The Hamilton East Ender

Caring and Openness in the HWDSB: Stop and Think About Sanford Avenue School

2013-01-30T07:42:00.001-05:00

The HWDSB logo, designed by me,
symbolizes caring and openness. - Glen Brown

To Tim Simmons and the board of trustees for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board,

As the HWDSB staff member who had the honour of having my design chosen as the Board's new logo back in the nineties, I have always been proud of this fact. I have been proud to be a member of the HWDSB, teaching the children of Hamilton music, art, and other subjects over the past twenty-one years. I'm proud to be a member of the teaching staff at Parkdale School at the present time.

I find it puzzling that when municipal election time comes, some trustees are acclaimed with no opponent choosing to run against them or challenge their seat. Being a trustee is an important, but often thankless, job in our city. I sure hope our elected trustees don't feel complacent, or like no one is watching or cares what is going on.

In the most fundamental way, the school trustees protect the future for the citizens of Hamilton. However, in the past year or so, I believe they have become too narrowly focused, and are making some errors that are pulling the ship off course. I believe the board is making decisions that, by solely focusing on expediency and change, refreshing and renewal at the expense of other values, are creating unecessary harm and confusion.

But back to the logo. When I came up with this design, I was sitting in the lower gym in Memorial (City) School, which at the time was the music room. I had finished a typically rewarding, yet exhausting, day of teaching music. I sat at my desk, looking at the old Board of Ed. logo and searching for some meaning in the image, which had two people symbolized in it: a caring adult forming one side of an H, and a child on the other side. The adult was reaching across and helping the child.

That symbol of helpfulness and caring stood out, so I brought it into my design for the new amalgamated board. I sketched a few ideas, and discovered that a lower case H could be made to look kind of like a W, and so both Hamilton and Wentworth's names could be captured in the image. But in my version there would be three human symbols.

I thought of how three bodies could represent many ages, from very young, through middle school and into high school and adulthood. All of the growth was based around an OPEN BOOK that everyone shared. The open book gave stability to the caring relationship and also represented openness and transparency within the larger community.

When I received a handshake and a certificate from Eleanor Johnstone, I didn't have the opportunity to speak to the trustees and guests to explain these things. But now, I think it's important that this story be told. The values symbolized in our HWDSB logo are being compromised, and the HWDSB brand is being tarnished. The community is having a very difficult time seeing the values of openness, transparency and caring in a couple of recent decisions regarding the destiny of public buildings.

The decision to destroy the old Board of Ed. office, and move the HQ to a suburb in the middle of a residential area is my first case in point. The beauty, architectural value, and the symbolic value of the Board of Ed. building was thrown away, based on simple financial formulae, which I believe were dubiously applied, and which failed to adquately measure the value of the building in other ways. Many important complaints and public concerns were brushed aside as the Board defended its decision making and data gathering.

My confidence in the leadership and values of the present board, as represented in the trustees, is now taking another serious blow, as they are about to destroy the Sanford Avenue School building. Juding by the stories and information that have come out in recent weeks, I'm not convinced that due diligence has been taken with making this decision.

I cite the following:

What strikes me about these writers is that they represent citizens of Hamilton. They write on behalf of people who have no voice in this discussion, namely, the citizens who live in the neighbourhood of Sanford Avenue. The building belongs to the neighbourhood, and its loss would be their loss. And now, with an offer to purchase and re-work the property on the table, it is baffling to hear that you still don't want to put a hold on things or reconsider.

Where are the HWDSB's values of Innovation? Where are the values of caring, growing together, and openness as symbolized in the HWDSB logo?

Our Board of education trustees have definitely got their plates full all of the time! They are to be respected and thanked because they are among the very few in our communities who stand there to represent the educational needs of children, and to see that the children (and through them, their families) get the BEST possible education.

My strong, positive and hopeful feelings about the HWDSB are being tested more than ever.

What is going on?

We've been pretty good at our creativity and support of innovation in lots of ways EDUCATIONALLY. But I believe we're bombing out in the area of being civic leaders. The board of education can really make a positive change at no cost by reconsidering this demolition order. God knows we need some good news these days. There is NO GOOD NEWS coming out of the demolition of Sanford Avenue School.

Please, please, please take a step back! Stop the demolition process. Put a hold on it. Open up the process. What's the hurry? There is too much of the Board's reputation at stake here. This is not just a minor thing. It's a beautiful building well worthy of remaining in place.
Show some leadership and courage.

Sincerely,

Glen Brown, OCT
Teacher, Parkdale Elementary School

Ron Palangio Group: Five (5) Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vale...

2012-01-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

Ron Palangio Group: Five (5) Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vale...: Valentine's Day is a minefield of quirky expectations, coded phrases, missed hints, unexpressed feelings, and I-wish-he-could-read-my-mind f...

Great Music for Good Times

2011-09-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Now appearing at a special event near you. Weddings, Parties, Celebrations, Festivals, Banquets are all covered with the great music of the Ron Palangio Group. Watch for them, or book them for your special event.

