In the aftermath of the fire that destroyed their studio, Grey Harbour Tattoo is back and better than ever

C/O @greyharbourtattoo

Located in Hamilton’s art district on James Street North, Grey Harbour Tattoo is a semi-private tattoo studio that has been offering client-centred service to customers since April 2015. The studio was opened by tattoo artists and owners Tom Penny and Ron Vino and formerly, Sherlane White.

Penny was born and raised in Hamilton. After several years working in the automobile industry, he changed direction to study visual arts at Sheridan College, where he learned to tattoo at a local studio. After returning to Hamilton, Penny approached fellow tattoo artist and current business partner, Vino, with the idea of opening up his very own studio.

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Penny himself tattoos primarily nature-based and traditional tattoos, drawing on flora and fauna as his subject matter. Meanwhile, Vino’s tattoos are very saturated and characterized by bold lines and bright colours.

“What I strive for is just to constantly progress. It's a very competitive industry, and there's people constantly coming up. Even just in our shop, we have a few new artists and working alongside them pushes us to constantly get better,” said Penny.

On April 21, 2020, about one month after the first business closures due to COVID-19, Grey Harbour Tattoo was caught in an arson attack on James Street North that destroyed it as well as La Bichette boutique and Born & Raised restaurant.

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“[The fire] was something obviously that we didn't expect. How do you explain something that was just so shocking? I came in [so distraught] that it was almost hard to believe that we went through it,” said Penny.

“[The fire] was something obviously that we didn't expect. How do you explain something that was just so shocking? I came in [so distraught] that it was almost hard to believe that we went through it,” said Penny.

Penny was first alerted to the fire by Vino, who rushed to the scene when the building owner initially realized that Born & Raised had caught fire.

“I just remember we were all sitting at home doing our own things, and I got a message from Rob saying, “[the] building's on fire.” Thankfully, it didn't get out of hand and someone was present there to put the fire out. At first I just couldn't believe it—within 10 minutes [of receiving a phone call] I was there, seeing what I didn't ever expect to see. Obviously I've seen fires in my time, but to see your own space just demolished was pretty shocking,” said Penny.

In the aftermath of the fire, they set up a GoFundMe campaign with the help of fellow local tattoo artist Brock Ryan, which hit its $25,000 fundraising goal in order to cover expenses outside of the studio’s insurance coverage. Through collaboration with local artists to raise awareness, the studio received immense support from the local community.

“Word spreads. Even overseas I was getting messages from people and so just seeing that kept us positive. Knowing that we were going to be okay, we were going to get through it and we had support,” said Penny.

In a stroke of good luck, the owners of a space across the street reached out to Penny, so the studio transitioned from a second and third storey location to a spot opening straight onto James Street North. They are now located at 172 James Street North.

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“No one was hurt and the building was vacant because of COVID, so there were so many things to be thankful for rather than [focusing] on the negative,” said Penny.

Although they are currently closed due to COVID-19 lockdown procedures, Grey Harbour was open from August to December 2020. They have changed the way they operate due to COVID-19. Now clients contact the artist they’d like to tattoo them directly in order to book an online consultation.

From there, the artist will discuss design ideas, placement and determine if tracings or pictures are necessary. Depending on the artist, wait times range anywhere from a couple of weeks to months due to limited client capacity and enhanced sanitation procedures.

Grey Harbour Tattoo takes a special pride in tailoring to the interests of each individual that comes to their studio, with a very client-centered approach to tattooing.

“The way we run the studio is you choose the artists you want to work with, you look at the work, you check out their social media page. If someone came to me with an idea that I felt another artist at another studio is better for . . . I'll refer them to another artist. We just want our clients to get the best possible tattoo,” said Penny.

After a difficult year, Grey Harbour Tattoo is happy to be back from the face of hardship and delivering the best possible service to their clients once again. Their experience is a testament to the resounding support of the local Hamilton community.

Shania Bhopa is bringing global health to local communities

C/O @wellbyshaniabhopa

Shania Bhopa discovered her passion for global health through experiential learning opportunities in her undergraduate studies at McMaster University. Through her experience, Bhopa serves as a reminder that student life is all about putting yourself out there to find out exactly what sparks your soul and fuels your fire.

“I was always interested in the social determinants of health and specifically, advocacy. I never really understood how to kind of bridge that gap between the two. I [began] doing some research on global issues that exist here locally and we don't have to go overseas to understand how to help people out of poverty . . . things that happen overseas are actually affecting us here in Canada,” said Bhopa.

