Renfrew-Collingwood Community News April 2022

April 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS What in the world is an adult day program?

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

by Christina Webster Imagine a place where everyone shouts your name and greets you with a smile when you walk in the door. Imagine a place where the activities are designed with your interests and abilities in mind. Imagine a place where you can be yourself, connect with others and have lots of fun and laughter along the way.

Well, actually, there is such a place! Welcome to the world of adult day programs!

These community-based organizations offer programs and services to members and their families who need care and support outside the home.

For people with dementia, adult day programs can provide a reprieve from the stresses of caregiving in a safe and engaging environment. Using a therapeutic recreation approach, each member is valued for their unique strengths and abilities. The staff use research evidence to design programs that encourage independence and individual choice so everyone can feel successful at the end of the day. So, caregivers can get on with their day and breathe easy that they and their loved ones are part of a great community of support.

Sharon and Neil One such caregiver is Sharon, who looks after her husband, Neil, who was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2017. Sharon and Neil are both in their 80s so caring for someone who has difficulty with everyday tasks can be Continued on page 8

Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society participants in the daily Steadyfeet exercise programs. Photos by Christina Webster

Sunny Hill redevelopment Page 2

Earth Day at Windermere Page 3

RC food fridge

Page 4

Eating out: Fighter Chicken Page 6

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April 2022

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Former Sunny Hill site redevelopment The city is seeking feedback on a rezoning application for the former Sunny Hill site at Slocan Street and 21st Avenue. The proposal is for the development of a three-storey B.C. Children’s Hospital complex-care transition facility to support children and youth.

Visit shapeyourcity.ca/3575-3655kaslo-st where you can attend a virtual open house until April 17, 2022. You can browse the video and documents, then ask questions and A new complex-care transition facility send your comments. to support children and youth is proThe new site will become home to a posed for the former Sunny Hill site at Slocan and East 21st. Photo by Julie Cheng new centre for children and youth living with complex health issues, key services to be delivered in person according to the B.C. Children’s or virtually: Hospital website.

1. The referral, intake and assessment service will work with families and In August 2020, the Sunny Hill caregivers to determine the appropriHealth Centre moved from the Slocan site to the B.C. Children’s Hospi- ate level of support and resources for each child. tal Oak Street campus.

2. A single point of contact for the family/caregiver will provide care coThe vision for the Slocan site is to ordination through a shared care plan. provide children and youth living with health complexity with a range 3. Families/caregivers and community care providers will receive compreof health-care services and other hensive teaching and training in their supports so that families and care child’s care. Patient-centred research providers can look after them in and innovation will further the undertheir own communities, preventing extended or repeated hospital stays. standing of child health, improve care and quality of life and optimize wellServices focus on easing transitions being.

4. On-site patient rooms will allow from hospital to home, through children and their families to stay in a changes in equipment and needs, home-like environment while learning and through key developmental stages such as moving from pediatric new care techniques, adjusting to new equipment or transitioning between to adult services. the hospital and the home.

The model of care proposed for the Slocan site will be grouped into four compiled by Julie Cheng

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

This Earth Day, let’s work to create positive change

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April 2022

Noticed in VANCOUVER

by Taya Kovacic Chan With Earth Day just around the corner, students in the Leadership program at Windermere Secondary are left wondering how to celebrate.

COVID has kept us from hosting our usual parade, but we’re still determined to recognize this important day. Canada has celebrated Earth Day, April 22, for more than 50 years now, and the need for action has never been more urgent.

The environment is suffering. The climate emergency calls for immediate action. We’re seeing this At Windermere, students show care for here in British Columbia, the Earth by organizing weekly cleanups. with fatal heat domes, for- Photo by Tiffany Su est fires and flooding. The biodiversity crisis is just initiative from the University of as threatening – almost B.C. that provides resources and two million trees are cut down campaigns. You can participate each year, and more than 50% of in the campaigns of non-profit coral reefs have been lost, with organizations, including Canopy, more in rapid decline. Acting Plastic Oceans and the David now is our only path to a better Suzuki Foundation, by writing future. and sharing petitions and letters to governments.

So, what can you do to help with these crises? Sometimes ordinary Both teaming up with others and people don’t seem to matter, but arming yourself with knowledge we can make a meaningful differon what needs to be different are ence. necessary for moving forward.

It turns a lone, vague letter to You’ve heard lots about the prithe government into a compelvate actions you can take, such ling plea that will convince those as buying organic produce, going in power of what they need to zero-waste and cycling instead of do, and why. Apart from calling driving. These acts make a difmore attention, being part of a ference, but a small one. If we’re looking for large-scale change, we movement boosts motivation and enthusiasm. For me at least, need to look elsewhere. working towards system change with people on my side is more We need transformative system fun than working alone! change, which means changing the ideas, practices and instituHere at Leadership, we’re not tions that perpetuate unsustainletting the pandemic stop us able lifestyles. We have to end from making a difference, so stay our consumer culture, our obsestuned for our next project. This sion with economic growth and Earth Day, let’s work as a comour disposable lifestyles. munity to create some positive change in the world.

Figuring out how exactly to push for system change can be difTaya Kovacic Chan is a Leadership ficult. So, it might be helpful to Grade 8 student at Windermere have guidance and company, Secondary School. like through CoSphere, a new

by Karen Vanon

We are looking forward to a wonderful spring and a great summer.

This April we have a community cleanup in partnership with the BIA and St. Mary’s school, scheduled on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m.

– 12 p.m. We look forward to being back in the Community working with our partners and engaging with residents.

We have our monthly senior safety engagement and movie at the Champlain Heights Community Centre. This is to reconnect with the seniors in the community while providing valuable information about crime prevention and safety.

The big draw this summer will be our ‘Collingwood Community Policing Centre’s Movie Night in the Park’. We will be setting up at numerous locations, showing various movies for residents. For more information, keep an eye on our website.

Next: our community crime prevention community engagement and outreach program are stronger than ever. Despite many challenges we faced from COVID-19, our volunteers, board members and staff have worked tirelessly to provide ongoing services to the public. Our Joyce and Mount Pleasant patrol team strive to better the community by being out there on their patrol. During patrol, our volunteers engage with the members of the public and report and document any safety issues.

We also acknowledge our partners: Collingwood & Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association, City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department, Transit Police Department and other stakeholders that helped us in building better and stronger neighbourhoods.

With the easing of restrictions we look forward to engaging with all our community members.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Renfrew-Collingwood Community Fridge and Pantry

by Naiya Tsang 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: Christina Webster, Emily Tam, Julie Cheng, Karen Vanon, Naiya Tsang, Sheri Parke, Sophia Han, Taya Kovacic Chan, Tiffany Su

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 Community Fridge and Pantry is a mutual-aid project brought to Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) by members of the Renfrew Collingwood Food Justice Advisory Committee, who noticed the need for a free, outdoor food asset available 24/7 for residents of the neighbourhood.

The 25-cubic-foot french-door fridge and freezer is meant to provide low-barrier access to vegetables and fruits, protein foods and grain products for RenfrewCollingwood residents. It is housed within a shed with a small pantry on the left-hand side, which provides space for items such as canned food, dried grains and even menstrual products and personal protective equipment.

The fridge and pantry were installed on February 1, 2022, and built from the ground up by CNH volunteers and staff – from pouring the concrete, to building the

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

Next submission deadline: Apr. 10

Come and Join our FREE English Classes!

The Renfrew-Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

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

Vancouver Formosa Academy 5621 Killarney St. Vancouver V5R 3W4 Tel: 604‐436‐2332 www.vfa.bc.ca registrar@vfa.bc.ca

LINC Program: Free English classes funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. LINC classes improve your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, while providing you with information on your local community, Canadian culture, and job search support. 

Eligibility: Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Protected Persons, Live-in Caregivers, Age 17 and over. Come study with us!