One of Hamilton's Best Live Bands for Hire

2011-09-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

The Ron Palangio Group is one of Hamilton's best live bands, and is playing the music you love to hear. Now booking for various special events in the Greater Hamilton, St. Catherines, Niagara Falls, Ontario area. Rock classics, easy listening, top quality music of all types performed to perfection. Come and see The Ron Palangio Group now. Great Music for Good Times.

Controversy over wastewater plant development

2010-01-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

December 30, 2009

STORIES BY EMMA REILLY
THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

It processes millions of litres of sewage a day, covers a 25-block patch of Hamilton's east end, and has become one of the most controversial issues in the city.

The Woodward Avenue wastewater treatment plant is the lynchpin of the city's hopes for future development. It's slated for a $700-million upgrade that will boost its capacity from 409 million litres a day to 500 million litres a day.

City staff and Hamilton's media have repeatedly reported that the aging facility is operating at capacity -- a claim recently called into question in an explosive e-mail from former city staffer Abdul Khan.

His allegations have prompted an external and internal audit of the water and wastewater division, and a probe into the capacity of the plant.

So what should Hamiltonians believe? Does the plant have enough capacity to handle development? Or does the city desperately need an expanded wastewater treatment system?

Jim Harnum, Hamilton's senior director of environment and sustainable infrastructure, estimates the plant is currently processing about 360 million litres a day, or about 85 per cent of capacity.

However, Harnum says the remaining 15 per cent of capacity has already been allocated to development projects -- in Waterdown, Elfrida, Binbrook and the airport lands -- hence the need for expansion.

"We have to plan for up to 10 years out," Harnum said. "When we say we're at capacity, we say given the current status of the plant and given our current plans, that's going to bring us to capacity."

Without the wastewater treatment plant upgrade, Harnum says the city could be in serious trouble. Hamilton's long-term development plans hinge on revamping the plant to accommodate Hamilton's expanding footprint.

City council has even floated the possibility of a development freeze if the upper levels of government don't provide the $200-million boost the city needs to complete the upgrades.

However, due to the recession and the dip in the number of businesses operating in the city, far less sewage is being sent through the system than the city expected. Hamilton is also falling about 60 per cent short on development targets laid out by the province.

But while slower development means more space in the wastewater treatment plant, it could also mean higher residential water fees since the city plans to use development charges to help pay off the plant upgrades.

These issues have prompted Rob Rossini, the city's general manager of finance, to call for a slowdown in the $2-billion, 10-year plan to revamp the city's water and wastewater system, which includes the Woodward Avenue plant.

The original rollout loads $1 billion of the price tag onto the first three years of the decade-long implementation schedule. Rossini says the timeline -- and the spending -- should be stretched.

"Can we push it out? And if so, how far?," Rossini asked.

Meanwhile, city staff say the airport employment growth district can move forward without the wastewater treatment plant upgrades -- for the time being.

About 30 per cent of the proposed 830-hectare section of employment lands can be developed without the wastewater treatment plant expansion, said Guy Paparella, director of industrial land and airport development.

That means the 30-year airport project, touted as the most important economic development initiative for Hamilton's future and its greatest opportunity for job growth, can proceed for only the next five to 10 years without upgrades to the Woodward Avenue plant.

If the water and wastewater system upgrade expands beyond the 10-year timeline to save money -- as Rossini suggests -- the airport land project could meet a stalemate.

"Right now, all I can say unequivocally is that for the foreseeable future, over the next five to 10 years, the airport employ growth district can proceed and there won't be any impact on Woodward at this point," said Paparella.

"Beyond that, we have to look at other servicing schemes for the other phases."

ereilly@thespec.com

905-526-2452

Waterfront Trail News

2009-12-05T10:11:00.001-05:00

Here's the link the the City's web pages to get the full story...

SIU exonerates Policeman in Red Hill Shooting

2009-11-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 13
/CNW/ - The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has concluded that there are no reasonable grounds to believe an officer with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) committed any criminal offence in relation to the firearm injuries sustained by a 30-year-old man in September.

The SIU assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of the incident. On the night of Sunday, September 13, 2009, two plainclothes police officers were patrolling the vehicular and railway overpasses that traverse the Red Hill Valley in east Hamilton. Their presence was in response to reports that individuals were throwing rocks and other items from the overpass onto the Red Hill Valley Expressway, and at times at cars. At approximately 9:00 p.m., as the officers walked toward the east end of the Canadian Pacific Railway bridge, they saw two males.

