April 2017
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Get ready for Vancouver’s biggest job fair!
At a job fair it’s important to dress the part to make a good first impression. Visit the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre ahead of time to find tips on writing resumes and cover letters, and interview and networking skills.
MOSAIC is hosting its 6th Annual Career & Job Fair on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre located at 3250 Commercial Drive. Career fairs offer job seekers a unique opportunity to meet employers face-to-face, create a positive impression, and make meaningful personal connections that are impossible when submitting a resume online. Here are some tips on how to connect effectively with employers and get the most out of a job fair. Before the job fair • Determine which of the businesses participating in the fair match your career objective. Make a list of your target employers based on their needs and
High school students in Green Thumb play Page 3
your skills and interests. • Visit the websites of participating employers you have pre-selected to find out about their job opportunities and company culture. The research will help you figure out if the company is a good match for you. • Use the information from your research to develop a list of questions to ask employers. Employers are looking to hire people who are polite, proactive and equipped with a positive attitude and good listening skills. Stand out from the crowd by asking thoughtful, smart questions. Don’t ask questions for which the answers are readily available online. • Prepare your resume and make sure that you have plenty of copies ready. Prepare different versions of resumes tailoring each to a targeted employer and career objective. • Most employers prefer that you apply online
Women’s personal safety workshop Page 4
before the job fair. It also allows you to cast a wider net, as many companies are hiring for a variety of positions at multiple locations and this way your application will be seen by more hiring managers within the company. Furthermore, by taking the extra step in preparing for the job fair, it shows prospective employers your commitment and interest in working at their company. This does not mean that you are wasting your time by attending the job fair; employer representatives are taking note of candidates they are interested in, so be sure you make a good first impression. • Come prepared. Bring a simple notepad and pen to take notes and a folder to keep your resumes organized and ready to hand out. • Visit the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre to find tip sheets or
Understanding diets Page 6
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Pedestrian safety Page 13
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Get ready for the job fair: Continued from page 1 Come together right now with Freshslice Pizza
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workshops on topics such as resume and cover letter skills, interview skills and networking skills. • Prepare a 20- to 30-second introduction to use with employers. The introduction should be a concise message that quickly provides just enough information about you to generate the listener’s interest and attention, and set the stage for meaningful conversation. At the job fair • Dress the part. First impressions are important and send an immediate message regarding how serious you are in your job search. Clothing should be clean and pressed; business casual is appropriate for most jobs. • Take time to interact with the employers you’ve targeted. Deliver your resume and take the time to make a positive first impression on the employer by showing interest in their needs. • To appear confident and knowledgeable about the company, demonstrate your knowledge by asking questions that are specific to a position or department you’re interested in. Tell the employer how your skill-set matches their requirements. • Watch your body language. A
firm handshake and eye contact are important. Good manners are critical to making a good impression; employers always appreciate someone who is dedicated, conscientious and attentive. • Be friendly and stay on topic. Job fairs can be noisy, so speak clearly and with confidence. • After talking to each representative, ask for a business card and use the back of the card to record notes to help you remember important details and follow-up instructions. If no card is available, record their contact information and your comments in your notepad. After the job fair • Follow up with thank you notes or emails a day or two after the job fair. Thank the employers for taking the time to meet with you, review key points from your conversation and add any new information. Don’t forget to attach your resume and follow up a week or two later to see if opportunities are available for you within their organization. For more information on how to prepare for a job fair or other job search tips, contact the Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services Centre at 604-708-9300 or visit www.employmentworks.ca.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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April 2017
Neighbourhood high school students create original play about addiction by Shawn Macdonald Free community performances April 24 and 26
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Since late September 2016, 10 students from schools in the southeast Vancouver neighbourhood have been meeting weekly to create and rehearse an original play. Under the guidance of Green Thumb Theatre’s artistic associate Shawn Macdonald, the group of Grade 11 and 12 students known as the East Van Young Creators’ Collective have been pooling their diverse talents to create Fix(ed), an interdisciplinary look at addictive behaviour. “It’s not just about addiction,” says Macdonald. “We wanted to explore those strategies and behaviours young people engage in in order not to feel certain things, or to avoid pain. It can be drugs or alcohol, but it can also be devices, or social media, or even just thought loops or negative ideas that we become identified with that drive our behaviour.” The piece chronicles the lives of 10 high school students, each struggling with being stuck in a way of being that may not serve them. Tamsyn Kushner , a Grade 12 student from Windermere Secondary, describes the process this way: “It started with us as a team deciding on what kind of main theme we’d work with. We decided on addiction because it’s general but it’s something that everyone has to deal with in some way. We decided it would be a character-driven story with intertwining plots and relationships.”
“This is a new model for our youth outreach here at Green Thumb,” adds Macdonald. “Not only are the students 100% responsible for creating the content of the show, but we want to engage more directly with our immediate community and neighbours.” Green Thumb Theatre’s “campus” is located next to Carleton School near Kingsway and Joyce. Tamsyn Kushner recognizes the value of these kinds of projects. “For me, it was so cool to get the chance to work on an original play creation. I don’t have many opportunities for that. I was excited to use my artistic skills in a new way.” The students hail from Windermere, David Thompson, Gladstone and Killarney secondary schools. The play will be presented at each of the four participating schools during the day for students in Grades 11 and 12. It will also offer two evening performances for the community, one at Killarney (Monday, April 24) and one at Gladstone (Wednesday, April 26). Both shows will be at 7 pm and are free of charge. The play is created and performed by Vanessa Figueroa (David Thompson), Andy Diep and Nada Molemba (Gladstone), Hansel Rehberger (Killarney), and Christian Garcia, Maggen Rosario Falvo, Tamsyn Kushner, Aisha McCarnan, Sara Nguyen and Asia Pzyborowska, all from Windermere.
