Renfrew-Collingwood Community News, August 2013

August 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Welcoming the Kingsway Continental to the neighbourhood

by Deanna Cheng

Renfrew-Collingwood is gearing up to welcome the Kingsway Continental and its new tenants moving in from the Old Continental this fall. From an open house and community meetings, the City of Vancouver worked with a group of Renfrew-Collingwood service providers, identifying needs and concerns for a smooth transition.

Once the Ramada Inn, located at 3484 Kingsway at Tyne, the building will also house local residents requiring affordable housing as well as, temporarily, residents of BC Housing buildings undergoing renovations.

The committee working with the City includes Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), the Collingwood Community Policing Centre, the Collingwood Business Improvement Association, the Evergreen Community Health Centre and the RenfrewCollingwood Homelessness Community.

Angela Evans, the executive director of the Collingswood BIA, said, “The tenants were notified at the same time, about seven months ago, so it is not a surprise and people have time to process.”

CNH’s executive director Jennifer Gray-Grant said, “The neighbourhood’s expectation is for the new tenants to live here, get services locally and feel comfortable enough to participate in the community.”

Local service providers, residents and youth are putting together welcome kits with shopping bags provided by the Collingwood BIA.

The Kingsway Continental, formerly the Ramada Inn, is scheduled to open in fall 2013.

The City purchased it in November 2012 to turn into non-market housing. A coalition of local service providers is collecting donations for welcoming kits for incoming residents.

Photo by Paul Reid

Skytrain Rambler

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New Carleton Playground

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Gray-Grant asks the public to donate everyday necessities such as socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and shaving cream. These could be dropped off at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street)

Seniors visit Victoria

Continued on page 2

Page10 Zumba fever

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August 2013 Continued from page 1

EYE CARE CENTRE

or the Collingwood Community Policing Centre (5160 Joyce Street).

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

shower program. They are welcome to join us.”

Gray-Grant also said there are other adult and seniors programs and initiatives available at CNH. “The welcome packages will Evans said, “It has been a positive include information on local process. To see everyone come services and businesses. There will be coupons, socks, toques and together as a community–the toiletries, for example,” she said.

According to the City’s Kingsway Continental Q-and-A sheet, most of the tenants of the Old Continental (a City-operated non-market housing building in downtown Vancouver that will close) are men over the age of 45, primarily on welfare or receiving a pension. “Many tenants at the Old Continental are living with mental health or addition issues or other medical conditions.”

“The Evergreen clinic has said it has the capacity to work with the new residents,” notes Gray-Grant. “And here at CNH we provide breakfast for those who are homeless or tentatively housed every Saturday with our Morning Star breakfast-and-

buildings. People will be able to stay temporarily at the Kingsway Continental.”

Standeven estimates these members would stay from 12 to 18 months at a time while renovations happen.

“And the third priority is two-fold: to acquire or build social housing across Vancouver and to build community partnerships to support affordable housing across the city.

We want neighbourhoods to feel good about this.

“Collingwood has been fabulous because they want to see more social housing in the neighbourhood,” she said.

Photo by Paul Reid businesses, people, associations, volunteers–everyone on every level is committed and on the same page.

They’re welcoming, not barring anyone.”

She said members of the BIA were asked to contribute next month.

Jennifer Standeven, the City of Vancouver spokesperson for this project, said that, based on the open house event held at the neighbourhood house, she found residents warm and welcoming.

Some of them mentioned the possibility of moving to the Kingsway Continental when they get older and want a smaller or more affordable place.

“They see it as a community resource,” Standeven said.

Gray-Grant said, “We have the highest number of seniors of any Vancouver neighbourhood. As well as the highest number of youth and second highest number of children.”

Having this building available nearby means residents on limited incomes will have one more option for staying within their community of friends and neighbours.

One of the priorities set out by the Metro Vancouver Affordable Housing Strategy is to “increase the supply of modest cost housing.”

The Kingsway Continental Q-and-A says the hotel has 123 rooms.

“The first priority is housing the tenants from the Old Continental,” said Standeven. “The second priority is to support BC Housing while they renovate their old

According to the Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book, BC Housing collects data on households that have applied for social housing in Metro Vancouver and there is a wait list. While the waiting list indicates a need for affordable housing, it is not necessarily an accurate measure of the demand.

The book notes, “the number of households in Metro Vancouver waiting for social housing has increased by 35%, from 6,630 in 2009 to 8,955 in 2012.”

The City of Vancouver is the municipality with the greatest number of households waiting for social housing at 3,632 households.

It is followed by Surrey (1, 305), Burnaby (1,182) and Richmond (599).

There is a possibility of the Collingwood Legion leasing the former pub space on the ground floor; they are currently in the middle of negotiations and nothing is confirmed.

Standeven said, “Once the tenants are settled in, the community will be invited for a welcome, possibly in October.”

For information about the welcome kits, please contact CNH at 604435-0323.

For more information about the Kingsway Continental project, go to http://vancouver.ca/peopleprograms/kingsway-continental. aspx.

Deanna Cheng is a journalism student at Langara College.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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August 2013

Help for the homeless in our community by Peter Greenwell The Renfrew Collingwood Homeless Committee (RCHC) is working to end homelessness in our community.

Here are recent highlights.

Apply for Housing at Kingsway Continental Over the last number of months service providers have organized consultations with the City about future plans for Kingsway Continental – which the City has bought as affordable housing to replace the Cold Continental Hotel which the City will tear down over the next year. There are some rooms available for $375 per month and other rooms available for $700 per month – the upper limit for the seniors rent supplement SAFER. If you would like to apply for a room please contact the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Outreach workers at homelessprogram@cnh. bc.ca or 778-886-4448. Outreach workers can assist your with filling out the applications and delivering them to the residence manager.

Public Transit Access and Homelessness The Transit Working Group, consisting of the Urban Core Workers Association, Renfrew-Collingwood Homeless Committee, Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness, Salvation Army and interested individuals has continued its work to improve access to public transit by people who are homeless. The group had a positive meeting with TransLink on May 16 and put forward three most pressing issues: 1. Provide ticket discounts for people staying at shelters for necessary appointments 2. Create a mechanism to waive fines for homeless people penalized for non-payment of fares 3. Establish an inter-ministerial and community committee to develop a transit plan (as part of the necessary support services) for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

On July 11, Vancouver City Council unanimously endorsed this approach.

see here: http://www.cnh. bc.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2013/01/ Transit-Proposal-bustickets-Jan-13-final. pdf.

And if you or your organization would like to join the growing list of endorsements please see here: http://www.cnh.bc.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2013/01/Call-forendorsement.pdf Forum on Public Transit Access: Homeless Action Week October 2013 Please watch for details on a forum on public transit access for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. If you would like to assist with organizing this please get in touch. This is an important issue with the fare gates at Skytrain Stations becoming operational by October 2013. We are currently looking for funding to assist.

Elementary School. As part of their First Communion they did a class food drive and made a significant donation to the Morning Star Breakfast Program; their teacher Anna Angotti helped them organize and deliver the food items.

The Church of Latter Day Saints’ Women’s Group provided our Saturday morning shower program with a donation of hygiene kits. The RCHC was invited to attend their celebration of service to speak on our work on homelessness.

For background information please

PACIFIC DANCEARTS Vancouver’s Premium Ballet School

Recent Community Support for RCHC Thank you to the grade 2 class at St. Mary’s

VanCity Credit Union Collingwood Branch staff and members made a financial contribution to our homeless program.

Summer Dance Camps From age 3 and up August 12-16

VACFSS

Summer School 2013 From Elementray Level and up July 22 - August 2

The Joy of Dance

604.738.8575 2013 - 2014 SEASON www.pacificdancearts.ca 3626 East 4 th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5M 1M3

VANCOUVER ABORIGINAL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES SOCIETY

Come Join Our Circle of Caring Become a Foster Parent: (604) 216-7447

Information nights held first Tuesday of every month.

6:45pm at 3284 E. Broadway Street Our Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility

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August 2013

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: Deanna Cheng, Julie Cheng, Beth Grayer, Peter Greenwell, Michelle Havixbeck, Loretta Houben, Janet Lee, Patrick Painter, Paul Reid, Kathy Romses, Timothy Shay, Cathy Wang, Maggie Yang

We want to hear from you!

Yes, You! Send comments, community events, press releases by regular post, fax or e-mail. Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome.

We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number. The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes.

Next submission deadline: Aug. 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 @

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Green Thumb Montessori School teaches preschoolers a love of nature by Michelle Havixbeck Children who touch, smell, hears see and eat nature learn to love it. Children who grow greens eat greens! Children who are free to explore and question their surroundings develop a true understanding that can never be taught from a book. They test physical capabilities like balance, body awareness and lightness in nature. Self-restraint, decisionmaking and even lessons of compassion, life and death are all parts of character development supported by this limitless source.

where cognitive and behavioural disorders in children are on the rise. Young children learn the most meaningful lessons from the real world and real situations. Imagine a classroom that cannot be contained by walls but a classroom that includes the green spaces in the community where nature can be Green Thumb Montessori is a new nature preschool in Those who walk in forests or parks experienced rather the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. know the feeling of inner peace when than abstractly taught. surrounded by plant and animal life. In a society where our children Where can working parents find old and runs during daycare hours are bombarded with video games, a source of natural education for (8:30 am–5:30 pm). Children regularly television and unlimited advances in their children, in the middle of the explore Renfrew Ravine, community technology, we have a responsibility city? Opening in September, Green gardens and local parks to experience to seek out nature.

Thumb Montessori School offers their surroundings. Teachers follow the an experiential nature program inquisitions and interests that develop Early interaction with the natural combined with a Montessori as children get to really know these world is essential to human curriculum. This unique school spaces. development, especially in a world caters to children ages 2.5 to 5 years The Green Thumb Montessori School’s own gardens are a learning centre.

The children will sow, weed, compost and harvest and watch the interplay between bugs, plants and weather. This is a place for experiments, where there is joy and fascination under every rock!

In class, children work with Montessori materials in a dynamic, interactive environment, which allows children to be their unique selves. This method supports the individuality and interests of each child. Specific exercises aid in development of concentration, fine and gross motor coordination, social responsibility, care of self and acquisition of knowledge.

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.

Parents who are interested can attend an open house in August. Go online to www.greenthumbmontessori.com for more information.

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

www.elsoldeacapulco.ca

September

With her family, Michelle Havixbeck literally built this school from the ground up. She is a mother of two children and one of the school’s Montessori guides.

With a deep love of the arts, she has taught children dance, music, art and yoga for over 10 years. The driving force of her program is based on love of life.

If we allow our children the opportunity to discover the secrets that nature can share with us, we open a gateway for change that will better us as a species.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Eating Out in RC:

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August 2013

This could be your ad.

by Paul Reid

For more information Contact Lisa Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 or Email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca

Pho Thai Hoa

3524 Kingsway, Vancouver Open: Monday - Sunday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Greetings food fans. For this episode of Eating Out in RC, we journey to a culture and food that I don’t believe we have had the pleasure of reviewing here on Eating Out – Vietnamese. Bringing us their traditional recipes straight from their homeland are Kim Luu and her husband Tung. Located on Kingsway, just West of Boundary, right between Piano Gallery and Sassy Cuts, lies Pho Thai Hoa an award-winning Vietnamese restaurant and just one of three locations that Kim and Tung have opened.

if you have been following my accomplice’s menu selections as closely as I have, then you will know that this will be about the third time that she has ordered a fish with the head and tail and all the bones still on there (something I would not likely do). But she does, and she thought I arrived with my trusty accomplice this one, with the ginger fish sauce, one sunny evening and, following was excellent. Not as good as her the landing of the Toyota into one grandma’s in Veracruz (she has of the ample parking spots, landed never gone that far), but excellent our butts into some seats.The menu nonetheless. And my soup…well, is well layed out with pictures of ev- that’s a whole new paragraph. erything: the Soups; Lemon Grass Chicken, Vermicelli, Vietnamese We’re talking about the Pho, right – Sandwiches, French Style Coffee, this is what I would guess over 50% Salad Rolls, Spring Rolls, Fruit of people order when it comes to Shakes and Bubble Tea. Vietnamese food – the big bowl of She ordered the Deep Fried Fish with Ginger Fish Sauce ($10.50) and I, the Well Done Beef Noodle Soup ($7.50 for a large bowl). Now,

delicious soup. Pronounced, apparently, “fuh” by most (though I have been calling it Foh all this time), Pho they say is commonly eaten in Vietnam for breakfast – though it’s available and eaten around the clock. The broth takes nearly 24 hours to prepare, which includes the removal of the fat, which makes it a healthy dietary choice.

Preceeding the noodle soup will arrive a plate with fresh bean sprouts, a chili pepper, some lemon, and Thai basil. This is the twig with green leaves that you tear into pieces and add to the broth with the sprouts, lemon and chili pepper (hot). Next you can add in any or all of the sauces provided: fish sauce, chili sauce and hoisin sauce. Before you do though, try the broth au natural - you may find it so delicious it needs nothing more. Once the noodles are gone, it’s apparently within the bounds of fine etiquette to raise the bowl to your lips with both hands to finish off that delicious broth. One more word about the sauces – if you do use the chili sauce – it is delicious, but deadly.

We also split a Strawberry Fruit Shake ($4.50), which was worth every penny and – derived from fresh strawberries no doubt – was super strawberrylicious. We were curious as to what the Avacado Shake might be like.

They also have Durian and Jack Fruit shakes. Also, those awesome French coffees.

Kim was trained by a friend of the family, a long-time chef, who taught her the recipes that would soon become famous here in Vancouver.

One of their secrets is that they teach their chefs to cook as though they were cooking for themselves. It is this simple philosophy that results in quality food. “We do not cut corners when it comes to quality or freshness. It costs us a bit more initially,” says Kim, “but at the end of the day our customers are happy and the word about our food spreads.” Given their awards, it seems to be working.

Bon appetit

Don Davies, MP Vancouver Kingsway

You are invited to our annual Community BBQ Saturday, Aug. 24 1 - 3pm Slocan Park

(at 29th Avenue Skytrain) Rain or shine!

Hot dogs, entertainment & child-friendly activities

2951 Kingsway Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 Tel: 604-775-6263 Email: Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

August 2013

Get involved in local literacy projects

by Timothy Shay, Literacy Outreach Coordinator, Collingwood Neighbourhood House Reading Circle The weekly reading circle launched in July 2013. With a group of 10 to 14 participants, we are reading out loud Amy Tan’s novel The Joy Luck Club, then discussing pronunciations and meanings. Morton Chen and Christina Chen have provided Chinese translation and leadership for this enjoyable literacy program. The group meets every Friday during August at 10:30 am at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

Legacy Interviews The fourth in the Legacy Interviews of Collingwood community members appears in this issue of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News. Mona Lee, an enthusiastic participant in the Collingwood Neighbourhood House community, tells the story of her lifelong pursuit of learning.