The officers approached the men, and identified themselves as police officers. One of the men fled, and was pursued by one of the officers. Meanwhile, the subject officer was struck across the face by the other man, David Rayner-Hagen. The officer stumbled backwards, and Mr. Rayner-Hagen struck the officer's head several times with a sawed-off shotgun. While attempting to disarm him, the subject officer fell onto his back. Mr. Rayner-Hagen continued to strike the officer with the shotgun, and then pointed the barrel of the shotgun at the officer, saying he would kill him. The officer shot Mr. Rayner-Hagen several times, causing his significant injury. Director Scott said, "The subject officer was justified in law in shooting Mr. Rayner-Hagen under ss. 34(2) of the Criminal Code, as he had a reasonable apprehension of death from Mr. Rayner-Hagen who attacked the officr and pointed a sawed-off shotgun at him. Further, the officer believed on reasonable grounds that he could not otherwise preserve himself from death."

The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police. Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.

For further information: Monica Hudon, SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES, Telephone/No de telephone: (416) 622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342

http://www.newswire.ca/en/info/contact.cgi

East End robber sought

2009-08-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

From CHML newsroom:

Hamilton Police are looking for the public's help in identifying a suspect that robbed a bank and fast food outlet's in Hamilton's east end.

On Friday, August 14, at around 5:30 p.m. a man robbed the Scotia Bank at the Center Mall.

The suspect was wearing a red hoodie, hood up, with a ball cap, black track pants and large sunglasses.

On Tuesday, August 18th he robbed the KFC at 45 Parkdale Avenue. Entire article at:

http://www.900chml.com/channels/reg/newslocalgeneral/Story.aspx?ID=1131258

Article from thespec.com

2009-08-19T16:49:00.001-04:00

East-end youth with nothing to do...again!

Please visit link: http://www.thespec.com/article/620119

ROBBERY SUSPECT 'NOT THE NORM'

2009-08-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

A senior is suspected of holding up an east end bank yesterday.

The witness description of the man who held up the Bank of Nova Scotia at Barton Street East, near Kenilworth Avenue North, has him between 60 and 70 years of age.

Hamilton police will review bank videotape to verify the description but if it is correct "it's certainly not the norm," said Acting Staff Sergeant Ryan Diodati.

The man entered the bank at about 5:30 p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money. He indicated he had a gun. He was given an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen riding a bike westbound on Barton.

Diodati said it's too early to say if the holdup is linked to the Robber in Drag, a stocky thug who has knocked over two other banks this week dressed as a woman.

TWO ILLEGAL FIREARMS FOUND AFTER POLICE SEARCH HOME

2009-08-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

Two illegal firearms were found by Hamilton police when they searched an east Hamilton home following the discovery of drugs in a car during a traffic stop.

An AR-15 assault rifle and a loaded .32-calibre handgun were found in the Coronation Avenue home late Tuesday night. A quantity of hashish was also seized.

Police say they were conducting an investigation into illegal firearm sales in east Hamilton when a car was pulled over earlier in the evening. Three occupants of the car were arrested. A 24-year-old Hamilton man faces 16 charges, including possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a firearm obtained by crime.

MPP Wayne Marston standing up for pensioners

2009-08-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

From MacLean's magazine article: (Thursday, August 13, 2009)

Driven by concern that Nortel pensioners could lose 30 to 40 per cent of their pension income, on June 16 NDP MP Wayne Marston (Hamilton East- Stoney Creek) introduced a motion in the House of Commons to look into putting pension fund claimants ahead of other creditors in the event of bankruptcy proceedings. It was passed with unanimous support.

Nice Liberal gesture, but Merulla will stick with NDP

2009-08-15T09:25:00.001-04:00

An interesting slant... nice to know Merulla is a man of principle.

TheSpec.com - Local - Nice Liberal gesture, but Merulla will stick with NDP

Shared via AddThis

Girl in Critical Condition, Bike Helmet Saved Her Life

2009-08-05T18:06:00.001-04:00

August 04, 2009 Hamilton Spectator
A 12-year-old girl is reported in critical but stable condition at McMaster University Medical Centre with head injuries suffered when her bike was hit by a minivan about 1:15 p.m. Monday on Allan Avenue, a block-long residential street east of Kenilworth Avenue and north of Britannia Avenue in east Hamilton. Police Sgt. Marty Schulenberg says charges are unlikely because the girl reportedly rode into the van’s path from between two parked cars. Despite the severity of the girl’s injuries, the police spokesman said she is expected to make a full recovery. She was wearing a helmet, which may have saved her life.

Flood Compensation Meeting To Resume Tuesday

2009-08-02T09:32:00.001-04:00

Ken Mann 7/30/2009
Political gamesmanship is on full display in Hamilton.
City politicians have been unable to vote on a compassionate grant program for flooding victims, after three councillors left an emergency meeting during a brief recess on Thursday.
Lloyd Ferguson, Bob Bratina and Maria Pearson were opposed to the extent of a comprehensive relief package which had the support of the majority of those in attendance, and would have resulted in the city paying for all uninsured losses resulting from Sunday's storm.
The trio's departure forced an end to the meeting, since not enough politicians were left to continue.
Ward 5's Chad Collins, a supporter of the compensation plan, says they have "turned their back on the people of this community who need help".
He notes that all it takes is a tour of one of the affected neighbourhoods to know that people are trying to recover from a "disaster".
The city's General Manager of Finance has warned that the cost of compensating all uninsured losses is unknown and likely to cost tens of millions of dollars. Rob Rossini also worries that it amounts to "inviting insurance companies to deny claims".
Mayor Eisenberger says that he doesn't like to see councillors "playing with quorum", but he admits that he's pleased that they'll be getting more time to understand "the impacts of what might be occuring here".
The meeting will resume on Tuesday afternoon.
Three thousand claims for assistance have been made to the city since Sunday. That number is expected to reach at least five thousand.