Having completed her bachelor's degree at McMaster in communication studies with a minor in health studies, Bhopa is currently pursuing a master's degree in science in global health at McMaster. As a recipient of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council research scholarship, she is currently working away at her master’s thesis.

Bhopa has always enjoyed volunteering and knew from a young age that she wanted to start her own charity in some capacity. In May 2020, Bhopa and her sister launched the Canadian Courage Project.

Founded upon the belief that a child’s health shouldn’t be left up to chance, regardless of where they live or their level of education. The Canadian Courage Project aims to help homeless youth in Ontario and their animal companions.

“The reason that we're choosing this population is because they're often the population that doesn't get into the shelters. [For homeless children], their animal is [often] the only support network that they have. That is the only thing getting them through the day,” Bhopa explained.

“The reason that we're choosing this population is because they're often the population that doesn't get into the shelters. [For homeless children], their animal is [often] the only support network that they have. That is the only thing getting them through the day,” Bhopa explained.

Bhopa is also the founder and host of the Global Health Collective student podcast series, which she hopes will show others that anyone has the ability to make a difference. In her first season, the podcast was centred around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Season two, which launched on Feb. 3, will be based on stories from changemakers during COVID.

“The reason behind the podcast is we hear the amazing research, we hear these projects that people are doing, we see them on the news, but we don't actually hear what drives this human being. At the end of the day, they're a person and they're just like you and I. They're motivated and inspired, but what is inspiring them?” said Bhopa.

Bhopa hopes that the podcast shows others that confidence is everything when it comes to pursuing your passions, as evidenced by the wide array of global health professionals and their life experiences.

With a group of McMaster students, Bhopa is also currently working on launching the Global Health Youth Alliance, which she compared to Distributive Education Clubs of America. Similar to DECA, it is a student competition, but instead of focusing on the field of business, it will enable students to gain exposure in the field of global health.

They hope to create a micro-credential for elementary and secondary students in order to bridge the gap in the elementary and high school curricula pertaining to global health.

“We want to educate everyone on the fact that disparities exist right around you. You don't need to go overseas to tackle them. We are stronger together and youth need to be in places where decisions are being made. Specifically, we cannot make change and solve the world's problems with the same local thinking that caused them,” said Bhopa.

"We are stronger together and youth need to be in places where decisions are being made. Specifically, we cannot make change and solve the world's problems with the same local thinking that caused them,” said Bhopa.

As a self-proclaimed “woman of habit,” Bhopa sets herself a schedule every day and encourages others to find time in their schedules not only for Zoom university sessions but also for themselves.

Each day, she sets time aside to listen to podcasts, do skincare, read and go on no-device walks. She then shares her wellness journey on her blog. In the near future, she plans on publishing both a children’s book and a wellness book for women.

For students looking to pursue opportunities in global health, Bhopa encourages them to claim their voice and choose opportunities that are right in their community, whether it be through approaching local officials or reaching out to changemakers and people you admire.

“You are in control of your circumstances, and if you believe [that], then nothing will ever get in your way. It's really just understanding exactly what your focus is, exactly what your passion is, why that's your passion and driving forward with that passion. If you have a focus, you are more likely to make an impact,” said Bhopa.

Bhopa encourages students to chase after their goals and realize that the world truly is your classroom. Through experiential learning, she emphasizes that we all have the ability to find our passions and make a difference in the world.

Student-athletes find ways to engage with Bell Let’s Talk day during virtual university

Graphic by Nigel Mathias

In a year where many folks have been confined within the walls of their home, the toll on individuals’ mental health is a field where many experts have explored. With the recent Bell Let’s Talk day event, it is now more important than ever to emphasize taking care of oneself.

Bell Let’s Talk was first introduced in the fall of 2010. The initiative places great importance on four main pillars: research, care and access, workplace health and anti-stigma. With specific regards to research and care, studies into the effects of COVID-19 on mental health care were funded by a $2 million donation by Bell Let’s Talk.

From conversations around mental health, approximately 83 per cent of Canadians reported that Bell Let’s Talk improved perspectives around mental illness.

From a local perspective, the initiative has taken a great stride on campus grounds. In 2017, university athletic associations around the country partnered with Bell Let’s Talk to create a mental health awareness video campaign for student-athletes.

Within their series discussing the stigma of mental illness, six student-athletes were featured, including Cindy Nelles, a women’s rugby player at McMaster University.

“I think it's important for student-athletes to talk about mental health because it creates an open dialogue that builds understanding and compassion between peers and allows you to develop a better relationship with people who are in need of help,” said Nelles.

“I think it's important for student-athletes to talk about mental health because it creates an open dialogue that builds understanding and compassion between peers and allows you to develop a better relationship with people who are in need of help,” said Nelles.

Typically at McMaster, the Varsity Leadership Committee of McMaster sports holds a panel around this initiative. Athletes come out and talk about their journey with mental health. In previous years, teams come together, take photos, wear their hats, bring their banners and gather together to converse about the day.

Now, as the school year is online, teams have still found ways to continue the initiative behind their screens. Annalisa Nguyen, a member of the McMaster rowing team, explains to us how her team adapted to this change.

“I’m the media officer and what I’ve done this year is create a database of mental health resources like meditation, journaling, therapy, counsellors in Hamilton . . . We reached out to third party organizations. We collaborated with one of them and had a lot of blog posts go up. We had one of your rowers write about body dysmorphia and poor eating habits in rowing. We also have a podcast about one of our rowers talking about having OCD,” said Nguyen.

C/O Famke Alberts

Nguyen reiterated the importance of destigmatizing mental illness as part of Bell Let’s Talk day.

“I think despite all the efforts done in the past around mental health, I think there still is a really big stigma around it. Bell Let’s Talk day is a day where you can show your support to whoever is suffering in silence . . . It creates a safe space for those who need it, so they know who to go to,” explained Nguyen.

“I think despite all the efforts done in the past around mental health, I think there still is a really big stigma around it. Bell Let’s Talk day is a day where you can show your support to whoever is suffering in silence . . . It creates a safe space for those who need it, so they know who to go to,” explained Nguyen.

The McMaster women’s soccer team also conducted similar activities on this day, as explained by fourth-year player Amy Jenkins.

“This year was a bit different being online. We got sent hats and within your house, you can write banners and take photos to have a presence on our Instagram. We also had a check-in on Thursday. Just doing those check-ins is really important since we’re not doing in-person training, important to stay connected in that way,” said Jenkins.

C/O McMaster Women's Soccer Team

Jenkins further explained that despite the fact Bell Let’s Talk day only occurs once a year, the team will continue the conversation on their Instagram for days after the event.

“Sometimes you might forget to check-in on yourself so we thought we might contribute . . . We want to continue this conversation,” said Jenkins.

Bridget McLellan, a fourth-year player and co-President of the McMaster women’s ice hockey team, shared how they contributed to the initiative.

“For this year, we didn’t do much. The girls who were [in] Hamilton got hats and took photos. We posted all the photos on Instagram. We just tried to participate as much as we could safely,” said McLellan.

C/O Rachel Miller

In previous years, the team posted videos leading up to the day featuring different players, discussing what they do for mental health and wellness. While the team did not collaborate with other McMaster sports teams this year, they were able to participate in the pink week last year.

To McLellan, the day shows her how common mental illness is and the importance of educating oneself. With that being said, she believed that more work must be done beyond this day.

“It’s a good day, but I think for a lot of people, it’s not just a day for them. Mental illness is not just a day, it’s everyday . . . Let’s celebrate Bell Let’s Talk, but we need to be critical on how to keep the conversation going,” said McLellan.

“It’s a good day, but I think for a lot of people, it’s not just a day for them. Mental illness is not just a day, it’s everyday . . . Let’s celebrate Bell Let’s Talk, but we need to be critical on how to keep the conversation going,” said McLellan.

In a year where sports have been cancelled entirely, Jenkins, McLellan and Nguyen have all emphasized the seismic loss their teams have felt and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health throughout this journey.

With that being said, all three have reiterated that coming together within their respective teams has lifted motivation levels among members as a whole.

A club typically known to bring sports fans together has had to adjust to a difficult year

Graphic by Esra Rakab, Production Coordinator

In a year where almost the whole world has found themselves adjusting to the global pandemic, a McMaster club has been finding ways to keep sports fans occupied.

The McMaster School of Sports Analysis — most well known for watch parties, fantasy draft parties and sports journalism — have found themselves significantly adjusting after the pandemic has left their members unable to meet and enjoy sports together per normal.

Roshan Malhan, one of the MSSA’s co-presidents, discussed the importance of the club and its ability to bring people together.

“In the past, I loved how MSSA could bring together a community of good people to our viewing parties and I enjoyed the fact that we could have everyone and anyone. If you were a casual fan or a very die-hard fan, you would come together and meet a bunch of like-minded individuals who are happy to be your friend. This year we haven’t really been able to host [in-person] viewing parties,” said Malhan.

“In the past, I loved how MSSA could bring together a community of good people to our viewing parties and I enjoyed the fact that we could have everyone and anyone. If you were a casual fan or a very die-hard fan, you would come together and meet a bunch of like-minded individuals who are happy to be your friend,” said Malhan.

In wake of the pandemic, the club has turned their sights to creating fantasy leagues and updating their membership on the latest sports news in an effort to keep the community engaged.

“In our fantasy leagues we were able to have a draft day zoom call, in which our entire organization would get together and discuss picks, who is making what decision, make fun of people, or commend them for finding value in later rounds. That really allowed us to come together as a community, which we really would have been doing in those in person sessions,” said Malhan. “With journalism, we are planning on having certain development days in which we’ll bring speakers in so that individuals who wish to develop their writing further can come together as a community and network with one another even in this online environment.”

Despite being unable to host their highly anticipated in-person events, they’ve found themselves working hard to ensure that McMaster students are still able to embrace their sports fandom and express their love of sports to others.

Matthew Fuda, the MSSA’s vice-president of administration reflected on his first year with the organization.

“Last year was my first year with the club — my third year of undergrad — and being involved as a journalist and writer, I really enjoyed it and thought it was something I would love to continue with. Something a lot of people don’t really know about the club is that we are very diverse in what types of sports we cover and it can appeal to anyone’s true passions for sport,” said Fuda.

Journalism has now become a clear focus of the club as they work to help sports fans improve their writing skills. For the 2020-2021 school year, the MSSA has currently covered seven different sports and produced 19 articles since late November.

Despite their struggles, the MSSA continues working towards their goal of improving and connecting McMaster’s sports community.

“It’s a safe place for any sports enthusiast from mild to passionate, anywhere on the spectrum of passion to gather around and make new friends, which is especially important considering that this year, as everyone is online,” said Madeline Chan, vice-president of communications.

The club hopes that McMaster students will continue using them as a resource to keep networking and making friends with similar mindsets.

“Whether you’re an intense fan or casual fan, it really brings together a sense of community where you’re not judged, where you’re welcomed with open arms and where you will build friendships that are lifelong,” said Malhan.

“Whether you’re an intense fan or casual fan, it really brings together a sense of community where you’re not judged, where you’re welcomed with open arms and where you will build friendships that are lifelong,” said Malhan.

In between setting new stay-at-home orders and dolling out fines to businesses for violating pandemic protocols, politicians across Canada continue to not listen to their own advice

Photo C/O Robbie Palmer on Unsplash

Do as I say, not as I do. An old idiom that traces its origin back to the 17th century but continues to ring true to this day. In these times enduring the pandemic, it rings even more true — with possibly dire consequences.

Do you know how many politicians in Canada went on vacation outside of the country over the last 10 months or attended gatherings not permissible according to federal or provincial guidelines?

Barely a week into 2021, there was already a handful of politicians on the federal and provincial level that left Canada for one reason or another. This is not limited to one party either. Liberal, Conservative and NDP alike from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and more have left the country or illegally attended large gatherings.

While some politicians had somewhat understandable reasons for travelling, including visiting spouses or attending memorials, there are some who went simply on a warm tropical vacation and a few openly bragged about their decision to disobey their own government’s safety protocols.

While we can laugh at these people as they are exposed, publicly shamed and stripped of responsibilities, dismissing them as just another hypocritical politician (what a surprise), this is not just another example of hypocrisy.

During a pandemic that refuses to go away, it is more important than ever for everybody to follow the rules and regulations. As frustrating as they may be, we are incredibly reliant on each person’s ability to follow the rules and do what is right.

As much as we are all capable of thinking for ourselves and making our own informed decisions, it would be nice to see a little accountability from our elected leaders who are actively telling us what we should be doing.

Ultimately, everyone is able to choose how they will handle themselves on an individual level, utilizing the information we now know about COVID-19 and how it spreads to assess their actions and weigh the risks of what they decide.

If they can do something with minimal health risks to themselves and others, that is beneficial for everyone.

If someone decides to break government rules or protocols for whatever reason and does not endanger others, I’m not too concerned about their actions. If you leave the country but isolate yourself afterwards and follow the testing and quarantine protocols, then you did what you were supposed to do.

But if you are someone who has been entrusted with making wise decisions for people and representing their best interests, then there is a higher level of responsibility. You must lead by example.

Don’t just do the bare minimum, but follow your rules over 110%, be extra careful and show others a pristine example of what you can do.

Sadly, this is just another instance where we have been let down by those who we have collectively entrusted to be smart and make the best decisions for us all. How can we trust our politicians to make the best decisions for us when they can barely make a rational decision for themselves?

More than ever, we are extremely reliant on one another making smart informed decisions — our health and safety rely on it. If we ever want things to return to some semblance of ‘normal’, we must think logically and selflessly. Maybe someone should tell politicians that.

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