March 2013
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Albert Battistoni Celebration of Life A Celebration of Life for Albert Battistoni was filled with laughter, tears and many, many puns.
Photos: Stephanie Lim
clever word play in the puns he continually told everybody. He even quoted a few: You can tune a guitar but you can’t tuna fish.” And “Two peanuts walked into a bar and one was a salted.”
Albert, one of Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s (CNH) longest-serving volunteers and Michael McLenaghen, CNH director of community services, a fixture in CNH’s lobby, died recalled how Albert would watch earlier this year. He was 89. for children who were attempting to escape by running down the “He chose to be in this place hall or out the front door. and with these people to share all of his contributions, humour “Albert reminded me of a cross and loving nature and this between a hawk and a border feels like a blessing,” former collie. He would see and notice CNH executive director and everything and he had great current community strategist herding instincts as he guided for Renfrew-Collingwood children back to their caregiver.” Intercultural Development Paula Carr said. She added she Albert, whose family emigrated felt deep gratitude for having had Albert in her life and in the to Canada from Italy and then opened and ran Venice Bakery, lives of those who work at, or grew up in Vancouver. Among are involved with, CNH. the 125 people present at the celebration were a group of his Albert arrived at CNH in the early 1990s, to join the Seniors’ peers who grew up on or around Prior Street. Wellness Group. He soon started volunteering around Attendees admired Albert’s CNH, then located in a small volunteer awards, on display at storefront on Kingsway. Over the celebration. They included the years, Albert volunteered in increasing amounts until he CNH volunteer certificates for every year since 1993, the 2004 eventually spent part of every day, seven days at week at CNH. Association of Neighbourhood Houses Good Neighbour Award and the 2010 United Way Former CNH president Bill W.J. VanDusen Community McMichael, who served as Service Award for remarkable master of ceremonies for commitment and dedication to the celebration and even volunteerism. played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, noted Albert’s
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Women’s rights and their safety EYE CARE CENTRE
Today, I am very grateful that my
wife and I live in the general area of Collingwood. By living in this neighbourhood, my wife and her girlfriends are able to walk their dogs in the many desirable areas of parks and recreational centres without being in danger of being assaulted or raped. My daughter works in the downtown Vancouver area and often has an afternoon shift or night shift. She takes public transport and returns to her home in Pitt Meadows. I can go to bed at night not fearing that I’m going to get a phone call from her husband that she has been admitted to a hospital after being assaulted or raped. My nieces throughout Canada have the same protection and peace of mind by the rules of law that govern all of us in Canada. Of course, it’s not a perfect society and our jails are full of people, both men and women, that think they’re above the law. Nevertheless, these people are a
by Robert F. Edwards
minority and they do not run free in a destructive nature.
I take this stand totally alone and it is not either the editor or the paper that may share these views; they are strictly mine. I am so committed to women’s rights as equals in any community in the global world that I am speaking out now of this hideous violation of a woman’s body.
I’m now going to refer to the horrific crime of rape of a 23-year-old woman by a gang of unthinkable diabolical men who continually raped her and finally threw her body and her companions out to die on the street. The world knows of this crime but there are the many other crimes of rape against women that go unmentioned. Another case was a young woman who committed suicide after the police accused her of provoking such an unthinkable act. Another young woman is now finally recovering from head wounds after she received a gunshot wound to the head for speaking out against the Taliban’s harsh rules against women. These crimes against women are against the very thing that we fight for, day in and day out, and that is to become more of the civilized species. Returning to the cases of the rape of women, there is no man on earth that is more despicable than these perverted men who violate the very passage of a woman that they were conceived from.
My feelings are if these men anywhere in the world, including Canada, have done this hideous violation of a woman’s body and are found guilty, they should be totally castrated in every sense of the term. My rationale is that if a woman was attacked and raped by this low form of humankind; that this man should be able to look at his body and see the same reminders that the woman has to face every day for the rest of her life. To the readers, I appreciate the time that you have taken to read my thoughts of being in a safe place with my family, better known as our neighbourhood Collingwood. Editor’s note: Robert F. Edwards kindly gave us permission to print this article for the March issue to commemorate the annual International Women’s Day on March 8.
Edwards receives medal
Robert F. Edwards started 2013 by following up on one of his New Year’s resolutions, that is, to sponsor another child in Cambodia through World Vision. “I’ve been blessed by adding another Cambodian child to my village of World Vision and her name is Keo, she is in grade 6 and is 13 years old. To me it’s important to share my good fortune and be blessed by living in Canada to give to others, especially children, a chance for a better life,” he says.
Then on January 27, Robert F. Edwards received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal recognized his dedication in eradicating poverty, injustice and oppression as an active volunteer with World Vision and as a Canadian that makes a real and lasting change in the lives of others. He is pictured here in centre with two other medal recipients, Dave Toycen, president of World Vision, and Hazel McCallion, mayor of Mississauga, now serving her eleventh term on office.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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March 2013
Changes to park board model under fire As you have likely heard by now, the Vancouver park board is trying to replace the Joint Operating Agreement that has been in place for the past 40 years with a new agreement. The park board states that this updated operating model will “more fairly reflect the needs of our neighbourhoods across the city.” The new proposal has generated a remarkable opposition, outraging many community centre board members and residents alike. How does our local Renfrew Park Community Association (RPCA) feel about this new model that the park board is trying to introduce? According to RPCA president Hazel Hollingdale, the answer is, “Nervous.” The park board says that the decision making will still lie in the hands of the associations, but there is the fear that the associations will become advisory rather than collaborative – and severely limited in implementing programs as they have in the past and would have no direct say in how resources are spent in our community to meet our unique needs.. Not only is our local RPCA not for the new proposal, they are not impressed with the way that the park board has gone about trying to implement it.
Firstly, the info that the park board provided in their charts on February 6 was incorrect. In Renfrew Park’s case, the park board information reported that they had contributed $50,000 to park board projects. Renfrew Park’s records, however, show that the actual number is closer to $600,000!, a discrepancy the park board has since owned up to. Secondly, far from being democratic, the way in which the new proposal was presented was downright intimidating. Park board representatives went around to all of the associations with a Powerpoint presentation showing the way that it was going to be. It was nonnegotiable, and the groups were told that if they didn’t accept the new model that they could be replaced! “We have board members who have been with us for close to 30 years. The networks and relationships that would be dismantled by appointing a new board without those community ties would be devastating to how our entire community operates.” As for the proposal itself, to have decisions for local programming centralized makes no sense in the eyes of most. “There will be a huge impact on communities, no doubt, as their voices will no longer be heard. With the current system, residents
by Paul Reid
come to meetings and let the board know what types of programming they would like and how they would like to see money spent in the community. A new system that tries to work on remote control from city hall will have know idea with what is going on with our community.” In addition to the centre’s programming, the RPCA is intertwined with the community, constantly collaborating with local residents, groups and organizations like Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Windermere high school, Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute and the Renfrew Collingwood Seniors groups. These are relationships that the park board knows nothing about, since they are all unique to this community – relationships that could be in trouble under a new proposal to centralize. “The change has been dressed up to look appealing, using issues such as equality, equity and efficiency. The truth is that the community centre associations (CCAs) approached the park board with the goal of finding ways to ensure equality, equity and efficiency, and these goals are possible to attain while preserving the structure of the current collaborative model. Hazel points out that the park board currently has the ability to redistribute funds to less well-funded centres since they already control some of the funds. Renfrew, and the majority of other community centres have programs, which ensure equal access to low-income citizens, and all associations have agreed in principal to find a system that will ensure universal access. By and large, opponents are seeing the arguments by the park board for this new system as simply a “money/power grab.” Another hole that people are finding in the new proposal is the future state of fundraising. Would residents be at all motivated or passionate about raising funds for a playground across town, as opposed to in their own community? This would be the new reality, one that might see fundraising efforts plunge. Furthermore, each CCA would be ineligible to apply for about 70 percent of the provincial and federal grants that they currently access. In the past ten
years, the RPCA alone has raised over two million dollars in grants, and it is estimated that throughout Vancouver, association-led grants generate more than two million dollars a year, so a 70% drop here would be severe, and would inevitably impact the quality and quantity of arts, cultural, and recreational programming. “If you want the perfect analogy of this whole issue,” says Hazel, “it’s this: Recently, the park board decided to centralize Renfrew’s air conditioning controls and they are now operated off-site– again, for reasons of efficiency. So now, when our community members complain about being either too hot or cold, we need to phone down to city hall and tell them to adjust the air conditioning. Of course, the person on the other end, completely out of touch with our situation, has no idea of the temperature, so we need to keep phoning them to let them know. It’s hard to imagine how the centralization of money and decision making will be any more effective.” Very efficient indeed! Hazel adds that the RPCA is not a part of the large media campaign that is being funded by five associations in Vancouver (that has been critiqued by Vision). “We have taken the grassroots route so far …hopefully fighting the good fight will pay off.” Twelve associations, including RPCA, are currently involved in a negotiation process with park board staff to shape a new operating agreement. Because no meaningful public consultation has happened around this issue, it is imperative that Commissioners and Councillors hear from our community members, to let them know their concerns. We ask that our community members let them know that they support the associations’ position during negotiations, and that they would like continue with a model that ensures direct community decision making and allocation of resources.” You can email your concerns to: PBcommissioners@vancouver.ca mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca Hazel encourages anyone who has questions to contact her directly at hazelhollingdale@gmail.com and to visit www.vancouvercommunitycentreassociations. ca
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
March is Nutrition Month
Best Food Forward: Plan, Shop, Cook, Enjoy! 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: Akberet S. Beyene, Melissa Chungfat, Robert F. Edwards, Soren Elsay, Joyce Gao, Beth Grayer, Rob Howatson, Cassandra Ly, Heather McCracken, Ashok Rattan, Paul Reid, Kathy Romses, Destyni Stevenson, Ivy Wang, Jie Zheng
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: Mar. 10 The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).
Yo u C a n F i n d t h e RC Community News @ Libraries, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, The Italian Cultural Centre, Collingwood Policing Office, other organizations, religious institutions, schools, laundromats, Starbucks, Rona, Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart, London Drugs and Safeway coffee shops, restaurants, markets, corner stores, other businesses, and coffee tables all over Renfrew-Collingwood.
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
by Destyni Stevenson and Jie Zheng, UBC Dietetic students, with Kathy Romses, Registered Dietitian, Evergreen Community Health Centre Nutrition Month is a time to celebrate and learn about healthy eating. Every March, dietitians across the country use this time to remind Canadians of the many benefits of eating nutritious foods for their health and well-being. The Nutrition Month theme this year is “Best Food Forward: Plan, Shop, Cook, Enjoy!” to help Canadians make grocery shopping easy and healthy. PLAN l
Plan your meals for the week!
Planning your meals ahead of time can help you make healthy food choices and save time and money in the grocery store. Try making a routine of doing this at the start of each week and get your family involved, especially if you have picky eaters. This is an opportunity to teach your children about healthy foods and meal planning. Aim for meals that include foods from each of the four food groups. As your children get older, you can ask them to take bigger roles in planning meals and cooking.
SHOP
ENJOY
You have a shopping list: now stick to it!
Feel good about planning and cooking meals for yourself and your family. Enjoy sharing food and family time together at the table.
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Stay focused on your shopping list when at the grocery store. This will not only save you money, but will also prevent you from making unplanned choices that may be more expensive or less healthy. Grab a snack before leaving home because shopping when you are hungry can make you buy more than you need. General rule of thumb: shop the outside aisles or perimeter of the grocery store.
Salmon à la West Coast
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Spend more of your time shopping the outside aisles of the store where there are fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy and meat products. When shopping for groceries in the centre aisles, check and compare the nutrition label and ingredient list on food products to help make healthier choices. You may want to choose foods that are lower fat, lower sodium, lower sugar and higher fibre. Try to limit foods that have added fat, sugar or salt.
Look in your kitchen to see what you already have, check grocery store flyers for specials and then make a shopping list.
COOK l
Traditional Japanese Food Udon, Sashimi, Maki Sushi, Bento Box and Donburi Lunch specials under $9.00 Dinner specials under $12.00 Serving the Renfrew-Collingwood Community for over 20 years
Take Out Menu
Tel: 604-433-1303 Open 6 days a week (Closed Mondays)
11:30-2:30 and 5:00-9:00
Enjoy this delicious recipe that can be prepared in about 30 minutes. Choose Ocean Wise or Sea Choice fish to help support responsible fishing and farming practices.
Free Parking
Keep it simple
Meals can be simple. When pressed for time, buy bagged salads, prechopped vegetables or roasted chicken. You can also cook a big batch of food and freeze extras for later. Hint: trade meals with friends for more variety. Plan to use leftovers, e.g., extra roast chicken can be used in soup, pasta, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas or pizzas.
Preheat barbecue grill to medium. 6 Pieces salmon filet (about 750 g/1.5 lbs) ¼ cup Light mayonnaise 60 ml ¼ cup Dijon mustard 60 ml 1Tbsp Lightly packed brown sugar 15 ml 1. Place salmon fillets, skin side down on a large piece of foil. Fold foil to form a lip around the edges. 2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard. Spread evenly over fillets. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. 3. Place foil on preheated grill, close lid and grill for 10-12 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Note: This can also be cooked in the oven using the broiler. Source: ©Cook! Dietitians of Canada.2011. Published by Robert Rose Inc., page 236, Debbie Houle, Dietitian, BC Celebrate Nutrition Month this March by putting your “Best Food Forward.” For more information about Nutrition Month, visit www.dietitians.ca/ nutritionmonth. You can download the eaTipster app for free at www. eatipster.com and get a new grocery shopping tip delivered every day in March. Take a virtual grocery store tour with the Shopping Sense tool on the www. healthyfamiliesbc.ca website. You will learn how to make quick, healthy and affordable food choices when you grocery shop.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Between the lines by Paul Reid As promised folks, I have delved into the Vancouver Archives, both online and off, to bring you the following glimpse into our community’s glorious past. It’s December 10, 1924, and the Vancouver Vagabond’s Club is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary. The Vagabonds Club, remember, was started by Collingwood’s very own John Francis Bursill, who was a well known writer at the time. The Club was a typical Gentleman’s Club, for men only. Wikipedia teaches us that a gentleman’s club is a members-only private club of a type originally set up by and for British upper class men in the 18th century, and popularised by English upper-middle class men and women in the late 19th century and early 20th century. We know that our Vagabonds (Vags) would exchange poetry and other writings, many of which are still in the Vancouver Archives. So, it’s 1924, and as pictured above, the Vags have come together to celebrate (wives too) at Spencers Restaurant. What a wonderful shot, a beautiful momento from that night, taken by Stuart Thomson (Vag Thomson?) and courtesy of the Vancouver Archives, online. I actually located the poem, left, first, before I came across the picture. It had been typed out, old school, on a yellowing, frail peice of paper - nearly 90 years old, along with hundreds of others down at the Archives. The poem is related to the picture, in that it was written especially to be read out at this lavish affair this night. Since they belong together, I am glad that I could stumble upon them both to be able to put one and one together.
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March 2013
Photo by: Stuart Thomson ODE TO THE VAGS DINNER Held in Spencers Restaurant December 1924 Some bunch! Some gang! So you are the Vags? With your chairs drawn up, in your glad rags. An aggregation I wouldn’t miss; Vags sitting down to a feed like this. Kidding yourselves you’re dyed in the wool. Kidding yourselves as you play the fool. Wher’ve you been? Say, what’s your claim To our Fraternity’s honoured name? Never hit the ties nor rode a rod, Nor ditched at conductor’s surly nod. You! Vags? Look at your china and silver plate. Everything right bang up-to-date. An’ you claim friendship with such as we, Knights of the Open, footloose and free? Straight pan-handlers from door to door, Bumming some -- and swiping more. You – Vags?! Shades of the boys that hit the grit; Leather of lung and hard of mitt. Box car Jimmy, Overland Red. Spike Mc Murdo and Two thumb Fred. Seats of our pants for a serviette, Fingers for forks, we use ‘em yet. YOU, VAGS?!
Come over here in a first class car. Foot on the rail of the smoke room bar. Please send your writings to: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca Feed in the diner – dinner at eight. Side door pulman, me and my mate. Robbing a roost at the side of the track. Dodging a cop, or hitting back. Judging by you and your • Hands on Learning Disabilities Support towney looks, • Qualified Tutors There ain’t a one of you uses his • Parent Support dukes. • Peer-to-Peer Learning A bunch like you, with claims on Times: Monday - Thursday 4pm-6pm we, Cost: $30/hour. Minimum 8 hours per month. God forgive me! I hate to see. Location: 3292 East Broadway (@Rupert skytrain station) Hobo and Vag, they sound darn good; Call to register today But you, you’ve dragged our ph: 604.873.8139 name in the mud. e-mail: info@ldav.ca YOU……….VAGS???? web: www.ldav.ca
Arbutus Rotary Homework Club
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Hanging up the whistle: Ron Brandolini retires from coaching after nearly four decades by Soren Elsay After 39 years of coaching volleyball, Ron Brandolini is finally stepping down. The Grenfell Elementary school teacher, who has enjoyed much success as coach, including winning the city championship two of the last three years with the grade seven girls, says that there were a number of reasons why he started all those years back, but most importantly it was the opportunity to better connect with his students. “I think it gives you a kind of way of communicating with the students,” says Mr. B, as he is affectionately called by his students. “I think it brings both teachers and students closer and provides a nice way of working together.” For the students, the opportunity to play organized sports through
the school allows them a positive release from the stress of school. “[Playing] is a nice way for students to relax and destress, as well it gives students who may not always [excel] academically a chance to build some selfesteem,” says Brandolini. “And generally it is Ron Brandolini, far left, with his champion team from 2010. just a lot of fun.” “For a number of years, we used Throughout his nearly four decades to take the volleyball teams up to of coaching, Brandolini has developed Kamloops for a weekend exchange,” countless fond memories, one of the explains Brandolini. “We would take most memorable being weekend trips the girls and the boys teams and join to Kamloops. up with a couple of other elementary schools from the city on the bus and head up to Kamloops where [the students] would be billeted out. We would leave Friday, play all day Saturday and then return on Sunday. Then the following week, the Kamloops schools would come here and do the same thing.” Parent Bryden Fergusson has had two daughters play on Mr. Brandolini’s teams. “I am very appreciative of Mr B’s time and dedication,” says Fergusson. “He has the ability to take talented but raw athletes from a small eastside school and consistently make them top teams. Many of these players come from families that don’t have the financial means to provide their kids with top level coaching and sports development, or the ability and time to provide their kids the opportunity to play on teams outside of school.”
“You would think winning would be the number-one priority with this kind of success, but it is not,” Fergusson notes. “He often coaches two teams in league play, splitting off an A team at playoff time, with the result being all the players are part of the success.” “Winning is not the goal, but the result of his excellent coaching. He teaches great fundamentals in a short time: bump, set, spike, serving, serve reception.” Although he is stepping down as coach, Brandolini will continue to be involved in teaching the sport of volleyball. In addition to assisting his younger coaching successors when needed, Brandolini has been asked by BC Sports and Fitness to be part of a group of respected teachers and coaches that are in the process of writing up manuals for various sports, as well as put on clinics for future volleyball players and coaches. “I think what I [will] do in the future is actually offer [volleyball] workshops for schools, and go over to that particular school and teach whatever information that they would like,” explains Brandolini. While Ron Brandolini’s long and illustrious coaching tenure comes to a close, he will continue to combine his passion of volleyball and teaching for the benefit of many youngsters for years to come. Soren Elsay is a Langara student and aspiring journalist.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Voting is as simple as A-B-C! Voting, especially for the first time, can be an intimidating task. That is what motivated four RenfrewCollingwood youth to launch a campaign to increase voter turnout, particularly among new voters, for the provincial election in May. Cassandra Ly, Abigail Peleaz, Emily Chan and Tesicca Truong are leading an effort to help demystify the voting process and even make it fun.
throughout their lives. Chan adds that while it can sometimes feel like we don’t have a collective voice, voting is one of many venues to exercise our democracy. They’re hoping that community members will vote for an MLA that they trust will represent their own values and principles.
Jennifer Gray-Grant, executive director of Collingwood They are focused on the Vancouver- Neighbourhood House, fully Kingsway riding, which includes supports this youth initiative. most of Renfrew-Collingwood, “I’m so impressed with this but they are happy to share this amazing group of youth, all information with all voters. of whom are first-time voters themselves. They’re reaching Their goal is to raise the voter out to those who want to vote participation rate in Vancouverbut may feel overwhelmed, Kingsway by 1% over the rate in the confused or shy. They also want riding during the last provincial to help immigrants who are also election. During the last provincial voting for the first time and may election in 2009, 40.5 % of eligible be facing language barriers in voters in the riding actually voted. accessing information about the The group hopes to increase candidates and about the voting turnout to at least 41.5%. process in BC.” A first-time voter herself, Peleaz hopes to encourage other new In BC there are only three voters to make voting an essential requirements for voting. You part of their involvement in society must be a Canadian citizen, 18
Celebrating Black History Month and Literacy Left: Siobhan Barker, who works in several programs at CNH, contributed to a justreleased book, The Great Black North. She was present at the launch of Black History Month at Vancouver city council.
Right: Families Branching Out at Collingwood Neighbourhood House celebrated National Literacy Day on January 28, 2013 with a reading from professional storyteller Siobhan Barker, author of Mama Says: Put a Hat On! and a visit from local Constable Heather Brown and Chip the police mascot. Families were entertained with stories enhancing learning about community, cultural awareness and the importance of many forms of literacy.
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March 2013
years of age or older and a resident of BC for at least six months before voting day on May 14, 2013. Voting is as simple as A-B-C A) Register! It is important to register because it allows Elections BC to add you to the system and to send your voting card prior to Voting Day. You can register online at Elections BC (http://www.elections.bc.ca/index.php/ voting/voter-registration/), over the phone (1-800-661-8683) or by filling out an application form and sending it back to Elections BC by mail or fax. Application forms are available at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) and Renfrew Park Community Centre. Elections BC will also register people on site at CNH on Wednesday, March 13 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm and on Saturday, March 16 from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm. Register by April 15, 2013 to ensure a streamlined voting experience. There is information in different languages about registering to vote and voting at http://www.elections.bc.ca/index.php/ voting/translated-information/ B) Discover! Learn more about the candidates running in your riding and their parties’ respective platforms! Attend an all-candidates meeting to hear them speak and ask them questions. (Dates of all candidates meetings in Vancouver-Kingsway have not yet been confirmed.) The most updated information on candidates will be available on the Elections BC website (http://www.elections.bc.ca). C) Vote! Mark your calendars: Tuesday, May 14 is election day in BC! If you have registered, just bring your voting card that you received in the mail. It will tell you where you can vote. If you missed the registration and don’t have a voting card, you must bring identification with your address on it. Cassandra Ly believes that voting is only the first step to becoming an engaged citizen. She hopes that this initiative will encourage community members to learn more about the political process and ensure that it continues to be inclusive of all diverse voices. If you are interested in getting more information or getting involved in this initiative, email vancouverkingswayvotes@gmail.com.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
5288 Joyce Street at Euclid Phone: 604-435-0323 We are closed on Mar 29, Good Friday Sundays, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Badminton 19+, 10:15 am - 12:15 pm Wushu Ages 6 -17, 5:00 - 6:30 pm Mondays, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 Seniors’ Yoga Drop-in, 9:30 - 10:30 am Seniors’ T’ai Chi (24 Form), 10:45 - 11:45 am Zumba, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Seniors’ Wellness Group, 1:00 - 3:00 pm (A variety of activities and trips. Times vary. Pick-up schedule at reception.) Children Volleyball, 4:00 - 5:30 pm Jazzercise, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Volleyball, 8:15 - 10:00 pm Tuesdays, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 Parent & Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 am Jazzercise, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Hatha Yoga, 6:45 - 8:15 pm Zumba, 7:15 - 8:15 pm Pre-Ballet and Creative Dance, 2:50 - 3:35 pm (Ages 2 1/2 -3 1/2) 3:40 - 4:25 pm (Ages 3 - 5) 4:30 - 5:30 pm (Ages 6 - 8) ZumbAtonic, 3:45 - 4:30 pm (Ages 4 - 7) 4:45 - 5:30 pm (Ages 8 - 12) Children Gymnastics, 4:15 - 5:15 pm (Ages 5 -7) 5:15 - 6:45 pm (Ages 7 - 10) Children Soccer (Ages 9 - 12), 5:30 - 6:30 pm Wednesdays, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 Chinese Classical Dance, 9:30 - 11:00 am (Adults & Seniors) Seniors’ Strength & Stretch , 11:00 am - 12:00 noon 32 Form T’ai Chi Sword, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm (Session 1) Zumba, 12:05 - 1:05 pm 32 Form T’ai Chi Sword, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (Session 2) Seniors’ Gentle Chair Yoga, 1:00 - 2:00 pm Floor Hockey, 3:45 - 4:45 pm Basketball, 4:50 - 5:50 pm (Ages 9 - 12) Jazzercise, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Zumba, 7:15 - 8:15 pm Badminton, 8:30 - 10:15 pm Children Gymnastics, 5:00 - 7:00 pm (Ages 11+) Thursdays, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28 Seniors’ Yoga Drop in, 9:30 - 10:30 am Parents and Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 am Seniors’ Coffee, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon Jazzercise, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Children Soccer, 3:45 - 4:45 pm (Ages 6 - 8) Chinese Classical Dance for Children, 4:30 - 5:30 pm Hatha Yoga, 6:45 - 8:15 pm Drop-in Badminton (Adult), 6:45 - 8:30 pm Drop-in Soccer (Adult), 8:30 - 10:00 pm Fridays, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 Seniors’ T’ai Chi (24 Form), 9:30 - 10:30 am Seniors’ T’ai Chi (48 Form), 10:45 - 11:45 am Seniors’ Strength and Stretch, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Chinese Classical Dance (Adults & Seniors) 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm Zumba Gold, 12:40 - 1:40 pm Jazzercise, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Zumba Toning, 9:15 - 10:15 am Saturdays, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Jazzercise, 10:00 - 11:00 am Spanish with Fun (Ages 3 - 5), 10:00 am - 11:30 pm Zumba, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Spanish with Fun (Ages 9 - 11), 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Piano Class, 12:30 - 1:15 pm (Ages 8 - 9) 10:30 - 11:15 am & 11:30 - 12:15 pm (Ages 5 - 7) Fun with Math, 10:30 - 11:30 am & 11:30 - 12:30 pm Guitar Class for Pre-Teen, 10:45 am - 12:45 pm Children Gymnastics, 9:15 - 10:15 am (Ages 5 - 7) 10:15 - 11:45 am (Ages 7 - 10, intermediate and beginners) Senior Drop-in Badminton, 2:30 - 4:15 pm
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Lots going on with the Reflecting Still Creek project
• Art in the Ravine. Ephemeral/ transitory art with natural materials with Social Studies 10 and Athena Arts students in Shannon Leddy’s class at Windermere high school. We are working from the inspiration of natural materials and artists like Andy Goldworthy and Aboriginal arts traditions. Artists Jolene Andrew and Carmen Rosen continue working with the students through February and March 2013. The resulting transitory work will be documented in photographs that will become part of a permanent installation of photos and text mounted on boulders along the trail on the east side of the ravine. • East Van Moon Jam Thursday Nights at Slocan Park Fieldhouse 7-10 pm. Opening night on February 7th was a big success. Come and check
Photo: Stephanie Lim
• The Twilight Crow Bike Ride on February 2nd with bird and bike enthusiast Red Sara was a great success. Between 150 and 200 riders followed the crows along Still Creek to where they roost on the banks of the creek in Burnaby.
Opening night of the East Van Moon Jam on February 7th was a hit. Photo by Suzo Hickey out live music in your own neighbourhood. The last Thursday of the month is the visual-arts focused Artsicle night. • Renfrew Ravine and Renfrew Park Master Plan open house. Monday, March 4th, 6-8 pm, come to Renfrew Park Community Centre and make comments. Make sure the long-term plans for the Renfrew Ravine and Renfrew Park are in line with how you see our ravine and parks in the next 20 years.
• Join us at the Spring Equinox Labyrinth walk, with live music, Wednesday, March 20th, 4-6pm. • Ravine native plantings and water quality testing with Evergreen on Sunday, March 31st from 10 am to noon. Afterwards have tea and treats at Art House in the Field (Slocan Field House) at 12 noon. For more information and timely updates, visit www.stillmoon.org.
AMSSA’s 9th annual Vancouver Diversity Health FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fair focuses on chronic disease prevention AMSSAÕS 9TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER March 9, 2013 at the Croatian Cultural CentreFAIR FOCUSES ON DIVERSITY HEALTH The Vancouver Diversity Health Fair is celebrating its ninth year and is the largest multicultural health fair in Canada. It is free of charge and features wellness activities for the whole family. Presented in dozens of languages, the Vancouver Diversity Health Fair welcomes individuals and families from many different ethno-cultural communities. This year, the fair’s theme is Chronic Disease Prevention. “Approximately half of all Canadians are living with at least one chronic health condition, and more than one in four Canadians report having two or more chronic conditions,” according to the Health Council of Canada (May 2012).
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION
Highlights of the 2013 Vancouver Diversity Health Fair include: February 12, 2013: (Vancouver, BC) - The 9th
Annual Vancouver Diversity Health Fair is coming to the Croatian Cultural Centre on March 9th,
• 50+ health2013. and wellness exhibitors This event, the largest multicultural health fair in Canada, is free of charge and features • Free onsitewellness health screenings with Vancouver activities for the whole Coastal family. Health, The Diversity Health Fair is organized including blood pressure, BMI/waist circumference, CanRisk by AMSSA (Affiliation of Multicultural assessment,Guests physicaltotherapist, ask a Nurse/Dietician, fitness Societies and Services Agencies of the Fair can take advantage of free health screenings (blood pressure, BMI/waist testing and HIV/AIDS screening BC), which consists of more than 80testing, circumference, CanRisk assessment, physical therapist, ask a Nurse/Dietician, Þtness • Healthy cooking demonstrations from local chefs including member agencies providing immigrant STOP HIV AIDS screening). Over 50 health and wellness exhibitors will be offering healthy settlement and multicultural services Vikram Baja of Ace Curries To Go, Chef Victor Bongo (Super advice resources. The themeCoastal of this yearÕs event is Chronic Disease Prevention. in over 25 communities throughout BC. Chefs of theliving Universe) andand Gerry Kasten of Vancouver They provide leadership in advocacy Health and education for anti-racism, chefs, including Victor Bongo,Estilo bring their demonstrations to the Healthyhuman Cooking • InteractiveLocal performances featuringChef Zumba Vancouver, rights and social justice, supporting Stage. Zumba Vancouver, Estilo Cubano and other multicultural performers will have guests on Cubano, Move It! Joe Ink and Drumming with Red Fox Society its members in serving immigrants, their feet withZone interactive entertainment. The Healthy Families Activity Zone offers energizing • Healthy Family Activity with More Sports, Gymnastics BC, refugees and culturally diverse activities from Gymnastics BC, More Parks Sports, Vancouver Parks and Recreation Golf BC, Participaction: Bring Back Play, Vancouver andParticipaction, communities. Recreation and WestCoast Families. New to the Fair this year is the Food Truck Cafe, including Guanaco
Food Truck, Soho Road Naan Kebab! The Þrst 1000 guests will receive a tote bag Þlled with
New this year is the Food Cafe with Guanaco Food Truck, healthy livingTruck gifts from some fantastic sponsors! Soho Road Naan Kebab and music by RJ1200.
The Diversity Health Fair runs from 10AM - 3PM. Media and guests are invited to the opening
Bilingual volunteers will be site to assist guests in several ceremonies at on 9:30AM. Onsite bilingual volunteers will be assisting guests in several languages, languages including Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi, including Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi, Tagalog, Korean and more. Tagalog and Korean.
In 2012 the Vancouver Diversity Health Fair welcomed over 3500 guests.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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March 2013
Vancouver’s Friend 2 Friend Play Centre receives the Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation Grant Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society is the proud recipient of the 2012 Family Services grant from the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, Inc. in support of our new play centre located in East Vancouver.
emotional regulation and imaginative play, which are the cornerstones to healthy development and lifelong relationships.
Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society was founded in 2002 by Heather “We are honoured to be the only B.C. McCracken, a parent of three, including organization to receive a family services a son who has autism. The non-profit grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation organization provides innovative for Autism,” said Heather McCracken, the social, communication, peer play and founder and executive director of Friend 2 friendship programs to children on Friend Social Learning Society. “We are a the autism spectrum and with related non-government-funded, nonprofit charity. needs throughout B.C., Canada, the The support of organizations like the Doug United States and internationally. Friend Flutie Foundation makes it possible for 2 Friend works primarily in schools us to provide state-of-the-art services to throughout the Lower Mainland and children with autism and their families at a has provided programs and services to fraction of the actual cost, ensuring that all more than 150,000 children and 30,000 children with autism can access high-quality, adults. research-based programs.” Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society The Friend 2 Friend Play Centre opened school-based programs are for children in September 2012 and offers a safe haven ages 3 to 18; the centre-based programs where marginalized children with autism focus on children ages 3 through 11. F2F and other types of special needs can come to also offers parent information sessions play and make friends under the guidance of as well as training for parents and highly trained professionals. professionals at the centre. The centre is the first of its kind to feature the award-winning Integrated Play Groups, SCERTS and F2F models. These models help children improve social communication,
For more information visit www. friend2friendsociety.org, email friend2friend@shaw.ca or follow on Twitter @F2FHeather, @F2FPlayCentre.
The F2F team in front of the play house at the centre. From left to right (in front of house) Monique, Sasha (Expert Player), Tanya, Heather, Joanne, Katie, (In house) Michelle, Janet, Alison.
Community partners present wellness fair to promote healthy aging
bonded, insured, & first-aid trained
reasonable rates
The event runs from March 12 to 14 and are held at Shannon Oaks located at 2526 Waverley Avenue, in East Vancouver’s Killarney neighbourhood.
“Research shows ones mindset about aging is an important determinant for overall health,” says Danny Birch, managing partner of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. “Instead of merely coping with age, we need to celebrate it.”
Wellness Fair – March 13
MISS DAISY
safe & reliable personal assistance & companionship for seniors & persons with special needs
Shannon Oaks, an independent-living retirement home, in partnership with Nurse Next Door and Langara College, hosts a three-day event helping seniors celebrating aging.
March 12 - 2:00-4:00 pm: Screening of the documentary: Age of Champions followed by tea March 13 - 10:00 am-4:00 pm: Celebrating Aging Wellness Fair March 14 - 2:00-4:00 pm: Screening of the documentary: Age of Champions followed by tea
DRIVING
www.drivingmissdaisy.net david@drivingmissdaisy.net
CALL DAVID AT 778.882.4065
It is important to maintain our mental health as we age. Hygenix, Arthritis Society, Alzheimer’s Society, Hear at Home, Holihealth, Driving Miss Daisy and the Diabetes Association. Speakers throughout the day will include Judy Bourne, Alzheimer’s Society of BC, and Maureen McGrath, nurse continence advisor and host of CKNW Sunday Night Sex Show. They will be speaking at the following times:
10:30-11:30 am: Judy Bourne “Having a Healthy The Celebrating Aging Wellness Fair held on March 13 Brain” features over 15 booths made up of local senior service providers and health care advocates focusing on healthy 2:00-3:00 pm: Maureen McGrath “In Depends or aging, including Nurse Next Door, Pacific Pharmacy, Dental Independence”
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
March 2013
Helping seniors live well in Renfrew-Collingwood
The Seniors Connection Traffic safety for seniors Heather Brown from the Collingwood Community Policing Centre put on two traffic safety sessions for seniors in January for the Renfrew-Collingwood Literacy Project. We had the CNH Walking Club leader Frances Tam from the Community Action for Seniors’ Independence translate the session for the Chinese seniors. The roads and intersections in the city can be very dangerous, particularly
by Melissa Chungfat
for seniors. That’s why it’s important to educate seniors on how to navigate safely around the neighbourhood, keep themselves visible and understand the dangers of breaking traffic rules.
After the sessions, seniors learned the following:
Heather talked about the hundreds of avoidable injuries and several deaths that involve pedestrians ever year in Vancouver. Frances role-played a few scenarios on how to read traffic signs, when it is safe to cross and how to stay visible.
• How to use SkyTrain emergency buttons • How to source the nonemergency number 3-1-1 • How to read traffic signals • How to stay visible at night At the end of the session, one senior said, “After attending the traffic safety session, I realized that my bad habit not only affects the traffic but also affects my safety.”
The seniors enjoyed donuts and coffee kindly offered by the CCPC.
Renfrew / Collingwood
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North Broadway
E.41st Ave.
Collingwood Insurance 5750 Tyne Street Ph: 604.438.9888
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Jo yc eS t.
E.33rd Ave.
Ru pe rt St.
E.29th Ave.
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The Tipper Restaurant 2066 Kingsway Ph: 604.873.1010
E.22nd Ave.
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Ea rle sS t.
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Renfrew St.
Nanaimo St.
Pyramids Food Market #120- 3665 Kingsway, 604.454.1688
Boundary Rd.
Slocan St.
Grandview Hwy.
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Kingsway F
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London Square Dental Centre #220 3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.435.4545
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P & D Automotive Ltd 2895 E.22nd Ave. Ph: 604.438.5519
Joyce Hair Design 5156 Joyce St.
Papa John’s Pizza #300-3340 Kingsway Ph: 604.310.PAPA
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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March 2013
Canadian seniors bring joy to CASI volunteer by Akberet S. Beyene
from a recorder and slowly walked toward the kitchen to find out. I was astonished when I saw that it was Nel who was whistling! Her talent amazes me. I did not hesitate to ask her if she was a singer. She answered me with a passionate smile that she sings in choir of her church and she keeps practising between the church services.
Anna’s husband Ken is an avid reader, She confided in me how, at first, she felt lonely, but then soon and every Friday, without fail, I find refused to be a hostage to her When I first decided to volunteer at him reading a book in his favourite grief any longer and decided to the Community Action for Seniors place at the kitchen table, with his be active in her community at Independence (CASI) program, I had breakfast close by. When I greet him Trout Lake Centre. Today she is no idea yet what it was about. I was with “Good morning,” he briefly lovingly known as “Oma,” feeling just happy for the opportunity to be responds with a smile and tells me happy and no of service to the elderly, something to help myself to alone in her Finally I would like to express my that I have always enjoyed. So I coffee. And then “Joining the CASI program longer neighbourhood. started with much enthusiasm, he resumes his gratitude for this program that gave me the opportunity hoping that my past experiences in reading without allowed me to meet people with a big In Nel I met this field would be helpful. to become familiar and much delay. heart, and with whom I’ve created a great lady deep friendships. They understand interact with Canadian who fights the I was born and raised in Eritrea, Ken is always the profound feeling of loss that we, families, warming up my emptiness of East Africa. I had worked with the ready to lend a as refugees, feel when we leave our everyday life, as well as widowed life elderly, especially women, during hand, especially beloved family and home, and they with great the Ethiopian occupation of Eritrea. when the my heart and soul.” also have a sense of what it is like to determination. As a result, I gained much work vacuum cleaner be in a new environment, having to experience, having been part of is not working. establish a new life from scratch. On my first visit to her home she various community activities. It I remember a funny incident last welcomed me very warmly, which Joining the CASI program gave me brought much joy into my life. Based summer, when we had to exchange made me very much at ease. From the opportunity to become familiar on this I knew that I might like to be the vacuum cleaner four times over the first moment I felt that we involved in the CASI program. the period of several weeks, because and interact with Canadian families, they were not working properly. Then, would become good friends. warming up my everyday life, as well Previously I have written about my at last, one Friday morning I showed as my heart and soul. Once, as I was dusting the first CASI experience with the most up as usual, wearing a new yellow wonderful Cathy F. Shortly thereafter jacket that I received the day before as furniture in the living room, Akberet S. Beyene is a housekeeper I heard a beautiful voice that I met several seniors, among them with the CASI seniors program based a gift, and surprise! Ken had bought whistled a beautiful song. At first I out of Collingwood Neighbourhood the two lovely people, Ken and Ann, a yellow-colour vacuum, same colour and a lovely woman Nel. as my jacket. This one has lasted for a thought that the sound was coming House. while now. Anna and Ken are a couple that I visit once a week. They live together Ann and Ken are very proud in a house in east Vancouver, having and hard-working seniors. They been married for 66 years. It’s really complement each other with a blessing finding a couple where harmony. Knowing them has enriched both are and have been companions, my life immeasurably. I will never Important note: The Community Action for Seniors’ Independence (CASI) program partners and best friends for so many forget how they took a great interest will be called Better at Home beginning April 2013. For more information go to years. in my refugee application process, http://www.betterathome.ca marking their calendars with my Over the years they raised eight hearing dates and blessing me with children with much sacrifice. Besides their prayers. I feel very lucky to have The fees for housekeeping and shuttle are charged on a sliding scale based being a mom to her four daughters such big-hearted people around me. on your household income before tax. (delete this line) You can refer to your and four boys Mrs. Anna also worked latest Notice of Assessment to find this information. All your information will in a hospital, which added to an Another wonderful person I met be confidential within the program. already hectic schedule. I recall one through CASI is Nel. She is originally of our friendly chats during which from Holland. Nel and her husband Transportation: Our wheelchair accessible bus will pick you up from home and Mrs. Anna shared with me that many immigrated to Canada in 1957. At drive you to medical appointments, groceries and so on and drop you home. nights she was only able to get to that time, she was very young, barely Medical appointments take priority. bed at 2:00 am, after having worked in her twenties and already a mother to support her family. I bet that was of two beautiful girls. In 1968, her Housekeeping: Because the housekeeping program is in transition, we have a very difficult, especially at a time husband died and she became a when many chores were done by waitlist if you are interested in getting housekeeping. From now until further notice, young widow, raising her daughters hand, compared to nowadays when by herself with courage and strength you can call us to be on the waitlist. technology has made many tasks and working tough jobs. She told me so much easier, for example in the that she is very proud of everything Walking Club: Our free walking club brings local residents together for weekly kitchen. she has done. exercise and socializing . Meet at the CNH lobby on Mondays and Wednesdays at
Affordable and Free Services for Seniors (65+)
Still to this day Anna is always a “busy bee.” I never see her idle. Every day, for her, is a new chance to prepare food or cookies for her large family, with so many birthdays and holidays to celebrate. I sometimes catch myself thinking how lucky her family must feel to have her in their lives.
On one of my visits, Nel told me how she fell in love a second time, with a wonderful man. Within a few months of meeting they decided to get married in Hawaii. Nel warmly recalled, smiling, that she then experienced the best 20 years of love in her life, until she became a widow for the second time in 2009.
10:30 a.m. and join the group after for coffee and snacks.
Information and referral: Come to the house to pick up your copy of the Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Guide that outlines a variety of government services, community programs and businesses that support seniors in our neighbourhood . Better at Home is funded by the Government of British Columbia and managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM).
Eva has been working in hair salons since she was 13! Since September of 2000, The Hercules Hair & Makeup Salon has been devoted to pushing the boundaries of hairdressing and delivering creativity, quality and consistency to clients. Combining a reputation for quality with the pursuit of cutting-edge modernity, Hercules can update your personal image with a new hairstyle or makeover. They also offer wedding photography with full bridal hair and makeup expertise via Hercules Photography. Together, the Hercules team provides all that you need to ensure you look your best for your wedding. Hercules Hair & Makeup Salon services include: men’s and ladies haircuts, colour, highlights, perms, Japanese ion straightening and curl; hair treatments, nail services, eyebrows, lashes, party makeup and updos. They are proud to announce that they are now providing the new CND Shellac nail service, a breakthrough, patent-pending manicure service that combines the ease of polish with incomparable high-gloss shine and extended wear. “In our Salon we do a lot of weddings every year,” says Eva. Wedding services include makeup and hair for the bride and bridesmaids. Then there is the Full Day Wedding Bliss Package, including bridal makeup and hair, hair accessories, bridal eyebrow trimming, fake lashes and a private image consultation. Conveniently, Hercules also provides full wedding photography services: engagement photos, pre-wedding photos and, of course, wedding day photos.
Hercules employs four hair stylists. Cary and Roy have 17 and 12 years experience respectively, while the gals, Eva and Rose, have 20 and 10 years styling experience. Cary has eight years experience as a professional photographer and Eva and Rose have 10 and 5 years experience as makeup artists. Between them, they can serve their customers fluently in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. Eva is originally from Hong Kong; she came to Vancouver in 1991 with her family. She started working in her first hair salon at the tender age of 13, under the guidance of my father who owned three salons in Hong Kong. At age 16, Eva immigrated with her family to Vancouver where they started their first hair salon in Canada. Soon after the salon opened, Eva started to learn how to create professional hair styles and to apply makeup. After years of honing her skills, she is still passionate about working with hair and makeup for weddings, photo shoots, TV and other special events. “I love working with people from diverse backgrounds with a variety of tastes and styles,” says Eva, “and I enjoy the challenge of creating a new image for them.” When not working, Eva enjoys Badminton. She has two children, ten and six. Eva invites the community to visit the Hercules Facebook page to see the monthly promotions: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hercules-Hair-MakeUp-Salon/102867963089337 or visit www.herculeshair.com for the link.
CBIA UPDATES l Thank you to the 20 + businesses who participated in the LUNAR New Year – YEAR OF THE SNAKE Lion Dance on February 16, 2013 The Collingwood BIA would like to thank the Hon Hsing Athletic Club for being our official Lion Dancers. The two lions paraded along Kingsway and visited over 20 businesses to help bring them good fortune for this coming year. Gung Hay Fat Choi!
FREE - Business Workshop Series for BIA member. Series #2 – Topic – Become a Mentor to Local High School students – Volunteering in our Community Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 12:00pm. Located at #300 -3665 Kingsway. Register Now! Space is Limited. Lunch will be provided. l
l Collingwood Goes Green and Spring Sidewalk Sale – Week of April 22 -27, 2013. The Collingwood Jr. BIA are a group of young entrepreneurs from Windermere Secondary, working with the Collingwood BIA. To kick off Earth Week, the JR. BIA’s “big” project is “Collingwood Goes Green & Spring Sidewalk Sale” The Jr. BIA members will be handing out environmental reusable shopping bags beginning April
22 – 27th to encourage consumers to use the bags while shopping. With your “Shop Collingwood” enviro bag you will receive a punch card and if you use your bag while shopping in Collingwood you will receive a stamp and when you have reached six stamps you can submit the card into a draw for some great prizes - $100.00 to shop in Collingwood and many more. Bring your completed card to the Clock Tower (Joyce & Kingsway), April 27th to be in the draw. Merchants along Kingsway between Boundary and Rupert will be participating in a Sidewalk Sale, and providing samples and displays of their merchandise. More information will be available in the April issue of the Renfrew Collingwood Newspaper. Contact the office if you have any questions or wish to participate. l 2013 Marks the 10th Anniversary of Collingwood Days Saturday, May 25th 2013 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Go to the website www. collingwooddays.com for vendor applications and sponsor information. Let’s showcase Collingwood business, artists and entrepreneurs! Go to the website www.collingwooddays.com for updates and more information.
*This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Business Improvement Association
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Read On!
13
March 2013
A news page for Renfrew-Collingwood learners
Please enjoy these descriptions of the Lunar New Year this past February by students in ELSA 4 at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.
Read On! has a web page. You can: Read the articles Listen to the articles
Chinese New Year’s Eve
Print worksheets
By Ivy Wang CNH ELSA Lunar New Year Party:Jacky, Matthew,
Working people in Annabelle and Izabelle in the Dragon Dance China take weeks off at New Year’s so that they can feast with their family embers on New Year’s Eve.
www.cnh.bc.ca/ rccnews/readOn.html
In my hometown, on Chinese New Year’s Eve, everyone wears red clothes, sets off fireworks, prepares delicious food, sends red envelopes, and says, “Happy New Year, or “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” which means, “Wishing you prosperity.”
Reading levels on this page
I remember when I was a kid, my mother only bought me new clothes for New Year’s Eve, so I really looked forward to the arrival of the New Year.
Going Home for Lunar New Year
Level 1
By Joyce Gao
Level 2
At the close of the Lunar New Year, Chinese people who work out of town go back to their hometown to spend Lunar New Year with their family, so every year at this time, airplanes, trains and buses are the most busy. Yesterday I watched the news about Lunar New Year. Every province’s train station, airport and bus station were a sea of people, especially Guang Zhou, Chong Qing, Bei Jing and Sheng Zheng. In Guang Zhou, trains transfer over 200,000 people to other cities every day.
Level 3
Free ELSA English Classes!
Some people wanted to go home to spend Lunar New Year, but they didn’t buy tickets, so they carried their baggage and stayed at the train station for several days. They ate there, they slept there, and they just wanted to buy one ticket home to spend Lunar New Year with their family. Some people wanted to go home early, so they stood on the bus or train for 30 or 40 hours. There were no more seats for them, but they paid the same money as other people who had seats. I was so excited when I was watching that I wanted to go to my hometown to celebrate the New Year too. I haven’t gone back to my hometown to spend Lunar New Year for six years. I miss when I spent Lunar New Year in China.
CNH has level 3 and 4 classes in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Classes are Monday to Friday, 9-12 or 12:303. There is free childminding for children 18 months to 5 years old. Classes are free for all permanent residents, convention refugees and people with some work and study permits. To register or for more information, call 604-451-8321 and leave a message.
The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway 7th Annual Seniors’ Health & Wellness Fair – April 3 Each year I am proud to host a Seniors’ Health and Wellness Fair. I am pleased to invite all seniors and their families to attend our seventh annual fair on April 3rd at Renfrew Park Community Centre. Doors will open at 10 am. There will be over 20 exhibitors providing information on issues such as heart and stroke, arthritis, diabetes and more. The day is always informative and fun. All participants receive a free, healthy lunch. Congratulations, Stephanie Lim! This year’s Vancouver Parks Board Remarkable Woman poster series focuses on local food community, celebrating women who have made a significant contribution. I am proud to congratulate Collingwood Neighborhood House’s own Stephanie Lim for being chosen this year. Stephanie leads the Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute, running food security workshops, urban agriculture initiatives, and community events throughout the riding. I am thrilled her contribution has been acknowledged in this way. Stephanie is a very deserving, and remarkable woman. Acknowledging Kingsway’s Outstanding Youth Gladstone and Windermere Secondary students never fail to impress me, actively participating and taking ownership of the community in which they live. I want to use part of this column to acknowledge some of the very dedicated work they have put in just over the past few months. At Windermere, the student-led Climate Change Conference interacted with and educated hundreds of local youth on this important global issue. Their Inclusion Project linked students of varying ability to showcase and celebrate acceptance. At Gladstone, a successful social media contest entry on food security won $50,000 to build a greenhouse, their Dare to Stand Out antihomophobia conference gathered over 200 people, and their participation in a multi-school acceptance flash mob during a Giants game garnered significant exposure to anti-bullying efforts. Congratulations, students. You are true community leaders. Apply Now for a Neighbourhood Small Grant!
RCCNews Correction: Kat Cureton was mistakenly quoted in the February 2013 Collingwood Neighbourhood House Highlights page regarding the CASI seniors’ shuttle. The article should have stated that the new bus with wheelchair lift could provide an opportunity to serve some seniors who may feel isolated because of mobility challenges. Kat wants to clarify that there is not a definite causal relationship between mobility challenges and isolation.
Want to be a part of expanding our community? I am pleased to have the opportunity to share information about our own Collingwood program to increase the amount of diverse, community events happening in our community. Through the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program, any resident can apply for and receive $50-$500 of funding to host a community event! This funding can be put towards block parties, community gardens, roadside planters, a neighborhood street hockey tournament, cooking classes, mural painting supplies, or anything other ideas you have to brighten up our community! Apply online at http://www.collingwood-southvannsgp.comor or pick up a form at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce St. (the corner of Joyce and Euclid).
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
HIGHLIG H TS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House offers two new programs starting this April Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is accepting registrations for two new programs. One is even offering a couple of free, trial classes!
Tue. 5 Mar. Spinach and lemon soup, Tuna melt, Salad, Pumpkin cupcake
Bellyfit offers a full body cardio exercise experience in a safe, effective, group fitness format.
During the second half of the class, participants will enjoy sculpting, toning and tightening with Pilatesinspired core work, deep yet relaxing yoga-inspired stretches and mindful Mudra meditation. Participants should wear fitness attire and athletic shoes, and bring a water bottle; CNH will provide a yoga mat. Classes will run on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 am. There are two, free trial classes on Tuesday, April 2 and 9. Regular classes will start on Tuesday, April 16. Cost per session is $5.50 drop-in or $4.58 with a pass (passes cost $55 and cover 12 sessions).
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.”
Bellyfit
During the first half hour of the class, participants will burn calories, relieve stress and get the sweat flowing with fun, easy-tolearn cardio moves infused with the ancient fundamentals of Belly, Bollywood and African dance.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
Thur. 7 Mar. White fish (or vegetable) casserole with rice, Salad, Sesame cookies Tue. 12 Mar. Lentil soup, Turkey kebab or roasted veggie skewer, Salad, Honey cake classes will start on Saturday, April 6 and run weekly through June 8. Cost is $45 for 10 classes.
Bellyfit and Clay Adventures will take place at CNH, 5288 Joyce Street. For more information please call 604-435-0323.
FAMILIES OF ALL NATIONS Are Invited to
(“A House to Play and Learn”) Amlat’si is an Aboriginal driven drop-in program for families with children 0 –6 years old and their extended family. Child development activities with an Aboriginal focus (crafts, storytelling, playtime). Healthy snack provided.
Day:
Monday
Time:
3:00 – 5:00 pm Child development activities with an Aboriginal focus, Aboriginal crafts, story telling and lots of play time. Light snack included
Free
Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street
Thur. 14 Mar. Shrimp or veggie dumplings, Roasted seasonal vegetables, Salad, Chocolate cake Tue. 19 Mar. Pepper pot soup, Chicken wings, Salad, Ginger cookies Thur. 21 Mar. Shepherd’s pie with gravy (vegetarian option), Salad, Cranberry pudding Tue. 26 Mar. Potato and kale soup, Salmon burgers Salad, Brownies Thur. 28 Mar. Chicken rotini with spinach and white sauce, Salad, Pear cupcake
Party Time
(2 blocks south of the Joyce Street Skytrain Station)
Clay Adventure Explore clay with various techniques including hand-building, coiling, stamping, texturing and slab work. The class will also include instruction on glazing. Participants can make functional items and special gifts too. Classes are for children aged six and up and will run on Saturdays from 11 am – 12 noon. Regular
Amlat’si is a friendly, creative, comfortable and supportive Family Drop-in where parents can socialize and play and learn with their children. Families are also invited and welcome to stay for the Parent Support Circles and All Nations Families Branching Out Dinner and Program
Looking for a place to hold your child’s birthday party? Want to spent time with your child and have somebody else run the party? Collingwood Neighbourhood House offers rooms (room, gym, kitchen) to rent for children’s birthday parties. Our experienced birthday party leaders will run the party, lead games and a craft, and make your birthday child feel special.
For more information please phone 604-435-0323 Valeria Mancilla, Amlat’si Program Manager/Nancy Sweedler, Child Development Coordinator Or drop by Collingwood Neighbourhood House and learn more about us! Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\QH38DDW3\Amlatsi Flyer[1].doc
This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House
For quotes on our affordable prices for room rentals (with or without a leader) please call Teresa at 604-435-0323
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
For our full listing of programs check out our website or drop by and pick up a brochure. Registration has already started for our Winter programs. Fees are prorated for programs that have already started. HST included. Register in person with cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard or Debit. Register by phone 604 257-8388 ext 3
(All Ages)
Saturday, February 9 12:30-3:00pm $10/family of 5 Celebrate BC’s 1st annual Family Day! Come join us for an afternoon of family fun. We`ll have games, crafts, face painting, balloon animals and bouncy castle! Also, come join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year. There will be Heritage Dancing, and other festive presentations.
(45+yrs) Wednesday, February 13 12:00-2:30pm $9/person
Register early so you’re not disappointed. More details available at the centre office in March.
Spring Break Breakfast Club (6-12yrs)
26002.10*RF $20/5 sess $16/4 sess
Spring Break Pit Stop (6-12yrs)
26202.10*RF $30/5 sess $24/4 sess
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.
Mon-Fri Mon-Thu
Active for Life 2nd- 6 pack Sampler (45+yrs)
Mon-Fri Mon-Thu
Come Recreate! Join us for a variety of recreation programs full of fun and activity. Be active, be social, be healthy and be involved in your local community centre. Monday - Zumba Gold - 6:00-7:00pm Tuesday - Pickleball 2:30-3:30pm or Carpet Bowling 1:00-3:00pm Saturday - Aqua Fit 9:30-10:30am. No session Feb 11 53916.105RF Mar 4-16 $17/6 sess
Pool & Fitness Centre
1:00-5:00pm
1:00-5:00pm
Centre Area
11am-6:00pm
Closed
Sa
9:00am-4:00pm
Mar 23
Mar 18-22 Mar 25-28
8:00-9:00am 8:00-9:00am 3:00-5:30pm 3:00-5:30pm
Spring Break Day Camp (6-12yrs)
26001.10*RF A fun filled day camp includes games, arts & crafts, swimming and fieldtrips! Program subject to change. $105/5 sess Mon-Fri Mar 18-22 9:00am-3:00pm Mon-Thu Mar 25-28 9:00am-3:00pm $84/4 sess
Art Attack Camp (6-12yrs) Mon-Fri
Mar 18-22
9:00am-3:00pm
Badminton Camp Program with Richard Le
Sun, Feb 10th Mon, Feb 11th
First Aid Hero Babysitting Training (11+yrs)
Mar 18-22 Mar 25-28
25226.101RF
$65/1 sess
Mon-Fri Shuttle I Shuttle II Shuttle III/IV Mon-Thu Shuttle I Shuttle II Shuttle III/IV
Mar 18-22 9:00-10:15am 10:20-11:35am 11:40am-12:55pm Mar 25-28 9:00-10:15am 10:20-11:35am 11:40am-12:55pm
22001.101RF $100/5 sess
6-14yrs $65/5 sess $65/5 sess $65/5 sess
23002.11*RF 33002.11*RF 15+yrs $72.80/5 sess $72.80/5 sess $72.80/5 sess
$52/4 sess $52/4 sess $52/4 sess
$58.24/4 sess $58.24/4 sess $58.24/4 sess
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Photo: Stephanie Lim
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Photo: Stephanie Lim ApxI nybrhu`f smwl gRWt leI ArzI dyvo Apxy nybrhu`f nUM smwijk, Boiqk Aqy siBAwcwrk qOr qy byhqr bxwaux leI Apxy in`jI ivcwr lYky Awaux leI quhwnUM auqswihq krdy hW[ nybrhu`f smwl gRWt do jW vDyry vsINdy ijhVy imljulky kMm krnw cwhuMdy hox nUM ApxI nybrhu`f nUM byhqr bxwaux leI Coty pROjyktW nUM $50-500 q`k mdd idMdw hY[ quhwfy ielwky iv`c nybrhu`f smwl gRWt leI hor vDyry ivcwrW Aqy vDyry jwxkwrI leI swfy vYbsweIt www.collingwoodsouthvan-nsgp.com qy jwE jI[ Application deadline: March 31, 2013 {Poto 1} ksWdrw lI Aqy jysn hsIh SyAn y gwrfn iv`c kMm krdy hoey {Poto 2} vwlMtIAr aupr ` auT ` IAW ikAwrIAW bxwauNdy hoey First published as “Collingwood’s Newest Community Garden” by Rob Howatson, in the February 2013 issue of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News.
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March 2013
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS