Hi Duranders,

It’s been an interesting week watching our City Council as they struggle with what to do with the billion dollar gift from the province, but there are always good news stories and here are two, shared by Janice Brown:

MEET OLIVIA!

I am delighted to introduce you to Olivia, a very special young Durander who I became acquainted with during activities that we have hosted in the Durand Park since our revitalization.  Most recently, her class at Ryerson carved 30 pumpkins for the very successful Spooktakular hosted byDurand Neighbourhood Association last October!

And now, Olivia’s class working on an assignment called “Chase the Future – 2041”, a project that impacts her generation and how she sees her Hamilton in 2041.

On Thursday afternoon while we were both in the park, Olivia asked me if I knew of a space in Durand where she could implement her idea to create a “pollinator garden”.  I suggested she investigate our alleyways.  By that evening, not only had she found a plot of land where a neighbor was more than willing to allow her to do this, but she had her plot cleared and was beginning to cultivate.  I met up with her again on Good Friday (next day) and learned that her teacher would contribute a bag of soil and some seeds.  She will be planting milkweed and other native plants that will attract our pollinators, and the best part is that she has encouraged her friends to plant their own gardens.  As for her alleyway, she wants to make it a living piece of art! I love her creativity, her enthusiasm, her drive and her initiative.  If anyone can help, I know Olivia could use more soil, any native plants that you might be able to donate and mulch.  She has the tools and more importantly the drive!

Olivia plans on creating a 3-D image of her “pollinator garden” and hopes to be a successful candidate in an upcoming special school Festival in May.  You will also be able to see he work at our 45th DNA Anniversary Party in the Park June 24th.

oliviaOlivia – Good Friday – just starting out!

Please email Janice Brown if you can help Olivia with plants, mulch or soil!

Jedbrown2009@gmail.com

WALKING TOUR – JUNE 3

The AGH is hosting a walking tour led by Bill Manson, author of Footsteps in Time.  The walk is titled:  Hamilton’s Stone Age of Architecture, 1800-1900:  A Historical Walking Tour with Bill Manson.  You can sign up at this link.  The cost is $40 for AGH members and $50 for non-members.