December 2024
Wendy Schneider

The HJN and Hamilton Jewish Federation congratulate the following community members for the recognition and notable accomplishments they’ve achieved in their respective fields.

Dr. Nick Kates
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) recently awarded Dr. Nick Kates with a  Special Recognition Award for his life-long contributions to advancing collaborative mental health care in Canada. 

As chair of the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative (CCMHI) from 2003 to 2007, Dr. Kates led a consortium of 12 national organizations who worked together to support the delivery of mental health services in primary care through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Kates has consulted to more than 100 Canadian and international governments, organizations—including in Holland, Denmark, the U.S., the U.K., Israel, Ethiopia, New Zealand and Australia. During his 12 years as director of the Hamilton Family Health Team’s mental health and nutrition program, Dr. Kates integrated mental health counsellors and dietitians into 170 family physician offices and inspired countless residents to follow in his footsteps and practice in, and advocate for, collaborative mental healthcare.

Leslie (Les) Lasky
Leslie (Les) Lasky is this year’s recipient of the City of Hamilton’s Bernie Morelli Lifetime Achievement Award, one of nine Senior of the Year awards presented to adults 65 and older who contribute time and talent to enrich the community’s social, cultural or civic life. Lasky was recognized for serving on the boards of Theatre Aquarius,  St. Joseph’s Hospital, the United Way of Hamilton Burlington and the Hamilton Community Foundation. In the Jewish community, Lasky served as president of  Beth Jacob Synagogue, the Hamilton Jewish Federation, and Shalom Village. During his 50 years of service at Shalom Village, Lasky played a crucial role in fundraising to build the residence.  

Jennifer Howe-Loewith
Congratulations to Summit Station Dairy’s Jennifer Howe-Loewith, who was a nominee finalist for the 2024 Women in Ag Award, organized by the German Agricultural Society and the Women in Ag magazine. The award celebrates the role of women in agriculture. With more than 100 applications received from 34 nations, reflecting innovative approaches within the agricultural sector, being recognized as a finalist was a notable accomplishment.