Merulla has his priorities right

2009-07-28T08:18:00.001-04:00

Here's the Spec article where councillor Sam blasts the council and the press for leaving thousands of us swimming in s**t.

Please visit link: http://www.thespec.com/article/607953

MERULLA DECLARES STORM EVENT A STATE OF EMERGENCY

2009-07-28T07:51:00.000-04:00

Hamilton, ON July 27, 2009 Councillor Sam Merulla (Ward 4 East Hamilton) is demanding the following actions in response to yesterday's intense storm:

· An emergency meeting of the City's Committee of the Whole and/or Council
· To bring forward a motion at the next available opportunity seeking full compensation to chronic victims who have been impacted by the storm event of July 26, 2009 and who have been denied insurance coverage due to Hamilton's infrastructure deficit

· To receive an update on all previous outstanding claims
· Bulk Collection and Transfer Stations accommodate affected residents of flooding

"Thousands of residents have been impacted by the recent failure of Hamilton's infrastructure," said Merulla. "Several residents are expected to pay for flood damage because they have been denied from their insurance companies due to the state of Hamilton's infrastructure deficit."

UPDATE: 4:00 P.M.

Special Meeting of Committee of the Whole/Council confirmed for Thursday, July 30th, 1:30 p.m., Convention Centre, Albion Room re: Storm/Flooding

Waste Collection:
The City is waiving the one plus one garbage bag limit for areas affected by flooding for the next two weeks. Quantity limits will not be waived in any area other than those impacted by flooding. This is not a City-wide exemption of waste quantity limits. As well, bulk disposal rates will be waived for residents in flooded areas who take damaged goods or waste to a transfer station.

The City encourages all affected residents to take the following actions to report claims:

·       Call the City's Claims Hotline (905-667-3157) and your information will be recorded
·       Call your insurance company immediately
·       Have someone come to your home immediately (within 48 hours) to assess the damages in your home this could reduce cleanup costs significantly

· The City has a compassionate grant program. Applications are available through the City's Claims Hotline

Here are some important telephone numbers and a website you should have as well.

Flood Claims Hotline 905-667-3157
City Customer Contact Centre 905-546-CITY (2489)
Horizon Utilities 905-522-6611
Union Gas - 1-877-969-0999
Public Health Tips - www.hamilton.ca

Thank you.

Councillor Sam Merulla,
City Hall: 905 546 4512
24hr pager: 905 777 7491
Email-smerulla@hamilton.ca

Is East Hamilton, Ontario, Safe? Yahoo Knows!

2009-07-27T10:51:00.000-04:00

This question came up in Yahoo Canada Answers recently:

Is East Hamilton Ontario Safe?
I am considering a move from Toronto to Hamilton because of the cost of living...however; is it safe?

Here is one of the answers... can you believe people actually think like this?
No. I would compare that area, in Hamilton to the worst parts of Parkdale, or Moss Park, or Regent Park, in Toronto. Old run down streets, with small little houses, and lots of low class people, with drug addicts and hookers on just about every corner. If you must move to hamilton, look at the mountain, which is a bit better, and isn't so dirty, and run down. I don't think that hamilton is any cheaper than Toronto is. Take a day to drive out there and see for yourself , and note the defeated look of the people on the streets in east hamilton.
Jim B. Toronto.

Here is the Best Answer - Chosen by Voters:
the guy above (Jim B) has no fk'n clue what he's talking about, East end Hamilton is pretty safe, it depends on the area, bc the east end goes into Stoney Creek which has some very nice neighbourhoods, the downtown core is very run down but is getting better, Hamilton house prices are waaayyy lower than u can find in Toronto, just ask the thousands of Torontonians that have moved to Hamilton in the past 2 - 3 years...Hamilton has lots of good points, it's not all the steel mills that u see from the QEW.....
Source(s):
life long Hamiltonian

My wife and I shared some good laughs when we recently walked around our lovely east end neighbourhood and observed all of the "drug addicts and hookers on every corner" and the "defeated looks" on the people's faces. WTF! I would dimiss this person's comments immediately, except for the fact that the person actually sat down and took the time to put it into words. I choose to live here because I like it. I like the people, I like the facilities, I like the vibe. This area is full of possibilities, full of life and full of people who care about what happens tomorrow.

