Renfrew-Collingwood Community News April 2021

April 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Get your COVID-19 vaccine at the Italian Cultural Centre The Italian Cultural Centre at 3075 Slocan and Grandview Highway has been chosen as a vaccination site serving Vancouver Coastal Health, which includes Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton Powell River and the Sunshine Coast.

Age-eligible residents can call 1-877-587-5767 between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm to book their appointment. Callers are reminded to have their personal health number, date of birth, postal code, a phone number and a pen and paper handy.

Appointments are Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm. Check out the Italian Cultural website https://italianculturalcentre.ca/ for up-to-date information on the vaccination centre.

The Italian Cultural Centre cannot book an appointment for you and you are to attend at the centre only if you have a booked appointment. As of March 28, 2021, everyone 73 years of age and older (born in or before 1948) can book their appointment.

Local residents can get their COVID-19 vaccine at the Italian Cultural Centre - but only if you’ve booked an appointment.

Image source: italianculturalcentre.ca

Crime prevention safety tips Page 4

Three Links recovering from COVID-19 Page 6

Local Pink Shirt Day Page 7

Once you have booked, please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Remember to wear a short-sleeved shirt and a mask.

Food programs for seniors Page 8

2

April 2021

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

The Other Guy’s opinion

Coping with COVID: The wisdom of Bishop Sheen

by Robert F. Edwards Like so many people in Collingwood, my bubble has now become very small. It is myself and my wife as the only occupants.

As I watched some of the reruns, I could not help but feel that if Bishop Sheen had not been called to the Holy Order of Rome, he could have been a stand-up comedian. Many of the However, it has given me more time things that Bishop Sheen said imto explore other ideas and things. pressed my mother and myself. Even One of them has been spending more though I was still in grade school, I time on the internet, to be precise, will remember to this day a quote of on YouTube. I started by upgradBishop Sheen: “When you go to bed ing some of my knowledge on things tonight, think of the things that you that I thought I knew or was anxious own and then think of the things that to learn. I have thoroughly enjoyed own you.” the Johnny Carson Show and Dean Martin’s comedy hour, to say nothing He went on to explain that if you of good old Ed Sullivan and his way smoke, does the cigarette own you or of introducing people. do you own the cigarette? He went on to give examples of many basic Then suddenly, I came across a name things that we take for granted. The that I was very familiar with from so bottom line: he was making one think long ago, the Bishop Sheen Hour on what you really need and what you TV. My mother and every housewife want. Today I can share with my felthat she knew would always take time low Collingwood neighbours, I have off to watch Bishop Sheen. Yes, he thought a lot about isolation. I am was the Bishop in the Roman Catho- looking forward to spring. lic Church, he was good-looking and, above all, he had a tremendous style Stay the course and stay safe. Spring ofBeaux communicating well on5:49 television.

Arts Renfrew Ad-240321 PM Page 1 is finally here.

An exhibition with the Vancouver Metal Arts Association April 8–June 30, 2021 Monday–Friday 10:00AM –6:00PM italianculturalcentre.ca | 604.430.3337

I N C E L E B R AT I O N O F C H A R L E S M A R E G A AT 1 5 0

Beaux Arts:

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

3

April 2021

The following is a paid advertisement

Seniors Find a Bright Future in RenfrewCollingwood Community Housing Liam Griffin, Brightside Community Homes Foundation The sense of community that many of us share is often much more than our neighbours. It is the people around us, but it is also our shared experiences, our day-to-day interactions, our ability to understand and learn from those in our community. For seniors, community can be tied very closely to home, and this is something that we have all become acutely aware of over the past 12 months. It is this connection between home and community that inspires and motivates community housing providers such as Brightside Community Homes Foundation and Odd Fellows Low Rental Housing Society.

