Renfrew-Collingwood Community News December 2016

December 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS Happy Holidays Renfrew-Collingwood!

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Whether you be celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Winter Solstice, Santa Lucia Day, Three Kings Day or just plain winter, the team at your Renfrew-Collingwood Community News wishes you the happiest of holidays!

Another year has passed and with it we enjoyed many fine contributions from local residents and businesses.

You can find our list of everyone who contributed on page 5. A giant “Thank You!” to all who did.

Here to the left is one such contribution. This wonderful festive photo comes to us from Dave Lambert. He writes: “The photo is of me and my younger brother having our photo taken with Santa at Graham Bruce in 1970. The really cool part about the school was my Mom was super active in any event that was taking place and even co-ordinated them.

Photo courtesy of Dave Lambert

She was the Santa in the photo.”

Windermere Girls Club film Page 2

Mompreneur keeps kids comfy Page 4

Still Creek Stories Page 6

Wow! What an excellent photo and story. Thank you so much Dave for sharing that with the community.

What photos do you have that might be fun to share? We look forward to more fine contributions from our readers in 2017.

Climate Change Conference Page 10

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Film by Windermere Girls Group: Girls are Just as Strong Come together right now with Freshslice Pizza

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“Young girls don’t have to look a certain way to be happy.”

Last school year, the Windermere Secondary Girls Group watched the film Miss Representation, which provoked a strong reaction, writes Marisol Petersen, the community schools team coordinator for the Windermere Family of Schools.

Windermere – Beautiful, Average, Strong, Weak—and asked students to go through the door that reflected how they felt about themselves.

Ann in Grade 12 chose the door Average because she’s not confident in herself.

The group was dismayed by the ways in which girls and women are being portrayed in such hypersexualized ways. They were also disappointed by the fact that female athletes and politicians are not treated the same way their male counterparts are in the media.

Zoe in Grade 9 also chose Average because she doesn’t see anything special about herself and she blends in with the crowd.

In response, the group asked if they could make a movie. The students – from Grades 8 and 9 – came up with the concept and key messaging they wanted their film to be about, assigned each other roles and set about filming all aspects of Just as Strong.

A community filmmaker, musician, visual artist and educator, Sarah Van Borek, was hired to help the Girls Group edit their film.

Their concept was simple but brilliant. The girls put signs up over the four front doors of

Mary Ann in Grade 9 chose Strong because she’s decided to be strong to overcome challenges in her life.

Rachel in Grade 12 chose Beautiful because everyone is beautiful in their own way.

The girls are now touring Just as Strong to local elementary schools with the hopes of getting our youth to think critically about what they see in the media and to continue the conversation.

“You are strong and beautiful just the way you are.”

Watch the powerful messages of hope in this video on YouTube at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbix_ UX2Hyo

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2016

Windermere students attend the Great Climate Race by Clara Sun

About 50 students from Windermere Secondary raced to save their planet this year at the Great Climate Race.

Photo by Jewel Dimayuga/Pooja Nair We may not know what our future holds, but what we do know is that the rate at which climate change occurs depends on us. The Great Climate Race is a reminder that we can control our future, we just need to act fast.

On Oct. 27, 2016, the second annual Great Climate Race took place. More than a thousand people of all running abilities gathered together at Stanley Park to raise awareness for climate change by completing either a or 2.5 kilometre or 10K run.

What makes this event so unique is that co-founders Ben West and Mari McMillan, both passionate environmental activists, designed it to be a zero-waste race that was more than just a run or walk.

The goal of the Great Climate Race is to spread awareness about climate change, bring together community in an encouraging and enjoyable way and fund raise for solar energy projects. Some of these projects include OrcaLabs to help make the orca research facility on northern Vancouver Island completely dependant on renewable solar power as well as a solar power project for the new TsleilWaututh administrative and Health Centre in North Vancouver Our 50-member team at Stanley Park on that beautiful Sunday morning was a group of students from Windermere Secondary School. Located in the heart of East Vancouver, Windermere boasts a thriving garden, bike shop and Leadership program, amongst many other features. Vancouver is considered one of the “greenest” cities in the world, and Windermere definitely reflects that ideal.

These Windermere participants are also part of an inschool mini program called Leadership. With focuses on environmental stewardship and student growth through being active citizens, the Leadership program develops students into leaders of the present and the future. The Leadership program goes beyond school lessons to teach students, or have students discover for themselves what is going on in the community, and what they can do to help.

When the chance to attend the Great Climate Race was sprung upon us, we (the Leadership students) were brimming with excitement. Last year’s race seemed like

an unbeatable event with all the smiles, encouragement and pride that was felt on the day of the race, but somehow we managed to top it.

“This is my second year running this race and it’s still an amazing experience,” said Janette Chen, a Grade 10 Leadership student. “It really brings awareness to the cause that we are fighting for and it’s a great opportunity to help out or show that you care!”