The whole discussion on Yahoo is here.

Obviously, they HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO

2009-07-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

All this, within a week...

Parkdale Ave. and Queenston Rd. July 21 – Witnesses spotted two youths spray-painting commercial mailboxes at 1 a.m. and called police. When officers arrived, the suspects tried to flee and were apprehended. The youths, 14 and 15, are charged with two counts each of mischief under $5,000.

Main St. E. and Adeline Ave. July 19 – Hamilton Police and Fire responded to a dumpster fire at Sir Winston Churchill high school at 4 a.m. The flames were doused quickly with minimal damages. Police are investigating.

Strathearne Ave. and Barton St. July 17 – Witnesses called police just before midnight reporting three youths were spray painting the side wall of the strip mall. The suspects fled when officers arrived in the lot. Police apprehended the duo on the train tracks nearby. All were in possession of spray paint cans. Each, age 16, are charged with mischief under $5,000.

CN Rail bridge near Battlefield Park and Centennial Prkwy July 15 – Motorists called police at 7 p.m. after witnessing a group of teens spray painting the bridge. Police found four youths at the location. Three of them, two males and one female were released unconditionally to their parents. A 16-year-old male from Hamilton is charged with mischief under $5,000 after he was found with a can of spray paint.

Kenilworth Access July 15 - A 19-year-old Hamilton man was driving down the Kenilworth Access at 3 a.m. when a rock crashed through his windshield. The man stopped and jumped out and spotted three youths above the road near the reservoir and rail trail bridge. They turned and ran into the bush. Police are looking for three young men, who were all wearing dark shorts. All three wore hoodies, one a black one, another green and the third red.

Woodward and Melvin Ave. July 17 – Police attempted to pull over a driver at 12:30 p.m. for a traffic violation. The suspect continued along Melvin before abruptly turning into a random driveway and fleeing the car. Officers pursued him on foot then found six pounds of marijuana in the car. A 47-year-old Hamilton man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and proceeds of crime.

That's a LOT of RAIN!

2009-07-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

July 26, 2009
Dana Brown - THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

TheSpec.com - BreakingNews

Red Hill access from QE.

The Red Hill Valley Parkway is expected to be completely open by Monday morning. Mayor Fred Eisenberger, whose own home was hit in the severe flooding the plagued the city, said the southbound lanes are expected to open in two to four hours. The northbound lanes will follow in six to eight hours.

Eisengber said there had been some shoulder damage on the roadway and barriers that had shifted. It was initially anticipated the roadway may have had to stay closed for up to 48 hours as a precaution against further rains. Flooding from Sunday’s powerful storm, which swept through the city around midday, caused the closure of the Red Hill off-ramps from the QEW.
According to Environment Canada monitoring stations, the storm pummeled down 28 mm of rain, although a meteorologist with the agency believes the amount that actually fell was higher.

Radar estimates from Buffalo show more than 100 mm may have hit the city, but those measurements can be up to 50 per cent off.The meteorologist also said it’s likely the city, which was the hardest hit by Sunday’s storm, will get more rain tonight.Hydro One, which handles some customers in Hamilton, reported a handful of people without power as of 2 p.m. in Ancaster, Binbrook, Beverly, Glanbrook and Glanford.Emergency crews were sent scrambling around Hamilton to deal with the aftermath of the downpour, which left hundreds of homes flooded and streets and cars submerged in water.

Houses particularly affected appear to be those in the east end. East end councillor Sam Merulla sent out an email saying he has been "flooded by pages and phone calls of victimized residents with raw sewage in their basement."He later said most residents had been affected up to nine times in five years of flooding, which he called a state of emergency. Merulla called on all levels of government to come to the aid of Hamilton.The storm follows a short and sharp spattering of rain the city received yesterday afternoon. The precipitation yesterday totalled 23.4 mm.

The greatest amount of precipitation in the city on July 26 fell in 1989, with 107 mm.

Student Cellphones + Hoax = Chaos at Bishop Ryan

2009-07-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

So, If you think kids should have cellphones in the classroom, how do you filter the information they feed to their parents when in a lockdown? Read on....

The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 11, 2009)

"Check the news. Police have us in the gym. There's a guy with a gun."

-- Text from Bianca, 17, to her mom during a lockdown at Bishop Ryan high school yesterday

We give our kids cellphones in case of an emergency. We want them to be able to contact 911. Or us. We are comforted knowing we can communicate with them in a crisis. Yesterday there was a crisis. Born out of a hoax. And the cellphones just made it worse.

A growing group of worried parents flocked to strip malls, street corners and parking lots surrounding Bishop Ryan school just after 8 a.m. Most were drawn by a flurry of text messages from students, other parents and friends.

Something bad is happening at BR. Police are there. Parents -- some of whom had just dropped off their children at the east Hamilton school for summer school or volleyball camp moments earlier -- raced back. They found streets blocked by at least a half-dozen cruisers, lights flashing. They saw the heavily armed tactical Emergency Response Unit going in.