Tower Conversation Group The Tower Conversation group meets every Thursday morning at 10:00 am at the Collingwood Tower Seniors Housing apartments. The group is very self-directed and has currently grown to 10 regular attendees. We share conversation, practice English phrases and have a monthly potluck. All residents of the Tower, many of them who are isolated, are invited, and the group grows every month. Thanks to Ann Rivard for helping to organizing our weekly meetings plus providing her great baking. Special thanks to Janet Lee for her assistance in producing weekly lesson plans and for her Mandarin, Cantonese and English translations.

Word Factory: Youth Creative Writing Beginning on Thursday, September 19 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, CNH Literacy Outreach in partnership with the Collingwood Branch of the Vancouver Public Library will launch Word Factor, a weekly youth drop-in creative writing workshop

that introduces writing skills, journaling, editing, presentation, publication and special guests from the poetry/spoken word and slam community in Vancouver.

Recipe Book Project Mark down Thursday, August 22, 1:00 pm, on your calendar for a meeting at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House to plan for a potluck cookbook. Bring a few good recipes and we’ll talk about everyone’s ideas for the project!

(Leave your favourite comfort food or potluck recipe at the CNH front desk. Mark it “To Timothy Shay.”)

Renfrew / Collingwood

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North 

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K

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Broadway

E.41st Ave.

Renfrew St.

Collingwood Insurance Ph: 604.438.9888

5750 Tyne Street

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Jo yc eS t.

Ru pe rt St.

E.33rd Ave.

2066 Kingsway

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The Tipper Restaurant Ph: 604.873.1010

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604.254.5040

Boundary Rd.

1st Ave. Dental Group #116 - 2800 E. 1st Ave.

Slocan St.

Grandview Hwy.

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London Square Dental Centre #220 3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.435.4545

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P & D Automotive Ltd Ph: 604.438.5519

2895 E.22nd Ave.

Joyce Hair Design St.

5156 Joyce

Papa John’s Pizza Ph: 604.310.PAPA

#300-3340 Kingsway

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Events Calendar Get involved in Renfrew-Collingwood Still Cruisin’ at 65! Join the 65th Anniversary Reunion of Diaper Hill In 1948 a hillside above Grandview at Boundary was cleared off to make way for the Renfrew Heights Housing War Veterans Project. Guess what? This year it officially becomes a senior citizen!

Calling all “Project” pioneers and residents, their extended families and friends and whomever else they like to join our 65th Anniversary Reunion Celebration: Sunday August 18, 12:00 to 6:00 pm Falaise Park Community Hall 3434 Falaise Avenue There will be free food, drink, music, movies, games, posters, and much more for all to enjoy.

Bring the family and friends for an afternoon of good humour, reconnection, excitement and, perhaps, even a pleasant surprise or two!

Stilt Walking and Lantern Making Workshops at Slocan Park

August 15th - 16th: Acrobatic Stilts Workshop with Isabelle Kirouac, at Slocan Park from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

August 17th - 18th: Acrobatic Stilts Workshop (continued) - Partnering Dance Work Laboratory with Isabelle Kirouac, at Slocan Park from 10:00 am to1:00 pm.

August 15th, 22nd, 29th: Light Up the Night: A Lantern Making Project at Art House in the Field, Slocan Park field house, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Flea Market in the Park

Saturday, August 10 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Collingwood Park at Euclid and McKinnon More info: fleamarketinthepark@gmail. com Clean out your living space this summer and join us as a vendor (free of charge!) to sell your junk or antiques!

Collingwood Branch, 2985

Kingsway at Rupert St., 604-665-3953

Babytimes and Toddler Times have started up again and will be running until August 15.

Drop-in on Thursdays at 10:30 for Toddler Time (18 months-3 years) or 11:30 for Babytime (newborn-18 months).

Summer Reading Club It’s time to celebrate! Join us for the last two events of the summer: • Joseph the Magician on Wednesday, August 7 from 2:00-3:00 pm • Summer Reading Club Party on Wednesday, August 14 from 2:00-3:00 pm

6th Annual Collingwood Park Potluck, Sunday, August 25th

The Word Factory: Weekly Creative Writing Workshops for Youth!

• Create poetry, prose and spoken word.

• Special guests include published writers, poets and Vancouver Youth Slam artists • Featured skills: manuscript preparation, submission, editing your own work, and presentation and performance skills.

Early Bird Registration: Friend 2 Friend Fall Integrated Play Groups Conference

Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society will host our Friend 2friend - Integrated Play Groups conference on September 27th and 28th at Hillel UBC. All proceeds from the conference will go to provide free Integrated Play Groups programs to children ages 3 to 11 at Play Centre in East Vancouver. Early bird registration ends August 15th.

Register online at http:// www.friend2friendsociety. org/adult-programs/ integrated-play-groupsconference/ Registration includes refreshment breaks and an invitation to the Friend 2 Friend Play Centre Wine and Cheese Anniversary Celebration on Friday, September 27th 7:00 to 9:00 pm. More info: friend2friend@shaw.ca.

Vancouver Technical high school home to new schoolyard market stand

Children’s Programs

Come join us for a relaxed time at the park enjoying food and drinks, all cost free! Bring your kids for some fun and bring a ball to play with others! Meet more neighbours and get connected!

Please mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Collingwood Park Potluck on Sunday, August 25th. Enjoy a potluck, an art project and a little music with your neighbours. Be sure to invite a neighbour! 5275 McKinnon Street at Euclid.

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August 2013

Teen Programs

Thursdays, starting September 19 from 4:005:00 pm. All youth ages 14-25 from the Renfrew-Collingwood school catchment are welcome. This program is a joint initiative between the Collingwood Branch of the Vancouver Public Library and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Literacy Outreach Program.

French Storytime Program at Renfrew Branch Library, 2969 East 22nd Avenue at Nootka, 604-257-8705

Lisez cet été French Story Club Un club de lecture en français pour les enfants âgés de 6 à 10 ans.

A free French Story Club for children ages 6 to 10 with stories, crafts and more.

Wednesdays | mercredis August 7 - 28 | 7 - 28 aôut Admission is free | Gratuit Registration begins July 10 | L’inscription commence le 10 juillet Lisez cet été! Voulez-vous pratiquer le français cet été? Inscrivezvous au club français du livre à la Bibliothèque de Renfrew. Il s’agit d’un programme de 4 semaines offrant récits, artisanat, et plaisirs.

For more information please contact the Renfrew Branch at 604-257-8705 | Téléphonez à la Bibliothèque de Renfrew au 604-257-8705 pour en savoir plus.

There’s a new urban farm in our neighbourhood, and it’s run by local students with the help of Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society.

Located behind the school at East Broadway and Slocan, the VanTechschoolyard market stand is open every Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Stop by to find some of the best prices in town for fresh, local produce.

Fresh Roots is a non-profit society that grows community-engaged neighbourhood farms. This is their first season growing at Vancouver Technical Secondary. It is a firstof-its-kind schoolyard market garden where the food is grown and sold back into the school community.

In addition, Fresh Roots farms act as an experiential learning classroom so that students, teachers and community members can learn outside.

Fresh Roots sees food as a key connector in our multicultural city, and the organization hosts intergenerational and multicultural learning around food on its farms.

The goal is to connect urban residents to their food and one another, through our market stands, volunteering and community events.

More info and photos at www. freshroots.ca and www.facebook. com/freshrootsurbanfarm.

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August 2013

Skytrain Rambler

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Favourite places to go and eat by Skytrain

Skytrain stop: StadiumChinatown Zone 1; 10-15 minutes from Renfrew-Collingwood stations From Joyce-Collingwood, 29th “Did you like Mary Ann or Ginger?” Avenue or Nanaimo stations, take the Expo line or Millennium line, I asked. Mary Ann and Ginger are two very different but hot castaways heading to Waterfront station. from the iconic TV series Gilligan’s From Rupert or Renfrew stations Island. take the Millennium line to VCC Pause. “I liked Mrs. Howell; she had Clark then transfer to Expo or Millennium line heading to lots of money,” he said.

Waterfront station.

The banana cream pie was just Stadium-Chinatown one of the deals I picked up from Station Seiffert Market at Vancouver Community College, located downtown at Pender and Cambie.

That day I was lucky to get my hands on fresh-baked muffins (still warm, six for $2.50), whole-wheat buns (12 for $1.50), shepherd’s pie ($4.00) and chicken dinner ($2.50, reduced from $4.50). But the fresh pies are really the best deal in town: $3.50. Sieffert Market is just one of Go up the stairs or escalator and my favourite places I’ll talk about in stop outside the Stadium Smoke a new series: the Skytrain Rambler. Shoppe. Under the Plan Your Trip Here sign you’ll find a map showing where you can walk to within five Why Skytrain Rambler? minutes from the station.

I love the Skytrain. With two lines (Expo and Millennium) running Seiffert Market. Head up the through it, Renfrew-Collingwood next set of stairs. Exit at Beatty and has more Skytrain stops than any Dunsmuir. other community. The Skytrain can take you downtown and on to One block west along Dunsmuir, the North Shore, east to Burnaby, you’ll hit the back entrance of Coquitlam or Surrey, and south to Vancouver Community College Richmond. (main entrance is 250 West Pender Street; walking time from station The Skytrain saved me years ago is 5 minutes). Upstairs, Seiffert when I was searching for places to Market sells fresh muffins, pies, go with my two preschool kids. I’d cakes, lunch entrees and more take them to the Central Branch made by VCC baking and culinary library, Metrotown, Central Park, arts students. On any given day Seabus and North Vancouver. you can get treats and staples When they started to fuss with for breakfast, lunch, dinner and hunger we’d always find a good dessert, from delicious croissants meal just around the corner. and cakes to ready-made soups and salads to uncooked racks of lamb Today the Skytrain gives my and salmon filets. The lunchtime teenage kids the freedom to go to these very same places and discover scene reminds me of Woodward’s their own favourite eating spot. It’s $1.49 Day sales as customers a fast, efficient and environmentally scramble for the best deals that day. Watch the elbows! Also check friendly option for mass transportation. You save on parking out the student-run cafeteria or JJ’s restaurant. Downstairs in the salon, and gas and you’ll enjoy amazing you can get your hair cut for $7.50. views. So hop on and take a ride! http://www.vcc.ca/services-forstudents/campus-services.cfm

by Julie Cheng

“Banana cream pie!” My husband’s eyes lit up. “That was Gilligan’s favourite. Mary Ann always made it for him.”

Street Level

Elevator

Escalator Stairway

BEATTY STREET

c INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE AND KEEFER PLACE VIA THE CONCOURSE LEVEL.

LOST PROPERTY

STATION ENTRANCE f

TO CONCOURSE AND PLATFORM LEVELS f

e TO ROGERS ARENA & BC PLACE

RETAIL

Ticket Vending Machines

NOTE: An additional elevator is located at Keefer Place via Abbot Street that provides access between the Street and Concourse levels.

translink.ca

604-953-3333

DUNSMUIR STREET

These elevator maps illustrate the Stations’ street level entrances. Please follow the in-station signage to locate the elevators on the platform and concourse levels.

Stations are currently undergoing faregate construction, resulting in temporary closures to some station elevators. Visit translink.ca/ontrack for up-to-date information.

Opened in 1986, the Sun Yat-Sen garden is an urban oasis set amidst new high rises. Photos by Julie Cheng While at Seiffert Market, be sure to say hello to the smiling guy behind the counter, Hedley, who has worked at VCC for 25 years.

Exit VCC at Hamilton and Dunsmuir. Walk south up Hamilton Street, past the Canada Post office to Georgia Street (3 minutes).

Central Branch, Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street). It was always a treat to take my kids to the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.

Under the soaring lobby outside the branch you can enjoy a coffee/ hot chocolate and muffin with your kids before going to one of the children’s storytime and checking out the terrific collection of books. http://www.vpl.ca/cgi-bin/ Calendar/calendar.cgi?audience_ idx=9&branch=Central Head west down Robson Street to Howe Street (10 minutes).

The steps of the Central Branch library is a great place to catch some sun and people watch.

Robson Square. Here’s another great place to people watch. Take your pick of delicious multiethinic food from the food carts surrounding the square. The Vancouver Art Gallery is also right there, housed in a beautiful former provincial courthouse.

Admission for children under 5 is free and is by donation on Tuesdays 5:00 to 9:00 pm. http:// www.vanartgallery.bc.ca. Across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, on Georgia Street, the Hong Kong Bank building features a stunning piece of art hanging from its lobby: a 90-foot (27.5 metre) aluminum pendulum by sculptor Alan Storey.

At Robson Square you can enjoy amazing food like this perfectly seared scallop with mango salsa taco from Feastro the Rolling Bistro food cart.

Chinatown. Head north til you hit Dunsmuir Street again and walk east til you’re back at the StadiumChinatown Skytrain station.

Walking this will take you at least 25 minutes so think about hopping onto the Skytrain at Granville station (Dunsmuir entrance is before Seymour Street) and making your way back to StadiumChinatown. Once there, exit to the right of the transit Lost Property office, through the concourse level down the stairs to Keefer Place and

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS past T&T supermarket. Head down Keefer until you hit the back side of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall Street between Keefer and Pender, http:// vancouverchinesegarden.com/).

There is a free section of the garden that is run by the Vancouver Park Board.

Chinatown has changed a lot since I enjoyed the breakfast butterhorns from BC Royal Café and the apple tarts from Hong Kong Café. Those wonderful cafes have long gone but you can still get apple tarts at the busy New Town Bakery (148 East Pender)—they’re not quite the same but still pretty good. While at New Town, take out a Dai Bao, which one friend described as a Chinese hamburger.

If the timing is right, check out the Vancouver Chinatown night market, running til September 8, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, along Keefer Street between Main and Columbia. http:// vancouverchinatownnightmarket. com/.

That’s the end of the first Skytrain trek. Back home, the banana cream pie must have earned an A+ for its maker. Gilligan and Mary Ann would have approved.

Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station.

Source: Translink Julie Cheng loves to ride the Skytrain. She is the editor of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News.

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August 2013

Down memory lane Try out the new Carleton playground and feel like a kid again

by Loretta Houben News flash! There is a brand new playground at Carleton Park on Monmouth Avenue just off Joyce Street! I grew up on this street in the 1960s and 70s, and the old playground consisted of a marshlike field, with a four-piece swing set and monkey bars. In the winter kids would toboggan down the hill on the south side of the park on those rare snow days and that was basically it.

In the early 1990s, just in time for our son to enjoy it, a new playground was added next to the old monkey bars that had a neat slide and other interesting things to climb on. Over time it rusted and was vandalized and Carleton Park was in a sorry state.

A few years ago I heard that a grant was given to the park and that Collingwood-area citizens were invited to give their input on what the new park should have in it. I walked past the park often, and then for a time in the rainy season I didn’t go near it. I was surprised and delighted when passing by during the first week of July to find that a gravelled pathway had been installed through the park, so we don’t sink in the marshland during rainy season, and a fantastic playground was finished with around a dozen kids enjoying it!

(Please see before and after photos.)

July 9, 2013.

Loretta is very pleased with the new playground and so happy for the kids in the area. approved by City Council. Instead more park land was purchased to create another park two blocks away.

From the cfapp. vancouver.ca/ parkfinder link online I found this description: “The playground features a merry-go-round, a small custom-made cedar hut and sand box for imaginative nature play, as well as a play structure with swings and slides for older children.”

