Comments on: Chewstick Moving From Elliot Street Premises

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 12:42:23 +0000

The landlord at least wants to cover his costs. There is only so much charity one can give. A sad situation for sure. Would you lose money to have someone stay in your building? If so for how long? I imagine at some point you’d pull the plug – anyone would at some point. Again very sad.

By: No way

No way — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:50:09 +0000

I always felt Chewstick deserved a better location than one were people are across the street selling drugs all day.

By: Islander

Islander — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:46:06 +0000

I think it’s good they are moving. That is not the best area and stops many people from trying to attend. That’s a fact.

By: Starting point

Starting point — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:55:24 +0000

Move to the Centre on Angle Street – you could continue to run programs there and add a fantastic layer of art appreciation onto the current sport / rec programs being run there. The ASP and evening programs could thrive with Chewstick programming.

This would keep the program in the community, increase traffic to the Centre, enhance the programming etc. etc. and cost nothing as the building is owned by Government, with some creative work this solution would be perfect. The Centre has always had music components and i think they had or have a DJ program currently.

Government, needs to be creative to keep programs such as Chewstick a float imo.

Youth work is all about mentors and I would think the Chewstick team are about as solid a mentor group as you can get to compliment the Angle Street staff.

However this idea requires collaboration, flexibility and outside the box work that governments are not know for…..

By: Mary Lodge

Mary Lodge — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:24:15 +0000

Thank you for shining light on our talented people. Like the Phoenix, Chewstick will rise again. Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth. Blessings from Mary Lodge.

By: Creamy

Creamy — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 14:57:42 +0000

So, underneath it all, Eugene Blakeney is a capitalist landowner who wants to make a profit.

By: Kristin White

Kristin White — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:57:02 +0000

Christopher James, why assume something so negative about a charity that has been doing great things in this area for five years?

Mr Blakeney is looking for a more profitable venture for his building as he has been affected by the economy. He will soon announce his plans for that space but I can assure you Chewstick has been good rent-paying, tenants that by their presence and renovations have increased the value of this property.

By: watching

watching — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:19:24 +0000

Sad, you are mistaken.

The landlord of this building is Mr. Eugene Blakeney. Interisland Communications is Mr. Glenn Blakeney. Not the same person.

By: swing voter

swing voter — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:08:12 +0000

Buy it Gavin….your group have access to some influential people that like the vibe you bies give off….peace love fairness equality, and best of all….. NO POLITICS!

By: Christopher James

Christopher James — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:05:56 +0000

I wonder what this really means:

“The announcement follows the expiration and subsequent vacate notice from their current landlord, who has had his hand forced due to an ailing real estate economy and severe financial challenges relating to the property”.

I suspect It means that there was an issue with the rent and that the landlord eventually had had enough and could no longer cover them. Very sad for all – and not too good for Chewstick finding anywhere else either – unless they get to use a church hall once a week or something at minimal rent.

Best of luck to all.

By: I tell you

I tell you — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:02:16 +0000

Sad, sad sad. This was an excellent venue for young talent in particular. This is critical for the development of culture.

By: Serious Though

Serious Though — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 04:01:26 +0000

To all court landlord’s
Would love them to stay in court street Area

By: Serious Though

Serious Though — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 03:56:55 +0000

Try former Hubies club

By: Allspice

Allspice — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 00:13:31 +0000

You said it all.

By: Sad

Sad — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 23:49:04 +0000

I agree with Mr. Santucci’s comment. It is puzzling that ChEWSTICK cannnot stay there…expecially since Mr. Blakeney’s InterIsland Communications organisation is about “entertainment!” Chewstick has done MORE FOR that area in Hamilton than many of the more capitalistic ventures. If there is really an interest in improvement of people and geographical areas which have historically been grossly disadvantaged, then the foundations which have been set up to assist the community should be doing so.

By: Duane P Santucci

Duane P Santucci — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 23:42:07 +0000

Thank’s Terry, I try to give credit were it is due and I for one know that my children thoroughly enjoy the positive vibe that Chewstick brings,my children are from teenagers up to early 30′s but I am ole school,so I like the fact that they cater to both young and not so young.The impact they make speaks volumes all by its self.

By: Terry

Terry — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 22:10:36 +0000

Don’t always agree with you Duane but your spot on with those comments.

By: Duane P Santucci

Duane P Santucci — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:43:20 +0000

Hopefully they wont have to move to far from the present location, Chewstick has brought a positive vibe to the area and are highly respected for the diversity they bring to our community and our culture. The fact that they cross all racial barriers and have contributed on a very big scale to our society, I say they will fit like a hand and glove were ever they go, wish them all the best in finding a good viable option,for a location that fits the needs of all who enjoy their unique style.

By: ole Onion

ole Onion — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:27:55 +0000

Sorry to hear your troubles of moving !! Try Shines old venue ! Or ?