Anxiety began to turn to panic. "There's been a shooting," came the text from 16-year-old Josh. His mom Lori rushed from Fortino's to the school. "I'm nervous," she said, standing as close to school property as police would allow. She held her cell and glanced at it often.

Officers guarding the perimeter couldn't -- or wouldn't -- give parents information. More moms and dads arrived by the moment. Some parked their cars in the first place they could -- blocking in whole parking lots of vehicles -- so they could run closer to the school.

Virtually all the parents worked their phones, desperately trying to both gather information and reassure their children. But really, the bulk of information flowing from phone to phone was wrong. Worse than wrong. Wildly off-base.

Rather than reassure, it just created more fear. "We've heard someone was shot," one mom said. "We've heard there's a guy with a gun." "I've heard there's someone with a gun, too," another mom echoed.

Here are the facts according to Inspector J. Anderson:

At 8:03 a.m. police received a 911 call from a man who claimed to have seen a young man with a handgun entering Bishop Ryan.

The first police officers arrived two minutes later. The school was ordered into lockdown. At first, all 500 or so students were kept in their classrooms. When the ERU arrived and swept the school for a gunman, they moved students into the gym as they cleared each classroom.

At one point, the ERU found a boy in a second-floor bathroom. Not knowing who he was and given that he resembled a description of the gunman from the 911 caller, the boy was handcuffed and taken out of the school. It was quickly determined he was simply a student doing everything he'd been taught to do in a lockdown. He hid in the nearest safe room -- the bathroom.

Unfortunately, when the innocent kid was brought out in handcuffs by police, the crowd of parents jumped to conclusions. He's the shooter.

In fact, nobody was shot. There were never any shots fired. There was no gun. And there was no shooter. Nobody was arrested. "This was a bogus call," says Anderson.

Now police -- who had more than 20 officers at the scene for two hours -- are looking to charge someone for making the call. I interviewed Anderson at the scene in sight of a crowd of parents. When I finished, I crossed the street to where the parents stood. They peppered me with questions. I told them everything Anderson had said.

They didn't believe it.

The information I was giving them didn't jive with what they were getting from their children inside. Or with the rumours. Or even, it seemed, with what they had seen with their own eyes.

"No arrests? But we saw the kid in handcuffs ... "

Ironically, in the tote bag I carried, alongside my own BlackBerry and reporter's notebooks, is a copy of the book I'm reading right now, Columbine, by journalist Dave Cullen. Though nobody said that word yesterday, I'm sure a lot of us were thinking it.

The Columbine horror unfolded 10 years ago. That day, students inside the school and parents on the outside passed around cellphones to try calling their loved ones.

It was the first mass shooting in North America to be talked about and reported on as it happened, thanks to technology. Hindsight tells us much of that information was incorrect. Rumours and speculation generated in the midst of the chaos were perpetuated and sometimes remained as fact for years until being debunked with thorough investigations by police and journalists.

Now nobody needs to share a cellphone. They're ubiquitous. And so is the misinformation.

Susan Clairmont's commentary appears regularly in The Spectator.

sclairmont@thespec.com

905-526-3539

Dog dodges Bullets at Adeline and Brittania

2009-07-07T15:34:00.000-04:00

July 07, 2009

Daniel Nolan
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 7, 2009)

Cats have nine lives, but Storm the dog can certainly count himself nearly as lucky.

He survived four shots being fired at him yesterday by a Hamilton police officer while protecting his master's east Hamilton turf after Joe Soares was accidentally shocked and rushed to hospital by a neighbour.

A few hours after the 1:30 p.m. incident at Soares' home at Britannia and Adeline avenues, Storm was wagging his tail and sniffing the hands of visitors.

The shots fired by the officer all appeared to have gone into the ground, although police say that's not where the officer intended them to go.

Soares suffered a dislocated shoulder and burns to his hands and was being transferred to Hamilton General Hospital from the Henderson General Hospital last night.

"He doesn't care," joked Soares' daughter, Laura, about Storm, a 10-year-old mixed German shepherd and Labrador.

"That dog lives through anything. He's as stubborn as his owner."

He might even be a bit of a hero. Soares told his son, Steve, that after he went down when he drilled into an electrical wire on his fence, Storm pulled on his pant leg. That caused Soares, a retired Windsor Salt Co. worker from Mississauga, to stagger to his feet and seek help from the neighbour.

Steve Soares said his dad was beside himself when he initially misunderstood that the police had shot and killed Storm.

"I was there (in the hospital) when the police told him they had shot his dog," he said. "I took the phone and said, 'No, it's OK, dad. Storm's OK. He said, 'Good. My poor old dog.'"

Staff Sergeant Greg Hamilton said police received a 911 call about a man being injured while working on his back yard fence. The arriving officers did not know Soares had been taken to hospital and went into the back yard and "the next thing they knew the dog was upon them."

The officer fired four shots but "none hit the dog."