Brightside has been around for a long time. First providing subsidized rental homes for low-income seniors in the early 1950s, Brightside now provides affordable homes for seniors, families, Resident Relocation Coordinator Aidan Haines and Community Liaison Conand people with disabilities in 26 buildtractor Amber Webber in the outdoor amenity space at 5681 Lincoln St in ings throughout Vancouver. Brightside Renfrew-Collingwood. residents, many of whom are seniors, are often part of close-knit communities. Some have lived in Brightside building at 5681 Lincoln Street, preder, close to many amenities and to buildings for many years, even desented an opportunity for a unique public transit. Combining affordable cades. partnership with Brightside. With more non-market housing for seniors with than enough available homes to ensure market-rentals, commercial space, and One such community of residents Brightside’s Alice Saunders community dynamic common areas, the opportucomes from Brightside’s Alice Saunders could stay together, the outcome was nities for the growth of a vibrant and building in Hastings-Sunrise. Neighwin-win for all involved. resilient community at the corner of bours share a large, open garden space Kingsway and Lincoln represent the and often get together in the buildResident Relocation Coordinator Aidan type of community that will support ing’s aging common room. All of the Haines and Community Liaison Conseniors for decades to come. residents at Alice Saunders are seniors, tractor Amber Webber in the outdoor and many wish to continue living indeamenity space at 5681 Lincoln St in Once Brightside completes its redevelpendently at home in their community Renfrew-Collingwood. opment of the Alice Saunders building for the long term. in the next 2-3 years, it will continue One Alice Saunders resident, Theodore to support a community of seniors and Though Brightside has always strived to “Dutch” Robinson, was initially very families that might otherwise struggle maintain the building at a high level of skeptical about the whole situation. to meet the demands of market housquality, the building lacks a number of Having lived for many years at Alice ing in Vancouver. Residents of Alice features that ensure senior residents Saunders, he was concerned for the Saunders that moved into the Odd Felare able to age in place and thrive in wellbeing of his neighbours and friends lows building will have the opportunity their community. This is why Brightside in the building. Once presented with to move back into the new building made the decision to redevelop the the opportunity to move to Odd Felonce complete, or may choose to stay building. Many residents in the Alice lows with a number of his compatriots, at their home at Odd Fellows.

Saunders community expressed conTheodore was quick to share his happicern that their community would be ness with his new home and his desire Purpose-built amenities, improved broken apart and made known their in- to stay. “It’s the first time in a while accessibility, industry-leading energy terest in remaining together, something that I’ve been able to make music. My efficiency, and secured affordability that presented a unique challenge for mood has improved that much.” The create places where independent-living Brightside. Brightside reached out to Alice Saunders community is still very seniors can feel a true connection to Odd Fellows Low Rental Housing Socimuch a part of his life. “I know a lot home and safe in their community. By ety, which shares Brightside’s emphasis of people on my floor. And I still visit building strong partnerships in commuon community and the importance of people from Alice Saunders.” nity housing that will help ensure more the social supports it provides. affordable rental homes, organizations The Odd Fellows building is a beautilike Brightside and Odd Fellows will Odd Fellows, having just completed ful new and innovative rental building continue to work support seniors and the Odd Fellows Low Rental Housing near the Vancouver-Burnaby borthe communities that help them thrive.

Now offering Contactless Delivery.

Order and Pay Online.

Order Delivery Or Carry Out

Phone: 604-437-1717

Website: www.papajohns.ca #300-3320 Kingsway, Vancouver Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-10:45PM Friday-Saturday: 11AM - 11:45PM

4

April 2021

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: Brenda Krivuzoff, David Hurford, Deborah Acheampong, Karen Vanon, Kory Folkestad, Robert F. Edwards, Sophia Han, Three Links Care Centre, Vince Prasad

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.

The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News does not necessarily support the views of its contributors.

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

Crime prevention: Tips to stay safe and report suspicious activity

by Cst. Kory Folkestad My name is Constable Kory Folkestad, and I am one of the Neighbourhood Police Team members for the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. I have worked as a patrol officer and neighbourhood policing team member in this area for over nine years. I feel a deep connection to the community and have a strong desire to address any safety concerns that citizens may have.

This area of Vancouver is relatively safe, but unfortunately with the nicer weather, comes an increase in criminal activity. Here are a few general safety tips as we enter the spring season: Trust your gut It is helpful for police to be aware of any suspicious activity, even before a crime has occurred. This can include someone walking down the middle of the street looking into multiple car windows, or circling your neighbours’ yard and knocking on multiple doors.

It is the job of police to follow up with complaints of suspicious activity, even if a crime has not yet occurred.

I always tell people to follow their instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!

How to report There are multiple ways to contact police to ensure a police response. I encourage people to call 9-1-1 if there is a situation that requires an immediate response, such as if someone’s personal safety is at risk or in danger, or if a crime is in progress.

Even if a crime has not yet occurred, you can still call 9-1-1 to report suspicious people or activity.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) also has a non-emergency line (604-717-3321) to report a crime that does not require an

In town for a concert, weekend getaway or sports event?

Our nostalgic neighbourhood 2400 Motel offers great budget accommodation.

The 2400 Motel on Kingsway is a Vancouver classic, a drive-in motor court offering units with kitchens or cozy motel style rooms.

We are pet-friendly and have nice lawns and open areas to walk your pet.

Featuring: • Free Wireless Internet • Free Parking • On major transit route and near Skytrain

• 10 minutes from Metrotown • 15 minutes to Downtown Vancouver • Long term stay rates available

Call and Reserve Today!

2400 – Kingsway

Vancouver BC V5R 5G9 www.2400motel.com

Tel: 604-434-2464

Toll-Free: 1-888-833-2400 reservations@2400motel.com

immediate response or does not have any risk of violence. Examples for this include a break and enter, a theft or fraud that has already occurred with a long-time delay. The police will respond, but it will be based on order of priority.

There is also an online reporting service available at vpd.ca for similar types of calls that are out of progress.

Why report?

The police want to help people as much as possible, and although we can be proactive, information from the public is invaluable.

Police use the statistics generated by citizen reports to determine which areas could use extra resources to disrupt criminal activity. If people don’t report what is occurring in their neighbourhoods, the police are limited in their ability to effectively address community concerns.

Further resources For general inquiries or information, feel free to contact the Collingwood CPC (info@collingwoodcpc.com). Executive director Partap Sahota, the employees and volunteers are all committed to working together as a team to improve the lives of everyone in the community.

You can also go to www.VPD.ca for further crime prevention tips.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

5

April 2021

Noticed in Renfrew-Collingwood

by Karen Vanon

RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3

Complex Office: 604 257-8388 ext 1 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.

Easter Weekend

Fri, April 2—Mon, April 5th Pool

Fitness Centre

Centre Area

Fri, 6:30am-2:00pm April 2

Closed

Closed

Sat, 6:30am-2:00pm April 3

Closed

9:00am-4:00pm

Sun, 6:30am-2:00pm April 4

Closed

9:00am-4:00pm

Mon, 6:30am-2:00pm 7:30am—2:00pm April 5

Closed

2021 Spring

Centre Registration has already started.

For our full listing of programs check out our website at renfrewcc.com

Prices do not include tax, if applicable.

Programs subject to change.

Renfrew Licensed Preschool On-Line Registration

Tue Apr 6

For Sept 2021-Jun 2022

Spring Highlights Parent and Tot Ballet (18-24Mos)Vancouver Performing Stars

Join your child in this fun class full of singing and dancing. We will learn simple songs and rhymes with actions in a socially distanced circle time setting. Class is designed to encourage parent-child bonding through music and dance! Visit performingstars.ca for more information.

320761 Tue Apr 13-Jun 15 9:15-10:00am $120/10 sess

Rhythmic Gymnastics

(4-12yrs) Olympia Rhythmic Gymnastics Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful combination of Gymnastics and Ballet, along with the self expression and rhythm of dance by using hand apparatus such as rope, hoop, ball, clubs or ribbon.

Please note participants are to bring their own Yoga Mat for use during program. Other equipment may be available for participants to purchase. Any shared equipment will be designated for one individual per class. Equipment will be sanitized following the class.

Sat Apr 10-Jun 19 322143 4-6yrs 9:30-10:15am $66/11 sess 322144 6-9yrs

10:30-11:30am

322145 7-12yrs 11:45am-12:45pm

$88/11 sess $88/11 sess

Spring Highlights continued Indoor Soccer (6-12yrs) Pinnacle Soccer Academy Want to develop some soccer skills, have fun and learn more about the beautiful game? Taught by coaches who understand the importance of encouragement, safety, fun and teamwork.

6-8yrs 320784 Wed Apr 14-Jun 16

4:15-5:15pm

$70/10 sess

320785 Sat Apr 17-Jun 19

1:45-2:45pm

$70/10 sess

9-12yrs 320786 Sat Apr 17-Jun 19

3:00-4:00pm

$70/10 sess

Finish Strong Basketball Skill Development (10-16yrs)

David Knight Our programs skills focus on improving youth’s basketball skills in Dribbling, Shooting, passing, and defence as well in other areas of the game. While increasing their self-esteem and selfconfidence on and off the court. Please note basketballs can be provided, but it is recommended that participants bring their own.

Thu Apr 8-Jun 10 $108/10 sess 314670 10-11yrs 4:15-5:15pm 314671 12-16yrs 5:25-6:25pm

Foot Care Clinic (55+yrs)

Nancy KF Lee Have your toe nails cleaned and cut safely by a registered and certified foot care nurse. Manage your callus, corns, diabetic feet, fungal and ingrown nails. Please bring a large towel. Please request a receipt from the foot care nurse. Registration must be one day prior to the appointment date.

Mon Apr 12 12:30-4:20pm $42/30 min sess

6

April 2021

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Seniors care centre recovering from COVID-19 outbreak

by David Hurford Like other provinces, B.C. long-term care homes, residents and staff have been hit hardest by COVID-19 and impacted most by the public health response.

To say COVID-19 has changed the future of longterm care in Canada and B.C. would be an understatement. The experience has had an impact on everyone attached to the sector in different ways – and we know it is not over yet. COVID-19 is still a threat to our community. All care homes remain vulnerable, particularly in light of the asymptomatic nature of the virus and extended vaccine roll-out.

Since the outbreak concluded, the Three Links leadership team has assessed care centre operations and designated 2021 as a Year of Recovery and Renewal.

Specifically, the goals of the 2021 Three Links Recovery and Renewal Plan are:

• promote wellness and quality of life for residents and team members • recognize the skill and courage of our Three Links team • properly grieve beloved residents that passed away during the outbreak • strengthen best practices to prevent future outbreaks • provide all Three Links stakeholders with an opportunity to shape the care centre’s future The plan features four phases and can conclude with the proposed renewal of the Three Links Strategic Plan later this year. Each phase will build on the previous one. The first phase started in January and focused on infection control. To prevent re-entry of the COVID-19, Three Links has: • Adopted outbreak measures with VCH related to PPE training, screening and staffing • Successfully advocated for vaccine access and rapid testing • Implemented the safe return of resident services and social visits to promote quality of life • Maintained ongoing communication with families • Accelerated staff recruiting Phase two of the plan is now underway. In addition to maintaining phase one infection control improvements, the Three Links Wellness Committee and Family Advisory Council are implementing a series of measures focused on mental health, grief counselling, storytelling, experience sharing, team recognition and recruiting more staff.

A staff member administers rapid testing on site at Three Links. Photo courtesy of Three Links Care Centre In addition to trying to prevent an outbreak today, the 2021 Three Links Recovery and Renewal Plan will welcome feedback from key stakeholders, promote continuous quality improvement and ensure a new Three Links strategic plan in the spirit of our courageous health care heroes and the beloved residents we lost in 2020.

Check out the full Three Links 2021 Recovery and Renewal Plan at www.threelinks.com.

Thank You for your Support On October 19, the Three Links Care Centre became one of 200+ long term care homes in BC to have a COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.

It continued until December 31.

Over this time, 14 beloved residents died from COVID-19. Seven passed away from other causes. If not for the actions of the Three Links team, the outbreak would have been worse.

