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bartonvillage.ca
  • Home
  • Discover Barton
    • Business Directory >
      • Automotive
      • Beauty & Wellness
      • Community Service
      • Food & Drink
      • Professional Service
      • Retail
    • The Barton Villager Blog
    • Cycling on Barton
    • Barton History
    • Art on Barton
    • Barton Village in the News
    • Newsletter
  • FESTIVAL
    • Volunteer
    • Perform
    • Sponsor
    • Be a Vendor
    • History
  • What We Do
    • General Info
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Property Safety
    • Digital Marketing Grant
    • Useful Info
    • Member Info
  • Invest on Barton
  • Contact Us

the barton villager BLOG

DARDON AUTO Sales & Service

6/11/2021

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Email: dardanautosales@hotmail.com
Address: 
366 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Y1
Phone: (905) 818-1387

Website: https://dardanauto.com​ 
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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Wow, June already!  Where does time go?  It seems, to me at least, that the last year has flown by.  I am becoming quite adept at finding things to do, occupying my mind, sans company!  Writing this blog, has been good for me, normally I would be roving the Barton Village neighbor hood, chatting to new retailers and sampling their wares.   Instead, I have managed to have some “distanced” side walk chats, and taken a few photos.  Added to that, this has been the year that I have started a back yard oasis.  Well, I use the term loosely, but I am starting and hopefully by this time next year, I will have an amazing spot to sit, contemplate and reflect on what comes next in my life.  Landscaping on my front garden was completed by another wonderful, local, gal.  Although she is not technically in the Barton Village BIA area, she is in Central Hamilton, and is beyond amazing.  Hiring local, is my mandate for the years going forward.  One thing I have learned from this past 14 months or so is what an amazing pool of talented people, Barton Village has.  Our younger entrepreneurs are using their talents to be more creative, finding new pathways and outlets to explore and produce.  I wish I had been more creative in my younger years, however, my Nana used to say, it’s never too late to learn, so at 70, I am putting my creative juices to work. How will I survive without the larger conglomerates?  Easy, I just visit Barton Village!  We have bakers, butchers, (yes, and candle stick makers!!). We can buy fresh produce & pizzas.  We have restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, bike repairs and accountants.  You can self create your own cakes, buy delicious candy (and yes, it is delicious).  We have great first responders close by, our wonderful fire department, and, let’s not forget our amazing hospital and all their wonderful staff.  We have an amazingly staffed walk-in clinic and two pharmacies.  We have churches and community centers, we open our hearts and doors to feed and clothe those in need.  If you feel like practicing meditation and self reflection, if you need to stretch & relax, or just need a quiet moment away from home, we have you covered; yes we have our own yoga studio.    
I am experiencing all that our Barton Village has to offer & thoroughly enjoying it.  With so many new stores opening within reach of my home, I am practicing one year away from mass retail, one year away from the larger conglomerates.  I invite you to join me…….let’s put our money where our hearts lie.

DARDAN AUTO Sales & Service
Today I would like to introduce you to one of the nicest men I know.  He is Rudy, owner and mechanic at DARDAN Auto Sales & Service, on the corner of Oak Avenue & Barton Street.  I have been taking my car in for service, ever since they opened.  Rudy is kind, considerate and honest.  He offers a 20% senior discount, which is amazing.  And, I have to say he will go out of his way to assist you.  There were a couple of times when my car would not start; it was parked in my driveway off the alley.  Rudy came over to help me out.  Another time his son came over, to start my car, gave me a lift to the Center Mall, for an eye appointment and drove my car back to be repaired, before my appointment was over.  Rudy was telling me, last week, that because he had no seen me, since my accident in January, he had walked over to my home to see if I was ok.  He did not see my car in the drive, and he became concerned about me.  How special is that?  
Rudy has now brought his other son, Egzon, into the business as co-owner.  You will meet Egzon when you go to visit; he has varied roles, in sales and maintaining the running of the shop.    These guys are not new to Barton, they had a previous business on the street, but they are becoming more known for their auto repairs.  As well as having used vehicles for sale, you can buy new and used tires among many other things.  I know from experience, if they do not have the part you need, they will find it.  Rudy has another son (a few of them seemingly) who is now apprenticing with him, on Barton Street.  This is definitely a family affair.
Rudy is extremely proud of his certificate, awarded to him through the city of Hamilton.  I don’t blame him for his excitement and joy at receiving this accolade, after all,  he has worked hard these past 10 years on Barton Street.    Good job Rudy and Egzon, well done, I am happy for both of you.
There is also another mechanic, whom I have not met yet, I believe his name is Antonio.  
A second location will be opening soon in the beautiful town of Dunville.  I was honored to receive an invitation to visit.   If you have friends or family living out that way, let them know about Dardan auto repairs. I am not sure of the exact date of opening, although I believe it will be just before summer.
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Barton Lettuce

4/27/2021

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Brrr, it’s a cold, winter like day.  Today is April 21st, the 37th birthday of my son, and, I remember years gone by, when we would be out and about in our shorts and tees, celebrating his special day!!   Not today, at least for us in Southern Ontario. I do hope you didn’t get your plants in the ground too early!!  Some of my friends were fooled by the recent warm weather, and they have now developed, what I refer to, as “ground stress”.  I know a couple of friends had to go out rescue the many vegetable and plants.  A quick cover up of their labour!!  Let’s all hope that these plants will rebound and grow to full maturity, without a blip or blemish. 

Talking of plants & vegetables, in my last blog, I briefly introduced you to Alex Sinclair, owner of the latest store at 337 Barton Street East. The store is situated between Suru Yoga Studio and Crumbled.  On the # 2 bus route.  There is meter parking on Barton Street, and parking on the side streets.  

​Because of the COVID restrictions, Alex and I were not able to have a sit down style interview, which we would normally have done at one of our great Barton village coffee shops, but we did, have a nice sidewalk chat, distanced and masked.  I learned that Alex lives locally so she is very knowledgeable about our Barton neighbourhood.  As a resident herself, she loves the idea of being in a “walkable” city.  She also found that there really wasn’t anywhere, close by, that sold “fresh” produce.  Her dream is to open her new store, in order to provide quality ingredients, such as fruit and produce, to our local residents, providing accessibility to all.   

Barton Lettuce is wheelchair accessible, the front door being approximately 31 inches wide.  There is a slight bump, but this would easily be managed, for wheel chairs and people with walkers and those with vision impairments.  
The plan is for the store to be open seven days a week.  Alex hopes to be able to keep prices competitive. She plans to have great sales and many promotions.  
I, personally, look forward to shopping here for my own fresh produce, what a great addition to our neighbourhood.
Please help me in welcoming Alex to Barton Street.
I will keep you updated on the opening progress and any promotions and/or sales she has.
Email: info@bartonlettuce.com
Address: 337 Barton Street East
Phone: (647) 383-6707

Website: www.bartonlettuce.com
Facebook & Instagram: @bartonlettuce
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Alexandra Sinclair
​Owner/Operator
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April 2021 Blog Post

4/20/2021

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Hello Everyone.  April showers abound, which means that May flowers will be showing their glorious heads soon.  I do love spring, of all seasons and for many reasons.  It’s the path into summer, and I am indeed a summer person.  Gardens are blooming.  Tee Shirts and shorts are being worn, at least more frequently (the mail man has been wearing his for at least 3 months now). The sun is shining more and temps are warming up, it seems the last of the snow banks have melted, at least where I live. It’s also my birthday month, and that of my first born.  Have you ever noticed how many Aries babies there are?

I also welcomed the birth of my granddaughter this month, on April 9th she arrived.  I keep saying there is always a silver lining to every dark cloud.  And we all know that this past year has been darkened.  However, I have come to learn to love the word “pivoting”.  It has indeed been a time of doing this, lots of creativity at work, people throwing out the old and bringing in the new.  I know many seniors that are now learning new skills, like how to use a computer and other technology. I am personally on 3 zoom classes!!   I never thought this was something I would enjoy doing.  I have an 85 year old friend, who is beyond delighted; she can now connect with her overseas siblings, and grand children on a more frequent basis, from learning about computers, and all the social media that goes with it.  What a way to stay connected and how fortunate we have this medium now.  There are of course many, who do not have access to their own computer, or even a cell phone, I often think about them and wonder how it must feel, not to be a part of this new world.  Isolation is indeed a lonely experience.  We must reach out to one another; perhaps have a porch visit, with a senior in our own neighbourhoods.  Drop off a coffee, from one of our local cafes.  Perhaps bring our own device, and connect these people with their own family, neighbours, friends, for a moment. 