I did a bit of research online and discovered that Carleton Park opened in 1930 and was named for the nearby Sir Guy Carleton School on Kingsway. In 1957 local residents There are also disk swings and petitioned the Park Board to enlarge ground-play elements on the lower the small green space but this wasn’t level of the climbing apparatus that can be easily used by those with reduced mobility, and there are wheelchair-accessible surfaces and paths.

October 2001. Loretta Houben’s son and nephews loved to play on the Carleton playground. Photos courtesy of Loretta Houben

According to Kristina Laven at Habitat Systems, the new playground was installed on February 21, 2013, but there was no grand opening ceremony.

The playground equipment was made and installed by Habitat Systems Inc. working with the City of Vancouver.

I’m very pleased that today’s children who live on Monmouth Avenue and the nearby streets have somewhere to hang out during the summer months! Make sure you walk by and see it for yourself, and if you have a temptation to try out the equipment you just might feel like a kid again.

Loretta Houben has lived in the Collingwood area all her life. She loves to walk with her dog down memory lane and revisit her old neighbourhood haunts where she is sometimes pleasantly surprised at the changes that have taken place.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

August 2013

The Seniors Connection Having a hey day in Victoria

Helping seniors live well in Renfrew-Collingwood

by Janet Lee

The bus was waiting in front of Collingwood Neighbourhood House. This was the trip all 37 of us had been waiting for and we were ready to board!

The trip was sponsored by the Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home Walking Club. The cost was very reasonable because as BC residents ages 65 and older we are entitled to ride the ferry free of charge.

Victoria is a beautiful city famous for its colourful flowers, antique stores, sightseeing tours, candy shops, arts, specialty stores and boutiques.

Once our bus had parked near the harbour we had free time to explore on our own. Some of us visited the legislative buildings, some went to the mall and some just walked along the streets window shopping.

Seniors enjoyed a trip to Victoria through the Renfrew-Collingwood Better at Home Walking Club. Photo by Peter Yu

Some shared lunch and experienced different kinds of food, enjoyed making conversation and jokes, renewing friendships and making new connections.

On the ferry we continued to enjoy the social activities and those who chose to go out on deck enjoyed the ocean scenery, blue waves, a clear sky and sun with seagulls flying around the ship. Some passengers

threw bread to the birds who, with great accuracy, caught the bread mid-air in their beaks every time. The feeling of the sea air brushing past our faces is an experience only to be had on an ocean-going ship.

My observation was that the group all enjoyed the trip. I heard no complaints but praise and good comments like, “It was fun,” “I had a good time,” “I want more tours in the

future,” “I loved the chance to meet more people.” The sharing and the fellowship enriched everyone’s life.

We are all thankful to our group leaders who put in a lot of effort and produced a well-organized event.

Without their hard work and good planning the tour would not have happened. At each location our leaders made sure that we were all having a good time and that no one was isolated or feeling alone.

Safety was always provided and attention was given to individual needs. As seniors each of our physical needs differ and our leaders were comfortable taking care of us.

Kat, Ewa , Peter, Rosa and Florida. Photo by Peter Yu

Personally, I enjoyed walking around the harbour the best. Many nice boats and small water taxis were busy coming and going with big ships anchored in the distance. This is what should be considered one of the joys in a senior’s life. Going on outings with friends and

having a good time. It is another of the many benefits we receive when we join and participate as members at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

I would like to thank the leadership headed by Kat, Eva, and Frances.

Indeed, we were taken care of, asking if we are alright, counting if we were complete and that nobody was left behind. They are very responsible ladies, with complete instructions, “Everybody should be here in such and such time!”

And yes, it was a great trip! I enjoyed every minute spent. Yes, it was pouring hard but we were all present. Most of all, I conquered my fear of the wonderful ocean.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House as well as the Better at Home Renfrew-Collingwood Walking Club is a blessing.

-Rose

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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August 2013

Mona James: A Life of Learning

by Timothy Shay “I want to tell all parents, give your children, especially your girls, an education.”

–Mona James Mona was born in 1932 in Pakistan. Originally from Karachi, her earliest memories are of the disruption in her family life when her mother passed away at age 35 while giving birth to Mona’s sister.

As the two youngest children among several siblings, Mona and her baby sister went to live with their grandmother. The grandmother couldn’t afford school nor thought it was necessary for girls.

So when Mona reached school age she was not able to go. She found bits of paper and charcoal and waited beside the road for other children who were on their way to school. Mona would stop them and ask them to show her one thing, which they’d mark down for her to study at home.

Once Mona’s uncle asked all her siblings what they would like as a gift. Some wanted jewelry, others wanted clothes but Mona wanted books. The uncle purchased a second-hand grade four text that she poured over until she knew it inside and out.

When Mona was about seven years old she went with her grandmother to the hospital to visit a sick friend. She watched the doctors and nurses working and dreamed about becoming a nurse.

One morning her grandmother reported that Mona’s dead mother had told her in a dream to send her daughters to school. From this moment Mona knew that dreams were important and could come true.

Her grandmother took her to be taught by nuns (her family were born Catholics). Mona was placed in grade 4 because of her comprehension of the text from her uncle but then she was moved back to grade 2 because she lacked arithmetic skills, then to kindergarten because she lacked reading skills. This was hard for her but she persevered.

At age 14 her family arranged a marriage for her and she began to have her own children. She had three boys and three girls. At 19, after her second child, Mona sought tutoring from a neighbour in exchange for her work. She completed high school and then civil nursing training.

In 1967 the Saudi Arabian government advertised for a hospital team. Mona applied and took the test but was convinced that she had failed. Ten days later she received her acceptance letter, a considerable amount of money and a passport to Saudi Arabia.

She was frightened when she first arrived there. She didn’t know the language, it was very hot and there were many rules aimed at controlling women. The patients spoke Arabic. Turning to her childhood habit, Mona carried a notebook and every time she understood a word she’d record it for study. After a year she was moved to the VIP hospital, which served the Saudi royal family.

In 1986 Mona left her nursing work when her children sponsored her immigration to Canada.

In 1990 she became a Canadian citizen. Again she experienced the difficulty of communicating in a foreign language, English, but rose to the occasion. She took English classes and ESL courses. She earned a diploma as a long term care aid and then worked at the Blenheim Seniors Centre Hospital.

Mona James is an active Collingwood Neighbourhood House member and volunteer.

She is a life-long learner who participates in yoga, kitchen work and the Collingwood Towers Conversation group. She speaks five languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic and English. During her life she has seen poverty, family disruption, witnessed murder and sorrow, but her resilience has allowed

her to pass obstacles and achieve the education and well-being she desired for herself and her children.

For Mona, a lack of education means “no life,” particularly for women. “An educated woman holds the keys to her own freedom, the economic well-being of her family and the happiness of her children.”

Timothy Shay is the literacy outreach coordinator at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

With her salary she supported her family in Pakistan. Mona found at the time that many of the Saudi royals were not well educated and often rewarded staff sometimes as much as $100 for working an extra shift.

For instance, if a boy was born to a Saudi princess and Mona was an attendant nurse she would be rewarded with gold bangles. If nurses dispensed painkillers the wealthy patients would say, “This nurse is very good,” and the nurse would find money beside the bed the next day.

Through careful saving Mona was able to return to her family for a month each year. She moved them to Rawlapindi in the northern Pothohar region of Pakistan, where she could now afford to build a three-bedroom house and make sure her children were healthy, happy and well provided for.

She later sent four of her children to the University of B.C. All her children have done well and Mona is the proud grandmother of 12.

Renfrew Collingwood Better at Home is currently seeking experienced housekeepers who speak Cantonese. Please phone 604-435-0375 for more information.

Master William Geng Ye was introduced to martial arts by his grandfather at age three.

Now celebrating his eighth year of training students here in Collingwood under his Kung Fu Yes System is Kung Fu Master William Geng Ye. Master Ye immigrated with his family from China in 2000. He comes from a pedigree of Kung Fu Masters belonging to the branch of Jade Mountain(玉山) and the family hierarchy of Qi(起). At age three, Master Ye was introduced to Kung Fu by his Grandfather and at age seven he began to study seriously under his Uncle.

Now with 36 years experience in practicing Kung Fu, Master Ye focuses on the Tiger, Lion and Crane styles, the Six Harmonious styles and the Nature Boxing styles. His teachings are derived from actual combat and battle field fights, not for show. “Real Kung Fu and the flashy Kung Fu is completely different.” He teaches Kung Fu for self defense and promoting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and morally.

Working at your own level and speed, the Kung Fu Yes system is accommodating, fun, and flexible for students of all ages. After learning the basic fundamentals (level 1) students are able to choose which styles and weapons that they would want to learn. “As all the styles we teach are unique, you need to determine what appeals to you most - internal or external, exercise or self-defense, fast or slow.”

Everyone is welcome to experience a class and to speak with Master Ye so that he may assess your situation. While some students are interested solely

CBIA UPDATES COLLINGWOOD FIRST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Thank you all for coming out and making our first International Film Festival a success. The weather was great the movies were entertaining and we would like to thank Collingwood Community Policing Centre for organizing the event.

This year we featured movies from China, India, Philippines, Cuban (Spanish).

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A big thank you to Max’s Restaurant – 3546 Kingsway 604.435.3505 for providing yummy, delicious samples of Filipino food on July 5th during our Filipino night. Next year we’d like to have more of the Collingwood restaurants and businesses participating in the festivities prior the start of the movie.

Contact CBIA if you are interested for the 2014 season.

COLLINGWOOD BIA – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

When: Thursday, September 19th, 2013

Where: Green Thumb Theatre 5522 McKinnon Street

(Carleton Elementary – Old Schoolhouse)

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Register by phone or email by September 12, 2013 Phone: 604.639.4403 Email: info@shopcollingwood.ca

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in the various weapons use, others are strictly interested in throwing punches and kicks, while others are there to learn the various forms.

These include a variety of swords, num-chuks, spears, a variety of other hand-held weapons.

“Really, anything can be used as a weapon or in self defence,” teaches William. “A fork, a chair, a bottle.” He demonstrates by taking a regular wooden chop stick and hurling it straight through a wooden door! The door is set up against one wall, surrounded by sheets of cardboard. For the students, the first step is to simply hit the cardboard target. Then, after months and years of practice, the students learn how to throw projectiles with deadly accuracy and force.

Enrolment in Master Ye’s classes or day camps can reduce stress, increase your confidence, boost your energy, and build self esteem while training in the art of self defense. Master Ye also teaches selfdefense tricks designed for women. Students can also learn how to use Tai Chi as an effective self defense martial art.

For the children, some starting as early as age five, It is great exercise and builds a solid foundation for any other sports they may wish to learn later on. Each class consists of stretching, drills, and routines to develop power, balance, agility, and flexibility. “In the end, the student gets out of it what they are willing to put in.” l Collingwood BIA Board Member: If you are interested in sitting on the Collingwood BIA Board as a director we welcome a call from you.

All property owners and businesses owners are eligible. The CBIA’s boundaries are along Kingsway between Boundary Road and Rupert Street. Be a part of shaping the future of the Collingwood business corridor.

2013-2014 Collingwood Business Directory will be available in September copies will be available in our office #300 – 3665 Kingsway.

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We want to hear from you post a comment on our Facebook wall or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/shopcollingwood. Fall contest coming soon. More information next month.

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Thank you for joining us on Canada Day for cake and coffee and picking up your Canada flag, pin and tattoos. This was our fourth year hosting the “Collingwood Celebrates Canada Day” event in the Safeway parking lot. We would also like to thank our sponsors Heritage Canada for providing us with a grant, flags, pins, posters and bookmarks and to Starbucks – Tyne and Kingsway for donating the coffee. Our final thank you to our entertainer Martin Reisle.

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*This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Read On!

A news page for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Powell Street Festival The Powell Street Festival is a community festival that celebrates Japanese Canadian arts, culture, and heritage. The first festival was in 1977.

This is its 37th year.

It is on Powell Street, an area that was once known as Japantown.

It is held every year at Oppenheimer Park (400 Powell). This year it is on August 3rd and 4th, from 11:30am to 7pm.

 Print worksheets

Summer 2013 Legislative Session Recap The summer session of the BC Legislature ended last month.

I am proud of our caucus that combines the experience of returning members and seven new MLAs, all of whom have been excellent representatives for their constituents and have held the government to account.

Reading levels on this page

We have continued to speak loudly in the house on your behalf, criticizing further wage increases to executives at the Provincial Health Services Authority; a budget that includes more unfair fee increases on vulnerable seniors; the purported unexpected cost overrun of the Northwest Transmission Line; a suspicious 10-year deal made by Forest Minister Steve Thomson to export wood chips over the objections of his own advisory committee; the move to block potentially lifesaving drug safety research conducted by BC’s independent watchdog, the Therapeutics Initiative, and the delays in compensation for victims of the Johnson’s Landing Mudslide, promised over one year ago.

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Level 3

Cultivating Leadership The Powell Street Festival Society’s goal is to celebrate and cultivate Japanese Canadian and Asian Canadian arts and culture. They also want to encourage Asian Candians to take leadership in the arts community in Canada. They build community development, environmental sustainability, and support the Downtown Eastside.

Dear Neighbors,

Very shortly after taking office, Premier Christy Clark increased wages for her senior political staff. The Official Opposition criticized these increases (many of which are higher than an average person’s annual wage) in the media and in the house, causing the Premier to overturn several of these raises.

Level 2

special events that you need to buy tickets too.

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

Visit: RenfrewCollingwood CommunityNews.com

Level 1

We spent the afternoon enjoying the free performances. We watched a puppet show at the Firehall Theatre down the block. We missed the sumo wrestling, but we made it just in time for a taiko drumming group. It was an all women group. They played giant loud drums. The performance was powerful.

I was amazed, but somehow my nephew Links: fell asleep in the stroller. We walked home www.powellstreetfestival.com happy and tired when the show was finished.

I hope you will take your friends and family to this year’s Powell Street Festival. On top of the free daytime festival, there are exciting

Read On! has a web page. You can:  Read the articles

Arts and Culture I took my nephew to the festival last year.

There were dozens of food trucks lined up around the park selling Japanese food. We tried spam sushi for the first time. It is fried canned meat with rice and seaweed. It was delicious!

Inside the park, artists had tables to show and sell their work. We walked around and admired the arts and crafts. The Powell Street Festival Society also sells t-shirts and bags to fundraise for the festival. I always love their designs.

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August 2013

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Free ELSA English Classes!

CNH has level 3 and 4 classes in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Classes are Monday to Friday, 9-12 or 12:303. There is free childminding for children 18 months to 5 years old.

Classes are free for all permanent residents, convention refugees and people with some work and study permits.

To register or for more information, call 604-451-8321 and leave a message.

The B.C. government campaigned on dubious promises of eliminating debt, a balanced budget, and retaining critical services. We in BC’s Official Opposition will continue to hold the government to account for these promises, and fight to protect the services that British Columbians depend on.

New Office Open Hours – Now Open Late on Mondays!