Animal control was called to try to capture Storm, but they could not and all left the scene at about 4 p.m.

The family says Storm "barks like crazy" at strangers. They do not begrudge the police officer firing at him.

"You get some bad dogs all the time, but he was just protecting the property," Steve Soares said. "The dog is fine."

dnolan@thespec.com

905-526-3351

Road to Recovery

2009-07-05T22:07:00.000-04:00

A year ago, Nick Perkins was hit by a car, dragged 600 metres and left to die. Yesterday, he found the strength to return to that spot to prove he's 'still fighting. Link to picture

July 04, 2009
Daniel NolanThe Hamilton Spectator
The lanky young man walks confidently down the road. Dressed in blue jeans, a blue-grey jacket and his ever-present striped toque, Nick Perkins doesn't look much different from any other 18-year-old in east Hamilton or anywhere.
"I'm doing awesome," says Perkins, just before he marches down Mount Albion Road yesterday afternoon with about 80 friends, police and media types in tow. "I bike now. I go paintballing. I do anything. I'm back to my old ways. I like anything that is dangerous or scary." It is quite a reversal from where he was a year ago, lying in a pool of blood on the same road, suffering from what Hamilton police described as life-altering injuries.

On July 3, 2008, Perkins was the victim of a grisly hit-and-run on Mount Albion Road, an escarpment road in east Hamilton. He had been out with his best friend and was returning from a party on nearby Parkdale Avenue at about 3:30 a.m. Perkins was run over by a silver sedan at Hixon Road and Mount Albion. The car, believed to contain two men, dragged Perkins to a spot on Lawrence Road almost under the Parkdale Avenue South bridge. Perkins suffered injuries to his head, hands, abdomen, hip and legs and his skin was seared to the bone. He was placed in a medically induced coma and had to undergo four surgeries. There were doubts that he would ever walk again.

The culprits remain at large, although police believe they have a pretty good idea who it is. Perkins' friend was assaulted by the same two men after they hit Perkins. He hid briefly, then jumped on Perkins' bike and chased after them. He found his friend lying on the road, found his cellphone and called 911. Perkins, walking the distance he was dragged, was celebrating his "Alive Day" but was also raising awareness and donations for the Hamilton Acquired Brain Injury Association and Bob Mackie's Archery Range in Beamsville, which has held fundraisers for brain injury programs.

The day was also marked by police with the release of new information they hope will solve the case. They said witnesses say one occupant of the vehicle wore a generic football jersey with '01' on the front and back. There is a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible. "In order to crack the case, we need the driver to come forward and say what he was thinking, or his passenger," said Detective Rob Mayea. "We have to find closure for Nick on this."

Everyone is amazed at Perkins' recovery. He still has two workers helping him grasp his lessons at Mountain Secondary School, and is still going through physiotherapy. And he admits to a cut on his back that hasn't healed yet "because it's itchy and I scratch it and it opens." But he is returning to school this fall to get six credits to finish Grade 12. He has it in the back of his mind to become a social worker, to do something with kids or go into a trade. "From the day I saw him in a coma, I thought 'Oh my God,'" said his best friend, now 17. "I don't know what I can say. It's a miracle, basically." Perkins said he was also making the walk to show others with brain injuries they can overcome "their accident" and regain their confidence. "And to just to show everybody and those people that they didn't knock me down," Perkins said. "I'm still going, I'm still pushing it and I'm still fighting."

Perkins does not remember anything from the accident. "The last thing I remember I was on my bed watching a movie the night before," he said. "I have no memories of my childhood. I have no memories of anything before the accident. The last thing I remember is sitting on the bed the day before the accident and then the day I woke up." The friend doesn't like to talk about it and says he's had nightmares. The two men broke his nose and tried to kick him in the head. Perkins has been amazed at the community's response to his plight. The Hess Village restaurant where Perkins worked and police were among the groups who held fundraisers for him. His walk yesterday was a little way to give back. "It blew my mind how much people cared about the story," said Perkins. "It's unbelievable. I'm so thankful."
dnolan@thespec.com
905-526-3351
THE STORY:
One year ago, Nick Perkins, 17, cycled home along Mount Albion Road with a friend. He fell off his bike and landed in the road. A car drove over him and stopped. Two men got out and robbed Nick's friend. They drove off with Nick pinned under the car. Nick was dragged 600 metres.
WHAT'S NEW:
Police revealed yesterday they know one of the suspects wore a generic football jersey with number "01" on the front and back. Detectives are looking for information to "break the logjam" and solve the case.
NICK'S RECOVERY:
He suffered severe abrasions on his head, back and hip, and spent two weeks in a medically induced coma. He's undergone constant physiotherapy and skin graft surgeries, yet managed to return to Mountain Secondary School to finish his Grade 12.
Yesterday, Nick walked the same 600 metres to celebrate his "Alive Day" and to raise funds for Hamilton Acquired Brain Injury Association.