Of course, being unable to actually visit, in doors with others is difficult at this time, so let’s put our creative “pivoting” to great use.
Because of our new restrictions, and of course the rain, I have not been able to wander around my Barton Village neighbourhood for a while, but I am keeping in touch with what’s happening.  Normally, for this blog, I would arrange a sit down, coffee chat, with those new to our community, however, that has not been possible lately.  Although, I did get to chat with a couple of great entrepreneurs this past week or so, hopefully I’ll have more information and news about them in the following editions.
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Yesterday as walked along Barton St, I took a look at the new field hospital, being erected on the parking lot, behind the General Hospital. You can also see it from the parking lot at the Mark Preece House.  I must admit to having a déjà vu moment, of the Vietnam War, whilst living in Australia.  We had army barracks, built on the premises of the hospital I worked at, Prince of Wales, in Sydney.  I met many GI’s, from the US in those days, both as patients and many who were spending their R&R in Sydney.  
So this field hospital is planned to hold 80 beds, as our hospitals are becoming overwhelmed at this time.  I am not sure, as of this blog, when they will actually be opening.  My understanding is that the patients, who are nearing the end of their hospital stay, will be moved to this “temporary” hospital, in order to lessen the burden from within the Hamilton Health Sciences. 
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BARTON LETTUCE
On a lighter note, I met a wonderful young lady yesterday, her name is Alex Sinclair, and she has leased a unit on Barton Street, close to Emerald St.  Her store will hopefully open on May 01; at least that is her intention.  She is busy renovating the space and yesterday I saw that her new signage had been erected.  I will be speaking more with Alex over the next few weeks, to learn more about her venture, and to give all contact information.  What I do know, so far, is that she will be selling environmental and sustainable produce.  Her store is between the Suru Yoga studio, and Crumbled.  I have not gotten any official photos yet, hopefully I’ll have them for the next instalment.  Let’s all welcome Alex to our amazing Barton Village. 

Ok, I have a couple of wee requests for you.  First off, I think we should give my blog a new name, I was thinking  something that will capture the attention of more senior community members, something chatty, something catchy.  So, here’s what I am offering.  The person who submits the winning name will receive a gift card for a Barton business of their choice.
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Please feel free to share these blogs with other seniors in our neighbourhood.  My aim is to get as many seniors out, when it’s safe to do so, to wander our street and see what wonderful new stores we have,  to sit and have a coffee, meet new friends and simply enjoy our up and coming community.   
In order to stay up to date with what is happening in Barton Village please sign up for their newsletter, email info@bartonvillage.ca to be added.
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Until next time.
Linda​
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New field hospital in the parking lot behind Hamilton General Hospital.

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New field hospital in the parking lot behind Hamilton General Hospital.
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Advize Agency

4/9/2021

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Hello, I’m back again, after taking a wee break for personal reasons.  The last few months have certainly been challenging for many of us, and I feel it is ok to take some time out for yourself, to reevaluate, rejuvenate and regenerate, whether you are dealing with health, financial, emotional or other issues.

I also hope, like myself, you have used this time to learn new skills, make new friends or reconnect with those from your past.  
Getting out and wandering around my neighbourhood has not been as easy since pre pandemic, yet, I manage to keep an eye out to see what is happening around me.  Although it has been a very challenging time for our many businesses, it has also been a time of creative pivoting.  Many of our restaurants, although closed to inside diners, have been offering take out delivery and/or curb side pick- up.  Hopefully, as we move further into March and April, we will see customers dining inside, how wonderful will this be for all of us, restaurant owners and customers alike. I am sure, like myself, you are ready for a breath of fresh air, socialization and sharing a great meal with friends and family.  Barton Village has some wonderful eateries, which I will showcase in upcoming issues.  
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Ok, tax time!!  If you need to attend to your finances, (don’t we all?) whether it be in advice, or help in doing your tax return, I am happy to report there is a new gal in town.  I met her briefly, last year at a BIA open-house event, when she told me she would be opening an office on Barton Street.  I am presuming, due to the pandemic and circumstances beyond her control, this has taken a bit longer than she anticipated, but I can now say, she is open for business.  Welcome to our wonderful street, Helena, we wish you much success with your new business.

