Daily News

Posted on Jan. 29: Community meeting finds solutions to common issues

Approximately 200 people attended a local community meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the community impact of the double cohort, off-campus housing, transportation and parking and bylaw and police enforcement. Hosted at St. Mary's High School, the meeting was jointly organized by the City of Hamilton, the Ainslie Wood Westdale Community Association of Resident Homeowners (AWWCA), the President's Advisory Committee on Community Relations (PACCR), and the McMaster Students Union (MSU). It was the first time these organizations joined forces for a community meeting to talk about and find solutions to common issues they face. Facilitated breakout sessions were held on by-law and police enforcement, neighbourhood planning, including 'ASPECT', the City's secondary plan, transportation and relationship building, focusing on how the University, students and community can work together more effectively. McMaster President Peter George shared with the community how the University is preparing for the double cohort. He provided an update on enrolment numbers for next September, campus construction, and initiatives the University is taking to address traffic and parking congestion. McMaster employees and PACCR committee members addressed these topics further.

Posted on Jan. 29: M.E.S.S. sparks team spirit among employees

The McMaster Employee Spirit Society (M.E.S.S.) and Marauders basketball brought together more than 500 employees and their families to watch the men's and women's basketball games last weekend. The event, in the Ivor Wynne Centre, was sponsored and organized by M.E.S.S. The objective of the society is to promote McMaster team spirit through the organization of sporting and cultural events that encourage employees to have fun with their colleagues and families. The event featured complimentary tickets to the basketball games, including a complimentary reception, free child minding services and children's programs, face painters, draw prizes and free giveaways. The women's game featured a ceremonial tip off between McMaster President Peter George and Wilfrid Laurier University president Robert Rosehart. The men's game featured a ceremonial tip off by Social Sciences dean Alan Harrison. The national anthem for both games were performed by the MUSA Minstrels. "It was wonderful to see so many McMaster employees and their families enjoying this event," said Bob West, event co-chair. "Hopefully they became Marauder basketball fans and will return for future games." "I received very positive feedback about the day, as well as some suggestions for future events," added Pat Harris, chair of the M.E.S.S. committee. "It was a great day to be a part of." Terry Galan, event co-chair, said, "I was absolutely overwhelmed by the attendance and responses from our employees. We need to build on our success." The next M.E.S.S event is a presentation of the musical Tommy. This musical performance will be presented by the McMaster Musical Theatre on Feb. 22. Tickets and information for the event will be available soon. To volunteer with M.E.S.S. e-mail mess@mcmaster.ca or contact Anthony Celani, at ext. 23554.

Posted on Jan. 29: McMaster shakes off the winter blues

McMaster students and employees are shaking off the winter blues and 'finding their centre'. The fourth annual Soul Food Fair takes place today (Jan. 29) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at several locations across campus. Presented by various departments, the event is free for all McMaster students and employees, and features exhibits, music, workshops, prizes, giveaways and free samples. Health and wellness exhibitors will be on display in the McMaster University Student Centre. With the theme "Finding Your Centre", the fair offers workshops in yoga, pilates, aromatherapy, rieki, music as therapy and massage therapy. There also are lectures, musical performances, and an exhibit promoting spiritual and physical health and well-being. For the schedule of workshops or for further information visit the Soul Food Web Site.

Posted on Jan. 28: Pediatric leader first of its kind in Canada

Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph's Healthcare and McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences have created a new leadership role in children's healthcare for the Hamilton region. This month, Peter Steer has taken on the new position of president, McMaster Children's Hospital, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and chief of pediatrics for Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare. This role is the first of its kind in Canada. It brings together clinical, academic and administrative leadership responsibilities and is designed to integrate and strengthen all pediatric services provided by McMaster Children's Hospital while bolstering the position of the hospitals and the university as leaders in pediatric care, research and academic excellence in Canada and the world. Steer is a neonatologist and was director of the Centre for Clinical Studies Women's and Children's Health at Mater Hospital in Queensland, Australia. He was also an associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland. Although a native of Australia, Steer, 43, is familiar with Hamilton's pediatric departments. From July to December 2001, he served as a McMaster visiting professor in the Department of Pediatrics, director for McMaster Children's Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and head of the Academic Division of Neonatology for Hamilton Health Sciences. "It's exciting to have such a visionary and widely-respected leader at the helm of McMaster Children's Hospital," said Murray Martin, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences. "He brings a wealth of experience as a clinician, researcher and administrator." John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said Steer, in this key position, will have the unique opportunity to ensure more complete integration between the Faculty's research and training of health professionals and the important clinical work at the hospitals. "He knows the importance of potential in pediatrics. He has the breadth of understanding and personal qualities necessary to move the discipline forward in the years ahead." Kevin Smith, CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, said Steer's appointment puts the focus on developing a continuum of care and strengthening relationships with the community.