Responding to the diversity of employment schedules in Vancouver-Kingsway, my community office will now be open from 12pm to 7pm on Monday evenings. From Tuesday to Thursday regular hours will remain, opening from 9am to 4pm. Fridays will continue to be closed except to appointments.

Free Public Access Computer A reminder to those seeking computer access for social assistance applications, BC Housing files, resume creation or housing and job searches: I have set up a public computer in my constituency office with quick links to Ministry websites, government services, and community resources. All constituents are welcome to drop by during our office hours (Monday, from 12pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and on Friday by appointment). My Constituency Assistants are happy to help with any difficulty.

Are you on Twitter?

Follow the news, community events, fun facts, and workshops offered across Vancouver-Kingsway on my twitter page: @vkingsway.

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August 2013

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House

HIGHLIG H TS

Offering a warm welcome to our new neighbours

COMMUNITY LUNCH Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Please note that seniors are served at 12 noon; others are served at 12:10 pm.

Full meal prices are $6.25 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.”

Thu. 1 Aug Butternut squash coconut and lentil stew, White fish on rice, Salad, Cherry and red rose cookie Tue. 6 Aug Corn chowder, Chicken salad or vegetable sandwich, Salad, Jello

This fall we will be welcoming about 123 new neighbours to RenfrewCollingwood. Would you like to help welcome them?

Last year the City of Vancouver purchased the Ramada Hotel located at the corner of Kingsway and Tyne Street.

Currently, it’s renovating the building –now called the Kingsway Continental-to convert it to affordable housing.

Thu. 8 Aug “Aboriginal taco” on bannock (beef or vegetarian), Salad, Sesame seed cake Tue. 13 Aug Rich and creamy tomato basil soup, Meat or vegetable pie, Salad, Ice cream with seasonal fruit

Programs for pre-schoolers: CNH offers a number of

programs for pre-schoolers. This summer we’re offering

Some of those moving into the Kingsway Parents and Tots for children aged 2-5 (and their parents) Continental will be coming from the Old on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:45 am. During this Continental Hotel located at the north program, games and physical play activities help children to end of the Granville Street Bridge.

The City of Vancouver has explained that the new residents will be people who, like at the Old Continental, are typically men over 45, primarily on welfare or receiving a pension. Many tenants at the Old Continental are living with mental health or addictions issues or other medical conditions.

develop social and motor skills. Drop-in fee is $2.50. This fall we’ll be starting up our other pre-school programs including Rhythmic Gymnastics, Zumba for Children, Pre-Ballet and Creative Dance, Spanish with Fun and Clay Adventures. Please see our special recreation program pages in the September edition of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News, visit our website www.cnh.bc.ca or call us at 604-435-0323 for more information on all of our recreation programs for preschoolers, children, youth, adults and seniors.

BC Housing will partner with the City for the next three years to offer housing in some of the rooms to its tenants who will temporarily move out of downtown buildings undergoing renovations.

People will start moving into the building this fall. To welcome the new residents local service providers and local residents are putting together gift bags.

Students at St. Mary’s School have already created welcome cards; youth working on an art project this summer are also making cards so each new resident will receive a personalized card.

A group of local youth who created gift bags last Christmas for participants of the Morning Star Breakfast-andShower Program held at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) each week are now collecting materials to create gift bags for the new Kingsway Continental residents.

They would welcome donations of: - Personal hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors and deodorant.

- Small items of clothing such as socks, toques, gloves, underwear and scarves.

- Cans of food or coupons for food.

- Cash donations to buy items for the welcoming gift bags.

Donations may be left at reception at the Collingwood Community Policing Centre at 5160 Joyce Street or CNH at 5288 Joyce Street. Please call CNH at 604-435-0323 for more information.

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Thu. 15 Aug Chicken wings with pickled veggies, Mashed potatoes, Salad, Pecan tart Tue. 20 Aug Thai hot and sour soup, Chinese bun (chicken or veggie), Salad, Strawberry pudding Thu. 22 Aug Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread, Salad, Blackberry chocolate cake Tue. 27 Aug Carrot and turnip soup, Tuna cake, Salad, Fruit tart Thu. 29 Aug Sweet and sour pork on chow mein noodles (veggie option), Salad, Honey cake

Omega 3 and you

by Maggie Yang and Cathy Wang, with assistance from Kathy Romses, Registered Dietitian

Omega-3 fats have many health benefits. They are found naturally in some foods, sold as supplements and added to a variety of products and infant formulas. Choosing foods rich in omega-3 fats is almost always the best choice because they contain a variety of nutrients and you rarely get too much of a nutrient from food.

some food products. A few examples include DHA-enriched yogurt, omega-3-enriched eggs and omega-3-enriched breads. Including these foods will help increase your intake of omega-3 fats.

Why are omega-3 fats important?

Omega-3 fats play an important role in promoting normal growth for children and can lower your risk of heart disease and some cancers. For babies and young children, omega-3 fats help with brain, nerve and eye development. Since our bodies cannot produce omega-3 fats, it is important to obtain them through foods or from a supplement.

Why food, not supplement?

It is recommended to obtain omega-3 fats through food sources rather than supplements because foods contain other essential nutrients. Flax seed, walnuts and fish contain protein needed for muscle development, body repair and growth.

Canned fish with bones contain calcium to help build healthy bones and teeth. Salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel are sources of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.

Fish also provides iron that is needed for growth, learning and staying well.

What foods provide omega-3 fats?

• Flax-seed, walnut, soybean and canola oils • Non-hydrogenated canola and soy margarines • Mackerel, salmon, trout, herring and sardines ALA, EPA and DHA are three types of omega-3 fats that are added to

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August 2013

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Sardine Wrap-ups Try this recipe rich in omega 3 for a quick lunch or dinner. You can also use salmon or trout for this recipe. Makes 4 servings.

foods delivers more nutrients than consuming supplements alone, and they can also add more fun and variety to everyday meals.

What should I look for in an omega-3 supplement?

If you decide to use a supplement, choose one that includes an eightdigit Natural Product Number (NPN), which means it has been tested for safety and quality.

Supplements from the United States are not approved and tested federally Canada’s Food Guide suggests we eat and do not include this number. at least two Food Guide Servings of Talk to a pharmacist or call Dietitian fish per week. One serving is 75 grams Services at HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to (1/2 cup) of cooked fish but you can help ensure that you are getting the spread the amount throughout the right amount of omega 3s. day or week. Eating omega-3 rich

2 cans sardines, drained 4 soft tortillas or other flat bread ½ cup / 125 ml grated cheese

Choice of: chopped vegetables, e.g., cucumber, peppers, lettuce Choice of salad dressing, mustard or mayonnaise

Flake sardines with a fork. Spread a layer of sardine pieces over the tortilla. Top with cheese, vegetables and dressing, mustard or mayonnaise. Roll the wrap and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with other tortillas.

Source: modified from http://www.brunswick. ca/delicious-recipe-ideas/v/2 Maggie Yang and Cathy Wang are dietetic students at the University of B.C. Kathy Romses is a registered dietitian with Evergreen Community Health Centre.

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  

  Pool 12:00pm-5:00pm Fitness Centre 12:00pm-5:00pm Centre Area CLOSED (includes the gymnasium, meeting rooms & games area.)

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For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. GST included.

On-line Registration Register in person Register by phone (604 257-8388, ext 3)

Registration Starts Mon, August 12 Tue, August 13 Wed, August 14

 Carnival at Renfrew Park (All Ages)

Come and join us for a fun filled afternoon.

There will be games, box hockey, slip and slide, relay games, water games and lots of crafts. There will be concession food and BBQ food. Everyone is welcome!

Fri 2:00-4:00pm Aug 9 Free British Sweets & Harrison Hot Springs (55+yrs) 55701.302RF Mon 8:45am-5:30pm Aug 12 $79/person

Summer Sizzler (55+yrs) Wed

12:00-2:30pm

Aug 21

Picnic at Golden Ears Park (55+yrs) Thu

9:00am-4:00pm Aug 22

55615.301RF $9/person 55701.305RF $20/person

Splashdown Waterpark (8-14yrs)

25731.301RF A day of fun and slides out in Tsawwassen.

Includes admission, transportation. Pack a lunch or bring money for the concession stand.

Thu 9:30-4:00pm Aug 15

Outdoor Active Play (4-6yrs)

13023.302RF Come and join us for an hour and a half of fun and games. Children will be introduced to different sports and be involved with interactive games. $7.50/drop in if space.

M/W/F Aug 7-30 11:00am-12:30pm $55/11 sess

Badminton Camp (6-18yrs)

$35/person

Music Fest & Outdoor Movie @ Slocan (All Ages)

23002.304RF Shuttle I/II - Beginner/Intermediate Learn the fundamentals of badminton from a professional badminton coach. The program introduces basic racquet skills, movement, and coordination required for badminton.

Mon-Fri 9:00-10:30am Aug 19-23 $70/week

Celebrate the end of the Summer with a bang! Join us for a day of fun with live performances by local artists. There will be carnival food, fun games and exciting activities for all! Stay behind in the evening for a FREE outdoor Movie and a BBQ! Movie will start at dusk. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. This event is jointly supported by Renfrew Park Community Centre, Neighbourhood Small Grant and Collingwood Community Policing Centre.

Fri 1:00-8:00pm Aug 16 Free

Shooters Basketball Camp (8-14yrs) 23011.302RF Learn the basics of basketball in a fun and friendly environment.

Work on your basketball skills and learn the rules and strategy for the game.

Mon-Fri 12:15-2:15pm Aug 12-16 $70/week

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Spikers Volleyball Camp (8-14yrs) 23018.302RF Learn the basics of volleyball in a fun and friendly environment.

Work on your volleyball skills and learn the rules and strategy for the game. Bring your own kneepads if you have them.

Mon-Thu 12:15-2:15pm Aug 19-22 $56/week

Canning 102: Summer Salsa! (19+yrs) Mon

1:00-3:00pm

Aug 19

42614.301RF Free

16

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

August 2013

Zumba fever hits Renfrew-Collingwood Symptoms include getting fit, making new friends, releasing stress and smiling

dancing,” said Arianne Copada.

Susan Borean agreed: “It’s about having fun and keeping fit, and it’s for both young and old.”

by Patrick Painter If you’ve noticed a friend, relative or co-worker smiling more lately, that person might be one of the many Renfrew-Collingwood residents who are loving life because they’re doing Zumba–an intercultural dance-fitness program that brings people from different cultures together for a fitness workout that feels more like a dance party.

Why do people love Zumba so much?

There are many reasons. “Zumba takes my stress out,” said Maya Nand, who does Zumba as much as possible. Menchie Pabiloma also sees Zumba as a stress-reliever: “When I get stressed out at work, coming to Zumba at Collingwood Neighbourhood House is a way of letting go.”

Connecting with people is another benefit. “Through Zumba, you can meet a lot of new friends,” said Pabiloma, a sentiment echoed by instructor Josie Nicks: “If you’re a shy person, doing Zumba at CNH gives you a comfortable space to express yourself. It’s a great way to meet people.”

Zumba also offers an enjoyable way to keep fit: “I stay fit, active and healthy by enjoying myself through

The music, which is mostly based on Latin rhythms, is another attraction: “I’m from Brazil,” said Ivani, “and I can’t stop dancing to the music.”

Nelly Yep also digs the grooves. “It’s the music I love most. I was born in South America and I love Latin music.” “It makes me feel sexy!”

Laura Montes declared, while Laura Montes said the music makes her feel “like an exotic fruit.” Janet Abatayo noted the music’s spirtitual power: “When I do Zumba, I feel like I’m in heaven.”

But it takes more than great music to create the joy you’ll experience at a Zumba class. It takes a fantastic instructor and a welcoming space. Thanks to Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Renfrew Park Community Centre, as well as the talented instructors they’ve attracted, Renfrew-Collingwood residents have all their Zumba needs covered. A total of 12 onehour classes are offered each week and no matter which class or venue you choose, you’ll feel welcomed, just as instructor Alicia Meek felt when she first entered Collingwood Neighbourhood House. “The people here at CNH are incredibly welcoming,” Meek said. “After only through months, I felt I was a part of the community. It feels great to hear people say hello to me by name when I walk down the street.”

Zumba participants had only good things to say about the instructors.

“Alicia is awesome!” Kitty Fong

exclaimed. “She is so patient. She shows us all the steps, and always with a smile.”

Alicia also teaches Zumba at Renfrew Park Community Centre. About instructor Josie Nicks, who teaches at CNH, Alison Ku said: “Josie always smiles and she puts her heart into every class.” Jasmine Meger listed some of the virtues of another CNH instructor, Adriana Contreras, saying: “Adriana is so inspiring. She’s always smiling and she is so genuine. Her dancing is so artful!”

Is Zumba difficult?

Janet Abatayo flings her pony tail in the air as “Not at all,” Josie Nicks assures us. she performs an energetic dance move during “Anybody at any level a Zumba class at Collingwood Neighbourhood can do Zumba. There House. Photo by Patrick Painter are just a few basic moves. It’s the music that adds the Collingwood Neigbourhood House variety and keeps things interesting.” and Renfrew Park Community Nicks says that for most people, it Centre offer basic Zumba classes as takes only three or four classes to get well as specialized Zumba classes the hang of the steps. for children and seniors and for body toning. To find out more about local Zumba classes, please visit So should you give Zumba a try? www.cnh.bc.ca or www.renfrewcc.

Zumba enthusiast Elaine Boschman com. Low-income earners should thinks so because “after doing contact CNH (604) 435-0323 or Zumba, you’ll feel like you can take RPCC at 604-257-8388 to inquire on the world!” about discounts.

Patrick Painter is a member of Renfrew-Collingwood’s Interculturalism, Health and Physical Activity Initiative. Interculturalism is about embracing diversity, fostering awareness and connecting people.

“Create something new with someone who’s not like you.”

Join the discussion, be inspired at TEDxRenfrewCollingwood, Saturday, October 19 TEDxRenfrewCollingwood is now accepting applications to attend their Saturday, October 19th, 2013 event that will be held in the auditorium of Windermere Community School.

Each of the 15 talks will reflect this year’s theme From Far to Here, whether it be through technology, science, art or other discipline.

Vancouver’s RenfrewCollingwood neighbourhood has a rich history of

groundbreaking political movements, controversial gentrification and world-stage athletics. Its changing face reflects the immigration patterns shaped by international wars, poverty and exploration.

you wish to attend, complete an application form expressing your desire to be part of the global community of people who have attended TED and TEDx talks.

TEDxRenfrewCollingwood hopes to capture these stories and share them with a wider audience. This is your opportunity to participate in a day that will forever impact your thinking.

Niki Dun, curator of TEDxRenfrewCollingwood, says, “When you attend a TED or TEDx event, not only do you get to hear great talks, but you also get to connect with great individuals sitting right next to you.”

Unlike most ticketed events, TEDx requires an application process. If

If you want to be motivated, entertained, engaged and provoked,

this is your chance. The application process runs for a limited time. If your application is approved, you will have a set number of days to accept and purchase a ticket.

Information about TEDx Renfrew Collingwood can be found at www. tedxrenfrewcollingwood.com The application is at http:// tedxrenfrewcollingwood.com/attend.