14 minute read
Eating out in RC: Gong Cha Renfrew
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
June 2022 7
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by Emily Tam
2887 East 12th Avenue and Renfrew 604-423-4995 m.facebook.com/gongcharenfrew/ Delivers on UberEats and DoorDash
Gong Cha, the bubble tea chain, originated from Taiwan back in 2006 and has become a globally known chain since then, according to their website. There are many locations across Canada and the Lower Mainland, including one in our very own Renfrew-Collingwood, near the Renfrew SkyTrain station.
Our branch recently acquired a new ice cream machine, and their team was gracious enough to invite several foodies to try out their new flavours. There are four flavours in total: matcha, Earl Grey milk tea, oreo and vanilla – but only two flavours are offered per day.
I got to try matcha and Earl Grey milk tea, both delicious but catered to different palettes. My preference would be the matcha ice cream as it reminded me of a matcha mochi ice cream I’d eat as a child and used to be sold at T&T supermarket. That nostalgic feeling paired with their delicious bubble waffle definitely puts them near the top of my list of bubble tea chains I’d visit again, especially in the summer.
My fellow foodie friends thought the matcha ice cream was quite sweet and preferred the Earl Grey. It had a well-rounded flavour and I would definitely recommend it to all the tea lovers out there.
The brown sugar oolong milk tea is served both hot and cold, both equally tasty depending on how you are feeling in the day. I usually order cold bubble tea in the summer and hot bubble tea in the winter, which can be comparable to ordering steeped tea from Tim Hortons or milk teas at Hong Kong cafes.
Gong Cha chains typically make drinks that are on the sweeter side and I tend to request 30% to 50% sugar instead of their regular sweetness.
The next time I visit Gong Cha Renfrew, I would be interested in trying their flavoured bubble waffles because I only had the original one during this visit.
Find more of Emily’s food reviews on her Instagram page, @hungrygirl_emily.
Original egg wafflewith matcha ice cream combo, original egg waffle with Earl Grey milk tea ice cream combo. Matcha mango, brown sugar pearl oolong milk tea, peach smoothie with milk foam and coconut jelly, original egg waffle with matcha ice cream combo, original egg waffle with Earl Grey milk tea ice cream combo. Photos by Emily Tam
RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX
2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3 Complex Office: 604 257-8388 ext 1 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.
Renfrew
(2929 E. 22nd Ave) Collingwood
(5275 McKinnon St.) Looking for a cool off spot or even just something fun to do? Join us at any of the below parks for an afternoon of wading pools, games and crafts.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
11:30-4:30 11:30-4:30** 11:30-3:30 11:30-3:30
Slocan
* No Wading Pool or Playgrounds—August 1st, 2022 ** Thursdays in July—Renfrew Wading Pool open until 6:00pm for Music in the Park
Bring a blanket or bring your beach chairs to enjoy our summer children’s concert series. Local performers are coming out to our park to share their wonderful talents with us over the month of July. All shows start at 6:00pm on Thursdays. Shows are free and seating is first come first serve (we just ask if you are brining chairs to be aware of people behind you). Too rushed to make dinner? Renfrew Park Youth will be hosting an evening cash only concession stand with pizza, hot-dogs, chips and pop and if all goes well, some cool treats like freezies and ice-cream bars to add to the festive feel. Concession will open at 5:00pm and will close at 6:30pm. The Renfrew Park Community Association is supporting this event, including the additional hours for the wading pool on performance nights. Bring on the sunny weather! (Rainy day plans will posted on our website and facebook page)
July 7th—Children’s Entertainer— Come join a local children’s performer and sing, dance and bop along to all their great music and sounds. Once entertainment has been confirmed we will be updating our Website, Facebook page and you can search for it on the Vancouver Parks Board program registration page, just search for Music in the Park.
July 14th—Will Stroet of Will's Jams is a JUNO-nominated musician, nationally recognized educator and former CBC Kids TV star. His high-energy rock-pop music in English and French is full of witty wordplay and sing-along choruses, inspiring kids to be active, creative, caring and community-minded. July 21st—Meet Penny Pom Pom, a colourful ball of energy who embodies creative confidence and artistic freedom. Her multi-media show for young children is colourful, musical and interactive and focuses on the importance of creativity and self empowerment. Penny Pom Pom is excited by the world and finds inspiration to create art wherever life takes her in the form of song, dance, visual art and more! July 28th— Kung Jaadee— (Roberta Kennedy) is a professional storyteller, educator and published author belonging to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations. She has performed at hundreds of festivals, schools and Aboriginal celebrations across Canada. She is the author of the popular children's books, Raven's Feast and Gifts from Raven (selected as a Local BC Book to Read), as well as curriculum textbooks, Haida Nation: Indigenous Communities in Canada and We Are Home.
I acknowledge that we are on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Nation, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), where we live and work.
Read On! A news section for RenfrewCollingwood learners
CELEBRATING FATHERS
by Sophia Han
Happy Father’s Day, June 19
Father’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the father figures in our lives. These people might be fathers, stepfathers, grandparents, fathers-in-law, uncles, older brothers and family friends.
Being a father often means giving advice. Some examples of “fatherly advice” are “Put your best foot forward” or “A penny saved is a penny earned.” These sayings have been around for hundreds of years and are still used today.
What advice did your father give you when you were growing up?
Father’s Day around the world
In Canada and the United States, the tradition of celebrating fathers in June has been around since the early 1900s, when many families honoured the fathers killed in World War I. However, Father’s Day did not become an official holiday in either country until the 1970s.
In Spain, Italy and other Roman Catholic countries, fathers are celebrated on St. Joseph’s Feast Day in March. Interestingly, Taiwan celebrates Father’s Day in August. This is because the date (the 8th day of the 8th month, or “ba-ba”) sounds like the Mandarin word for “father.”
Canadians celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday, but many families take the opportunity to spend quality time together. Some popular options include brunch, dinner or outdoor activities like hiking or golfing. Whatever the activity, the important thing is to show appreciation for the people who raise us.
Places to enjoy a Father’s Day brunch in RC
Liberte Cafe & Restaurant
3670 Vanness Avenue
Canffle
3581 Kingsway
VOCABULARY
occasion – a special time giving advice – suggesting the best thing to do put your best foot forward – to try your best have been around – use have been around to talk about things that existed in the past and continue to exist growing up – the time you changed from a child to an adult since (date) – use since before a date to talk about when something first started in the past however – use however to contrast two things: “I like studying English. However, studying English is sometimes hard.” either – use either to talk about one of two things interestingly – use interestingly before a fact that is interesting take the opportunity – to use the chance to do something spend quality time – to do activities together in order to have a good relationship whatever (noun) – use whatever before a thing to say that the type of thing does not matter: “Whatever the weather, we will have a good time.”
For Father’s Day brunch, try the ube waffle from Liberte Cafe. Photo by Sophia Han
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Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) HIGHLIGHTS
Joyce Location: 5288 Joyce St. ; Tel: 604-435-0323 / Annex Location: 3690 Vanness Ave. ; Tel: 604-428-9142 / Visit: www.cnh.bc.ca
Registration for Summer Programs Now Open
By Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Children ages 6-12 can look forward to a summer of gymnastics, arts and crafts, and more in our summer programs, starting July 2022! These programs provide a fun and safe learning environment where they can play and beef up their skills and techniques in sports and the arts, while also meeting new friends. To sign up, please call 604-435-0323. Learn more about the programs’ health and safety guidelines by going to our website at cnh.bc.ca.
Gymnastics Summer Camp
Instructor: Lucinda Donaldson Ages 6 to 12 Monday - Friday, 9-4pm July 4-8; 11-15; 18-22; 25-29 August 2-5 (no class on August 1); 8-12; 15-19; 2226 Full day (9am-4pm): $150.00/week; $120 for first week of August Half-day (9am-12pm): $75/week; $60 for first week of August Maximum number of participants: 25
This camp, run by Gym Sense Gymnastics Education, will create an atmosphere of fun and excitement that encourages participants to safely learn new gymnastics skills and techniques. This program will educate, challenge, and entertain young children. Weather permitting, we will go outside to do fun and exciting field trips.
Mixed Media
Instructor: TBA Ages 7 to 12 Monday - Friday, 9:30am-3pm Week 1: August 2-5 Week 2: August 8-12 $120 for Week 1; $150 for Week 2 Maximum number of participants: 12
A fun and messy class of creation, learning, and making new friends. Acrylic painting, watercolour, painting, ink, printmaking, and more art techniques will be involved. The main project will be step-bystep, 3D mixed media creation. Come and have fun while creating masterpieces.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Instructor: Olympia Rhythmic Gymnastics Ages 6 to 12 Monday - Friday, 10am-3pm Week 1: August 2-5 Week 2: August 8-12 $120 for Week 1; $150 for Week 2 Maximum number of participants: 14 Everyone is welcome to immerse into the world of rhythm, graceful motion, and beauty. Camp practices will focus on flexibility and general physical fitness. We will be going outside after lunch to do exciting activities, weather permitting.
Arts and Crafts
Instructor: Julieta Hernandez Ages 6 to 9 Monday - Friday, 9:30am-3pm Week 1: July 4-8 Week 2: July 11-15 $140 full day Maximum number of participants: 12
Children will learn a variety of visual art media, methods and contents in a free-flowing, fun environment where children can discover, experience and share the joy of the creative process. Techniques will include painting, collage, casting, relief and using recycled materials to create forms.
Summer Sports Camp
Instructor: Daniel Petkovic Ages 9 to 12 Monday - Friday, 1-3pm Week 1: August 2-5 (Soccer; no class on August 1) Week 2: August 8-12 (Basketball) Week 3: August 15-19 (Soccer) Week 4: August 22-26 (Basketball) $56.00 for Week 1; $70 for Week 2, 3, and 4 Maximum number of participants: 12 A fun class for anyone who loves to play soccer and basketball. Learn to play the most beautiful game one week and learn how to improve your shooting and handles the next. This class will emphasize basic fundamentals and drills.
Creative Writing
Instructor: Rania Hatzioannou Ages 9-12 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am July 19, 21, 26, and 28 August 9, 11, 16, 18 $48 for four sessions Maximum number of participants: 14
This class is tailored to students who want to explore creative writing. The participants will be encouraged to share in several writing projects including fiction and non-fiction. The aim is to improve writing, grammar, and public speaking skills.
No supplies are provided or shared: students must bring their own pencils, erasers, and sharpener. This class includes homework assignments. Must have an email address and access to internet at home.
February 2022 JUNE 2022 Happy Lunar New Year – 2022 Year of the Tiger
Collingwood BIA Expansion Meeting - Rescheduled
How would you like to see the Collingwood BIA expand to the commercial properties along Joyce Street from Euclid to Chinese Lunar New Year – February 12 Wellington Street? If you are a property owner or business Collingwood will have the return of the lion dancers visit businesses on February 19th between 11:30 am. – 1:30p.m. operator along Joyce Street we invite you to come out to an information evening to learn more about the Collingwood Business Improvement Association and what being a part of the We invite you to join in the parade and celebrating the Year of the BIA will entail. Refreshments and light snacks will be available. Tiger. To register email: angela@shopcollingwood.ca or call To register your business contact Angela at 604.639.4403. anglea@shopcollingwood.ca
Covid – Updates:
Joyce Street Clean Up Party – April 23rd 10am-12pm
Collingwood Days is here again in full force. Our community hasn’t be able to celebrate Collingwood Days at it’s fullest since 2019. Even with the rain we had many families come out on Festival Day at Gaston Park. Between July 15th – 23rd, Collingwood Days will bring activities, workshops, movie nights, and ending with a full day festival at Gaston Park. Look for the ad in this issue. If you’d like to participate as in International Market, Sponsor or Volunteer go to www.collingwooddays.com We are also looking for some Food Trucks to join in as well. Call 604.639.4403.
Covid – Updates:
All businesses must reinstate COVID-19 Safety Plans. B.C. employers will once again be required to perform an assessment and address protective controls for their workplaces in their Plans, and can include: • permitting workers to work remotely or from home, if possible, • facilitating workers to stay at home when they are feeling ill, • placement of physical barriers between workers, when possible, • return to zone-based access to worksites, • reducing crowding and mixing among workers in the workplace, • cleaning and hand washing procedures • requiring face masks when in all common areas. WorkSafe BC has updated its Safety Plan Planning Tool. Covid protocols and Provincial Health Orders are continuing to change, and we encourage you to follow the news and go to the website frequently www.2.gov.bc.ca
Love your City – Vancouver
The City of Vancouver has 22 BIAs representing diverse commercial areas. For the month of February, the Vancouver BIA Partnership will be showcasing the treasures in our beautiful city. Check out on social media: #loveyourcity for information on contests and giveaways throughout the city. Visit the Clock Tower at the Mel Tobias Plaza (Joyce and Kingsway) for a photo op with the many hearts. Tell us what you love most about the City.
Collingwood Micro Improvement Grants – Deadline March 4, 2022
The Covid Micro Grants helped over 20 businesses earlier this year and the CBIA is extending the program. Grants up to $1,000 are available to businesses to make improvements to their exterior and interior. For more information email info@shopcollingwood.ca or clink on link to the application: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds: US:d0ebd86d-ec97-4de1-9a77-31554f422a63
Shop Collingwood! It’s good for Business!
Coming Events Coming Events
February 1 June 14 Chinese Lunar New Year BIA Expansion Meeting February 2 6:00 – 8:00p.m. @ Collingwood Ground Hog Day Neighbourhood House February 12 June 19 Chinese New Year Lion Dance Father’s Day 11a.m. – 1p.m. Juneteenth February 14 June 21 Valentine’s Day Summer Solstice February 21 Aboriginal Day Family Day
2022 How to Reach Us:
How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood Office: #300 – 3665 Kingsway, Office: Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 #300 – 3665 Kingsway, T: 604.639.4403 Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2 E: info@shopcollingwood.ca T: 604.639.4403 E: info@shopcollingwood.caW: shopcollingwood.ca W: shopcollingwood.ca