Shawn Macdonald is the artistic associate of Green Thumb Theatre.
Above: Grade 11 and 12 students known as the East Van Young Creators’ Collective have created Fix(ed), an interdisciplinary look at addictive behaviour. Image courtesy of Green Thumb Theatre
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April 2017
COMMUNITY NEWS The mission of this non-profit publication is to provide the residents, businesses and organizations of Renfrew/Collingwood with a medium for community communication. Paul Reid: staff writer and layout coordinator Lisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinator Julie Cheng: editorial coordinator
Contributors: Adrian Dix, Amanda Hunter,
Anjula Joshi, Azin Kalantari, Bill Chan, Cindy Chen, Elise Barber, Green Thumb Theatre, Helen Yeung, Jennifer Gray-Grant, Kathy Romses, Kristin Kowalko, Maria Flores, Melanie Cheng, Norman Hill, Roma Mehta, Shawn Macdonald, Suzanne Liddle, Vancouver Northeast WorkBC Employment Services, Vancouver Police Department, Windermere Leadership Program
We want to hear from you! Yes, You! Send comments, community events, press releases by regular post, fax or e-mail. Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome. We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number. The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.
Next submission deadline: Apr. 10 The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).
Yo u C a n F i n d t h e RC Community News @ Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.
Contact the RCCNews Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 Fax: 604-451-1191 Editorial: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca Advertising: Phone Lisa Symons at 604.435.0323 email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca Renfrew/Collingwood Community News Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Vancouver, BC V5R 6C9
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Women learn to stay safe through an empowering workshop by Jennifer Gray-Grant When I walked into Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s gym, I was completely taken aback: there were about 30 women from the Vancouver Police Department setting up chairs, standing along the side wall, chatting with participants and registering workshop attendees. The blast of blue made me wonder what, exactly, I’d signed up to do. This was a Women’s Personal Safety Workshop. For some reason, I thought we’d have a little lecture, maybe watch a few safety films and then discuss situations where we’d felt at personal risk. With some trepidation, I eyed the mats lined up three deep along one side of the gym. I’m not a super physical person; a brisk walk or comfortable kayaking session is about as challenging as it gets for me. And truthfully, I was tired after a long day at work and so the idea of rolling around on the mats with a bunch of police women and other women from my neighbourhood didn’t really appeal to me. I slumped, exhausted, into a chair. Within about half an hour I was screaming and yelling, throwing defensive moves and delivering pretend kicks to my partner’s knees and ankles.
The police women volunteer their time to provide the Women’s Personal Safety Workshop to local residents. Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Police Department. been subjected to catcalls, lewd comments, physical threats or intimidation.
“This was one of the most liberating courses I’d ever taken.”
My workshop partner was somebody who teaches personal safety courses to women and she was very loud and very aggressive so that got my adrenalin flowing and I fought back. Suddenly, I wasn’t very tired anymore. Enthusiastically. I soon realized this was one of the most liberating courses I’d ever taken. It gave me permission to fight back as memories flowed of times I’d
In fact there are a few film clips that the instructors show, and they also display some of the techniques to fight back against an attacker or, as they say, a predator. Participants then get opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills. And, trust me, if I can learn the skills, anybody can pick them up. I think what I remember best from the workshop is the feeling in the room after the session ended. There was a loud buzz from the participants who, flooded with adrenalin and feeling empowered from their new skills, were eager to share stories with one another and laugh about how they
felt sorry for any predators wandering the streets near these newly empowered women’s homes. The cost: free. These police women volunteer their time as a way of giving back to the communities they’ve pledged to protect. There’s an opportunity for women to sign up for one of these workshops in April. Collingwood Neighbourhood House is providing the space for free and has worked with the Collingwood Community Policing Centre to organize the event. All you need to do is register (info below) and show up. I’d highly recommend it. The Women’s Personal Safety Workshop will take place on
Thursday, April 27 from 6-8 pm at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street. To register, drop by or call the Collingwood Community Policing Centre at 5160 Joyce Street, 604-717-2935. Jennifer Gray-Grant is the executive director of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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April 2017
Graham Bruce Elementary: Top Marks for East Van School By Anjula Joshi and Melanie Cheng Families and teachers at East Vancouver’s Graham Bruce Elementary have a lot to be proud of these days. Just last summer the Vancouver School Board placed Bruce Elementary on a closing list. But the community fought back and won the battle to keep it open. Now, Bruce Elementary has just been placed on a much better list. According to the most recent Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) results released by the Ministry of Education this week, Bruce Elementary students scored the second highest academic test results out of all of the 91 public elementary schools in Vancouver. The FSA results are controversial, particularly because the Fraser Institute uses them to rank schools according to just test scores without taking into account socioeconomic factors and the other things happening in schools. Schools in more affluent areas usually rank the highest.
Photo by Adrian Dix
That’s why this win for Bruce Elementary is so remarkable. Bruce is in an East Van community where 70% of families are English language learners, it’s one of the most ethnically diverse areas in all of British Columbia, and families are typically working class with modest income. Despite all of these barriers and being on the closure list, Bruce students scored top marks on the recent FSA. The reason for Bruce student’s success is simple: it’s a great place to learn. The teachers genuinely care about the school and the students. All staff have a collaborative approach towards their students, the parents and each other, and they are true professionals. Although parents’ resources are limited, they work together actively to support the teachers and provide additional programs and learning opportunities for its students. Bruce is more than just a school—it’s a hub in the community. The families at Bruce Elementary never needed the Fraser Institute’s rankings to assure them that it’s great. But now the word is out. Bruce Elementary is no longer on the “closure list”—it’s on the “A-list!”
