Renfrew-Collingwood Community News November 2016

November 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS

RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com

Remembering (with) Collingwood Legion Branch #48

by Paul Reid

Amalgamation Exactly two years and 24 issues since the RCC News covered the story of Collingwood Branch #48’s predicament, in which they would need a ‘miracle’ to survive, we are thrilled to announce that the branch has found a new home.

Following two years of hard work from their members with support from the community, Branch #48 have voted to amalgamate (become one) with Grandview Branch #179; the new branch will be called Grandview-Collingwood Branch #179.

Seen as a win-win situation by both branches, the big win is for the Renfrew-Collingwood community who will continue to be served by the Royal Canadian Legion as it has been for these past 9o years.

Remembrance Day Join the branch this November 11th, in what will be their last Remembrance Day as Branch #48.

We will be in the parade assembling at the west parking lot of John Oliver High School at 41st Avenue and Fraser Street at 9:45 am.

Scenes from last year’s Remembrance Day at the Memorial Park Cenotaph. This moving ceremony included performances by the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande; veterans, military marching units and bands led to Victory Square by the Vancouver Flag Party; a 21-gun salute by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment; a combined performance by the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service and the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada; and a fly-past by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photos by Paul Reid

A toast to Mike McLenaghen Page 2

Local Homelessness Page 4

Salmon returning to Still Creek Page 6

The Remembrance Day Service will be at the Memorial Park Cenotaph, located at 41st Avenue and Windsor Street. The service at the cenotaph will commence at 10:30 am.

Eating Out: Ananda Bhavan Dosa Villa Page 7

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November 2016

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A toast to Mike McLenaghen Mike McLenaghen started at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) in 1995, just a couple of months before they occupied their new building on Joyce Street. Hired to start a ‘gym program’, Mike soon had that changed to ‘rec and leisure program’. “With Paula Carr as my supervisor, she gave me the freedom to really take the ball and run with it,” says Mike.

25 programs and included visual arts, tai chi, music programs and dance. Mike remembers one of his favourite programs that was started by Ms. Lee, who taught Tai Chi to members of the community who were both blind and deaf. “I wasn’t sure how she was going to do it, but she did it, and it was amazing!”

The programs continued to increase and currently number And run he did. In his first year, around 70. Many of these that CNH went from 12 programs to Mike helped to pioneer went far beyond the basic recreation programs: The Emergency preparedness team, the Health and safety team, the Family of Schools Hub Model (which is now in 10 different communities); the Prevention Education program, the Homelessness Initiative and Breakfast Program; the Better at Home Seniors program…the list goes on.

Collingwood Neigh

Yes, Mike’s hard work, creativity and humour will be missed around CNH. Mike will be joining up with his wife, Alison, in Halifax and they will continue the work they have been doing on a program called Collaborative Community Coaching, or C3.

C3 is an approach to children’s recreation and sport that encourages children, parents, and leaders/coaches to value play, flow and creativity in recreation and sport programs. Founded on democratic principles, fair play, the development of positive values, and building community through sport, this program is aimed at creating more activity in communities and has seen great results.

“I’m clear and firm in my belief that the kind of childhood we had is important and essential for children of any era. And I get a little emotional at times when I think of how much fun we had catching snakes, salamanders and climbing and falling out of trees.”

Way to go Mike, and Thank You!

Julie Cheng writes: I first met Mike when I signed up my sevenyear-old daughter to soccer lessons about a dozen years ago. Mike ran the lessons and he was great with the kids. What I remember most, though, was thinking, “This guy seems to have some skill.” Little did I know that Mike had played as a professional soocer player in the NASL and on the Canadian national soccer team in the 1982 World Cup. I’ll also remember our many conversations about the best ways to engage children in sport. Also that all athletes should take gymnastics as a foundation for strength and balance.

Thanks, Mike, for your engaging Mike McLenaghen starred at conversations and wonderful insights over Stimon Fraser and was a firstround draft choice of the NASL’s the years.

Minnesota Kicks in 1979.

Photos: www.nasljerseys.com

Come together right now with Freshslice Pizza

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Here is Mike with the 1982Canadian National Team, back row; right of centre.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

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November 2016

-bourhood House bids farewell to Mike after 21 years

by Paul Reid

Jennifer Gray-Grant writes:

When we had the good-bye event for Mike, he spoke about his very early years growing up in the back of a storefront on Joyce, near Kingsway. What stuck with me was his description of his Mom sending him out to play on his tricycle on Joyce Street! Of course, there have been many changes in the neighbourhood since then and the area has grown and developed exponentially.

Mike on his last day at CNH: Oct 17

Paula Carr writes:

Mike’s reputation proceeded him , so much so that we delayed our interviews to accommodate his return from Central America. I am so thankful we waited as I could not think of a better fit for the Renfrew Collingwood Neighbourhood.

I remember those first impressions and one thing that gave me great joy was to watch Mike connect with different people in the community so he could design recreation and community service programs that were relevant and captured the numerous ideas of community members.

He taught us all a great deal about community engagement and service development!