Together, these health care heroes saved lives, not just during the outbreak but also in the months leading up to it by keeping COVID-19 away from the Care Centre for so long.

During our outbreak, we were supported by a strong network of community partners in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood - and beyond. They came to our aid when residents and staff needed it the most. We will never forget your generosity and want to thank you: l l l l l l

MP Don Davies Health Minister Adrian Dix Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Safe Care BC Organika BC Care Providers

l l l l l l

Collingwood Neighbourhood House Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House Renfrew School Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society Renfrew Park Community Centre Three Links Volunteers

l l l l

Family Advisory Committee Haro Park VCH Neurosciences Department BC Association of Community Response Networks

For more examples of this great community spirit, check out www.threelinks.com.

Building a community that cares:

Pink Shirt Day

Dear Neighbours,

Students and staff at St. Mary’s School wore pink shirts on February 24 as a symbolic stand against any forms of bullying and pledged to “Lift Each Other Up,” which was this year’s Pink Shirt Day theme.

March 2021 marks the oneSpring expresyear anniversary of the start sions  here in B.C. of the pandemic

It has been an incredibly difficult journey -- COVID-19 has There are more Engimpacted the lives of everyone, lish expressions about in everythan community. continue spring anyWe other to hold the community members season. To spring to who we’ve lost to COVID, their loved ones, and caregivers in our VOCABULARY hearts and our thoughts.

The extraordinary of all spring toin life — to move quicklyefforts or to take our frontline workers from every sector since the beginning action of the pandemic has continued to enable our communities to operate safely and more importantly, save lives. My deepest gratitude to you and all that you’re doing to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect your loved ones and neighbours.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone and shown the importance of helping one another and advocating for those who need it.

Student Council Leadership members from Grades 1 to 7 Photos by Brenda Krivuzoff presented a prayer and skit to start the day. They role-played typical playground scenarios to practice skills in reaching out to others, sharing and respecting differences. They encouraged one another to lift each other up through kind words and actions towards one another.

The timeline for B.C.’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is dependent on vaccine supply and availability. For more information, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ covid-19/vaccine/plan. We are gradually transitioning to Phase 3 of the plan (people aged 79 to 60 and people aged 69 to 16 who are clinically extremely vulnerable). Regular updates can be found at the site above or over the phone at 1-888-COVID19. If you, a senior you know is 80 years old and older, or if you know an Indigenous community member/ Elder 65 years old or older, you can call to book a vaccine appointment anytime. You can call the Vancouver Coastal Health hotline at 1-877-587-5767 or your local health authority for yourself or on the behalf of someone.

DANCEPL3Y then led two interactive dance sessions with primary and intermediate groups to promote themes of love, kindness and positive self-talk. It was an uplifting experience for all.

As a culminating activity, the entire St. Mary’s community participated in building a caring tree. Staff, students and their families wrote kind and inspirational messages or actions on many shades of pink leaves, which formed a tree. Students can view the tree in the hallway of the school main entrance, built from love and kindness and the friendships we share.

Brenda Krivuzoff is the principal of St. Mary’s School.

Easter: The power of resurrection

by Vince Prasad

I thank God for the resurrection of Jesus and what it means to me.

The Bible tells us that one day all shall be resurrected: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

St. Paul knew very well about the power of resurrection. “Our citizenship is in heaven. And most wait for a saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control.”

The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway

by Sophia Han

by Brenda Krivuzoff

In April, many of us celebrate Easter as a holiday to get together and spend time with loved ones and some will be celebrating with the Easter Bunny. Christians will be celebrating the power of resurrection.

7

April 2021

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

These are times of uncertainty with COVID-19 and worldly problems such as the death of loved ones, marital troubles or financial stress. But no matter the fire we face, God is with us and will protect us. His presence brings assurance to our heart and calms our fears, and everything is under his control.

In the Book of Psalms, Psalm 16, King David talks about four aspects of this power.

1. Our hope is in the power of resurrection based on God alone.

2. The power of resurrection brings stability to our lives.

3.The power of resurrection causes joy in our hearts.

4. The power of resurrection produces hope for future.

In these days of fear, I don’t think we need to be afraid of living. Our hearts are weak and the road map of life is steep and lonely. But we have a wonderful God. And, as St. Paul puts it, what can separate us from His Love? “Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,.”

Happy Easter.

Vince Prasad is a resident of Collingwood. He worships at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, Vancouver.

For seniors who require language support over the phone, please let them know they can say their preferred language out loud in English once an agent picks up, and an interpreter will be brought onto the call. Please note that they will have to first listen to a pre-recorded message for about 50 seconds and will be prompted to click ONE for a new appointment or TWO to modify an appointment. For Vietnamese-speaking community members, the Vietnamese Professionals Association of BC is supporting seniors to book their appointments. Please contact them via email at hello@vpabc.ca or by phone at 604-359-6946. For more details, please visit: https://www.vpabc.ca/helping-vietnameseseniors-register-for-covid-vaccinations/ Earlier in March, the government announced the extension of the rent freeze to December 31, 2021. If legislation passes, these changes will come into effect on July 1, 2021 and will cap future rent increases to inflation, stop illegal renovictions, and make the dispute resolution process better for tenants and landlords. In addition, regulations have been amended to allow email as a method of service and communication between landlord and tenants, making it easier for people to participate in the dispute resolution process.

My community office will continue to provide services for constituents via phone and email. Please leave us a voicemail at 604-660-0314 or we are best reached at adrian.dix. mla@leg.bc.ca, and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can. You can also visit us on our website at www. adrian.dix.mla.bcndpcaucus.ca/. 基於抗疫措施，本辦 事處暫時只提供電郵及電話服務，如需協助請電 郵adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca或致電 604-6600314 留言。詳盡及最新資訊，請遊覽辦事處網 頁 www.adrian.dix.mla.bcndpcaucus.ca/.

I hope this finds you and your loved ones well! Take care.

Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway

8

April 2021

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Th e S e n i o r s C o n nection

Arresting food insecurity among seniors in A contribution from the seniors’ team Renfrew-Collingwood at Collingwood Neighbourhood House

by Deborah Acheampong Food insecurity has been recognized as a major public health issue in British Columbia and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the urgency to irrevocably arrest the issue among community members. Evidence shows that food insecurity impacts one’s physical, social and mental well-being. Seniors who are food insecure are at an increased likelihood of depression, distress and social isolation.

To address food insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the seniors’ department at CNH, as part of its Better at Home Program, introduced grocery shopping and frozen meals programs.

We recognize that some community members must make long rides to get to the nearest grocery store. Taking long rides to grocery stores may be a fun activity for the young and healthy; however, the reality is that our community is not filled with only the youthful but also the aged and sick who need assistance to ensure their food security and survival.

Without a doubt, CNH’s food security programming has been very robust and effective for a lot of seniors.

The grocery shopping program assists seniors with ordering groceries online and volunteers deliver them to their doorsteps at no delivery cost. This initiative removes the challenge of seniors commuting to grocery shops and helps safeguard their health by limiting their exposure to COVID-19. The team has also rolled out a scheme of creating Save-on-Foods accounts to enroll more seniors into the program.

The frozen meals program provides affordable, hot and nutritious meals to seniors with a meal box going for as low as $4.00. With hunger and food insecurity at an all-time high, the thought of denying seniors a box of nutritious food each week is tragic hence our unwavering support to provide seniors with meals. Meals are delivered to seniors with no cost for delivery.

Our food hamper program, offered through CNH’s community development department, also offers vegetables to seniors at no cost to help provide them with a balanced diet.

Decreasing food insecurity is part of the overall goals and objectives of the B.C. Ministry of Health and we as a team are committed to assisting the government in our own little way.

The seniors’ team at CNH continue to care for our community’s most vulnerable, and we are able to expand this support with the incredible assistance from our volunteers and community.

To paraphrase Buzz Aldrin: “If we can conquer space, we can conquer food insecurity among seniors.”

Deborah Acheampong is a member of the seniors’ team at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Read On!

9

April 2021

A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Read On! has a web page. You can:  Read the articles http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/

by Sophia Han

A short-lived beauty

 Reading levels on this page

How many, many things They call to mind These cherry-blossoms!

This is a famous haiku — a short poem — about cherry blossoms by Matsuo Basho, a Japanese poet who lived more than 300 years ago. Yoshino cherry tree blossoms. Photo by Sophia Han In many Asian cultures, cherry blossoms are reminders that life is short, fragile and beautiful.

VOCABULARY This is because of their delicate beauty and short blooming reminder – something that puts a thought in your mind season.

Vancouver has more than 40,000 cherry trees. The first of these trees were planted around a memorial to JapaneseCanadian soldiers in Stanley Park. There are now many different kinds of cherry trees to be found in Vancouver parks and on public streets.

Kanzan cherry trees have large, frilly pink flowers. Yoshino akebono cherry trees look like clouds of snow-white and pink blossoms. The Burrard SkyTrain station is a favourite place to view akebono cherry trees.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

UPPER INTERMEDIATE  LOWER INTERMEDIATE  BEGINNER 

fragile – easy to damage delicate – easy to damage blooming season – the time when a plant makes flowers memorial – a statue to remember those who died frilly – fancy-looking organizers – people who plan something encourage – if you encourage someone, you say things to make them feel

confident or things to make them want to try a new activity brief – short virtual tour – a tour you can take using a computer peak viewing period – the best time to view something updates – an update gives you the latest news on something scenic spot – a place where you can enjoy a nice view short-lived – a word to describe things that do not last long



For more than 15 years, organizers of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival have encouraged people to enjoy this brief season by walking or biking along neighbourhood streets.

This year, you can take a virtual tour and read haiku poems while learning about the different types of cherry trees planted around Marpole Village.

During the weeks before and after the peak viewing period in April, the festival website will have updates on scenic spots where you can view the blossoms. https://www.vcbf.ca/blooming-now https://www.vcbf.ca/blooming-now/neighbourhood-maps The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival also hosts an international haiku writing contest. Visit their website to read some of the winners from last year’s contest. https://www.vcbf.ca/2020-winning-haiku-commentary

Enjoy the custom of hanami

Hanami means “flower watching” in Japanese. It is the custom of looking at sakura (cherry blossoms” in Japanese) while enjoying food and the company of friends and family. This spring, spend time outdoors enjoying the short-lived beauty of Japanese cherry tree blossoms.

https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/2094105/vancouver-cherry-blossom-festival/

10

April 2021

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

Joyce Location: 5288 Joyce St. ; Tel: 604-435-0323 / Annex Location: 3690 Vanness Ave. ; Tel: 604-428-9142 / Visit: www.cnh.bc.ca

Historical honour highlights the impact of CNH staff

By Jennifer Gray-Grant

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is officially a Place that Matters in our city, but it’s also a place that has made a huge difference in three generations of the Correal family’s life.

On Feb. 16, 2021, Carmen Correal and her daughter Adriana gave a fantastic presentation to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. And while they outlined the history of CNH, they also got personal about the organization’s impact on their family.

The Foundation was celebrating its Places that Matter initiative where it has designated a number of buildings and places in Vancouver as Places that Matter. CNH was designated under this program almost 10 years ago; you may have noticed the oval, purple plaque near the front of CNH Joyce, over the brochure holder that notes the honour.

For the Foundation’s event, they requested a speaker to talk about CNH. Recreation Coordinator Carmen Correal kindly volunteered and asked her daughter Adriana to join her. They did a wonderful presentation!

Carmen and Adriana gave a quick history of CNH, from its humble beginnings in a storefront on Kingsway in 1985 and its move to the CNH Joyce location in 1995, to its growth over the years with the addition of three off-site child care centres, school-aged care in local schools, the opening of the Annex and, most recently, the opening of RISE Community Health Centre.

Carmen Correal and her daughter Adriana.

They then told the story of their own family’s engagement with CNH and how it has played such a strong role in their settlement in Canada and in the life of their family. After arriving in Canada from Colombia on July 1, 1998, Carmen took English classes at CNH. She placed her then four-year-old son Juan Carlos in the program’s child-minding and also brought him to CNH’s Parents and Tots program, while she was volunteering with the program. She then started working at CNH as a contractor, then staff, eventually moving into the coordinator’s position. Juan Carlos has volunteered at CNH, both of Carmen’s daughters, Adriana and Laura, have worked at CNH and Adriana (who created the beautiful artwork in our lobby) decided to go into a career in the arts following her work in the arts at CNH. Carmen’s husband attends Zumba twice weekly. Carmen and Adriana ended their presentation showing pictures of Carmen’s granddaughter in a program at CNH, noting that CNH continues to play a huge role in their family’s life.

An organization is not just about a collection of buildings. Carmen and Adriana made clear that the organization is all of the people who made their family’s journey possible and successful. Their particular story is one that represents so many people who come to CNH and find what they need and want, thanks to the amazing staff team.

Thanks to Carmen and Adriana for a wonderful presentation and thanks to the full staff team for touching so many people’s lives and giving them a sense of belonging.

Carmen (far right) and her family after 14 years in Canada.

This page is sponsored by Collingwood Neighbourhood House

To view Carmen and Adriana’s presentation, visit: https://youtu.be/Z4Qxk4iV4c.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

11

April 2021

APRIL 2021 Coming Events LOVE YOUR CITY For the month of February, 16 BIAs in Vancouver participated in a City wide promotional campaign ÒLove Your CityÓ contest. We are happy to announce our grand prizewinner, Tanya. She visited all 16 BIAs and posted a photo of our mural on the Cassandra Hotel. Tanya won $5,000+ value package with items from all the 16 BIAs. Collingwood contributed $150.00 gift cards to MaxÕs Restaurant. Thank you to everyone who participated this was a very successful citywide campaign. Look for more combined BIA promotions coming soon.

Other winners for our Family Day contest Ð Paul G. won $100.00 in gift cards. The winner of the Lunar New Year contest Ð Renee S. $25 gift card. Make sure you donÕt miss any of our monthly contests. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Covid Micro Grants for Businesses Ð Second Intake Our first intake was so successful the board of directors has approved to have a second intake for the Collingwood BIA Covid Micro Grant. The Collingwood BIA businesses are eligible to receive a maximum of $500. If you have already received this micro grant you will not be eligible to apply.

The Collingwood BIA appreciates all of the businesses following all the Public Health Orders take were given throughout the pandemic. We are aware the increase expenses in insuring the high standards of sanitizing and safety precautions and would like to help our businesses to cover some of these costs.

The CBIA will be offering Covid Micro Grants up to $500.00 to cover these added expenses. Please contact us at 604.639.4403 or email info@shopcollingwood.ca for more information.

April 1st to 7th BIA Week in Vancouver April 2nd to 5th Easter Weekend May 9 MotherÕs Day

Covid 19 Ð We all need to work together.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: - Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well - SOCIAL DISTANCE 2 Meters apart - Wear masks when required - WASH HANDS OFTEN 20 seconds - BE PATIENT & STAY INFORMED

The grant will cover costs retroactive to April 2020 to present and to items such as: -

hand sanitizers/refills masks PPE Plexi glass partitions

- floor stickers or markers - signage (with Covid messaging) - face shields - gloves

Receipts must be submitted with application. A list of suppliers is available upon request.

The Collingwood BIA appreciates all of the businesses following all the Public Health Orders take were given throughout the pandemic. We are aware the increase expenses in insuring the high standards of sanitizing and safety precautions and would like to help our businesses to cover some of these costs.

Happy Easter Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for our Easter Basket Contest filled with lots of Easter goodies for everyone.

Shop Collingwood Ð ItÕs good for business

How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood #300 Ð 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 T: 604.639.4403 E: info@shopcollingwood.ca W: shopcollingwood.ca

12

April 2021

Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway

Support our Seniors and Caregivers

Working for National Standards in Long-Term Care Community Office 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 | Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

DonDavies.ca

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS