Celebrating 15 and 20 year milestones at CNH

By Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) proudly recognizes its long-serving staff members. At the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), CNH staff and contractors who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the neighbourhood house were thanked by the Board of Directors.

This year, we recognize and celebrate Yoko Tomita and Tanya Findlater for their 20 years of service, and Rosanna Costantini for her 15 years of service.

Here’s what Emily Rees, Director of Community Development, had to say about Yoko:

“Congratulations Yoko Tomita, Arts and Culture Manager. Yoko came to CNH as a Community member, volunteer, and mural art contractor. Over the past 20 years, Yoko has contributed to and led projects to create murals, banners, mosaics, and shared her visual art skills with the community.

“Renfrew-Collingwood neighbours and CNH staff have become extended family to her, and that is why she loves working here. Yoko expressed, that it has always felt like a privilege to work at CNH and she has learned so much about serving community in order to create a better place to live. In fact, it is CNH’s privilege to have Yoko as part of the community and we have all learned so much from her.

“Yoko would like to thank January Wolodarsky, Andrea Berneckas, Paula Carr, Jennifer Gray-Grant and everyone in the Community Development Department, past and present for the endless support, friendship, and learnings. Thank you, Yoko for all you have shared and taught us!”

Here’s what Sanjeev Karwal, Director of Youth Services, had to say about Tanya:

“Tanya moved to Vancouver from St. Catherine’s, Ontario in 2002. She started her work at CNH as the summer program leader for the Youth with A Purpose program. From there, Tanya started working at the Youth Centre on Friday and Saturday evenings, where she still spends the majority of her time.

“Over the last 20 years, Tanya has had many roles at CNH, such as running the buddy program for newcomer youth at the local schools, leading adult recreation drop-ins, and working with the kids at the Families Branching Out program.

“Two of Tanya’s greatest assets are, one, how well she connects to and supports the youth, and two, her unlimited supply of energy.

“Over her span of work at CNH, Tanya has appreciated working, learning and unlearning from a diverse group of youth and staff, the upwards mobility in her positions and the opportunity to address the needs and gaps for youth in the community. Some of Tanya’s favorite memories include: Handing out hot chocolate and candies in front of CNH on Halloweens, the boys and girls sleep over events, competitive floor hockey games, and when former participants come back to visit as adults. Thank you, Tanya!”

Here’s what Sabrina Bantog, Child Care HR Manager, had to say about Rosanna:

“Rosanna currently is a Grenfell School Age Childcare worker and she does Parents & Tots Gym time with our Recreation department.

“Rosanna has been a participant, a volunteer and currently a staff. It all started over 20 years ago when she used to bring her children to Parents & Tots Gym Time and she participated in Family Place.

“Rosanna has volunteered being an MC at many of CNH’s events, she has done senior’s friendly phone calls, volunteered & had a position in the Families Branching Out Program, and she facilitated the Mama & Papa Goose Program.

“Rosanna’s supervisor, Donna says that Rosanna enjoys implementing a variety of activities with the children including cooking, art, music/dancing and playing tag. The children love her willingness to play along side them. She thinks Rosanna has stayed with CNH so long because she genuinely loves working with children, encouraging their individual growth and development.

“Donna’s favourite work-related memory involving Rosanna was when she made a pinata for Spring Break a couple of years ago. The children all took turns trying to break it open and… nothing. It was like the pinata had been made of concrete and not paper mache. So, Rosanna tried to break it, and ended up breaking the pinata stick in half, and the pinata remained unscathed. The running joke with her now is that she should explore a career of making houses with her paper mache mixture as they would stand up to almost anything and not fall apart!

“When Rosanna was asked why she is still around, she said “It’s because I want to give back to our community, to families and children, to impact their lives… to put smiles on their faces, to lend them an ear when needed and also give them my heart but most of all to have them realize they are special, welcomed and that they belong and that they matter. We all have an important part to play in making changes and improving our society and the world and I can do this with my everyday interactions with the people who walk through the doors of CNH. Congratulations and thank you, Rosanna!”

May 2023

Joyce Street Spring Clean Up – April 22, 2023

Thank you to all that joined us for the Joyce Street Spring Clean Up party on Earth Day April 22nd. Joyce Street never looked better. Thank you to St. Mary’s School for hosting the event and providing the space, tables and chairs and the BBQ.

This community event is brought to by the Collingwood BIA, St. Mary’s School, Collingwood Community Policing Centre, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Adrian Dix’s Constituency Office.

Calendar of Events

April 30 – May 3

BIABC Annual Conference

Victoria,BC

May 5

Cinco de Mayo

May 14

Mother’s Day

May 22

Victoria Day

SAVE the DATE

Safety Survey 2023

A report will be going out to all Collingwood BIA Members. We appreciate your time to fill out the Safety Survey. We have many resources in our community. First, if it is an emergency and occurring at the time call 9-1-1. If the incident has already happened call non-emergency 604.717.3321. You can also report a crime online at www.vpd.ca. The Collingwood Community Policing Centre is a located at 5160 Joyce Street, they can be reached at 604.717.2935. Reporting is important for the Vancouver Police Department to have accurate data of our neighbourhood.

We are very fortunate to be in one of the lowest crime areas in the City. Thank you to our Collingwood Guardians who patrol the BIA several times per week. If you see the Guardians in their red jackets, don’t hesitate to speak with them to share any concerns you have. To learn about the Guardians go to www.collingwoodcpc.com

Jr. BIA and Scholarships

The Collingwood BIA Scholarship application will be available March 12–May 31, 2023. If you are a Grade 12 student attending Windermere Secondary School, contact info@shopcollingwood.ca There are two $500.00 scholarships available.

Save the Date – Collingwood Days – 20th Anniversary July 14-22

Collingwood Days is back again and in full force. Events and activities will be programed over the week of Celebrations. The festival turns 20 years old! July 22nd will be the Big Festival Day at Gaston Park. See ad in this issue to learn how you can participate as a vendor, food truck, volunteer or sponsor. Go to www.collingwoodday.com

Shop Collingwood! It’s good for business

Collingwood Days 2023

July 14 – 22

(see ad in this issue for more information)

How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood

Office:

#300 – 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2

T: 604.639.4403

E: info@shopcollingwood.ca