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Levels: LINC 2-7

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Time: Monday – Thursday or Friday 9:00am-12:00pm |

Space is Monday - Wednesday 6:30pm-9:30pm limited!

High School Program: Certified by BC Ministry of Education, Specializing in International students and new immigrants. We provide Grade 7-Grade12 ESL, academic preparation and credit courses. 

Faster Graduation using our 3 term schedule

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We take students at any time throughout the year

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We help students achieve their academic goals

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Homestay is available

The community fridge and shed.

THANK YOU

to all who advertise with the RCCNews!

For over 20 years you have been providing the Renfrew-Collingwood community with a voice!

To advertise:

Contact Lisa at 604-435-0323 or email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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April 2022

shed, to putting in the fridge.

The fridge is stocked every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon

by CNH staff (and sometimes Wednesdays and Fridays if there is extra food). In the first 10 days, an estimated 500 pounds of food move through the fridge.

This food is provided by CNH partners CityReach Care Society and Refood Food Rescue Foundation – but anyone is welcome to give what they can and take what they need, at any time.

The Community Fridge and Pantry is located on the west facing side of the CNH main house, adjacent to the gym entrance, on 5288 Joyce Street in Vancouver.

Building the shed.

The project is currently looking for fridge monitors, drivers and fridge stockers. If you are interested in joining the volunteer network, or if you have any questions, please email CommunityDevelopment@cnh.bc.ca.

Naiya Tsang is the food hub coordinator at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

Installing the fridge.

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

6Lilian Broca Renfrew Ad-170222_Lilian Broca Renfrew Ad

20/02/22 5:50 PM Page April1 2022

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Eating out in RC: Lilian Broca: (Detail) Mary Magdalene, The Sacred Union

Fighter Chicken

by Emily Tam

Fighter Chicken

2887 East Broadway and Renfrew 604-564-9599 https://fighterchicken.business.site/ Open Monday to Sunday 11 am to 9:30 pm

LIL IAN BROCA

Mary Magdalene Resurrected March 31–August 15, 2022 Monday to Saturday 10AM –5PM italianculturalcentre.ca | T: 604.430.3337

Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway

Making our Healthcare Better

The crispy chicken burger is huge. Also pictured are two pieces fried chicken, popcorn chicken and four pieces fried chicken.

Photo by Emily Tam Fighter Chicken opened their East Broadway location in April 2021, following their South Granville location. I was recently invited to try their food as part of an Instagram campaign.

For those of you who want to stay home, they are available to order on UberEats, SkipTheDishes and DoorDash. For the rest of us who either love the trek or do not want to pay extra fees, there is free parking within the plaza and the joint is a six-minute walk from Renfrew Skytrain Station.

If you are looking for a local fried chicken joint, Fighter Chicken might just be the place for you! Their crispy chicken burgers are huge; I struggled to hold it with just one hand.

Do not fret about unnaturally large chicken sizes though, because the chicken burger actually contains two pieces of fried chicken.

In the two- and four-piece orders of fried chicken, I liked how it either came as a drumstick or as boneless thighs since these cuts are less messy to eat.

Also on the menu are fish burgers, fries and combos.

Working Hard for National Dental Care and Universal Pharmacare Community Office 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 | Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

DonDavies.ca

Overall, I recommend this fried chicken joint to support local eateries.

Emily Tam has been a resident of Renfrew-Collingwood since she was a child. She attended Renfrew Elementary and Windermere Secondary and recently graduated from Capilano University with a bachelor’s degree in business with concentrations in international trade & logistics and finance.

Find more of Emily’s food reviews on her Instagram page, @hungrygirl_emily.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Neighbourhood Small Grants back for the spring Do you have a great idea to bring your community together?

by Sheri Parke Neighbourhood Small Grants is back for another season! Magic happens when neighbours connect—it forms friendships and makes our communities safer and more vibrant.