No Smoking in Public Housing???

2009-06-22T18:37:00.000-04:00

June 22, 2009
City to consider no-puff rule for new public housing; some fear for residents' rights.
Ken Peters
The Hamilton Spectator

Poor people smoke more. But Hamilton health officials don't want them smoking in city-owned public housing. Hamilton's board of health will consider a recommendation today to prohibit all new public housing renters from lighting up in the city's 6,234 units, most of which are available on a rent-geared-to-income basis. Smokers currently living in the units would be exempt from the new anti-smoking rules.
The proposal would ban smoking in all newly acquired public housing and restrict smoking at the entrances and exits to all public-housing buildings.

A city staff report reveals the highest percentage of Hamilton smokers (31.5 per cent) are those who make less than $15,000 a year. In Hamilton, 78 per cent of residents are nonsmokers, and 22 per cent are daily and occasional smokers.
But the recommendation to prohibit all new renters from enjoying a legal product is sure to draw fire.

Hamilton Councillor Sam Merulla, whose ward includes a large public-housing component, won't support the public-health proposal. "From a public-health perspective I concur wholeheartedly. I can't in good conscience encourage anyone to smoke. What we should be doing is increase awareness of our cessation programs as opposed to imposing something I believe is contrary to someone's rights within their own home. "From a human rights perspective I disagree strongly, from a public health perspective I agree we should encourage people to quit smoking and that is where the onus should be put on. Not imposing the the fist of the city on individuals who demographically are considered to be some of the most marginalized in our city," Merulla said.
He added the recommendation would prove to be both unrealistic and unenforceable. Public health officials suggest smoke-free policies encourage people to quit, provide for cleaner homes, reduce fire risks, make for healthier homes and make properties less costly to maintain.

Residents of the city-owned housing in the Oriole Crescent area of east Hamilton, who were interviewed on the matter, were split over the ban.
Shannon Appleby, a smoker, doesn't agree with it. "It's our own choice. We live there, it's our own home. It should be our choice not their choice."
Appleby wondered whether health concerns are at the root of the recommendation or something else. "Is it a health concern or is it money? What does it boil down to? Is it the concern of tenants moving out and the paint they have to put on the walls because of the nicotine? Is it health or is it money?" she asked, adding she suspects the latter is at play.

Alex Sanchez, another smoker, also opposes the plan. "They've already taken bars away, patios. At least let people have their homes," she said. "I don't smoke where there are kids or babies. Everyone should have their own choice." But across the road, Patricia Puna gave the recommendation an enthusiastic thumbs-up. She said the public housing units are built so close together it's hard not to be bothered by the smoking of her neighbours. Puna is bothered by cigarette smoking. "And sadly because of the area it's not just cigarettes. It's more than that. I agree they should stop smoking in city housing."
Puna doesn't buy the argument that public housing residents should be free to smoke in their own homes. "It's your house once you buy it. It's not their house. We all rent and it's also my health and the kids' health," she said. Rose Laws, who smokes two or three cigarettes a day, believes the city plan is a great idea.
And she doesn't believe the proposal marginalizes the poor.
kpeters@thespec.com
905-526-3388

Springy's

2009-06-21T22:09:00.000-04:00

June 20, 2009
Rosie-Ann Grover The Hamilton Spectator

Ed Ciobanu looks like a cyclist.
Tall lean legs, running shoes and a sports pouch clamped around his waist, he scans the bike racks at Springy's in Hamilton's east end, which has been operating in the same location since 1957. But with a turn of the heel he spins around and crosses the store into the newly renovated baby portion.
He bought a Peg Perego Skate baby stroller that transforms into a carriage and bassinet worth more than $600 and spent two hours learning its conversions. He then collected four boxes of wipes and other supplies.

The purchase signifies what's to come for the shop -- the end of an era and it includes a massive bye-bye bike sale in the next few weeks to deplete their stock.
The only bikes they will continue to sell are special needs customized tricycles.
"In the climate we live in, there are seven months out of the year that bikes just don't sell," said owner Anthony Hough, who started there at age 16 fixing bicycles. "Babies are steady."

Hough purchased the business in 2007 with his brother Ellery and says the decision to eliminate bike sales was a long time coming. "It's time to roll with the times. Springy's does baby best," Anthony said. Product lines have evolved for decades in this shop on Barton Street near Ottawa. While it started with bikes and babies, at one point it was selling hockey equipment and doing skate sharpening, fishing rods, shot guns and shells or lawn darts.

They have decided to maintain the repair shop in the rear and will always welcome bikes brought in. "This is something we've been contemplating since taking over the business," Ellery said. "We see where growth is and where static sales are." After the bikes are gone, the brothers are eager to start renovations in the new space and expand product lines. They've promised to keep the rustic pressed tin ceiling and hardwood floors synonymous with the Springy's experience.

"It's hard to let go, but at the end of the day it's a business," Ellery said.
rgrover@thespec.com