Graham Bruce Community Raffle Graham Bruce is holdings its annual raffle. Ticket sales start in early April. The raffle is the school’s main fundraiser to support their programs. This year the raffle is the biggest ever. The grand prize is a trip for two by plane from Vancouver to Victoria. Community Carnival – May 2017 The Bruce Elementary Community Carnival will be on Friday, May 26, 2017. There will be have carnival games, BBQ, silent auction and FREE entertainment.
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Understanding diets: Separating fact from fad
Dear Neighbours:
by Amanda Hunter, Helen Yeung and Kathy Romses
Donations of Guitars and Musical Instruments Needed!
Spring is a great time to renew focus on our health and wellness from a holistic perspective. This includes nurturing our bodies in ways to support our physical as well as mental health.
Do you have musical instruments you would like to see used for an excellent cause? The Collingwood Neighbourhood House has a youth settlement worker who helps immigrants, refugees, and also Canadianborn children and youth. He is an amazing musician and wants to teach children and youth how to play music, but he is short musical instruments.
Every day, the average person makes over 200 decisions about food. These small decisions can add up to important impacts on health and happiness. However, if you’ve ever tried to sift through nutrition blogs, articles and other online information, you know that it can be overwhelming to figure out what, how and when to eat for optimal health and enjoyment. This past March was Nutrition Month, with the theme Take the Fight Out of Food. This campaign was led by Dietitians of Canada and focuses on building happier, healthier relationships with food by tackling five food-related topics. The campaign helps consumers to cut the confusion and get straight to the science, when it comes to choosing well-balanced dietary habits that can be maintained for long-term health.
Please support this great cause and donate any guitars (acoustic, electric, and bass) or other instruments you may have! Help give children a confidence boost through the joys of playing a musical instrument! Vote in the May 9th Provincial Election!
A great way to kick off a positive change is to find new healthy recipes and try them out with friends and family. Here is a delicious appetizer recipe for you to try at your next gathering!
To help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to diets, here are three basic steps you can follow:
Chorizo Tapas with Roasted Red Pepper
Spot the problem The diet and weight-loss industry in Canada isn’t tightly regulated, leaving room for sneaky marketing to spread unfounded nutrition claims. Spot the problem by keeping an eye out for red flags to help identify myths that seem too good to be true. For example, is the diet or supplement promising “rapid weight loss,” an “easy cure” for a long list of diseases, or some sort of “full-body detox?” If so, it’s a good idea to do some digging before including it in your lifestyle.
•2 Fresh chorizo sausages • ½ cup Plain Greek yogurt • 1 cup Roasted red peppers from a jar, drained • ¼ cup Unsalted almonds • 15 Baguette, diagonally cut
Get the facts Good dietary recommendations should be based on evidence, given by qualified experts and be something you can follow for the long term. Look for blogs, articles, recipes or social media posts written by registered dietitians. Seek support Food is so much more than the sum of its calories. The way we choose to eat can have strong ties to cultural tradition or lifestyle patterns, as well as our overall happiness. If you’re seeking to change your diet, the support of loved ones can help to smooth the transition, along with reliable resources like the ones listed below. • www.healthlinkbc.ca or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian • www.cookspiration.com is a great resource for recipes like the one included here.
The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway
Ingredients: 2 125 mL 250 mL 60 mL 15 slices
Step 1 Diagonally cut chorizo into slices. Cook in a large non-stick frying pan, over medium heat, 2 minutes on each side until golden (or barbecue whole sausages, then cut into slices). Step 2 Meanwhile, combine yogurt, peppers and almonds in a food processor. Pulse until creamy but still a little chunky. Add salt and pepper. Step 3 Toast baguette slices, if desired. Spread each with a generous spoonful of sauce, then top with one or two slices of chorizo. Transfer to a platter and serve as an appetizer. Recipe by Danone, available at http://www.cookspiration.com/ recipe.aspx?perma=kkbwyZrUrjl&d=42&i=6&s=5 Amanda Hunter is a dietetic intern studying at the University of B.C. Helen Yeung and Kathy Romses are public health dietitians at Vancouver Coastal Health.
On Tues, May 9th, British Columbians will be casting their vote to select their next MLAs and government! Although most people cast their ballots on Election Day at their local voting locations, there are also lots of other ways to vote: a) In advance: from 8am-8pm the Saturday and Sunday two weeks before Election Day (May 9th), and the Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat before Voting Day. b) By mail: ask for a “Vote by Mail” package from Elections BC before an election is called until 4pm on Election Day. The package will be mailed to you or can be picked up at the district electoral office. The completed package must be returned no later than 8pm on Election Day. Where do you go to vote on May 9th? You will receive your “Where to Vote Cards” in the mail. If not, you can find your voting location by checking elections.bc.ca and checking your community newspapers. Don’t forget to register to vote! Before the election is called, you can register online at elections.bc.ca or by calling 1-800-661-8683. You can also register when you arrive to vote. 12th Annual Senior’s Health and Wellness Fair a success! I would like to thank everyone for participating in our Seniors Wellness Fair at Renfrew Park Community Centre. And a special thanks to Cheryl Palidda for her fabulous organization! This was the 12th annual fair, and attendance was excellent. With over 350 seniors attending, the day was a complete success. We had a hearing clinic on top of an absolute wealth of information from all of our presenters, and great food at lunch. I would like to thank our fantastic volunteers, the staff at Renfrew Park Community Centre and all of our performers who have taken time out of their busy schedules to help make this day a great success. I am proud to have been able to once again provide a venue to share such critical information with the community. We look forward to seeing you all at Seniors’ Wellness Fair 2018! Sincerely, Adrian
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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April 2017
Do you speak the language of food? by Elise Barber The Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute is excited to announce the Language of Food project and we’d love for you to get involved. The Language of Food project includes two components: community kitchens and a multilanguage food resource. Community kitchens We will be hosting eight new community kitchens this year, in collaboration with the Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s English language learning programs – English Corner, LINC classes and the Filipino Youth Group.
