A little bit about Linda Kraan….
“When the boys moved out of our West Mountain home, I was elated, now I could move! After a brief stint on Locke Street, an opportunity came up to move closer to Barton Street, within a nice walk to James street North. One of my favourite pastimes was to walk along the Bay front, with my dog, or alone. My kids and I used to visit the museum on a regular basis, and they loved to visit the Haida, when it came into port.
My bank branch was situated on Burlington Street at that time too, so I was a regular visitor to the North End of Hamilton. When I turned 65, I put my name on a housing cooperative list, so my eventual goal is to become a resident of the North End. I have seen a lot of change over these past few years to the bay front, and I notice many more changes are yet to come.
I walk for exercise, and for mental health, I love to chat with strangers and friends alike, I enjoy a good cup of coffee, while reading or writing my stories. I have been volunteering for over 30 years, mostly in the health sector, but more recently with those most vulnerable in my community.
I have been writing blogs and articles for a number of years now, and I recently teamed up with McMaster University as part of their Senior Memoir Writing Project.
My passion is my community. I love to roam about, taking photos and chatting with strangers. My goal would be to reintroduce other seniors to what our city has to offer, and, help get people back out again, whether for short walks or long treks. I hope you will join me on my journey…..”
Barton Walkabout
Niagara Peninsular Aboriginal Area Management Board (NPAAMB) By Linda Kraan-Benson Well today, as I write this, it is Thanksgiving Day. This year, for me and many others, it will be a quiet time, a time of reflection and gratitude. As I sink further into my 7th...
Walkabout Barton
By Linda Benson Barton Village has so much to offer just lately, each time I go out on my walkabout; I meet new and interesting individuals. I love hearing about their visions, not only for their own business but for our community. Last week, on one of my daily walks,...
Anything is possible on Barton
By Linda Benson The above caption says it all. Barton Street is my home and I love it here. Every time I walk along Barton Street, I see something new. It’s a culturally diverse street, it has its many challenges, its ups and downs, but through it all, Barton...
Walkabout on Barton
By Linda Benson I have found this past couple of weeks to be rather emotional, with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, after 7 decades as our reigning monarch. This affected me on a level I could never have expected. I suppose the feelings I had, came from me, a Brit,...
Walkabout Barton
By Linda Benson It’s hard to believe that it’s already September, this summer seems to have flown by. I hope you’ve all enjoyed your summer this year. For many, it would have been the first time, in a couple of years,that they’ve felt safe enough to get out and about....
Walkabout Barton Village
By Linda Benson The summer started off with hot and humid weather, and I suspect there is much hotter weather to come. If you are need of cooling off, the City run pool, at Birge Park is open. This is a wonderful addition to our neighbourhood, children & adults...
Saturday June 11th was a busy day…
By Linda Benson Saturday June 11th was a busy day, not just for my-self but for Hamilton in general. There were street fests and all kinds of entertainment dotted throughout the city. And, in my own backyard was the annual Barton Village Festival that is held on...
Walkabout Barton Street – EMERALD COFFEE CO
by Linda Benson A few years ago, before Covid, isolations and closures, I was a regular customer of the Emerald Coffee Co. The owner, at that time, was an exceptionally kind, open, honest and caring individual. After my retirement, I ventured out almost every day to...
Walkabout on Barton
Barton Lettuce celebrates its one year anniversary, congratulations to owner, Alex Sinclair and her team. I remember before the door opened, walking by one day while the sign was being erected, and meeting Alex. Hard to believe that was one year ago. Barton Lettuce...
Walkabout Barton
By Linda Benson Spring is definitely in the air, and it’s a glorious time to walk through Barton Village. There is just so much happening right now, it’s going to be a challenge choosing what to showcase. First of all, the covid certificate mandates were dropped,...
Walkabout on Barton
by Linda Kraan In the last edition, I mentioned there were a couple new stores opening up, on Barton Street, between Wentworth and Victoria. I have been following one particular building with deep interest….. First I noticed paper on the windows, a good sign that...