CELEBRATING
September 2020
OVER
COMMUNITY NEWS
RenfrewCollingwoodCommunityNews.com
Participate in the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival all September long by Madelyn Read The 18th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival will indeed be taking place this September, Still Moon Arts Society has announced. The festival will look quite different this year, but many of the usual events and activities will be offered in an altered form throughout the month. You are invited to join in creative exploration of this year’s themes: Constellations and Transformation. Over the course of the year, Still Moon Arts has been inspired by the ways communities have come together and stayed connected while remaining physically distant during these changing times. They hope their festival will allow you to safely connect across communities and to reflect on your relationship with the natural world. Co-produced annually by Still Moon Arts Society and the Renfrew Park Community Association, the Moon Festival celebrates the full moon, harvest abundance and diverse cultural traditions. The festival highlights the artistic talents of the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood and communities beyond, as well as the natural beauty of Still Creek and the Renfrew Ravine, one of the few remaining places in Vancouver with an open stream in a natural forest. This year, the signature events of the Moon Festival – the harvest fair, the parade, the streamside lantern installation, and the finale – have been adapted and spread out over the month (September 1st to 27th) to ensure safety and accessibility. All events require pre-registration, which can be found at www.stillmoonarts.ca. For those who are unable to attend Continued on page 2
Intro to podcasting Page 4
My first taste of community spirit(s)
Page 12
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Moon Festival : continued from page 1 in person, many events will be available online via live stream and video. Here is a glimpse at some of the Moon Festival events on offer this year:
In-person events Saturday, September 12 Harvest Gathering 1– 4 pm at the Colour Me Local Dye Garden, west side of Renfrew Ravine at 24th Avenue Join in an afternoon of gathering and harvesting local plant species, where you can learn just some of a myriad of techniques for using these plants, including salve making, seed saving and basket weaving. Saturday, September 26 Streamside Lantern Installation 7–10 pm at the Renfrew Ravine The streamside lantern installation is a staple of the annual Moon Festival. This evening spectacle welcomes
guests to walk through a beautifully transformed Renfrew Ravine, filled with lights, lanterns, illuminated art and relaxing music. Come admire the artistic and musical talents of the diverse Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood, as well as the beauty of the shimmering Still Creek.
Virtual events Lost Streams Lantern Walk This year, there will be a mystery lantern procession at an unannounced date, time and location to honour the lost streams that once flowed freely throughout the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. The walk will be filmed and shared on the Still Moon website at the end of September. If you would like to be a part of the walk, you can register online on our website. Limited spots available. Friday, September 25th Constellation Choreography 7–8 pm One of this year’s adapted virtual activities, the Constellation Choreography will be a unique, sociallydistanced performance featuring youth performers. On September 25th, visit www.stillmoonarts.ca to watch the live performance from the comfort of your home.
Sacred Geometry by Ari Lazer. Photo by Chao Cheng
Continued on page 3
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS This year’s Moon Festival will include a number of other events, including traditional knowledge sharing, evening ceremonies and lantern workshops. Visit www.stillmoonarts.ca for a complete list of Moon Festival events happening this month. Still Moon Arts is committed to safely and responsibly hosting these
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events during the COVID-19 pandemic for the community to enjoy. In order to ensure everyone’s safety at all of the events, all guests will be required to adhere to the health guidelines outlined on the Still Moon website. Still Moon Arts is grateful to have the opportunity to host the Moon Festival and other events on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples,
Blooming by the Waste Stream by Robin Lough and Kat Wadel. Photo by Chao Cheng
Moon Lantern by Jennifer Norquist. Photo by Mandy Huynh who have been stewarding this land since time immemorial.