Multi-language food resource The second part of the Language of Food project is an exciting initiative led by one of our talented community volunteers and ESL teacher, Maria Flores. The project will be supported by our amazing community food liaison, Cassandra Ly. Maria and Cassandra are gathering interested community members who speak languages other than English to create a multi-language food vocabulary resource.
The idea is for community members who speak different languages to come together and create a visual and written resource in The first of the Language of Food community kitchens was held on March 26, with the English multiple languages that lists common vegCorner group. During these community kitchens, etables, fruits, herbs and other ingredients and tools used in our garden and kitchen which are lead by the wonderful Najia Elacel, participants can practice their English skills over programs. food and to learn about community kitchens and Over a few meetings, community members other food security programs. will be invited to draw items and write its name in their own languages. This will go Those who are interested are encouraged to cointo a vocabulary resource in many lanhost one of our regular community kitchens in their own language at CNH. We look forward to guages spoken by Renfrew-Collingwood residents. meeting lots of new participants through these community kitchens and, of course to make This resource will be used to support comsome delicious food all together! munity members in our cooking and gardening programs to learn some new vocabulary words and new cultures. Do you or someone you know speak a language other than English? Please join us at our first gathering : on Monday, April 17 at 6 at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street. Please RSVP at 604-435-0323 extension 225 or cly@cnh.bc.ca.
The Language of Food project is led by talented community and ESL teacher, Maria Flores.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
April 2017
Windermere students celebrate Earth Day Join the Earth Day Parade and Celebration - April 22 Every year, grade 11 students from Windermere Secondary’s Leadership program dedicate their time to organizing an event for Earth Day. This year will be our seventh annual Earth Day Parade and Celebration happening on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The event aims to educate and engage youth on important environmental issues including climate change. This year the event will be looking at issues that directly affect our communities such as the recently approved Kinder Morgan pipeline as well as tankers on our coast. We are driven to organize this event every year by our desire for a just and
by Cindy Chen
sustainable world and to empower those who attend to work towards a greener and more sustainable future.
The event will start off with a parade near Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station at 1 pm and will proceed northwards on Commercial Drive to Grandview Park where there will be a variety of speakers, performers and activities. We invite and encourage everyone to come out with signs, dress up, and walk with us on Saturday, April 22nd at 1 pm! D
Windermere Leadership students invite you to join them on their annual Earth Day walk on Saturday, April 22 at 1 pm, starting at the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station. Photo courtesy of the Windermere Leadership Program
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April 2017
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
The Seniors Connection Update on seniors programs at Collingwood Neighbourhood House by Azin Kalantari At Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), plenty of seniors start their week with a variety of programs. They also volunteer their time in helping to run the programs. We truly appreciate their time and effort. Despite the cold winter this year, every Monday our seniors brightened up their cold days by joining in birthdays and bingo celebrations and other programs such as educational workshops, games, arts and crafts, movies and tours. Afternoon chats From April onwards, our Afternoon Chat is also going to be part of the Monday’s programs to gather seniors together for an afternoon coffee and chat about local and world news. Senior immigrants who want to improve their English language can consider this gathering as an English Café where a professional facilitator tries to help them in their English learning journey. Carpooling service Often seniors do not come out of their homes and are isolated due to transportation issues. We started to think about carpooling to encourage seniors to keep coming to programs especially after they give up their driver’s license.
The idea started when a couple of carpool relationships happened naturally. Drivers noticed that there were people coming to the same destination from their neighbourhood. Carpooling means that seniors can keep their social activities going with the help of their peers or other CNH participants. Drivers who carpool seniors will be reimbursed for their mileage. And, as the weather is improving the community tours are coming back! Check out our monthly bulletin for upcoming tours. Public transportation In February, CNH senior connectors participated in Translink training to learn how to train other seniors in using public transportation. They learned about transport services operated by Translink, including bus services, Skytrain and bridges, the differences between three types of buses operated by Translink, the different types of fares and passes, Compass card and paper tickets, how to pay, how to plan a trip through online and calling, and
how to ask for help when in emergency. If you need any help do not hesitate to call the office at 604-43-0323 and ask for training. Seniors advisory meeting Our senior connectors also took part in the last CNH seniors advisory meeting. Their kind involvement with their great suggestions is making our programs more augmented. Thank you, connectors! The next CNH seniors advisory meeting will be on April 6. Volunteer thanks And our thanks to Lund Milton, our shuttle driver at the Better at Home program, who eases every trip for our seniors. Lund, who takes good care of our seniors’ transportation in Renfrew-Collingwood, offers this service from Tuesday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 4 pm. He is happy to take Better at Home clients to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. Please contact Sandra Medina at 604-435-0375 or smedina@cnh.bc.ca to arrange a service.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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April 2017
Renfrew-Collingwood family caring for the environment and the community by Bill Chan My name is Bill Chan and I have lived in the wonderful Renfrew-Collingwood community since 1986 and have seen our neighbourhood evolve over the past 30 years. We purchased our first house in this neighbourhood, got married and raised our two boys, Brendan and Lucas, who went to Renfrew Elementary and Windermere Secondary School. As they were growing up we instilled the values of being a good neighbour and caring for our community.
I am now running for a director position for Vancity, a credit union that shares our family values, one of working together and meeting our financial needs while being socially and environmentally responsible to our community. With your vote, we can work together, do well and do good for our Renfrew-Collingwood community. We encourage our Vancity
residents to stop by the Joyce and Kingsway branch from April 4 to 8 to vote. Voting can also be done online from March 28 to April 21 at vancity.com. Long-time Renfrew-Collingwood resident Bill Chan is running for a position on the board of directors of Vancity Credit Union.
When Brendan and Lucas were attending Renfrew Elementary school, both my wife and I, while working full time, would make time to volunteer at their school. I was active in the school Parent Advisory Council (PAC), holding positions as the chair, vice chair and treasurer for seven years. I also took part on the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) for Fraserview. During Brendan and Lucas’ high school years, they volunteered in Windermere’s garden, was active in Youth for Climate Justice Now and helped coordinate Vancouver’s annual Earth Day Parades on Commercial Drive. Both of my young adult boys are now 23 and 21 years old at the University of B.C. in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems majoring in environment and global sustainability. At UBC they have actively volunteered and founded the Roots on Roof, a rooftop garden on top of UBC’s Student Union Building. They were also a part Still Moon Arts Society, participating in the production of the annual Moon Festival at Still Creek and the Renfrew Ravine. I am a chartered professional accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of senior management experience working for Encorp Pacific, an environmental stewardship company branded as Return-It. Encorp Pacific is a B.C. company responsible for the recycling of used beverage containers and electronics throughout the province. Our neighbourhood Return-It Depot is located at 2639 Kingsway (two blocks west of the Purdy’s chocolate factory) and accept used beverage containers, electronics, small appliances, packaging and printed paper for recycling.
MOSAIC’s 6th Annual
CAREER & JOB FAIR
2017 @mosaicbc
*Free admission Meet with over 50 employers and recruiters in business, IT, hospitality, trades, healthcare, and retail.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Croatian Cultural Centre 3250 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5N 4E4
For more information and to register for free workshops please visit:
mosaicbc.org/careerfair
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April 2017
Get Involved Natalia Pardalis’ Cup of Tea Music Video Release Saturday, April 1, 7:30 pm Brentwood Presbyterian Church 1600 Delta Avenue, Burnaby Benefit concert for the Sippa Memorial Scholarship at the Vancouver Film School. Live streaming of Natalia’s video Cup of Tea and acoustic set of Natalia’s EP I’m in Love with Fairytales. Special guest Herokah. Natalia grew up in Collingwood. Tickets available at www.nataliapardalis.com Neighbourhood Small Grants – Deadline April 4 Do you have a great idea for your neighbourhood? Apply for a grant ranging from $50-$500 and bring your project to life! The deadline is Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Apply online at neighourhoodsmallgrants. ca or visit Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street) for a paper application. Block parties, art shows, community gardens, yoga at sunrise or movies under the stars are just a few ideas. Graham Bruce Elementary Open House Wednesday, April 5, 9-10:30 am For children ages 2 to 5 years. Meet in the school library. Come visit your local elementary school, meet the staff and join in a morning of singing with “Will’s Jams” from CBC Kids (see willmusic.ca). No registration required – just show up! Register to vote for BC election – Deadline April 11 The provincial election in BC is Tuesday, May 9. It’s easy to register to vote: If you have voted in the past, you should be on the voter’s list. This means you’re registered. You can check here: http://elections.bc.ca/register-to-vote/ check-your-voter-registration/ If you want to register online go to: http://elections. bc.ca/register-to-vote/ If you want to register by phone: Call 1-800-661-8683. The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 11. VANCOUVER‐KINGSWAY
All Candidates MeeƟng
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 7 pm Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Come out and hear from the Vancouver-Kingsway candidates before the May 9 Provincial Election.
Sponsors:
For more information call Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323
Free Resume Clinics @ Collingwood Library Tuesday, April 18, 1-3 pm Tuesday, May 16, 1-3 pm Collingwood Library, 2985 Kingsway Free but registration required Bring a copy of your resume. Bring a specific job posting, too. A career advisor from the MOSAIC-WorkBC Employment Services Centre will give feedback on your resume and job search tips. Registration required for your 15-minute appointment. For more info and to register, contact Collingwood Branch at 604-665-3953. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #179 Grandview-Collingwood Amalgamation Celebration Everyone Welcome Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 Details to right.
Keep Vancouver Spectacular Cleanup Campaign Kickoff Saturday, April 29 10 am: Check-in/Registration. Don Davies Office, CPC Office or BIA Office 10:30-11:30: Cleanup 11:45: Ceremony/Proclamation. Gaston Park 12-1 pm: BBQ for volunteers The event will include a small ceremony with the Mayor proclaiming the month of May as Keep Vancouver Spectacular Month. For more info contact the Collingwood Community Policing Centre (CPC) 604-717-2935
April Cultural Events Tuesday, April 4 Community Conversation Café “What does it mean to trust?” 7-8:30 pm Collingwood Library 2985 Kingsway Free. Community members gather for coffee and conversation. Children welcome! In partnership with the Vancouver Public Library. Saturday, April 8, 16, 22 Social Culture Club 10 am-noon Collingwood Neighbourhood House Free. Join neighbours in sharing or learning, knitting, crocheting and sewing skills. Please bring your own materials. Refreshments are provided. Contact Yoko at ytomita@cnh.bc.ca Thursday, April 20 Artist Café with John Capitano Real Life in Technicolour: Paintings by John Capitano April 6-May 15, 2017 Italian Cultural Centre 3075 Slocan Street 7-8:30 pm Free. Drop by for coffee, art and conversation. Friday, April 28 Community Coffee House & Open Mic First Lutheran Church, 5745 Wales Street (entry via 42nd Avenue) 7-9 pm Check out local musical talent in your community and meet up friends and neighbours! Refreshments and entrance by donation. Saturday, April 29 Needle Felting Workshop 4-6 pm Collingwood Neighbourhood House Free workshop. Join Melinda Broome as she teaches the basics of needle felting. The theme for this workshop is making felt bees.
Vancouver Co-op Radio for Community News for Renfrew-Collingwood El Bus de las 7 With Ramon Flores Wednesdays, 8-9 am It Takes a Village With Robert Moya Thursdays, 4-5 pm
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Parenting: Tips to communicate with your teen by Kristin Kowalko In February 2017, the School Aged Children and Youth (SACY) program hosted a parent and caregiver workshop called Building Bridges with Your Teen at Windermere Secondary. Sixteen parents and caregivers attended, eager to learn tips and strategies to keeping communication open between parents and teens. Roma Mehta (my co-facilitator and parent engagement facilitator) and I discussed the adolescent brain and what this stage of development looks like for teenagers. The parents and caregivers talked about the changes they’ve seen in their children emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially as they go through teen development. We assured everyone that their moody, sleepy and irritable kids who spend more time with their friends than their family is entirely normal! Roma and I shared tips on how to best communicate with youth at a time when it can feel like they are pushing us away. The participants then explored these new ideas by playing out scenarios. Some insights on how best to connect with youth are: • Be encouraging and inviting, try not to be overly directing
The next SACY event at Windermere is May 18. It is open to Windermere parents. Photo by Roma Mehta
•
Check in and explore with youth instead of assuming you know the best way to do something • Explore options and ideas with youth instead of explaining what to do or what they did wrong • Try celebrating accomplishments with your youth (even the small ones!) instead of expecting perfection (from your youth and yourself!) • Ask youth their expert opinions about topics pertaining to them; they love to be the expert! • Have fun, be silly, enjoy each other!
The participants at Windermere were insightful, inquisitive and open. It was a wonderful event to connect with the parents in the community and to share. The SACY program hosts several parent/caregiver workshops in the Vancouver School District. The next event at Windermere will be the Capacity Café on Thursday, May 18. This event showcases a group of brave youth who want to share with parents/caregivers what it’s like being a teen today. This event is open to all parents of youth who attend Windermere Secondary. If you are interested in attending or would like to hear about other SACY events/workshops, email Kristin Kowalko atKristin.kowalko@vch.ca
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Share the road – Pedestrian Safety event focuses on crossing and driving with care April 19 is Pedestrian Safety Day in Collingwood! by Suzanne Liddle With the roads in the neighbourhood getting busier and busier, pedestrians are more vulnerable. It’s important to be as safe as possible when we’re out on foot and when we’re driving. Be aware and visible while crossing the road • Always make eye contact with drivers and never assume that a driver has seen you. • Remove your headphones and leave your phone alone while crossing the road. • Be careful at intersections and watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic instead of scanning for you. • Always cross at designated crosswalks. Follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals and never cross once the signal has turned yellow or red. • Wear reflective clothing or gear and flashlights to make it easier for drivers to see you in wet weather, at dusk and at night. • On rural roads without sidewalks, make yourself visible and always walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming drivers.
The Collingwood Community Policing Centre (CCPC), Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) and Collingwood Business Improvement Association have teamed up (with support from other local organizations) to promote pedestrian safety. On Wednesday, April 19 there will be four stations in the neighbourhood where you can pick up a FREE reflector and some safety tips. Look out for CCPC volunteers (and mascots!) at the following locations in the morning and early evening: • Euclid and Joyce • Kingsway and Joyce • Joyce Skytrain Station • Rupert and Kingsway The Better at Home Walking Club will be leaving CNH at 10:30 am for a walk around the neighbourhood distributing reflectors – look out for them or come to join in with the walk! Busy intersections and more traffic mean that both pedestrians and drivers need to be more careful. Check out these helpful tips from ICBC on how to be a safe pedestrian and driver.
Drive through intersections with care • Focus on the road. Always leave your phone or any other hand-held electronic device alone while you’re driving. • Be ready to yield to pedestrians – especially when turning in intersections and near transit stops.
• Look twice for pedestrians crossing the road particularly when visibility is poor. • Give yourself extra time and space to stop in case a pedestrian suddenly crosses the street; expect the unexpected. One in five people killed in car crashes in BC are pedestrians – and 69% of crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections. Let’s be safe and look out for each other in Collingwood, on April 19 and throughout the year. More information on pedestrian safety can be found at www. icbc.com/road-safety.
RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3
604 257-8388 Centre: ext 1 Pool: ext 2 Fax: 604 257-8392 Website: www.vancouver.ca/renfrewrec or www.renfrewcc.com
Jointly operated by Renfrew Park Community Association and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
2017 Spring Centre Programs
Program Highlights
Fashion Illustration - Beginner (7-14yrs)
For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. GST to be added. Registration Starts On-line and in person Registration Tue, March 7 Register by phone (604 257-8388) Wed, March 8 To create a new account, go to recreation.vancouver.ca
103662 Fr
Special Events
Hang Out with Friends (10-13yrs)
Renfrew Ravine Clean-up (13-18yrs)
Spring cleaning, anyone? Come help clean-up our community! A Park Board Waiver Form must be completed two days prior to this event. 103924 Sa Apr 1 10:00am-12:30pm Free
Seed Swap (All Ages) Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Come by to find out what new plants you can put in your garden. If you have some seeds of your own to swap, feel free to bring them or come by to pick up several packets by donation to get started! 101913 Sa Apr 8 11:00am-2:00pm Free
Talent Mishmash (13-18yrs)
Lynsey MacDonald Come celebrate Youth Week 2017 at Renfrew Centre. The Youth Council is hosting a 'Talent Mishmash' which will showcase all forms of artistic expression. Come eat cake and check out the awesomeness of your fellow peers. 101923 Sa Apr 29 12:00pm-3:00pm Free
103660 Fr 103661 Fr
Apr 21-Jun 16 Apr 21-Jun 16
5:30-6:30pm 6:35-7:35pm
Fashion Illustration - Int/Adv (13-16yrs) Apr 21-Jun 16
7:45-8:45pm
Niki Chung $66/8 sess $66/8 sess Niki Chung $108/8 sess
Lynsey MacDonald Looking for a place to hang out with friends afterschool? Come check this program out! Youth have access to the computer lab and games area. Free with OneCard. No sessions Jun 7, 8. 101937 We Th Apr 12-Jun 28 3:30-5:00pm Free
The Passion Project (10-13yrs)
Paula Parman The Passion Project is an opportunity for participants to discover what they are passionate about, to decide what project they want to take on, and to set weekly goals to accomplish this project. No session May 20. 101513 Sa Apr 22-Jun 17 12:45-1:45pm $8/8 sess
Easter Weekend Hours of Operation Pool Fri
Rock Bottom (19+yrs) Elizabeth Leon 102434 We Apr 5 6:00-6:45pm Free trial class Please pre-registration as space is limited.
Centre Closed
Sat Apr 15 8:30am-4:00pm 9:30am-4:00pm 9:00am-5:00pm Sun Apr 16 1:00pm-5:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm 10:30am-5:30pm Mon Apr17 1:00pm-5:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm
Closed
Easter Eggstravaganza (All Ages) Rain or shine. There will be face painting, crafts, games in the gym the entire time and our famous egg hut outside. Children less than 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your egg hunt time. Sa 12:30-3:00pm Apr 15 $5/child Egg Hunt Times: 88202 1:00-1:15pm 88203 1:30-1:45pm 88205 2:00-2:15pm 90748 2:30-2:45pm
Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool
Saturday, April 15th from 2:00pm–4:00pm
Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply
Youth Life Essentials (13-16yrs)
Paula Parman This program will consist of teaching life essentials that may not be taught in school. Lessons consist of cover letter and resume writing, interview skills, cooking affordable/healthy meals, learning how to network and much more! No session May 20. 101672 Sa Apr 22-Jun 17 3:00-4:30pm $16/8 sess
Fitness Centre
Apr 14 1:00pm-5:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm
Renfrew Licensed Preschool Open House Registration Apr 25 4:00-8:00pm Fri May 5 6:00am-11:30am Forms will be handed out, if Vacancy information accepted then a time will be will be available on this day. issued to return for the orientation, payments and return completed forms.
Tue
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)
H IGHLIG H TS
CNH’s recreation programs offer kids an opportunity for growth and challenge After a cold, snowy winter, spring brings a welcome opportunity for growth and new challenges. CNH has a full range of recreation programs that will help participants of all ages enjoy the promise of the season. We’re proud to feature two unique children’s recreation programs for spring: ‘Rhythmic Gymnastics’ and ‘What’s Cooking With Kids’. For information on CNH’s other spring recreation programs, visit http:// www.cnh.bc.ca/programs/ To register for a program, visit CNH’s front desk.
The benefits of CNH’s Rhythmic Gymnastics classes include physical fitness, self-discipline, positive selfesteem, lasting friendships, team skills, and lots of fun. Participants will enjoy careful guidance, respectful encouragement and expert coaching. Instructor Daniela Todorova has a Rhythmic Sports Gymnastics Instructor Certificate and is a NCCP 3 level certified coach in rhythmic gymnastics. She has 20 years of coaching experience developing top level athletes. In fact, in 2005 she was invited to coach Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team members. She is also a two time European Champion, World Champion, International Master of Sports, and a national level judge in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Ages: 4–5 / 7–12 Dates: Mondays, April 17 – May 22 Times: 4–5 p.m. (Ages 4–5); 5–6 p.m. (Ages 7–12) Cost: $75 / 10 sessions
Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Full meal prices are $6.25 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.”
