Renfrew-Collingwood Community News April 2023

Helping men ease into the beauty world with eyebrow tattooing

by Paul Reid

Quite honestly, when I heard that I would be interviewing someone who did eyebrow tattoos, the first image that came to mind was of a woman with a thin dark line (more or less) that maybe looked like it had been drawn on with a sharpee. Do you see it?

That may have been the case 20 years ago, but, wow! I want you to see for yourself, here in these photos, the incredibly detailed and realistic brows that Brenda Ton, permanent makeup tattooist, is able to create with a process called “microblading.”

Their cosmetic tattoo services focus on the eye area because it makes such an impact in overall facial harmony. Using a fine detail technique and application, Brenda works with her clients to help them get the brows or liner suited to their face shape and features to truly bring out one’s unique and natural beauty.

According to Brenda, there is a growing trend of eyebrow tattooing for men in Vancouver. Really, guys, Brenda?

“Yes! Guys! I’m happy to let you know that men are finally realizing the power of

Brenda Ton is a permanent makeup tattooist. Photo by Paul Reid

Eyebrow tattoos : Continued from page 1

good eyebrows. And trust me, it’s not just about making them look good to the eye—it’s about making them feel confident, so they can shine bright and be the best version of themselves.

“

Over the years, I’ve noticed a steady increase in the number of men coming to my studio for hair stroke eyebrow tattooing. This treatment is becoming increasingly popular among men of all ages and backgrounds, as they seek to achieve a more defined and natural look. However, many men are still shy about pursuing beauty treatments and are often afraid of being judged for doing so.

“I work closely with my male clients to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome. This lets them be themselves and try different beauty options without worrying about judgment. Through my work, I’ve learned that men who get eyebrow

tattoos often say they feel more confident and put-together, which can help them in their personal and professional lives.

“I believe that more people need to see that beauty is for everyone, regardless of gender, and that men should not feel shy or ashamed about pursuing beauty treatments that can help them feel more confident and self-assured. In my Chinese culture, they say eyebrows can determine your luck in life.”

As an artist specializing in SUPER natural beauty tattoos, Brenda is all about helping her clients to look and feel their best.

Brenda continues, “Doing this for the first time can feel intimidating, so we’ll walk you through the entire process. And even though we use medical-grade equipment and hygiene is important, it’ll feel less clinical and more like going to the spa, but with results that bring joy way longer than a great massage does.

“People like beauty tattoos because they save time and energy in the mornings and every time you do your makeup, so you can focus on what matters— whether that’s your beauty sleep, more time with loved ones or simply doing things you enjoy. Meaning: less fuss, more fun, maybe even more makeup-free days.”

Earth Day at Trout Lake

Calling all Earthlings! Earth Day is back at Trout Lake. Join us for some good GREEN family fun while learning how to be better stewards of our environment.

Enjoy some live music, play games, make crafts, do a nature hunt, join a workshop or just educate yourself from one of our visiting informational booths.

Free event but please register for workshops.

For all ages.

Saturday, April 22, 11 am–2 pm

Saturday, April 22 from 11 am to 2 pm

Celebrate Earth Day and Fight for Our Future

Saturday, April 22

Last year Socialist Alternative Youth and students from New Westminster Secondary School hosted the Earth Day march and rally with participants from Indigenous activists, unions, young people, university and high school students and speakers from COPE. As the need for action on climate change is greater, there will be a bigger rally this year.

On Saturday, April 22, gather at Clark Park (1500 East 14th Avenue at Commercial Drive) at 11:30 am and march to Grandview Park to listen to speakers on climate change and the role of the working class in preventing it. Climate campaigners, young people, trade union activists, and many others will be gathering that day in person to send a clear message – we demand action for the climate now.

Socialist Alternative Youth has groups in Victoria, at SFU and Douglas College, as well as in other parts of Canada. Socialist Alternative Youth realizes that capitalism is incapable of providing a society where Black, Indigenous, people of colour and the wider working class can have a good quality of life on a healthy planet.

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: David Penny, Julie Cheng, Karen Vanon, Masa Kateb, Paul Reid, Sophia Han

Wewanttohearfromyou!

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).

You Can Find the 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

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

5 ways to help a friend who is addicted to drugs

by David Penny

We all know that drug addiction is rampant, with British Columbia experiencing more than 10,000 overdose fatalities between 2016 and 2023, for an average of six lives lost daily. Of those who died, more than a quarter had steady employment, while a slightly larger percentage were constantly unemployed.

The fact is that addiction affects Canadians from each and every walk of life.

It doesn’t matter if you’re from Main and Hastings in Vancouver, York Mills in Toronto, or St. Michel in Montreal, drugs are everywhere, and so are the people who use them. People of all walks of life, all income levels and all ages are being affected, and everyone is vulnerable in the toxic drug crisis.

Addiction costs more than just the physical toll on your body, it can cost people their life, marriage, kids, job and everything worthwhile if it isn’t dealt with quickly. There are proven ways to overcome a problem with substance use, but people can rarely overcome it alone.

People need love, support and care. Too often, people are willing to look the other way when they suspect something is wrong, and as an addict, the easiest people to lie to and manipulate are those who want to believe us.

In addiction, we might feel depressed, trapped, ashamed, stigmatized, and a number of other feelings. The path to recovery starts with acknowledgment, respect and compassion.

If you suspect someone is struggling with drugs, here are five ways you can help.

1. Identify the problem

There must’ve been something that caused you to be concerned about your loved one, friend or colleague; try your best, without being intrusive, to find out what’s going on.

What are the signs you’ve seen? Have there been any dramatic changes in their lifestyle, mood, productivity or relationships? Once

you have a grasp of what’s happening, you’ll be better equipped to talk to them from a place of love.

2.Educate yourself

A common misconception is that addiction is a moral failing, the reality is that for many years this was the consensus. Modern research and science overwhelmingly support the fact that individuals with chemical dependency issues suffer from a chronic, relapsing and sometimes fatal disease. People do not choose for their lives to be unmanageable or to be chemically dependent. The more someone knows about this particular illness, the better equipped they’ll be to offer assistance.

3.Plan an intervention

Extending a helping hand must be carefully considered and executed. If there is any doubt about the fact that you’re being authentic, the person who you’re trying to help is likely to put up barriers and have difficulty hearing what you’re trying to say.

Think about what you’re going to do, plan it out and then come from a place of concern and love. If necessary, you may need to hire a professional or seek someone with knowledge about the best practices of intervening for assistance.

Try your best to do it properly once, as this could be the difference between life or death.

4.Dialogue

It’s natural that anyone who is suffering from drug addiction would want to keep it a secret. The fear of consequence or fall out makes the subject a very difficult thing for an addict to talk about.

Communication is vital, as once they realize that you’re on their side, and simply want to help, barriers will start to come down. Use non-violent communication and talk things through.

5.Offer a solution

You can talk all day about what the addicted individual should do, but the reality is that you need to provide them with a viable alternative to the path they’re on.

Will they need inpatient treatment? Will they need counselling? Ensure you have resources you can offer so they understand you’re ready to support them.

There is no quick and easy fix, but your loved one can recover with your support.

In our society, far too many people suffer the consequences of addiction in silence or alone; there is an alternative, but most of the time, it requires the involvement of others. If you suspect someone is struggling, be a vehicle of change and lend a helping hand. Doing something is easier than you’d think.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. If you are unsure where to start, those of us at Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Education & Recovery Society are here to help through our education programs for families, friends and spouses. Visit twcrecoverylife.org for more information.

David Penny is the digital communications coordinator at Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Education & Recovery Society.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Read On! A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Is RC a pet-friendly neighbourhood?

by Sophia Han

Dog-lovers,

rejoice!



In the spring, it’s common to see people out walking their dogs in Renfrew-Collingwood. The neighbourhood has many green spaces, including Gaston Park and Collingwood Park.

If you are new to the neighbourhood, you may wonder if RC is pet-friendly. The answer is “yes” and “no.” There are many parks but there are also many rules dog-owners must follow. Dogs must be leashed except in off-leash areas. All dogs in Vancouver must have a license. Dogs should stay a safe distance from playgrounds.

Dogs are not the only pets you may see in local parks. Increasingly, cat owners are bringing their furry friends outdoors on leashed walks.

How to greet a dog 

There are dos and don’ts when it comes to greeting a strange dog on the street. Some dogs can become over-excited around strangers. Some may be fearful and act aggressively.

Wait until the dog wags its tail or shows other signs of friendliness before approaching. It can be helpful to kneel or turn your body to one side while you hold out a hand for them to sniff.

If you find a dog that seems lost, you can call Vancouver Animal Services at 604- 873-7000. You can also bring the dog to the nearest vet, since most pets in B.C. can be identified from a microchip that vets are equipped to scan.

With more than 35,000 dogs in the city, chances are you will meet several furry friends this spring.

Renfrew Community Park Off-Leash Dog Enclosure

2929 East 22nd Avenue

Kingsway Veterinary Clinic

3139 Kingsway

Boundary Animal Hospital

3114 Boundary Road

VOCABULARY

rejoice – to celebrate common – something that happens often green spaces – areas in a city with plants and trees wonder if – use wonder if before a sentence that may be true or untrue

pet-friendly – suitable for pets

leashed – to be attached to a rope, line or chain safe distance – a distance far enough to ensure safety increasingly – when something becomes greater or more frequent dos and don’ts (idiom) – rules aggressively – in a way that seems dangerous or angry it can be helpful to (phrase) – use before a suggestion or advice microchip – a permanent ID for animals equipped – to have the tools or skills to do something with – you can use with at the start of a sentence to describe a possible result: “With less rain, it will likely be a hot summer.” chances are (idiom)

it is likely

Read On! has a web page. You can:

 Read the articles

http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/

Spring is in the air and the dogs are out in the parks. Photo by Sophia Han

Earth Day: Still Moon AGM and spring celebration fundraiser

by Masa Kateb

In alignment with Earth Day, the team at Still Moon Arts Society invite you and your loved ones to their 19th annual general meeting on Wednesday, April 19, followed by a spring celebration fundraiser to support the growth of this ecological-arts community organization and its work in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood and the Still Creek watershed. In addition, community members from all backgrounds − like yourself − are invited to take up a volunteer role on Still Moon’s board of directors.

It will be an evening to remember. The event will take place at the spacious Annex Studio of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, decorated by lanterns and ecological art to introduce the community to Still Moon’s

work through a multi-sensory experience.

The AGM will shed light on the achievements and challenges of 2022 and new members will be elected to the board. Attendees will then get a chance to enjoy complimentary appetizers, purchase an alcoholic or sober beverage of their choice, and be immersed in a celebration of music by Madelyn Read (www.MadelynRead. com), mindfulness practices and storytelling by Quantum Care (www. QuantumCare.ca), a silent auction featuring diverse local businesses and experiences, and most importantly, a like-minded community with a shared passion for the environment, arts and community connections.

Noticed in Vancouver

Save the date

-Wednesday, April 19, 2023

-6:30 to 8:45 pm

-Hybrid Event:

-In-person: Multipurpose Room, Collingwood Neighbourhood Annex (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver, BC V5R 5B6)

-Online via Zoom

Since its 2004 inception, Still Moon has worked with artists, scientists, the local community, foundations and local governments to restore the Renfrew Ravine and the Still Creek watershed from a neglected dumping ground to a place of wonder, manifesting natural beauty through a healthier ecosystem. Nineteen years later, Still Moon’s team works year-round to achieve their mission.

An opportunity!

With the Earth Day Theme of 2023, #Invest_in_Our_Planet, Still Moon invites you to consider experiencing the volunteer culture of Vancouver by contributing your unique experience, skills and passions to enrich the diversity of the Still Moon board of directors, and to impact meaningful change in the community and beyond. Still Moon will bring onboard four new board members on April 19th. Applications for the 2023-2024 board term are due on April 7th at midnight.

Visit www.StillMoonArts.ca to register for the event, become a member and to express interest in joining the Still Moon board of directors.

Karen Vanon

Lanterns and community at the 19th Moon Festival.

Photo courtesy of Still Moon Arts Society

Y Mind Teen

When

Where

Who: Teens aged 13 to 18 experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety and low mood

Everyone experiences worries and stress. Y Mind helps young people learn to cope with stress so they can live their best lives.

Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week group program based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Program results show that Y Mind participants experience reduced symptoms, increased overall well-being and an increased ability to cope with difficult emotions.

•Facilitated by trained mental health professionals

•No diagnosis required to participate

•Proven outcomes for participants include reduced anxiety, increased well-being and increased mindfulness skills

•Program participants connect with others who are having similar experiences

What’s happening at your local library

Renfrew Branch

2969 East 22nd Avenue at Renfrew info@vpl.ca, 604-257-8705

AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES

Visit the library and enjoy free, kid-friendly movies suitable for all ages. Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)

Trolls (2017)

Trolls World Tour (2020)

Friday, April 14, 2023

3:30–5 pm

Josh, the Primm family’s young son, struggles to adjust to his new school and friends when they relocate to New York City. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile who enjoys baths, caviar and great music, living in his new home’s attic.

Rating: G

Runtime: 106 min.

Friday, April 21, 2023 3:30–5 pm

This movie takes us into a coloUrful and wondrous world filled with hilariously, lovable, friendly, overly optimistic Trolls who love to sing, dance and have lots of fun. But everything changes when the Bergens attack the Troll Village. Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the grumpy Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends.

Rating: G Runtime: 92 min.

Friday, April 28, 2023

3:30– 5 pm

Queen Poppy and Branch make an unexpected discovery: other troll worlds exist beyond their own, and their differences cause major clashes between these various tribes. When a mysterious threat endangers all trolls across the land, Poppy, Branch and their friends must embark on an epic quest to bring harmony among all Trolls in order to unite them against certain doom.

Rating: G Runtime: 94 min.

Seniors’ Morning at the Movies: Harvey

Legion Update

Everyone Welcome!

To all those that haven’t stopped by recently to enjoy the different activities inside the club, please come and enjoy the friendly atmosphere on a fun night out.

President, Diane Janes

Yes, the Royal Canadian Legion, Grandview-Collingwood Branch 179, is hoppin’ once again. Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

APRIL BANDS

We are pleased to announce the band schedule for Saturdays in April for 8:00 p.m.:

April 1st - Las Divas; April 8th - Posing Til Closing

Thursday, April 27 10:30 am–12:30 pm

Central Library

Calling all seniors! Do you love to watch classic films based on classic books? Come to the Central Library’s Montalbano Theatre to enjoy a movie with your morning coffee, meet and mingle with other seniors and chat about classic films and the books that inspired them.

Films, coffee and book recommendations provided.

April screening: Harvey (1950)

Stewart is Elwood P. Dowd, a man who boasts that he’s “wrestled with reality for thirty-five years … and finally won out over it.” Harvey is his friend, a six-foot-tall imaginary rabbit that embarrasses Dowd’s society-climbing sister, Hull, to the point where she tries to have both of them put away. This classic film is based on Mary Chase’s 1944 play of the same name.

Rating: G

Runtime: 104 min

April 15th - The New Marauderz ; April 22nd - Mojo Stars

April 29th - Step Out Sister

The Thursday Night Jam

The first Thursday of every month 7-11 P.M. This month on April 6.

This Just In:

Legion 179 is offering sponsorship to any recreational sports teams in Vancouver (slow pitch, soccer, basketball, dragon boat etc.) Contact Mario Zupan @ 236,858,7288 or mario.zupan@outlook.com

MEAT DRAW AND 50/50

Meat and 50/50 draws: Every Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 7 pm with draws taking place every half hour.

CHECK US OUT!

Facebook: Commercial Drive Legion Instagram: Legion179

Dear Neighbours, Crosswalk at Rupert St. & Euclid Ave

My office is working with the RC-87 Block Watch team to advocate for flashing lights to be installed at the crosswalk at Euclid Ave. and Rupert St. Cars travel downhill from both directions on Rupert and parked cars often block the view of the pedestrians. Pedestrian activated lights at the crosswalk will keep pedestrians and children safe when crossing the street.

If you would like to sign the petition, you can visit my office at 5022 Joyce St. or Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 5288 Joyce St.

Joyce St. Clean up

The Joyce Street Clean Up Party is taking place on April 22 from 10:00am12:00pm. Join us to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up our neighbourhood together. All equipment will be provided. Please sign up by calling the Collingwood Community Policing Centre at 604-717-2935.

Lastly, if you have a community event that you wish to promote, my community office would be delighted to help spread the word. Please ask us for details on the types of events we can promote at 604-660-0314 or email adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca.

My community office, at 5022 Joyce St. Vancouver, is open to provide services for constituents in person with appointments and via phone and email. Please give us a call at 604-660-0314 or email us at adrian.dix.mla@leg. bc.ca, and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can. 聯絡本辦事處 請電郵 adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca 或 致電 604-660-0314. 如欲親臨敬請 預約。

Thank you very much for all that you’re doing and hope to see you soon in the community.

Sincerely,

Adrian Dix MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway

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

Thursday Night Jam features hot local musicians. Photo courtesy of RCL Branch 179

Long-time staff Maria Nombrado shares her inspiration for spending 25 years at CNH

By Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) proudly recognizes its long-serving staff members. At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), CNH staff and contractors who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the neighbourhood house were thanked by the Board of Directors.

This year, we recognize and celebrate Maria Nombrado for 25 years of service. Here’s what Flamingo Xie, Financial Controller, had to say about Maria:

“Twenty-five years is a quarter of a century, half of Maria’s lifetime. Her glasses are getting thick and she might need antiwrinkle cream in the future, but she still looks great in her colleagues’ eyes.

“Maria started work as an office volunteer and a paid computer lab volunteer at CNH. After working in our administration and accounting office, she landed her current role as Accounting Manager. I asked her the reason she has worked at CNH for 25 years. This is what she said:

1.Commendations for her hard work. Maria said she used to be very emotional when her former supervisor verbally appreciated her work. Other directors at CNH also appreciated Maria’s dedication. Those recognitions boost Maria’s selfesteem and confidence.

2.Her family. Secondly, Maria’s said the love and support of her husband and her two sons, Skye and Edrick, are what keep her going.

3.What CNH stands for. The last one is because of our organization. Maria feels we offer excellent services in the community and excellent recreation programs for all ages. She also appreciates the envi-

ronment at CNH which she describes as multicultural and family-oriented.

As a staff member, she also feels CNH fosters positive employer-employee relationships.

“Maria said she is happy to say that CNH

is where she would like to work until her hair turns gray. Thank you, Maria, for 25 years of hard work and dedication. Thank you for making each day of work something we can all be proud of.”

For information about careers at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/about/careers.

Maria Nombrado

April 2023

Joyce Street Spring Clean Up – April 22, 2023

Join us on Earth Day April, 22nd, to help clean up Joyce Street and surrounding area. There will be a hot dog BBQ after the event and prizes to be won. To sign up email: info@shopcollingwood.ca The is the second annual Spring Clean Up on Joyce Street. Meet at St. Mary’s School 5239 Joyce Street. This community event is brought to by the Collingwood BIA, St. Mary’s School, Collingwood Community Policing Centre, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Adrian Dix’s Constituency Office.

Calendar of Events

April 1

April Fool’s Day

April 7

Good Friday

April 9

Easter Sunday

April 10

Easter Monday

April 22

Earth Day & Joyce Street Spring Clean Up

Safety Survey 2023

Thank you to those you have completed the Safety Survey in March. We will continue to accept them throughout April.

Surveys will be hand delivered by the Collingwood Guardians, CPC foot patrol teams and the staff at the BIA. Email info@shopcollingwood.ca to receive the survey electronically.

Jr. BIA and Scholarships

The Collingwood BIA Scholarship application will be available March 13 –May 12, 2023. If you are a Grade 12 student attending Windermere Secondary School, contact info@shopcollingwood.ca There are two $500.00 scholarships available.

Spring has Arrived

The Collingwood BIA is working on many beautification projects this spring and summer. Look for more colour, cleaner and safer streets.

Board Member Recruiting

We are looking for more amazing people to join the volunteer board of directors to re-image Collingwood business area. We meet once a month, and you can also join committees -Safety, Marketing & Street Beautification. Contact us to learn more.

Shop Collingwood! It’s good for business

How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood

Office: #300 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2

T: 604.639.4403

E: info@shopcollingwood.ca

W: shopcollingwood.ca

Sign up to receive the monthly eNewsletter

Email info@shopcollingwood.ca

Joyce Street Clean Up Party Joyce Street Clean Up Party

April 22nd, 2023, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

To sign up:

E m a i l : i n f o @ s h o p c o l l i n g w o o d . c a or Call 604.639.4403

T h e a r e a w i l l i n c l u d e J o y c e S t r e e t a n d s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a s . R e t u r n i n g t o S t . M a r y ’ s f o r a H o t D o g B B Q a n d P r i z e D r a w s .

T h e r e w i l l b e a h o t d o g B B Q a f t e r t h e e v e n t a n d p r i z e s t o b e w o n .

Adrian Dix MLA