Last week I went to reconnect with her, and to ask what she is offering and why she chose Barton Street as her location.  Her name is Helena, and, this is her story.  First of all she told me that she lives to serve her community, thereby choosing Barton Street, which connects her even closer to her many clients.  A majority of Helena’s clients live in or around this area, and her being close by allows many of them to easily reach her. She says that serving others is simply in her blood. She finds it comforting to be able to help her clients resolve their issues, as many of them are unable to do it alone. She offers fair and honest pricing, and is happy to provide a safe and sanitary environment for her clients to visit. Her waiting area and office are geared up for distancing protocol.
I must say, I found her office suite to be comforting, and, quite honestly I did not mind sitting there, in the quiet, meditatively watching the rain come down, through her large front window.  

One of her great assets is that she speaks several languages, i.e. English, Portuguese and Spanish.  Helena told me that she pours her heart into her work, she is very proud of what she does, especially when it comes to finding a resolution for her struggling clients. She also believes the Barton Village Area is fast becoming a hub for bustling businesses, of which she is happy to be among. 

Her business offers a range of services, such as Immigration tax services, financial planning and business coaching.   She also offers yearly income tax preparation for all people, including seniors.  The office is on Barton Street, close to Oak Avenue, and, is on the #2 bus route.  
​To find out more about her services contact:

Helena Ferreira – Professional consultant
Advize Agenci
365 Barton St E, Unit 4
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X8
905-512-1369
Helena@advizeagenci.com
www.advizeagenci.com
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BARTVIC

1/8/2021

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Article written January, 20201
Linda's Corner 

​About a year ago, the pharmacy I had attended for over 12 years on Victoria Avenue had to temporarily close due to a gas leak in the building.  Because they were going to be closed for a few days, I was in a panic. I had a bronchial infection and my doctor had faxed a prescription to them and I also needed to pick up my insulin and other diabetic medications.  Unable to get a hold of them by phone, I was in a conundrum about what to do.  My doctor’s office (downtown Hamilton) was also closed due to it being a Saturday.  Well as luck would have it, I decided to walk down Victoria St to Barton Street, which is not my usual walk home as I would normally cross over the railway bridge between Emerald & Birge, but this day I took the longer route.


I am so happy I did.  I saw the huge sign on the wall, which was advertising Bartvic Clinic.  I always thought this was an addictions clinic, so never really paid much attention to it before.  This day, I saw the sign for pharmacy and doctor.  I walked in and was greeted by a most congenial receptionist. I told her of my dilemma. She promptly spoke to the pharmacist, Hala, who told me she would take care of me promptly.  Within a few hours, I had the antibiotic.  She had to order the insulin for me, as my brand is not often in stock, so the next day I received the rest of my medication.  After a couple of days, she contacted my previous pharmacist and had my file sent over (virtually), with my consent of course.  She has taken care of me ever since.  Bartvic is not just a pharmacy; there is also a doctor who visits a few times a week and a nurse practitioner who works the rest of the week.  The medical practitioners take care of many patients with various illnesses.  They also operate on a walk in basis.  And yes, there is indeed a support group for those with addictions.  

Bartvic Clinic is accessible to all, with whatever mobility device you might have.  It has a small reception area, which normally seats about 7 or 8, but with the lockdown, there is only one person in there at any given time.  There is small reception office.  They have an office administrator who is there during the week and sometimes on the weekend, and another wonderful lady who doubles as a receptionist and pharmacy assistant.  There is also a full time pharmacy assistant and two main Pharmacists.
If you want to see the Doctor right now, I believe you need to call first and make an appointment, because of the lockdown, but normally you could just walk in to their clinic.

They are on the #2 bus route, with the stop being outside the General Hospital on the corner of Victoria & Barton, coming from the East, or across the road on the corner of Victoria & Barton, coming from downtown. They also offer a free delivery service. The driver is exceptionally prompt. Many languages are spoken besides English, e.g. Portuguese, Arabic, Ukranian, Russian & Polish.
I know this clinic is not that well known, especially to our senior population, but I highly recommend going there to meet the staff and to get to know the layout.  As much as I really liked my previous pharmacist and his team, I will stay with Bartvic. They have great hours, a friendly and helpful team of medical staff, reliable delivery service and they will go above and beyond to help you out.
They also offer convenient blister packs for those who need many medications in a day.  Plus, they offer the yearly flu vaccine too.
They are normally open seven days a week, but due to the pandemic, it is recommended to call first as their hours may have changed.

List of Staff Names – I hope I get them all right, my apologies otherwise!!
  • Dr. Nabi – Family Practice
  • Victoria – Nurse Practitioner
  • Ingrid – Medical Office Administrator
  • Michael – Pharmacy Manager
  • Hala – Pharmacist
  • Lili – Pharmacy Assistant
  • Lyceba – (Luba) – Receptionist & Pharmacy Assistant
BARTON MEDICAL PHARMACY & MEDICAL OFFICE
293 Barton St. E. Hamilton

(289) 389-8844
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Storefront window of BartVic walk-in clinic, pharmacy, and family doctor's office 
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Staff inside the BartVic clinic
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Medicine inside the BartVic clinic 
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Royal Flush

1/4/2021

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Article written October, 2020
Linda’s Corner
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This weather prompted me to get out and walk through our neighbourhood. After weeks, even months of feeling isolated, it is so great to be able to enjoy the outdoors once again.

Today, I came across a lovely little store, that has just opened on Barton Street, called Royal Flush.  Well, the name caught my attention, so the desire to take a trip inside was overwhelming, and I was not disappointed. The owners of this store, a delightful couple, Liisa Graham and Zach Worton, gave me a brief history of their store and the reason for opening up on Barton Street, which I’m glad they did. Although these people are not Hamiltonian raised, their heart definitely sings Hamilton.  I’m sure it won’t be too long before they become one of us. And if you go in and meet them, face to face, albeit masked, you will understand what I mean.  They are friendly and helpful, they love to meet new people and they are already embracing their new life on our street. They began their vintage venture while living in Gravenhurst, however when the pandemic happened, their store took a huge hit, especially during the past tourist season.  So after much thought and research, they decided to come to Hamilton, lucky for us!!

Many of our ward 3 neighbours, especially in my own age group, will definitely appreciate their goods and merchandize.  Although they scout for their own merchandize, they will also buy from customers, who come into the store and have something interesting and  vintage, to offer.  They prefer to buy from the 1950’s to 1980’s period. If you are purging, downsizing, relocating or simply want to donate your collectibles, Liisa and Zach are the people to contact.   I know there are also many more eclectic “younger” people who have relocated to our community over the past few years, I say go pop into this store and meet the owners, browse around and I am sure, you will find that hidden gem you have been searching for.

As I entered the store today, I was instantly hit with a feeling of childhood nostalgia.  They have a wonderful formica table and chairs, which all my aunts had in their own homes.  As I wondered around I saw toys from my past and clothing I wore from the 60s.  Zach showed me a girl guide uniform, that a 90 year old lady had brought in, in great condition.  I believe she had this from her own childhood.

For more information, contact Royal Flush Vintage goods on 413 Barton Street E. or check them out at: royalflushvintage.com
And, let’s all wish them well as they get to know us and we them.

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Inside of new Royal Flush Vintage Goods store
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Outside of new Royal Flush Vintage Goods store
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Some goods for sale in Royal Flush Vintage 
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Linda's Coffee Corner

11/9/2020

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Linda Kraan-Benson
Volunteer and Guest Blogger

Written: September 28, 2020
Hello Everyone, I am happy to be back….It’s been a very tiresome and frustrating year for many, residents and businesses alike.  I am delighted to see many people are now getting out and about, whether for their daily walks or their coffee get togethers.
After more than 2 months of staying indoors, I was so happy to get out again, traversing our Barton Village neighbor hood to see what’s happening.
So, I am delighted to report that the Emerald Coffee Co is back in business, albeit with a new owner.  Yes Phil is no longer there, I do hope he’s enjoying the new changes in his life and that the summer has been good to him.   Good news is, that the Emerald, now has new owners, who come with a vision of their own, they are open 7 days a week for take-out.  On the day of their soft launch, I met one of their chefs, Robert who was busy preparing his salads.  I briefly spoke with Lauren, their General Manager and two of their staff members, Kahri and Vicki.  They are offering snacks and a lunch time menu.  I certainly wish them well, as they move forward in their new venture.  Remember, the Emerald Coffee Co, is a step away from the Number two bus stop, so if you have a moment, as you step off the bus, pay them a visit and get your coffee………..
Another new opening is the Cocktail bar on Barton, just passed Oak Avenue, towards the Hospital.  It is owned by a lovely young man, Chris, who is also the owner of the Motel Restaurant, which I have yet to go in to, yet have heard wonderful feedback from the many people who have visited.  The cocktail lounge has yet to have a sign, so for now you just follow the red light!!!  Chris welcomed me inside, when it was closed, there is a very warm ambience, with strobe lights, comfy seating in a deep shade of pink. At the back there is a beautiful fish tank, which I always find mesmerizing.  I wish Chris well with this energetic addition to his restaurant, I am sure it won’t take long for it to become as popular as the Motel.  Did you know that the Motel now has a patio?  It is at the side of the restaurant.
Don’t forget to visit, Stir it Up, another great coffee shop, owned by Kelly, who by the way is an absolute hoot.  She has a wealth of knowledge of the Hamilton area, whether it be in the theatre, music venues or local artists.  She makes a great latte, cappuccino and other coffees, and, she bakes the most delicious scones and muffins, you may have seen her on the CHTV episode, with Tim Bolan, where she made up a batch of her delectable scones.  She has a great seating area, where she invites you to come in, play a tune on your guitar (she also has one standing by) or simply sit and chat about the day.  Stir it up, is closer to the General Hospital.  If you prefer home baked goodies, a good natter with the owner and a place where you can sit and reflect, this is the place for you…..
The 541 Eatery & exchange is now open for take outs, to the public, Monday to Saturday, closing at 2pm.  They have been extremely busy during the pandemic, feeding many of our most vulnerable on a daily basis.  The only time they took a break was to redecorate their café and revamp their kitchen.  This is a great place to visit, unfortunately at this time, there is no indoor dining, but their menu is the same, with a few new additions, they use farm fresh produce which is always delicious.  Their premise is the Pay it Forward system, where a button jar is placed on the counter, for donations and for those who cannot afford a meal.  You can also go on line and support them, through donations if you prefer.  Before the pandemic, there were a lot of fund raising events and programs.  Perhaps you can start this up with your workplace?  As a senior, living on Barton Street, I know how valuable 541 has been to many of the residents around here.   
​Last but not least, please pay a visit to the new office of the BIA, it is next door to Hendry’s Barbershop.
Where ever you go these days, you will need to take a mask with you, although I did notice a box of disposables in the BIA office.   Because I often forget mine, I have now begun wearing it like a rosette on my wrist…..
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Outside view of Stir It Up, with their beautiful new mural
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Outside view of new Cocktail bar
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inside view of new cocktail bar
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Fish tank inside cocktail bar
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Inside Emerald Cafe
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Two Sides of Barton: An Ode to the General Hospital

2/6/2020

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Welcome to another edition of "Two Sides of Barton." Our resident guest blogger and senior correspondent Linda Kraan-Benson has lived in the Barton Village neighbourhood for twelve years, and she's bringing readers an in-depth account of her experiences of the neighbourhood, from the perspective of both a passionate, engaged community member and a senior citizen navigating issues of accessibility and social connection in a city whose infrastructure can present serious challenges. Read on for the first leg of Linda's walking tour of Barton Village, in which she explores the grounds of the Hamilton General Hospital. 
Today, I will discuss the Hamilton General Hospital, one of the cornerstones of the Barton Village neighbourhood.  Part of the larger Hamilton Health Sciences Network, the General, as it is loving referred to, is not just about medical care, though it certainly shines in that department. Long known for its burns unit, the General is also now renowned for its stellar cardiology department. 

As a pensioner, I am encouraged to have such a hospital in my own backyard.  If I need to go to the ER, it is a mere five- minute walk for me. Of course, I am not suggesting you put a visit to the Hamilton General as a patient on your to-do list, but I encourage you to take  a walk around the grounds of the hospital, whenever you have the chance.
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I encourage you to begin with a walk around the outside of the building.  I was extremely impressed with the alleys and walkways, the “hidden” courtyard, and the lovely manicured gardens. When I first moved to the neighbourhood, I would often take a walk to the hospital, grab a coffee from their café, and go sit in their gardens. There are many chairs and benches, surrounded by the solitude and the whispering of their many bushes and trees. Once you are inside the courtyard, the silence is overwhelming; gone is the noise of the emergency vehicles and the hustle and bustle of foot traffic to the hospital.  
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Beyond the main doors of the hospital, there is a fabulous little gift store. If you have never visited there, I hope you do. They sell everything from books to clothing, and they have some of the most beautiful shawls, pants, and skirts — very trendy, I must say. There have been times when I needed a small gift, in a hurry — you know those moments when you are invited out for dinner, or when you have forgotten someone’s birthday?  Well, I have often gone into that little store and found that perfect gift, from kitchen plaques to candles, from dolls to jewelry, faux plants to real living foliage, from watches to earrings. You need baby gifts?  They have them in spades, as well as cards, magazines, and so much more.

Of course, you will find a coffee shop on the main floor of the hospital, where you can buy breakfast sandwiches, muffins, soup, and the normal cafe fare.  As writing of this blog, the larger cafeteria on the lower level is in the midst of renovations. [Editor's note: renovations have since been completed, and the new downstairs cafeteria features a slew of great lunch options, Starbucks coffee in addition to the house cafe, and a beautiful, well-appointed seating area]

On one of my walkabouts, I spotted a sign that said “Go Tango.”  Curiosity got the better of me, as it always does.  Upon locating the entrance, on Wellington Street, I found a perfectly sized restaurant. Here, you can find the flavours of the Mediterranean,  from snacks with humus, to pita wraps and so much more.  A perfect little hidden gem. 
One thing the General is known for is its rooftop helicopter pad -- it's the only hospital in Hamilton to have one. Although of course you can only view it from street level, the helipad is a great place to take the kids to; it's really exciting for the little ones to get to see the helicopters landing and taking off.  Of course, many living close to the hospital may not agree with me -- after all, hearing the hum and whir of the copter at three o'clock in the morning may not appeal to many -- but isn't it wonderful to know that we have this facility here in our own backyards, saving countless lives over the course of the year? What a wonderful service we have, so close to home!
Over the twelve years that I have lived here in Barton Village, I have watched the hospital expand and grow as new specialized departments have opened. A few years ago, a rehab and wellness department was added on, and more recently the Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre. Parking lots have opened along Barton street, with several more lots lining Victoria avenue.

As the hospital has grown, its staff have seemed to venture more along Barton Street and become part of the community, especially those shops that have opened up along the blocks between Victoria and Emerald Avenues over the past few years. I hope that as the hospital continues to function as an anchor of the Barton Village neighbourhood, more people will be motivated to explore the grounds and realize all that the hospital has to offer, beyond some of the best medical care in the province.
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A senior's perspective on Barton

11/12/2019

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We're so excited to introduce Barton Village resident, volunteer, and guest blogger Linda Kraan-Benson. Linda moved to the Barton Village area around twelve years ago, and swiftly set to work getting to know the neighbourhood, its residents, and business owners. We're delighted to have her as a guest blogger, sharing her unique perspectives on Barton Village. Linda is especially interested in making neighbourhoods accessible for their senior population, and her posts will explore Barton Village from a senior's perspective, covering all sorts of hidden gems along Barton while raising broader issues around how to create safe, liveable, and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Okay...take it away, Linda!

TWO SIDES OF BARTON - from a Senior's point of view

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At the time I moved to the area, this piece of Barton street seemed to be in some sort of inertia.  I noticed that some once-beautiful  buildings had declined into a fragment of their former glory.  Yet the essence of these buildings, and the general atmosphere of the street, brought distant memories of a long-ago vibrancy.

I was not born in Canada, having moved from across the pond in 1982. I raised my two boys in the serenity of Waterdown, once a part of the Halton region, now part of Hamilton.  Once the boys flew the coop, I had an urge to move to Hamilton, though I can honestly say: I have no idea where that urge came from! Specifically, I had no idea of what Hamilton had to offer, nor had I even visited the city on more than a handful of occasions, yet the urge was there, and so I moved, first to the mountain. (I honestly have to say, being a Brit, I did not understand why it was so called...to me it felt like a mere incline, "up the road', as we would say, but after a while, I too referred to this incline as "the mountain"! Amazing how titles and words take hold and leave an indelible impression in ones mind...)

​A few years on, another gut feeling hit me: this time, it was the urge to move down into the lower city. You have to understand, at this point I had never visited the lower city; after all, I was warned never to venture down there. I had visions of all sorts of misdoings, from street crime to the more serious.  People would ask me why I thought there was a jail on Barton street, and I had no answer. But, to the chagrin of my mountain-raised neighbours and friends, I decided to take the plunge and move downtown. I probably could not have chosen a "worse" area to move to.  At the time, I really didn't know the difference; I was looking only at the value of real estate. I mean, where else could I have bought a beautiful, all-brick house, with a spectacularly sized backyard and double parking space, for the low cost of $99,000?  This was 2009, and prices were rising rapidly elsewhere.

Ok, so I bought a house next door to the "infamous" Emerald Street -- hey, what did I know?  I was in awe of the beautiful old houses, the wonderful, family-operated stores, and the vibrancy of my neighbours, from all walks of life: Italians, French, Portuguese, and a lovely couple from Jamaica. Just a couple days after moving into this neighbourhood, I decided to take a tour of Barton street, on foot. Each day I would walk, from Wentworth as far as Kenilworth and back -- mind you, i was much younger and much fitter in those days, and wore out many pairs of running shoes. I can no longer walk so far, so these days I typically walk two or three blocks at a time.

I came to know of the many "drug houses" in my new neighbourhood, and other "seedy" operations around me. Slowly, I got to know many of the "street ladies".  And I came to know where I should walk during the darker hours, and where not to. As the years passed, I witnessed a "cleansing" of the neighbourhood, as I personally called it.  Slowly, some of the "sweat shops" and the drug houses  shut down.  Houses went up for sale, and outsiders would trickle in. To say I have seen an enormous change, an emergence in the this neighbourhood, does not do justice to it.  This has become a vibrant and exciting place to live.

For the sake of this blog, I will break down Barton Street, into two sections: going east from Wentworth to Sherman and going west from Wentworth to Ferguson. As the months go by, I hope you will take this journey with me, along the two sides of Barton.


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Books for Barton Book Sale

10/8/2019

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Wow, what a weekend! We want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended our Books for Barton book sale in September and October and contributed to raising funds for more free community programming in Barton Village. And of course to everyone who donated books, to the wonderful volunteers who gave up their time to help out, to all the businesses who helped make it happen, and to everyone who spread the word. Our hearts are warmed by all the love and support we received from the community from the moment we first had the idea to do a big fundraising book sale. We didn't quite anticipate how much hard work it was going to be -- this former bookseller should have known better! -- but it was so worth it to see the community come together in support.

We're especially grateful to property owners Malleum for letting us use the space at 337 Barton free of charge, to Crumbled for letting us borrow their power to light up the space, to our amazing volunteers, and to all the community members who lugged bags and boxes of books to our office or neighbouring businesses to support the cause! We raised over $700 to go towards free community programming like our outdoor movie nights and the Barton Village Festival, and even more importantly, we got to know so many of our neighbours.

For a while there our office was so crammed full of books that we could barely move around, but it was worth it to have the opportunity to meet and chat with so many members of our community! We got the chance to explain to area residents what the BIA is and what we do in the community, and were delighted that so many people expressed a desire to get involved, whether with neighbourhood beautification initiatives, volunteering for events, or helping us raise funds. 

The number one question people asked was "When is this event happening again?" Truth be told, we'd initially planned it as a one-time thing, but in light of the community response, we've reconsidered. So...stay tuned for the next installment of Books for Barton, coming soon!

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​Barton Village BIA is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
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659 Barton St East, Unit 102
Hamilton, ON L8L 3A3

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