SEPTEMBER SENIORS 55+ PROGRAMS COVID-19 SERVICE UPDATES Registration required. Contact 604.435.0323 ext 227 or email jshen@cnh.bc.ca
Picnic in the Park September 3 11:30-1:00 pm, Gaston Park Bring your own food, drink, and blanket and spend time with your friends. Stay for Senior Advisory Meeting afterwards. Coffee Social Sept 3, every 1st Thursday 10:15-11:15 am, Family Place Room, CNH A casual conversation with friends. Bring your own drinks & snacks. Bring your devices to access 1 on 1 tech support. Monday Walking Club Sept 14, every Monday (except 7th)
World Cafe & English Conversation Sept 14, Sept 28 1:30-2:30 pm, ZOOM Led by UBC sociolinguist, come discuss news , politics, culture and events from around the world and practice English. One on One Tech Support Ongoing By appointment Contact Jenny to arrange for over the phone tech support. For example zoom, downloading apps, or using your devices.
10:30-11:30 am, meet outside CNH Get some fresh air and exercise. Join us for a socially distanced walk around the neighbourhood and park, rain or shine.
Choose to Move at Home Sept 14, every 2nd Monday 10:00-11:00 am, ZOOM or phone 12 week program supporting seniors in an individualized way to get more active and become socially connected.
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Website: www.papajohns.ca #300-3320 Kingsway, Vancouver Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-10:45PM Friday-Saturday: 11AM - 11:45PM
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RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Corner: A picnic in a park-like COMMUNITY NEWS The mission of this non-profit publication is to provide the residents, businesses and organizations of Renfrew/Collingwood with a medium for community communication. Paul Reid: staff writer and layout coordinator Lisa Symons: sales and distribution coordinator Julie Cheng: editorial coordinator
Contributors: Chao Cheng, Deanna Cheng, Gloria
Moore, John Mendoza, Julie Cheng, Karen Vanon, Kayla Isomura, Loretta Houben, Madelyn Read, Mandy Huynh, Robert F. Edwards, Sophia Han
We want to hear from you! Yes, You! Send comments, community events, press releases by regular post, fax or e-mail. Suggestions for improving the paper are welcome. We welcome appropriate, unsolicited editorial submissions if accompanied by the author’s real name, address and telephone number. The author should retain the original as we cannot return submissions without prior agreement nor does submission guarantee publication. We reserve the right to make editorial changes. The Renfrew/Collingwood Community News does not necessarily support the views of its contributors.
Next submission deadline: Sep. 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 @
setting in the 1920s
by Loretta Houben Nearly 100 years ago, the area near 54th Avenue and Kerr looked quite different than what it does now. Two young women, friends since school days, would go on double dates and picnic there, enjoying each other’s company plus that of their boyfriends, who were brothers. Helen Nairne and Clara later married the two brothers (see photo caption for their names). Champlain Mall was built in this wooded area in the 1970s, later torn down and reduced to Champlain Square and now filled with housing units. This photo was submitted by Gloria Moore, grand daughter of Robert and Helen Moore. If you have any photos to share with RCC News readers of the Renfrew-Collingwood area, or the area close by, we’d love to see them. Email rccnews-editorial@cnh. bc.ca.
Enjoying a picnic in the 1920s near 54th and Kerr area, filled with brush and trees at the time. Left to right: Robert Moore and his girlfriend, Helen Nairne, with Frederic Moore and his girlfriend Clara. Photo courtesy of Gloria Moore
CNIB
relocates
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
The Vancouver office for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind has been at 5055 Joyce Street since the 1990s and recently moved to New Westminster due to rezoning and construction by JoyceCollingwood Station. During its move, all its programs went from in-person to online and its volunteers have completed over 10,000 check-in calls with members with vision loss or blindness. Isolation is the biggest issue its members currently face. Photo by Deanna Cheng
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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September 2020
My first taste of community spirit(s) by Paul Reid Greetings RC! Before I ramble on here a bit about festivals, please check the schedule on page 2 for this year’s 18th annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival – always a good time and opportunity to hang with local peeps.
was given a black-and-white “happi coat” to wear, especially ordered for the giant gaijin (foreigner) in the group.
I was about to take part in an age-old festival (matsuri) where the residents carry a When I was 21 I had the opportunumber of shrines (mikoshi) nity to teach English in Japan – in through town, stopping at each a small town called Wada way up business to do a chant and to in the Japanese Alps of Nagano bless that business. After the Province. chant, we would help ourselves to the snacks and refreshments It was here for the first time that I that each business put out. really felt any sort of sense of com- Luckily there was lots to eat munity. Having grown up in a sub- because one thing that each urb of Vancouver, there were no lo- stop had in common was free cal community parades or festivals. alcohol. During my 18-month stay in Japan, I saw about five or six festivals and Yes! By the time the parade took part in one – the annual Wada of shrines all got through the festival. This was one of the best route to the high school playexperiences of my life! Not only ing fields, basically everyone, did I have a really great time, for certainly I, was fairly smashed. the first time I experienced what it Not stumbling drunk but feels like when an entire commuhappy in my happi coat. I think nity truly parties together. the amount of food we all ate balanced out the drinking as Having no clue as to what to exeveryone stayed happy, upright pect, I remember we started gath- and behaved (far as I know) – a ering at the town hall around 10 great time was had by all. in the morning. It seemed that the entire town, which was only about The festival went late into the 2,500 people, were there. night there on the open fields with thousands in attendance. Along with all the people, I saw There were food stalls selling many ornate shrines – the shrines all types of delicious snacks of that we would be carrying through all sorts; live music and music the main street of our village. I from over the school speaker
system to acompany a giant circle dance with hundreds of people dancing in unison. There was a fireworks display – very impressive for such a small town and, of course, more drinking. The rest is hazy. As one of the founding memThey put me on fan duty once they realized my shoulder bers of this community’s annual Collingwood Days festival, I was about a foot too high for shrine carrying. want you to know that I have been pulling all this time to incorporate some spirits into our community spirit, but to no avail. Perhaps soon, with the laws around drinking in parks wearing thin, and great articles like this, the day will come when this community can truly get down – Japanese style. To be fair though, how about, in the name of RC community development, we assign one culture/country/region to each month (maybe rotate) and then our local residents with the knowledge of those areas can show us how it’s done in that part of the world. Biggest, best party wins!
A nice shot of our group mid- blessing. I finally found out what was in those big ornate boxes – sake!
Well, we’d all win, but let’s dream about this while COVID is still around and then, when Bonnie says it’s safe, we DO IT! Here I am with my neighbour, about halfway through the Who’s with me?
Noticed in Renfrew-Collingwood
by Karen Vanon
day, sake glass in hand, already quite happy in my happi coat. The festing went into the night. Photos courtesy P. Reid
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September 2020
Read On!
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
A news section for Renfrew-Collingwood learners
Help save B.C. bees. Build a bee house
Read On!
has a web page. You can:
Read the articles by Sophia Han http://renfrewcollingwood communitynews.com/category/ read-on/
About B.C. bees *** Did you know that there are more than 450 kinds of bees in British Columbia? Bees help to keep our gardens, farms and forests healthy because they carry pollen between plants. Not all bees live in bee hives on farms.
Reading levels on this page Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Bee house kits are available at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. These kits have been made by Yoko Tomita and Robert Allen. Photos by Sophia Han
Besides honey bees, some other kinds of bees are bumble bees, sweat bees, and hairy-belly bees. Bumble bees are very common in home gardens and parks around Vancouver. You can often see these furry, black and yellow insects in the grass on lawns in many parks.
You can learn more about local bees at https://www. sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/people/eelle/elle_bee_info/ Bees_and_Gardens.pdf.
How can you help save B.C. bees? * Growing a bee-friendly garden is one way to help bees find food and build their nests.
Robert Allen
Wild bees are important to B.C.’s ecosystem because they help plants that produce fruits and seeds for birds and animals to eat. Recently, the number of wild bees in B.C. has become smaller because the size of woodlands and meadows has decreased. What kind of bees are important to our neighbourhoods?
Continued on page 7
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS Bees like fragrant plants like lavender because they bloom for about a month. Flowers that are colourful will attract more bees. Bees also prefer gardens that have many different kinds of plants. Remember to avoid pesticides. Build a bee house A bee house looks like a bird house. They provide bees a safe place to live and build nests. They can be made of wood and paper. Bee houses can add a splash of colour to your garden when the summer ends. If you would like to make a bee house, you can contact Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and buy a kit for $10. Please call 604-4350323 for more information. You can learn more about bee houses at https://www.burnaby. ca/Assets/New+Things+To+Do/ Explore+The+Outdoors/Parks/Bee +Mason+and+Pollinator+Info+Sh eet.pdf To watch a video about bee houses, please see the Collingwood Community Development YouTube
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video at https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCW7gSx6PP7xe0iATwuaWRYg Have fun making a home for bees!
Behind the mask
VOCABULARY Pollen – the powder made by flowers to reproduce Bee hives – the homes of bees on honey bee farms Wild bees – bees that do not live on a honey bee farm Ecosystem – all of the living and nonliving things in an area Recently – not long ago Woodlands – land covered with trees Meadows – land covered in grass and flowers Decreased – to grow smaller in size Besides – other than Common – something that happens often Furry – covered with fur Bee-friendly – something that bees like Nest – the home of an animal Fragrant – sweet-smelling Bloom – to grow flowers Attract – to cause something to come near Prefer – to like something more than others Avoid – to stay away from Pesticides – chemical to kill insects or small animals Splash of colour (idiom) – a small amount of colour that makes an area look bright
COLL INGW D AYS O O 2 AU G 0 2 0 U S CO T 1
LLING 8-22, WOO 2020 D AYS D 2020 AU G U ST 1 We’re all Canadian 8-22, 2
020 Fighting against Don Davies MP racism in Canada
A n old fashioned fair with multicultu ral flair!
Vancouver Kingsway
THANK THANK YOUYOU TOTOOUR SPONSORS: OUR SPONSORS:
COHERITAGE CANADA LLINCANADA HERITAGE GWBIA COLLINGWOOD O O D D COLLINGWOOD BIA A Y COLLINGWOOD NEIGHBHOURHOOD S 2020 HOUSE AU GU ST COMMUNITY COLLINGWOOD COLLINGWOOD NEIGHBHOURHOOD 18-22 POLICING HOU CENTRE , 2020 COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY POLICING CITY OF VANCOUVER Ð CULTURAL SERVICES CENTRE RENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRE MOSAICÐBCCULTURAL TELUS CITY OF VANCOUVER SERVICE COLL ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE INGW RENFREW COMMUNITY CENTRE OOD D AYS RENFREW COLLINGWOOD FOOD SECURITY 2020 YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: AUGTHANK UST 1 STILL MOON 8-22, MOSAIC BCARTS SOCIETY TELUS 2020 ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTRE HERITAGE CANADA
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Hey neighbour
September 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Are you my guardian angel? On Wednesday, June 17 at 5 pm, community member Jim Arthur experienced a fall at the intersection of Kingsway and Joyce Street as he ran westward and hit the median.
by Robert F. Edwards My bank is also participating in making sure that both their staff and their customers are being looked after properly. The big box stores that I have shopped in are doing a remarkable job. In many cases, we must queue outside as they monitor how many people I am incredibly grateful to live in the have entered the store, and once Collingwood area. Both my wife and other customers have left, more of us waiting are welcomed to come I are retired, and, in the evenings, we take her dog for a walk. Without in. exception, when another person is I sincerely believe that we Canacoming in the opposite direction to dians believe in science and when us, once they get close, they move over to the road from the sidewalk. I scientists and medical professions set out rules to protect ourselves as always thank them very much. well as others, we not only listen – we follow their advice. I am once The grocery stores where I buy my again incredibly grateful to live groceries are very conscientious of their staff and their customers. They where I am, in the Collingwood have directions in which way we are area and with the people that live to travel up and down the aisles and here. a well-marked spacing accordingly. Robert F. Edwards is a long-time conAll the checkouts are being monitributor to the Renfrew-Collingwood tored by the six-foot distance. I would like to thank all my neighbours in the province of B.C. for the job we are doing to control the terrible coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to each and everyone of you for doing your job to help the rest of us stay healthy.
Community News.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED. Collingwood Neighbourhood House's COVID-19 response team is looking for volunteer drivers to deliver groceries and food hampers to seniors and families in need. Deliveries take place on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 112pm. Mileage will be paid. Email dsingh@cnh.bc.ca
Jim was seriously injured, but he was not alone – three very kind strangers stayed with him until the paramedics arrived. He would love to meet his “guardian angels” and express how much it meant to him that he was supported in such a scary moment. Please contact Jim at 236-833-5097.
Come join our team! Three Links Care Society is seeking an Front Office Assistant to work 37.5 hours/week, five days a week from 8:00am - 4:00pm, working at a dynamic and fast-paced front desk environment at Three Links Care Centre and providing a variety of administrative and clerical services to the care home residents and team members. Three Links offers competitive salary, full benefits package, and a professional development fund. Compensation will be based on candidate’s experience. Three Links Care Society, a non-profit organization registered under the Society Act of British Columbia, owns, operates and manages several properties – Three Links Care Centre, Three Links Manor and Three Links Houses. Three Links Care Centre has been providing licensed residential care to seniors and older adults with special needs in east Vancouver since 1982. The mission of our organization is to provide our residents with safe, compassionate care and housing that improves their quality of life.
For more information, visit www.threelinks.com.
A huge
THANK YOU!
to all who advertise with the RCCNews For over 20 years you have been providing the Renfrew-Collingwood community with a voice!
To advertise: Contact Lisa at
604-435-0323 or email: rccnews-sales@cnh.bc.ca
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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September 2020
What’s happening at your local library
The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway
Collingwood Branch Library (2985 Kingsway at Rupert) 604-665-3953 | vpl.ca
Dear Neighbours,
Collingwood Library is now open for takeout! You can schedule a takeout appointment to get your holds that were ready for pickup before we closed branches in March. If you have been waiting for a hold, be on the lookout for an email or phone call from the library with instructions on how to schedule an appointment. If you’re looking for an assortment of books, movies and more, library staff can help put together a grab-bag for you to pick up and enjoy at home. Tell library staff what you like to read, watch and listen to and you’ll receive personalized recommendations based on books, movies, TV shows and music currently available on our shelves. Submit a request online (www.vpl.ca/takeout-form) or by phone (604-665-3953). The bookdrop is also open for returns. Current service hours are: Tuesdays 12:30 to 6:30 pm Wednesdays to Saturdays 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Closed Sundays and Mondays
I hope this finds you and your loved ones well! As the summer season draws to a close and we will gradually see a dip in temperatures, it is more crucial than ever to stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, practice social distancing wherever you go, and to wear a mask if remaining 6 feet apart is not possible. For those of you, the majority of BCers, who’ve been working selflessly and faithfully for months to stop COVID-19 and who are watching numbers rise with disappointment - I say this: Don’t give up. Don’t lose faith. Don’t lose hope. We are counting on you. We see your sacrifice and thank you. There continues to be work for all of us to do to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is the responsibility and within the hands of everyone, so please don’t be afraid to remind your friends and family of the “Golden Rules.” Another reminder that the Provincial State of Emergency is renewed every two weeks and is announced by Minister Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to allow government to continue working on the COVID-19 pandemic response. Please visit www.news.gov.bc.ca for more information and to stay updated on when the declaration will be extended to. I would like to extend my congratulations to Adrian Dix Scholarship Recipients Haisha Beauvoir and Marc Angelo Castro from Windermere Secondary and Anna Dinh-Le and Mady Nguyen from Gladstone Secondary. I recognize that the end of your school year and graduation looked different, but that’s not to say that we can’t take this time to recognize the incredible efforts that you all have put in to achieve this milestone. Congratulations again and all the best on your future endeavours! I am extremely grateful for all the social distancing events that have been taking place in Renfrew-Collingwood. I have witnessed such great innovation in the way events and summer activities have been organized to ensure safe social distancing measures are established. A shout out to our community organizations and local businesses for also taking the time to change your workspace and operations, so not only is the spread of COVID-19 reduced, but workers and customers are protected as well. As always, be sure to check out the rest of Renfrew-Collingwood Community News for events to virtually participate in and local businesses to support. Community Office staff will continue to provide services for constituents via phone and email Monday to Friday from 9AM – 4PM. The office is open by appointment only. To set up a meeting time or to connect with staff, please leave us a voicemail at 604-660-0314 or email at adrian.dix.mla@ leg.bc.ca and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can. 基於抗疫措施，本辦事處暫時只提供電郵及 電話服務，請電郵adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca 或 致電 604-660-0314 留言，如需安排會議，請先 預約。詳盡及最新資訊，請遊覽辦事處網頁 www. adrian.dix.mla.bcndpcaucus.ca/. Take care and let’s continue to bend the curve together. Sincerely, Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway
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September 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)
H IGHLIG H TS
Joyce Location: 5288 Joyce St. ; Tel: 604-435-0323 / Annex Location: 3690 Vanness Ave. ; Tel: 604-428-9142 / Visit: www.cnh.bc.ca
An introduction to the RISE team: Part 2 By Kayla Isomura
RISE Community Health Centre (CHC) has a new street and mailing address: 5198 Joyce St (V5R 4H1). Please note, RISE has not moved and remains at its new location at the intersection of Joyce St and Crowley Dr. This month, we are excited to introduce two more staff members at RISE! The RISE team is currently made up of 17 people with varying backgrounds and skillsets. To make a referral for yourself or someone who can use services provided by our staff, email risechc@cnh.bc.ca or phone 604-558-8090.
Monique Wong Monique Wong is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She grew up in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 2014 after being an international student in Vancouver for over 10 years. Monique’s native language is Cantonese; Mandarin and English are her additional
languages. She spent most of her career in educational settings, from elementary to post-secondary. Having a family member struggling with mental health issues first inspired Monique to go into counselling. “I have also been through counselling at different points in my life, which helped me gain a better understanding of the counselling process and its benefits as a client,” she said. “I believe connection within self and with others is the basic ingredient for healing and growth. My passion is to help tackle the stigma associated with mental health issues, and promote crisis prevention.” In addition to food, Monique loves art and crafts, especially paper quilling, which is one of her favourite self-care practices. “I am very excited to be part of the RISE team, and I look forward to meeting and working with you all,” she said.
Cherlyn Cortes Cherlyn Cortes has worked as a registered nurse (RN) on the sovereign and unsurrendered lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people for the past 16 years. Her journey has crossed over many areas, from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Monique’s experience over the years includes clinical-lead roles in primary care and This page is sponsored by Collingwood Neighbourhood House
communicable disease, and as a nurse educator in the areas of harm reduction and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). In her most recent role, she often travelled with her team by boat or floatplane to urban and remote First Nations communities to provide nursing support and education. As a daughter of Filipinx immigrants, she is very excited to be working alongside a team that is also passionate about the health of the vibrant Renfrew-Collingwood community. RISE connects Renfrew-Collingwood community members who have difficulty accessing health care to a health care team and social supports. RISE also provides health promotion programs and events to the broader
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
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September 2020
September 2020 Ñ Upcoming Events
Collingwood Days 2020 th
This year marked our 17 anniversary. The festival consists of many virtual and live events at many different venues in the community. Starting with the Pollinating the Forest at Horley St. Park and Bee mural reveal. Art in the Park at the Italian Cultural Centre, pop up community booths (mini mini Collingwood Days festival) and Movie Night, showing Dora the Explorer. The finale was on nd Saturday August 22 at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex with a Arts Roll Out featuring many live performers and arts. In addition there were many virtual events from drawing/sketching, Mandala making, how to make natural dyes, Creative Memory Mapping and a All Bodies Dance party all on Zoom. Telus sponsored a virtual Critter Scavenger Hunt for all ages with prizes.
August 25 Ð September 8th Sweet Treat Bingo follow on Instragram & FaceBook AGM 2020 September 23, 2020 @1pm via Zoom
We thank everyone for attending an event or two or three and to our sponsors who helped make this year not be forgotten. Renfrew Collingwood, you are the best!
Covid 19 Ð We all need to work together.
Ñ
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Collingwood BIAÕs Social Media Contests:
- Stay home if you are sick
Blast from the Past Ð
or not feeling well
We asked for you to post some photos from the past Collingwood Days to showcase we havenÕt forgotten about our largest community festival. Thank you for sharing.
- SOCIAL DISTANCE 2 Meters apart
Sweet Treat Bingo Ð
- WASH HANDS OFTEN 20 seconds
In 2019, we hosted our very first Bubble Tea Event and it was a big success. This year we are putting a spin the event and having a Sweet Tooth Bingo contest. Check out our social media: Take a photo of your sweet treat and tag @shopcollingwood and #SweetTreatBingo and the business. Fill in the Bingo Cards and enter to win great prizes.
Annual General Meeting: rd
The Annual General Meeting we be held in September 23 at 1p.m. on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join. Packages will be emailed, mailed or hand delivered to all the businesses members early September. We will be presenting a 0% increase for the 2021-2022 fiscal year from the previously approved 2% increase. We encourage to participate and meet fellow businesses to network and learn what the BIA has for the coming year. Board Members Nominations: Our Annual General Meeting is coming up in September. Nominations close September th 9 . We are always looking for new board members to join and share their ideas and help shape the Collingwood business area. If you have a business or own commercial property along Kingsway between Boundary Rd and Rupert Street, contact our office.
- BE PATIENT & STAY INFORMED
How to Reach Us: @shopcollingwoodvancouver @shopcollingwood @shopcollingwood #300 Ð 3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC T: 604.639.4403 E: info@shopcollingwood.ca W: shopcollingwood.ca
We have committees as well.
Shop Collingwood. ItÕs good for business!
12
September 2020
RENFREW COLLINGWOOD COMMUNITY NEWS
Coping with COVID: The postcard by John Mendoza The clack of the mail slot and the slap of envelopes hitting the floor heralded the arrival of the day’s mail. This occurrence was a highlight of days working at home and staying socially distant. On some days, anticipation gave way to mild disappointment when the mail consisted of bills and other dry correspondence or, worse, nothing at all. From time to time, however, the
mail would reveal a wonderful surprise – a striking graphic or photo on the front, and on the back a thoughtful message on the back, complete with a colourful stamp. It is time to reaffirm the value of the humble postcard, especially during these unusual times. The postcard can be a friendly, engaging medium. On the right-hand side, the address; on the left-hand
side, space for concise communication. As for the postcard image, the possibilities are limitless. While it’s Hello from Hangzhou. Postcard courtesy of Julie Cheng easy to select a conventional tourist image, it’s also The tactile experience of selectpossible to find postcard images ing, writing and addressing a reflecting a kaleidoscope of subjects. postcard is so engaging that some individuals use the experience as a means of relaxation. For the recipient, the postcard can possess a powerful personal connection that would be easy to appreciate during this time of social distancing and staying at home.
NEW - AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY APPLY TODAY
With a little planning and forethought, it is possible to cultivate a postcard-writing habit under our challenging circumstances. Online retailers and essential retailers like drug stores and even dollar stores can be a source of postcards; stock up on a few cards and have a reserve on hand. The Canada Post website offers an online store for ordering stamps and even postage paid postcards that are convenient for mailing.
Odd Fellows Low Rental Housing Society is pleased to announce the availability of 44 affordable housing units in the newly built development at 3595 Kingsway
• 44 units are available to qualified applicants 55+ years of age or older • 9 1-bedroom and 35 bachelor suites available • Hot water and heating included • Walking distance to Joyce & Patterson SkyTrain stations • Nearby parks and trails
MOVE IN JULY 1, 2020 Register now at oflrhs.com or call 604-568-6895
FOR MORE ABOUT THE AVAILABLE SUITES VISIT WWW.ROUTE65.CA
Incorporate some easy exercise into your day with a simple walk to your nearest Canada Post red letterbox in your neighbourhood. For those who would like to facilitate communication between friends and family, a gift of some stamps and postcards is easy to put together. The postcard will never supersede the convenience and speed of electronic communication. However, the postcard is not without its charm and personality. While it is important to maintain physical distance nowadays, a postcard with an appealing graphic and personal message will certainly close the emotional distance between individuals. Do you have tips on how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic? Email rccnews-editorial@cnh. bc.ca. John Mendoza is a local resident and a long-time contributor to the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News.