This year a Windermere team was organized by two Grade 12 students, and around 50 students raced to save their planet this year at the Great Climate Race. Prior to the race we were all preoccupied with asking for pledges and spreading the news about the event to all of our friends, families and classmates. Those who didn’t attend the event pitched in and pledged those who did, and minifundraising events such as bake sales took place, too.

On the day of the race there was no tension in the air. We knew that we could run competitively if we wanted to, but the Climate Race was also just an opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous sea-wall scenery and spend rare moments with friends face to face.

I went into the event unsure of whether I wanted to run or just take it easy, but I came out feeling proud that I accomplished something because I tried my best.

Propelled by the colourful posters and kind words from people I encountered while running, I ran faster and faster and started to realize what the race meant to me.

To me, the race is a metaphor that we are in a race against time to save our planet, and the only people we need to beat are ourselves. We need to stop ourselves from destroying our home before it’s too late.

Right now, it’s not too late to take action. We might already be witnessing the precursors of climate change, but there are things we can do to slow down the effects of climate change. There are a multitude of things you can easily do, such as choosing electric power, starting a garden, or biking, walking, taking public transit more often instead of riding in a car. Anything, no matter how small, will make a difference. Change starts with us, and climate change ends here.

Clara Sun is a Grade 10 student in the Leadership program at Windermere Secondary.

EYE CARE CENTRE

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Local mompreneur keeps kids comfy rain or shine

by Trisha Clark 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: Christal Do, Clara Sun, Crecien Bencio, Emily Chan, Emma Jean Armstrong, January Wolodarsky, Jewel Dimayuga, Kaitlyn Fung, Pooja Nair, Ricardo Cerna, Suzanne Liddle, Trisha Clark, Taya Lawton, Dave Lambert

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: Dec. 10 The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

Yo u C a n F i n d t h e RC Community News @ Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.

It was a rainy day in July when I went on a walk to Beaconsfield Park with my family – our first outing as a family of four. Our new baby was in her baby carrier, snug and dry under one of my company’s products: a Little Goat baby carrier cover. A cover for the baby carrier is one of those baby items that I had no idea I might need – until I needed one!

When my first daughter was born, my husband and I wanted to maintain as much of our pre-baby, active lifestyle as possible. While mountain biking and skiing together were no longer options, hiking and snowshoeing were activities we could still do as a family with the baby happily carried along. On our first snowshoeing trip the baby carrier got all covered in snow and, while the baby stayed warm and dry under many layers of clothing, I wanted a better Helen Clark shaded from the sun with a Little Goat sun cover. solution.

Photo by Trisha Clark on the North Shore and walking around the city. But after I enjoy sewing and so I started sewing myself a baby receiving positive comments about my creation, I decided carrier cover. Progress was slow with a young baby to start a business so that other parents could enjoy the and I feared winter would be over before the cover outdoors too — regardless of the weather – and I now was done so I looked at the options available online. proudly call myself a mompreneur. My company is called I wasn’t happy with any of them so I persevered and Little Goat Carrier Covers because I once milked goats finished the cover. in France for a summer and fell in love with the curious creatures.

When I made that first baby carrier cover I didn’t intend to start a business, I just wanted my baby to be warm and dry in her carrier when we were hiking I work from home while my daughters are sleeping and now have three products: two baby carrier covers (one for wet and/or cold weather and one for sun protection) and teething pads. I invest in the community by working with local suppliers and service providers as much as possible; all of the products are made here in East Vancouver.

Keeping the manufacturing local increases my costs but it’s important for me to have peace of mind and confidence in my product. During production, I am able to visit the small factory often and will never forget my big smile when I saw my design being sewn into a finished product for the first time.

Starting a business has not been an easy path and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve received really nice reviews and it makes me so happy every time I hear from a customer that another parent has recommended one of my covers.

It feels good to help new parents by providing them with a useful product and it’s fun to ship them off as far afield as Torino, Italy.

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

The Lower Mainland has many small businesses making high-quality baby products so if someone in your life has a new baby, please consider supporting a local business.

Randal and Trisha Clark with daughters Helen and Iris (in baby carrier) keeping dry in Beaconsfield Park on their first outing as a family of four.

Photo by Emma Jean Armstrong

Trisha Clark is a mother of two girls and a mompreneur. She has also been a high school science teacher, technical writer, lab technician and goat milker. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and squeezes in some windsurfing and skiing while her husband is parenting. www.littlegoatcarriercovers.com

December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Thank you for supporting the RCC News Many thanks to our many writers, photographers, advertisers and distributors who have helped make 2016 yet another successful year. By helping to share the stories of the wonderful people, events, activities and history of our great little neighbourhood, you build our community and bring people together.

Best wishes for a successful and prosperous new year.

Contributors

Ahleck Hussin Akberet Beyene Angela Clarke Arielle dela Cruz Yip Ashty Omar B. Baker Bea Miller Ben Rosen Purcell Bev Ferguson Bill Moore Bita Bliss Zuniga-Rodgers Bruce PAC Bryden Fergusson Cari Chan Carmen Rosen Cassandra Ly Cecilia Muirhead Cecilia Stewart Chanel Ly Chelsea Sharman Chitha Manoranjan Christal Do Cindy Chen Clara Sun Clarissa Ramos Collingwood Community Policing Centre Collingwood Neighbourhood House Courtenay Rice Crecien Bencio Daisy Martin-Moore Dave Lambert David Cooper Diego Gomez Eileen Zheng Elise Barber Emily Chan Emily Doyle-Yamaguchi Emma Jean Armstrong Esther Yuen F. De Canya Gaelan Emo Herb Hammond Holman Wang Il Museo Jack Wang Janette Chen January Wolodarsky Jenny Lu Jewel Dimayuga John Mendoza Joyce Area Residents Assoc.

Judy Hoang Photography Julie Cheng Julie To Kaitlyn Fung Kathy Romses Leslie Keelty Loretta Houben Lucan Chan Matthew Wiebe Melissa Chungfat

— The RCC News team

Mitchell Ng Liang An Norman Hill Northeast WorkBC Paul Reid Peter Greenwell Pooja Nair Raymond Yang Ricardo Cerna Richard Berwick Robert Edwards Robert Yaeger Roberta Wozniak Sahar Zandieh Sandra Wadden Sharan Pawa Sid Kumar Stephanie Lim Still Moon Arts Susan Wong Suzanne Liddle T. Quan Taya Lawton Terry Schenkel Trisha Clark Vinoth Palanivel Windermere Leadership Yoko Tomita Youth for Climate Justice Now Zora Feren

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Thank You!

Christmas Drama Presentation: December 18 at 10:30 am Christmas Day Service: December 25 at 10:30 am0 am

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December 2016

Still Creek Stories — Book launch!

Over the past three years, Still Moon Arts Society has been producing a book to share memories about our beloved local Still Creek, which runs through the heart of the Renfrew Ravine. Artistic director Carmen Rosen started the project to chronicle the amazing stories of our neighbourhood and, together with her team, has gathered numerous stories from residents of various ages, experiences, cultures and length of time living in RenfrewCollingwood.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

by Emily Chan and Kaitlyn Fung

The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway Dear Neighbours: Holiday Open House The holiday season has arrived! I’m wishing you and your family a safe and happy holidays.

I hope you’ll join me and my staff for our annual Open House at the MLA Community Office. Drop in for lunch, festive treats, and caroling. We will be celebrating a year of achievements!

Date: Saturday, December 17th, 11am – 2pm Location: Adrian Dix Community Office, 5022 Joyce Street, Vancouver We Saved Gladstone Secondary and Bruce Elementary from Closure!

Preorders for the book were sold at this year’s Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. Photo

by Kaitlyn Fung

curated into a book that can be enjoyed by families, children, elders From childhood memories in the ravine to the celebrated return of the and everyone in between. salmon to our waterways, the book Everyone involved in the project will feature the many experiences was so proud to take preorders of art, nature, stewardship and for the book at this year’s Renfrew more from Still Creek, as well as Ravine Moon Festival in September. the community that has made it blossom. The stories have now been After the years of story collection, it

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is an honour to share the incredible stories about Still Creek and Renfrew Ravine, some of which were previously forgotten, unheard or lost, and others that had yet to be discovered.

The book will be launched in January 2017. If you are interested in learning more about the project and preordering the book, you can visit squareup.com/store/stillmoon-arts-society.

This project has been the culmination of many peoples’ hard work, thoughtful comments and heartfelt commitments to making these stories heard. It also could not have happened without access to the beautiful, rugged, loved, exquisite piece of nature that is Still Creek.

A big note of appreciation to everyone that has loved and protected the creek, therefore allowing this project to come to life.

Thank you to everyone who helped us save our schools. Whether it was door-knocking through the summer heat or signing the petition and spreading the word, every bit of your amazing effort contributed to saving Gladstone and Bruce schools. We couldn’t have done it without you!

For those of you who proudly displayed the lawn sign, a special thanks. The community placed over 900 lawn signs all over the riding, spreading our message far and wide and successfully bringing our message to the next level.

For the moment, we are removing our lawn signs (please return them to our office if you’re able) but the fight is not completely over. We still have work to do for Carleton Elementary whose future is in limbo after the fire. The government has an obligation to rebuild this historic building, no matter how inconvenient it may be for them.

British Columbia Community Achievement Awards “Give back to the people who give the most in your community”.

Can you think of anyone who embodies this phrase? If you can, please consider nominating them for the British Columbia Community Achievement Award! Any current or former long-term resident of BC is eligible for nomination. And the awards will honour people who have made a significant contribution to their community through a unique achievement or outstanding service – either as a volunteer or in the course of their work.

Complete the online nomination form by going to: www.bcachievement.com/ community/info

www.vacfss.com

A preview of Still Creek Stories.

Cover design by January Wolodarsky

The nomination deadline is January 20, 2017.

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

My experience taking the Welfare Food Challenge and living on $18 a week for food by Crecien Bencio Every November, for the past five years, Raise the Rates, a coalition of community groups and organizations who share a vision for a poverty-free province, organizes the Welfare Food Challenge to highlight the extreme poverty of people on welfare in B.C. The BC government provides $610 a month in welfare to a single person without a recognized disability. It has been at this level since April 2007.

Raise the Rates has calculated that because of the increasing cost of living in the Lower Mainland, a single person on basic welfare has only $18 a week for food.

The Welfare Food Challenge asks participants to only eat what they can buy with $18 for one week.

The purpose of the challenge is to show that welfare rates are unjust, and that vulnerable people are going hungry, not because there isn’t enough food, but because there isn’t enough income supports.

I chose to do the challenge because I am part of the Vancouver Youth Food Policy Council and I want to advocate with my youth community for a city that is more food secure. This means that everyone has access to healthy, equitable and culturally relevant food. Our council’s vision is for a city where youth celebrate, support and actively participate in a food system in which everyone has the agency to develop healthy relationships with food, each other and the natural world.

Unfortunately, I lost the challenge on the first day!

A giant THANK YOU to the contributors and advertisers that make the RCCNews possible.

It was hard to not be able to go for dinner with my sister who visits me once a week, or buy snacks for a meeting with friends, or treat myself to a morning coffee. Participating in the challenge meant that I was not only losing access to basic nutrition, but I wasn’t able to participate in my family, culture and community.

I always look forward to spending time with my family, or discovering new cafes, and savouring the last bite of sushi. Restricting by my choice of food meant that I couldn’t participate in many of the simple joys in my life; it meant that I couldn’t be myself. Food is an important part of who I am. Food is how I love, learn and live.

For the many people who do not have the privilege to be food secure, I understand how challenging it is to not only compromise a part of your health, but a part of yourself. This challenge reveals my own privilege in doing food work, and how there is much more to be done in advocating for an equitable food system.

I can choose to not eat on $18 a week. Others do not have a choice.

I encourage everyone to find out more about the Raise the Rates coalition and take action by encouraging local politicians to act to raise welfare rates and tackle poverty in B.C. For more information on how you can be involved you can visit welfarefoodchallenge.org To find out more about the Vancouver Youth Food Policy Council you can visit vyfpc.wordpress.com

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2016

Collingwood Legion Branch #48 Thank You! Branch #48 sends a big “Thank You!” to everyone who purchased a poppy and to all of the local schools and businesses who helped in this year’s Poppy Campaign. Together, we raised nearly $20,000.

All donations are in turn redirected to support programs and services for veterans and their families. This year, your donation has never been more important. A new generation of veterans is coming home and turning to the Legion for housing, career transition counselling and trauma relief.

Staff and Students of:

Supporting Businesses:

Bruce Elementary School

Bamboo Cafe 5103 Joyce

Eldorado Liquor Store 2310 Kingsway

Refind Retro Furnishings 4609 Main

BC Liquor Store 3436 Kingsway

Evergreen Health Centre 3425 Crowley

Royal Bank 3451 Joyce

Bentall Centre Burrard & Dunsmuir

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel & Fairmont Waterfront Conference Services 995 Canada Place

Safeway 3410 Kingsway

Collingwood Neighbourhood School Cunningham Elementary School Grenfell Elementary School Killarney Secondary School (With Separate thank you for the satellite donor Spectrum Learning Centre)

BMO 3263 Kingsway

HSBC 3366 Kingway

CIBC 3297 Kingsway

MacCorkindale Elementary School

Collingwood Neighbourhood House **SPECIAL THANKS for CNH little school 5288 Joyce

Norquay Elementary School St. Mary’s School Vancouver Christian School Vancouver Formosa Academy Weir Elementary School

Tim Hortons 5055 Joyce Vancity Savings 3305 Kingsway

London Drugs 3328 Kingsway Pan Pacific Hotel 999 Canada Place

Westin Bayshore Hotel 1601 Bayshore Drive World Trade Centre 999 Canada Place

Community Savings Bank 5108 Joyce

Panederia Bakery 3451 Joyce

Adrian Dix (MLA) 5022 Joyce

*And special thanks to Branch #48 members Gloria Talbot, Bev Topham, Leslie Leoppky and Bill Ritchie

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December 2016

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men Art and message by Ricardo Cerna Christ was born into the world as the Son of this Holy Being; he was born in the same personal, real and literal sense that any mortal son is born to a mortal father.

Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate with our family and friends the love of God; it is the time to create memories that will last forever.

Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.

Do not let the sadness of the past robbed the joys of Christmas.

Our many thanks to Ricardo for sharing his artwork and messages with us over the years. If you are a local artist (of any age) that would like to share Voyages your artwork with the community, please send it to the RCC News: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Windermere’s Climate Change Conference, Dec. 5, 2016 Living on Borrowed Time

How passionate are you about saving our planet; saving humanity from the sinkhole of climate disaster? How much do you know about this pressing issue?

According to a study conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change in the United States, only 57% of people knew that the greenhouse effect refers to gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, while 25% have ever heard of coral bleaching or ocean acidification.

Many community members are uneducated about this threatening issue, and much of society is complacent and reluctant to take action.

C3 is an annual event organized by a group of dedicated youth from Windermere Secondary’s Grade 11 Leadership class.

This year’s Climate Change Conference takes flight on Monday, December 5, 2016, at Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, with the theme Living on Borrowed Time.

The figurative and down-to-earth theme symbolizes the fact that the longer we, as a community, wait to take action against climate change, the amount of time left for future generations to enjoy this planet will

by Christal Do continue to be shortened at a significant rate.

The conference will host informative and interactive workshops with hopes to inspire youth engagement in our communities. The youth-led opportunity is unique in the way that it showcases critical knowledge as prerequisites for action countering climate change. This includes education on specific issues such as pipelines and fracking along with grassroots approaches for participants to follow up with.

C3 has always run concurrently with the United Nations Climate Change Conference for the past seven years, with 2016 marking C3’s eight-year anniversary!

This year’s Climate Change Conference will feature outstanding speakers, including Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Anjali Appadurai and Sean Devlin.

In addition, workshops will be hosted by youth groups, such as Access to Media Education Society from Galiano Island, Greenpeace Canada, Still Moon Arts Society, Chael Macarthur, Wendy Holm, and so much more!

Students across Greater Vancouver and beyond have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in a life-changing experience that promotes education and active learning.

The Leadership program at Windermere Secondary consists of a passionate group of youth who are eager to explore and discover new things through hands-on experience and teamwork. Among them, the C3 committee strives to recapture the value of grassroots action among youth and adults and formulate a truly sustainable planet for future generations to enjoy! For those reasons, the Leadership program has been recognized by our local MP Don Davies in Canada’s House of Common’s acknowledging the dedication the program has invested into our community.

All in all, Windermere’s Climate Change Conference is an inspirational event that can spark action among proactive students.

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Students are encouraged to bring their friends, mugs and cutlery (zero-waste event), and be ready to network with like-minded youth all across the Lower Mainland! Learn about demanding issues that are being suppressed below corporate and government influence, and explore creative ways to get involved on the front lines or behind the scenes.

For more information and to register, visit c3vancity.com When: December 5, 2016 @ 9-3 pm Where: Windermere Secondary School

3155 East 27th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Christal Do is a Grade 11 Leadership student. She enjoys camping and the outdoors and is interested in building sustainable communities.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2016

The Seniors Connection

Collingwood December events

by Suzanne Liddle

Keep moving in the cold weather!

It can be hard to find the motivation to get outside and exercise in colder weather. That’s why it’s useful to be part of a group who go out rain or shine!

The Collingwood Walking Cub is always open to new members; all you have to do is show up, ready to go. The group leaves Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) at 10:30 am every Monday and Wednesday.

On Monday they go for a shorter, local walk then back to the neighbourhood house for coffee and chat.

On Wednesdays they venture slightly further to a local park or attraction. If you or a friend is interested in joining the walking club Fun at the Christmas lunch at Collingwood Neighbourhood House! all you have to do is come along. Stop by CNH – 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver, south of the and, of course, some top-notch entertainment and Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain station. performances. The event starts at 11:30 am when the choir from Collingwood School will sing and play recorders for CNH Christmas lunch us in the multipurpose room at CNH. After that the doors It’s hard to believe that December to the gym will open at 12:30 pm for you to find a seat. is here already. For seniors in Collingwood that can mean only one Tickets are on sale at CNH reception now and cost $7 for thing: our Christmas lunch celebration! seniors and $8 for adults. You must purchase your ticket at reception, we cannot hold tickets over the phone and Join us on Thursday, December 8 from one person cannot purchase more than five tickets. This 12:30 to 2:30 pm for a full Christmas is to keep it fair for everyone in the neighbourhood who lunch prepared by Najia and volunteers wishes to attend. See you on the 8th!

Thank you!

The year 2016 was truly a blast for the seniors at CNH. We’d like to say thank you to everyone who came along to our programs, attended bus trips, volunteered and stopped in for a chat.

We rely on the feedback of our participants to keep providing the things that you want to see. That’s why we have our seniors advisory group, which meets every two months. All seniors who attend any programs at CNH are welcome to join the meeting to give feedback – tell us what you like or what you don’t like. It’s really important to hear your ideas.

The next meeting will be taking place on Thursday, December 1, after the community lunch. If you’ve missed that meeting look out for the next one on February 2, 2017.

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Get Involved 8th Annual Artisans Village Market – Saturday, Dec. 3 Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 11 am to 4 pm Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver Free admission

November 2016

What’s happening at your local library Vancouver Public Library Renfrew Branch, 2969 E. 22nd Ave. at Nootka, 604-257-8705

Collingwood Branch Library, 2985 Kingsway, 604-665-3953

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Reading Buddies: Reading practice with teen volunteers - For Grades 2-4. Registration Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-5 pm

Toddler Box Party A special box party just for toddlers. The library provides crayons, music and cardboard boxes of all sizes to play with and draw on; you provide the toddlers! For ages 1-3.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11:00 am–12:00 pm

The holiday season is coming soon and that means it’s time again to find special gifts and spend time with your family at the Collingwood Artisans’ Village Market!

Purchase gifts from local crafters and artisans and enjoy homemade cookies with organic hot chocolate. You can even make your holiday ornaments at the spot. Let’s share in the warmth of the Renfrew-Collingwood community together.

Drop by and check out 20 local artisans from the Renfrew-Collingwood area, who will showcase and demonstrate their craft. There will be a raffle draw for a chance to win a homemade gingerbread house as well as food basket prizes!

For more info contact rcmancraftfair@gmail.com

Disability artists’ box set of cards available now Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture has just released a set of beautiful cards featuring the work of Deborah Leigh, Kathryn AlmaNihte, Yuki Goodman, L. J. Throstle and Kevo Lee. The set comes with five cards that are 5" x 7", five envelopes and one informational postcard. And for only $20!

Storytimes at Renfrew A program for parents and caregivers with young children. Songs, rhymes, and stories are shared.

Family Storytime (0-7 yrs) Saturday, Dec. 3, 11:15 am. Drop-in Lego Mondays Come express your creativity with Lego and make new friends. Lego provided. For ages 6-12.

Every Monday, 3:30 pm. Drop-in Afternoon at the Movies Join us on Friday afternoons for family friendly movies!

Fridays, 3:30 pm. Drop-in Dec. 2: Alice in Wonderland Dec. 9: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Dec. 16: Frozen Dec. 23: Arthur Christmas Dec. 30: Monsters Inc Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) Come join our TAG! If you would like to share your opinion on our teen programs, services and/or collections, and discover volunteer opportunities to earn community hours, then TAG is for you! Drop-in to check it out before signing up. Ages 13-18.

First Wednesday every month Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4-5 pm ADULT PROGRAMS BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby Book Club (in Mandarin) 帶着寶寶參加讀書會(國語) Are you the parent or caregiver of a child under four? Love to read books? Want to join a book club, talk about books written for adults and meet in a baby- friendly setting?

Then this is the club for you. Conducted in Mandarin.

All proceeds go directly to Kickstart to help pay for artist fees, programming and administrative costs. You can buy yours right now by going to kickstartdisability.ca/artistcards/ or order them by phone at 1-604-3439141.

Winter farmers markets Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium (10am2pm) – Saturdays, Nov. 5 – Apr. 22 More info at http://eatlocal.org/markets/nat-bailey/ Winter Market at Hastings Park (10am-2pm) – Sundays, Nov. 6 – Apr. 30. More info at http:// eatlocal.org/markets/hastings-park/

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

家里有不到四岁的孩子要照料，可又喜好讀書? 想和別人交流讀書體會，又希望能帶上小寶寶? 這個讀書會正合您的心意。國語 Friday, Dec. 2, 10:30–11:30 am ESL Conversation Circle Improve your spoken English skills in a supportive environment. Learn about your community and Canadian culture while making new friends. This class is suitable for intermediate speakers.

Saturday Dec. 3 & 17, 2 pm

Lego Block Party - For ages 6-12. Drop in Saturdays, once a month, 10:30-11:30 am Family Storytime - Drop in Thursday mornings, 10:30-11:00 am Nov. 3-Dec. 8 Babytime - Drop in Thursday mornings, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Nov. 3-Dec. 8 ADULT PROGRAMS One-to-One Computer Training Every week. Want to learn how to use a computer? How to send an email? More about VPL’s online collections, eBooks?

Call the library 604-665-3953 to book a 45-minute session.

Cantonese One-to-One Computer Training Collingwood Branch is pleased to offer one-to-one computer training in Cantonese. Please book a 45-minute session if you need help with computer basics, internet, email, WeChat, eBooks or uploading photos. Please register at the library or call 604-665-3953.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 Friday, Dec. 9

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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December 2016

The Vancouver Writers Fest

Booklist by Taya Lawton

Vancouver hosted the annual Writers Fest in October. This festival has seen some amazing authors speak in its 29year history. Prepare for next year’s festival this winter by snuggling up with these works from writers who have attended.

