Renfrew-Collingwood Community News December 2022

Central Hobbies for sale as owner retires

“Every train has a caboose,” quipped a customer, in reference to Hal’s upcoming retirement.

“Now that’s something I’ll miss, says Hal to me, ”all the little fun remarks just like that.”

Yes, the caboose is here for Central Hobbies and Hal will surely miss his long-time customers, and they, him. For the past 35 years, Hal and his Central Hobbies have been the go-to destination for train enthusiasts from all over British Columbia and beyond.

You see, Central Hobbies is like a mecca for train-heads. Take Calvin, who alerted us to the store’s closing in his online post (cnrpei. ca/2022/04/01/central-hobbies-a-pilgrimage/):

“I managed to find some downtime to make the pilgrimage into Vancouver to visit Central Hobbies, which is slated to close in June 2023.

“Where I live, there isn’t a model train-focused hobby shop, so you can imagine dropping me into the midst of a store the size of Central Hobbies would be much like shooting me into space. I spent over two hours browsing the store ... I even had to step outside one time to collect myself – the selection was just THAT wild! I felt like a kid again.”

So I met with Hal and yes, it’s true. “Body says it’s time,” he tells me. So, this spring, Hal and his gang (Kathy and Bill) will be preparing to wrap things up. For Hal, the owner, this means he has put Central Hobbies up for sale. Know anybody?

Kathy

retirement. Photo by Paul Reid

from Central Hobbies

How about that gent talking to Kathy in this photo here? He might have some cash.

Kathy has been with Hal at Central Hobbies for about 25 years. “When she started, she knew nothing. Now, she runs the store.” Hal and Kathy definitely will retire whether the store sells or not. Bill, well, I hear Hal might throw him in with the deal.

The price? That too you can iron out with Hal, but you might be looking at somewhere around a million dollars, as that is about the value of the cur-

rent stock. The buyer would also receive the excellent reputation and connections that Hal and the gang have been building all these years.

And the return on investment. Fugget about it. I’ll leave that to you and Hal to discuss, but with sales booming more than ever right across North America, it sounds like the new owner will stand to pull in a fairly pretty penny.

Hal had always loved trains – ever since he was a young boy. So, later on in his life, when the opportunity to buy Gary’s Train Centre (on Broadway) presented itself, Hal jumped at the chance. Actually, he was hesitant at first, but with the encouragement of a friend, Hal hopped on board, bought Gary’s, and soon, Central Hobbies was to be born here in Renfrew-Collingwood.

Every now and then a Celebrity comes to our store - Rod Stewart and Kathy. Aug 2014 Central Hobbies News

So that’s the latest news from Central Hobbies. Hal, Kathy, Bill – wishing you all the best! To our readers, keep your ear to the track when it comes to a new owner.

Central Hobbies for sale: Continued from page

Contributors

Andrea Galbraith

Bryden Fergusson

Chelsea Leslie

Christina Webster

Cindy U.

CityReach

Collingwood BIA

Collingwood Branch

Library

Dawne Koke

Deanna Cheng

Devin Olfrey

Emily Corley

Emily Rees

Emily Tam

Garry Moore

January Wolodarsky

Jenny Zhang

Jim Chow

Jodi Weir

John Mendoza Julie Cheng K.W.

Karen Bernauer

Karen Vanon

Keegan McEvoy

Kristian Miller

Loretta Houben

Mary B. Patterson

Naiya Tsang

Paul Reid

Penny Lim

Petra Rempel Ramos sisters

Ry Forsythe Ryan Ng Shelby Miller

Sheri Parke

Sophia Han Still Moon Arts

Susan Williams Sylvia Barnett

Taya Kovacic Chan

Three Links Care Society Tiffany Su Vince Prasad

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Renfrew / Collingwood

Food gifts for the festive season

by Julie Cheng

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: Bryden Fergusson, Emily Corley, Julie Cheng, Karen Vanon, Paul Reid, Petra Rempel, Ryan Ng, Sophia Han, Vince Prasad

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

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

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

Next submission deadline: Dec 5

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

Whether you celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, December is a special time to spend with family and friends. Growing up, our family celebrated what my parents called Dong, which sounds like “cold” in Chinese and occurs every year during the winter solstice. And food was at the centre of our celebrations, of course.

Here in Renfrew-Collingwood, we’re lucky to have a huge variety of multicultural stores and foods to discover across the neighbourhood. Here are a few food gifts to bring to your next family gathering.

Banana Grove

2705 East 22nd Avenue and Slocan

Reflecting the historic Italian community, this cozy neighbourhood grocery store packs many good deals. You can find all the ingredients for tiramisu here. There’s a great deli counter where you can create your own charcuterie board of cured meats, cheeses and olives. Or you can ask them to put together a party platter for you. Go early as there’s often a lineup.

While you’re at the deli counter, pick up a bottle of balsamic reduction. It tastes wonderful drizzled over salad, particularly tomato-bocconcini salad. At a recent get-together, my daughter brought a good loaf of rosemary sourdough, which we cut up and served with a dish of olive oil with a swirl of balsamic reduction as dip. It was a huge hit.

Chula Vista Grocery

2982 East 22nd Avenue between Renfrew and Nootka

This little grocery store across from Renfrew Park Community Centre brings in Asian foods that I remember from my childhood, like dried mushrooms, dried adzuki beans and a host of other familiar ingredients that I don’t know how to cook.

I recognized the adzuki beans as the essential ingredient in the red bean soup that’s often served at the end of a Chinese banquet. I love this dessert and am committed to learning to cook it so one day I can share it with friends and family.

Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.

Contact the RCCNews

Phone: 604-435-0323 extension 261 Fax: 604-451-1191

Editorial: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca

Advertising: Phone Lisa Symons at 604.435.0323 email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca

Renfrew/Collingwood Community News Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Vancouver, BC V5R 6C9

Ragazzi Pizza

2996 East 22nd Avenue at Nootka

Delivery is great, but there’s nothing like eating in at Ragazzi where you can get a piping hot pizza fresh out of the oven.

My family has been going to Ragazzi for their delicious pizza for 20 years or more, when brothers Nick and Paul first started this pizzeria. Their caprese salad is simple yet amazing. They also offer re-loadable gift cards.

Ragazzi means “two brothers” in Italian. The family later opened the popular Via Tevere on Victoria Drive.

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Pick up a bottle of balsamic fig glaze while you’re at Banana Grove’s deli counter. Photos by Julie Cheng

Chula Vista carries traditional Asian foods, including dried mushrooms that, when reconstituted with water, become juicy additions to many dishes.

Ragazzi pizza may be the best in town.

Marui Bakery

3340 Kingsway in the London Drugs mall

It wouldn’t be a celebration without one of Marui’s fresh mango cakes, which features two layers of airy white cake with chunks of mango and whip cream in between and covered with mango slices. It is an essential birthday cake in our family. Their egg tarts are exceptional, too.

Jambo Grill

3219 Kingsway between McKinnon and Cecil

Jambo Grill is one of our go-to restaurants in the neighbourhood, but it’s only recently that a friend told me about the Chaiwala Masala that they sell. Now you, too, can make your own tasty chai at home. Working from home, I have a pot of chai warming on the stove all day – so comforting on a cold winter’s day. I use oat milk, which, when simmered, turns slightly sweet. In summer, my daughter drinks it cold with ice.

The Chaiwala Masala makes a delightful gift for tea lovers. Just stop off at London Drugs for a box of orange pekoe or Earl Grey tea to go with it. I like the Ridgways organic brand.

Purdys Chocolate Factory

2777 Kingsway at Earles

What would we do without our local Purdys chocolate factory? It’s a neighbourhood icon, with its purple fountain and small playground out front. We spent a lot of time with our kids here.

Bao Bakery

5115 Joyce Street and Vanness

I consider myself lucky to have experienced the oven-fresh apple tarts from the Hong Kong Café many years ago. The apple tarts from Bao Bakery bring back memories of those days gone by, and I have made friends happy bringing over a box of these for dessert. Their buns and xiu mai from the warmer are convenient for a quick bite.

Los Guerreros

3317 Kingsway #102 near Joyce

During the heat of summer I stopped in to Los Guerreros looking for electrolyte water upon a friend’s recommendation and found it busy with customers picking up traditional Latin American foods and baked goods. I loved the pinatas hanging from the ceiling.

Masala Meats 4409 Boundary Road at 29th Avenue

Masala Meats is one of my go-tos for mild lemon ginger chicken breast and their spicy Jaipuri teekha masala wings, both which are easy to cook in the oven or on the barbecue. Check out their frozen section for party favourites such as pakoras and samosas (try the mini ones that come with chutney).

Have too much stuff? Give the gift of community

There are many organizations in Renfrew-Collingwood that are doing amazing work to bring people together, support our most vulnerable and take care of ourselves and the environment. Consider giving the gift of community this holiday season instead of more stuff.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Recreation and programs for all ages including music, dance, art and physical and social activities. cnh.bc.ca

Still Moon Arts Society. Runs the annual Harvest Moon Festival and is involved in local art and environmental stewardship initiatives. stillmoonarts.ca

Windermere Community Fitness Park. A free fitness park for the whole community. Fundraising continues for additional amenities including signage, seating, landscaping and a table tennis court. windermerefitnesspark.com

Fresh Roots. Runs schoolyard farms and contributed to this summer’s community supported agriculture program to provide fresh veggies to residents in partnership with the Renfrew Collingwood Food Hub/Collingwood Neighbourhood House. freshroots.ca

Jambo Grill chai spice simmered with oat milk. So good.

The Seniors Connection

Seniors’ Morning at the Movies: Classic Films Based on Books

Come to the Montalbano Theatre at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch to enjoy a movie with your morning coffee, mingle with other seniors and chat about classic films and the books that inspired them.

Films, coffee and book recommendations provided. Free. The Central Branch is located on West Georgia Street just a fiveminute walk from the Granville SkyTrain station. Take the Seymour exit and walk east on Georgia Street.

DECEMBER SCREENING: IT’S A WONDERUL LIFE

(1946)

Thursday, December 15, 2022

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street

It’s a Wonderful Life is based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story “The Greatest Gift,” itself based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Rating: PG

Runtime: 125 minutes Reserve your copy of A Christmas Carol at https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S38C304225.

For more information, visit https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ events/6320e78dd766c05aa8e4aaf5 or phone 604-331-3603.

The message of Christmas

by Vince Prasad

Collingwood is blessed with a neighbourhood that is made up of people from all walks of life, somewhat like the United Nations, many who have come to Canada looking for a better life for themselves and their children.

Many will be experiencing their first Christmas in Canada. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate this Christmas with them with love and compassion.

In December, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some will celebrate this special holiday by decorating their homes with many lights while singing Christmas carols and waiting in anticipation of freshly baked food. Others celebrate this a holiday simply as a day to get together and spend time with loved ones.

In order to celebrate Christmas meaningfully and biblically, we need to focus our hearts and minds on Jesus and apply the message of Christmas in our lives.

In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1: 26–38) the angel Gabriel promises the birth of Jesus to Mary. Jesus is a historical person according to the Verses. His birth was a supernatural event.

The Virgin Mary could not understand how a virgin birth would ever be possible but abided by God’s will.

Mary’s

In the Gospel of Romans 12:1, 2, God has good, pleasing plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds living to honour and obey Him. He not only wants what is best for us, but also, because he gave his Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves for His service.

Christmas is my favourite time of year. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

Vince Prasad is a resident of Collingwood and worships at the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church.

Dear Neighbours,

I hope you’re all staying as safe and warm as possible during these cold and rainy days. It was a pleasure to see so many community members gather to watch the tree lighting ceremony and choir performances at the Collingwood Winter Carnival. I look forward to the Holiday festivities that will be taking place this month.

Virtual Holiday Open House 網上節日 聯歡會: 12月17日 星期六 下午1時至 2時

Save the date, as you are cordially invited to our annual Holiday Open House Party on Saturday, December 17th from 1PM to 2PM. Join my staff, and I virtually through Zoom as we sing along to some yule-tide favourites care of the wonderfully lyrical Jim Edmondson. RSVP by emailing the community office at adrian.dix.mla@leg. bc.ca or giving us a call at 604-660-0314. 報名: 請電郵adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca或 致電 604-660-0314。

New Cost-of-Living Credits for B.C. Residents

A $100 BC Hydro bill credit will be provided to all eligible residential and commercial electricity customers. The one-time cost-ofliving credit amounts to approximately one month of electricity for a family living in a detached home, or more than two months of electricity for a family living in an apartment. BC Hydro customers will have the credit applied in early December.

Eligible individuals and families will also automatically receive the new BC Affordability Credit through the Canada Revenue Agency. This additional support means a family of four can receive as much as $410 in early January 2023 to help offset added costs.

As always, my community office is open to provide services to constituents in person with appointments and via phone and email. Please give us a call at 604-660-0314 or email us at adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can. 聯絡辦事處，請電郵 adrian.dix. mla@leg.bc.ca 或致電 604-660-0314. 如 欲親臨敬請預約。

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway

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

response to the first Christmas message is worthy of our meditation. Her example of humility and obedience to God’s will must be followed if we are to celebrate true spirit of Christmas.

Windermere Leadership students adopt storm drains for the environment

by Petra Rempel

The Leadership Mini-School at Windermere Secondary School is a unique program that focuses on social justice, community engagement and environmental stewardship.

For the last few years, the Grade 11 class has partnered with the City of Vancouver’s Adopt a Catch Basin program to adopt a series of storm drains in the Renfrew-Collingwood community.

In small groups, the students go out into the community every two weeks armed with garbage tongs, rakes and brightly coloured safety vests to take care of their adopted drains. The students clear out garbage like cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers and drink cups, which might otherwise end up in our storm drains, local waterways and eventually contribute to ocean plastic. Next, students clear their drains of leaves and possibly snow, preventing local flooding in neighbourhood streets before going back to class and reflecting on their observations.

“This act of citizenship and environmental stewardship is an important part of Leadership’s program values,” says program coordinator and science teacher, Petra Rempel. “While participating, our students reflect on the value of healthy ecosystems, on their role in contributing to single-use plastics and on their personal agency to be a socially responsible citizen. Often, our students experience a shift in mindset around what it means to be a member of the community.”

Ella Madden, now in Grade 12, wrote the following about her catch basin project: “Many students don’t like to pick up other people’s garbage, as they find it ‘gross’ or ‘dirty.’ While I agree that it’s not the most sanitary thing in the world, I believe that as long as you use the proper tools, like gloves and tongs, it’s perfectly fine.”

“Another reason that students may not like to pick up others’ trash may be because they don’t think it is their responsibility,” Ella added. “I personally believe that it is EVERYONE’s responsibility to leave the earth a cleaner

place then when you got here, and that starts with picking up after others. It may feel unfair, but it is our responsibility to take care of the earth, as we are the ones destroying it.”

If you’d like to participate in Vancouver’s Adopt a Catch Basin program, it’s quite easy to sign up on their website: https://vancouver.ca/homeproperty-development/adopta-catch-basin.aspx ! Renfrew Park Community Centre also hosted a neighbourhood cleanup and catch basin clean up event on November 12. Check out the website above for similar events.

Petra Rempel is a science teacher and the Leadership Program coordinator at Windermere Secondary School.

Grade 11 Windermere Leadership students go out every two weeks to clear out storm drains as part of the City of Vancouver’s Adopt a Catch Basin program. Photo by Petra Rempel

Scenes from 2022’s Winter Carnival and Community Tree Lighting

by Paul Reid

If you missed it this year, be sure to put it on your bucket list for 2023: The Winter Carnival and Community Tree lighting is sure to help put you in the Christmas spirit.

It’s been about 17 years or so now since Collingwood has had a tree to light. Angela Evans, coordinator of the Collingwood Business Improvement Association, also reckons that this is about the fourth tree; the first three not exactly taking root.

So with the community tree at Tyne and Kingsway now lit, may the holidays ensue.

The Windermere Choir. Photos by Paul Reid

The St. Mary’s School Choir.

Adrian and Angela

Our beloved community tree. The carollers

Noticed in Vancouver

Karen Vanon

The windstorm on November 4 brought trees crashing down around Renfrew Ravine, notably taking out the stairway to the boardwalk near the Boyd Diversion and Renfrew Street. Photo by Bryden Fergusson

What’s happening at your local library

by Emily Corley, Children’s Librarian

Collingwood Branch

2985 Kingsway at Rupert (604) 665-3953

FOR ADULTS

ESL Conversation Practice (Registration online at vpl.ca/events and (604) 665 3953)

Tuesdays, December 6 & 20

6:00 – 7:00 pm

FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DROP-IN)

Babytime (0–18 months)

Weekly on Thursdays

10:30 – 11:00 am

Family Storytime (all ages)

Weekly on Fridays

10:30 – 11:00 am

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS (DROP-IN)

KidsZone

Wednesdays, December 7, 14 & 21

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Meet other kids and share books, crafts, and fun activities at the library. For Grades K-7.

LEGO Block Party

Weekly on Saturdays

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Come to the library for some LEGO® building fun at this block party. Connect with other kids and break out the bricks for a building bonanza at the library. For Grades K-7.

For complete listings visit vpl.ca/ events

Artist call for Collingwood Days 2023

Collingwood Days 2023 is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has launched its first artist call to find one of its graphic designers for Collingwood Days Festival 2023.

This contract offer will be a collaborative one with a leading Indigenous artist to give the visual content of the biggest celebration put together as a community so far.

Please email syanez@cnh. bc.ca with a letter of intent and up to 5 images of your previous work to apply.

Full guidelines here: https://www.collingwooddays.com/ collingwood-days-2023-artist-call-forgraphic-designer/ “

VSB proposes changes to Carleton school boundary

As a result of a fire damaging Carleton Elementary, the Vancouver School Board is proposing to reduce the Carleton catchment area and expand catchment boundaries for Cunningham, Weir and MacCorkindale.

The proposed changes:

• Prioritize convenience and choice for Carleton catchment families by enabling them to easily apply to nearby catchment schools

• Optimize use of a new, seismically safe elementary school at Weir Elementary If the Board approves the proposed catchment changes:

• No student currently attending their school will be required to change schools

• As per AP 305 School Catchment Boundaries, Kindergarten students applying to enrol at Cunningham for September 2023 will have sibling priority regardless of where they reside in the existing Carleton catchment

The District held focus groups with impacted school community representatives to address initial enrolment questions and help inform the engagement approach. Based on these discussions the District will host two public information sessions and distribute a survey.

To learn more about the proposed boundary changes, and to directly ask staff questions, please attended one of the information sessions below:

• Session 1 (in-person): Tuesday, December 6 | 2:30 – 5:30 pm at Cunningham Elementary School

• Session 2 (online): Tuesday, December 6

| 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/dec-6-information-sessiononline-tickets-474888051947

Additional comments or questions? E-mail engage@vsb.bc.ca. Your anonymized feedback will be included in the final engagement report to the Board.

Sources: www.vsb.bc.ca/District/Planning_and_Facilities/Engagement/Carleton/Pages/default.aspx www.vsb.bc.ca/District/Planning_and_Facilities/ Engagement/Carleton/Pages/Public-EngagementProcess.aspx

Get Involved

The Last Shedding Light Talk

Series of 2022

Watershed Management from Varying Perspectives

Active stakeholders are invited to a roundtable to share their perspectives on holistic watershed management.

Keynote speakers for the night include:

• Chelsea Borsoi - Watershed Planner, City of Vancouver

• Carmen Rosen - Founder and Artistic Director, Still Moon Arts Society

• Emily Pearson - Foodlands Coordinator, Rivershed Society

The evening will focus on:

• Community involvement in watershed restoration

• Key players in watershed management

• How art and creative expression can be a bridge to watershed engagement on the community level

• Policies that support or hinder watershed management

• Benefits and threats that watershed planning can have on ecosystems

Date: Thursday, December 1, 2022 Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver)

Cost: FREE Register at on Eventbrite www.eventbrite. ca/e/shedding-light-talk-series-watershedmanagement-from-various-perspectives-tickets-457281791147

Renfrew Collingwood Food Justice Mentorship Program

Renfrew Collingwood Food Justice (RCFJ) is launching a mentorship program that supports newcomers to get settled in our community.

RCFJ is now recruiting newcomer participants and volunteer mentors.

Through this one-year program, you can:

• Build up long-term friendships with neighbours

• Gain food skills and nutrition knowledge

• Explore different food access in our community

Program period: January - December 2023 (Including seasonal celebrations and gatherings, community orientation, nutrition tour, food skills session)

If you are a newcomer living in Renfrew-Collingwood, please join us, meet your neighbour mentors and friends.

Newcomer participants’ eligibility: Newcomers (be a permanent resident of Canada within 5 years) living in Renfrew-Collingwood

If you are a settled neighbour, please join us as a mentor. Volunteer mentors’ eligibility: A settled neighbour aged 18 or above living in Renfrew-Collingwood Application deadline: December 31, 2022

For registration or more information, please contact Ryan via phone at 604-435-0323 or text at 778-6505828 or email at rng@cnh.bc.ca . For more details about the role of mentor, please visit www.cnh. bc.ca/get-involved/volunteer/ to see the volunteer posting.

Social Culture Learning Club

Two sessions each month of various skill-sharing workshops by instructor Yoko Tomita and a guest artist. These workshops require registration and all the materials are provided. Participants learn the new skills by meeting with like-minded people to socialize and share the creative process. Workshop dates will be every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 pm.

Topic: Holiday card making workshop

Date: Tuesday, December 13 Time: 4:30 – 6 pm

Venue: CNH Annex Art Studio For: Newcomers Contact: Yoko at ytomita@cnh.bc.ca

Read On! A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

THE TRADITION OF HOLIDAY CARDS

by Sophia Han

A long tradition

Nowadays, the holiday season includes different traditions like Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. No matter the celebration, it is an important time of year for people to connect with family and friends by exchanging holiday cards.

This tradition began in England in the 1840s. People mailed each other postcards with a short greeting in the weeks before Christmas. They were a convenient way for people to get in touch during the holidays, but the size of the postcards were too small for long messages.

In 1915, Joyce Clyde Hall and Rollie Hall printed the first modern holiday card a card that is folded and put into an envelope. The card was popular with people who wanted to write longer messages but didn’t have time to write letters.

Many people now send holiday greetings in an email or social media post, but people still enjoy writing and receiving printed or homemade cards.

What to write in a Christmas card

Although many store-bought cards include a holiday message, it’s always a nice touch to add a few thoughtful words of your own.

What to write depends on the recipient. If you’re sending a card to family and close friends, you can be informal in your greeting and skip the “Dear” that normally starts a letter. If you aren’t sure if the person celebrates Christmas, you can simply wish them a happy holiday season.

Traditionally, holiday cards are a way to let someone know that you are thinking about them and that you wish them well. It’s also appropriate to include any thoughts of gratitude or say “thank you.”

Want to learn more or try making your own cards using drawing, origami and collage techniques? Join a holiday card-making workshop at Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex on Tuesday, December 13th from 4:30 to 6 pm. Free and open to participants of all ages! Registration required. Register by emailing ytomita@cnh.bc.ca.

For more information, go to https://www.cnh.bc.ca/event/holidaycard-workshop/?occurrence=2022-12-13.

VOCABULARY

no matter not important connect to communicate with another person exchanging when two people give each other things at the same time get in touch to contact a nice touch (expression) when someone does something extra and the result is pleasant thoughtful when we think about something or someone depends on when one thing is decided by something else recipient the person receiving something close friend a friend you know very well informal casual, relaxed appropriate suitable

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

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

Reading levels on this page Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX

2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3

Complex Office: 604 257-8388 ext 1

Website: www.vancouver.ca/renfrewrec or www.renfrewcc.com

This intensive week will help to prepare those that are looking for their first job or those that are just starting to build their working career. Complete valued certificate training to bolster your resume. Learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

Learn about your rights within the Employment Standards Act and Worksafe B.C. Legislation

Work on your interview skills and have hands on practice in a safe environment with your peers and staff leaders. Gain access to valuable certificate training: foodsafe, first aid, and worksafe BC certificates along with much more.

*Some days may be longer than posted - as we continue to book in professionals

Slocan Park Clubhouse

2750 East 29th Avenue

Activity #: 433854

Mon, Mar 13—Fri, Mar 17 9:00am—3:00pm* Ages: 14-18yrs

What do you like about working with Youth?

They are fun and creative, they keep expanding my horizon. I enjoy learn ing from the young people I work with in our community. They keep me on my toes.

If you were stranded on a deserted island what is the one movie you would want to have with you to watch again and again?

The Greatest Showman because I LOVE musicals and of course, Zack Ef fron!

Best Pizza Topping: Pesto

Rock or Hip Hop: Rock

What is your best memory of high school?

High school science experiments my favourite being Elephant’s toothpaste. You have been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant?

GAMES ROOM—YOUTH NIGHT 9‐18yrs

Every Friday the games room is open from 3:00pm and it’s FREE. All you need to do is sign up for a Onecard, scan when you arrive and wear your wristband for the night. Table games, Board games, computers and great snacks are just a few of the wonderful things Shukari invites you to do.

Vancouver Aquarium 55+

Cost: $57.14 +taxes (Pre-registration is required)

Join this guided tour of the Aquarium, and immerse yourself in the centre for marine research, ocean literacy education, climate activism, conservation and marine animal rehabilitation. Stroll through the many interactive displays and enjoy your lunch (cost of lunch is not included)

Wednesday February 1 435498 9:30am-3:00pm

55+

Sweetheart Luncheon 55+

Cost: $13.33 + tax/person

This is the time to celebrate love with your favourite person, friend or loved one. There will be a full lunch served, entertainment and door prizes.

Menu: roast maple glazed salmon with pineapple salsa, roasted potatoes, green salad, and red velvet cupcakes and strawberries.

Pre-registration is requested.

Friday February 15

St. Patricks Luncheon 55+

Cost: $13.33 + tax/person

Bring in the Irish St. Patrick’s Day. Come enjoy the Irish Dancers, full course menu and of course door prizes.

Menu: Irish stew, Colcannon (potatoes and cabbage), Irish Soda Bread, Guinness Chocolate Cake.

Pre-registration is requested.

Friday March 15

Advance Care Planning 55+

Cost: FREE

B.C. has legislation that allows for individuals to express their wishes, usually in writing, regarding the care they want to receive or reject. The first steps include conversations with family and/or friends to draft a written summary of your values and instructions. This workshop outlines why planning is important and what your options are for preparing written documentation for your future care. Pre-registration is requested

Friday February 3 434200 11:00am-12:00pm

Interested in learning an Instrument

Come join our instructors for one to one teaching. Each lesson is a private half an hour long (30 minutes) lesson.

Guitar ~ Sun from 9:30am-1:30pm

Guitar ~ Thurs from 3:30pm-8:30pm

Singing ~ Tues from 5:00pm-8:50pm

Violin ~ Wed from 4:00pm-7:00pm

For more information please contact Paula Parman @ paula.parman@vancouver.ca

Burnaby Village Museum 55+ Cost: $38.09 +taxes (Pre-registration is required)

Explore the historical Burnaby Village Museum and enjoy the immersive, open-air, ten-acre village museum with 38 exhibits to explore. Including period-specific homes, businesses and a traditional schoolhouse. Make sure to bring a lunch with you, as our visit will encompass the lunch hour.

Wednesday March 29

Shukari Mohamad Games Room STAFF

Collingwood Neighbourhood House HIGHLIGHTS

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

CNH: A place of family and home for long-time staff member Sabrina Bantog

By Collingwood Neighbourhood House

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

This year, we recognize and celebrate Sabrina Bantog for 25 years of service. Here’s what Alison Merton, Director of the Early Years, had to say about Sabrina:

“I have been fortunate to work with Sabrina since 1996.

“Sabrina grew up in Vancouver. She attended Langara College to study Early Childhood Education. In 1996, Sabrina began working in Family Place at CNH and did casual work in child care before securing a position in the infant and toddler program. She then quickly moved into management roles within the child care depart ment first in Kindercare, Collingwood Early Learning and Care Centre, and then she became the manager that opened the Terry Tayler Early Learning and Care Centre in the fall of 2012.

“Sabrina’s current role is as a Child Care Manager which requires her to deal with all human resources (HR)-related tasks for the child care staff team, which is quite the task given the amount of staff we have.

“We are so extremely fortunate to have Sabrina’s expertise in HR at CNH. She is kind, compassionate, and always goes above and beyond. She is very well respected by everyone. Sabrina puts the ‘human’ in human resources! She has represented CNH at CUPE and also at many Early Childhood Educator events. She continuously seeks out professional development opportunities and is cur rently doing courses in HR at BCIT.

“Sabrina says CNH is her home. She felt like she grew up at Collin gwood, making many relationships. She has always felt supported and has had many opportunities to learn, grow and advance. She says CNH feels like family. This is likely because her husband Jaime also once worked at CNH and both her children, Alissa and Kyle, attended our child care programs! It’s not unusual to see Kyle here in Friday’s youth program or to see Sabrina’s mom hanging out in the seniors’ programs.

“Sabrina says there are many memories that make her smile, reflecting back. What stands out the most is the trip to Italy to visit

the Reggio Emilia programs at their source with her peers and the management team. She will be forever grateful for that opportunity, definitely not something she would have been able to do on her own and it was most meaningful to be able to do this with col leagues.

“She would like to acknowledge all of the wonderful people she has had the pleasure of getting to know over the years. Her continued commitment to CNH, the Early Years department and the Early Childhood Education profession is outstanding. Thank you, Sabrina, for your many years of service and congratulations.”

For information about careers at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/about/ careers. Learn more about family and child care programs at www.cnh.bc.ca/family.

sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Sabrina Bantog

December 2022

Winter Carnival – Tree Lighting November 26th, 2022

Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Community Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival & Tree Lighting Ceremony. We had Arts & Crafts, St. Mary’s Choir, balloon twister, Fandango carollers, Peter Yap, hot chocolate, cookies and more. Enjoy the Christmas Tree! Thank you to Safeway, Collingwood CPC, and all of our sponsors and donations.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Follow us on Instagram and participate in the daily contests. For 12 days we will be featuring 12 different businesses, showcasing the great gift ideas. There is a winner each day so make sure you check in between December 4 – 16th. Prizes will be gift cards for those featured businesses. Help support local businesses and Shop Collingwood.