June 2015
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
CNH and MOSAIC groundbreaking “A terrific display of community” by Paul Reid
The bikes were decorated, the band was playing and the stilters were stilting as hundreds of community residents paraded from Collingwood Neighbourhood House to the site of their new annex that will be built in the next few years. Following the First Nations blessing, on hand to make speeches were city councillor and emcee Kerry Jang, MLA Adrian Dix, MP Don Davies, Mayor Gregor Robertson, Bruno Wall of Wall Financial, MOSAIC’s Dr. Mehran Kiai and Chris Taulu of the Collingwood Community Policing Centre. From CNH, we heard from the executive director Jennifer Gray-Grant, president Julie Linkletter and community connector Najia Elacel. Next was the groundbreaking. Fun was had by all who came armed with shovels and trowels to get the annex project officially underway. “I thought the groundbreaking ceremony was a terrific display of our community. Everyone was buzzing with excitement.” — Angela Evans, Collingwood Business Improvement Association
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Anne Frank exhibit speaks to issues of today by Vive Wong An exhibit based on the most famous diary in the world is coming to Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) – June 2 to 18 – but with a twist. The teenaged Anne Frank’s diary from her time in hiding during the Second World War with her family in their secret annex in Amsterdam was published after the war and has remained in print, in many different languages, ever since. The Anne Frank Museum, located in the building that housed the secret annex, remains popular with visitors to Amsterdam. The twist is that the exhibition will be led by young people and seniors from the community who have received special training on the exhibit and on presenting it to members of the neighbourhood. They will provide space to consider challenges that they and their neighbours face in embracing diversity and acceptance of differences. In addition to hosting the exhibition, the youth volunteers will have the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve seen in the exhibition and create short videos about their own experiences in a diverse city. The exhibition has been making its way across Vancouver since February and will be hosted at CNH, located at 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver, from June 2 to 18. Free guided tours will be available on Thursday, June 4 (4-5 pm), Saturday, June 6 (1-2 pm), Tuesday, June 9 (1:30-2:30 pm), Thursday,
June 11 (10:30-11:30 am) and Tuesday, June 16 (6-7 pm). To book a tour or RSVP, contact Vive Wong at VWong@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0323. You can also drop by CNH during regular operating hours from June 2 to 18 to enjoy the exhibition at your own pace. As the final stop on this crossVancouver tour, CNH will also host a closing ceremony for the exhibit on Saturday, June 13 from 2-6 pm. You can follow the youth-led conversation online through @ peernetbc and #AFMW2015 to see this fantastic project make its way throughout the city. The Anne Frank – A History for Today exhibit is presented by CNH in partnership with PeerNetBC and Anne Frank House. The exhibition features 37 large panels that deal with both Anne Frank’s story and the Second World War and address themes of discrimination, acceptance and human rights. The exhibit at CNH will include new panels that haven’t been displayed in Canada before.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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Renfrew-Collingwood teen has a voice in Ottawa on how to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday This June Ian A. Yip, a 16-year-old high school student from Renfrew-Collingwood who attends Stratford Hall IB School in East Vancouver, will join 99 of Canada’s top youth leaders in the nation’s capital for the annual National Youth Ambassador Caucus (NYAC) organized by Global Vision. The NYAC brings talented youth leaders together with current leaders from business, education, government and community to learn from each other while discussing issues of national importance. Ambassadors will also celebrate Canada’s history and future this year by marking the 50th anniversary of the national flag in the lead up to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. A key part of Yip’s experience is presenting his idea for a community celebration marking Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 that will bring youth together with stakeholders from business, education and community and involves a volunteer aspect. Yip was chosen for the NYAC based on his idea, and while in Ottawa he will present it to his peers and national leaders including Members of Parliament at a reception on Parliament Hill. The 100 youth ambassadors will also collaborate on a national strategy to engage communities across the nation in celebration of Canada’s birth. Upon his return to Renfrew-Collingwood, Yip will share his experience, newfound knowledge and ideas to further awareness of the historic milestone and get community members on-board with his celebration idea.
“I’m really looking forward to learning more about Canada and the ideas other youth have,” said Yip. “I’m excited about representing my community on the national stage and I hope to bring back useful knowledge so Vancouver can be at the forefront of Canada’s 150th celebrations.” Yip and the other young leaders were selected from hundreds of eligible participants who were a part of Global Vision’s national recruitment and outreach campaign. To attend the Caucus, Yip is responsible for raising $350, which represents one-third of his participation costs, through corporate and community partnerships. The Caucus will take place June 5 to 8, 2015. Global Vision is a national not-forprofit charitable organization, founded in 1991 by former educator, Member of Parliament, and member of the Order of Canada, Terry Clifford C.M. Global Vision, now in its 25th year of operations, has been recognized internationally for its work in global education and was most recently acknowledged as one of the top 10 youth leadership programs in Canada by the Globe and Mail.
Don Davies, MP Vancouver Kingsway
My staff and I are here to assist you with federal issues. Contact us with your ideas and concerns. I will bring your voice to Ottawa!
2951 Kingsway Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 Tel: 604-775-6263 Email: Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca
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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: Heather Brown, Julie Cheng, Don Davies, MP, Global Vision, Sarah Green, Norman Hill, R. & J. Lambert, Paul Reid, Vive Wong
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: Jun 10
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Renfrew Collingwood Community News 1595 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. • 604-872-3019 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8am - 9pm www.famousfoods.ca
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Happy 100th anniversary Beaconsfield Elementary! Come celebrate June 5
Graduates, staff and current students are invited to Lord Beaconsfield Elementary School (3663 Penticton Street) on Friday, June 5, 2015, to recognize the 100th anniversary of the school’s opening.
Lord Beaconsfield Elementary School opened in 1914 and was named after Benjamin Disraeli who became the Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876. 3D Image from Google Earth
Guests can make their way through the school’s archives, flipping through the old photographs and yearbooks. It will be a casual mingling and a place to rekindle old friendships and reminisce about past happenings. It’s exciting when somebody sees somebody that they haven’t seen for 40, 50 or 60 years, and if you don’t know someone from your class, chances are that you knew their brother or sister.
“Through the 2015 immigration plan we will welcome a record number of individuals who will contribute to our economy and labour market.” - Hon. Chris Alexander, MP
Lord Beaconsfield School was built in 1914 and was ready for occupancy near the end of the year. The first class took occupancy in January 2015 with Miss McMurray as head teacher of eight grades. The celebration will start at 4 pm and the festivities will continue with the Annual Spring Carnival, which begins at 5:30 pm. We hope to see you there – take transit as parking will be limited.
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June 2015
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
June 2015
Support your local businesses in Renfrew-Collingwood D
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Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E,22nd Ave. 604.257.8388
Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street Ph:604.435.0323
Renfrew / Collingwood
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Kingsway
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
When kids write about their dad Happy Father’s Day
Get involved
Excerpts from essays about their fathers, written by students in the
Sunday, June 14 1-3 pm Slocan Hall, 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver (right by the 29th Avenue Skytrain station) For more information, contact Yuri Arajs, kickstartdirector@gmail.com Starting in June, Kickstart will host a monthly meeting for artists who live with a disability. This salon is a great opportunity to meet other artists, discuss art, engage in critical dialogue and share work and ideas. Future plans include various cultural outing, studio visits and guest artists. Monthly meetings will be in various location throughout Vancouver. All meetings are free and open to the public! This program is generously being supported by posAbilities.
Creative Writing class, Fridays at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, taught by Rania Hatzioannou “When he hugs me, I feel like it’s from a warm cuddly bear.” – Kelly Zhang, age 9, grade 4 “He buys us all the stuff that nobody else will buy us.” – Vincent Hadjioannou, age 12, grade 6 “He always makes better-tasting unhealthy foods.” – Ricardo, age 10, grade 4 “He is good at chess and he can beat the computer at chess and this is all true, but he cannot beat me at chess.” – Sunny Li, age 9, grade 4 “He helps me with my homework and lets me watch interesting videos.” – Julian Wu, age 8, grade 3 “He likes to make my whole family laugh.” – Diego Gomez, age 10, grade 4 “He always buys me ice-cream and cookies – the things I like to eat.” – Alexander Zhong, age 9, grade 4 “He wants me to be smarter than him when I grow up, and he’s doing a good job.” – Ian Dong, age 11, grade 5 “My Dad is very smart. If I have a question, he can answer it in a minute.” – Nick Su, age 9, grade 3
“Without him, I’d be home alone. And he buys me a lot more stuff than my mom does.” – Tiffany Gong, age 11, grade 6
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A monthly Disability Arts Salon by Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture
Still Moon Arts Society Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, June 17 7-8:30 pm Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Centre 2970 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver www.stillmoon.org Your local Still Moon Arts Society extends a warm invitation for you to attend its 11th Annual General Meeting. There will be a talk by Sean Markey, SFU Center for Sustainable Community Development, on Urban Watershed Sustainability, specifically located in our own Still Creek. Bring your friends and family to learn what Still Moon Arts has been doing in the past year, and take place in our silent auction back by popular demand.
Author Reading by Don McLellan, author of Brunch with the Jackals
Tuesday, June 23 7:00 pm Collingwood Library, 2985 Kingsway Admission is free. Seating is limited. For more information, email literacyrc@gmail.co In Brunch with the Jackals, Don McLellan explores the dark side of urban life through stories that combine black comedy and heartwrenching irony in a collection of neo-noir fiction. Don McLellan’s first collection of short stories, In the Quiet after Slaughter, was largely set in Renfrew Heights, where he grew up. His second collection of stories also features several stories based on incidents in Renfrew-Collingwood.
Farmers Markets – Rain or Shine
From September 2015 to June 2016
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Yaletown: [Thurs], 2-6 from May 7 - Oct 29 Trout Lake: [Sat] 9-2 from May 9 - Oct 24 *Kitsilano: [Sun] 10-2 from May 10 - Oct 25 West End: [Sat] 9-2 from May 30 - Oct 24 Main Street Station: [Wed] 2-6 from June 3 - Oct 7 Kerrisdale Village: [Sat] 10-2 from June 13 Mount Pleasant: [Sun] 10-2 from June 14 - Oct 11 *Market is temporarily located at 30th Ave. & Ontario St. from May 10 to June 7 during repaving at Kits Community Centre.
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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Join the family fun at Youth Celebrate Canada Day – July 1!
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This year marks Canada’s 148th birthday, and Youth Celebrate Canada Day wouldn’t want you to miss it! On Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Renfrew Park Community Centre, YCCD will once again be hosting the event to commemorate Canada’s birthday. This youth-organized event features amazing performers of all cultures. There will be many exciting activities to do at the event, so bring your family and friends for a fun and lively time
Photos by Julie Cheng filled with entertainment! From arts and craft to food stands to games, there are many ways for people from all ages to participate in the event. Youth Celebrate Canada Day is a youth-driven event to engage people in the Renfrew- Collingwood community to come out and enjoy Canada Day. The goal this year is to create an event to show all the kinds of fun that is memorable to everyone! The fun festivities will start at 1:00 pm and will continue throughout the afternoon at Renfrew Park, so come join along with everyone to celebrate Canada Day!
vancouver.ca
Be part of the Joyce-Collingwood Station Precinct Review We’re reviewing the area around the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station to update policies from the 1987 Joyce Station Area Plan and invite you to get involved. The review will look at land use, density, built form, improved safety and connections for people walking, cycling and driving, and amenity needs. The outcomes of the study could affect your property and traffic patterns. Join us at these events to learn about the review and share your ideas. Saturday, May 30, 2015, 11 am – 4 pm Visit our information booth at the Collingwood Days Festival Sir Guy Carleton Elementary School, 3250 Kingsway The following events will be held at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, Multi-Purpose Room (Main Floor): Wednesday, June 3, 2015, 4pm - 8 pm Open House (Cantonese speaking staff will be available at this event to translate.) Saturday, June 20, 2015, 10 am – 12 pm Community workshop on land use and building form (To attend, please register at vancouver.ca/joycestation) Saturday, June 20, 2015, 1 – 3 pm Community workshop on improved safety and connections (To attend, please register at vancouver.ca/joycestation) FOR MORE INFORMATION: visit vancouver.ca/joycestation or phone 3-1-1
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
June 2015
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Earth Day Debrief: Eco Journal On April 26, hundreds gathered for a celebration on Commercial Drive. It was the fifth annual Earth Day Parade and Celebration organized by Youth 4 Climate Justice Now, a group of grade 11 students from the Leadership program at Windermere Secondary. The event brought together the whole community to learn about and celebrate the Earth. We gathered in the morning at the CommercialBroadway Skytrain station and set up our floats and banners. Slowly, the Suzuki elders trickled in along with the carnival band. Their music attracted the eyes and ears of curious spectators. We also attracted media attention, as there were cameras and interviewers around to ask questions. I was chosen to do an interview, and one of the more intriguing questions I was asked was the purpose of this event. Why did we not identify Earth Day as a protest? Our goal was to raise awareness of the growing issue of climate change as well as educate and engage youth of the lower mainland, not necessarily rally against a particular environmental cause or policy. We wanted to peacefully remind people that climate change is an everyday matter and to spread our message about why educating others is important in mobilizing the climate justice movement. Our aim was to spread our message about why
climate justice is important and how it will affect our futures by connecting youth with other youth through this event. The colourful parade started with lively music, which drew in local bystanders. Student marchers in the parade had crafty signs, banners and floats. There were also others dressed Earth Day Parade. Photo credit: Youth for Climate Justice Now in costumes such as a plastic bag suit with facts to display the egg-shell planting and endangered number of plastic bags used per species. The Organic Garden year. committee from Windermere sold young vegetable plants by The family-friendly festival at donation, which gave community Grandview Park was packed, members an opportunity to try with a multitude of tents from their hand at growing their own non-governmental organizations. local, organic food. People walked in between the rows of tents like it was a market. I learned that climate justice isn’t The grades 8 and 9s showcased only a term used to refer to the their own sustainability initiatives planet but also to the people. Right through their information booths now, First Nations communities full of fun activities, including on our own B.C. coast are affected or at risk of being affected by oil tankers and pipelines. Not only does climate justice affect their health, it affects their industries as well. Some of our industries’ livelihoods, such as natural resources, depend on natural environments to thrive. In addition, it makes more sense to diversify
Canada’s economy instead of basing it all off of oil to export to foreign markets. We have little to no backup for our economy—when the oil market crashes we run out of oil in the country. My wish is to spread this side of the economy argument in the debate about climate change. Overall, this event was a valuable experience for me from the beginning stages of organizing the event to the big day where we worked hard to execute it. It raised my own awareness for the issues that are happening in our own backyard and reinforced the cause we were fighting for. It was incredibly uplifting to see that many others aligned with our causes for a more sustainable future. I hope that in the coming years, this event will continue to expand as the climate justice movement grows stronger.
Zack has been greatly influenced by his dad, Sherali. “I got my work ethic from my dad and I am extremely lucky to have learned the business while under his wing.” ACML Mortgage Ltd is one of Collingwood’s small ethical family firms. Soon celebrating their 40th anniversary, Sherali Velji and his son Zack are ready to handle all of your mortgage needs. Whether you are buying a new home or a commercial space; buying, constructing, or renovating, ACML can help you make it happen.
Zack has been greatly influenced by his Dad, Sherali. “I got my work ethic from my Dad and I am extremely lucky to have learned the business while under his wing. He is a genuinely compassionate man who gets up at 4 am and meditates for two hours every day. That is what sustains him. He is still running the business, still the guy in charge.”
Along with the AAA and B types of mortgage paper applications, Zack handles the difficult files — the C clients. He is a “pure private lender, who specializes in finding sources of non-traditional lending, closing protection letters, foreclosure and hi-ratio debt consolidations.” Just because the banks won’t loan to you, there is still a chance. Go see Zack at ACML.
When not working hard, Zack is playing hard. “I am a bit of a speed freak, Zack loves going fast either off-road or at the race track. He is a music lover, particularly fond of Bob Marley. “I believe that music is the universal language.” He is a fanatic of both hockey and European League soccer and he remains happily unmarried. Originally from Kampala Uganda, the Velji’s came to Canada in 1972 as refugees, following Idi Amin’s take over and despotic rule of the country.
“I am proud of my work and I love helping people. I have letters and testimonials from clients who say they don’t know where they would be without us. Zack’s mission statement: ‘Be Spiritually inclined, not materially obsessed.’ “Why, because you can’t take any of this with you.” Here is what else the team at ACML can handle for you: due diligence, loans, residential mortgages, mortgage lending, program management, commercial real estate, credit, commercial lending, commercial mortgages, real estate financing, credit analysis, investments, portfolio management, debt consolidation, mortgage banking, mortgage underwriting, credit risk, construction loans, consumer lending, certified mortgages, loan origination, lines of credit, refinancing, financial services and home equity loans.
Big into the Ismaili faith Community, the Veljis help out every year with the Global Partnership Walk. Now in its 31st year, this is “Canada’s largest annual event raising money and awareness to end global poverty.” For this event, Zack is the Executive Security Team leader, working with the R.C.M.P. to handle the money for the event. “So, we‘re in the philanthropy game. That ‘s what its about — its about sharing.” One of Collingwood Business Park’s original clients, the Velji’s have seen a lot of changes over the past 40 years. “I enjoy seeing the growth of this community over the years and I see a united front that is growing stronger. We are a stand-out among the other communities and I am proud to call Collingwood home.”
CBIA UPDATES l
COLLINGWOOD DAYS - THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT!
Coming Events:
Thank you for continuing to support, Collingwood Days the Biggest Little Festival in l Collingwood Celebrates Canada Day Vancouver. This year marked the 12th anniversary. The events lasted a for 11 days with On July 1st we will be celebrating Canada Day in the Art Displays at the Italian Cultural Centre, Spoken Word, Ground Breaking Ceremony for Safeway parking lot (Kingsway and Tyne). Come out and join the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex and Mosaic BC’s new locations at Boundary in the festivities between 11:00a.m. and 1:00p.m. See the ad in this issue: page 9. and Vanness. Performances throughout the community, movie at Carleton Elementary School, The Collingwood Days Festival on the Carleton Elementary school grounds and ended with an historical walk through Collingwood. The Collingwood BIA partnered with the Collingwood Neighbourhood House and the Collingwood Community Policing Centre form the steering committee for Collingwood Days. Thank you for our partners and the sponsors and volunteers who help welcome the thousands of people who come to the festival. Special thanks to the Collingwood BIA members who participated: Vancity, Starbucks - Boundary Plaza, G& F Financial, Safeway, London Drugs, Mosaic BC, Cassandra Hotel, The UPS Store - Collingwood, Collingwood Jr BIA, Photos are posted on the website and our sponsors links WWW.COLLINGWOODDAYS.COM
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Street Beautification Projects
Banners: The new banners are up and lining the streets of Kingsway between Boundary Road and Rupert Street. The banner images are bulidings and structures in Collingwood. Banners help us brand our commercial retail and services in Collingwood. Planter Boxes: The planter boxes are expected to be in by July filled with beautiful colourful plants and flowers. We thank the businesses who have agreed to adpot the planter and water every two weeks. If you’d like to adopt a planter contact us. info@shopcollingwood.ca or phone: 604.639.4403.
Follow us on
See you all next year! *This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association
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Create Your Canada contest: Kingsway students head to Ottawa The 2015 submissions are in for Don Davies, MP’s Create Your Canada contest, and three Vancouver Kingsway students are the lucky recipients of an all-expense paid trip to Ottawa to participate in Canada’s Parliament. Started by Davies in 2009, this is an annual contest open to all Vancouver Kingsway students in grade 11 or 12. A completely online process, Create Your Canada challenges students to propose ideas that they feel will make a better Canada, or a better world. The winning ideas are then submitted by Davies to Parliament where they are drafted into actual Private Member’s Bills. Once drafted, Davies then flies the students to Ottawa where they watch as he introduces their bills in the House of Commons. “This is a great way for youth to share their vision for our country,” said Davies. “I think it’s also a fun and engaging introduction to Parliament and the legislative process.” Davies also takes the student on a jam-packed two-day tour of Parliament where they visit the House of Commons, Senate and Library of Parliament and meet many politicians from all parties. This year, the two winning entries were submitted by Harriet Crossfield, a student from Sir Charles Tupper, and a joint project of Triana Segovia and Kira Bennett, from Windermere Secondary. Harriet was chosen for her idea to create a National Disability Employment Awareness Strategy. “I noticed there were lots of programs already in place to encourage people with disabilities to apply for jobs,” said Harriet, “but there are no strategies in place to encourage awareness in the private sector about the benefits that can be gained from employing people with disabilities. Supporting these programs does not cost much and everyone stands to benefit,” she added.
Triana and Kira were selected for their proposal to help students by reducing interest on federal student loans. “We were inspired by countries with programs for loan repayment that are more efficient, and we wanted to find an appropriate solution for Canada,” said Triana. “We were looking for a feasible solution, something that would help students and suit our country’s needs,” added Kira. “Listening to Canadian youth about their concerns for our country is really important,” said Davies. “Parliament is well-served by these proposals and I am proud to bring the voice of youth into our debates.” All three students expressed great enthusiasm for their upcoming trip, which is scheduled to take place in early June.
Above: 2014 CYC Winners Matthew Ching, Alan Zhou and Liam Kynaston in front of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. Photo credit: Matthew Usherwood, iPolitics.ca
Honourable mentions for the 2015 Create Your Canada Contest go to: • Sarah Liu and Celina Huynh from Gladstone Secondary for their idea to eliminate the voluntary National Housing Strategy and change back to the mandatory long-form census. • Rhys Rustad-Elliott from Eric Hamber Secondary School for his idea to repeal Section 296 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which criminalizes blasphemous libel. • Rebecca Gao from Sir Charles Tupper Secondary for her idea to ban the use of microbeads in facial cleansers, soaps, moisturizers, exfoliators and other products. • Mabel Huang and Lily Lee from Windermere Secondary for their idea to prevent wild animal habitat destruction. Davies funds the Create Your Canada program himself, and no taxpayer funds are used.
2012 CYC Winners Wilson Wu and Kaitlyn Fung with Don Davies, MP in the House of Commons.
Come and celebrate
Father's Day
w i t h u s a n d e nj o y a huge selection of menu choices. Serving great home cooked meals e v e r y d a y.
3684 Lougheed Hwy.
604.299.7701
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
The Seniors Connection Motorized Scooter Roadeos for senior citizens by Constable Heather Brown “A 90-year-old Vancouver woman is recovering in the hospital, following a serious collision at the intersection of Yew Street and West 41st Avenue Thursday afternoon. Shortly before 3 pm on April 7, a dump truck heading eastbound on West 41st collided with a woman on a motorized scooter at the intersection of Yew Street and West 41st Avenue. The scooter was dragged for a short distance, injuring the woman. The elderly woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of a broken leg and hand, and is expected to recover. The driver, who was interviewed by police at the scene, was reportedly very shaken by the incident.” – Cst. Jana McGuiness, April 8, 2011. The number of motorized mobility scooters has increased in recent years, and with our aging population, we will see the numbers continue to grow. While scooters enhance the mobility of seniors and, therefore, their quality of life, there are a number of safety concerns surrounding their use.
Although no agency gathers statistics on the number of incidents involving motorized scooters, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of accidents involving them is increasing. At the Collingwood Community Policing Centre, I have met with many senior groups and have learned that most scooter operators have been involved in an accident with a vehicle or a pedestrian. With few exceptions, all have topped over on their scooter. While most have been minor accidents, there have been fatalities. From another perspective, I have also received numerous complaints about scooter drivers, driving too quickly in the neighbourhood on the sidewalks or in the malls. Motorized mobility scooters are considered pedestrian and follow the same traffic regulations and laws governing pedestrians. There is no requirement to receive any
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June 2015 The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway Dear Neighbours:
Join me on Canada Day Come out to Renfrew Park Community Centre on July 1st to celebrate Canada Day! The Youth Celebrate Canada Day Festival is organized each year by a terrific group of Windermere high school students; this year’s edition promises to be as good as ever, if not better. Philippine Independence Day Taas Noo Kahit Kanino, Ang Pilipino Ay Ako! I would like to congratulate Filipino Canadians in my community on the Anniversary of the National Declaration of Philippine. There will be a local celebration at the Pista Ng Bayan Barbecue at Slocan Park (next to 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station) on Saturday, June 6th, beginning at 10:00 am. Enjoy some of the Philippine’s finest cuisine and great entertainment right in your backyard. I look forward to seeing you there.
Free Seniors Scooter Safety Event: Monday, June 8, 2015. 11–1 pm at Collingwood Neighbourhood House , 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver. education about the safe use and operation of such, prior to purchasing a motorized scooter. The objective of the Scooter Roadeo is to reduce trafficrelated injuries involving the scooters as well as to build relationships between the police and the citizens we serve. The
Scooter Roadeos will provide information on how to safely operate motorized scooters and provide an opportunity to practice safe operating skills by driving through a course. The Scooter Roadeos are for current users as well as seniors who may be thinking about purchasing a scooter.
Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society is seeking loving and dedicated foster parents who are willing to share their homes and provide foster care for Aboriginal babies, children, and youth in the Greater Vancouver area. We invite Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal applicants. Information Sessions are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:45pm in our office at 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver. For more information, please email foster@vacfss.com or call 604-216-7447.
Congratulations to High School Graduates My congratulations go out to all graduating students from Gladstone and Windermere high schools. This is an exciting time for all of you and your families and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. I am proud each year to sponsor scholarships for graduating students at each school and look forward to attending this year’s graduation ceremonies. BC Teachers Institute The Legislative Assembly of BC offers BC teachers a professional development program at the Parliament Buildings in our provincial capital. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2015. Visit www.leg.bc.ca/bcti to apply online. This course includes a meeting with the Speaker of the House, MLAs, senior public officials, and a behindthe-scenes tour of your Parliamentary Buildings. Housing Troubles? Our office has resources for both landlords and tenants on your rights and responsibilities, available in both English and Chinese text. Please stop by and pick one up. If you’re looking for housing or have recently undergone a difficult transition between residencies, please share your story with us. 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 to Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and on Friday by appointment). My Constituency Assistants are happy to help with any difficulty.
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June 2015
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
H IGHLIG H TS
Annual Prevention Education Fair: local youth show their hard work and passion by Norman Hill On May 1, RenfrewCollingwood youth presented the Annual Prevention Education Fair at CNH and the Collingwood Annex School. This year’s Fair was actually the 15th in the history of the event! The Fair was a key part of CNH’s ‘I Can Choose, We Can Choose’ Prevention Education Program, which follows a ‘peer-to-peer’ education model that aims to have youth educate other youth on issues of concern, such as drug and alcohol abuse and sexual exploitation, and to support youth making healthy decisions about these issues. This year’s topics included ‘Drugs & Alcohol Misuse’, ‘Mental Healthiness and SelfCare’, ‘Gender Stereotypes’, ‘Body Image’, ‘Healthy Relationships & Sexism’, ‘Online Safety’, and ‘Sexual Exploitation’. About 450 students participated in the event. The participants were Grade 7 students from elementary schools in the Windermere Family of Schools (Grenfell, Graham Bruce, Nootka, Carleton, Renfrew, and Norquay). Groups of these students participated in ten minute presentations on each topic,
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.”
June lunch menu Tuesday, June 2 Carrot soup Fish pie or vegetable pie Salad, Coconut tart
moving round robin-style between presentation stations in different rooms. Presentations were led by ‘Peer Educators’, Grade 7 students from the participating elementary schools who had prepared skits, videos, or other interactive activities for their peers. The Peer Educators were supported by ‘Peer Facilitators’ from Windermere High School, a ‘Peer Mentor’ for their elementary school (usually a past participant of the program), and a ‘Sponsor-Teacher’ at each elementary school who acted as a liaison between students and the Peer Facilitators. The preparation for the Fair had begun with last December’s ‘Youth Driven Forum’, when the selected Peer Educators from each elementary school met at Windermere High School, interacted with youth services providers, met their Peer Facilitators, and learned about various topics. Between January and the Fair date, the
Peer Educators met regularly after school with their Peer Facilitators to learn more about their chosen topics, to develop leadership and communications skills, and to prepare their presentations. The event included a keynote address and performance by Warren Hooley, who is a half Okanagan Indigenous, half Caucasian man from the Syilx (Okanagan) Territory in Penticton. As a youth, Warren was addicted to marijuana and video games, but after being inspired by Aboriginal songs and getting connected to hip hop, he was able to find himself and express himself. For the past 5 years, Warren has worked as a facilitator, delivering workshops and performances that combine inspirational hip hop and motivational speaking. Warren said, “I realized after these 5 years that I do this because it’s what my heart calls for…..I wake up every day and remind myself that my warmth and
passion come from my story as a youth. I used to be the very person that I am now dedicating my life to support......every fibre of me knows it’s what I’m meant to do…It’s the future generations that will change this world.” CNH’s Prevention Education Coordinator Vive Wong was impressed by the students who participated in the event. “Back in December the students were so shy and didn’t know much,” she said. “But over the last several months, the students worked together, gained skills, and really came out of their shells. At the event, the students took control and ran the event so efficiently and successfully—they just knew what to do. Their hard work and passion really showed.” At the Fair, the students enjoyed pizza, which was made possible by a generous discount from Panago on Tyne Street. Panago also provided gift certificates for raffle prizes.
Volunteers needed for driving seniors to their appointments Renfrew Collingwood Better at Home Program, which provides non-medical assistance to seniors in the community, is recruiting volunteer drivers to provide reliable and affordable transportation for seniors who need to get to medical appointments. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that seniors receive the necessary medical attention and do not miss appointments
in the last three years. They should also be in good health and able to provide some physical assistance to seniors. Volunteers will be required to undergo a criminal record check and provide two references and a driver’s abstract.
Volunteers should be patient drivers with a reliable vehicle and not have been involved in traffic accidents or driving violations
For more information, please call Suzanne Liddle at 604.435.0375 or email her at sliddle@cnh.bc.ca
Volunteers will be reimbursed for their mileage.
Thursday, June 4 Chicken a la king on rice (or vegetarian option) Salad, Chocolate cupcake Tuesday, June 9 Minestrone soup Corned beef and sauerkraut sandwich (or mushroom option) Salad, Vanilla cake Thursday, June 11 Pork chop or veggie cutlet Mashed potatoes Salad, Pecan cookie Tuesday, June 16 Sweet pea soup Tuna melt or grilled cheese sandwich Salad, Seasonal fruit salad Thursday, June 18 BBQ chicken with roasted potatoes Coleslaw, Blueberry muffin Tuesday, June 23 Spinach and lemon soup Beef or veggie tacos Salad, Ice cream with strawberries Thursday, June 25 Spaghetti with meat or primavera sauce Garlic bread Salad, Orange cranberry cookie Tuesday, June 30 Zucchini and pistou (pesto) soup Chicken salad or vegetable sandwich Salad, Peach cake
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June 2015
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
How Does Your Garden Grow?
PART TWO
Booklist by Sarah Green / Renfrew Branch Library / 2969 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver BC 604-257-8705 The Urban Gardener / James, Matt (2014) 635.091732 J28u Garden designer and lecturer Matt James provides an approachable, practical guide to making the most of an urban garden, including How to design an urban space from balconies and roof terraces to courtyards, basement areas and window ledges.
A Place in the Rain: Designing in the West Coast garden / (2004) 635.09711 P69L This design workbook will help both novice and seasoned gardeners in the Pacific Northwest plan or renovate their landscape—before they even begin. It provides gardeners of average means with useful information and valuable tips on how to plan landscapes properly.
Sunset Western Garden Book of Landscaping: The Coffee for Roses: And 70 other misleading myths complete guide to designing beautiful paths, patios, about backyard gardening / Fornari, C.L. (2014) plantings and more / (2014) 712.0979 W52b2 635 F72c This is the ultimate source for ideas and expert advice to Word-of-mouth may be a great way to learn about some make a readers dream garden or landscape a reality. Much products, but word-of-mouth gardening tips can be a very more than an idea book, this book is designed to inspire bad idea. In her new book, garden expert C. L. Fornari homeowners by showcasing the West’s best garden design looks at 71 common garden practices and uncovers the and to give do-it-yourselfers enough information to tackle truth behind the lore. Do marigolds keep the bugs out of the veggie patch? Will rusty nails turn hydrangeas blue? With humour and basic projects on their own, making their gardens look and function better. affection, she goes back in time to sort out the good, the bad and the just plain silly. Gardening for Geeks: DIY Tests, Gadgets, and Techniques That Utilize Microbiology, Mathematics, and Ecology to Exponentially The Cut Flower Patch: Grow your own cut flowers Maximize the Yield of your Garden / Wilhelmi, all year round / Curley, Louise (2014) 635.966 Christy (2013) 635 W678g C97c From analyzing meteorological patterns in order to plant Louise Curley looks at what makes a great cut flower, productive beds to experimenting with the carbon and ideal conditions and soil and the tools you’ll need. There nitrogen levels in your soil, this book will teach you all is advice on what to grow, from favourite hardy annuals, about the developments and chemical reactions that occur half hardies and biennials to spring and summer bulbs to at each phase of growth and how you can alter your planting techniques to adding foliage and fillers to balance arrangements. construct the most thriving, productive garden possible.
Special Hours of Operation (Pool & Fitness Staff Training Fri
Jun 26
Red Cross Babysitting Training
Pool
Fitness Centre
6:00am-4:00pm
6:00am-4:00pm
Bingo and Dinner Social Wed
3:30-6:00pm
Movie Matinee "Kiss Me Kate"
Fri
12:45-4:00pm
Jun 10
55+yrs $3/person
Jun 19
55+yrs $1/person
Vancouver Draw Down Workshop
Join us for fun, easy , inspiring workshops led by artists in your neighbourhood for FREE, all ages drawing activities. For more information and workshop times visit: www.vancouverdrawdown.com Sat 1:30-4:30pm Jun 20
June Luncheon
Wed
12:00-2:30pm
Jun 24
Wed, July 1st 1:00pm-5:00pm
All Ages
11+yrs 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, plenty of water and snacks. No nuts. Sun 11:00am-6:00pm Jun 28 $60/person
Take the Lead (Youth Leadership) 14-17yrs Learn the necessary skills of becoming a leader. We will discuss the next step into becoming a leader in your community. Youth will be encouraged to Become involved in various Summer projects. Tue-Thu 12:00-3:00pm Jul 7-Aug 27 Free
55+yrs $9/person
Entertainment, carnival games, crafts & prizes. Food Vendor and refreshments available for a nominal fee. See you here Rain or Shine! Everyone is welcome.
Wibit Inflatable Day
Saturday, June 20, 2015 3:00–5:00pm
Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply
Licensed Preschool Camp
Mon-Fri Jul 6-Aug 28 9:30am-12:00pm, 12:30-3:00pm $62.50/5 sess
3-5yrs
Falaise Hall Camp 6-12yrs Note: Held at Falaise Hall - 3434 Falaise Ave Each child will receive one Renfrew Summer Day Camp T-shirt. Flier available at registration. Program subject to change without notice. After care available. Mon-Fr i 9:00am-3:00pm Jul 6-10 $100/5 sess Summer Adventures Daycamp 6-12yrs Any fun filled week includes outings, sports, art & craft, games and special events. Each child will receive one Renfrew Summer Day Camp T-shirt. Flier available at registration. Program subject to change without notice. Before and after care available. Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm Jun 29-Sep 3 $115/5 sess Summer Chill 11-14yrs Youth will be engaged in developing leadership skills such as teamwork, public speaking, goal setting and encouraging the development of a healthy mind. We recommend participants to register for 2 consecutive weeks to gain the most out of the camp experience. Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm Jul 6-Aug 28 $70/5 sess
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June 2015
THANK YOU H ELPFULl partners GENEROUS soponsors
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
see you next year!!
and WONDERFUL
vo lu nteers
YOU ARE the Best!!
2015 Special Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners: Artists Without Lodgings. Aardvark Armadillo Tents Inc., Budget Printing, City of Burnaby, Collingwood Junior BIA, Cassandra Hotel, London Drugs, Partyworks Interactive, RC Aboriginal Canoe Club, RC Multicultural Artist’s Network, RC Community Newspaper, RC Food Security Institute, Rowe Events and Rentals, Sir Guy Carlton School, The UPS Store, Urban Village Church, VIVO Media Arts, Windermere and Killarney Secondary Schools, Windermere Marketing Group and all the many volunteers, artists, performers. and neighbours.
Graphics and Collector Cards Designed by January Wolodarsky. This year’s fish on a bike was designed by Jolene Andrews.