Last of the Independents by Sam Wiebe Michael Drayton runs a private investigation agency in Vancouver that specializes in missing. Still haunted by the unsolved disappearance of a young girl, Mike is hired to find the son of a local junk merchant. He quickly discovers that the case has been damaged by a crooked private eye and dismissed by a disinterested justice system. Worse, the only viable lead involves a drug-addicted car thief with gang connections. As the stakes rise, Mike attempts to balance this search with a more profitable case involving a necrophile and a funeral home, all while struggling to keep a disreputable psychic from bilking the mother of a missing girl.

Vancouver Special by Charles Demers Vancouver is at a crossroads in its history―host to the 2010 Olympics and home to the poorest neighbourhood in Canada; a young, multicultural city with a vibrant surface and a violent undercoat; a savvy urban centre with an inferiority complex. In Vancouver Special, writer and performer Charles Demers examines the who, what, where, when, why and how of Vancouver, shedding light on the influences that have made the city what it is today. From a history of anti-Asian racism to a deconstruction of the city’s urban sprawl; from an examination of local food trends to a survey of the city’s political past, Vancouver Special is a love letter to the city, taking a noholds-barred look at Lotusland.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent Agnes Magnusdottir, charged with a brutal murder, is sent to an isolated Iceland farm to await execution. Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only Tóti, a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. But as Agnes’s death looms, the farmer’s wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they’ve heard.

Listen to the Squawking Chicken by Elaine Lui When Elaine Lui was growing up, her mother told her, “Why do you need to prepare for the good things that happen? They’re good.

They won’t hurt you. My job is to prepare you for the hard times, and teach you how to avoid them.” Neither traditionally Eastern nor conventionally Western, the Squawking Chicken raised her daughter drawing on Chinese fortune-telling, feng shui blackmail, good oldfashioned ghost stories, and shame and embarrassment in equal measure. And despite years of chafing against her mother’s parenting style, Elaine came to recognize the hidden wisdom—and immeasurable value—in her rather unorthodox upbringing.

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

604 257-8388 Centre: ext 1 Pool: ext 2 Fax: 604 257-8392 Website: www.vancouver.ca/renfrewrec or www.renfrewcc.com

Jointly operated by Renfrew Park Community Association and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Program Highlights

Special Holiday Event Highlights

Holiday Hours of Operation Pool

Fitness Ctr

Centre Area

Mon Dec 19 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Tue

Dec 20 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Wed Dec 21 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Thu

Dec 22 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Fri

Dec 23 6:00am-9:00pm 6:00am-9:00pm

Closed

Sat

Dec 24 8:30am-4:00pm 9:30am-4:00pm

Closed

Sun

Dec 25

Closed

Mon Dec 26 1:00pm-5:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm

Closed

Tue

Dec 27 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Wed Dec 28 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Thu

Dec 29 6:00am-9:30pm 6:00am-9:30pm

Closed

Fri

Dec 30 6:00am-9:00pm 6:00am-9:00pm

Closed

Sat

Dec 31 8:30am-4:00pm 9:30am-4:00pm

Closed

Sun

Jan 1

Mon Jan 2

Closed 1:00pm-5:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm

Closed

Happy Holidays! See you in 2017.

Breakfast with Santa (All Ages) Join us with your family and friends for a waffle breakfast. Fun crafts after breakfast to complete your visit. All participants 2+yrs and adults must pay and register for this event.

Breakfast Seating Times: 74970 Sat Dec 3 9:30am-10:30am $5/person 74971 Sat Dec 3 11:00am-12:00pm $5/person

Christmas Lights Tour (55+yrs) 71284 Thu Dec 8

4:00pm-9:00pm

$19.05/person

Crystal Ball (55+yrs) This is a great way to celebrate the upcoming Christmas . There will be a live band, door prizes, and light lunch will be served. Get your ticket early to make sure you have your place at this event.

70915 Sat Dec 10 1:15pm-3:45pm $7.62/person Polar Express (55+yrs) Enjoy tour and Travel 70916 Sun Dec 11 8:45am-6:00pm $103.81/person Christmas Luncheon (55+yrs)

The entertainment will be "The Bell Ringers" playing all your favorite Christmas tunes.

71291 Wed Dec 14 12:00pm-2:30pm $11.43/person

Red Cross Babysitting Training (11+yrs) First Aid Hero So you want to be a babysitter or, your parents want you to take this course so they feel confident leaving you at home alone?

Babysitting with First Aid Hero emphasizes learning through real life scenarios. Covered in this course: -Exploring the Business of Babysitting -Creating Safe Environments -Safely Caring for ages 0-12 -First Aid Skills Please bring a bag lunch (no nuts please), yoga mat, medium sized doll or stuffed animal, plenty of water and snacks.

72122 Sun Dec 18 10:30am-5:30pm $60/person Sun Run InTraining Clinic (13+yrs) SportMed BC Join the 21st Anniversary Sun Run InTraining Program and get in shape to run or walk the 2017 Vancouver Sun Run 10K with SportMedBC’s proven training programs! Whether you’re a runner or a walker (of any ability level), a Vancouver Sun Run InTraining clinic can help you reach your fitness goal in a safe and supportive environment . Note registration closes the third week of the clinic (February 4).**Please note refunds will not be processed after the 2nd clinic (January 28).

85866 Sat Jan 21-Apr 22 9:00-11:00am $144/14 sess

Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool

Saturday, December 17th from 3:00pm–5:00pm

Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

CNH celebrates long-term staff

COMMUNITY LUNCH

At Collingwood Neighbourhood House we are fortunate to have long-term staff who work hard to bring their best to our participants and colleagues every day. This year, we are celebrating three staff who have reached their 20-year milestone of working at CNH. Congratulations to Teresa Ha, Rey Tan and Ana Kazulin.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Full meal prices are $6.25 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.”

“Teresa Ha is one of the friendly faces that you see at the Front Desk of Collingwood Neighbourhood House. She started out as a volunteer and soon after joined the Reception Team as a Reception/Facility Rental Booking Clerk. Being at the desk is not an easy task, especially when there are so many things happening all at once. From answering the phones, to meeting participants, CNH’s 20-year staff, left to right: Teresa Ha, Rey Tan, and Ana Kazulin to showing the facility, Teresa does it with such warmth. Each patron feels welcomed. We are so excited to celebrate “When asked to describe what it’s been this special milestone with Teresa as she brings with her a like to work with Ana Kazulin for 20 years wealth of knowledge and talent! Congratulations Teresa at Collingwood Neighbourhood House the on your 20th anniversary – you are amazing!” responses are: it’s been enjoyable, she’s full of humour, she’s easy-going, and she’s a very

- Jenny Eng-Chan, Reception Coordinator warm person. Ana began her career at CNH as an Early Childhood Educator in the Duke Street “Reynato Tan (known as Rey), has been working at CNH Preschool Program and for more than a decade for over 20 years. He works on the weekends and has has been a Child Care Coordinator working with always been very helpful with other staff and also rental the finances of the Early Years Department. groups. Rey continuously assists new staff who work This year Ana is using her fun side to lead on the weekend and has done outstanding work at the the CNH Winter Celebration, demonstrating Neighbourhood House. He has a wealth of knowledge as her commitment to her co-workers and the he also works with Vancouver School Board in a similar organization. Ana has worked with and supported position. Rey is very much respected by his co-workers many families in many ways over 20 years and in the Facility Department and also all the other staff who we appreciate her a great deal.” work at CNH on the weekends.”

Thursday, December 1 Chicken or eggplant parmesan with spaghetti Salad Chocolate cupcake

December lunch menu

- Qasim Ahmadi, Facility Coordinator

- Sharon Gregson, Early Years Director

CNH participates in study on neighbourhood houses CNH Settlement Services Coordinator Marcela Mancilla-Fuller as she was being interviewed for the Neighbourhood Houses in Metro Vancouver (NHiMV) study’s film. The ground-breaking, wide-ranging, years-long NHiMV study, which is being carried out by University of BC’s School of Social Work, is researching the impact of neighbourhood houses. This is the first academic study of neighbourhood houses and the differences they make in the lives of participants and in the neighbourhoods where they exist.

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Tuesday, December 6 Cabbage soup Egg salad sandwich Salad Blueberry scone

Thursday, December 8 Annual Christmas Luncheon:

Full turkey dinner (veggie option available) Live music, door prizes, seasonal treats *Advance tickets required purchase at CNH Front Desk (Seniors: $7, Adults: $8, Students/ Children $5)

Tuesday, December 13 Pepper pot soup Chicken salad or veggie sandwich Salad Chocolate mousse Thursday, December 15 Spaghetti and meat balls / pasta primavera Salad Lemon shortbread cookies

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2016

“This holiday season why travel all over the place? Shop in Collingwood at a leisurely pace”.

Here are some good reasons to shop local, during the holiday season and year round.

You’re spending will boost the local economy and helps to keep our community thriving. Money spent locally circulates in the community two or three times while money spent out-of-town or in large multinational stores flows out of the community.

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Getting to know your local retailer or service provider can have benefits. You might get a better deal, more personal service and better advice than a big box store.

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A diverse range of local shops provides more choice than one big supermarket and you’ll find that quirky, one-of-a-kind gift you’re looking for.

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If you walk to the shops and choose locally sourced food you’ll be making a much better environmental choice too.

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Wishing you a happy holiday season The Collingwood Business Improvement Association

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December 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway

You are warmly invited to our

Holiday Open House Friday, Dec 16 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at 2951 Kingsway (Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the food bank) 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

@DonDavies