Arriving at CNH 21 years ago, Mike was one of the people who helped to ensure that all of those waves of new residents had a wonderful place to find a sense of belonging, at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. He built the recreation program at CNH and then after being promoted to the director level also took on leadership over our programs in the areas of settlement, seniors, Youth, Peer Education, homelessness and Aboriginal youth. He took particular interest in staff development and encouraged many young staff in their career paths.

He was also a connector, reaching out to service providers throughout the neighbourhood to see where there were areas of possible collaboration. And through it all he maintained his strong interest in sports, often popping into the gym at the end of his workday to shoot a few baskets before heading home.

EYE CARE CENTRE

Since he has left I realize there’s a sound we no longer hear; Mike’s sudden laugh, which we heard often throughout the day as he responded to something a staff person, participant or volunteer said. A jovial guy Mike loved to laugh and joke with people. I’m sure he’ll continue to find and spread joy wherever he goes.

Familiar faces, new positions at CNH Taking over from Mike McLenaghen will be Suzanne Liddle and Vive Wong.

Suzanne Liddle has been appointed Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s director of community services. She will oversee seniors programs, including Better at Home, as well as settlement services, recreation and homeless programs.

FOSTER CAREGIVERS NEEDED

Contact us for more info: 604-216-7447 foster@vacfss.com

Originally from Northern Ireland, Suzanne worked for a number of years for Volunteer Now. In Canada she was a volunteer program manager with a home-care society that has more than 400 volunteers. For the past two years she has worked as CNH’s seniors and Better at Home coordinator.

“I am so happy to be taking this new position! I look forward to supporting the recreation, settlement, seniors and homelessness programs and learning from the wonderful staff who provide such vital services for the community,” Suzanne said.

“I feel privileged to continue to work in such an engaged, diverse, caring and fun neighbourhood as Renfrew Collingwood.”

Vive Wong will be taking over as director of youth services. Read more about Vive on page 14.

www.vacfss.com Mike’s Retirement toast

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November 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

What local students think about housing and homelessness by Peter Greenwell

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: Cindy Chen, Crecien Bencio, Norman Hill, Janette Chen, Jenny Lu, Julie Cheng, Kaitlyn Fung, Paul Reid, Peter Greenwell, Ricardo Cerna, Taya Lawton

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: Nov. 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 @

One of the three Law 12 classes at Windermere Secondary that learned about homelessness in RenfrewCollingwood. Photo by Kento Vince For the last six years I had an opportunity to do classroom presentations about housing and homelessness in our neighbourhood for the 60 to 75 students that take Law 12 at Windermere Secondary School.

I’ve discussed how homelessness has changed over the last 15 years and how homelessness

serves as an indicator of the significant changes in housing costs and income stagnation we’ve experienced in that time.

I’ve also talked about local initiatives support for people who are homeless.

Most importantly I’ve had a chance to hear the consistently strong, wellthought out opinions of young people.

Rental housing in Renfrew-Collingwood There have been changes in the housing available in our neighbourhood over the last number of years. The federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) gathers detailed statistics on housing across Canada. In Vancouver they’ve split the city up into 10 zones; most of RenfrewCollingwood is in the Mount

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

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Pleasant/Renfrew Heights zone. A few things stand out about our neighbourhood: • We have one of the largest concentrations of rental housing in Vancouver with over 6,300 units, closely following South Granville/ Oak and Kitsilano/Point Grey • We also have one of the consistently lowest vacancy rates in the city, hovering between 0.3% to 0 .5% (only English Bay currently has a lower vacancy rate).

Typically there are no more than 20 to 25 vacant units available each month (almost all of those are onebedroom units) • And even though we have one of the lowest average rental rates ($1,037 for a one bedroom in October 2015) we also have one of the highest rates of rent increases (3%–4%), which might reflect greater turnover rates of units with rents increasing between tenancies.

Homelessness in Renfrew-Collingwood A focus of these presentations comes from local homeless count statistics. Since 2010 I have co-ordinated volunteer efforts for the City of Vancouver’s homeless counts, from Cambie Street to Boundary Road.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS Over the years I have seen that, after the downtown and Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhoods, RenfrewCollingwood has had the largest numbers of people sleeping outside and most recently in cars and RVs. The car and RV camping is understandable given the significant amount of light industrial zoning in the neighbourhood.

“Not sure about what the infrastructure should be but provincial government should do more for shelter that have resources so people can sustain themselves (get people into affordable houses).”

November 2016 of permanent shelter beds, partly because the shelter sector has said we need affordable safe and appropriate housing not more shelter beds • No local shelter space created even for extreme weather situations

“It’s hypocritical of provincial With the worsening of the government to lower welfare rates and be pissed when people housing market for affordable rents of any kind in Vancouver, are sleeping on the lawn.” the next couple of years look Homeless in Seattle “Starting to call Vancouver ‘Tent like things could get worse before they get better with The choice to step outside the City’; in abandoned parking shelter system and “house” lots, agree that people need help homelessness. oneself is a development that with addictions and joblessness. needs consideration. Does Tent cities could be allowed but Peter Greenwell, local resident of Renfrew-Collingwood, has this development mirror the shouldn’t be happening in first worked as the director of the experience south of the border place.”

