffee, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better roaster in the city; they even make what is arguably the best Americano in town.

SA I N T JAMES EATERY 170 James St N, Hamilton (289) 389-6565

Hamiltonians go to Synonym Shop for the coffee, and stay for the gorgeous, Instagram-worthy aesthetic and curated selection of books and art in this hybrid spot on James North.

Patrons of Saint James Espresso Bar & Eatery frequently leave saying at least one of these things: "Wow, they really know their coffee!" or "That's one of the best brunches I've ever had."Â

Food and drink aside, Synonym's space is just plain beautiful, with bright white walls of exposed brick and woodgrain all over the place. Once you've picked your jaw up off of the floor and taken your share of photos, stagger up to the counter and order from a menu loaded with all of your coffee needs.

There's a reason for that. Not only is Saint James one of many excellent spots to score impeccable coffee, they're also infamous for churning out outstanding brunch dishes that are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. Be sure to pair your coffee with a delectable avocado toast or a dense & fluffy short stack!

URBANICITY.COM

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It's no secret that coffee snobs who crave something beyond Tim Horton's and Starbucks have plenty of fine options in Hamilton's brimming coffee scene.

From local roasters to cafes who have mastered the craft, these are our 2019 picks for Hamilton's Top 10 LOCAL coffee spots for your morning fix (or afternoon, or evening!)

CA N N O N CO FFEE CO. 179 Ottawa St N, Hamilton (289) 700-0088

One word: Waffles. Yes, the coffee at Cannon Coffee Co. is terrific. The Ottawa Street spot is a perfect place to catch up with your friends over a hot cup of something delicious. But if you don't also grab one of the Cannon's gigantic, mouthwatering waffles alongside that cappuccino, you're missing out big time.

Legendary film director Guillermo del Toro calls Cannon's waffles the best he's ever had. Yes, they're that good.

PH IN COFFE E BAR 804 King St W, Hamilton

One of the newest additions to Hamilton's coffee scene, Phin Coffee Bar has also quickly proven itself to be one of the best. These folks get their hands on some very hard-to-find coffee beans, and they do those beans justice with expert, loving brewing technique and craftsmanship in their unassuming Westdale location. Phin Coffee is easy to miss — look for the sandwich board!

R EL AY CO FFEE

27 King William St, Hamilton

Relay Coffee is quintessential Hamilton: the O.G local coffee roaster has been filling cups and waking folks up since 2008 under its original name, Red Hill Coffee.

The famous stand in the Hamilton Farmers' Market later expanded to a sizeable cafe on Concession Street. While the beloved Concession location closed its doors earlier this year, Relay Coffee transitioned seamlessly to an even larger space by the corner of King William and James North; a space which previously held the fondly-remembered Rust City Brewery and Homegrown Coffee.

In many ways, the central downtown location in the heart of our city feels like the home Relay was always destined to be in. Simply put, Relay Coffee Roasters is as Hamilton as it gets.

MU L BER RY STR EET COF F EEHOU SE 193 James St N, Hamilton (905) 963-1365

Mulberry Street Coffeehouse on James North is easily the busiest independent coffee shop in Hamilton, and with good reason; the bohemian vibes are inviting, there's tons of workspace in the spacious yet warm interior, and the fair-trade coffee and food menu are both stacked with deliciousness for days.

They even have local beer from breweries like Collective Arts and Fairweather on tap.

OCTOBER 2019 | THE MOVERS & SHAKERS ISSUE

18

Local hero hikes for those with PTSD This story discusses suicide, PTSD, mental health, trauma and loss.

ALICIA GALLANT

Alicia is a Journalism graduate from Mohawk College and writes for various blogs while freelancing for a number of mediums. She lives in Hamilton and enjoys learning about new restaurants and local business.

Paramedics do so much for the communities they serve, and yet much of the community doesn’t offer the same support for paramedics. The people who are often the first responders in a crisis situation often don’t feel they can turn to anyone in their moments of crisis.

Over 20% of paramedics will experience PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, over the course of their career. Paramedics also experience the highest rates of PTSD amongst all other first responders, according to recent data from the Centre For Suicide Prevention.

Hiking For Heroes is looking to change the services available for paramedics living with PTSD. Ron Sonoda is a hero himself who, as someone living with PTSD, has experienced first-hand what it’s like to not have the proper resources to deal with his mental health. He was a paramedic for the Peel district for about 20 years, and he too knows the depths of how PTSD can be a direct result from the experiences paramedics have on a daily basis. Sonoda was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011, and ended up finding solace in the outdoors.

While in the depths of his suffering, Sonoda would witness firsthand how powerful PTSD can be. He worked alongside Martin Wood, a paramedic who would find himself in the throes of PTSD and who sadly lost his life to the disorder in 2016. It was hard for Sonoda to lose a friend to something he

lived with, and in this loss, he discovered a way to battle his own demons.

Sonoda said of his dear friend on his Hiking For Heroes Go Fund Me page: “I didn’t know how sick you were – you never told me – I never reached out to you to learn about your deep suffering. I still find it difficult believing how YOU ended – a numbered statistic – a HEROES death by suicide.”

Wood loved hiking and walking trails like Sonoda does. He had a lot of collectibles that marked his travels, including a beat-up coffee mug, according to Sonoda.

On Sonoda’s Go Fund Me page to raise money for his Hiking For Heroes mission, he said “I want to live – I’m sick and tired from tragedy, loss, and goodbye.” He found his way to live through discovering the outdoors and the breathtaking trails within Hamilton and beyond; the Bruce Trail.

Sonoda also reported that in the year he lost his friend Martin, which was 2016, there were 68 other paramedics that committed suicide. It’s unclear whether or not it was due to PTSD or a similar disorder or mental illness, but the number is upsetting nonetheless.

Earlier in September, Sonoda walked the Bruce Trail, which expands over 900 km, to remember his friend and to hike towards a greater future to the heroes in our community who need an outlet. He does this every year as a PTSD Hiking For Heroes challenge, and the end goal is to become a Forestry Therapy Guide. He wants to develop a therapy program for those living with PTSD to immerse themselves in nature and find the beauty in the life surrounding them.

When speaking with Caledon Enterprise, Sonoda said of his Forestry Therapy “The sense I got communicating with others (first responders), it is one thing to sit in a clinician’s chair and talk about what has happened to them […] but talking with people who have worn the t-shirt […] these people will be able to respond and communicate in a way that will empower the personal care we need.”

Sonoda’s methods are revolutionary and pioneering, but something could be said for how this alternative form of therapy correlates with scientific evidence that being active and being around peers can help in the recovery process. It offers an option for those who may not feel comfortable going the traditional routes of therapy, which includes sitting with a mental health professional in a room and

"I WANT TO LIVE – I’M SICK AND TIRED FROM TRAGEDY, LOSS, AND GOOD-BYE."

having to talk about things that are hard to process.

According to the Centre for Suicide Prevention, PTSD can be caused by a traumatic event or events, which many paramedics will experience daily.

Some of the signs of PTSD include loss of interest, disassociation, disturbed sleep, and avoidance behaviours. It can be a troubling thing to diagnose as there is an unnecessary and invalid sense of shame and weakness that society places on those living with PTSD. Because of this, many don’t come forward, and for paramedics, it’s a part of their job to intervene in traumatic situations.

The story of Sonoda finding an ambitious endeavor out of darkness and sadness has been inspiring to many.

There’s hope to be found in Sonoda’s passion and in his perseverance, as well as his openness regarding his own PTSD. You can follow Sonoda’s journey on his Go Fund Me page, where he is seeking donations to help make his Forestry Therapy Guide come to fruition.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF HAVING PTSD OR ANOTHER MENTAL ILLNESS OR DISORDER, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR HELP. CANADA SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE: 1-833-456-4566 TEXT CANADA SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE: Text to 45645 KIDS HELP PHONE CRISIS TEXT LINE: Send TALK to 686868 FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT HOPE FOR WELLNESS 24/7 HELPLINE: 1-855-242-3310 TRANS LIFELINE: 1-877-330-6366

You can also dial 911 if you are in an emergency situation or are with someone who is in an emergency situation.

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19

When art meets activism

Photos provided by Anna Wilson

These creative practices, whether it be public art, performance or something less formal all have the same goal: to motivate social and political change.

BEYOND JAMES

Launched in 2019, Beyond James is an independent blog focusing on news and reviews of the Hamilton arts community.

Passionate about the power of the arts and culture to unite communities, Beyond James recognizes that great art isn’t confined to one space or one street in Hamilton: it’s everywhere.

When we think of “protest art,” certain images come to mind — hippies singing around an acoustic guitar, posters with fists, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed-ins.”

Social justice and art have never been far apart. Before #MeToo, there was Sexual Assault: The Roadshow — a travelling exhibit with art inspired by acts of violence. Earlier this summer, protesters in a Hong Kong airport sang a song from Les Miserables, resulting in the music being banned from China’s QQ Music Streaming service. The Occupy movement of the early 2010s had art created and artists associated with the movement.

A new term has even been coined for this type of work: “Cultural Activism.”

This is defined as a type of organizing where “art, activism, performance and politics meet, mingle and interact.”

McMaster University’s Socrates Project has taken note of this trend. On October 23rd, the Project will host Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Psoy Korolenko and historian Anna Shternshis in an all new lecture-concert program. The songs performed during this event were all written during the Soviet Union’s World War II battles against the Nazis and reflect a culture of defiance, revenge, love, hope, and humour. Appropriately titled Singing and Laughing Against Fascism, the music features personal stories, warnings against fascism and dreams for a better future. In an interesting twist (sure to be discussed at the October 23rd event), the songs were thought to be lost to history until the 1990s, and in 2018, eighteen of the songs were recorded with the subsequent album being nominated for a Grammy.

On a more grassroots level, local art activism is alive and well. The Love in the Hammer Choir sprung up earlier this summer following protests at City Hall and has quickly gained momentum. The choir sang together for the first time on August 17th, and now sings every Saturday at 11 am in the City Hall forecourt. They are sometimes accompanied by a guitar, ukulele, or bongo drums, but frequently

utilize only their voices to create powerful music to be heard above protests. Members are handed sheet music when they arrive and are encouraged to come and go as they are able so that everyone feels welcome to participate.

According to its founder, Anna Wilson, Love In The Hammer Choir describes itself as “an organic and peaceful movement to raise our collective voices in solidarity with and in defense of all those who feel unsafe, marginalized, and traumatized by the increasing tensions and expressions of hate-motivated intimidation and violence in our city.”

Over the course of a typical Saturday, individual members arrive and leave as they are able; some stay for a song or two, while others stay for hours.

The group moves around the City Hall and downtown area to wherever their voices are needed most; on August 17th, they stood and sang at the edge of the Pride crosswalk while a march occurred from Gore Park to City Hall.

“It felt good to counter that toxic messaging with songs of love,” says Wilson. “Our voices are stronger together.”

Whether its listening to the songs and stories or creating art in a central place, by bringing people together in shared activities, creative placemaking occurs. One of the concerns that has been frequently voiced by the greater Hamilton community is that the presence of hateful protesters

makes the City Hall and downtown area an unsafe place to be in the middle of a weekend afternoon. However, by operating on an open and adhoc basis, Love in the Hammer Choir operates similarly to the popular “Reclaim the Streets” movements that have taken over major cities in past years.

In this movement, streets are closed down for pedestrian use and popups emerge that can be dance performances, carnivals, story times or anything that shows the demand for greater public space. Conversely, the Socrates Project’s Singing and Laughing Against Fascism serves as a direct connection between the audience, the musicians, and one of the most horrific events of the twentieth century, with the reaction of individuals in the time.

In either case, art movements that are founded in activist efforts have the ability to exert significant public influence and political effort. Their influence on public space, the community they serve, and the priorities of policymakers can have a reach that lasts far beyond their physical presence. To the greater public, these events force us to ask what the role of artists, neighbourhood activists and policymakers is (and should be) in this process. Music is frequently accepted as a common language, and the presence of both the Love in the Hammer Choir and Singing and Laughing Against Fascism speaks volumes.

1. The first Tim Hortons opened on Ottawa Street in 1964. Who would've guessed back then that it would expand to the over 4,846 locations it has today!

2. The mall is named after Lloyd Douglas Jackson, who served as mayor of Hamilton from 1950 to 1962.

3. The three surviving members of the family bequeathed the home to the City with all its original contents in 1959.

4. Both waterfalls belong to the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area.

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