5 ‘good news’ stories in Hamilton from the past year
Published December 23, 2021 at 9:55 am
In a year where headlines were filled with COVID-19 and Hamilton City Hall scandals, there were quite a few bright spots in the newsreel in 2021.
From one crafty Hamilton family’s COVID-19 lockdown project to award-winning pizza and award-winning musicians, there were plenty of non-COVID, good news stories to go around.
Here are just five of the most popular good news stories in Hamilton in 2021, but rest assured, there were plenty more to go around.
5. An inspiring Hamilton student
Samra Zafar, a Hamilton medical student and national best-selling author, was honoured with the Women of Courage Award at the Women’s Executive Network gala in November, this year. Her novel, ‘A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose’ is her account of leaving an abusive child marriage. She is the founder of Brave Beginnings, a national not-for-profit organization that provides mentorship to abuse survivors to support them in their journey of building a life of respect and dignity. Zafar is currently pursuing her medical degree at McMaster.
4. Award-winning pizzas
Two very popular Hamilton pizzerias were honoured for their creative pies at the Canadian Pizza Summit (yes! There is such a thing) in October. This was one of IntheHammer’s most well read stories because, and this will come as no surprise to anyone, Hamilton loves its pizza. MaiPai Tiki won Best Pizza Recipe for its Mala Honey Pie and Cowabunga Pizza won for Best Photo for a shot of its Spicy Pep slice.
3. The Arkells
There really aren’t any bad Arkells news stories but this good news story is a standout because it confirmed what most Hamiltonians already know: they are the best group. The Arkells took home the Juno for Best Group this year, a fact reinforced by their sold-out live shows and their acclaimed performance at the Grey Cup a few weeks ago. This band’s energy and talent has kept our spirits buoyed throughout this pandemic and it’s only fitting they be recognized for it.
Videos
2. The power of music
This video of a virtual collaboration between students at Hamilton area high schools and McMaster University students is a breathtaking example of dedication, passion and the collegial spirit of artistic expression. If you’re in need of some uplifting viewing, this is definitely worth a rewatch.
1. Polar pandemic project
This Hamilton family saw the pandemic as an opportunity to try something totally different. After a little trial and error and some crash courses in engineering, the Staszko family built a an actual igloo out of ice. It was sooooo cool and among one of our most-read stories of the year.