Gathering Place Community in Seattle and Portland? In 2013 Centre and as a planner for the I volunteered to participate “Make the shantytowns really City of Vancouver and Metro in the Metro Seattle homeless big – things are happening for Vancouver. He is a PhD candidate count where 700 people were a reason – not a nanny state, in the Social Dimensions of identified as sleeping in their make them well-regulated, Health Program, University vehicles. better maintained and safer.” of Victoria, looking at social inclusion, transportation and Over the last four years Seattle “Good solution for temporary homelessness. city staff has seen an increase in housing, Vancouver should stop unauthorized camping in Seattle building apartments for people parks, alongside highways and who don’t need them (outside of under bridges from 80 sites in Canada).”

2012, to 131 sites in 2013, to 351 sites in 2014. In 2015 there were “Tents are not suitable to 49 sites in one month.

Vancouver weather, sheds Given that situation the like in Seattle would be better Mayor of Seattle has urged (suitable to environment and official recognition of the more safe).” encampments, under the management of long-term “Have designated areas homeless shelter operators. (repeated a few times), one area There are now three such sites instead of everywhere.” with “shelter” for 300 people.

“It’s important to have dignity What students say and ability to have autonomy to Here are some of the things that make decisions.”

Law 12 students at Windermere Secondary School said in What the future holds response to that potential Last month the provincial dilemma. government announced $500 million dollars towards “People who are homeless are affordable housing construction. not so different from us, just This is good news. And it will be folks who have fallen down and two to three years before that out.” housing will be available.

“Simply giving homeless a place to stay and meals doesn’t fix the problem.”

How will homelessness develop over the next couple of years?

Will urban camp sites be a more common choice for “Restorative justice needs to be “autonomous” housing for brought back into society, where people who can’t find any place there are real options, jobs and that is vacant and affordable? places to live.”

We know there has been: “Homeless people can be • No increase in seven years in stubborn – people will not try the amount of money dedicated things that are forced on them.” to rent supplements which our local homeless outreach team “If people don’t want to get out uses to try and re-house people of homelessness then it’s their off the street fault.”

• Little increase in the number

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November 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Reflecting on five years of salmon returning to Still Creek

by Crecien Bencio for Still Moon Arts Society In the first week of November, my neighbours and I are waiting. At Still Creek

by Natal Street and Cornett Road, we step off the sidewalk and dodge the blackberry fronds. We are close enough that our fingers touch the water. Our eyes are alert for a flicker of a fin or a ripple.

For five years now this has been our ritual.

This would be the fifth year salmon are to return to Still Creek in Vancouver.

Still Creek is part of the Brunette River Watershed and is one of the major tributaries that feeds Burnaby Lake. The creek is partially hidden in culverts until it reaches Burnaby, where it flows above ground until it empties into Burnaby Lake.

Chum salmon hadn’t made their way through these industrialized areas for 80 years until 2012.

I can feel the water seeping in through my shoes, but I am excited. This moment is part of the narrative our childhood – our environmental restoration efforts, the trees that we planted in the Renfrew Ravine now as big as we are, the silly garbage that we pulled out.

Dear Neighbours: This fall, a whole community mobilized to save our beloved local public schools from closure: on October 18, we delivered 18,324 petition signatures to the Premier’s Vancouver Office.

Along with thousands of handwritten letters from students and parents, a thousand lawn signs, and dozens of events we have made the case for public education in East Vancouver. Feeling the pressure from the amazing advocacy work of the community, the Minister of Education announced that the “school closure process is over in Vancouver.”

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all the students, parents, and community members who have taken part in this incredible campaign to save Gladstone, Bruce, and Carleton from closure.

Still Creek at Natal St. and Cornett Rd. where chum salmon have appeared for the last four years. Photo by Kaitlyn Fung

Personally, the salmon is a symbol of my own process of learning. This year, I have been more mindful of indigenous food sovereignty and the land that we are on. This journey has been confrontational and difficult. Through this, I learned how salmon is beyond species – it is linked to cultural knowledge systems, health, ecosystems, relationships and resiliency.

The salmon is a small wonder in my community. It surprises me how much I have learned from their returning presence. It surprises me how the many relationships I treasure revolve around their annual return. This year as I make my trek to the creek with friends I think, have the salmon heard our songs?

Have they heard our dreams? For the past five years, this is where we have waited.

Still Moon Arts Society acknowledges that we are on the unceded, occupied, and traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sto’lo nations, and for this we are thankful. Through creating art, restoring environment, and building community, Still Moon commits to facilitating spaces for understanding and for knowledge sharing. This work will acknowledge and respect the contexts of the past and the present.

How can neighbours help the salmon and contribute to a thriving ecosystem in Renfrew-Ravine? ~ Do not use harmful chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides. ~ Dispose of garbage, chemicals, paints and other liquids properly. Do not dump chemicals down the storm drain. ~ Wash your car without soap or with phosphate-free soap. ~ Participate in Evergreen’s Uncover Your Creeks program to take action to improve the health of Renfrew Ravine.

For more information, visit evergreen.ca

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

For Carleton of course, we continue to fight to make sure this great public school is fixed or replaced. And we need all of your support to make that happen. That effort continues, but today, we celebrate. I can’t start mentioning names because I would have to mention hundreds. But our community fought back and won. Now, we have to work together to support the fired trustees, fight for seismic upgrades and adequately fund public education.

In the coming days, we will be recognizing and celebrating the Gladstone, Bruce and Carleton students, alumni and parents who forced the provincial government to back down. Stay updated with news about the future of our schools and subscribe to our e-newsletter by visiting adriandixmla.ca or calling us at 604-660-0314.

Remembrance Day: November 11th November 11th is Remembrance Day, set aside for all of us to take time to recognize the sacrifice of those who fought and died for their country in battle, and to remember how important it is to work for peace so we may never again face the tragedies of wartime.

Please join me on Friday, November 11 at the Memorial Park Cenotaph, located at 41st Ave and Windsor St, to recognize the sacrifice that so many have made across the world. There will be a parade assembling at the west parking lot of John Oliver High School at 41st Ave and Fraser St at 9:45am – the service at the cenotaph will commence at 10:30am.

Sincerely,

Adrian

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Eating Out in RC

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November 2016

by Paul Reid

Ananda Bhavan Dosa Villa

2269 Kingsway (one block west of Nanaimo) Tel: 604-336-5666 southern tip of Dear food fans, India.

Inspired by I am pleased to announce another fine edition to our community’s already diverse the cooking of his line-up of stellar culinary establishments. parents, Just west of Nanaimo Street, on the north Vicky side of Kingsway, complete with parking attended both in front and underground, you will Southern Spicy Ravala Masala Dosa culinary find Ananda Bhavan Dosa Villa. Just school in India and has been recently acquired by chef ‘Vicky’ (you can stomach. There is a long a chef now for over 16 years. call him Venkatesan Kaliyamoo), Ananda Dosa Villa is his first restaurant list of Vegetarian dishes, as Bhavan now specializes in dosas – that well as Tandoori, Chicken, amazing treat from India’s southern region. as owner. “I come in a few Seafood and Biryani hours before we open each dishes. day and create everything Vicky has the restaurant nicely decorated: comfortable, simple, clean. Vicky suggested fresh. fresh ingredients and In addition to this wide everything prepared each the Chicken 65 (7.50) as my appetizer and selection of appetizers and morning.Having just put in a new stove and grill to cook the entrees, you will find hot teas and coffees; giant dosas, Vicky is ready to Cold beverages such cook his way into our hearts. as a Kulfi Float, Lassis, Also on the menu you will find, Milkshakes and soft drinks; and for dessert, in addition to Chicken 65, a sweets such as Gulab nice assortment of appetizers: Jamun and Kesari.

Vadai, Pakoda, Spicy Chicken Wings, Samosas. There is a long list of the house specialty, Open from 11am – 11pm Chicken 65 Dosas, that I cannot wait to be on Mondays to Thursdays, back to try. Perhaps the Prawn and from 11am – 3am the Southern Spicy Ravala Masala Dosa (10.25) also caught my eye.Vicky took some Masala Dosa or Lamb Vindaloo (that’s late!) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Dosa. Idli, another southern time to make sure he understood just how you can have an excellent India specialty, is a savoury spicy I could handle. Though I do love it cake made from rice and black lunch or dinner at Dosa spicy, I know from experience that Indian Villa any day of the week. lentils that is apparently easy cuisine does need some respect in this Bon Appetit! to digest and good for the department. You probably don’t want to say ‘as spicy as you can’.

Vicky is from Tamil Nadu.

This is the region at the very

©2016 Kumon Canada, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

We settled on medium spicy and that turned out to be perfect for me. The Chicken 65 was amazing. Bite-sized pieces of the most delectable chicken with two delicious accompanying sauces: one more spicy, and one to cool it down. I believe I detected some coconut in there. My Spicy Ravala Masala dosa was also excellent and came with more of those freshly sauces that Vicky prepares fresh each morning; also, a nice lentil soup. I was in spicy heaven. Thank goodness for the cool mango milkshakes ($3.95) to help wash it all down. Can you say – “I’ll be back”?

Find Renfrew-Collingwood Community News on Facebook and keep up to date on what’s happening in our community. www.facebook.com/ RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews

Also visit the RCCNews website: renfrewcollingwoodcommunitynews.com

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November 2016

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November 2016

Be compassionate to others Art and message by Ricardo Cerna

When life seems tough, our family can be the fountain where we find love, compassion and warmth. Within our family, we feel reassured that someone understands and cares how we feel; and the compassion we experience with our family inspires us to be more compassionate to others.

Our many thanks to Ricardo for sharing his artwork and messages with us over the years. If you are a local artist (of any age) that would like to shareVoyages your artwork with the community, please send it to the RCC News: rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca

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Danaca Ackerson Joanne Hastie Carol McQuaid Paintings and Prints Exhibition continues through January 14, 2017

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November 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Windermere Organic Garden Team grows fruit, veggies and Collingwood Neighbourhood House community by bicycle.

by Janette and Cindy Chen The Leadership program in Windermere Secondary has transformed an empty weed-filled area in the school’s grass field into a beautiful, edible food garden.

There are now two parts to the garden at the school: the courtyard located at the heart of Windermere and the orchard located on the upper right of the Windermere field.

A team of devoted youth arrive every day after school to keep the garden in top condition. The students range from Grades 8 to 12 and make up the Windermere Organic Garden Team (WOGT). This year, the garden leaders are Gaelan Emo and Kobie Gingras-Fox, and included in the team is a student from the University of B.C. Fresh Roots, Jenny Lu. Summer market During summer 2016, the Windermere Organic Garden Team held a market stand for seven weeks every Tuesday outside the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), at Joyce and Euclid. All the profit has gone back to help improve the Windermere garden.

The day before or on the day of the market, students would hand pick and wash the organically grown fruits and vegetables before transporting them to

The crops included varieties of cucumbers, apples, kale, squash, cabbages and tomatoes. Every week, new and previous customers came to the stand, and whether they bought some produce or not, they all left with encouraging words that continue to push the students to keep up their work in the garden.

Growing community Along with the summer market, the WOGT plans to work on greater projects involving the garden and members of the community.

One such project is a giant mural located on a side wall in the orchard.

In collaboration with Collingwood Neighbourhood House, WOGT hopes to bring in students, such as students in the Windermere Athena Arts program, as well as youth from the community to all work on it.

Right now, one of the garden leaders is working with Crecien Bencio, a youth from CNH, to plan the mural. Watch for a swarm of students to start on it as soon as warmer weather returns.

Janette and Cindy Chen are Grade 10 and 11 students in of the Leadership program at Windermere Secondary. Both are involved in the community through various programs and organizations. They have been regular members of the Windermere Organic Garden Team since Grade 8 and 9.

A basket full of colours.

Photo by Cindy Chen

Above: The Windermere Garden Organic Team had just put out their produce when a cook from Collingwood Neighbourhood House offered up herbs.

Right: Just a few of Windermere’s fruits and vegetables of the week.

Photo by Jenny Lu

Community Reads

Discover books that have been recommended by your neighbours in the Renfrew-Collingwood community.

Booklist by Taya Lawton, Renfrew Library All Together Now by Gill Hornby In the small English village of St. Ambrose, the members of the Bridgeford Community Choir have little in common. But when their singing coach dies unexpectedly before a big contest, the motley group must join forces - and voices - in pursuit of an impossible-seeming goal. Featuring an eclectic cast of characters, including a mother suffering from empty nest syndrome, a middle-aged man who has just lost everything, and a 19-year-old waitress who dreams of reality TV stardom. All Together Now is a poignant and charming novel about small town life, community, falling in love, and the big rewards of making a small change.

A Recipe for Bees by Gail Anderson-Dargatz Awaiting news about a sick family member, Augusta reminiscences about her life. From her time as a young woman living in an unhappy marriage on an isolated farm in British Columbia to growing older and rediscovering the “ointment for her soul” of bee-keeping that reconnects her to the community and sparks a love affair with her husband. Gail Anderson-Dargatz’s beautiful novel is saturated with bee lore, rich domestic detail, wondrous imagery culled from rural kitchens and gardens, and shining insights into family and friendship. And at its heart is the life, death and resurrection of an extraordinary marriage.

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

November 2016

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The Seniors Connection Remembering David Hanuse – A beloved elder Dave Hanuse, a former board member of Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), elder to CNH’s Aboriginal youth, volunteer with Families Branching Out and just a very sweet man, passed away October 17, 2016. He was 73.

Dave was somebody who always looked on the bright side of life, loved to joke and laugh in his gentle way and spoke warmly about finding a home among the staff and volunteers at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.

He was generous in sharing his cultural knowledge and practices and often gave a blessing – singing and drumming – before Families Branching Out dinners. He loved to join the youth in the Canoe Club and felt such peace and contentment canoeing with them. He last participated in the Canoe Club’s Pulling Together Journey about two or three years ago.

Dave’s health was failing over the last few years but he still made the effort to come to Families Branching Out, more recently accompanied by an aide. It obviously made a huge difference to him to be a part of Families Branching Out and of CNH. Julie Cheng, editor of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News, recalled the days when she and David sat on the CNH board. “We had a special bond because we were both ‘newbies’ on the board, as he called us,” said Julie. “He always gave me a warm hug whenever he saw me.”

“I will always remember Dave’s twinkly, sparkling eyes,” recalled Jennifer Gray-Grant, CNH executive director. “He was the kind of person who absolutely focused on you when he spoke to you. He always gave you the sense that the time you spent speaking to him mattered to him. I will miss his kindness, his caring and his gentle manner.”

A moment from Collingwood’s past:

Collingwood District Parade float: June 12, 1914

Photo credit: Vancouver Public Library Archives

David Hanuse gives a traditional First Nations welcome at a gathering in 2008.

Photo by Julie Cheng

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November 2016

Get Involved

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

What’s happening at your local library

Annual Artisans Village Market – Table registration Nov. 1-31 The 8th annual Collingwood Artisans Village Market will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 am to 4 pm in the lobby area and multipurpose rooms at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Free Admission.

Drop by and check out 20 local artisans from the RenfrewCollingwood area who will be showcasing their crafts. There will be a raffle draw for a chance to win a homemade gingerbread house as well as food baskets prizes!

Table registration for crafters and artisans starts from Nov. 1 to Nov. 31. To book a table, contact rcmancraftfair@gmail.com Winter markets start in November Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium (10am-2pm) – Saturdays, Nov. 5 – Apr. 22 More info at http://eatlocal.org/markets/natbailey/ Winter Market at Hastings Park (10am-2pm) – Sundays, Nov. 6 – Apr. 30. More info at http://eatlocal.org/markets/hastings-park/ Uncover Your Creeks – Renfrew Ravine Sunday, Nov. 27 9 am-12 pm Renfrew Ravine, East 29th Avenue and Atlin Street Take action to improve the health of the local watershed! Join Evergreen the last Sunday of the month for citizen-science training and other activities at Renfrew Ravine. By helping monitor water quality, and removing invasive species and replacing them with native plants, you can help ensure the ravine’s Still Creek remains a vital and functioning part of the urban ecosystem. Contact Chantelle at cchan@evergreen.ca if you have any questions.

Want to improve your public speaking skills? Check out the Telespeakers Toastmasters club Toastmasters offers individuals the opportunity to learn how to speak with a prepared speech, as well as parliamentary procedure, Robert’s Rules of Order and impromptu speaking and how to run a meeting.

The club provides a positive and supportive experience in which members are empowered to develop leadership, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills. It is an open club always accepting new members.

Meetings are held Friday mornings from 7:30-9 am in the Telus Building on the 6th floor in the Burnaby Room (adjacent to the cafeteria) at 3777 Kingsway, Burnaby, across from Central Park.

Free parking (during meetings only) is available behind Minoa’s Taverna on Smith Ave. This club is open to the general public, not just TELUS employees.

If you would like to attend as a guest or would like more information, please visit www.telespeakers.com or send an email to vpm-2328@toastmastersclubs.org.

Renfrew Branch, 2969 E. 22nd Ave. at Nootka, 604-257-8705

Collingwood Branch, 2985 Kingsway, 604-665-3953

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Harry Potter Party Don’t you wish that you could party with your favourite book character? Through crafts and games all inspired by the characters from this series, have fun and celebrate the characters you know and love.

Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, 3:30-4:30 pm

Reading Buddies: Reading practice with teen volunteers - For Grades 2-4.

Registration Thursdays, October 20-December 1, 4-5 pm

Acting Up: Readers’ Theatre for Kids Have fun making theatre while you read! Kids will explore acting techniques and build characters as they read a play together. The final session will be a performance. Please contact the branch to register. For ages 8-11.

Thursdays, Nov. 3, 10 & 17, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Nov. 24 Performance 7-8 pm Storytimes at Renfrew A program for parents and caregivers with young children. Share songs, rhymes and stories. Drop in Babytime (0-18 months). Wednesdays, Sept. 22 to Nov. 30, 11:15 am Toddlertime (18 mos-3 yrs). Tuesdays, Sept. 20 to Nov. 29, 10:15 am *NEW* Chinese Storytime. Thursdays, Sept. 22 to Nov. 24, 2:00-2:30 pm Family Storytime (0-7 yrs). Saturdays, Sept. 24 to Dec. 3, 11:15 am Lego Mondays Come express your creativity with Lego and make new friends. Lego provided. For ages 6-12.

Drop in.

Every Monday, 3:30 pm Afternoon at the Movies Come in on Friday afternoons for family friendly movies! Drop in.

Fridays, 3:30 pm Nov. 4: The Little Mermaid Nov. 18: The Aristocats Nov. 25: The Fox and the Hound Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) Come join our TAG! If you would like to share your opinion on our teen programs, services and/or collections, and discover volunteer opportunities to earn community hours, then TAG is for you!

Drop-in to check it out before signing up. Ages 13-18.

First Wednesday every month: Wednesday ,Nov. 2, 4-5 pm ADULT PROGRAMS BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby Book Club (in Mandarin) 帶着寶寶參加讀書會(國語) Are you the parent or caregiver of a child under four? Love to read books? Want to join a book club, talk about books written for adults and meet in a baby-friendly setting? Then this is the club for you. Conducted in Mandarin. 家里有不到四岁的孩子要照料，可又喜好讀書? 想和別 人交流讀書體會，又希望能帶上小寶寶? 這個讀書會正 合您的心意。國語 Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, 10:30–11:30 am ESL Conversation Circle Improve your spoken English skills in a supportive environment. Learn about your community and Canadian culture while making new friends. This class is suitable for intermediate speakers.

Saturdays, Nov. 5 & 19, 2 pm

Harry Potter Party - For ages 6-12. Drop in Saturday, November 26, 2:30-3:30 pm Lego Block Party - For ages 6-12. Drop in Saturdays, once a month, 10:30-11:30 am Family Storytime - Drop in Thursday mornings, 10:30-11:00 am November 3-December 8 Babytime - Drop in Thursday mornings, 11:30 am-12:00 pm November 3-December 8 ADULT PROGRAMS One-to-One Computer Training Every week. Want to learn how to use a computer? How to send an email? More about VPL’s online collections, eBooks?

Call the library 604-665-3953 to book a 45-minute session.

Free Basic Taxation and Estate Planning Workshop Tuesday, Nov. 8, 6-7 pm Learn what is estate planning, tools and transferring the estate to the next generation. Space is limited. RSVP required by Monday, Nov. 7. Call 604665-3953 or 604-877-7133 or visit the Collingwood branch.

Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3

Saturday, December 3, 2016 is the annual celebration for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture wants to start a new tradition.

This year, Kickstart will host the 1st Annual Public Gathering for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This gathering will take place from 1-3 pm at the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street.

Please join Kickstart and supporting organizations, companies, allies and people who live with a disability to share some time together in public on this very special day.

If you are interested in helping make this event happen, please contactYuri Arajs at kickstartdirector@gmail.com.

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November 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Natalia Pardalis’s Album Launch Party - I’m in Love with Fairy Tales A Masquerade Spectacular, November 6, 2016 Natalia Pardalis is finally releasing her long-awaited album I’m in Love with Fairytales.

Natalia’s last album Life led us through an exploration of her life over a 10-year period. This time Natalia takes on our cultural phenomenon of seeking romance and love through our obsession of fairy tales.

The launch on November 6 will feature a live performance of her intimate album along with a visual display for your senses – it will be a spectacular masquerade of sounds, visuals, tastes and smells.

What to expect from Natalia? Skyy Power from She-Boom 100.5 FM says, “Cabaret, operatic, hints of jazz, classical? Take your pick as Natalia is a playful yet seriously convincing songstress to reckon with.”

Sharing the stage with Natalia is the Yarrow String Quartet.

Award-winning dancer Alexia Dickson will also take the stage.

WHEN: Sunday, November 6 @ 3:30 pm WHERE: Tom Lee Music Hall, 929 Granville Street, Vancouver TICKETS AND MORE INFO: http://www.nataliapardalis.com Natalia grew up in the Collingwood neighbourhood till the mid-90s before moving to Surrey. She attended Trinity Western University and Capilano University.

Photo source: www.pardalis.com

RENFREW PARK COMMUNITY COMPLEX 2929 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 2Y3

604 257-8388 Centre: ext 1 Pool: ext 2 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.

Craft Fair (All Ages)

Remembrance Day Weekend Hours of Operation Fitness Centre

Pool

Centre Area

1pm-5pm 1pm-5pm CLOSED Fri, Nov 11 8am-5pm 9am-5pm Sat, Nov 12 9:30am-5pm 10:30am-5pm 10:30am-5pm 10:30am-5:30pm Sun, Nov 13

Renfrew Park Community Association Annual General Meeting

We hope that you will attend our AGM to meet our current board members, elect new ones, and find out about the accomplishments of this past year and goals for next year. All members 18 and over are eligible to vote. Bring your current RPCA membership card. If you do not have a membership card, please register for the AGM ($3/person) to receive your membership.

72212 We Nov 16 7:00-9:00pm

70885 Th Nov 3

1:00-3:00pm

November Winds Luncheon (55+yrs) 71192 We Nov 23

Breakfast with Santa (All Ages)

Join us with your family and friends for a waffle breakfast. Fun crafts after breakfast to complete your visit. All participants 2+yrs and adults must pay and register for this event.

Sa Dec 3 Breakfast Seating Times: 9:30-10:30am $5/person 11:00am-12:00pm $5/person

Fall Program Highlights Badminton Lessons (6-18yrs) Tu Nov 8-Dec 13 74857 Shuttle I 74859 Shuttle II 74861 Shuttle III/IV

$78/6 sess 4:00-4:45pm 4:50-5:35pm 5:40-6:25pm

Power Stretch and Core (19+yrs)

Special Event Highlights Flu Clinic (All Ages)

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at our Craft Fair. If you’re the crafty sort, come and sell your own handmade items.

CRAFT FAIR ADMISSION FREE 70913 Sa Nov 26 10:00am-3:00pm $28/table

12:00-2:30pm

FREE $8.57/person

Rachel King An intense cardio workout that combines the core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility of yoga movements while using only your body weight. $11.43+tax/drop-in if space.

73963 Su Nov 6-Dec 18 10:45-11:45am $70/7 sess

Hatha Yoga (19+yrs)

Hisae McMichael $10.48+tax/ Adults, $9.52+tax/Seniors drop-in if space, with permission of instructor.

73917 Sa Oct 29-Dec 10 9:15-10:30am $61.25/7 sess

Pilates (19+yrs)

Pilates Mat classes use gravity and the weight of one’s own body to develop awareness and strength of core muscles in the body. $14.29+tax/ drop-in if space with permission from instructor.

73937 Mo Nov 7-Dec 12 7:10pm-8:10pm

Tracey Clark

$72/6 sess

How to Listen to Classical Music (55+yrs)

This is an interactive group class for anyone who enjoys (or wants to enjoy) classical music. $13.81+tax/drop-in if space.

78451 Mo Nov 7-Dec 12 6:30-7:30pm $72/6 sess

Saturday Sports @ Windermere Secondary School

3155 East 27th Avenue (27th & Windermere St) Saturdays, Oct 15-Nov 26 (No session Nov 12) Pre-registration required Pre Teen Badminton (11-13yrs) 74698 11:00am-12:15pm

Free with One Card

Moresports Basketball (11-13yrs) 74699 12:30pm-2:00pm

3 on 3 Youth Basketball (15-17yrs) 74700 2:00-3:30pm

$12/6 sess

Free with OneCard

Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool

Saturday, November 12th from 3:00pm–5:00pm

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

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November 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

H IGHLIG H TS

Vive Wong takes on new role as CNH’s Director of Youth Services

by Norman Hill

Vive Wong was recently appointed as CNH’s new Director of Youth Services.

The eagerness and enthusiasm she has shown in her life so far will no doubt contribute to success in her new position.

CNH Executive Director Jennifer Gray-Grant said, “Vive has always shown an abundance of enthusiasm, a strong desire to learn and a deep talent for engagement.”

Vive is transitioning into her new role enthusiastically. She said, “I’m very excited to work closely with the Directors’ Team and the Youth Team. I hope to bring together the Youth projects

Collingwood Neighbourhood House invites you to lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. 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.”

November lunch menu Tuesday, November 1 Lentil soup Sockeye salmon salad sandwich Salad Chocolate cake

Vive was born in Canada to parents who immigrated from China. She attended Graham Bruce Elementary, where she learned to speak English as a second language. She graduated from Windermere Secondary School where she was involved with the Fast Break Program and Youth Celebrate Canada Day – volunteer opportunities which introduced her to CNH. At the University of British Columbia, Vive earned her degree in Human Kinetics. Later, Vive worked at the North Burnaby Boys and Girls Club and as a Community Schools Team Programmer out of John Oliver Secondary. In 2010, she joined CNH as its Peer Education Coordinator and, for the past year, has also coordinated the Renfrew-Collingwood Aboriginal Youth C.R.E.W. Program. At CNH she co-developed an Intercultural Physical Activity Toolkit Guide and co-designed the related trainthe-trainer workshops. She also recently started work on her Masters in Education: Equality Studies in Education degree at Simon Fraser University.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

Thursday, November 3 Moroccan chicken / veggie tagine on rice Salad Vanilla cupcakes Tuesday, November 8 Cream of broccoli soup Chicken / veggie frittata Salad Shortbread cookies Thursday, November 10 Meat / veggie pie Salad Coconut pumpkin cookies

to work cohesively and provide a strong pillar for youth to be engaged and involved with the community. I feel really well supported and am eager to take on different challenges with the Youth Team. I’m excited to see what will unfold over the next few months.”

Vive is the first-ever person in the Director of Youth Services role, as it is a newly created senior management position. She is working as part of the Directors’ team, overseeing CNH’s Youth Services and the Aboriginal Youth C.R.E.W., Youth Settlement and Peer Education programs. Vive reports to the Executive Director.

Her main duties include leading, mentoring and supporting the Youth Services coordinators, Board of Directors support, human resources management, program management, financial management, Youth Services development, fundraising, public relations and marketing, committee support and systems maintenance.

Her new role is a six-month, acting position.

This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Tuesday, November 15 Spinach lemon soup Turkey enchilada / veggie option Salad Coconut macaroon Thursday, November 17 Cabbage roll Salad Lemon tart Tuesday, November 22 Tomato soup Spinach / chicken pie Salad Ginger pudding Thursday, November 24 Meat / veggie loaf Salad Brownie Tuesday, November 29 Beef / veggie tacos Salad Tiramisu

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

15

November 2016

CBIA Updates: l Winter Carnival 2017 & Community Tree Lighting - Saturday November 26th 4pm – 8pm The Annual Community Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival will take place in the Safeway parking lot at the corner of Tyne and Kingsway.

Come out and enjoy the MUSIC, MAGIC AND MOVIE event! Balloon artist and photos with Santa. Refreshments and cookies.

Be entertained by Norton the Magician and listen to the music of the Silver Belles and local children’s and youth choirs. We end the evening with a Holiday Classic Movie brought to you by the Collingwood Community Policing Centre.

Tree Lighting is at 5p.m. come out and help up kick off the holiday season in Collingwood style.

To sponsor or participate in the event please contact CBIA 604.639.4403 or angela@shopcollingwood.ca

l Turn Down the Heat Week – Partnered with BIABC and Fortis BC Thank you to everyone for donating a sweater or warm winter clothing during the Turn Down the Heat Week October 23 to 29th. All items were collected and donated to the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Homeless Committee and Morning Star program.

Thank you for London Drugs, Vancity, Starbucks and Central Park Business Centre for participating. l New Location for the Annual Community Event – Collingwood Days 2017 Due to the August fire at Carleton Elementary, the Collingwood Days committee had to seek a new location for the largest annual community event. The new location is Gaston Park 3470 Crowley Drive, Vancouver. l Support local businesses and Shop Collingwood! Make Collingwood a holiday experience! l

See full page ad on the back page of this issue.

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November 2016

RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS

Collingwood

Winter Carnival & tree lighting] Saturday rd Dec. 3

4:00pm to 8:00pm (Music, Santa arrival & tree lighting @5pm)

S a f e w a y Pa r k i n g Lo t ( K i n g s w a y

&

Ty n e )

Music ● M agic ● Movie ● R affle Prizes

To p a rticipate as a sponsor, performer or volunteer contact the CBIA presented by: Collingwood BIA

@shopcollingwood

info@shopcollingwood.ca

604.639.4403