October 2016
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Dedicated chef of local breakfast program honoured with national award by Dr. Richard Berwick
It’s tough to find cooks with engaging personalities and Canada-wide reputations, working hard hours at community venues like Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). We have one at the Collingwood Saturday Morning Star breakfast program and her name is Nafisa. Nafisa Sultana arrived in Canada from Bangladesh in February 2009. She found her way to our kitchen five years ago, three years after I started scrambling eggs and washing dishes with other volunteers for the Saturday breakfast program in 2008. Not your typical chef In our work with a largely homeless or homechallenged group of regulars – of all ages and many ethnic backgrounds – we found in Nafisa a professional chef capable of organizing all the details of a successful program: food purchasing and storage, thoughtful preparation of balanced meals, guidance for the volunteers who range from high schoolers to the people of the diverse communities that comprise the staff and public of CNH. Above: Nafisa greets her crew with an inspirational mentor. Photos by Richard Berwick Left: The early morning crew is ready to spring into action.
Joyce-Collingwood rezoning Page 3
Remembering A.J. Wadden Page 4
On any given Saturday, you’ll find the jam-packed kitchen filled with volunteer galley hands with ethnic origins, and past lives, in Bangladesh (that’s Nafisa!), the Philippines, Japan, China, Vietnam, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Canada and the U.S. I’ve watched Nafisa move in her career seamlessly from refugee to resident, from hard labour at Pizza Hut, to cook and then chef at New Hope Community Services Society in Surrey and at Langara College – all the while earning her
Developmental Disabilities Association Page 10
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A day with Ann Page Page 11
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Dedicated chef: Continued from page 1 culinary arts degree at Vancouver Community College. These have been difficult simultaneous commitments, but the extraordinary challenge that Nafisa counts as the work she treasures, above all else, is walking into our kitchen at 5:30 in the morning every Saturday and getting meals – breakfast and lunches – out to anywhere between 50 and 80 hungry people. Not your typical Saturday Here’s what it looked like in the kitchen on this particular early fall Saturday morning: I arrive at the kitchen about 6:30 am, about an hour after Nafisa and Chris have lit the boilers and cranked up the ancient oven with a pilot From left, Maria (Philippines), Nafisa (Bangladesh), Taeko light that works (Japan) ready to serve the cobbler. when you don’t look at it (I exaggerate, slightly). Nafisa, Chris and Viktoriya (last resident in Kazakhstan), are hard at work on the bag lunches, washing veggies, digging out the big fry pans that work well when the grill goes to sleep, as it did today. Nafisa sees me step into her kitchen, gives me the usual bear hug through all of my guilty lateness and sharpens a couple of knives for me to chop the onions, peppers and tomatoes, and then to make a marinade for the omelets. Advice from Nafisa: “If you use that cleaver, you’ll get the liquid over everything.” She’s right, of course. I can only bristle in my amateur-cookness. The sausages are burning in the oven, but only a little. Volunteers file in and do the basics of breakfast: slicing loaves for toast, putting out the milk and juice, the peanut butter and margarine and jam, getting coffee out to the folks waiting for the call to come and pick up their breakfast plates – omelets, sausage, pilaf, fruit, apple cobbler for dessert, breakfast cereals on the side. When it’s all over, we hear the occasional review from departing clients: “Thanks for everything. Eggs were a little hard.” “God bless.” And so it goes. Nafisa stands back to watch her kitchen run like a clock going backwards, dishes collected and washed, tables cleared, some of the men lingering quietly at their tables wanting to chat a bit about their week.
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Nafisa is coming into her own professionally as first-rate Canadian chef, and will be honoured on November 2 in Toronto with the 2016 Be-a-Star (allCanada outstanding chef) award from Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services for her work at Langara College. But she is at home with us at Collingwood for the long run, always with an astonishing well of energy on Saturday morning. Dr. Richard Berwick is a volunteer with the Saturday Breakfast Program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House.
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October 2016
JARA: Impact of rezonings around JoyceCollingwood Skytrain Station by Arielle dela Cruz Yip and Chanel Ly On September 20, 2016, Vancouver city council unanimously approved the rezonings of single family homes in the Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain Station area to allow increased density for townhomes and apartments. This public hearing was a follow-up to the Joyce-Collingwood Precinct Review, which was approved in June 2016. Councillor Kerry Jang spoke in support of the Taiko drummers leading the Community Celebration Walking Tour, part of the rezonings and noted JARA organized block party held on September 17, 2016. The community mural that there is a lot of by two Filipina artists, Aly d., Kim Villagante and youth reads, “home.” Photo by “silent support” in the Arielle dela Cruz Yip community. Councillor Andrea Reimer asked for and confusion among homeowners this community as opposed to population growth and projections that intend to stay in the adding it as an afterthought. for the neighbourhood, but the city Plans say there is potential for clerk could not provide updated data. neighbourhood. more affordable housing. What Over 500 letters were submitted Small businesses are already is the timeline? How long will in opposition to the area plan in feeling the crunch. The majority the most vulnerable in our June, but this did not stop council’s are not in favour of the rezonings community have to wait? decision. and fear that it could mean their long-term businesses are Joyce Area Residents Association at stake due to increased rents (JARA), an intergenerational group of community members, went to City and business taxes. What are the Hall to speak to council regarding the safeguards in place to protect these businesses as bigger chains Joyce-Collingwood Precinct Review pop up in the area? in June 2016. This is significant because our neighbourhood is A new 29-storey condo tower is historically disengaged with proposed by Westbank on the municipal politics due to social, northeast corner of the station. cultural and language barriers. According to information confirmed by senior city planner The rezonings will impact small Paula Huber: immigrant-owned businesses, residents and renters in dozens of Community amenity single family homes. These are not contributions from Westbank just families that can simply pick up development (CACs – money for and go. They have built roots and the community): $4 million community in our neighbourhood. Many have told us that they cannot Cost to move the Collingwood afford to stay in the neighbourhood Library to Joyce Station: $10 without renters or extended family million or that they are unsure about where they could find other housing in Cost of a new community centre Greater Vancouver. A great number around Joyce Station: $15 million of homes are multi-generational and their current dwelling is able to JARA supports transit-oriented accommodate low-income families development that is equitable that want to live together. for long-term, current and new At the very least, homeowners should residents. We ask city council to prioritize affordable housing be given an objective explanation for low-income, newcomer of how these rezonings will impact families, youth and seniors in them. There is a great deal of unrest
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October 2016
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 Beyene, Arielle dela Cruz Yip, Bryden Fergusson, Cari Chan, Chanel Ly, Clarissa Ramos, Julie Cheng, Norman Hill, Paul Reid, Peter Greenwell, Richard Berwick, Sandra Wadden, Terry Schenkel
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: Oct. 10 The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News is an initiative of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).
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Collingwood Neighbourhood House says goodbye to devoted volunteer Adrian Joseph (A.J.) Wadden by Peter Greenwell A.J. Wadden was one of the longestserving volunteers of Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s Morning Star breakfast program (for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness). A.J. volunteered with us for more than 10 years. He would arrive in the wee hours of the morning to help set up tables and chairs and whatever else needed doing. His assistance was important to us and we appreciated his sense of humour and efforts.
A.J. had a 25-year career as a longshoreman, 10 years as a member of the International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) Local 500, retiring last year. He had a life-long love of sports and was an avid cyclist and ice skater. “Everyone on the Morning Star team looked up to A.J.,” said Bill McMichael, another of our original Morning Star volunteers. “For over 10 years, he would arrive with the early shift to set up the multipurpose room for a group of 70, doing the work three volunteers took to take down three hours later. No one has ever worked harder or better or smarter than A.J. And still, he remained a gentle and generous man, whose smile brightened the kitchen on even our darkest and rainiest of mornings. He was the best of us.” Terry Taylor, another of our originals, said: “I would sit with A.J. and chat after the set up was ready for the breakfast program. We talked about life and other things. He was always very respectful and courteous to others. He was a soft-spoken man with a delightful sense of humour. I will always remember those chats with great fondness.” A celebration of life service was held for A.J. at the Sunrise Community Centre on Sunday, September 11. The room was filled with Morning Star volunteers, longshore workmates, friends and family and members of his church. Pastor Elsie Quick, Pastor Ernie Culley and A.J.’s wife Sandra spoke about A.J.’s life.
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
Photo by Sandra Wadden
COMMUNITY NEWS
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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A.J. is survived by his wife Sandra and siblings Marguerite, James, Carl and Vera. The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the B.C. Cancer Agency or the Vancouver Hospital Palliative Care Unit in A.J.’smemory.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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October 2016
Renfrew Collingwood Heritage
by Paul Reid
Once again, we dive into Renfrew-Collingwood’s rich history to find these then and now photos of Earles Road substation
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Built in 1912 and designed by architect Robert Lyon the Earles Road Substation provided electrical service to the Central Park Line of the BC Electric Railway. This line linked Downtown Vancouver to New Westminster and continued in operation until 1953. For the 35 or so years, the substation was boarded up until 1989 when the building was turned into a condominium by architect Linda Baker.
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Earles Road Substation in operation
Seeing potential in the old station, Linda and her team would turn the substation into 12 housing units of between 1200 and 1500 square feet. A three story wood frame structure was built within the substation’s concrete shell to avoid any contaminates and the exterior received new balconies, windows and entrances. The result transformated the then ugly abandoned building into the beautiful neighbourhood landmark Earles Road Substation in modern times that it still is today.
Working with advice from the Vancouver Archives and the Museum of Vancouver, the committee enables the residents and former residents of RenfrewCollingwood to submit items for inclusion in a Renfrew-Collingwood historical collection.
©2016 Kumon Canada, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If you have some old photographs, stories or memorobilia that you would like to share with our community, please contact the Renfrew-Collingwood Heritage Committee at 604.435.0323 or by email:renfrewcollingwoodh eritage@gmail.com
Photo from the Vancouver Public Library
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October 2016
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Legion Branch #48 Update by Paul Reid
Dear Neighbours:
Well folks, the saga of Collingwood Branch #48 continues. As you recall, we were recently invited by the Executive Council of Grandview Branch #179 to amalgamate with them, an opportunity that our members voted to pursue.
With September came the bustle of back-to-school activities, and this year we kicked off the month with an energetic Save Our School lawn sign campaign! Community members have been displaying these blueand-white signs on their yards and windows to send the message that we care about Bruce, Carleton, and Gladstone schools.
On Sunday, September 25, it was Branch #179 member’s turn to vote to see if they were in favour of the amalgamation. Needing a 2/3’s Yes vote to succeed, the final tally had 92% of the vote Yes, and 8% No. Woohoo!! We did it! Branch #48 has a new home. Well almost, we still have a few loose technicalities to wrap up. But nothing that would prevent a roast pig barbecue to celebrate. Yes, the pig that had spent all day turning over a barbecue spit, served with a myriad of salads, tasted extra delicious due to the vote earlier that day. Yes my friends, Branch #179 of the Legion, which will be Renfrew-Collingwood’s new official Legion home in a couple of months, is the place to be and I urge you to consider becoming a member. In addition to all of the great people that you will get to know, and in addition to all of the good fun that you will have while raising money for veterans and the community, there is the fantastic new bar that has just opened at Branch #179 and I am telling you the draft beer has never been more cold or delicious.
To date, we’ve knocked on thousands of doors in our neighbourhood to gather petition signatures. And I’ve been inspired by the passion and dedication of the many volunteers who give their time in support of these schools that are so vital to our community. Inside the newly renovated Grandview Branch #179. It will soon become the Grandview Collingwood Branch #179.
I Was Only Ten by Clarissa Ramos I was only ten when he left To risk his life for the lives of others. My father was proud My mother was scared But I didn’t understand. I was only eleven when I finally understood I counted the days Longed for his return Prayed to God That his life would not be cut short. I was only twelve when I saw him again On a small screen We talked. He was in another part of the world. But at that moment I felt he was right beside me. I was only thirteen when I hugged him again He was the greatest Christmas present Someone could ever ask for. I thanked God that night for answering my prayers. I was only fourteen when I got the news Two uniformed men at my front door, Watching over my crying mother. I didn’t need an explanation. I was only fourteen when he left.
The beer and barbecued pig were flowing after the amalgamation vote on September 25
The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway
Clarissa Ramos, age 14, goes to NDRS School in Vancouver. This poem was first published in When Poetry Takes Flight, spring 2016.
On Monday, September 12, we boarded a yellow school bus to deliver our first batch of 11,600 petitions to the Vancouver Board of Education. Dozens of parents from Bruce, Carleton, and Gladstone attended and together we emphasized the need for our three excellent and viable public schoos. The Vancouver Board of Education has made a decision and public consultations will take place from October to November. Stay tuned for dates and locations of these meetings. We’ll need your voice to make our community heard, on behalf of the many families that will be affected by the closures. The task of saving our schools cannot simply be done alone. If you’re ready to take the next step to volunteer and help keep our schools open, please contact my office at 604-660-0314 or Adrian.Dix.MLA@ leg.bc.ca. There’s more than one way to contribute as a volunteer and we’d love to have you join our team. Three ways to help Save Our Schools: 1. Sign-up for a “Save our Schools” lawn sign 2. Download and sign the Support Our Schools petition from our website: adriandixmla.ca 3. Join our team of volunteers! Stay updated on the progress of the Save Our Schools campaign and subscribe to our e-newsletter by visiting adriandixmla.ca or calling us at 604-660-0314. Sincerely, Adrian
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Get Involved Bike tune-ups by donation Windermere Bike Club Tuesdays and Thursdays Afterschool until 5 pm 3155 East 27th Avenue at Lillooet You’ll find the student bike mechanics working away in the storage container. More info at Facebook.com/ windermerebikes or email wsscteam@gmail.com. Used appliance collection - Trout Lake Farmers Market Saturday, October 1 The first Saturday of each month until October at Trout Lake, ElectroCycle and their partners at the Trout Lake Youth Council will be collecting your old, broken and unwanted appliances for free! Find out what you can recycle on their website www.electrorecycle.ca/recycle/ Pumpkin Festival Monday, October 24 4-6 pm Entrance Lobby area at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Pumpkin carving and refreshments by donation Contact: Yoko ytomita@cnh.bc.ca or 604-435-0323 extension 224 Joyful family event to carve pumpkins together. Meet your neighbours and create Jack o’ lanterns for Halloween. [INCLUDE ONE PHOTO] Uncover Your Creeks – Renfrew Ravine Sunday, October 30 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.
A Small Dominion new work by Suzo Hickey The Gallery at the Cultch 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver October 4 to 29 Opening reception Wednesday, October 5, 6 to 8 pm The subject matter of these paintings is a twoblock area in East Vancouver, specifically the street where Suzo Hickey lived for 10 years. What began in 2008 as a documentation (of sorts) of Renfrew Heights eventually became a study of 22nd Avenue, from the Banana Grove
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on Slocan to the Renfrew Ravine. Writes Suzo: “I have a thing for 22nd avenue – the wide median (why?) that begins at Nanaimo and ends at Renfrew (again, why?), the cherry trees lining both sides of the street and the median, and the unexpected views of the North Shore mountains. I have walked and driven this street thousands of times, rain slicked and dark, or covered in pink blossom snow. “Now I live a thousand miles to the north and this work is my homage to a street
Collingwood Neighbourhood House 5288 Joyce Street at Euclid Phone: 604-435-0323 We are closed on Nov 11, Remembrance Day Sundays Badminton (Ages 19+), 10:15 am - 12:15 pm Zumba, 12:45 - 1:45 pm Wushu (Children), 5:00 - 6:30 pm Mondays Seniors’ Kundalini Yoga Drop-in, 9:00 - 10:00 am Seniors’ Tai Chi (24 Form), 10:30 - 11:30 am Better at Home Walking Club, 10:30 am Seniors’ Tai Chi (42 Form), 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Zumba Steps, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Seniors’ Wellness Group, 1:15 - 3:00 pm (A variety of activities and trips. Times vary. Pick-up schedule at reception.) Basketball, 4:00 - 5:15 pm Rhythmic Gymnastics (Ages 5 1/2 and up), 5:00 - 6:00 pm Jazzercise, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Volleyball (drop-in) , 8:30 - 10:15 pm Tuesdays Parent & Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 am Jazzercise, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Zumba Gold, 2:15 - 3:15 pm Hatha Yoga, 6:45 - 8:15 pm Pre-Ballet and Creative Dance, (Ages 2 1/2 -3 1/2), 3:40 - 4:25 pm (Ages 4 - 5), 4:30 - 5:15 pm Children Gymnastics, (Ages 5 -7), 4:15 - 5:15 pm (Ages 7 - 10), 5:15 - 6:45 pm Children Soccer (Ages 9 - 12), 5:30 - 6:30 pm Zumba Toning, 7:15 - 8:15 pm Men’s and Women’s Soccer (drop-in), 8:30 - 10:15 pm Wednesdays Chinese Classical Dance (Adults & Seniors) , 9:30 - 11:00 am Rhythmic Gymnastic (Ages 3 1/2 - 5), 9:45 - 10:45 am Better at Home Walking Club, 10:30 am Little People’s Art (Ages 2 - 5), 10:30 - 11:30 am Seniors’ Strength & Stretch , 11:00 am - 12:00 noon 32 Form Tai Chi Sword , 11:15 am - 12:15 pm & 12:30 - 1:30 PM Zumba, 12:05 - 1:05 pm 7:15 - 8:15 pm Gentle Chair Yoga, 1:45 - 2:45 pm Floor Hockey, 3:45 - 4:45 pm & 4:50 - 5:50 pm Children Gymnastic (Ages 11+), 5:00 - 7:00 pm Jazzercise, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, 8:30 - 10:15 pm Thursdays Seniors’ Kundalini Yoga Drop in, 9:00 - 10:00 am NOTE: Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 8:45 - 9:45 am Parents and Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 am Seniors’ Coffee Social, 10:15 - 11:30 am Jazzercise, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm Zumba Gold, 1:15 - 2:15 pm Karaoke, every 3rd Thursday of the month, 1:30 - 3:00 pm Chinese Calligraphy, 2:00 - 3:30 pm Children Soccer (Ages 6 - 8), 3:45 - 4:45 pm Children Hip-Hop (Ages 9 - 12), 4:30 - 5:30 pm Zumba Adults, 5:15 - 6:15 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 Zumba Toning, 9:30 - 10:30 am Seniors’ Bo Jan Cho Exercise, 9:30 - 10:30 am Seniors’ Tai Chi (24 Form), 9:30 - 10:30 am Seniors’ Tai Chi (48 Form), 10:30 - 11:30 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 Creative Writing for Teens (Ages 8 - 11), 5:45 - 7:45 pm Zumba, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Saturdays Jazzercise, 10:00 - 11:00 am Arts and Crafts for Children, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Mini Hands, (Ages 3 - 5), 10:00 - 11:30 am Guitar Class for Beginners (Ages 9 - 12), 10:15 - 11:15 am & 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Zumba, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Baton Class, 11:45 am - 12:30 pm Piano Class, (Ages 8 - 9), 12:30 - 1:15 pm (Ages 5 - 7), 10:30 - 11:15 am & 11:30 am - 12:15 pm Children Gymnastics, (Ages 5 - 7), 9:15 - 10:15 am (Ages 7 - 10, intermediate and beginners), 10:15 - 11:45 am Senior Drop-in Badminton, 2:30 - 4:15 pm
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
October 2016
14th Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival – A serenade for the salmon As if by magic, the rain stopped and the sun shone on the dedicated crowd at the Harvest Fair at Slocan Park. The twilight parade from Slocan Park to Renfrew Park featured delightful entertainment and beautiful lantern displays by the neighbours. At Renfrew Park, the story of the salmon in Still Creek was told by youth performers and ended with spectacular fireworks.
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October 2016
Voyages Renfrew ad-P2
Danaca Ackerson Joanne Hastie Carol McQuaid Paintings and Prints Opening Thursday, October 13 7:00 – 10:00PM Exhibition continues through January 14, 2017
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October 2016
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Family Support and Advocacy? What’s that all about? Ministry of Children and Family During these times she would sort out by Terry Schenkel Many families are aware of the Family Support and Advocacy program offered by the Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) but there are some who have no idea we exist or what the program offers. However, once the family gets connected with a family support worker and realize there are available resources for their child, their usual reaction is, “If I had connected with you even earlier, our journey would be much easier. Thank you so much!” So, how and when would a family member benefit from the Family Support and Advocacy program? • At times of transition in their child’s life like preschool to kindergarten, elementary to high school, high school to college. Sandy was thankful for family support during the transition of her young son with severe autism from private school to public school. We helped her to connect with professionals at the Vancouver School Board (VSB), accompanied her to meetings at the school, and made sure that her concerns were heard. • When they need to advocate for services or financial assistance. Janet asked for help advocating for more support for her son with autism at school. She was referred to the right people at the VSB and we helped her to write a request to them. We supported her to be a strong advocate for her son. She feels proud of herself for what she is doing for her child. • When they need to understand the school system, Community Living British Columbia,
Development and Vancouver Coastal Health. Sam was relieved when we informed him that he is going to be involved in his daughter’s Individual Educational Plan team. We gave support by accompanying him to IEP meetings.
the conflicting priorities with us because she feels that we hear and support her without judgement.
• Connecting them to other community support services for day-to-day needs. Linda was concerned about her six-year-old daughter’s development and wondered about a possible diagnosis of autism. The family support worker referred her to Sunny Hill team for diagnostic assessment. • When they want to connect with another family who understands what they are experiencing. Jill was thankful that we connected her with another mom who has a child with an intellectual disability and comes from the same region in the Middle East. Being an immigrant with the same language and culture and having a child with special needs was a few things the two of them have in common. • When they want to suggest a workshop or speaker or learn about upcoming workshops. Parents at the Bollywood Maza parent support group were concerned with the transition of their children to high school, so we invited a special needs transition consultant and a resource teacher from the VSB to the parents’ group. The parents had an opportunity to ask questions and get first-hand information. • When they feel alone or unheard in their efforts to advocate for their child. Jane has been a strong advocate for her young son with an intellectual disability. But dealing with mental health issues herself, there are times when she feels overwhelmed.
Trailblazers and Change Makers
• Parent-to-Parent Support and Information groups in Vancouver and Richmond. “This is the only place that I don’t need to worry if my son (who has autism) is loud or is running in a circle ... This is my break”, says one of our Vietnamese Family Support Group moms. • Respitality Program. Parents who are members of DDA and whose children receive our services may enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at a local hotel. All they need to do is to organize care for their children for the night. DDA’s Family Support and Advocacy service is free and no referral is needed. Just pick up the phone and dial 604301-2831 for Michael, who supports families with children, or 604-233-5433 for Terry, who supports families with youth and adults. The Developmental Disabilities Association is a nonprofit organization that began in 1952. Today, DDA offers more than 50 programs that support infants, children and adults diagnosed with a developmental disability and their families. DDA has a team located at at Kaslo Street and East 18th Avenue in the RenfrewCollingwood neighbourhood. Their Infant Development Program, children’s and adult respite program, Youth in Transition, Family Support and Advocacy and host family program are located here.
Terry Schenkel at DDA’s annual Recreation and Leisure Information Fair with demonstrations at Trout Lake Community Centre.
Terry Schenkel is the assistant director of family support services at the Developmental Disabilities Association.
Booklist by Taya Lawton
October is Women’s History Month in Canada – let’s hear it for the women who have shaped our world, our country and our daily lives. Wild West Women: Travellers, Adventurers and Rebels by Merna Foster Wild West Women features a wide variety of women, from madams who came to mine the miners, prospectors in their eighties who continue to check on their claims, and writers who first feared and then loved the wilderness. Emily Carr, Frances Macnab, Agnes Deans Cameron and Ma Murray are just some of the determined women profiled through stories, anecdotes and black and white images.
Radio Ladies: Canada’s Women on the Air, 1922-1975 by Peggy Stewart Radio Ladies is a fun read for those who love the Golden Age of Radio. Radio historian and broadcaster Peggy Stewart spent five years researching archives coast-to-coast and talking to early Canadian radio stars, including Quebec’s French-language broadcasters and First Nations radio stars.
This Wild Spirit: Women in the Rocky Mountains of Canada In 1912, Mary Vaux, a botanist, glaciologist, painter,= and photographer, wrote about her mountain adventures: “A day on the trail, or a scramble over the glacier, or even with a quiet day in camp … Somehow when once this wild spirit enters the blood ... I can hardly wait to be off again.” This Wild Spirit explores a sampling of women’s creative responses – in fiction and travel writing, photographs and paintings, embroidery and beadwork, letters and diaries, poetry and posters – to their experiences in the Rocky Mountains of Canada.
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
October 2016
The Seniors Connection
A day with Ann and friends
by Akberet Beyene
One day in July my friend Ann invited me to join her on a boat tour with a group of seniors. I was thrilled to have a day on a boat to admire the beauty of our surroundings.
The morning started cold and cloudy. When Ann picked me up, we made a wish together – Senior’s outing with Akberet in July. for it not to rain later in the day! with much chatting going on, topics By 8:30 am we arrived where the ranging from medical driving tests bus was boarding those graceful to the weather to family issues. A senior ladies. Everyone was excited, couple of times the driver requested chatting and laughing. I glanced us to pay attention in order to pass around to see if I could find any on instruction and information for familiar faces, as I have been active the trip. at the Collingwood Neighborhood House, volunteering with the The ages of our group ranged from “Better at Home” program, for 67 to 93, and I was astonished to the last four years. I realized that see these beautiful ladies in such I didn’t know anyone except Ann, great shape, travelling without whom I visit every Friday through needing assistance. this program. I had been wondering who the eldest was, and to my amusement was introduced to the “super lady” named Mabel. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Mabel was in excellent shape, a small, slim and very elegant woman with few words. How did she do it?
Once we got on the boat, I had to satisfy my curiosity and I approached her to find out her secret to aging so gracefully. She smiled, knowing that it was a compliment. She relayed that it was a familiar question to her. Even her family doctor was curious, but she didn’t really have a single explanation. And simply she said, “I think I have good genes, positive thinking, and am optimistic in life.” After a few seconds Mabel added that it could have been due to all the steps to the front door at her first home, where she used to live with her late husband until she turned 80 years old. During that time, she also had a garden to take care of. Now Mabel is living in a condo with sweet memories of her past. In 2004, after the death of her husband, Mabel decided to join the Legion. A voice interrupted us. “Don’t forget to tell her that you are a good dancer, too!”
Akberet surrounded by friends.
Encouraged by the happy mood of the group I now decided to ask: were most of them widows? Pam burst out that she had a younger lover and wasn’t yet a widow, but that her partner had been in a home for the last two years. And, because she was a good girl, she visited him every day. Pam was one of four or five women who still had partners. Why did so many of the ladies survive their partners? The group offered numerous explanations, such as “maybe we are smarter” and “we take better care of ourselves.” I liked the final answer I got from Mabel, who said, “we are survivors!”
Ann and her late husband Kenneth are one of the families that I met upon my new journey as a refugee in Canada. They opened their home and heart to me, welcoming me with open arms.
The bus left on the scheduled time to our destination of Port Moody. We were 33 women, and only the bus driver was male. I was curious as to why the ladies did not bring their partners. I decided to ask them later. Inside the bus the noise was getting increasingly higher
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Thus I was introduced to Pam, a woman who I had noticed from the beginning of our boat trip when she announced cheekily, “I have worked for 30 years in Port Moody. I know all the ins and outs, so if you have any question at all, don’t ask me!” All of us had a good laugh. Pam was sitting in a corner of the boat with a group of people, her voice and infectious joyous laughter continuously lighting up the atmosphere. She was a lot of fun.
Just before we reached our destination, I had the honour to chat with the coordinator of the trip, a woman named Helen Akeroyd. Helen has been active in this group for the last 16 years. Back then, the group decided to organize and plan trips for themselves. Eventually enough funds were raised to buy an old antique bus. Helen looked after all the repairs, hired the drivers and arranged for rentals of the bus to other senior’s groups. The rental income thus helped to pay for the bus maintenance and other expenses on a regular basis. Helen organized everything. She explained that this seniors group from Legion 83 in South Burnaby usually does two trips per month, just to get out of the house and socialize with each other. She said, “A lot of the seniors don’t have a car, they can’t get around to much, so we do these trips in the Lower Mainland to see what is out there and get away.” Helen has been doing a wonderful job and her efforts were much appreciated by this group. Helen added the recommendation for other senior’s groups to use their bus and use the opportunity to admire the beauty of our city. The day was a wonderful experience and it was a great pleasure to be included on this outing with these charming and lovely women. It will stay with me for a long time. Akberet Beyene is a volunteer at Collingwood Neighbourhood House for the Better at Home program.
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October 2016
Read On!
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners
Nowhere to Go
Read On!
has a web page. You can:
Read the articles
There is a shortage of places to rent in and around Vancouver. A shortage means not enough or too few. Because of the shortage, people are having a very hard time finding a place to live.
Print worksheets http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/
When an apartment or home is available to rent, there are sometimes dozens (a dozen is 12, dozens means many people) of people competing to live there. Renters will offer to pay higher rent just to live there. When more than one person offers to pay more for rent, it creates a “bidding war.” A bidding war means two or more people offer to pay higher and higher amounts until the highest amount wins.
Reading levels on this page
People who cannot afford to pay extra are having the most trouble finding a place to rent. A study done by Vancity found that renters are doing all they can to find a place to live and stay there. They are giving away their pets, paying extra for rent and doing their own repairs in the home (instead of asking the landlord to fix it). Landlords have increased rent, sometimes more than they are legally allowed to, and tenants (renters) stay for fear of losing their home. Do you notice a rental shortage in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood? What is your experience with this problem? Tell me your story by emailing rccnews-editorial@cnh.bc.ca.
Rental Rights
Level 1
Level 2
It is hard to find a place to live. You may be looking right now. Or maybe you are living somewhere but are scared that you will be asked to pay more rent or leave. Now more than ever, tenants (renters) need to know their rights. Landlords must follow the rules. Tenants must too. Here are just a few of the rental laws that are important to know: - Landlords can only increase the rent once a year (every 12 months) and must give three months’ notice (tell you three months ahead) before they do. The only other time they can increase rent is if another adult moves into the home. For example, if there are two adults in the home and a third adult moves in. - Landlords can only increase the rent by 2% a year, plus inflation. For 2016 the allowable rent increase is 2.9% - A landlord cannot enter your home without notice (telling you). They should give you notice 24 hours in advance (before) and tell you what time and why they will be there. - You will probably be asked to pay a security (damage) deposit when first moving in. The security deposit is money the landlord keeps until the end of your tenancy (the time you live there). The landlord holds the money in case you damage the home. Landlords cannot ask for more than half of one month’s rent. For example, if you are paying $1,200 a month, the security deposit cannot be more than $600. - Before you move into a new place, take pictures. Before you move out, be sure to schedule a time to go through your home together with the landlord. You can show the landlord that the home has not been damaged. You should give your landlord your new address when you move out. The landlord should send you your security deposit within 15 days. For much more information about tenant rights, visit the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) website ( w w w. t e n a n t s . bc.ca). They have a guide to renting available in many different languages. They can help you if you think your landlord is not following the rules or if you have questions about your rights.
Level 3
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October 2016
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Windermere Bike Club open for business
Bike tune-ups by donation
by Julie Cheng Does your bike chain slip? Are the brakes worn out? Bring your bike to the Windermere Bike Club and get it checked out by a student bike mechanic. Student mechanics at the Bike Club can give your bike a tune-up and they gladly accept donations for the service. This is a great deal, as bike tune-ups at various bike shops around town can cost you $75 or more. The Bike Club operates out of a shipping container and are raising funds to purchase another container to store tools. Right now many students from the Leadership program at Windermere are avid cyclists but they want to expand biking throughout the school and the community around them. You can support this program and get some great exercise at the same time cycling over the fall! You can find the Bike Club every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool until 5 pm at 3155 East 27th Avenue on Lillooet – just look for the bike container. For more information check out Facebook.com/ windermerebikes or email WSSCTEAM@gmail.com. Grade 12 student Kento Vince is one of the bike mechanics who does bike tune-ups by donation for the community. Photo by Bryden Fergusson
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.
Thanksgiving Day Weekend & Special Hours of Operation Fitness Centre 9:30am-4pm Sat, Oct 8 1pm-5pm Sun, Oct 9 Mon, Oct 10 1pm-5pm
Pool
Centre Area
8:30am-4pm
9am-5pm
1pm-5pm
10:30am-5:30pm
1pm-5pm
Closed
Special Event Highlights Big Draw Vancouver (All Ages)
Join us for FREE, all ages drawing workshops led by artists in your neighbourhood in community centres, art galleries, public parks and on city streets. Free. Fun. Inspiring. Get drawn in. 74893 Sa Oct 1 10:30am-12:30pm FREE
71250 We Oct 5
7:30am-7:00pm $113.33/person
Community Diwali Festival (All Ages)
There will be diya painting, henna, crafts and traditional Indian dancing. During the event there will be light refreshments, Chai tea and sweets. Space is limited, so please register. 77767 Sa Oct 22 12:30-3:00pm
October Fest Luncheon (55+yr) 70829 We Oct 26
12:00-2:30pm
Halloween Party (2-12yrs)
Join us for some scary fun! Bounce your way into Halloween with our bouncy castle! There will also be games, prizes, crafts, costumes, and Halloween trick or treat goodie bags. Concession will be run by the Youth Council. Tickets are limited, buy them early. 74967 Sa Oct 29 12:00-3:00pm $5/Child
Flu Clinic (All Ages) 70885 Th Nov 3
Crash Crawleys (10-12yrs) 74969 Fr
Oct 21
1:00-3:00pm
FREE
$8.57/person
9:00am-3:00pm
$10/person
Cooking on a Budget (19+yrs)
Niclas Galdamez
Hatha Yoga (19+yrs)
Hisae McMichael
70850 We Sep 21-Oct 12
FREE
Rachel King
Gentle Yoga for Seniors (55+yrs)
Bill Mercer
This is 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 10:45am-11:45am $70/7 sess
Fall Program Highlights
Secret Cove/Sunshine Coast (55+yrs)
Power Stretch and Core (19+yrs)
6:30-9:00pm
$8/4 sess
$10.48+tax/ Adults, $9.52+tax/Seniors drop-in if space, with permission of instructor. 73915 Th Nov 3-Dec 15 7:15pm-8:30pm $61.25/7 sess 73917 Sa Oct 29-Dec 10 9:15am-10:30am $61.25/7 sess
Gentle Yoga is suitable for people of all ages, but can be especially helpful for seniors. $5.71+tax/drop-in if space. No session Oct 10. 70880 Mo Oct 31-Nov 28 10:00-10:55am $25/5 sess
Saturday Sports @ Windermere Secondary School
3155 East 27th Avenue (27th & Windermere St) Saturdays, Oct 1-Nov 26 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
$18/9 sess
Free with OneCard
Wibit Inflatable Day in the pool
Saturday, October 8th from 2:00pm–4:00pm
Come and join in the fun! *Regular admission rates apply
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October 2016
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)
H IGHLIG H TS
CNH Food Security team facilitates community connections by Norman Hill
What’s the best thing for building community? Food! Nobody knows this better than CNH’s Food Security team, made up of Food Security Coordinator Elise Barber, Community Food Liaison Cassandra Ly, Community Chef Najia Elacel, Youth Project Facilitator Crecien Bencio and—for the summer—summer student Emma Warner Chee.
Tuesday, October 4 Creamy Thai soup Egg salad sandwich Salad Rice pudding
In regular weekly gardening sessions in the CNH rooftop garden, the Food Security team welcomed lots of new volunteers, including a number of youth. Volunteers shared knowledge about organic gardening, became involved in their community, and developed their skills. They also enjoyed the fruits of their labour: at a recent harvest, volunteers each went home with a large bag of fresh produce, including kale, strawberries, swiss chard, beans, sorrel and tomatoes. Regular cooking sessions, such as Community Kitchen, continued throughout the season, allowing community members to cook, eat, and share skills and cultural knowledge. Other highlights of the season centred on youth. On Tuesdays through the summer months, youth from Windermere Secondary School’s Garden Club sold their school-grown produce at the Windermere Youth Market at CNH, with the support of Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society, whose staff mentored the students. The youth harvested their produce in the mornings, transported it by bicycle to CNH, set up a market in front of CNH, and sold the produce to community members. The youth learned so much from the project and community members enjoyed chatting with them at the market. All the money raised through produce sales went back to the Garden Club to support its work. CNH youth also participated in a BC Food Systems Network Gathering, presenting their stories in the event’s plenary session.
orchard space over the last year. For Elise, the absolute highlight of the season was the Norquay Orchard Celebration on August 25. It was a fantastic community celebration that brought together community partners, food security volunteers, and members of the community. Youth music students from Play Music Inc. contributed beautiful and lively music, CNH Neighbourhood Cultural Network Developer Yoko Tomita led a mosaic making session, children enjoyed kids’ activities, and everyone shared great food. Elise said of the event, “This is why we do what we do!” Part of the Food Security team’s work is to share knowledge about growing, preparing and preserving food. At a Gardening 101 workshop held at the local Vancity branch, team members taught participants how to make pots from newspaper for starting plants, how to sow vegetable seeds, and how to handle a few other gardening basics. At food skills workshops, team members taught participants how to make beet pickles and kimchi, a spicy Korean pickled cabbage. Elise said that the skills workshops were a great opportunity to reach out to the community.
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.”
October lunch menu
Through a variety of initiatives—some run by it directly and some run by its community partners—CNH’s Food Security team facilitated some important community connections during the recent growing season.
At the Norquay Learning Orchard, the Food Security team and their volunteers also accomplished a lot. They removed invasive plants, fixed the irrigation system, and beautified the orchard. Elise noted that RootShoot Landscape Design has helped to steward the
COMMUNITY LUNCH
For the third year in a row, the Vancouver Food Bank ran its Curbside Fresh Market in front of CNH, providing the community with fresh, local produce at reasonable prices. Summing up the growing season, Elise said, “Food is a powerful connector. We offer a space. Participants offer stories and experience. It’s great to be able to facilitate that exchange!” Upcoming Food Security events Rooftop Gardening Sessions, Wednesdays 5 – 7 pm New volunteers are always welcome—come help plant garlic for next year. Learning Opportunities ‘Train the Trainer’ canning workshops will be held this fall. Anyone interested in learning how to teach canning workshops should contact Elise at EBarber@cnh.bc.ca. Community Kitchen Town Hall, Friday, October 14th, 10 am – 1 pm A Community Kitchen Town Hall will be held to discuss ways to improve the Community Kitchen program. Register at the CNH front desk. For more information on CNH’s Food Security work or for information on upcoming events, visit http://www.cnh.bc.ca/ neighbourhood-stuff-to-do/foodsecurity/
This page is sponsored by the Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Thursday, October 6 Beef /veggie burgers Salad Coconut milk cake Tuesday, October 11 Black bean soup Pierogis with sausages Salad Oatmeal cookies Thursday, October 13 Australian meat / veggie pie Salad Vanilla cup cake Tuesday, October 18 Minestrone soup Cheese macaroni with ham Salad Raspberry scones Thursday, October 20 Baked white fish with apple sauce and quinoa Salad Chocolate cookies Tuesday, October 25 Mushroom barley soup Roasted chicken / veggie sandwich Salad Lemon tarts Thursday, October 27 Meat / veggie loaf with mashed potatoes Salad Vanilla flan
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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October 2016
Here is Angus, left, with chef Innet of Westcoast Darts Café. Collingwood is now home to the Westcoast Darts Café, featuring the awesome combination of high-end desserts and Dartslive. The concept was the idea of owner Angus Leung and his partners, Zane Zhang and Donald Tang. They recognized that desserts and darts were two trends that fit nicely together. Judging by the line-ups each night outside the door, it would appear that they are onto something. Cheesecake, pudding, sweet cakes, crepes, crème brulee, chocolate spheres, a wide selection of teas, bubble teas, milk teas and slushes. They do not skimp on quality at Westcoast Darts Café. Angus has tracked down two passionate dessert chefs: J. Sung and Innet. J. Sung is a Vancouverite who has been making desserts for over 10 years. He is responsible for inventing different types of Mochi. Innet, who studied his dessert making in Guangzhou, China also enjoys creating new desserts, including Crystal sunrise. This is a dessert that is hard to make, of limited quantity and very popular. It consists of three flavours: kiwi, mango and strawberry wrapped in light crystal skin that Innet says was inspired by a certain type of dim sum. Add to this cola flavoured pop rocks and well, you just have to try it. “People always are asking me what it tastes like and it’s something you just need to try for yourself.” From what the response has been on the internet, the desserts are top notch with several mentions also of great service. In addition to the exquisite desserts, Westcoast Darts Café also features Dartslive. Dartslive uses machines that now take darts to the next level. Built in Japan, these machines are all connected together through
the internet, so you can play and compete against people from countries around the World. You can even see them as you play them on the video screen. The Dartslive machines also make playing darts more easy and fun. They keep score of your games, shows you where you are trying to hit, and remembers you and what level you are at. “Dartslive Is good for the average youth. It gets them out of the house and socializing. I have met over 300 friends, which includes people from around the world in just over a year of playing,” says Angus. There are a few players in Vancouver who are around rating 14. They will come out and teach people how to play at all Dartslive locations. Players also have a specialized theme that comes up when they play, allowing the on-line competitors or spectators to see what level they are at. At Westcoast Darts Café, you can also watch Dartslive competitions from around the World. Angus came to Canada from Hong Kong in 1994 with his family. He graduated from Churchill High School in Vancouver. Before opening Westcoast Darts Cafe, Angus worked with GlenTel, in the mobile phone industry. He also worked as a regional manager with Double Happiness tobacco products from China. All of his attention now, however, is being focused on his new baby, Westcoast Darts Café. A bit of a workaholic, Angus is always on the go. He loves playing darts of course. He also loves travelling and playing with his dog, Oreo. Currently thriving during it’s ‘soft opening’, look for the Westcoast Darts Grand Opening in early November. Way to go Angus and Westcoast Darts Café team.
CBIA Updates: l 16th Annual General Meeting - The AGM was held September 13th at the Green Thumb Theatre. Thank you for the directors, members, City staff and guests. Everyone was greeted by the 2016- 2017 Jr. BIA. Our board of directors for the 2016 - 2017 year are:
Stephen Hill - President, Philip Heming - Vice President, Shelley Craig - Secretary, Stephanie Song - Treasurer, Jas Parmar - Director and Beth Hernandez - Associate Director. We all look forward to making Collingwood a great place to live, work, shop and discover. Turn Down the Heat Week Turn Down the Heat Week October 23 to 30th, 2016 - in partnership with Fortis BC and BIABC - Bring in your warm winter clothing to Vancity, London Drugs, Starbucks and Central Park Business Centre during the l
week of October 23 to 29th. All donated items will go to the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Homeless Committee and Morning Star program. See Ad in this issue. l Annual Community Tree Lighting and Winter Carnival - November 26th, 2016 4p.m. to 8p.m.
Save the date and drop by the “Big Tent” at the corner of Tyne and Kingsway to join in the festive holiday activities. Arts and crafts, hot beverages and cookies, MUSIC, MAGIC and MOVIE to entertainment all ages. See ad in this issue on the back page. l
Welcome to the Collingwood: Westcoast Darts Café
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October 2016
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Don Davies MP Vancouver Kingsway
You are invited to our annual Happy Community BBQ! Thanksgiving! Saturday, Aug. 20 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Best wishes for a Slocan Park happy and safe (at 29th Avenue Skytrain) Thanksgiving Rain or shine! Hot dogs, entertainment & childcelebration friendly activities 2951 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5J4 604-775-6263 Don.Davies@parl.gc.ca
@DonDavies
DONATE AT:
Central Park Vancity Business Centre London Drugs Starbucks