April lunch menu Tuesday, April 4 Minestrone soup Roast beef or veggie sandwich Salad Apple bran muffin
What’s Cooking With Kids
Thursday, April 6 Shepherd’s pie / veggie option Salad Vanilla pudding Tuesday, April 11 Creamy squash soup Macaroni and cheese Salad Pecan square
Rhythmic Gymnastics If you’re a fan of the Olympics, you may know about Rhythmic Gymnastics. It has been described as “one of the most beautiful and precise Olympic Sports”. In Rhythmic Gymnastics, individual athletes or groups of athletes use hand-held apparatus such as hoops, balls, ropes, ribbons, and clubs in specially choreographed routines. Rhythmic Gymnastics combines the dynamics and flexibility of gymnastics, the technical knowledge of ballet, and the self-expression and rhythm of modern dance.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
Thursday, April 13 Butter chicken on rice / veggie option Salad Chocolate cupcake Does your child enjoy cooking? Do you want your child to learn how to cook healthy food? Then this could be the class for them! This class will provide kids with valuable knowledge about food and kitchen safety, teach them how to prepare meals, help them master basic culinary skills, and give them lots of hands-on kitchen experience. Kids will learn all about food, including how to make better, healthier food choices, and how to cook by themselves. Instructor Najia Elacel is also CNH’s Community Chef. She coordinates the preparation of CNH’s healthy, twice-weekly community lunches. She also plays a leadership role in regular Community Kitchen sessions and food skills workshops. She loves cooking and kids and is an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. She is also a mother of two young children. Ages: 9–12 Dates: Thursdays, April 20 – June 8 Times: 3:45–5:15 p.m. Cost: Cost $ 70 / 8 classes, including the food supplies
This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Tuesday, April 18 Tomato chickpea soup Chicken or veggie panini Salad Shortbread cookies Thursday, April 20 Chili with bannock Salad Brownie Tuesday, April 25 Cream of broccoli soup Chicken shawarma or falafel pita Salad Coconut cookies Thursday, April 27 Meat or veggie lasagna Caesar salad Egg tart
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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April 2017
Lynda Juan Manager Sales and Service
TD Canada Trust 3363 Kingsway T: 604.654.3975 Lynda.juan@td.com Lynda Juan loves her career with TD Canada Trust. In her eighth year with the well-known financial institution, Lynda knows first-hand how TD invests in their employees by promoting from within. Starting out as a customer service representative (CSR), she is now the manager of customer service and sales or MCSS. Lynda also loves how TD makes positive impacts in the world every day. Founded in 1855 by a group of millers and merchants as the Bank of Toronto, TD Canada Trust now delivers its fine financial services to approximately 10 million Canadian customers and an additional 12 million clients worldwide. “I love working for TD; it’s a great company that tries to keep the talented people around by promoting from within. When I am hiring a customer service representative, I am thinking also about this person’s potential with the company. Is this the future CEO of the company?” TD Canada Trust has also been doing a lot for our environment. Its Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), since being founded in 1990, has provided approximately $76 million to revitalize and steward public green spaces. “Each branch has its own projects. With April being the month for the environment, our branch will be giving away eco-friendly tote bags. Our staff also volunteer throughout the year to plant trees in local parks.” You can catch up with them at Collingwood Days, where their
booth will have plenty of information on Friends of the Environment Foundation and more. “The TD FEF program has been organized so that all donations from a community are directly invested in that community. For example, in February 2017, TD FEF presented the Collingwood Neighbourhood House with $24,774. This money will be used to help revitalize a series of community gardens in the Norquay neighbourhood (entitled Nourishing the Norquay Neighbourhood).” Thank you to our local TD Canada Trust branch! “From April 6-23, all TD Canada Trust branches will be participating in a donor-acquisition campaign to help raise funds for TD FEF projects such as the Collingwood Neighbourhood House project.” Lynda came to Canada 17 years ago from Tainan, Taiwan, as an international student. She spent her Grade 9 year in Abbotsford and later moved to Coquitlam, where she graduated from Centennial High. Lynda would go on to graduate from the University of B.C., where she majored in economics. She and her husband now have two boys to keep them happy and busy: Alden who is six and Adrian, age three. Lynda will soon be relocating to another TD Canada Trust location, the Continental Plaza Branch in Richmond. Good
luck Lynda and thank you for your help here in Renfrew-Collingwood.
CBIA UPDATES l April 17th Pedestrian Safety Day in Collingwood The CBIA will be partnering with the Collingwood Community Policing Centre and the Van-couver Police Department, ICBC and other community groups. There will be giveaways along Joyce Street and we’ll be out there giving everyone pedestrian safety tips.
info
l New Business Crime Prevention Booklets The Collingwood Guardians will be distributing the new Business Crime Prevention Booklet developed by the Vancouver Police Department. The Guardians will visit all businesses and explain the booklet and answer any questions. Contact the Collingwood Community Policing Centre at 604.717.2935 if haven’t received your copy. Let’s be safe and report any crimes l Collingwood Days 2017 - May 27, 2017 @ GASTON PARK - NEW LOCATION! Sponsorship Opportunities, International Marketplace and Food Court vendor application are online. Pancake breakfast 9 – 11a.m. Festival official opening 11a.m. to 4p.m. For more information www.collingwooddays.com
l Collingwood International Film Festival 2017 This year will be the 5th annual event. The dates and park locations are: July 7- Japan Gaston Park July 21 – China – Collingwood Park August 4 – Spain – Gaston Park August 18 – India – Collingwood Park movie Lion Movies begin at dusk. Bring your chair, blankets and snacks and enjoy a good movie in the park. l Collingwood BIA Board Members Needed We have a few positions available on our board of directors and various committees and invite all property owners and businesses owners to join the board. We meet monthly dur-ing the lunch hour every second Wednesday. Call or email angela@shopcollingwood.ca for more information.
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April 2017
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Spectrum Society for Community Living Seeks Community Support Workers (CSW’s), Live‐In Salaried Caregivers and Homeshare Providers At Spectrum, we believe that community is enriched by the presence and contributions of its citizens with disabilities. Together we can create a world where all people are valued, their voices heard and choices respected. Are you the kind of person who loves to get involved in your community? Do you feel like it’s always been your calling to provide support to your friends or family? Are you a person who loves to connect with people and network within your community? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then you may be a great fit for this kind of work!
For CSW’s and Live‐In Salaried Caregivers: Please contact Human Resources at personnel@spectrumsociety.org For Homeshare Providers: Please contact Anne Marie Fulop at amf@spectrumsociety.org or 604‐323‐1433 if you are curious about the opportunity to share your home and provide care and support to an adult living with developmental disability.