Here are some example grant ideas: have cooking classes online or in-person, hold crafting sessions for kids, learn to knit, learn to paint, learn tai chi, build garden boxes, clean up the back alley, bake cookies or make cards to drop off for lonely seniors.

Joyce Street

Clean Up Party April 23rd, 2022,

1 0 : 0 0 am

– 1 2 : 0 0 pm

How about a bike repair workshop or a parade for dressed-up pets? A new neighbourhood block party tradition or a Canada Day celebration on your own street?

The grant money can pay for the food, small garden tools, bike repair tools and supplies, knitting or crafting supplies—whatever supplies you need, as long as they are not high value items like cameras or barbeques.

Your activity or project must be offered for free, should happen in your neighbourhood, and be open to neighbours who wish to join.

Businesses cannot apply, and you cannot fundraise for other projects or organizations.

Apply by April 30 and complete your project anytime before the end of November 2022. If you miss the spring deadline, there will be another opportunity in the Fall.

Visit and apply online at neighbourhoodsmallgrants. ca/our-communities/ south-van.

Meeting area St. Mary’s School parking lot 5239 Joyce Street The area will include Joyce Street and surrounding areas. Returning to St. Mary’s for a Hot Dog BBQ and Prize Draws.

Where you can sign up: Collingwood Community Policing Centre

Photos courtesy of Sheri Parke

604.717.2935

St. Mary’s School

Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Collingwood BIA

604.437.1312

604.435.0323

604.639.4403

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April 2022

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

The Seniors Connection

What in the world is an adult day program?

Continued from page 1

quite overwhelming. On top of that, Neil has difficulty sleeping and he wakes Sharon up every night looking for things in cupboards and drawers.

and express their emotions, can often be a mood booster that, in turn, leads to a more positive outlook overall.

Sharon was at her wits end when her doctor suggested that a day program might provide some respite. Neil was referred to Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society in East Vancouver and, according to Sharon, it’s been such a blessing.

Social health is one of the biggest concerns among day program members and their families. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are very common for people whose social circle becomes smaller and smaller over time. One of the primary purposes for day programs is to provide a sense of community, belonging and an opportunity for social interaction.

The five hours, three times a week that Neil spends at the day program gives Sharon a chance to meet friends for a walk, catch up on chores without being interrupted or even take a nap! And when Sharon wanted to connect with other caregivers to learn more about how Neil’s disease might progress, the day program staff gave her resources to read and put her in touch with another family that was also looking for mutual support. The nurse at the centre also calls Sharon each month to check in and make sure that she’s managing alright. So, although Neil is the member attending the program, Sharon is also considered when delivering care because her health is important too.

Supporting whole health Although each day program is slightly different, most will offer a similar range of activities along with health monitoring and healthy meals for lunch.

The therapeutic recreation model is used to make sure that all programs meet the diverse health needs of each member.

Physical health is addressed through daily exercise programs like gentle stretch, chair exercise or standing/balancing exercise using special equipment. The focus of most exercise programs is usually on fall prevention as we know that many hospitalizations in people over the age of 65 are due to falls.

Other popular physical activities offered at some day programs are active games like bowling, carpet darts or ladder ball. Muscles get a workout while the teams cheer each other on in a friendly competition.

Chats over coffee, shared mealtimes and celebrating special occasions like birthdays and cultural events give people a chance to get to know each other and make new friends. Often, attending the day program may be the only time members get out of the house so that social connection becomes the highlight of the week.

By focusing on all the domains of health, day programs can offer an individualized approach to care.

Each member’s needs, interests and abilities drive the program’s design and delivery. And as members change, so does the programming. The recreation staff are constantly modifying and adapting current programs, creating new programs and asking members what they like and don’t like. In the end, the day program belongs to the members, and everyone is considered in a true inclusive environment.

Betty Betty has been a member of the Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society for more than 10 years. She attends the centre three times a week because her son works during the day, and he worries about her being home alone.

Betty is very fit and has great coordination, but she also has Alzheimer’s and has difficulty remembering things, which sometimes makes her feel anxious.

But when the Handydart bus drops Betty off at the centre, she walks in with the confidence of a queen.

Cognitive health is addressed through different types of activities that stimulate the mind and memory. Activities like Scrabble, mahjong, dominoes or card games are offered to the members based on their interest or what they have enjoyed in the past.

There is always an opportunity to learn new things, but sometimes those with dementia are most successful in activities they have played before. Others enjoy the challenge of bridge or chess in smaller, quieter groups.

Betty hangs up her coat, relaxes into a comfy chair and starts chatting with a friend about her cat. It’s a story she tells every day, but no one is tired of listening to Betty. Betty is admired for her nimble feet, her helpfulness when someone needs a hand with the scissors and her absolute joy when she hears Doris Day. Betty is part of the RCSS family and just one of the many members who add to the feeling of being at home – which is exactly what a day program is meant to be.

Emotional health at an adult day program is centred around feelings of confidence, comfort and security.

Changes that come with aging or memory loss can have a big impact on how people feel about themselves and their situation. Programs like music and art, which give members a chance to create things

To be referred to an adult day program in your neighbourhood, please contact your local community health unit or ask your doctor.

Christina Webster is the program coordinator at Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society, located at East 22nd and Renfrew.

This is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway Dear Neighbours, March 2022 marked the two-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic here in BC. It has been an incredibly difficult journey -COVID-19 has affected the lives of everyone, in every community.

Thanks to the people in our province looking out for each other and getting vaccinated in record numbers, we can now safely lift more public health restrictions. Let’s remember that everyone will have different comfort levels and needs to go at their own pace, and that vaccines continue to be the best way for us to reduce our risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

Asking for Your Feedback We are taking the lessons learned from this pandemic to help us better prepare for future health emergencies. As part of that process, we’re launching an independent review and public consultation on how our government delt with the challenges of COVID-19, to better inform preparations and response to future emergencies. Feedback gathered will help the independent project team, and in turn, the B.C. government, better understand how government’s response to the pandemic was experienced by people in British Columbia. You can help improve our emergency response by taking part in the online survey, open until April 20, check online at https://engage.gov. bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/covid-19-lessonslearned-review/ Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants One of my favourite activities in the spring and summer seasons is attending all the wonderful Neighbourhood Small Grants activities and events in the community. You can now apply for a $50 to $500 small grant to bring your project to life. This year also marks the launch of the Youth NSG pilot program.

Young folks aged 12-24 can now also apply for grants up to $500. Anyone with an idea can apply, no experience necessary! Applications are being accepted now until the end of April and you can contact our regional coordinator Sheri Parke at sparke01@shaw.ca if you have any questions. I would love to check out your event, so please feel free to let my community office know about the details. Apply online at https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca.

My community office is open for scheduled appointments and continues 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 https://www.adriandixmla.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 604-660-0314 留言。詳盡及最新資 訊，請遊覽辦事處網頁 https://www.adriandixmla.ca/.

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

Sincerely, Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Read On!

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April 2022

A news section for RenfrewCollingwood learners

Art and Ageing Well

by Sophia Han

Lifelong learning

Read On! 

has a web page. You can:

The saying, “It’s never too late to learn,” means that it is always possible to learn new things.

 Read the articles http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/

Anna “Grandma” Moses was an American artist who began painting in her 70s. Robertson Davies was a Canadian author who published his first book when he was 68. They are examples of people taking up activities later in life.

Reading levels on this page

A saying with the opposite meaning is, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

However, learning new things at any age improves your mental well-being.

UPPER INTERMEDIATE 

Staying creative to stay mentally fit 

LOWER INTERMEDIATE 

By 2030, one in eight people will be over the age of 65. Even though people are living longer, to maintain a good quality of life, it is important to stay mentally active.

BEGINNER 

Origami is a traditional craft you can learn in the Make Your To improve mental fitness, doctors recommend that seniors do word games like crossword puzzles, Mark! class. Photo by Sophia Han arts and crafts, or enjoy activities such as drawing or painting. This is because the skills used to solve problems and create art are the same skills used to think clearly and make good decisions.

An added benefit to joining an art class is that seniors can also practise their communication skills while learning with classmates.

Make Your Mark! is a free, weekly drop-in art class at Collingwood Neighbourhood Annex (3690 Vanness Avenue) on Thursdays at 3:30 pm. All ages are welcome and art supplies are provided.

VOCABULARY

taking up – to spend time doing an activity later in life – when one is older however – but mental well-being – the ability to be aware of and enjoy your surroundings by (date or time) – use by followed by a date or time to talk about when something will happen: By April, the weather will improve. one in (number) – use one in followed by a number greater than 2 to talk about a fact that is true about one thing in a group: One in ten dogs eat shoelaces. even though – use even though before a fact that does not make the rest of your sentence untrue: Even though it rains a lot in Vancouver, Vancouver is a beautiful city. maintain – to keep something in a good condition good quality of life – when life is comfortable or satisfying mental fitness – the ability to think clearly and make good decisions recommend – to make a useful suggestion clearly – done in a way that is not confusing added benefit – something that makes a good thing even better communication skills – skills used to share thoughts and feelings

https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/3419235/staying-creative-to-stay-mentally-fit/

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April 2022

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

Thank You CNH Staff!

Here is just part of the CNH staff team.

On March 17, 2020, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) closed its doors because of COVID-19.

Little did staff know that, two years later, we would still be in that pandemic.

During those two years, CNH staff have been amazing.

Some set up work spaces at home and got right back to work, remotely. Some were able to return to work a few months later, wearing masks, face shields and gloves.

Staff revised programming to deliver it online and also started up new programming, to meet needs that emerged during the pandemic. We were really pleased that a lot of new volunteers flocked to CNH, to help deliver our programming. Staff were creative, flexible, dedicated and caring.

To thank staff and acknowledge their many contributions during the past two years, CNH had a staff appreciation day on March 17, the two-year anniversary of us closing our doors. Staff were greeted with celebratory balloons and signage and they received pastries and coffee during the morning; supervisors wrote thank-you cards to their staff and colleagues wrote appreciatory notes to one another. Teams went out for lunch together or received gifts.

We also wanted to celebrate staff publicly so we added photos of all of our team members to our website: https://www.cnh.bc.ca/blog/ We are so grateful to the CNH staff for all they have done to support their colleagues, our participants and local residents throughout this long pandemic. They are a remarkable team.

Renfrew-Collingwood Volunteer Income Tax Service Booking for 2022 (tax year 2021) is now open.

The Renfrew Collingwood Income Tax Service is now open for any clients wanting assistance with their income tax returns (for up to the past 10 tax years [2012 and later).

Please include the following documents in a 9”X12” or 10”X 13” envelope and write your name, phone number, and e-mail on it. l 2021’s T3, T4, T5, T4E, etc. l Any medical slips or donation slips you would like to claim l Tax Return for 2021 l Notice of Assessment for 2021 l Intake form: download from: www.rcits.org Tax questions? Email: collingwooditc@gmail.com Please bring a valid photo ID with you at time of drop off and pick up.

You can only drop off and pick up your tax package for yourself and not for a family member.

Drop off Locations. Where you drop off is where you will pick up: Annex: 3690 Vanness Avenue (entrance on Ormidale and Foster Avenue) l Monday to Friday from 10am-7pm, and Saturday from 10am-4pm l Phone number: 604-428-9142 CNH: 5288 Joyce Street l Open 7 days a week from 12-7pm l Phone number: 604-435-0323

This page is sponsored by Collingwood Neighbourhood House

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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April 2022

April 2022 2022 February

ComingComing Events Events

Collingwood BIA Beautification & Improvement Micro Grants

April 15 1 February Good Friday Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese Lunar New Year – February 12 security cameras to applications.

Projects ranging from installed repairing ceilings and floors.

Thank youlion fordancers taking the time to Collingwood will have the return of the visit work on a project to help your businesses appearance and th businesses on February 19 between 11:30 am. – 1:30p.m. safety.

We invite you to join in the parade and celebrating the Year of the Tiger.

Covid – Updates: To register your business contact Angela at

April 17 2 February

Happy Lunar New Year – 2022 Year of the Congratulations to the businesses who submitted a grant Tiger application. The deadline was March 4th and we received 19

anglea@shopcollingwood.ca Mask mandates have been lifted. Vaccine passports will be required at least until April 8th. Please be patient during this transition time. We are also there. Thank you for doing your part Covid Updates: over the– last two years.

All businesses must reinstate COVID-19Health Safety Plans.

B.C. employers will onceto Covid protocols and Provincial Orders are continuing again be required to perform an assessment and address protective controls for change, and we encourage you to follow the news and go to the their workplaces in their Plans, and can include: website frequently www.2.gov.bc.ca

Easter Sunday Ground Hog Day April 18 12 February Easter Monday Chinese New Year Lion Dance April 23– 1p.m.

11a.m.

JOYCE STREET CLEAN UP February 14 PARTY Valentine’s Day February 21 Family Day

• permitting workers to work remotely or from home, if possible, • facilitating workers to stay at home when they are feeling ill, • placement of physical workers, when possible, Joyce Street Clean Up Partybarriers – Aprilbetween 23rd 10am-12pm • return to zone-based access to worksites, Sign up to •register volunteer in theamong first ever Joyce reducingto crowding and mixing workers in theStreet workplace, Clean Up Party.

• cleaning and hand washing procedures • requiring face masks when in all common areas.

You can register by emailing info@shopcollingwood.ca or call WorkSafe BC has updated its Safety Plan Planning Tool.

604.639.4403

Covid and Provincial Health Orders are continuing to See adprotocols in this paper. change, and we encourage you to follow the news and go to the We are meeting at St. Mary’s school parking lot at 10am to pick website frequently www.2.gov.bc.ca up supplies and maps. Returning to St. Mary’s for a hot dog BBQ. This is a family event and open to everyone. Let’s all work together to Spring Clean our Joyce Street from Kingsway to Love your City – Vancouver Wellington.

The City of Vancouver has 22 BIAs representing diverse commercial areas. For the month of February, the Vancouver BIA Partnership willisbe showcasing the treasures in ourJoyce beautiful Collingwood BIA Exploring an Expansion along city.

Check out on social media: #loveyourcity for information on Street contests and giveaways throughout the city. Visit the Clock Our next to expansion is to(Joyce surveyand theKingsway) businessesfor along that Tower at step the Mel Tobias Plaza a photo strip and enquire if they would like to be a part of the Collingwood op with the many hearts. Tell us what you love most about the BIA. City. What are the benefits?

- Street Clean Team x 3 per week - Collingwood Guardians Safety Patrol Collingwood Micro Improvement - Graffiti Removal and Patrols Grants – - Banner Program Deadline March 4, 2022 - Advocacy for commercial businesses The- Covid Micro Much moreGrants helped over 20 businesses earlier this year and the CBIA is extending the program. Grants up to $1,000 are available to businesses to make improvements to their exterior and interior. For more information email info@shopcollingwood.ca or clink on link to the application: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds: Shop Collingwood! It’s good for Business!

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Happy Easter Collingwood!

2022

How to Reach Us:

@shopcollingwoodvancouver

How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwood

@shopcollingwood @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood

Office: #300 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 Office: T: 604.639.4403 #300 – 3665 Kingsway, E: info@shopcollingwood.ca Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 T: W:604.639.4403 shopcollingwood.ca E: info@shopcollingwood.ca W: shopcollingwood.ca

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April 2022

PartIcIpate For A Chance to WIn AmazIng PrIzes!

CONTACT US! jr.biacollingwood@gmail.com

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS