Renfrew-Collingwood Community News March 2020

March 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Get involved in local stewardship of Renfrew Ravine and Still Creek

by Emma Warner Chee

Still Moon Arts Society and the Environmental Youth Alliance have received funding from Environment Canada’s Eco-Action Fund for a project called Improving Freshwater in Still Creek. Both organizations will be leading youth and community groups in stewardship activities in Renfrew Ravine and

by Still Creek over the next two years.

Still Moon Arts will be leading invasive plant removal, native planting and clean-up events with local schools and community groups, as well as hosting some public events. Activities began in January with Windermere Ecology 9 students helping to remove blackberry in Renfrew Ravine.

This funding is also supporting Still Moon Arts and the Still Creek Streamkeepers’ educational speaker series. On the 4th Monday every month a speaker will give a presentation related to streams, wildlife, stewardship, water quality, salmon and more. Everyone is welcome to come out to these talks as well as the Still Creek Streamkeepers meetings, which will happen afterward.

On Monday, March 23, the topic is Indigenous Perspectives on Habitat Restoration with Dawn Morrison. The event will be at Slocan Community Hall (2750 East 29th Windermere students help with blackberry removal in Renfrew Ravine. Photo courtesy of Still Moon Arts

Continued on page 2

Friday, May 22

Got talent?

Italian fashion

Page 3

Flowers for a cause Page 8

Celebrating Najia Elacel Page 10

Send a text to: 778.232.6185

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Renfrew Ravine: Continued from page 1

Local youth are invited to work alongside the Environmental Youth Alliance habitat crew to help remove invasive plants and restore native plants.

Photo courtesy of the EYA Avenue) from 7 to 8:30 pm; it is free but registration is requested. See stillmoonarts.ca for details.

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The Environmental Youth Alliance works alongside youth, engaging and empowering them to create meaningful, positive action for our community and environmental health. This year, the EYA will be running nearly 20 programs for youth!

The programs are based out of the beautiful Strathcona and Cottonwood Gardens, and also include field trips to sites such as the Renfrew Ravine.

As youth spend time in the plant nursery and gardens, they explore key themes related to environmental stewardship and gain horticulture skills.

While all programs share the same core components, they have unique themes; for example, the Plant Nursery programs focus on native plant ecology and the relationship these plants have with birds and pollinators, while the Plants & People programs focus on plant uses for food, medicine and fibre.

The majority of EYA programs will visit the Renfrew Ravine and work on invasive plant removal and native plant restoration. This work will help to restore multistorey native vegetation along Still Creek. Programs are open to youth aged 14-18, including a $200 honorarium for full participation. Please visit check eya.ca for more information and program registration.

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March 2020

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Italian fashion in the spotlight All’Italiana Italian Cultural Centre 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver www.italianculturalcentre.ca Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm

by Deanna Cheng The latest exhibition at the Italian Cultural Centre focuses on the highlights of Italian fashion in the 20th century, featuring garments by Pucci, Schiaparelli and Fortuny.

It’s often seen as surface design without much in terms of artistic integrity, originality, a voice of the artist or social commentary, she said. “Craft is often recreating a tradition. There are often patterns incorporated into craft that have been used almost like a stencil.”

When you knit, you base it on a pattern, Clarke said. If you embroider, you base it on a pattern. “And that is sort of a counter to this notion that all art creation is individual and it’s a one-off. So craft gets a bad name for that.”

Guest curator Ivan Sayers wanted to focus on Italian fashion because the spotlight is usually on French, Garments are considered like that because American or British fashion. “Italy is extremely imthey have a pattern. The world of fashion portant, especially in leather goods and accessories is changing because it’s the name of the but also with mainstream garments.” designer that we come to for and that often separates craft from art, she said.

The show is an opportunity to admire Italian ingenuity, wit, craftsmanship and quality, he said.

Historically, there were some names that were developing such as Schiaparelli On display until April 25, All’Italiana (“in the ItalThe knit pom poms on these two outfits hark back through the 1930s and Christian Dior in ian style”) is part of a celebration of craftsmanship to clowns, a popular stock character in Italian opera. the late 40s and 50s. It’s not to the same by the Craft Council of BC. The theme of this year is degree as today, she said, where the name Italy has a long history and strong heritage in pro“voices of craft.” fessional theatre with Commedia dell’arte (“Italian is everything. “We now have celebrities comedy”). One of the most famous Italian operas with clothing lines and certainly, they’re Sayers said, “Craft usually means handwork.” And not the ones designing and making the gar- is Pagliacci (Italian for “clowns” or “players”). Photos handwork is visible in the handmade raffia lace of courtesy of the Italian Cultural Centre ments at all.” the Fortuny dress, he said, and in the decoration on the Schiaparelli coat. “It’s beading. It’s eccentric. It’s She said, “Today, everyone wants to be a deLegislation was created, stating these indusstill labour intensive.” signer but no one wants to be a tailor.” tries had to be 10 miles outside of a major city centre.

He added, “When you look at the Prada suit, initial“The fact is that craft often represents underly, it seems banal but when you start to look at the represented voices,” added Clarke.

Another sign of Italian heritage is the knit pom seaming and the skirt, you start to appreciate what’s poms on the Paoli dress. The colourful fluffy gone into it, lifting it from boring to intriguing.”

For example, textiles and embroidery were attachments refer to the clown, popular in considered the realm of women’s history, she Italian opera, she said. The significance of this There’s construction, decoration, ratio and proporsaid. “And for the most part, that’s all we’ve got character spread across Europe by travelling tion that people tend to ignore, but it still has value, of women’s history for the middle and lower Italian troupes. he said. classes. Anything out of the household, the domestic space, it’s all about women.”

“Clowns show up repeatedly because it’s the Museum curator Angela Clarke said the exhibit exstock character of a figure that can say anyplores craft because it often gets a bad name. “Craft Italian fashion also constantly refers to its own thing, do anything, and you feel compassion is often looked at as something that you often find history from the materials to the construction. for them,” Clarke said. “It’s like the joker in in your grandFor example, Clarke said, Italian lace arises Shakespeare. He’s the one who entertains the mother’s place. from fishing culture as an improvisation of the king but he’s the only one that can actually You know, doifishing net. speak the truth.” lies.”

Guest curator Ivan Sayers said Italy is the birthplace of lace. Italian lace comes from the fishing culture in small Italian towns, drawing inspiration from fishing nets.

The fishing net has become part of the cultural consciousness of Italian villages because it’s the major industry. “You get these towns, these whole towns, that are in Italy that are devoted to certain craft industries such as Venetian glass and ceramics.”

It’s partially so they can share resources, she said. The other part is due to technology used for the flammable arts.

If you were to make anything glass or ceramic in Rome, Venice or Milan, the whole city would go up in flames in half an hour if there was an accident because buildings were made of wood, Clarke said.

Rich Nguyen, an attendee, visited Italy last year and the selection of Schiaparelli and Pucci within the exhibit speaks to him the most as “Italian.”

This collection features garments from the collection of fashion historian Ivan Sayers, the Museum of Vancouver and the Society for the Museum of Original Costume.

Deanna Cheng is a freelance journalist and copy editor. Her work has been published in New Canadian Media and Vancouver Courier. She has also been a resident for the last 15 years.

Contact: dmwcheng7@gmail.com.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

To Advertise with the RCCNews 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: Ann Wong, Deanna Cheng, Emma Warner Chee, EYA, Kayla Isomura, Italian Cultural Centre, Still Moon Arts, Tony Wanless

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.

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

Next submission deadline: Mar 10

Contact Lisa at 604-435-0323 or email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca

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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 @

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

All’ITALIANA: The Craft of Italian Fashion c.1900–2000

IVAN SAYERS Opening: Thursday January 16 • 7:00–9:00PM January 16–March 28, 2020 Tuesday–Saturday 10:00AM–5:00PM

3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver,BC www.italianculturalcentre.ca Tel: (604) 430-3337

VOICES OF CRAFT SERIES

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.

Noticed in Renfrew-Collingwood

– Karen Vanon

Read On!

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March 2020

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners

Now is the time to act on those dreams Read On! 

has a web page. You can:

by Tony Wanless

 Read the articles

We are now in spring, the time when those new year plans to change or renew must be well in place.

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

Reading levels on this page Level 1

Level 2

In the new year, many of us look at the past and make plans for the future: to be a different person, to rid ourselves of bad behaviours, to renew ourselves and our surroundings.

 

Level 3



Then comes spring, the time when we suddenly “wake up” in a sense and realize we have done little other than dream. We are still the same as we were.

We may only be able to make one or two.

This is not a bad thing. It is better to have too much ambition than none at all, to dream too big instead of too little.

But it is when we do, instead of dream, that plans become real.

Dear Neighbours, February Festivities with Families I had the pleasure of attending many celebrations in February to mark the arrival of the Year of the Rat. The Renfrew Chinese Seniors at Renfrew Park Community Centre entertained and inspired the audience with their dances and performances. On February 1st, many constituents and I welcomed two lions at my office from the Hon Hsing Athletic Club to bring happiness and prosperity to our community. Thank you to the Collingwood Business Improvement Association for their work in organizing the event! I also celebrated Family Day at Trout Lake Community Centre at their wonderful Family Day Celebration, now in its 8th year.

Accepting Donations for New Neighbours Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House is preparing welcome baskets for our new neighbours at the Temporary Modular Housing Site near Nanaimo Skytrain Station. Donations of new socks, hand towels, dish soap, dish cloths, and regular-sized personal hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap would be greatly appreciated. Items can be dropped off at our office, Don Davies’ Community Office, or Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House until Monday, March 9th, 2020.

Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education were created to recognize the contributions of BC’s exceptional teachers, administrators and support staff that are vital to the cultural, economic and social well-being of the province. The Awards provide students, parents, teachers and other members of the community with an opportunity to celebrate those who make a real difference in BC schools. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2020. For more information, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/educationtraining/k-12/teach/excellence-in-education.

But change can be hard, and, in the gloom of winter, we often do little to make these dreams come true.

So, now a little wiser, we vow to cut some of those half-formed plans. Some were too big, too difficult or only formed because we felt we should do them.

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

plans renew different rid renew

Definitions:

behaviours surroundings change gloom

suddenly dream wiser vow ambition

rid: to relieve or deliver from something disagreeable or undesirable gloom: partial or total darkness; a state of depression ambition: a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.

RISE Community Health Centre I am proud to announce that people and families living in Renfrew-Collingwood and surrounding neighbourhoods will soon have access to more quality primary health-care services with the launch of the new RISE Community Health Centre in April 2020. Community health centres are community governed with services tailored to meet the health needs of the community they serve. The centre will be located at 3425 Crowley Drive and be governed, owned and operated by Collingwood Neighbourhood House. For more information, please visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/ releases/2020HLTH0005-000018.

Our community office is located at 5022 Joyce Street and is open from Monday to Thursday 9AM – 4PM and Friday by appointment. Feel free to contact us at 604-660-0314 or adrian.dix.mla@ leg.bc.ca. My staff and I are here to help you on matters related to provincial government services and ministries. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely, Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway

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March 2020

Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway

TOWN HALL MEETING: ADDRESSING THE OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC MARCH 18, 7 PM CNH ANNEX 3690 VANNESS AVE SPECIAL GUESTS: DR. PERRY KENDALL

BC CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE USE

LESLIE MCBAIN

MOMS STOP THE HARM

STACY WILSON

TOGETHER WE CAN ADDICTION RECOVERY

Community Office 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 | Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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March 2020

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

An old fashioned fair with multicultural flair!

May 23 - May 30 2020 Gaston Park - Vancouver, BC

Enjoy art, music, games, food, talent shows & The International Market.

Pancake Breakfast Sat May 30 9 - 11AM www.collingwooddays.com Thank you to our sponsors:

Celebration Day Sat May 30 11AM - 4PM CollingwoodDays

For info contact Collingwood BIA (604) 639-4403 @CollingwoodDays

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

The Seniors Connection Preserved flower arrangement workshop makes gifts for a good cause

by Deanna Cheng

The Ava Maria Garden workshop turned out to be an opportunity for community members to connect with each other. Some participant brought children who assisted gluing with the glue gun and eating Valentine cookies. Photos by Deanna Cheng Jane Wong led a group of participants on February 8, 2020 to create artistic flower arrangements with preserved roses, preserved hydrangea and moss. The workshop was held at St. Mary’s Elementary School and is an initiative of Ava Maria Garden, a charity based in Hong Kong.

The former florist said the event had two purposes. First, for each participant to take home a personal gift of flowers to brighten her home. “These are good as gifts for those who don’t want to take care of it, like watering and changing the soil.”

She added, “If there’s dust on the flowers, just blow it gently with a fan or a paintbrush. You could even use a makeup brush.”

Preserved flowers are different from live ones, Wong said. The ones used in the workshop are treated with a machine and chemicals and they will last from one to three years with minimal upkeep.

Over time, the colour will fade but the blooms will retain their shape, she said. More thought and consideration is put into the arrangement of preserved flowers because recipients will have to look at them for a long time.

“Layering the flowers in your arrangement will make it look more

natural like a garden,” Wong said.

“Nothing is straight and even in nature.”

Workshop participant Vee Caylin was interested in the event because she had never worked with preserved flowers before. She works in the event industry and only interacts with live flowers. It was also her first time creating a flower arrangement around a miniature statue.

The second purpose of the workshop was to create extra flower arrangements as gifts for seniors at Courtyard Terrace Seniors Community. Wong said the ones for the seniors will be created with silk flowers because they will require minimal care and they wouldn’t aggravate any allergies.

The next flower workshop Wong is hosting will be for Mother’s Day. For those interested, she can be reached at jane@avamariagarden.org.

Jane Wong used to run her own business in the wedding industry for over five years, back in Hong Kong. She arrived in Vancouver this past summer and was looking for ways to get to know the community.

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Do you have a trusted contact person?

by Ann Wong Trust is hard to build and easy to erode. It takes time and sincerity, and is truly captured during the “moment of truth.” Most of us think we can trust our family to be there for us. At other times, we may not be surrounded by family and end up making friends who become our non-biological family.

These days, people are living longer.

As we age, it’s important to know our cognitive ability may deteriorate before our physical ability. There are more and more reported cases of dementia- and Alzheimer’srelated illnesses. As such, seniors are a vulnerable group to fraudsters and others with ill intentions. One method to protect yourself is to name a trusted contact person.

If you are a senior age 65 and older, you may be asked to provide the name and contact information of

a trusted contact person when you open investment accounts. This acts as a safeguard from potential abuse or when you are at a diminished mental capacity.

Unlike a beneficiary, the named individual does not benefit from your assets. And unlike a power of attorney (POA), they do not have control of your accounts to make financial decisions. The purpose of naming a trusted contact person is so that your advisor can reach out to someone if they suspect that you may be at risk of being exploited or manipulated financially.

The trusted contact person can share your health status, particularly related to your memory and ability to make decisions. If they acknowledge that your cognitive ability has started to decline, they have the authority to halt your ac-

count from further transactions.

Here are some examples of the slow and sometimes unnoticeable signs of cognitive deterioration: l Losing your short term memory – forgetting to shut off the stove l Confusion and not understanding topics that was once straightforward – understanding the investment accounts and the purpose of those accounts l Difficulty with math or language – doing simple math calculations or understanding simple instructions l Behaviour changes – getting anxious, angry or confused frequently.

Exhibiting different behaviour from your usual personality.

financial planner know who your trusted contact person is. Your financial professional is there to act in your best interest. Help them help you.

Ann Wong has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designations and is also a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Email: hello@ awsmgroup.com.

We all like to think that our minds are sharp as whistles. Yet it is difficult to accept that, one day, that mind does decline. Before that day comes around, be sure to let your

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.

Spring Registration Dates

Centre Programs In Person .................... Saturday, March 7th at 9:00am

By Phone .................. Saturday, March 7th at 12:00pm Swimming Lessons .. Tuesday March 17th at 7:00pm Winter Highlights Tai Chi Beginner (19+yrs)

Arsenio Chua Learn Yang Style 24 steps which will include the teaching of basic proper formation and on hand and foot form. $11.50/drop-in if space 257880 Tue Mar 3-31 7:30-9:00pm $47.50/5 sess

Spring Break Highlights

Special Events

Badminton Camp (6-18yrs)

St. Patrick's Day Luncheon (55+yrs)

Shuttle I 259415

Mon-Fri Mar 16-20

Richard Le 9:00-10:15am $85/5 sess 259418 Mar 23-27

Shuttle I/II 259416

Mon-Fri Mar 16-20

10:20-11:35am $85/5 sess 259419 Mar 23-27

Shuttle II/III/IV Mon-Fri 259417 Mar 16-20

11:40am-12:55pm $85/5 sess 259420 Mar 23-27

Friday Night - Outings (10-13yrs)

Jesse Woolverton Join our staff on exciting group outings all around the City.

Activities scheduled are as follows: March 6th - Skating March 13th - Movie ***Activities may be subject to change Drop-Ins will be permitted only if there is space available on the day of.

252826 Fri Mar 6-13 6:00-10:00pm $14/2 sess

Spring Break Camp at Slocan Hall (9-13yrs) Starla Bayley

Join us for many adventures over your spring break at Slocan Hall (2750 East 29th Avenue). We will be going swimming, ice-skating and exploring around town!

252824 Mon-Fri Mar 16-20 9:00am-3:00pm $100/5 sess 252829 Mon-Fri

Paint By Blunders (19+yrs)

Sylvia Jehle Sylvia will walk through the steps of creating the designated scene and encourage you to follow your own ideas in creating your own unique version.

265285 Sat Mar 14 1:00-4:00pm $30/person

Mar 23-27 9:00am-3:00pm

$100/5 sess

Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool

Saturday, March 21st from 2:00pm–4:00pm

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

Menu: Shepherd's Pie, Buttered broccoli, Peppermint Cheese Cake and Tea/Coffee.

255158 Wed Mar 18 12:00-2:30pm $9.52/person

Golden Ears Cheesecrafters Tour (55+yrs)

Enjoy The Journey Enjoy lunch at the Black Sheep (not included in fee), followed by a guided tour at Golden Ears Cheesecrafters. Learn about the craft of cheese, the process to create delicious delicatessen and end the tour with tea together (not included in fee).

257715 Mon Mar 23 10:30am-3:30pm $32.38/person

Dance Away the Winter Blues (55+yrs)

Dance away with live music provided by Patrizia Coletta. There will be lunch, tea/coffee and door prizes.

256380 Sat Mar 28 12:00-3:30pm $9.52/person

17th Annual Health Fair (All Ages)

Come and join us for our annual Health Fair. Visit display booths from various health agencies. Light lunch provided.

Pre-registration required.

248148 Wed Apr 1 10:00am-2:00pm Free Prices do not include tax, if applicable.

Spring Break Special Hours of Operation Sat Sun Sat Sun

Mar 21 Mar 22 Mar 28 Mar 29

Pool 8:30am-4pm 1:00-5:00pm 8:30am-4pm 1:00-5:00pm

Fitness Ctr 9:30am-4pm 1:00-5:00pm 9:30am-4pm 1:00-5:00pm

Centre Area 9:00am-5:00pm 10:30am-5:30pm 9:00am-5:00pm 10:30am-5:30pm

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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

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

CNH staff member awarded for contributions to the community

By Kayla Isomura Najia Elacel is one of three people across Canada who have received a Bhayana Family Foundation (BFF) Award, celebrating the recipients’ work as “everyday heroes” in the social services industry.

As Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s (CNH) resident chef, Elacel has worked with the organization for more than 10 years.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Full meal prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students and $3.25 for children under 12. Items can be purchased a la carte or “to go.” *Joyce location

March lunch menu Tues 03 Beef barley soup Egg sale sandwich Salad Biscuits Thurs 05 Baked Chinese BBQ chicken bun Salad Sesame seeds cookies Tues 10 Vegetable soup Sockeye salmon salad sandwich Salad Chocolate chip cookies

Last year, she was also recognized for her long-term service at CNH, along with Najia Elacel (right) serves Community Lunch at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. other staff who have worked within the organization from over five to 25 years. forming relationships and connections with staff, volunteers, and participants, added Gray-Grant.

“She’s building the community through the work she does,” said Raksha Bhayana, award co-foundReceiving an award for her work has never been er, in a recently published video highlighting ElaElacel’s intention, but recent news of her video, which cel’s achievements. was published online in November 2019, has captured the attention of CNH staff and community members.

As a chef at CNH, Elacel serves fresh, healthy, and “As the video shows, it’s amazing the impact that one hot meals to the neighbourhood through communiperson can have on so many others,” said Gray-Grant. ty food programs and events. She teaches people “She really is an everyday hero.” of all ages and experiences to cook through these programs as well.

Founded by the Bhayana Family Foundation and the United Way, the goal of this award was to highlight However, it’s not simply Elacel’s skills in food meaningful work being done by individuals in a sector preparation that granted her this recognition, it’s that often goes unnoticed. her ability to connect with those she works with on an almost daily basis.

Elacel was the only recipient from Western Canada with the other two recipients from North York, ON and “The first thing [for newcomers] is the problem Halifax, NS. [with] language,” shared Elacel in her video. “So the first thing they say they don’t want [is to speak “We do what we do because we love it,” said Elacel.

English], but food is a universal language.”

“Especially for me, I do it from my heart.”

When Elacel is in the kitchen, whether CNH’s Joyce location or the CNH Annex, it’s easy to hear laughter and warm conversations, said Jennifer Gray-Grant, Executive Director of CNH. She’s

COMMUNITY LUNCH

For more information about the BFF Awards, visit: bhayanafoundation.org/awards. To watch the video, which showcases Elacel’s impact at CNH, visit: bit.ly/ bffa-najia.

This page is sponsored by Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Thursday 12 Cabbage roll Salad Poppy seed cake Tues 17 Cream of broccoli Chicken or veggie quiche Salad Shortbread cookies

** Community Dinner ** March 18

5-6 pm

Thurs 19 Beef stroganoff on egg noodles Salad Chocolate zucchini cake Tues 24 Creamy watercress soup Cauliflower smoked salmon frittata Salad Lemon cake Thurs 26 Spaghetti meat balls and garlic bread Salad Brownie Tues 31 Red lentil soup Tuna melt sandwich or grill cheese Salad Carrot cake

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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March 2020

March 2020

Upcoming Events

Ñ

MARCH

Lunar New Year 2020 Ð Year of the Rat Ð Lion Dance Feb1st

14-29 Spring Break

Thank you to all the businesses and organizations that participated in the annual lion dance for the Lunar New Year. We were very blessed to have a beautiful cold, sunny winter day for our celebrations. Our Jr. BIA handed out over 250 red envelopes along the Kingsway and Joyce Street. The Hon Sing Athletic Club would also like to thank Collingwood BIA and the th merchants for making this the 11 year they have performed the Lion Dance. ItÕs tradition and we have become part of their family.

19 First Day of Spring MAY 30 Collingwood Days Festival www.collingwooddays.com

SNOW REMOVAL

Ñ

YES, IT HAS SNOWED IN MARCH

Collingwood Days 2020 The Collingwood BIA, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Collingwood Community Policing Centre, Renfrew Community Centre and Mosaic form the steering committee for the annual community festival. This year will have many events and activities for everyone.

-

Talent Show

- Garden Tours

- Lunches

-

Arts Evening

- Clean Up Party

- Exhibitions @ Italian CC

All businesses must have the snow in front of their storefronts removed by 10:00a.m.

This insures the safety of your customers and accessible for everyone. Thank you

If youÕd like to participate as a food or marketplace vendor or as a volunteer go to: www.collingwooddays.com There are sponsorship opportunities at all levels. Go to the website for updates on events.

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 30

TH

@ GASTON PARK

Ñ Join us on Social Media The Collingwood BIA has a new social media consultant, Claudia Fletcher. We are looking for stories from our local businesses to showcase. We want to help you promote your business and the events you are planning. Contact Angela Evans for more information.

Join the Board We are always looking for new board members.

Criteria to be a board member: own a commercial property; business tenant over 6 months; passion to make the Collingwood commercial area grow to help make a healthy neighbourhood.

How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver

HAPPY SPRING! Shop Collingwood! ItÕs good for business!

@shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood #300 Ð 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC T: 604.639.4403 E: info@shopcollingwood.ca

12

March 2020

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

NEW - AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY APPLY TODAY

Odd Fellows Low Rental Housing Society is pleased to announce the availability of 44 affordable housing units in the newly built development at 3595 Kingsway • 44 units are available to qualified applicants 55+ years of age or older • 9 1-bedroom and 35 bachelor suites available • Gated underground parking • Walking distance to Joyce & Patterson SkyTrain stations • Nearby parks and trails

March 24th Open House 12:00pm-4:00pm Register Now at oflrhs.com

• Move in day: May 1, 2020

FOR MORE ABOUT THE AVAILABLE SUITES VISIT WWW.ROUTE65.CA